Sunday Morning: Yesterday was a very difficult milestone in the life of New Life City Church, particularly Sunday morning. I want to thank those who were present for your patience with me, as I took time to say what I felt needed to be said. Between my initial "comment!" and my message I spoke for about 1 hour 15 mins. I have deeply appreciated the overwhelming response regarding my openness on Sunday morning. It seems that people have taken on board the principles contained in what I shared and have expressed their commitment to applying these principles to their own lives. Here are portions of "some" responses:
"Jack, I was really moved and convicted by today's lessons. I don't pretend to know what brought about your message this morning but, God really moved me today leaving me humbled, fearful, sad, confused and hopeful, WOW!! Can you really feel all that at once? lol."
"Hi Pastor. What an amazing day at church today".
"Hi Jack, I really wanted to encourage you after the service today, but sometimes it's easier to send a message than do it face to face... I truly strongly felt the Fathers love..."
One person shook my hand after the service and said, "Jack, I don't need to say a word!" And neither he did!
However, let me say this: while I deeply appreciate all of the encouraging comments, written or spoken, the fact is yesterday was not so much about me, it was about the church. And, as I said then, so I say again, "I can preach it to you, but I cannot live it for you". It's now up to each person to respond in action to what was said.
Now, rather than giving you the notes at this point, as I normally do, we will make CD's available next Sunday on the last three Sunday morning messages: "When God Says No"; When God Says Yes"; and "Why Prayers Are Sometimes Not Answered".
Sunday night: What about the Youth Worship Team? Man they were amazing! Well done, especially to those who really are young! Musically and vocally you are to be commended and encouraged. We hope to hear from you again soon. Thanks also to Tracey for doing a Virtuous Women's presentation last night on the Creativity of God and the challenge to us to likewise be creative. During the month of March a different speaker will present a message each Sunday night. Last night it was Jonathan's turn. His message was on "Experiential Faith". Based on Psalm 34.8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good", Jonathan munched his way through a pear while talking about a man who munched his way through an apple! I don't know how this will look on his report sheet to HQ as he works his way towards Ordination!
Anyway, it was an excellent and a challenging message. Now again rather than me give you the notes that I took I will do two things (1) Make all five Sunday night messages during March available in one pack at the end of March (2) Copy below an unedited email I received from Mark Crothers on Jonathan's message as follows:
During tonight's service I was making some notes on what Jock was speaking. I just want to share some of the things God put on my heart. In regards to the mountain top experience...
"Taking faith from the mountain to the valley"
1. In order to take faith from the mountain top back to the valley you first have to climb the mountain.
2. The journey up the mountain brings with it different experiences to the person prepared to make the journey.
3. The mountain top provides a breathtaking view of the valley.
4. The mountain top is the highest place in the valley. To see the top of the mountain one must look up.
At the top of the mountain you face a life changing choice. How will I return to the valley? The journey down is always quicker than the journey up. When you reach the top are you prepared for what awaits you when you get back to the bottom?
God then went on to challenge me that if the answer to the previous question is YES then one thing remains to say; get back to the valley, the fight, the street, the office, the home, the place of reality where we live and breathe. Wherever your valley may be, go, get there as quick as you can. I also wrote in my notes, REMEMBER…
When you get to the valley, the experience of the mountain top is just as real as the more common experiences found in the valley. So live in the joy found on the mountain top. Stand firm in the faith that lifted you out of the valley in the first place. Strive to lift others to reach the mountain top in their lives.
God in the midst of a Christian is a mountain top in the midst of a man.
A Christian in the midst of the world is thus a mountain top amongst the people. They are:
• An example of a higher calling
• A better way of living
• A witness of Christ himself
• A sign post towards heaven
God then reminded me that; the Christian who conquers the mountain is still just a work in progress. They are a clay jar in the making being moulded by the hand of the potter and shaped for an eternal purpose.
So will YOU be a mountain top in the midst of the valley, or the valley in the midst of the mountain? Mark C.
"Taking faith from the mountain to the valley"
1. In order to take faith from the mountain top back to the valley you first have to climb the mountain.
2. The journey up the mountain brings with it different experiences to the person prepared to make the journey.
3. The mountain top provides a breathtaking view of the valley.
4. The mountain top is the highest place in the valley. To see the top of the mountain one must look up.
At the top of the mountain you face a life changing choice. How will I return to the valley? The journey down is always quicker than the journey up. When you reach the top are you prepared for what awaits you when you get back to the bottom?
God then went on to challenge me that if the answer to the previous question is YES then one thing remains to say; get back to the valley, the fight, the street, the office, the home, the place of reality where we live and breathe. Wherever your valley may be, go, get there as quick as you can. I also wrote in my notes, REMEMBER…
When you get to the valley, the experience of the mountain top is just as real as the more common experiences found in the valley. So live in the joy found on the mountain top. Stand firm in the faith that lifted you out of the valley in the first place. Strive to lift others to reach the mountain top in their lives.
God in the midst of a Christian is a mountain top in the midst of a man.
A Christian in the midst of the world is thus a mountain top amongst the people. They are:
• An example of a higher calling
• A better way of living
• A witness of Christ himself
• A sign post towards heaven
God then reminded me that; the Christian who conquers the mountain is still just a work in progress. They are a clay jar in the making being moulded by the hand of the potter and shaped for an eternal purpose.
So will YOU be a mountain top in the midst of the valley, or the valley in the midst of the mountain? Mark C.
Next Sunday night: Craig Seawright will be speaking.
Thursday Night: This week it's the turn again of Virtuous Women. Ladies - the pampering starts at 7 pm! So don't worry about getting your hair done and your face fixed (or is it your hair fixed and your face done? I don't know!). Anyway, get along by 7 pm and invite your friends.
The answer to last week's question: None of them! Because bananas don't grow on coconut trees! Although some people seemed to think they do! Some said the squirrel and some said the giraffe!
This weeks question is: What does the TD stand for in TD Jakes?
Here's an extra question for the fun of it: How many Irishmen does it take to rivet a window on a ship? See the answer below:
The answer is FOUR! See why below!
Thanks again to those who do what Hezeki'ah encouraged us to do, which is to "come to the House of the Lord" (he might have met with his fellow worshippers on Saturdays; we meet on Sunday's!)
Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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