Thank God for the message of the Cross that speaks not of judgement, but of justice and forgiveness, and thank God we have a church that proclaims this message. We do not condemn, for who are we to judge? Neither do we condone sin. For Jesus did not come to this earth to condemn (His words, not mine); neither did he come to condone sin, but he came to pay the price and to build a church that would be open to reach and to welcome the lost. I want New Life City Church to be that kind of church and I want everyone who reads this email to not only be part of this church, but to have your part to play within it; but that's your call!
Sunday morning: we had another opportunity to show the very nature and the character of our church as it reflects "His Church", and I believe we did so in the true spirit of worship and evangelism. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, whether it was welcoming people at the door; helping people get seated; giving up your seat to visitors; doing lights and sound; leading or participating in awesome worship; putting words on the screen; doing the camera work, or whatever else was happening behind the scenes or in full view of others. THANKS! A special thanks to Wendy for singing such an awesome song and for singing it so well.
Although it was a dedication service for twins Robbie and Reilly Sterling, I decided it was appropriate to continue with the series Accepting God's Agenda to underline and expose the kind of world we are bringing children into; not for the purpose of stopping children from being born, but for the purpose of giving some understanding regarding the days we are living in.
I talked about the fact that God's desire is for forgiveness rather than judgement. I talked about the return of Jesus, first of all for the church (The Rapture) and secondly to the earth to set up his kingdom, but only after Israel "admits it's guilt"; and it will do so, soon after the church is raptured and it goes through a time of great misery (The Great Tribulation).
Sunday night: Thanks to Gareth for bringing a word straight from his heart entitled "It Starts Here". We were challenged as we considered the fact that the world is changing, while the church, as is often seen by the world, remains stagnant. The world is constanly downloading new information and updates, while the church is becoming outdated and is all over the place in terms of how it presents itself.
Gareth explained we all know that church (including New Life City Church) and that life itself is not perfect and often requires fixing, but that those things that need fixing will not be fixed by simply moving to a new building, but "It Starts Here!" It starts by fixing where we are in relation to God. We all have our days and our nights sorted in terms of the things that need done and the things we plan to do, but where does God fit in? At this point Gareth was on his knees saying "It Starts Here!" Then he asked, "When was the last time you were on your knees for your country? When was the last time you were on your knees for your pastor who's standing with a cross for three hours a day between the gates? When was the last time you were on your knees for your unsaved loved ones? When was the last time you had your 'quiet time' or got into the Secret Place that we heard about - remember that series?"
He finished by reminding us that Jesus humbled himself. "It Starts Here".
PRAYER: Continue to pray for Sonya's sister Louise who is ill in hospital with Pneumonia and has postasium in the blood, which could result in the loss of fingers and toes. Pray for complete healing and wholeness. Continue to pray for Davy, Ann, and Jaqueline's father who needs healing and needs saved. Pray also for others and especially for children in the church who need God's touch. Continue to pray for the Cross Vigil; for the ongoing work at City LIFE Centre and for the finances of the church.
FINANCES: Thanks for the good offering of over £1,400 towards the building fund last week. Thanks to those who have responded by commiting a further £25 per month to help pay for the loan. We need 80 people to do this. So far we have 28. If you are not one of those, please consider adding your name. This needs to be over and above your present tithes and offerings so that it is additional income. I know this will be a sacrifice, but it's one worth making. Let me know if you want me to add your name. One individual has agreed to give an additional £75 per month; four other individuals have agreed to give an additional £50 per month. Whatever you do will be greatly appreciated and will be a huge help.
Thanks again for your commitment and faithfulness and for all you do at and on behalf of New Life City Church.
Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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