What a great start to our last month at Top House. Everything about the day was awesome (well almost everything; that is that you might not have been present and therefore missed it). There was a such an amazing sense of God in the place, both morning and evening. Thanks to the Worship Team and to everyone who contributed by just being there and by entering in.
Sunday Morning: The worship was very intense, and almost heavenly. At one point I felt moved by the Holy Spirit to speak a word prophecy regarding the need to embrace the fire of God, but that in doing so we need to understand that we are not just embracing the blessing of such an experience, but we are embracing the pain of the experience, because the fire of God does not only make you feel good, but it also burns off the stuff that we tolerate in our lives and have become comfortable with.
After the worship and communion, Johnny and Heather took to the platform and shared a commentary and a visual presentation of their ministry in India. They gave an excellent presentation. Johnny finished off with a word to encourage and to challenge us to be history makers. He made the point that history is made when we follow God's purpose and destiny. This is achieved through:
1. Obedience. He presented Noah as the chief example who did everything exactly as God had told him. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey me". Johnny said, "Delayed obedience is disobedience".
2. Perseverance. Joseph had dreams, and as he pursued those dreams and his destiny he was mocked, beaten and jailed, but he persevered. He never let go of his dreams.
3. Joy. Regardless of circumstances, we hold on to our joy, because the joy of the Lord is our strength. Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but real joy is experienced by relationship with God.
Sunday Night: was very much like a follow on to the morning service. After another great time of worship, Craig McCurley took to the platform and brought us a very "tasty word"! In order to secure the approval and sympathy of everyone present he gave everyone a strawberry, but then from this he went on to bring a message entitled "Taste and see that God is good". The initial point he made is that we should not settle for less than the best. As a church we will taste something in the next few weeks as we move to our new building, but the move in itself is not enough. We need more than just a new building; we need to bring out the best in people.
There are two areas of growth:
1. Individual Growth. This is from the inside out. How are you growing?
2. Corporate Growth. This is from the outside in. How are we growing as a church? What's the culture of New Life City Church?
For each of us to grow spiritually and for the church to grow as it ought, we need to connect with those who carry the flavour of God and to bite into what they have as follows:
1) Their integrity. 2) Their character. 3) Their impartiality. Within the church, these things should be coming first and foremost from the pastor and are things that each of us need to grow into. Sometimes we only have one opportunity to get it right, and we need to accept that opportunity when it comes along. Right now, each of us are given the opportunity to taste and see that God is good.
City Life Centre clean up: Next Saturday morning at 9 am. Please bring rakes and possible cleaning things like brushes; mops; vacuum etc. Don't forget gloves.
Human Peace Wall: Saturday 17 October 12 noon
Johnny Prentice Ordination: Saturday 17 October 7.30 pm at Lisburn Elim
Peace Pole event: Saturday 24 October 2.45 pm
United in Hope concert: Saturday 24 October 7.30 pm
FUNDING: Another 5 signed up today for the £25 per month. This gives a total at present of 37. Many thanks for those who have made this commitment. We still have some way to go. If you can add your name please let me know. Forms are available for Standing Orders or you can pay each month. I will collect it initially on the last Sunday of each month so as not to confuse it with the special building fund offering on the 3rd Sunday. Thanks again.
Cross Vigil: I continue to value your prayers and support during these days.
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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