Pastor Lance
02/12/2012
You are righteous, Lord , and your laws are right. The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (Psalm 119:137-144 NIV)
1) unshakeable (v137-138)
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Romans 10:17 NIV)
Build your faith by relating, listen and to obey
-god is righteous, he will not lie
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19 NIV)
Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? (Job 37:16 NIV)
The word of god correctly zeal in your life
2) unshakeable zeal
-God zeal never worn out
-Zeal of yours wore you out
-Know god word beyond knowing
-Knowing and obey
-knowing god intimately
3) unshakeable hope (v141-142)
-word of god never change
-word of God give you hope
-
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NIV)
-who you are when you focus on what you after
-word of god will alter your life
3) unshakeable clarity (v143-144)
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)
-God's word give us unshakeable clarity in our current crisis and stress
-allow word of god be your zeal and author that shape you
-allow word of god give you hope in your life
Friday, December 14, 2012
Building Block for Victory
Ps LaiLing
09/12/2012
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord ; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:9-16 NIV)
1) Key for victorious living
-Live by God's Word
-Be a life long student and applicator of God's Word
-Be a personally acquainted with His Word
-Benefits of God's Word
>> resolving life's dilemmas,
>> wise decision making
>> true eternal values
-God word should be treasured dearly in our life
-it's provided resource and guidance
2) God's word aids victorious living (v9b-10)
I) when lived out daily (v9b)
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23 NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV)
Key : Obedience to God's Word is a choice
II) when kept diligently (v10)
Intimacy with God and his word are linked intricately.
Be passionate for his Word
Living out His World and keeping His Scripture gives victory
bear responsibility in utilizing his word to fight temptation or to fight compromise
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. (Daniel 1:7, 8 NIV)
3) Attitudes necessary for victorious living
-Living out God's Word and passionately pursuing his ways is a matter of the heart. Have the necessary heart attitudes and convictions to do so
I) let God's Word have prominence in our lives,
-can you be a spiritual
III) Treasured in our heart (v10-11)
1) see values in God words
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:14 NIV)
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. (Psalm 119:161 NIV)
2) Desire not to Sin against God
-Reading and mediating god word, cleanses our inner being. Be familiar with his word
-when god's word is readily available in our minds And hearts, we are able to recall it in moments of temptation and need
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:12 NIV)
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV)
4) continuous developments by study and application (v12-13)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. (Matthew 13:44, 45 NIV)
Be teachable and personalize His Words
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV)
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13 NIV)
-Verbalise the Word (v13)
-Testify of the reality of God's Word
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)
-Being a student of the World helps turn the written word into the living Word in our hearts and leads us to the victory
5) Honouring God's word (v14-16)
-Vitalise God's Word (v14, v16)
- internalize Gods word (v15)
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8 NIV)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 NIV)
-desire and passionate for god word
09/12/2012
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord ; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:9-16 NIV)
1) Key for victorious living
-Live by God's Word
-Be a life long student and applicator of God's Word
-Be a personally acquainted with His Word
-Benefits of God's Word
>> resolving life's dilemmas,
>> wise decision making
>> true eternal values
-God word should be treasured dearly in our life
-it's provided resource and guidance
2) God's word aids victorious living (v9b-10)
I) when lived out daily (v9b)
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. (John 14:23 NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV)
Key : Obedience to God's Word is a choice
II) when kept diligently (v10)
Intimacy with God and his word are linked intricately.
Be passionate for his Word
Living out His World and keeping His Scripture gives victory
bear responsibility in utilizing his word to fight temptation or to fight compromise
The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. (Daniel 1:7, 8 NIV)
3) Attitudes necessary for victorious living
-Living out God's Word and passionately pursuing his ways is a matter of the heart. Have the necessary heart attitudes and convictions to do so
I) let God's Word have prominence in our lives,
-can you be a spiritual
III) Treasured in our heart (v10-11)
1) see values in God words
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:14 NIV)
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. (Psalm 119:161 NIV)
2) Desire not to Sin against God
-Reading and mediating god word, cleanses our inner being. Be familiar with his word
-when god's word is readily available in our minds And hearts, we are able to recall it in moments of temptation and need
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:12 NIV)
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty. (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV)
4) continuous developments by study and application (v12-13)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. (Matthew 13:44, 45 NIV)
Be teachable and personalize His Words
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV)
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13 NIV)
-Verbalise the Word (v13)
-Testify of the reality of God's Word
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)
-Being a student of the World helps turn the written word into the living Word in our hearts and leads us to the victory
5) Honouring God's word (v14-16)
-Vitalise God's Word (v14, v16)
- internalize Gods word (v15)
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8 NIV)
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 NIV)
-desire and passionate for god word
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Light in Darkness
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You seek God for provision and direction throughout your future destination or even knowing what his calling for you
But no answer was received/given
You would started to walk into darkness where you couldn't see light in the path and remain stationary throughout those time while longing for God's answer
I hereby testify to you that
At all circumstances, God plans wasn't to harm you but to strengthen your faith and walk
God might not answer your prayer now but in God's timing that it would be answer
He do answer prayers at all time
Because God does not change regardless of situation
He is still a loving and merciful God, and most of all
He love you like no others do
Shall never lost faith in God, because he never fail
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. —1 Peter 5:6–7
YOU are not alone, for Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Surrender your fears ad anxieties to Him today. Abide in His peace. Its real. Forsake your wrong choices and embrace His way of right living, His love is more powerful than your bitterness.
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Let me share a piece of testimonials about my recent encounter
In the past few weeks,
I was struggling in deciding where's my future would be
whether would it be Working or would it be persuading Master
whether would I be in Brisbane, Australia or Malaysia or Macau
All these have been a struggles for me to decide where would I be
even way before my final exam (which is my final semester)
All these thought and worries have been falling upon me
as Exam come forth, i struggle to even pulling through it with confidence
as i felt i would did badly for it
However, I made a prayer to God, I shall submit and surrender my result to him
whether how bad or good it would be, I shall praise him at all time
An hours more to result release, i still have peace in my heart
As i knew, what would come forth, I have God in control
Although i still pray for good result for a smooth sailing graduation....
*God provides peace even at storm*
BE STILL!!
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Today i see God's miracle as God open doors for me
Whilst i was looking through my application for Master of Dietetics Studies
I come to realize that the closing is 31/10/2012 !!!
Geez!! I way passed the closing date!
I was terrified that my one and only chances of staying in Brisbane just faded in dust...
So I prayed so hard to God to show me a direction
*I had been praying very long for a direction but God never answer me*
That moment, God told me, "Go forth"
For without hesitation and with solely obedience and faith
I went to Student Services to inquire about any possibility of chances that I could apply for the application
However, they told me that my chances to apply for my Master would be very slim and minimal as it passed the closing date and asked me to head up to UQ International to seek more information about such application
I felt like been pushed around from one end to another without any direction and clue about my inquiries
Even UQ International told me that the application for the Master's closing date is very strict and most probably they wouldn't accept my application due to such late submission
so they asked me to email the faculty
I asked the Lord, is these all it take to be pushed around as you told me to go forth
Through several incident in the past, I learned to persevere and truth in God
therefore, I just email the faculty with a very low glimpse of hope that would get a reply
As it's a holiday season, most staff would be away for holiday or even wouldn't want to look at my application
This how's my email contents went
"I'm undergraduate whom finished my course end of this year.
I would be interested to apply to persuade my Master in Dietetics In 2013
However when I check the closing date was in 31/11/2012
Which was during the exam period which Im late for application
I went to UQ international to inquiries for help and been forwarded here.
I would like to ask if Am i eligible to apply for Master in 2013, despite its closing date.
I'm very interested and keen to persuade my Master after my Bachelor Degree.. And I have did all the pre-requist courses during my degree.
Would like to ask for the grace upon my application for master"
After that, I was praying really hard for God's direction and door to open
As if i would be able to apply for my Master, I would have chance to stay in Brisbane and honor God in my walk..
After an hour, I received an email written as
" Dear Jason
I have forwarded your enquiry to the School of Human Movement Studies for advice as the Master of Dietetics is one of their programs."I was so thankful that the reception/administrative officer would forward my inquiry to the respective faculty as the email given by UQ International wasn't the right one
After 3hours, I received another email
"Dear Jason,
Yes, we are still accepting applications for the Master of Dietetics Studies starting in Semester 1, 2013. "
I was so amazed by the divine opportunity and intervention of God in my application that they still accept application for Master!!
Praise God for door to be open...
It felt like light in the Darkness
That I started to see doors open for my future...
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
At all time, Persevere and have faith in our God
He is the light in our path..
The Hope and Cornerstone!!
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)
Solid Foundation in God's Word
Pastor Joshua
25/11/2012
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord . Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. (Psalm 119:1-8 NIV)
-Blessing come from God
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28 NIV)
1) How to lead a blessed life
Foundation for blessing
I) life of integrity(v1)
Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of The Lord
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (Psalm 84:11 NIV)
In our life, we tends to make mistake
-living a life of integrity is living a Christ-centered life
-desire to clean up the wrong judgement call before God and people
-life of blames less life is not just those that are worked but receiving Grace come upon from God to live a life of integrity
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1, 2 NIV)
He who is faithful will forgive if you can sincerely seek forgiveness and confess upon sin
A blessed life is a life of integrity
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)
II) Word treasured life (v2-3)
Rick Warren,
"Stop listening for a voice and start looking a verse. He's already spoken"
-Getting back to the Word of God at all time
-Treasure word of God
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. (Matthew 13:44 NIV)
What you treasure will provide the compass of your life
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19 NIV)
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20, 21 NIV)
Question yourself
How much you treasure God's word
How much more can you treasure it
A word treasure life is a blessed life
III) steadfast focus in obedience (v4-6)
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. (Deuteronomy 11:26-28 NIV)
-leading an obedience life
Steadfast and focus into guidance of God from the beginning
-rather than living a life with flaws and looking for God's provision
-Living a God guided life from the beginning
-God blessing come with condition
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2 NIV)
If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you: (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2, 15 NIV)
-making a right and wise choice
His instruction on obedience is not to make Him look good but for our good
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NIV)
God's word is give to us not for display but to obey.
He expect us to obey but he will not force us to obey
Our obedience reflect our faith in His word
-Steadfast-unwavering in resolution
Don't dance with the word of god determine to be steadfast in it
You are define by god word
Not by what you or others say by yourself
Conclusion
It is God's word that bring truth, breakthrough, life, victories and blessings
If you know that the word can be as such in our lives, what are some decisions you need to make today to experience that?
Monday, November 19, 2012
Become Missional
Ps Wilson Lim
Missional is defined as "The Church community intentionally living out daily God's mission to this world"
1) Salty Living
*Matt 5:13, 1 Peter 2:12, Phil 2:14-16, Proverbs 28:25*
-We are living epistles. Our lives are our messages. It can give integrity to what we say or undermine it.
-Have God-leaded life
-Live in a worthy Christian life
-Change the attitude of the way your live
-enable to emit Christ-like amongst your surrounding community
-make our presence an impact to people
-living a Christ indulged life
-Become a symbolic person of Christ likeness
-within your workplace/friends/community/family
-my life is my message
-Journey of Missional is about transformation
-be transformed by the power of God and faith of ownself
-Shall not live a life with a mouth full with biblical words
-BUT live a life of a biblical life
-be the same person inside out
-whether in church/life group or even at home/friend/workplace
-let not live a dual life which equally does not honor God
-live a personal living with Christ as a daily living
-Live a salty by being salty not becoming salty
2) Hospitality
*Titus1:6-8*
-Being hospitable essentially means opening up our homes to others to come in and experience our lives
-being able to hospitable to one another (Christian/non-Christian)
-such as having a small gathering , lunch picnic, dinner
-being a hospitable is a qualification as a elder
-invite people over, make people feel special
-ask God for annotation for vision or appointed people to be invited
-able to do fellowship and get to know people through hospitality
-through other daily life able let your eye and heart to open up to see more of Jesus or even others
3)Meaningful engagement
-Some Christians view so much of the modern culture as a threat that they are constantly in a seclusion mentality
-we can choose instead to engage in culture so as to influence it towards the Kingdom
-more meaningful interaction
-to be able to be connective to others daily life
4)Blessing
*Luke10:8-9, Col 4:6*
-We should aim to be a blessing to the people we interact with. Because we bring hope, faith, and joy with us
-bring blessing to others
-sharing biblical verse in others life
-unload others burden
-to be able to be a blessing to others
-pray for others
5) Proclamation
*Col4:6*
-Evangelism need not always be a presentation of Gospel. In fact, in everyday life it occurs conversationally
-Tell your own testimonial p
-able to evangelism from normal conversation
-able to testify own faith to others through
i) How was your before Christ?
ii) How you encounter Christ?
iii) How were you now ?
Or
i) Hurdles in current
Seek to see God miracle in Yourself and To Other and From Other
God can be presented from
I) You
II) Via You
III) Others
Missional Outreach
Ps Kevin Dyson
-serving others to fulfill own dream/desire
- got turned one person at a time
-learn to be sensitive to Holy Spirit
1) acts 13:36-37
-you have a relationship with god
- for your generation and for yourself
2)Matthew 22:37
-the great commandment
Matthew 20:
-empowered by Holy Spirit , Father the God, Jesus the Son
-be obedience
-god look for a joyous heart, to be obedience
-to be accountable to each others
-love god
Love as your neighbor as yourself
-love god passionately
Matthew 22:28?
Learn How to go not for people to come
Luke 10:2
-sending worker to the harvest
-gods worker
-as you are going, teach nation and making disciple
-go to the lost, not waiting the lost to come
5) think of everyone not some
-not being selective
-John 3:16
6) make disciple of Christ not church
-not to make convert to church but to Christ
-we serve Christ
Missional marketplace
-intentional missionary
- living out god plan
-with a desire and intention to follow God's plan
-god show revelation by glimpse
Pouch
Participate in bible study
Obedience to God word
Unpaid leader
Church and cell group not too large
Home - cell group
Release spirit of Jesus in us
Biggest hindrance is endless talk
Who I was before I met Jesus
How I encounter Jesus
Who I am after encounter Jesus
Intentional missionary
Spirit Empowered to be Missional
Ps Lai Ling Lim
*Acts 1:8, Ephesians 3:20*
1) Spirit-Led
-effective outreach requires the leading of the Spirit
*Acts 8:26-40, John4:1-26)
-always seek The Lord when we are leaded
-god desire to empowered us to impact with divine opportunity and intervention
-god give us a burden to strive a head start to achieve great things
-be obedience upon God calling..
-seek lord for the time and season
-when lead by God, timing and season will be god appointed
-one word from heaven, change a human life
-everyone are guided with Holy-Spirit
-walking across the room
-prophetic and power of evangelism
-discerning and the right timing and the right approach
2) Spirit - transformed
-spirit-transformed lives
-living victorious lives with peace and joy
*Phils 3;4-11, Roman 8:37*
-Life transformation by spirit
-Live of Life of Christ-like
-exhibit own life by living in spirit to impact other through our life
-life transform through Missional living
-able to influences others through our life
3) Spirit-gifted
-spirit-activated giftings
-Spiritual gifts and fivefold
*Acts 19:11-12, Tim 1:6, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Tim 4:14, Roman 12:6-8, Ephs 4:11-13*
-Spiritual gift is given to empowered life
-God appointed each people you encounter to spread the Gospel for a divine appointment and intervention
-Spirit-Gifted will empowered life regardless what is your initial calling to be, whether is evangelism, teacher, pastor..
-submission to God, and be gifted by God and it would be multiply
-be grateful with God gift and utilize it to reach out in Missional
-Allow god to use us as his vessel.. Rely on your faith in God
-Each of us is God's vessel
-Partnership with God to be his vessel and be empowered
4) Spirit-Inspired
-creativity and innovation
-be the hands and feet of Jesus
-be conscious of The Lord
-tune into listen to The Lord at all time
-Jesus paint the path of how intervention and opportunity be encountered
-to be a spirit empowered, lead and inspired to be a missionary and vessel for God through partnership to manifest his Glory
Missional Unleashed
Ps Wilson Lim
Missional as "the church community intentionally living out daily God's mission to This world
1) Nurture a Missional community
-a Missional community is a community bonded by a common mission and shared values
-open the eyes of the leader for them to reach out as a missionary
-when church become inward, missionary heart will fade
-church have to spurred us of our comfort zone to be Missional
-bring God mission out to the community
i) capture a transformative visions
*Luke 10:1-3, Matt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8*
-harvest is plentiful however workers is few
-therefore there are insufficient Time to harvest the abundant harvest
-hence, God send out people to harvest in the community
-transform vision into reality
-to be able to interpret and apply the vision and be involved
-changed the functionality of community to be Missional
-bring God's hope out to the community.
-not just carrying hope by ourselves but TO all!
-spread God's hope
-multiply disciples
Missional communities Are birthed when a clear and compelling vision is expressed for the future. A vision that draws the community into a shared desire for action
ii) Engage in mission together
Missional community cannot develop by adhering together to an idea or even vision, unless it is acted upon. It is the journey together which fosters the deep sense of comradeship, camaraderie
-going forth together as a community with brothers and sisters to impact life
iii) Nurture attractive communities
Even as we nurture Missional communities that reach out intentionally, the communities itself are the key to assimilating new people
-community must be rich within
-attractiveness of being in the community
-
2) Enable more engaging outreach
i) Send
*Luke 10:1-3*
People need to be envisioned, commissioned, empowered to go further
ii) Proximity
*Matt9:10-11*
This related to the physical closeness of Christians with the target group
- to be close and engage with the target group
-involvement into the community
-be part of the community
-be interactive with the community
iii) Frequency
Proximity locates the Christian community among the people, but the frequency enables the familiarity required for authentic relationships to develop
-to be able to be reach out and engagement at a higher frequency
iv) Spontaneity
-Spontaneous in engagement
v) Open doors
*Luke 10:5-7, Acts 16:14-15)
-find those that willing to received
-
3) Enable more missionary outreach
i) Incubation
Potential missionaries/ church planters need incubation periods to deepen their vision, conviction, skills and experience
ii) Exposure
Exposure to the mission field is a critical part of helping the future missionaries gain some key insight into life on the field and is challenging
-be to able to identify challenges and be able to prepared
iii) Commission
*Acts 13:1-3*
iv) Support
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Missional God & his church
11/11/12
Ps Joshua
-Is the church community intentionally living out God's mission to this world
1) God is a missionary
-the father send the son
-the son send the spirit
Intentional (Father plans)
Incarnation all (Jesus becomes)
Indwelling (Holy Spirit dwells)
-god put on flash on unto Jesus
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. (John 16:28 KJV)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)
Incarnate: God put on flesh to be in mankind (Jesus)
2) God on his mission
One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” (Acts 10:3-6 NIV)
Mission is defined, directed, energizes and accomplish my God
3) God's Vital Missional Instrument, the Church
The church is to be God's Missional instrument
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19 NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13 NIV)
A church that doesn't work as God's mission can not truly be called as a church
For it is church's divine mission that make it a church
God----> church mission ----> local church mission -----> my mission
4) What the Missional church's mission should look like?
I) incarnational mission beyond attractional mission
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:14-18 NIV)
-is good to built an attractive church
-however, move beyond it to be Missional
God's mission went beyond attractional to incarnational
-God willing to un-dignify himself to become man in flesh to do his mission
II) Empowering mission rather than extractional mission
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19 NIV)
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (Luke 10:17 NIV)
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:14-16, 18 NIV)
-not about extracting believer, but extracting non-believer from the world
-believer have been extracted out from this world and;
- re-intervene believer back into this world to make impact and extracting more non-believer to be saved
-as believer, to influence and to impact
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10, 11 NIV)
To be a believer , yet distinct from others..
To be empowered in god divine plan and spirit
III) disciple-making mission beyond conversion mission
-Salvation
-incarnational's intention. Is salvation while in-dwelling is transformational
-The transformational is more crucial Than just conversion if the Church is to be truly Missional
-god doesn't encourage single connection of you and him alone
-but extracting more people around.
-building a stronger foundation
-life In Christianity should be OUTward NOT INward
-discipleship
-transformation come not just when you heard the message but to even make transformation in others (believer N non-believer)
Factor To consider in Disciple making
I) personal hurdle
2) transformation
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? (1 Corinthians 3:1-4 NIV)
Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. (1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV)
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV)
IV) Kingdom mission beyond just church mission
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3 NIV)
-church mission and kingdom mission is complimentary to each other
-reaching out beyond church wall and beneath church as well
2extremities formed
I) building church but not reaching out
II) reaching to kingdom mission but not building church
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord ? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:5-8 NIV)
V) church planting mission beyond church growth mission
-encourage to build large church
-expanding resources N facilities
- church planting
-expand capacity to assist
How ?
-join the mission team and trip
-changing mindset
-intentional step by faith
-church sending people out
Whilst some stay to build stronger church
-different individual have different callings
-answer God's calling with God in control
-plans and Gods will to be prevail!
Conclusion
God is Missional. He intends to redeem the lost in this world. The church must also be Missional, living out God's mission
Ponder Question
How will the understanding of being Missional change the way I live my life?
-personal conviction
Ps Joshua
Missional
-Is the church community intentionally living out God's mission to this world
1) God is a missionary
-the father send the son
-the son send the spirit
Intentional (Father plans)
Incarnation all (Jesus becomes)
Indwelling (Holy Spirit dwells)
-god put on flash on unto Jesus
I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. (John 16:28 KJV)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)
Incarnate: God put on flesh to be in mankind (Jesus)
2) God on his mission
One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” (Acts 10:3-6 NIV)
Mission is defined, directed, energizes and accomplish my God
3) God's Vital Missional Instrument, the Church
The church is to be God's Missional instrument
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19 NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matthew 5:13 NIV)
A church that doesn't work as God's mission can not truly be called as a church
For it is church's divine mission that make it a church
God----> church mission ----> local church mission -----> my mission
4) What the Missional church's mission should look like?
I) incarnational mission beyond attractional mission
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:14-18 NIV)
-is good to built an attractive church
-however, move beyond it to be Missional
God's mission went beyond attractional to incarnational
-God willing to un-dignify himself to become man in flesh to do his mission
II) Empowering mission rather than extractional mission
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19 NIV)
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (Luke 10:17 NIV)
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:14-16, 18 NIV)
-not about extracting believer, but extracting non-believer from the world
-believer have been extracted out from this world and;
- re-intervene believer back into this world to make impact and extracting more non-believer to be saved
-as believer, to influence and to impact
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10, 11 NIV)
To be a believer , yet distinct from others..
To be empowered in god divine plan and spirit
III) disciple-making mission beyond conversion mission
-Salvation
-incarnational's intention. Is salvation while in-dwelling is transformational
-The transformational is more crucial Than just conversion if the Church is to be truly Missional
-god doesn't encourage single connection of you and him alone
-but extracting more people around.
-building a stronger foundation
-life In Christianity should be OUTward NOT INward
-discipleship
-transformation come not just when you heard the message but to even make transformation in others (believer N non-believer)
Factor To consider in Disciple making
I) personal hurdle
2) transformation
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings? (1 Corinthians 3:1-4 NIV)
Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. (1 Corinthians 14:20 NIV)
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV)
IV) Kingdom mission beyond just church mission
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3 NIV)
-church mission and kingdom mission is complimentary to each other
-reaching out beyond church wall and beneath church as well
2extremities formed
I) building church but not reaching out
II) reaching to kingdom mission but not building church
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord ? “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:5-8 NIV)
V) church planting mission beyond church growth mission
-encourage to build large church
-expanding resources N facilities
- church planting
-expand capacity to assist
How ?
-join the mission team and trip
-changing mindset
-intentional step by faith
-church sending people out
Whilst some stay to build stronger church
-different individual have different callings
-answer God's calling with God in control
-plans and Gods will to be prevail!
Conclusion
God is Missional. He intends to redeem the lost in this world. The church must also be Missional, living out God's mission
Ponder Question
How will the understanding of being Missional change the way I live my life?
-personal conviction
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Never Fear, Jesus is Near
~Get in with Jesus (v35)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)
-Let Jesus to lead
-regardless of any circumstances
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 NIV)
-Walk of Faith
-experience the leadership of Jesus In your life
~Get Help From Jesus (v37-38)
-there always unexpected event that couldn't be overcome by ourselves
-the storm of life
-always remember that Jesus is always with you
-Jesus is just a prayer away
-experience fellowship with Jesus In the myth of Storm
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
~Get to know amazing Jesus(v39-41)
-The Storm Stopper
-be amaze by his wonder and works
-discover the reliability of Jesus rooted in his Identity
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
and the turmoil of the nations. (Psalm 65:7 NIV)
-growing understanding of who Jesus is
-
Missional Worship
Pastor Wilson
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity. (Psalm 96:1-10 NIV)
1) Worship is for God mission (v1-5)
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (John 4:23 NIV)
i) Worship is for God and his purpose (v2)
-worship should firstly and foremost be FOR God
-God has several key purpose
But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25 NIV)
ii) worship is to declare God to non-worshipper (v3-5)
2) worship
3) worship beyond church wall (v10)
-worship must be brought into our everyday context
How to bring worship in daily life
-play Christian music
-lend to your friends
-put up select portions of songs or poems
-involve some pre-believers in bands, creative, art
-support organization that broadcast and make available Christian music
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity. (Psalm 96:1-10 NIV)
1) Worship is for God mission (v1-5)
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (John 4:23 NIV)
i) Worship is for God and his purpose (v2)
-worship should firstly and foremost be FOR God
-God has several key purpose
But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25 NIV)
ii) worship is to declare God to non-worshipper (v3-5)
2) worship
3) worship beyond church wall (v10)
-worship must be brought into our everyday context
How to bring worship in daily life
-play Christian music
-lend to your friends
-put up select portions of songs or poems
-involve some pre-believers in bands, creative, art
-support organization that broadcast and make available Christian music
Healed through worship
Pastor Lailing
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Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, [3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
£ live a lifestyle of a true worshipper of God, encounter Him on a daily basis upon the truth of Hid Word
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God---this is your spiritual act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.
You are enabled by God to come into His presence.
Ephesians 1:13
Be God instruments of God, for God
1) Worship Releases Spiritual Healing (verse 1)
Worship is God-CENTRED and when believers worship in spirit and in truth, the Holy Spirit releases conviction of sin and righteousness into hearts of people, even PRE-believers
Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Eg: Pastor Lailing's march at Foya, Liberia
Same Holy spirit in everyone, we can all connect to God directly. It's not stronger in pastors or leaders, but His presence is the same in all.
£ spiritual principle:
- God inhabits the praises and worship of His people.
2) Worship Releases Wholeness
- inner healing is one of the works if the Holy Spirit
- true worship releases God's anointing to break down walls of facade, replacing our lives with transparency
- true worship breaks down barriers in the human heart.
- God releases His Wholeness into spirit, soul and body when we truly worship Him and touch His glorious Presence
- Isaiah 42:2-3 (NIV)
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. [3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
- Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
- God focused worship enables God to renew our perspective of life
- God releases supernatural strength, stamina and resilience despite life circumstances
- The Holy Spirit ministers deeply into the inner recesses of our hearts, emotions and intellect
Example of Mew, a girl in Hope Church Seattle, who had high fever and 25% of brain function lost due to prolonged high fever. Medically doctors weren't sure if she could regain her functions
Couldn't swallow, had to be fed directly via tube into stomach, can't move hands or feet
But God's healing, after many months of rehabilitation, she can now swallow like normal and walk with the help of walking aid. And her mum and grandma accepted Christ though this time
3) Worship Releases Freedom
- worship is a vehicle of warfare. God is our deliverer.
- the power of P&W activates God's victory into being
-2 Chronicles 20:15-17,21-22 (NIV)
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: `Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. [16] Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. [17] You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.' " [21] After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." [22] As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
-Psalm 61:8 (NIV)
Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
Eg: Pastor Lailing shared about how she worshiped and relied onto God before her CPA exam. And God's grace delivere freedom
4) Worship Releases God's favor and judegment
- our battles are fought in the heaven lies
- anything that hinders God's work will be justly dealt with by God, who is awesome in wisdom and power
- every aspect of our lives, whatever situation is, in your life or work or studies or family or economy etc, look onto God and rejoice in the worship of The Lord, and as we carry His presence even in our times of troubles, His favor will be upon us
- and seek Him always, don't just love the gifts but forget the Giver
Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, [3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
£ live a lifestyle of a true worshipper of God, encounter Him on a daily basis upon the truth of Hid Word
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God---this is your spiritual act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.
You are enabled by God to come into His presence.
Ephesians 1:13
Be God instruments of God, for God
1) Worship Releases Spiritual Healing (verse 1)
Worship is God-CENTRED and when believers worship in spirit and in truth, the Holy Spirit releases conviction of sin and righteousness into hearts of people, even PRE-believers
Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Eg: Pastor Lailing's march at Foya, Liberia
Same Holy spirit in everyone, we can all connect to God directly. It's not stronger in pastors or leaders, but His presence is the same in all.
£ spiritual principle:
- God inhabits the praises and worship of His people.
2) Worship Releases Wholeness
- inner healing is one of the works if the Holy Spirit
- true worship releases God's anointing to break down walls of facade, replacing our lives with transparency
- true worship breaks down barriers in the human heart.
- God releases His Wholeness into spirit, soul and body when we truly worship Him and touch His glorious Presence
- Isaiah 42:2-3 (NIV)
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. [3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
- Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
- God focused worship enables God to renew our perspective of life
- God releases supernatural strength, stamina and resilience despite life circumstances
- The Holy Spirit ministers deeply into the inner recesses of our hearts, emotions and intellect
Example of Mew, a girl in Hope Church Seattle, who had high fever and 25% of brain function lost due to prolonged high fever. Medically doctors weren't sure if she could regain her functions
Couldn't swallow, had to be fed directly via tube into stomach, can't move hands or feet
But God's healing, after many months of rehabilitation, she can now swallow like normal and walk with the help of walking aid. And her mum and grandma accepted Christ though this time
3) Worship Releases Freedom
- worship is a vehicle of warfare. God is our deliverer.
- the power of P&W activates God's victory into being
-2 Chronicles 20:15-17,21-22 (NIV)
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: `Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. [16] Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. [17] You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.' " [21] After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." [22] As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
-Psalm 61:8 (NIV)
Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
Eg: Pastor Lailing shared about how she worshiped and relied onto God before her CPA exam. And God's grace delivere freedom
4) Worship Releases God's favor and judegment
- our battles are fought in the heaven lies
- anything that hinders God's work will be justly dealt with by God, who is awesome in wisdom and power
- every aspect of our lives, whatever situation is, in your life or work or studies or family or economy etc, look onto God and rejoice in the worship of The Lord, and as we carry His presence even in our times of troubles, His favor will be upon us
- and seek Him always, don't just love the gifts but forget the Giver
Deeply Together
1)build in the foundation v19
-Jesus is the center of our life
-he is the chief cornerstone
-church should take its very being and character in Christ
~Knowing Christ intimately
-To be built strongly together, we must know Christ intimately
-when we are close enough to God, we see
Him closely
Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. (John 5:19 NIV)
-knowing him so intimately that we pick up and learnt from him
--just like how children learn from their parent
-sharing characteristic with god
~what He stands for
-passion, conviction, values, perception, love,
-passion for Jesus, passion for people, passion for the great commission
2) joined together in Christ (v20-22)
-meant to be joined together in all sense, theoretical , practically, and mentally
-church is inter-dependable body like puzzle
-fit together
-all races, from all walks of life
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; (Romans 12:4-6 NIV)
The church grow not by mechanical means but by life-giving work of the Holy Spirit
-joined together as one
-stretch out w others to be part of the family
-a place of belonging
3)purposes for Christ (v22b)
-the house is God purpose;
-church is place God power is revealed
-miraculous scene can be seen as we grow
-church, a place of hope surrounding community
Worship to MaX
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:1-8 NIV)
What is glory of God?
Glory : kabod (Hebrew)
- heavy in weight
-radiance , magnificent
~God's Omni Presence
Who can hide in secret places
so that I cannot see them?"
declares the Lord.
"Do not I fill heaven and earth?"
declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:24 NIV)
~God's In-dwelling presence
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (1 Corinthians 6:19 NIV)
~God's Manifested Presence
The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:
"He is good;
his love endures forever."
Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God. (2 Chronicles 5:13, 14 NIV)
Shekinah Glory
"The one who dwells"
1) encounter brings deeper revelation (v5)
-unconditional love and peace from God
-been forgiven all the time
-any circumstances and struggles been encounter is meant for you, been given unconditionally
- given for the good
- higher calling in life
- all in God's plan to build character for future calling
2) encounter is experiential (v4)
- God is real
- can cause transformation of lifetime
- peace, acceptance , healing , vision from God
- there is a deeper worm that the Holy Spirit is doing in the life of a person beyond the manifestation
-experiencing God's presence is a personalized experience.
3) encounter ignites a greater passion for God & his Kingdom (v8)
As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:7, 8 NIV)
In Pursuit of God
Pastor Wilson
23/9/2012
Psalm 63:1-6 (NIV)
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. [2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. [3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. [4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. [5] My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. [6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Pursuit of someone or something
Eg: the movie twister about storm-chasers
££ 4 key motivations ££
1) Spurred by deep longing (v1)
Have we ever come to a point of longing for God like being thirsty for water in the desert?
It needs to come from our conviction
It comes from deep in our hearts because our convictions is that there is great benefit in seeking after and finding God
- A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God
Only God can bring fulfillment to our lives--because he made us to live in harmony with him.
The place to invest our heart, soul, mind in totality in only in God
It's all about power
Exodus 33:18-20 (NIV)
Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." [19] And the Lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [20] But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."
The book: "The God Chasers"
Encountering God can be powerful, edgy, dangerous!
1 Kings 8:10-11 (NIV)
When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. [11] And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.
Paul CAIN--a prophet
3) Captured By God's Love (v3)
Have you grasped that concept of being won over by the love of someone? So much so, that you are even willing to give up life for that love?
Psalm 73:25 (NIV)
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Capturedbygod@wordpress.com
4) Satisfied by presences (v4-6)
-a worship experience that satisfies his soul ad if it had been fed with the richest of foods
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45, 46 NIV)
23/9/2012
Psalm 63:1-6 (NIV)
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. [2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. [3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. [4] I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. [5] My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. [6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Pursuit of someone or something
Eg: the movie twister about storm-chasers
££ 4 key motivations ££
1) Spurred by deep longing (v1)
Have we ever come to a point of longing for God like being thirsty for water in the desert?
It needs to come from our conviction
It comes from deep in our hearts because our convictions is that there is great benefit in seeking after and finding God
- A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God
Only God can bring fulfillment to our lives--because he made us to live in harmony with him.
The place to invest our heart, soul, mind in totality in only in God
It's all about power
Exodus 33:18-20 (NIV)
Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." [19] And the Lord said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [20] But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."
The book: "The God Chasers"
Encountering God can be powerful, edgy, dangerous!
1 Kings 8:10-11 (NIV)
When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. [11] And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.
Paul CAIN--a prophet
3) Captured By God's Love (v3)
Have you grasped that concept of being won over by the love of someone? So much so, that you are even willing to give up life for that love?
Psalm 73:25 (NIV)
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Capturedbygod@wordpress.com
4) Satisfied by presences (v4-6)
-a worship experience that satisfies his soul ad if it had been fed with the richest of foods
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45, 46 NIV)
Thanks Unto God
and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders. (Psalm 107:31, 32 NIV)
-give thanks to God
-understand God love is unfailing
-even we have doubt, but God love is unfailing
-God love is like a Father/ Mother loving for their kids even though we dont deserve yet his love never fail
-out of his love, God desires a glory church
and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:27 NIV)
-a church glorious; holy and righteous
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. (Matthew 11:12 NIV)
-a church militant for the Kingdom. this is what the Church is TO DO
While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. (Daniel 2:34, 35 NIV)
"In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.
"The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy." (Daniel 2:44, 45 NIV)
-we were not saved just to bring us to heaven but to bring heaven to earth
-out of this love, God desire a glorious destiny of our church
-called to be an Antioch church
-a multi-ethnic church that enfold many people
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (Acts 11:26 NIV)
-A significant church that impact many
-to be light and salt in the world
-a great commission church that make disciples of Christ, even to the nations
-God been patient with you; to shape and empowered you.
Gift of Spirit
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8 NIV)
-God given abilities for every believers
-Aim to strengthen
*Characteristic of spiritual gift
-Grace gift from God, hence do not boast one gifting. Be humble
-Be eager to nurture and grow in your spiritual gifting
-They are used to build God's people, not draw people to ourselves.
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, (2 Thessalonians 2:9 NIV)
-Gift is by grace of God
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:11 NIV)
-Although some may have similar gifting, but each is used for different purposes with the view to build God's kingdom
-gift given by God calling us to specific ministry fitting for our gift
-Godly love must e our primary bases to help others
**Spiritual gift: composition
-Ascension gift
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV)
-Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher, Pastor
-Nine gifts of the spirit
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV)
-Revelatory gifts
-Word of wisdom
-Word of knowledge
-Discerning of spirits
***Gift of Holy Spirit
^Power gifts
-Faith
-Healing
-Performing miracle
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35 NIV)
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:36-42 NIV)
^Gift of utterance
-Speaking in tongues
-Interpretation of tongues
-Prophecy
^other gift
-Serving
-Teaching
-Exhortation
-Giving
-Leading
-Mercy
-Helps
-Administration
-Interceding
-Leading worshipping
-Celibacy
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8 NIV)
And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28 NIV)
Www.spiritualgiftstest.com
***Developing spiritual gifting
-know what gift are about from the Bible
-Pray and ask of God
-Analyses yourself, how do you fit in the gift
-identify and embrace it!
-ask for feedback from your leader and good friend
-be mentored
-develop your gift by observing and being mentored by those who move in those gifting
-use the gifts faithfully and see how God wil add to you
****Importance of Church
-eternal purpose of God for this world
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10, 11 NIV)
-Jesus intention to establish the church
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18 NIV)
-Jesus love, nourishes and cherishes the church
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— (Ephesians 5:25, 29 NIV)
-The Church glorifies God
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 NIV)
****Illustration of idea of commitment to local church
-a body
so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5 NIV)
-a temple
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5 NIV)
-a family
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (Ephesians 2:20, 21 NIV)
-a bride
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV)
-an army
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:11, 12 NIV)
-a flock
You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:20, 21, 28 NIV)
****Committed members
-Improved care
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)
-Character building
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
-Gift development
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:14, 15 NIV)
-protection from enemy
The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." (John 10:2-5 NIV)
Membership in Church
-commitment to allow our lives to be joined with the lives of other Christians in a local church
***Requirement
-Repentance from sin
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 4:17 NIV)
and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47 NIV)
-Faith and trust In God
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
-Baptism in water
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
-Baptism in Holy Spirit
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4 NIV)
****Responsibility
-Participate in church vision
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8 NIV)
-Create atmosphere of love
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14 NIV)
-Support to church leadership
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 NIV)
-Serve God together
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)
-Openness to receive spiritual input
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16 NIV)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24, 25 NIV)
*****Hope Church Vision
To fulfill the great commission by raising christ centered disciples to plant vibrant biblical churches in Australia and all over the world.
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
*****Blessings of membership
-Understanding God hearts
Instead, we were like young children among you.
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8 NIV)
-Spiritual covering and care
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)
-True fulfillment
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:5, 9 NIV)
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8 NIV)
^Reaching the potential God has places In us
^Bearing fruit,developing gift, discovering his call
-Impact our community
^Salt & Light
WoW to Worship
I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made. (Psalm 145:1-9 NIV)
On the cusp of worship
(edge of worship)
-is when at the cusp/edge of worship is when you will learn to committing. True worship is something God desire.
-some might not experience true worship although you sing song and rejoice over it
In Awe of God (Psalm 3-8)
His eternal attributes
-God's greatness is so infinite that it is unfathomable by us infinite being
He moves mountains without their knowing it
and overturns them in his anger. He shakes the earth from its place
and makes its pillars tremble. He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. (Job 9:5-9 NIV)
He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit. (Psalm 147:4, 5 NIV)
-God is almighty that he call every star with name. His Wisdom is limitless..
-Human being is a miracle itself.. Our body and system is complex and sophiscated.
We tend to WoW to incredible thing; but not much understand how wonderful is our God! His glory shine as the most beautiful thing anyone could ever see..
Psalm 7-8
His moral attributes
-The Bible reveals to us God whose character is worthy of awe.
-God is reaching out not only to rightful one but also sinner..
-Jesus pay their sins with his wound and pain.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17 NIV)
-God is passionate and gracious.
-His compassionate and patient in his dealings with us.
His Divine Act v4
-Do continue to share of our experiences of God even to the next generation.
-Sharing the good thing God done.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, (Psalm 105:5 NIV)
Recognition v5
-To be in awe of God, we need to recognize God greatness and his character
-it requires meditating contempt ing about God's work
-In order to make miracle happen in life; the most important is recognition of God.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds." Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God? (Psalm 77:12, 13 NIV)
Recognition is very important. We got to remember why God great. In order to remember by praising his name. Recall what God did in our life..
It only a small step from Wow to worship.
It a choice and a step to worship god. Is a choice of our heart to turn awe into worship.
-Worship is about giving glory to God.
-We should honour and respect our God.
What Stand between awe and worship?
Lack of a soft heart and distraction
Sin and God's Love
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16, 17 NIV)
Sin
-doing what's not right
-thought that we have
-anger thought through people
-attitude we have (hatred, bitterness and etc)
Man is sinful with all this dots in our life
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23 NIV)
But Jesus came to put things right
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)
Jesus took all our sins upon himself and re-new and restore us. Given to will to overpower sins. Why would Jesus do that?
It's because of God's love and grace.
Man kind can't save themselves. That's why God send his only son to save us.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV)
God gave us things that we need. They were made available but it's our choice to receive it or to ignore it. It's individual view to decide how will those available be used and utilize; whether to honor God or to honor self.
Jesus did not come for Good people. It come for everyone whether how ugly or how good you are. Human always have weakness but tends to cover them up by portrait a strong and better life but when inner heart felt insecure and upset.
Faith is learning to trust and try it out.
If you are willing to trust, Jesus is there for you.
Things and history of us are like files been filed in a room which categories with everything we ever did. But Jesus have taken it all to allow us to start again. Why suffer in the power of sin? When we can laid them down in Jesus and be forgiven. Don't let the past determine the present us. By receiving Christ we can born new and file the future life with God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Best Job Ever
24/06/2012
Pastor Joshua
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you. (Psalm 84:10-12 NIV)
"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14, 15 NIV)
Worship come before serving
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud. (Proverbs 16:19 NIV)
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. (Acts 9:8, 9 NIV)
-Paul was fasting and praying even though he is blind ;
God value your relationship with him!!!
-In Christian service the branches that bears most fruit hang the lowest
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4, 5 NIV)
Pastor Joshua
Best Job Ever
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you. (Psalm 84:10-12 NIV)
"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14, 15 NIV)
Worship come before serving
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud. (Proverbs 16:19 NIV)
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. (Acts 9:8, 9 NIV)
-Paul was fasting and praying even though he is blind ;
God value your relationship with him!!!
-In Christian service the branches that bears most fruit hang the lowest
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4, 5 NIV)
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