Sunday at New Life was once again just amazing. It seems to me that every time we come to church with the right spirit we will contribute something positive to the atmosphere and to the service, and that we will also benefit by receiving from what God has prepared through others.
Sunday Morning: Our Worship Time once again prepared us for what was coming afterwards. Our hearts were moved as we listened to the Team Leaders of Celebrate Recovery (CR) share about themselves and about the programme. Thanks to Geoff for opening his heart to us as he shared about the vision of CR and of his personal need of such a programme. Thanks also to Gerradine, Ruth and Mags for giving us an insight into their lives; for sharing about their personal faith in Christ and how CR has been a huge help to them and has enabled them to reach out and help others find freedom, not just through a programme, but through personal faith in Christ.
Robin McKenzie, one of the main leaders of CR, shared more about the beliefs of CR and brought a word that challenged all of our hearts. His message focused on the prophet Isaiah who, in Isaiah 6, went through quite a traumatic experience with the death of King Uzziah (who was Isaiah's uncle and who seemingly raised Isaiah).
Two types of people: Robin showed these are: 1) Those who live in Denial; 2) Those who live in Truth. CR is about encouraging people to come out of denial and to live in truth. It encourages people to understand that if God is not in control, then life is out of control. Isaiah acknowledged that regardless of his circumstances, "God was still on the throne". He confessed his own failures and sinfulness; he confessed his lips were unclean, but in the midst of his circumstances he had a revelation of God on the throne and of God's desire to cleanse him and forgive him.
God did not change the rules for Isaiah, but offered cleansing and forgiveness, but there was a call beyond forgiveness to "go", and to carry out God's will; and to do so with the knowledge that "no weapon forged against you will prosper" (Isa.54.17).
At the end of the message an appeal was made and two people responded by giving their lives to Christ. These were Daniel from Andersonstown and Danielle. Do I hear a shout of PRAISE!!!
Sunday Night: Was the first of our Momentum (replacing FIST). Twenty men turned out for what was an amazing, challenging and emotional night. Gareth showed teaching from Craig Groeshel on "HONOUR". It was AWESOME! He talked about husbands honouring their wives, and wives their husbands. He talked about honouring our parents; those in authority (government), pastors and other leaders. Afterwards we shared how much we honoured each other. We all deeply appreciate the positive affirming comments and also appreciated the humour that caused us to burst into laughter, which help release the emotion that was in the room.
But hey, come on ahead men; there are more than 20 men at New Life! Ladies, come ahead, if they need your permission, please let them come to Momentum. It will do them good; do you good and do the church good.
Prayer Times: Monday 11.45 am; Thursday 7.45 pm; Saturday 10.30 am.
FRIDAY NIGHT: don't forget, this is the last Friday in the month, which means Late Night Prayer from 10 pm - 12 midnight.
Saturday: FUN DAY at 12 noon - 4 pm. Plus Multi Cultural Concert at 7 pm with George Jones and other acts. This will be a great day and a great night. Let others know about it. Send out emails to your friends etc; put it on Facebook; help us promote it.
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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