Sorry for being a day late, but I have been bogged down with "work!!!!!!" Who says that Pastors only work one day a week? Well, it depends on what Pastor you're talking about!
Anyway, once again we had an awesome time together on Sunday. The worship from the front, the collective worship from the floor, the teaching, the receptivity, the response, made the services a joy to be part of.
Sunday morning: I did Part 2 of last week's message 'Ambassadors of Power'. I continued where I left off with God's Power in Others.
1. Gideon and the original 300 (last week)
2. Samson and his Jawbone
3. David and his slingshot
The main point from each of these was that it was not Gideon's ability to pull an army together, or Samson's ability to wield the jawbone of an ass, or David's ability to use a slingshot, but was the power of God at work in them and through them that enabled them to overcome and to be successful. It is not our ability to pick up an instrument or a mike or even a Bible that makes us overcomers, but it is God at work in us and through us as we walk in obedience to his Word.
4. God's Power in the Church
We saw that the Church is the representative of Christ on earth today. Not religion; not prophets; not superstars; but the Church. Jesus has transferred his power to the church by sending the Holy Spirit to empower us. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you (Acts 1:8).
I shared at the end of the message something that God placed on my heart during the opening time of worship. This was that there is a 5-fold anointing in New Life City Church as follows:
1. An anointing for our ears - that we might hear what God is saying to us
2. An anointing for our minds - that we might understand what God says to us
3. An anointing for our hearts - that we might receive what God says to us
4. An anointing for our hands - that we might be equipped to do what God says
5. An anointing for our feet - that we might "go" with what God has given to us
Sunday night: was another excellent night when God broke in as some people broke out! The word I brought was straight forward as I spoke on "All things are possible with God". This was spoken by Jesus in Matt. 19:26. Besides other things I talked about God's ability to give financial breakthrough and to bring reconciliation to marriages and other relationships, but that God will not wave a wand and make all things well, but he will work in partnership with us. My challenge was to believe God for the impossible, and to do what is required to enable it to happen. In other words make the right choices.
Afterwards we had another blast as we joined together in praise and worship. I know that several people stepped out of their comfort zones and got a bit closer to God in their worship. I pray that each will get a bit closer to God in our walk and in our living.
September Programme: Craig Seawright kick started the promotion for our Thursday night events as he talked about the Men's Ministry within the church. This has whetted our appetite, so over the next few Sundays we will have others sharing about the programme. But come on, even now begin to think about and pray for the programme and PLAN TO SUPPORT IT!!!
Wedding: This Thursday 21st at 2 pm is the turn of Terry Lemon (no relation to Darren) and Eileen Smyth. We wish them well and pray God's blessing on them.
Davy John and Maureen: Don't forget our special farewell event on Friday 29 August at 7.30 pm. Please bring food and let's celebrate - for the right reasons! Don't forget also that we will take up a special offering to bless them. Let's make it special and let's make it a blessing.
Final thought: Someone said "Experienced workers and trainers often say that one of the most draining things about their job is trying to motivate clients to make behaviour changes". They ought to try being a Pastor for a month or two! But even some of them (Pastors that is) need a behaviour change!
With much love and encouragement. Have a great week at home, work, rest and play. See you all on Sunday if not before (Prayer Meeting Thursday night!).
Pastor Jack
No comments:
Post a Comment