Well, what another day at New Life City Church yesterday! Thanks for the amazing response.
Yesterday morning we had a real good turn out and another great service. I felt that everything about the service from start to finish was Christ centred and God honouring. There was also a great family atmosphere as we dished out cards and had a bit of healthy banter. We presented Leanna with a card (and an Easter Egg!) for passing her driving test. We also presented Billy Neill with a card (and a mug with the words, "70 is only 21 in Celsius" on it) to celebrate his 70th Birthday on 9 April. Billy commented, "I'd rather be a mug for Jesus than a china cup for the devil".
Keeping with birthdays, it was Colin Sturgeon's 40th Birthday yesterday. So because it was on a Sunday and we were all together anyway, I decided to invite people to bring some stuff along so we could celebrate his 40th birthday with him. So thanks to those who responded! Colin really appreciated what was done for him. Now, let me make it clear, I did what I did (a) because it was Sunday (b) because I knew nothing else was being arranged. So - we are not starting a new trend of arranging birthday parties at New Life. That's why you have friends!
Sunday morning I spoke on "The Achievements of the Cross". I only got finishing the first point, but these would have been the main points:
1. The cross has achieved Forgiveness
2. The cross has achieved Redemption from the curse
3. The cross has achieved Victory over death
4. The cross has achieved Victory over the devil
5. The cross has achieved Healing and Wholeness
6. The cross has achieved Eternal Fellowship with God
The main point in the message was that we have not truly embraced forgiveness if we are able or willing to release forgiveness.
Sunday night Colin and Carole Morrissey were with us from New Zealand. Colin shared a very powerful testimony and brought a short challenging message from 1 Sam.14. He talked about Jonathan and his armour bearer taking a step of faith to victory. He showed that when they took this step of faith others came forward to join them. He challenged us as a church to believe that when we take a step of faith, others will come forward and join us.
He reminded us that, regardless of what God is doing, people will always make excuses not to join with us, and that often these will be feeble excuses. He warned us that if we do not do what God wants us to do, God will use someone else. He challenged us to step out with the belief that when we do the people and the finances will be there. He then finished by quoting Psalm 116v12, "What can I give back to God" and challenged us to acknowledge God's blessing on our lives; not horde those blessings, but to give back. So - what can YOU give back to God?
Several times Colin said, "Carole and I are excited about what God is doing among you". This made me wonder, "how excited are we?" Hey, I know that quite a number of our people are excited about what God is doing among us, but I am also aware that several people have lost, not only the excitement about what God is doing at New Life, but what God is doing, or wants to do, in their lives. I pray God will enhance and restore that excitement.
Don't forget this coming Easter Sunday. Several people have put a lot of thought and effort into both services. Please plan to support these services. You will be enriched by them.
And hey, just in case it's your birthday this week - Happy Birthday! Jesus loves you and so do we.
Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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