I hope you all had a good weekend and are enjoying a good start to the new week. For those who were at church yesterday, I know you enjoyed good times of praise, worship and teaching, and I hope fellowship as well. We only have this one day in the week to come together in this manner, so it's important we make the most of it. I spoke with a married couple in their thirties after last night's service. They are not Christians, but were totally bowled over by the set-up and the content of the service. This is encouraging, but we all know that church is more than set-up and content; it's about relationship; and we all know that Christian relationships work four ways: Me to God and God to me; me to you and you to me. Yet if only one of these four ways breaks down, we can have all the set-up and all the content that impresses visitors, but like Solomon said, "It's all but vanity!"
Some "Christians" can break relationships, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Some can choose to step outside of Christian relationships thinking they are better off on their own, and when they do so they think they know better than God, because it was God who put us together! Yet as a pastor I would much rather never preach another sermon or never sing another worship song than break relationship with a fellow Christian.
Sunday Morning: Pastor John was back with us after being in the US and having helped out at APA for two weeks. He brought an excellent word on "The Christian God wants us to be". In this message he stated it is important we remain bonded in the love of God, and that we do not become contaminated by the spirit of this world, but are impacted by the Spirit of Christ.
In Romans 12 there are several principles for life. John highlighted that regardless of disagreements, we need to unite in love. He explained that the spirit you carry is the spirit you impart. He further challenged us to not be Christian in name only, but in practicality where we think more highly of others than we do of self (man this is tough - my words - but Jesus did it, and it is achievable!) He then quoted Peter who instructed us to be of one mind; to be careful with our words and to seek peace.
A special presentation: was made to me and Kathleen; John and Ruth; Jonathan and Gemma. Please know that this was totally unexpected, and never will be, yet it was very much appreciated. On behalf of each person, please accept our sincere thanks for this demonstration of your love and appreciation for our ministry and service among you.
Sunday night. William Wade was our guest speaker. He spoke on "The Greatest Wrestling Match in the Bible" Gen. 32. 22-31. Jacob had always been a winner, but in Gen. 32 he was to face his greatest test when he faced God who had picked this moment for Jacob, a moment of solitude; not that he was lonely, but was alone in his circumstances. In that moment of solitude he was to experience his greatest encounter with God.
What went through his mind? Total surprise! Yet he was determined not to quit, but was willing to fight through and to fight all night for the blessing of God. The purpose of this encounter, of this situation, was not only to draw something out of Jacob, but to get something into him. This was part of the process for God to get the best out of Jacob. The situations we face as Christians is similarly part the process, we all go through, for God to get the best out of us.
William shared some of his life stories. One was of a Championship fight. During the first round he took a hard blow to the side of the head that almost ended the fight, but he was saved by the bell. He was hit so hard he did not want to come out for the second round, but his trainer said to him "You won the round, now get in there and win the fight". William explained that when someone knows your situation better than you do, it pays to listen.
As God asked Jacob, so William asked us, What is your name? What is your identity? How do you see yourself? How does the world see you? Does it really measure up to God's identity? The world identifies us less than God; it puts us down, but as God looks upon us he sees missionaries, preachers, worship leaders, politicians; etc, but most important he sees us as "Children of God". The final thing that Jacob did was to surrender to God, and in the words of William Booth, the greatest thing we can is to surrender to God.
Thanks for visiting and sharing with us William.
Special Announcement. I announced yesterday at both services that, although we are still confident of securing the funds for the refurbishment of the new building, because of certain conditions the confirmation of the funds is put back to the end of April. As a Leadership we agreed that we should not be waiting any longer, but that New Life needs to move this year. So at the moment we are working on costs and will up with fundraising ideas and a possible time to move that we will share with you in the coming weeks. We are also open to suggestions.
Thursday Night: Last Thursday night was great. Well done Craig and the FIST Team. Next Thursday night will be BREAKOUT. We will focus on prayer regarding our planned move to the new building.
The answer to last week's question: I know many of you said you would light the candle first, but like a few others rightly said, I would light the match first!
This week's question: There was a very very tall coconut tree and there were four animals, a lion, a chimpanzee, a giraffe, and a squirrel. They all decided to compete to see who was the fastest to get a banana off the tree. Who do you think would win?
This week's Bible verse: Proverbs 10:8. "The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin".
Again I finish by encouraging you, as Hezeki'ah did, to "come to the House of the Lord" (we meet on Sunday's!)
Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
