There was a real sense of anticipation as we gathered in church today, which became evident as we joined together from the very outset of the service, lifting our hearts and voices as one in worship to Almighty God. This same sense of anticipation was maintained as we moved towards the presentation of the message as follows:
It's Time for Breakthrough: Based on 2 Sam. 5.17-20, this was the third week in this message. I began by once again laying out the points covered so far and by once again spending time on the need to establish a Stronghold, not as a hiding place or a place of escape, but as a place to meet with God; not only when the chips are down, but as a regular meeting place with God.
The first thing David did when the Philistines rose up against him was to go to the stronghold. Not the weak places that we go to, but the stronghold.
The second thing David did was to enquire of God. I.e. he asked God; he prayed. David would not dare go into action without "asking God". He understood that it was not just the Philistines, but there was something more sinister behind them. Paul put it like this, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph.6:12). Breakthrough will come when like David and Paul you stop focusing on the Philistines; when you look past them and through them; and when you get past them and get into the presence of God and you enquire of him.
The third thing David did was to act on what God told him. God answered David, "go and I will hand the Philistines to you". It was on this basis that David went out and faced the Philistines, not because he thought it was a good idea, but he knew it was a God idea.
I then asked the question: Have we heard from God for the church and our community? The answer is "Yes" as follows:
That New Life City Church is to be a hospital for the wounded
That New Life City Church is to be a rescue centre for the lost
That New Life City Church is to be a "God influence to the city and beyond, that all may be saved and come to full maturity of faith in Christ"
The key to all of the above is: it was only when David got into the stronghold and enquired of God and then acted in obedience to what God had told him that he got his breakthrough. Thus he named the place Baal Perazim (which means God of Breakthrough).
Prayer: Baby Naomi Gould is in hospital with suspected meningitus.
Weekly Church Programme: Hopefully you are all aware of the different events that take place each week. I am therefore appealing to you once again to support the relevant activities whether it's the Thursday night Bible Study and Prayer Time; GLOW; FIST; JC's and Revolution. These are "the main" church activities. Everything else should be complementary and supportive to these activities and to the overall life and ministry of the church.
Thanks again to everyone who works hard for the development and advancement of New Life City Church.
We know that New Life City Church is not the perfect church, but with your help we can tick a few more boxes.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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