What a morning at New Life! The presence of God was truly amazing. It was so intense, because it was so real. Heaven came down and glory filled our souls. People's lives were touched as many literally came to the cross and as the Prayer Team moved among them and prayed for them. Thank God also that one person responded to the appeal and committed her life to Christ.
Thanks to Dickson, Andrew, Mark and Aine for the readings. The impact of music and lights etc was amazing (thanks Gareth), but let's keep in mind "It's not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord".
The message I brought was "C U @ the CROSS", a Campaign against suicide and its causes. I asked the question, Why should the church be involved in this and other similar issues? Why not leave this to others in the community? I gave three reasons as follows:
1. Because we are part of the community. We are not just called to attend church; we are called to impact the community.
2. Because the church is damned if it does something and it's damned if it does nothing: I would rather be damned for something positive than be damned for doing nothing.
3. Because the church has the real answer: The answer is not a new programme, nor a new project; nor is it turning over a new leaf. The answer is a New Life, thus the core point of our campaign "Showing there is a Better Way". That better way is Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
So who was at the Cross? 1. The Mockers were there. 2. The Religious were there. 3. The Crowd was there. 4. The Fearful were there. But hey! The Committed were there. The committed are those who step up and indentify themselves with the Cross and with Christ. The committed are those who say, "If this is what he has done for me, then the least I can do for him is to meet him at the Cross.
The Cross is where I lay down my life with Christ and for Christ, so that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. This led me to say, you can't kill a dead person! The Cross is where you lay down your life and take on his life. The Cross is where you lay down your rights and where you take up his cause and the cause of his Kingdom so that it's no longer what you want, but it's what he wants. The Cross is where you lay down your sin and take up his forgiveness.
Afterwards we had an amazing time of communion, ministry and worship.
MOMENTUM: A Great night with the men. We listened to Craig Groeschel on LOYALTY. It was AMAZING, especially when he did "Sarcastic Craig". We were challenged on loyalty with our wives; loyalty to our friends; loyalty to the church. We then had an excellent discussion on the subject matter. Thanks Gareth and the MOMENTUM Team for a great night.
Next Saturday 16 October 7.30 pm: NOT TO BE MISSED: A special event with guest speaker Pastor Dennis Goldsworthy from San Antonio, Texas. Also taking part will be local singer Jim Weir and a special dedication. We will also being promoting C U @ the CROSS. Please plan to join with us and invite your friends.
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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