Sunday sermons in 2008
Here are notes from Sunday sermons in 2008:
28 December Louie Giglio The bigness of God (on DVD)
God's bigness is demonstrated in the stars. Psalm 33:6
eg. The Sun; Betelguese (which is twice the size of the Earth's orbit around the Sun); Mucephie (which is so big 2.7 quadrillion Earths would fit in it!); and Canis majoris (7 quadrillion Earths!).
This big God watches over us. We were created in His image: we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 33:18. In Him all things hold together Colossians 1:17-20, just as laminin holds us together. 
Laminin
Watch Part 1 of the DVD here: How great is God Part 1 This will lead you to Part 2 and 3 which describe all about the bigness of God in the Universe, and laminin.
21 December Sue Gould Unanswered prayer
God wants us to pray to Him, but why don't the righteous always get their prayers answered?
- When we pray, we pray not only as saints, but also as sinners
- Prayer is not a casual one-sided conversation
- When God does answer we are happy; but when He says 'no' we need to be patient.
- God wants us to bring all needs to Him. He will answer according to His will, not ours. John 14:13
- We often say selfish prayers without thinking about the consequences for others
- God responds first and foremost to our attitude.
- Some prayers God won't or can't answer because they are not for our good.
Hindrances to answered prayer
There are many possible hindrances: lack of fellowship with God, and reading of His Word; not seeking to please the Lord 1 John 3:22; trying to earn answers; unforgiveness; unconfessed sin 1 Peter 3:12; improper motives James 4:3; not asking in God's will 1 John 5:14,15; not knowing how to pray; lack of faith Hebrews 11:6; misunderstanding of faith Mark 11:24; wavering faith James 1:6,7; failure to apply spiritual authority; lack of perseverance etc.
An effective prayer life is conditional on a relationship with Jesus. We are God's servants; not He ours! James 5:10,11
Our prayers are often much more effective than we think. By not answering immediately God may be working in us humilty, patience and obedience. James 5:11; Hebrews 5:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
So, believe in the end results of your prayers. Gain confidence by reading the Scriptures regularly; be stable, steadfast and consistent; be anchored in what God says.
Stop talking about praying, and start praying!!
14 December 2008 Garry Gould Victory, fear or defeat?
What do we do when we receive good teaching? We can
- walk in victory Ps 21; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; 1 John 5:1-5
- live in fear eg of trouble, finances, sickness, jobs, decisions
- stay in defeat where it seems everything is against us.
Most Christians live somewhere between victory and fear; while some profess to live in victory but actually live in defeat. As individuals we can make a difference to others; but we can't change the world. As a group we Christians can change the world, but we are not doing so!
So what is very important for us? To worship God:
- via direct contact (prayer, Bible, contemplation etc.) and
- via indirect contact (righteous living, work, socialising etc.)
So let's take hold of life-giving teaching and put it into practice!
7 December 2008 Sam Bayly from Gospel Inc
- the highest male and second highest female suicide rate in the OECD
- the fourth highest teenage birth rate in the OECD
- the third highest teenage pregnancy rate and increasing teenage abortion rates in the OECD
- the most hazardous drinking patterns of all age groups
- the highest road death toll of all age groups
30 November 2008 Ross Callaghan Final greetings Colossians 4:7-19
In the final part of the letter to the Colossians Paul sends his greetings to the Church. These greetings are very personal, and show how much people matter within the Church.
Tychicus helped Paul write the letter down, and then delivered it; Onesimus was the runaway slave mentioned in the Letter to Philemon; Aristarchus was a fellow prisoner with Paul; Mark had caused a big division in the Church, but that had all been sorted out; Epaphras was the leader of the Churches in Asia Minor; Luke was the writer of the Gospel; and Demas later deserted Paul. Pasul also sent his greetings to the neighbouring Church in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the Church in her house. Archippus was told to complete the work that God had called him to. All very personal!
The letter concludes with Paul's final greeting and his request that they remember his chains. Grace be with you!
You can download notes from this series here: Colossians. The notes cover the whole book of Colossians.
During the series on Colossians members of Gateway Christian Fellowship identified what they think is important in life. What they said can be downloaded here: What is important
23 November 2008 Ross Callaghan What's important? Colossians 4:2-6
Paul's final message to the Colossians may have been the final words he wrote. They show us what was important to him.
Cherish your relationship with God. v2 Devote yourselves to prayer; be watchful; be thankful.
Focus on sharing the good news of Jesus v3,4 Persecution (as Paul was facing) makes you focus on what is important. If all we have learned about the supremacy of Christ is true, we have a strong responsibility to share it with others.
Be wise in the way you live out your Christianity v5,6 We live in a similar world to the Colossians with many philosophies attacking Christianity. It is important that we live out our Christianity wisely in the way we interact with people especially in the way we speak.
Those outside of Christ do have questions. If they see the answers being worked out in us this gives a window of opportunity for sharing how wonderful living for Jesus really is.
What is important for you?
16 November 2008 Ross Callaghan Practical Christian living Colossians 3:1-4:6
At the cross we died with Christ and were raised with Him into newness of life. We are now "in Christ" and holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation. 1:22 Our behaviour and actions may be quite different, however, from our position in Christ.
Paul now gives many practical instructions for how we are to live out our Christianity in the world. We are to reflect our position in Christ and be holy. If we obey these practical instructions our state in the world becomes more like our position in Christ and we are gradually transformed by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ 2 Corinthians 3:18. The Holy Spirit works in our lives to sanctify us. We are to set our minds on things above 3:1, and our old self is to be renewed in the image of its Creator. 3:9
You can download notes from this series here: Colossians. The notes cover the whole book of Colossians.
9 November 2008 Ross Callaghan Freedom from human regulations Colossians 2:8-23
The early Christians came from a Jewish or pagan background and brought their existing ideas and practices into their Christianity. A number of hollow and deceptive philosophies 2:8 were affecting the church in Colosse. These philosophies were built on human traditions, not on Christ. They included:
- legalism eg. requiring of circumcision, adherence to the Law, religious festivals and Sabbath days 2:11-17
- false humiity and worship of angels 2:18-19
- secret knowledge (gnosis) 2:18
- reliance on human wisdom (sophia) and traditions 2:20
- asceticism 2:21-23
The main philosophy affecting the church was gnosticism. Paul shows how all the treasures of wisdom (sophia) and knowledge (gnosis) are found in Christ. He strongly counters gnostic ideas by highlighting the supremacy of Christ. 1:15-18; 1:1-9, 1:28; 2:2,3; 2:9; 2:17; 2:20-23.
Gnostic ideas are still widespread and underpin many current anti-Christian approaches. As we understand more of what Jesus has accomplished for us at the Cross we will be better able to counter these philosophies, and demonstrate that the reality is found in Christ 2:17.
2 November 2008 Ann Arnold Fear not
As God teaches us He tests us. He does this so that we will let go of our own inclinations and trust Him. This is how we grow.
eg. Deuteronony 19. 12 spies were sent into the Land. 10 of them came back fearful, but Joshua and Caleb saw the same things as the others, but responded with faith. They passed the test.
Ann gave an example of how God helped her overcome her fear of flying when going to Israel for the first time. She knew God wanted her to go and she received comforting and encouraging scriptures like Isaiah 66:9. She trusted God and He even gave her a window seat all the way!
So take heart if you have fears or are being tested! Faith is strengthened by challenges. It is through testings that you will get to know God better; and He will not let you down.
26 October 2008 Testimony: Rachelle Hamilton
Rachelle was born prematurely and grew up damaged and disconnected in a silent world. She looked for God as a little girl and was fascinated by the Synagogue and Torah. At age 10 she found a picture of Jesus with the little children. 30 years later Jesus found her and cleansed her at her point of absolute need. He said "I will take care of you", and has done so ever since. Matthew 11:18. Through the Bible she gained light and started to become more like Jesus. Even though she went through difficult times He never left her. This was especially relevant when her daughter Michelle was lost for 5 days at sea. (Recorded in Michelle and Rachelle's book Mighty Tempest).
Rachelle encouraged us to have faith in a mighty God. Faith is the currency through which we walk with God, serve Him, and become like Him.
12 October 2008 Chris Marshall The parable of the wise and foolish builders Matthew 7:21-27
Parables are based on every day life and help us find God in ordinary experiences. The Gospel writers expected us to take the parables seriously. To interpret the parables we should start with their context. The parable of the wise and foolish builders is at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus tells us what living as a Christian is like. Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man...
The wise and foolish builders had much in common: they both got the same instructions; both heard Jesus' words; were both busy building, and both experienced difficult circumstances. But the houses they built had different fates, because they were built on different foundations.
A good foundation for life is hearing and doing the will of God while a poor foundation is building on some other source of authority like power, money or sex. But life is not black and white and we have to make choices all the time that may not be clearly one or the other of these. The basic choice for a good foundation is to serve God and conform to His will in all of our actions and intentions; focused on His priorities, not ours. We are not immune from trials, but our ability to withstand them depends on our foundations. The best foundation for life is a lifelong commitment to doing the will of God.
5 October 2008 Ross Callaghan The reconciling work of Christ Colossians 1:19-2:7
God was pleased to have all His fulness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross. 1:19,20
In Christ we are reconciled with God. No longer are we His enemies; now we are His friends. This was accomplished by Jesus becoming sin, and dying on the Cross in our place. 2 Corinthians 5:21. As a result God could declare us to be holy in His sight; without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:22.
We must continue in this relationship, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel. 1:23 Paul has been commissioned to proclaim this Gospel, especially to the Gentiles, and has done so faithfully. 1:25-27.
His purpose is: We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect (teleios - mature, whole) in Christ. 1:28 He does this so they may be encouraged, united, have a full understanding of God and be strong in their faith, so they will not be deceived by fine sounding arguments. Ultimately our service for the Lord has the same purpose as Paul's: that people might be saved and come to maturity in Christ. 2:6,7.
You can download notes from this series here: Colossians. The notes cover the whole book of Colossians.
28 September 2008 Ross Callaghan The supremacy of Jesus Colossians 1:15-18
Paul shows that Jesus is supreme and above all. He is pre-eminent. This was done to counter gnostic ideas in the Church that were undermining Jesus' place as God; creator; sustainer, and Head. In response Paul states that Jesus is:
- the image of the invisible God. If you want to know what God is like look at Jesus.
- the firstborn over all creation; the creator of all things in heaven and on earth. All things were created by Him and for Him. Everything in the universe was created by Jesus for Jesus. How this happened is much less important than why it happened. Our perspectives on life will be radically changed when we realise everything is for Jesus, not for us!
- before all things and in Him all things hold together. God's purpose are always completed "in Christ". See 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. We are righteous "in Christ" and thus able to fellowship with God.
- the head of the Body, the Church. Jesus is the Head of the Church: not the Pope, pastors, leaders etc. Ultimately God's purpose is to bring everything together under one head: Jesus. Ephesians 1:9,10
- the beginning and firstborn from the dead. Jesus is the first of those raised to life. We are "in Him" and thus have eternal life.
Never forget that Jesus is always to be pre-eminent. Only He is King of kings and Lord of lords.
21 September 2008 Barry Timms A Tale of two cities
One city is reviewing where brothels are allowed. Another is considering open beaches for nude bathing. How should Christians respond to these kind of issues?
The Kingdom of God is not just about salvation or the Church. It's much bigger. God's intention is that Christians should be leaders in society. Acts 17:6 Christians in the area, working together in agreement are to make a difference where we live, for that is where God has placed us. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". That's why God is building His Church (on earth). Psalm 24:1. We are to go into our society in His authority and power, and make a difference. Matthew 28:18-20.
If we let democratic processes take place without getting involved we will get the kind of problems we are facing today. Instead, we should all contribute to the development of our society and ensure Christian people are placed in key political positions. (ie. no separation of Church and state!). This happened with David, Solomon, Daniel, Joseph etc.
But remember government is not just about moral issues. Ezekiel 22:30. We need people who will build the walls of our cities: be involved in all aspects of governance so that the city is based on godly principles. Isaiah 58:6-12 shows God's agenda. Let's not abandon our cities. As issues arise don't react with moral indignation; rather, strategise by seeking the Lord for wisdom; put in submissions with options and solutions; and look to the future for suitable people to elect to positions of leadership.
It's time for the Church to rise up so that God's light can break through the darkness that is around us. Then we will see The Kingdom of the world have become the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ and He will reign forever and ever. Revelation 11:5
14 September 2008 Richard Niccol We are People of the Light
God’s light travels in our bodies (temples of the Holy Spirit) to give to others. John 1:3 - We are His reflection in the world, just as Jesus reflected the light of His Father through His miracles, parables and way of life. Our calling is to bring light into the darkness vv 6 – 9. TRUE light means there must be a FALSE light. Beware. Which light do you see?
John 8:12 – John 12:35 – Jesus says “I am the light of the world.” We carry the light in our hearts, because our minds are the battlegrounds – the place of the “soulishness of man.” But the light can expose blindness in the mind and give revelation. There is a battle for both your heart and your mind.
The church needs to be non-judgmental and be light to those in need. How bright is your light? Or is it dim? Do we cover up our sin like Adam and Eve – and blame others?
People want to see another way of living – God’s light and love. God’s light is love. We need to clothe ourselves in light and reach out to others – both individually and collectively.
7 September 2008 Jeremy Neeve Impacting the world
How do we impact the world for God? Or how does the world impact on us? Christians are making their mark on poorer countries while the world is making an impact on the church in affluent countries.
John 17:16 What is the point of difference? And why is this happening?
- A lowering of standards and general moral decline. due to TV, internet, movies, billboards etc. Rom 12:2
- What we PERCEIVE as our needs and wants. But what is our motive? – What do we REALLY need (clothes, appliances, cars etc). We should be content in our circumstances Phil 4:11
How do we regain our impact?
- Phil 2:3 Treat others as greater than ourselves. Serve others.
- Make God the centre of our world. Ask for divine appointments. 1 Cor 2:12
- Make yourself available to be used by God. “You can’t steer a parked car” (Marcus Ardern)
When the going gets tough, the tough (Christians) get going
31 August 2008 Ross Callaghan Introduction to Colossians Col 1:1-14
Paul wrote to the Colossians to encourage them to live for Christ in a world where other philosophies (Gnosticism) were strongly influencing them. He emphasised the pre-eminence of Christ.
1:3-8 Paul thanks God for the Colossians because of their faith and love, based on the hope they have received through the gospel.
1:4-14 Paul prays for the Colossians (and for us), asking that they might know God's will so they may live worthy of the Lord; please Him in every way; bear fruit in what they do; grow in the knowledge of God; be strengthened with God's power, and have endurance and patience. They (and we) have been qualified to share in the Kingdom of God because they have been redeemed and their sins are forgiven.
It's tough being a Christian in a post-Christian world! That's because there is a clash between two kingdoms: the Kingdom of God; and the kingdom of darkness. It seems as if darkness is overtaking all aspects of our society. But we can be what God wants us to be, and do what God wants us to do, and that will bring light into the darkness of a needy world.
You can download notes from this series here: Colossians. The notes cover the whole book of Colossians.
24 August 2008. Sharing time.
17 August 2008 Garry Gould Foundations Ezra 3:11-13
When things are built on good foundations they last. For us, people who had a vision came together and built the Church on Biblical principles, and on Jesus, the Rock. Out of this came our Mission Statement:
To honour and glorify God by actively pursuing His purposes in our lives, and to serve others through Jesus Christ, who is the Gateway to God.
We need to remember our foundations and celebrate them. As we build there may be 60% we agree on, 30% we doubt, and 10% we may disagree with. We will be continually adjusting how we are building; but let's never forget the firm foundation on which it is built.
10 August 2008 Rosemary Poland Moses encounter with God Exodus Chapters 3 and 4
3:1-4 Moses turned aside to see the burning bush. God invites us to turn aside to meet with Him. Luke 4:42
3:5 Moses took off his sandals, recognising it was a sacred moment. Being with God is more important than anything else. We are human beings not human doings!
3:6 Mose hid his face as he was afraid. He was vulnerable and unsure of himself due tro his human weaknesses. Later on he lost this fear as he spent more time with God.
3:7-12 God said He would use people to do His will. Moses had to shut up and listen! When we listen God will tell us who to go to; the job we are to do, and what we are to say.
4:1-12 God showed Moses he had all he needed for the task. We already have everything we need through our natural experience, relationships, etc. and through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
The purpose of this encounter was not about Moses. It was about setting the people free.
In approaching God we learn whom we are; overcome our insecurities, and are empowered to do whatever God wants of us. He says "I will be with you". That's all we need.
Rosemary Poland is the National Director of Soul Survivor. http://soulsurvivor.co.nz/
3 August 2008 Paul Jackson Pillows to pillars
God is with us and speaks to us far more than we realise. He is more concerned with our hearing of His voice, and whethere we respond in obedience, than with all the 'stuff' we get ourselves into. The voice of the Lord is easy to hear if we 'position' ourselves to hear what He is saying.
Genesis 28:18 The stone that Jacob used as a pillow became a pillar for the house of God. Similarly difficulties and life experiences can become pillars in our lives. When we share them with others they can become pillars for their lives too.
1 Samuel 3:1-21 Pillars came to young Samuel from His mother and from Eli and that's why he grew strong in the Lord. It's easy to get used to a 'famine of the word of the Lord' because we:
- focus on negatives rather than on what God is saying to us. God wants us to be whole so, like Samuel, we can minister to Him , then go out into the world and shine with God's radiance.
- don't take responsibility for our conversation with the Lord. eg. by valuing wisdom, truth, experience and coaching.
- don't recognise the naturalness of God's voice. He could speak to us through a trusted friend, parent etc.
Let's have the ear of a listener Isaiah 50:4, and stay connected to God's voice. Then, as we hear it aright and act in obedience, God's purposes will be accomplished. Pillows will be turned into pillars!
27 July 2008 Jeni Tucker God is calling us higher
Gateway is called to be a portal for the glory of God in the Kapiti Coast, bringing healing, life and hope. We are in a day of new beginnings and God is calling us higher into more than we could ever imagine. We are in Isaiah 60 times! Arise shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. v1 We are to proclaim God's glory into the darkness of this world; and to do it in a different spirit to the world's. Revelation 1:9,10,12 John was in the Spirit. We are to hear what the Spirit is saying (not what the world is saying) and to see in the Spirit.
God is preparing a people who will carry His glory into the world, and who will do it in grace, humility and mercy. Hebrews 12:1-3 So throw off the things that hinder eg. people pleasing, fear of being simplistic, the desire to impress, unwillingness to unlearn, not being real or transparent, unwillingness to forgive.
Revelation 4:1,2 Come up here ... and I will show you.... As we praise God we move into worship, and as we worship we move into revelation. Expect God to give you revelation. Come with expectation and hunger, and He will reveal His will to you; and give you the faith and authority to accomplish His will.
20 July 2008 Karen Gazley
Karen shared aspects of her personal Journey with the Lord, from the loss of her husband in 1975, to the writing of her book "My Everest", and her visits to Israel over a number of years. This was based around Isaiah 54:1-10 which is a prophecy for Israel, but also very relevant for Karen.
God is working His purposes out in Israel. Jeremiah 29:11-14; Isaiah 60:1- 22; 53:4,5; Ezekiel Ch 36-39.
God's Word brings life out of death; light in the darkness; and hope for the future.
Karen also showed a DVD slideshow of her most recent trip to Israel when she was a volunteer in the Israeli Army.
For more information on Karen's book "My Everest" go to Nelligan Publishing.
13 July 2008 Andrew Pritchard Seed for the sower, bread for the eater Isaiah 55:10,11
God's Word comes as seeds
In the parable of the sower Jesus said that the seed is the message of the Kingdom. Matthew 10:5-13. Seeds are always sown to produce a crop. God places the seed of the Word of God in us so that we can share it and live it out. We are to share this seed by means of words (of love, healing and hope), and by our presence (the way we live, act and respond), bringing peace. The seed is to be shared selflessly. Hosea 10:1,11,12 We receive life from God; lay down our lives, and bring life to others. This is how we can be really fruitful. John 12:24
God's Word comes as bread for the eater
Out of our friendship with God He gives us bread. John 6:61, 35. God feeds us with His 'bread' as we engage with Him through the Bible, through creation (God's other book!), and through community (sharing together). God feeds and nourishes us so that He can place His seed in us making us fruitful. i.e. Seed for the sower; bread for the eater. Isaiah 55:10
6 July 2008 Ann Arnold The blind shall see John 9
The Blind Man lived in darkness. He had never seen a face before and needed help to get by. He obeyed Jesus even when it didn’t make sense. When the Pharisees checked him out he was no longer blind.
Sin has consequences. It can even lead to inherited curses Deut 27,28 When asked who sinned Jesus said this happened to show God’s love and power. Blessing and fruit follow obedience. The blind man stepped out in faith even when there was opposition and pressure. He found the light of the world and did not want to let go.
The Pharisees put pressure on the blind man and on his parents.
They did not want to believe the blind man’s answers. There was pride between them and the truth. They could see the blind man was no longer blind, but did not want to believe that Jesus had healed him. They needed to have faith in Jesus.
The Parents were afraid and told to Pharisees to talk to their son themselves as he was an adult.
They “sat on the fence”. They feared man and tradition over God. “Tolerance equals a person without conviction” (Chesterton). They should have loved what is good, and hated what is evil.
Jesus healed the blind man.
He brought light and healing into the man's life. Jesus is the light of the world. Without Jesus we remain in our sin. Without Him there is no hope. Today we are God’s mouthpiece. We must be serious about this.
8, 15, 22, 29 June 2008 Ross Callaghan Hearing God's voice
God wants to be Lord of our lives. For this to happen He must speak to us so we hear His voice and know what He wants us to do. Then we must do what He says. God is spirit and speaks to our spirits, so we must understand how God made us if we are to recognise His voice when He speaks to us.
We are spirit (which is where we sense the rhema of God's voice); soul (which is where we understand what God is saying) and body (which is how we do whatever God wants us to do).
Romans 8 shows how we can be led by the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. If we focus on the things of the flesh we lose our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. If we focus on the things of the Spirit He brings life into every part of us, and we are able to hear His voice more clearly so we can do whatever God wants of us.
God speaks in different ways: through a sensing in your spirit; through a Bible verse coming alive; through a revelation, dream or vision, through gifts of the Holy Spirit; through cirumstances; through angels etc.
When He speaks it comes with an anointing 1 John 2:20, 27. You then have an understanding of what God is saying and act in obedience to share this. See 1 Cor 2:10-16
A common question is 'How can I know it is God speaking, and not just my own thoughts and ideas'? Ultimately you can't (because we walk by faith and not by sight 2 Cor 5:7). But you can test it, and have it confirmed. 1 John 4:1, 2 Cor 13:1
If it is from God it will:
- be life giving John 6:63
- have His nature about it (love, peace, truth, gracious, warm, hopeful, righteous, acknowledging Jesus etc)
- reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-24, Matt 7:16
- line up with the Word of God
- be the same voice that speaqks to you from the Bible Hebrews 4:12,13. (The more time you spend in the Bible hearing God's voice the more you will recognise His voice as He leads you through life).
- reflect God's wisdom James 3:14
To hear God's voice more clearly we need to develop in our spiritual lives. We can do this by:
- Taking time to be still in God's presence eg. in solitude, prayer, fasting, meditation, silence, worship ...... Psalm 37:7; Proverbs 20:7; Job 32:8; Isaiah 40:31
- Feeding on God's Word eg. by reading it aloud; underlining it, meditating on it Psalm 1:3; putting it in our own words; and studying it. 2 Timothy 2:13.
Whether you turn to the right or the left your ears will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way; walk in it". Isaiah 30:21
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. Hebrews 4:15,16. You can download notes from this series here: Hearing God's voice
1 June 2008 Garry Gould Joseph's attitudes
Despite hatred in the family, he showed no desire to retaliate or show hatred in return
He was In a foreign land as a slave. He gave his best, was competent and continued to trust God. He resisted temptation, was concerned about sin, and was thrown into jail for doing nothing wrong. In spite of being in prison he got on with looking after others, and set a good example. Injustice did not bring about resentment.
Good news! God brought about a reward! Pharaoh consulted his officials, appointed Joseph to oversee the kingdom (PM), and Joseph went from a jailbird to Prime Minister in 5 minutes! Joseph was still efficient, forward looking, trustworthy, doing the job assigned, focused. He applied his experience (home, slave, jail) to running a country; worked to save the country from poverty; made the leader (his boss) prosperous, and enabled the surrounding world to become dependent on Egypt. In spite of past hurts and offences he forgave those who had raised their hand against him.
He reunited a family and they all lived well thereafter. They were all in a foreign land, remember, but Joseph never forgot his roots. His body returned home for burial. He suffered persecution and rejection from his family; injustice from his employer; a jail term for committing no crime. But these were a training ground for the glories which were to follow. He had a good attitude: humility,acceptance, responsibility, no resentment … and was able to look ahead of the problem………
All because he knew and walked closely with God throughout the good times and bad.
25 May 2008 Ray Harrison - Founder and President of International Needs
Matthew 8:23-27 – Jesus quelled the storm. eg. “The Jesus Film” impacted a boy called Mario in Cuba – as he tried to leave Cuba for the USA Mario’s ship struck storms and he remembered seeing Jesus walk on water in the film. He began to pray and immediately felt a great peace and the storm seemed to subside.
Is there a storm in your life? “The great tempest became a great calm because of The Great Saviour.
Points to remember from Matthew:
1. The storm did not surprise Jesus. He knows the beginning and end (of our life) and the storms we will go through. He knew what was going to happen before He went on the boat – and He knows what is before you. Jesus was sleeping. You too can rest in your storm.
2. The storm did not worry Jesus. He knew the way and encourages us to give our “storm” to Him to work out, so we don’t have to worry. (Mark 4, Luke 8). He rebuked the waves – He is in control. (2 Peter 3)
3. The storm did not overcome Jesus. He knows everything ahead of time. We all have times of doubt. Millions of storms since have not surprised, worried or overcome Him. Everything Jesus is we can become when we are in Christ.
Is there a storm in your life? God is still the Master of the earth, ocean and sky!
Psalm 107:23 Jesus stilled the storm and is in control.
18 May 2008 Ross Callaghan: Free indeed (Part 2)
If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Freedom is not so much about external choices and behaviours, it is about the heart. If you are truly free you will be able to act in obedience to whatever God wants of you; and you will react with graciousness, no matter what happens to you.
Our inner freedom shows especially in our reactions to things that happen to us. If we are free we can react with a 'garland of grace' about us (Proverbs 4:9).
Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5 The key word here is epieikeia which is translated gentleness, forbearance, considerateness: ie. 'sweet reasonableness".
So being free means we are free on the inside: free to do what God wants us to do, and free to react with graciousness. This kind of freedom only comes from our relationship with Jesus!
Download notes from this message here: Free indeed
11 May 2008 Sue Gould Prayer
Prayer should be as critical as the steering wheel on your car, not be like the spare tyre! Prayer should be our default mode. This requires commitment and investment of time but it is wonderful as it is a two way friendship relationship with God. Matthew 6:5-8
You can pray - alone - through scripture - in the Spirit - in a group - keep a prayer journal ...... Philippians 4:6
You can praise God - confess - listen to God - ask for help - give thanks ....
4 May 2008 Ann Arnold The big picture
Even in 2008 God's overall plan is being worked out and we are part of it. History is "His story"!
The Tower of Babel was built in rebellion to God, when man tried to reach God by his own efforts. Genesis 11:1-9 False doctrines and confusion from this time persist even today.
The Babylonian empire was built around the ruins of Babel. Daniel predicted the fall of Babylon and it occurred just as was prophesied. Daniel 5:1-9,. 26-30 Isaiah 44:24-45:5. Out of this the Jews were able to return to Israel. Even when times are difficult God is there!
Babylon was never destroyed and its influence continues today. Confusion still reigns but we are approaching the climax of history. One day Babylon will be finally destroyed. See Isaiah Chapters 13, 14 and the Book of Revelation. Remember: "The battle belongs to the Lord".
27 April 2008 Sam Harvey Justice and worship
Worship is a choice. When we worship there is a 2 way interaction with God that always leads to a change in us. We are transformed more and more into His likeness and part of this will be social justice, especially for the poor.
Isaiah 58:6-8, Matthew 19:16-24, Matthew 25:44-46, James 1:27, 1 John 3:17, Amos 5:21-24.
Justice is always about love. If we live a life of worship and social justice this is powertful evangelism. Maybe we can even be mistaken for Jesus!
Find out more about Sam's ministry at http://www.soulpurpose.co.nz/author/sam/
20 April 2008 Ross Callaghan: Free indeed
If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed. John 8:36
This freedom is not so much about external choices and behaviours, it is about the heart. If you are truly free you will be able to act in obedience to whatever God wants of you; and you will react with graciousness, no matter what happens to you.
Our inner freedom shows especially in our reactions to things that happen to us. If we are free we can react with a 'garland of grace' about us (Proverbs 4:9).
Download notes from this message here: Free indeed
13 April 2008 Garry Gould: The International Credit Crisis - a response
The western world has been on a borrow and spend trail for the last few years which has arisen from an environment on cheap money (low interest rates) spread over 20 years. An atmosphere of greed has emerged, creating a bubble which is in the process of bursting. If Christians want to make a difference by setting an example they need to be well informed. Financial markets have been in crisis before and will be again. We should not get carried away with far flung ideas such as rushing off to the book of Revelation!
This, however, is the most serious financial occurrence since the 1929 – 1932 depression. Central bankers are pumping in money to stave off a systematic collapse – this did not happen in the 1930s.
What should the Christian do?
1. Be fearful (and cautious) when everyone is becoming greedy and optimistic
2. Don’t raise an excessive mortgage on your home to buy a rental property. (A Christian should question whether the security of a home should be risked at all for investment purposes.)
3. Ensure any and every investment has a positive cash flow.
4. Don’t be greedy about obtaining the highest interest rates. Always consider the security
5. Control credit card debt
6. Don’t spend on what you cannot afford
7. Pray about your finances and commit financial transactions to the Lord.
Note: Proverbs 23:4, Ecclesiastes 5:19 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
8. Follow the rules. Apply good discipline to financial management. Then you will not have to worry about tomorrow. Each day brings enough trouble of its own.
