All things to All men. Thanks to everyone who came together today and contributed by participating as we worshipped God. It was another amazing worship experience. The message I brought was "All things to All men". This was a message I put together between 6 am and 9.30 pm on Saturday morning. I began by explaining that many individuals have a focus within church life, be it worship, evangelism, prayer etc, but it is the pastor's responsibility to draw all of these focuses together so that the church becomes all things to all men.
1 Cor. 9:1-22. This is an amazing passage and I recommend you read it again. It has a lot to regarding the heart of a leader. It concludes with Paul's determination to be all things to all men that he might by all means save some.
Rom. 1:14, 15. Paul felt so strongly that God had called him to preach the Gospel to all men that is was a debt he had to pay.
Matt. 25:35. Jesus shows that whatever we do to others we do for him, and that even if gave so much as a glass of water in his name, it would be doing it for him. This is the practical outworking of our faith.
The primary purpose is to meet a practical need; the ultimate purpose is to meet a spiritual need, so that we do "all things", including practical things, in the hope of achieving and meeting the ultimate need, that some might be saved.
The main thrust of the message was to say that we cannot divorce our community outreach work with our church work and that should no one get saved, we should still give water to drink, food to eat and clothes to wear etc. James said, "Show me you without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works". Faith is a heart thing, but faith like love needs to find expression, and it does so in word and deed. Jesus was not only known for what he believed, but for what he said and did. Sadly most Christians are only known for attending church on Sundays and most churches are known for only meeting on Sundays! It is my determination and calling to make sure that New Life does not become one of these types of churches
Andrew Willis CD's: A number of these were sold today. They will be on the table next Sunday again, £10 per series. See Colin Morrison. If anyone had already helped themselves to some of these, please make sure you pay for them to Colin. We'll be sending what left, plus the money raised, to Andrew after next Sunday.
Vigil on the Shankill: Not long back from a vigil on the Shankill Road tonight where Bobby Moffett had been shot dead. I don't know who organised it, but there was quite a crowd. There also quite a release of emotion and anger, which is understandable, but here's hoping AND praying there are no further repercussions.
I will write more during the week.
Thanks again to everyone who works hard for the development and advancement of New Life City Church.
Have a great week. Stay focused; stay strong; and keep being a God-influence.
Pastor Jack
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