Was this morning a breakthrough, or what? There's no doubt that for some it was. Thanks again to the Worship Team who did so well, in spite of the fact that the Thornton Boys were away to Hillsborough; Marko on the Base G and William on the drums did so well. The sound and the look was excellent. Great turn out regardless of holidays. Lots of visitors, especially from the Falls! At one point, during the message when I mentioned we were delighted that several people were in church from "across the wall", the congregation burst into spontaneous applause.
The Message was entitled "Refuge in the Storm". You need to order the CD on this one! The main points were:
1. Storms are inevitable. After an intro on travel and turbulence, I gave a word of caution, "Don't ever think you never need to listen". None of us, regardless of what we believe, or don't believe, are immune to turbulence, problems and storms. There are many people, even Christians, who think, "It can never happen to me" until the day it does! Storms are inevitable.
2. There is Refuge in the Storms. Faith is not about the absence of problems, but is the ability to trust God in the midst of problems. Psm.27.5 David said, "God will keep me safe in his dwelling" or as the KJV puts it, "in the secret place". But how can God provide refuge in the midst of the storm by hiding you in the secret place if you've never been there? Regardless of his failures, Peter as much as was possible in his life stayed close to Jesus, so when he stepped out of the boat he stayed close to Jesus. So much so that when the waves rose above and he called out, he was close enough for Jesus to reach out and take his hand. Stay close to Jesus in the calm, and you'll find him close in the storm. There's refuge in the storm.
3. Refuge in the storm is closer than you think. Jesus made it clear that meeting with God is not dependent on a building or a place, because the Father seeks those who will worship him in spirit and in truth. Those worship God in Spirit and in truth will find the time and the place to meet with God, both with others, who are "like minded", and alone in the secret place. David loved to make it to the temple (church), but when in the desert for 4 years, away from Jerusalem and away from the temple, he could still say, "I looked for you in the sanctuary". Why? Because the Secret Place is not a building in Jerusalem, or on the Shankill or on the Falls, but can be anywhere you establish as your stronghold, your secret place.
Afterwards two people committed their lives to following Christ. One young woman around 20 and a man around 30. There was rejoicing and jubilation at this response. Why wouldn't there be? Several people then came forward for prayer, which turned out to be an amazing time of breakthrough. It was just awesome. One of those who came forward was the young woman who had just become a Christian. I felt impressed to serve them all communion, and when she took hers, she crossed herself. At that moment it was like God spoke afresh to my heart and said, "Don't lose sight of the vision".
Bible Week: Tonight at 8.30 and 7.30 Monday to Friday. There is nothing at New Life during the week. Back next Sunday at 11.30 am.
Newsletter: Please email Bill Manwaring with anything you want added at bill@billmanwaring.com
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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