Weekly Contact 15 November 2010

Is it only me, or do others feel the very presence of God connect with us as we join together on Sunday mornings? Thanks to everyone for your contributions and participation. No wonder when we bring the message we do so with such anointing. It's our personal preparation; it's the presence of God and it's the hunger of His people that just draws the best from us.

 

The Right to Life: The past two weeks I have brought a hard message, yet one that has touched many people, even for some to the point of tears during the message. Thanks for the many encouraging responses, even from some who have lost loved ones or friends to suicide. One person who lost a brother to suicide wrote, "Thanks Jack. Your message helped me a lot. I feel better in myself about things that I didn't understand . Thank you for your insight in this matter." The main points in the message were:

 

1. It is my firm belief that to take the issues of life and death into our own hands is a direct violation of the Word of God, whether it's the taking of one's own life through suicide or the taking of another life through murder, abortion or euthanasia. 

 

2. My challenge to all of us is that we enter the small gate and walk the narrow road, which, although is the harder path of submission to the commands and the absolutes of God's Word, is where we find life and purpose to life.

 

3. In regards to suicide: Suicide quite clearly is an act of sin as it is the taking of life that is given by God and is deemed by God to be precious and valued. However, suicide is not an unforgiveable sin; it is not an unpardonable sin. Suicide on its own is not a damning act; the damning act is the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

 

4. It is not our call to judge. This is God's call. He is judge of all the earth and as such he will do right.

 

The complete message (in two parts) can be ordered and listened to again. The title is The Right to Life.

 

MOMENTUM: We had another good night last night as we listened to Craig Groeschel speaking on "The Forgotten Virtue of Integrity". Integrity is when your behaviour MATCHES your beliefs. He spoke on the four benefits of integrity, which are:

 

1. You will walk more closely with God

2. You will have a built in guide (knowing what's right and what's wrong)

3. You will have a constant peace

4. You will gain trust, respect, honour and influence

 

There is still time to sign up to join us this Friday night until Saturday morning at Ballintoy. It's only £20 for accommodation and food. The fellowship and the teaching will be amazing. If you have not already signed up please contact Gareth for more details etc at Spudmurphy123@btinternet.com

 

GLOW: Message from Chara: GLOW Christmas Dinner on Wednesday 1st December at 7pm. £5 per person (I'm sending an extra £5 with Kathleen so she can bring a dinner home!). Please invite someone along. Give Danielle names and money next Sunday at latest or email charamck@hotmail.com so we know how many are going.

Pastor Paul James: will be with us for the weekend of 4 & 5 December for a motivational weekend on evangelism. This will be another great weekend for the church. Please to be part of it. For catering purposes (tea and coffee break) we need you to sign up for Saturday morning. If you have not already signed up please do so by sending an email to Colin Houston colinriverword@yahoo.co.uk  This weekend is part of our Twenty10Renew commitment to you for training and spiritual growth. Your part is to sign up and join with others. More details are on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1503717795221&sk=messages#!/event.php?eid=122402614487019

 

Thanks again to everyone who stands with us and 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