Sunday sermons in 2009
Here are notes from Sunday sermons in 2009. You can also access sermons from 2008 by clicking here: Sunday sermons in 2008
27 December Family gathering
20 December Ross Callaghan Unto us a Child is born
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come. Isaiah 9:6,7. This was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Matthew 1:21-23; John 3:16. Jesus is Emmanuel - God with us.
Unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given. Jesus was the first Christmas present; given to us all.
And the government will be on His shoulders. Jesus has the authority and the ability to govern in our lives and in the world.
His name shall be called wonderful counsellor. Jesus is a wonderful counsellor! He always loves us and wants the best for us. The Holy Spirit is also called the Counsellor. John 16:7-12.
Mighty God. Jesus is almighty; all-conquering.
The everlasting Father. Jesus is also the Father of all time. He knows the past, present and future! He and the Father are one. John 10:30; 14:9.
The Prince of peace. Only in Jesus can we find true peace. Philippians 4:7.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Jesus came to bring in an everlasting kingdom: the Kingdom of God. We see evidence of Him doing this everywhere: saving, healing; blessing, bringing hope......
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Jesus is King of the Jews. John 19:19. Pray the Israel will accept Him as their King. Jesus' kingdom is all about justice for the oppressed and the righteousness that we have in Him, by which we are able to have a relationship with God.
All of this was fulfilled in the first Christmas, is being worked out today, and will be completed in eternity in heaven. Hallelujah! This is what Christmas is all about.
Click here to download a full set of notes for this message: Unto us a Child is born
13 December Bernard McLelland Growing
Growth is part of life. When we are saved we bring a lot of baggage into our Christian lives. We need to work on these areas and grow to be more like Jesus. We're not perfect and practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make permanent. God wants us to do some hard work on areas such as loving; smiling; talking to people; moaning; criticizing.... Sometimes we may fall, Psalm 37:23,24 but keep working on these areas and keep growing. God will help you so that you become salt and light to the world Matthew 5:13-16. So start working on the things in your life that need it. Grow; change; build His kingdom and be more of a light in the world.
6 December Open service
29 November Plans for 2010 Neil and Ross
Prophetic mandate
God has called Gateway to:
- be a place of restoration and refuge. Isaiah 58:12.
- be a fluid, elastic, loose, open, responsive, evolving shape that is led by the Holy Spirit and is not constrained by structure.
- be a light that will dispel darkness over a wide area, locally and internationally.
- have a point of difference from other Churches, particularly in how it supports the elderly and suffering
- support ministries through prayer and giving.
- be fruitful and produce something beautiful for the Lord
Goals for 2010
- Further develop our prayer and intercession ministry.
- Operate more in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Be a help, support and comfort for those who are suffering or in need.
- Support ministries within and outside of Gateway financially and in prayer.
- Encourage natural growth, development and progression of the Church.
For more details of our plan for 2010 click here: Plan for 2010.
22 November Ray Harrison Jesus heals two blind men Matthew 9:27-30
Reaction: the two blind men heard Jesus and called out to Him.
Response: Jesus asked them "Do you believe?" They responded "Yes, Lord".
Resolution: Jesus touched their eyes and their sight was restored.
Rejoice: They couldn't help but rejoice and spread the news all over the region.
You can have your eyes open, but you will only really see when Jesus touches you and opens your eyes.
15 November Ross Callaghan Friendship with Jesus
Everyone wants to have friends, yet many people are lonely. Jesus is the best friend we can have! Proverbs 18:24, John 15:13, 1 Peter 5:7. Most of us have one soul-mate, a few friends and many acquaintances. The way to develop our friendship with Jesus (and with others) is to spend time communicating so we learn to know and love each other. This is really worth it! Friendship with Jesus is wonderful! Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5.
Friendship with Jesus is different from friendship with people as it is spiritual. We can learn about this from friends God had throughout the Bible:
Abraham. Righteousness is important, James 2:23. God blesses and protects His friends. Genesis 18:17-19; 2 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 41:8-10.
Moses. God speaks to His friends Exodus 33:7-11.
Enoch. God enjoys His friends. Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5.
Lazarus. Jesus really cares for His friends. John 11:11,34-36.
To have a friendship relationship with Jesus: accept Him as Saviour John 1:12,13; love Him 1 John 4:19; spend time with Him 2 Corinthians 3:18,19; listen to Him John 10:27,28; keep Him first in your life Matthew 6:24; and do what He wants John 15: 12-17.
There is nothing better than having a friendship relationship with Jesus!
Click here to download a full set of notes for this message. Friendship with Jesus.
8 November Garry and Sue Gould
Garry and Sue shared testimonies of steps in their lives that led them to Gateway and to Garry becoming one of the original elders of the fellowship.
1 November Ross Callaghan Helping those who are suffering
Job 's three friends recognised his despair and came to help him. Unfortunately the help they provided wasn’t helpful!
Eliphaz was the voice of personal experience and illumination. This is what happened to me.
Bildad was the voice of religious orthodoxy. This is what you should do.
Zophar was the voice of assumption and dogmatism. This is what must be going on.
People approach suffering from different perspectives. This affects how they respond to suffering; how they act, and how they try to help. Here are some responses that those who wish to help may have: Do nothing. Walk on by. Ignore it. Perhaps because we are too busy or selfish; feel threatened; don’t want to get involved. It’s very easy to rationalise why you shouldn’t help. Pray. Provide practical helps. eg. meals, childcare, do lawns. Pray aggressively. eg. for healing or deliverance. Visit. To encourage, empathise, share the experience. Provide explanations, advice or counsel. It is very easy for this to become judgmental, blaming or condemning (as happened with Job’s friends. Regardless of what they said it came through as Your suffering is caused by your sin; God is judging you because of your sin, so you had better repent).
When people are suffering they need different kinds of help and support at different times. This is related to the grieving process. God designed grief! It is a natural, human and essential process. Grief enables the sufferer to come to terms with their suffering and to cope with it. Suffering people must be allowed to grieve! "Friends” can either help or hinder this process so we need to understand the process and support those who are suffering in an appropriate way for where they are at in their grieving. Grief can include: denial, switching off, numbness, shock, expression of emotions, anger, bargaining, yearning, depression, loneliness, being physically sick or distressed, sleep problems, confusion, forgetfulness, feeling overwhelmed, relief, despair, panic, feeling guilty, hostility to others, getting resentful. Disorganisation, inability to carry on with usual activities, acceptance, hopefulness, adjustment back to reality, normalisation ….. The sufferer will work through the grief process in their own way, and in their own time. To help them effectively we need to identify how they are grieving; understand what is going on in them at the time; help and/or support them in an appropriate way; adjust our help and support as they work through different stages in the process; not try to stop or hinder the process (as Job’s friends did). How can you console me with your nonsense. 21:34.After Job’s misery, his suffering, his questioning and the unhelpfulness of Job’s friends …… God spoke and put everything into perspective. Job recognised God’s sovereignty and humbled himself before the Lord. I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. 42:2. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. 42:5,6. The Lord was angry with Job’s friends because they had not spoken of Me what is right. 42:7. They offered a sacrifice and Job prayed for them, and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. 42:9. The Lord then restored job and made him prosperous again. The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. 42:12. After this Job lived a hundred and forty years. He saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years. 42:16,17.
You can download a set of notes on the Book of Job by clicking here. The notes cover all of the book, and include material in the series of sermons on Job.
25 October Ross Callaghan Freedom from guilt and condemnation when suffering
Job's reaction to hs suffering is a great example to us all. Job 1:20. So is Paul's (Philippians 3:10,11; 4:11-13; 2 Corinthians 11:22-31); Stephen's (Acts 7) and Jesus' on the Cross. We can react to suffering by getting bitter or by drawing closer to the Lord. But remember God is still God when we are suffering. He still cares for us! 1 Peter 5:7.
Often, though, we doubt God, get condemned or feel guilty. Job's friends came to sympathise and console him (2:11) but soon heaped even more condemnation on him. Eliphaz said he was suffering because of his sin. Bildad said God was judging him because of his sin. Zophar said he was suffering because he was self righteous and that he should repent or God would judge him. Elihu said God was warning him and that he needed to turn back to God. None of this was relevant or comforting to Job, and it mis-represented God! When God spoke, though, Job realised that He was sovereign and could do what He wished. In this encounter with God Job lost his questions and realised that God is God, and that was enough. God was angry with the four friends, but Job prayed for them and the Lord accepted his prayer. 42:9. Afterwards Job was restored and lived to an old age. 42:7-17.
The central issue is of our reaction when we experience suffering. Often our reaction is based on the principle of sowing and reaping. If we sow we shall reap the consequences of what we sow. This applies in all areas of life eg. giving Luke 6:38; trusting God Proverbs 3:5,6; health Exodus 15:26; blessing Proverbs 10:22; generosity Proverbs 11:25; bringing up children Proverbs 22:6; sin Romans 6:23; righteousness Proverbs 11:9 ; Galatians 6:7-10 etc. But this truth is balanced by another truth in Job. Together they make sense of life! If A = B; then B does not necessarily = A. eg. I am following the Lord so He is blessing me. (A=B). I am suffering so I must have sinned; I am not following the Lord; God doesn't love me. (B=A). Not true!
The message of Job is that sometimes when people suffer they haven't done anything wrong. Suffering happens! God is still in control of all areas of life, including suffering. There is no need to carry guilt and condemnation when you are suffering. Romans 8:1,2. The work of the Cross is complete! Job lived the rest of his life without guilt, condemnation or having to make excuses for his suffering. He despaired but he recognised God still loved him and was in control! 2:10; 1:22; 12:10, 13-16; 23:10; 27:2-6; 19:25-27.
Suffering - yes, it's part of life. Condemnation and guilt because you are suffering - NO!!!!!!. They have been dealt with at the Cross.
18 October Ross Callaghan Pain and suffering Job 1:1-2:10
Pain and suffering affect us all, but some experience more suffering than others. eg. through disasters, poverty, disease, accident, genetics. This causes us to ask questions about God, and His love and justice. Questions like Why am I suffering? Where is God in suffering? Does God cause suffering? Why do good people suffer? There are many answers to these questions. The book of Job explores this issue and provides some answers to our questions.
The Book of Job uses different characters to reflect some of the prevailing views about suffering ( eg. suffering is due to sin; suffering is God's judgment on sinners, suffering is a warning from God). It also gives God's perspectives on suffering (suffering is part of the human experience) and enables us to have a great example of how to react to the suffering we experience: Job himself. From this we learn:
- Suffering is part of the human experience. Christians are not immune.
- There are many ideas on why suffering occurs. Some blame God; some ignore God; some try to include God; some try to exclude God.
- It's OK to question God when we are suffering. Job did!
- How we react to suffering determines how we handle it. Job gives us a great example of how to react when we are suffering. 1:20-22 and 2:10 show that he accepted the situation, trusted in God and and continued to honour God, regardless of the situation he found himself in.
11 October Glenda Farr Digging ditches
In 2 Kings 3 Elisha gave instructions instructions to Joram, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat king of Judah and the King of Edom. They were on their way to fight against Mesha – King of the Moabites. They and the animals had no water so Elisha instructed them to dig ditches and wait. The next morning, although there was no wind or rain, the land was filled with water. The analogy is that we are encouraged to dig ditches and wait for a miracle to happen.
Joram, however, asked Jehoshaphat advice, not God’s and paid the price, whereas Jehoshaphat listened to God and called for a prophet (Elisha). Elisha was a faithful ministering servant but it's strange that he was out in the desert at this time. Maybe he sensed God wanted him to do something and was obedient and prepared. Obedience and preparedness to do God's will are our responsibility. God often engineers disaster to get our attention or to bring us to repentance. Elisha called for a harpist – we need to be prepared to worship - it is during this time of obedient worship that God’s power is unleashed into the situation and a prophetic word may come – so get ready for the blessing! When we share our God-given ability God’s power is released.
“Pressure will make us better or bitter” – depending our our attitude, and sacrifice releases spiritual power.
4 October Jeremy Neeve Hurry sickness
27 September Marcus Ardern God's plan
We are built for God and only find rest when we are in relationship with Him. This gives an anchor for our lives as long as we are fulfilling God's plan.
See Jeremiah 1:4-12.
- v 5-8. God has a plan for your life, prepared before the foundation of the world. You may feel inadequate for this, but He is your sufficiency. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. "You are immortal till your job is done".
- v9-12. Some things may need to be undone in your life in order for God to bring you into what He wants. God is watching over you to see that His word is fulfilled. Breaking down comes before building and planting. Matthew 15:13; Luke 3:29-35. Clinging on to things God has not established only causes problems and you will go down with your idols. Psalm 127:1; 1 John 5:4. So lay everything at Jesus' feet and let Him take away all that He has not planted. Psalm 25:4,5. Then trust Him to direct your life. Proverbs 3:6; Isaiah 58:11. Being in His hands is a safe place! Sometimes you will get it wrong and there will be wheat and tares together. Matthew 13:24-30. The direct intervention of the Lord and the Word of God will sort them out so don't try to do this yourself. That becomes destructive.
Check out Marcus' website at www.marcusardern.net
20 September Garry Gould Reflections on visit to Israel
Garry showed photos of he and Sue's visit to Israel, and Petra, in Jordan.
Their understanding of the situation in Jerusalem was broadened by staying in East Jerusalem and seeing the situation that Palestinians live in there.
The Jews have a special place in Israel and in the purposes of God, but Jesus calls us to love the poor and all ethnic groups.
13 September Ross Callaghan Obadiah
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. It is a prophecy against Edom, one of Israel's neighbouring countries, pronouncing judgment of Edom for the way they treated Israel. Edom will become desolate and the land taken over by Israel.
The capital of Edom was Sela or Petra (meaning a rock). It was a magnificent city built in the clefts of the rocks, but it was overtaken by the Romans in 106AD, and became deserted when a new highway bypassed it. Today Petra is one of the 'Seven wonders of the world' and is a major tourist attraction. It stands as a testimony to the fulfillment of Obadiah's prophecy.
Lessons from Obadiah are
- God wants good relationships in families: not like the relationship of Israel and Edom (going back to Jacob and Esau). Genesis 25:19-34; Malachi 1:2,3.
- Edom trusted in its position in the rocks and not in the Lord. Its pride led to its downfall. v3,4
- The judgment of Edom reflects Genesis 12:1-3 where God promises to bless nations that bless Israel, and curse those who don't. Ultimately the kingdom will be the Lord's. v21.
- The conflict between Israel and Edom mirrors the conflict in our lives between the Spirit and the flesh. We are to live according to the Spirit! Romans 8:5-17; Colossians 3:5-10.
Download complete notes on the book of Obadiah here: Obadiah
Watch a video about Petra by clicking here: Petra in Jordan
6 September Open service
30 August 2009 Kathy Callaghan Relationships, relationships, relationships
Matthew 22:37,38 says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind, and love your neighbour as yourself'".
Which comes first: loving God; your neighbour, yourself? Can you change the order?
We must be in relationship with God in order for Him to give us anything. From this we can love our neighbour and ourselves (not instead of ourselves).
Loving God is not about doing; it's about being. God wants us to love Him and express that love by communing with Him: just 'being'.
Loving yourself means having a positive confession about yourself. Romans 12:2. You are fearfully and wonderfully made so state your rightful place in Christ. You are valuable!
Loving others means loving regardless of hurts or feelings. Ephesians 4:13. You may offend others unintentionally but can still love them, even if they don't return that love. Philippians 3:13,14.
It's like a ferris wheel. We are all on the wheel. God is at the centre. We are all going around, in the same direction. We all have different perspectives as we go round. It's wonderful at the top, but not so god at the bottom, but we come back up again. We are closer to some people than others. There are stops and starts. People get on and off............
So tell yourself the truth. Love God - love others - love yourself.
23rd August 2009 Chris Marshall One community of grace and peace Ephesians 4:1-6
Grace, peace and love start and finish Ephesians. (1:1,2; 6:23,24). Grace isyour rightful place in Christ. You are valuable! the key word in Chapters 1-3. Then in Chapters 4-6 Paul describes how this grace is to be worked out in our lives.
How can we live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called? 4:1. By being committed to reconciliation and peace-making; by living consistent with the grace, peace and love we have received from the Lord.
1. Be clear on the nature and content of our Christian calling.4:4. We are called to participate in God's great plan uniting all things in Christ (1:10). This means being peacemakers in all of our relationships.
2. Cultivate qualities of character consistent with our calling: humility; gentleness; patience; forbearance (4:1).
3. Be clear on what the Church is. We don't create unity of the Spirit; we maintain it. There is only one body of Jesus Christ. The Church is defined not by culture, denomination, belief etc. but by Christ. We are His body.4:5,6
This is what it means to live worthy of our calling: being one community of grace and peace. 4:19-21; 4:31-5:2.
16th August Ross Callaghan Vision for Gateway Part 3
Matthew 28:20. In the Great Commission Jesus gives us authority (exousia) and power (dunamis Acts1:8) to go in His name and make disciples of all nations; to baptise them and teach them so they become His followers. Approaches to fulfilling the Great Commission have changed over the years and are likely to change even more in future. Our responsibility is to share the Gospel with our generation. Romans 1:16,17; 2 Timothy 1:8-10. As we do we can be sure the Lord will be with us. The disciples shared the Gospel with their generation Acts 2:47; Christians dowen through the ages have done so and now it is our time.
9th August Ross Callaghan Vision for Gateway Part 2.
In response to the prophecy we have received and in fulfillment of the Great Commission, Gateway Christian Fellowship is focusing on 3 areas of ministry:
- Giving and prayer support for existing ministries (both within and outside of the Church), based on more focused feedback. This will include special support for a Tear Fund micro-enterprise.
- Support for the elderly at Sevenoaks
- Support for God's Light Ministries in the Philippines. This will include a missions trip.
As we obey the Lord we will experience a great sense of purpose. Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 3:20,21.
2nd August Ross Callaghan Vision for Gateway Part 1.
The prophecy we received recently said we are to share our light into our community. See Prophecy. This is our purpose; the way by which we fulfill the Great Commission. Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:15-20.
Down through the history of the Church Christians of each generation have shared the light so people have been saved and can have a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Now it is our turn to share the Gospel with our generation, in Kapiti, and do it our way.
26th July Sam Bayly Trusting God Matthew 6:31-33
1. It's not easy to trust God, but He provides if we honour Him by doing what we must do and then put our trust in Him.
2. Look to Him in all areas of lfe, especially in problems. Ps 145:14-16. God helps when we need it!
3. Don't forget the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:17-20. He is our soure.
4. Work hard. Proverbs 13:4. Jesus worked, so He understands the pressures of work.
5. Don't worry. Plan and budget, then trust God. Proverbs 13:21,22; Matthew 6:34. We can't do anything about yesterday or tomorrow. God will give strength for today.
6. God often takes longer than we would like. Be patient!
Faith + hard work + wisdom + diligence = trusting God.
19th July Anne Trevethick Living in God's presence
After the death of Abel there was a gradual downward spiral as men rejected the Lord. But Enoch was different because he pleased the Lord and lived in His presence. Genesis 5:22, Hebrews 11:5.
How do we live in God's presence? By walking with God, being blameless, having God as our closest companion, having every thought and action under God's scrutiny. It's about walking in faith, regardless of the pressures of life.
You would think with all the technology we have we would have more time than Enoch to walk with God! We have the Bible, the 10 commandments, Jesus' new commandment Matthew 22:37-40 etc. but, like Enoch we have to choose to please God. This includes resisting temptation; drawing aside to spend time with God, and making communion with God top priority.
Enoch pleased God so much he was taken up to God and could continue his relationship with God in heaven. God is still the same and desires this kind of relationship with us. We just need to respond to Him.
12th July Richard Nicoll Declare God's glory Psalm 96:3
- We are to declare God's glory.
- We are made in the image of God's glory.
- People see God and are drawn to Him when He reveals His glory through works of the Holy Spirit. eg the signs and wonders of Mark16:20.
So let's be open to God and declare His glory among the nations.
5th July Ross Callaghan Rest
Jesus said "I will give you rest". Matthew 11:28-30.
Hebrews 4:1-16. God rested from His creative work on the 7th day. There is a similar rest for the people of God. It isn't about a particular day: Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their own work, just as God did from His. Hebrews 4:10. Rest means laying down your will and doing what God wants you to do: letting Him be Lord. As you do what He wants you experience His power, strength and enabling. You rest.
Philippians 4:6,7. When you commit every situation to the Lord and trust Him your turmoil ceases. You have a certainty that He knows what is best. You experience His peace. Isaiah 30:15,18.
So trust in Him rather than striving in your own strength. Proverbs 3:5,6. Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest. Hebrews 4:11.
28 June 2009 Sam Harvey God's love
God overflows with love for His people. Zephaniah 3:14-17. We can't do anything to gain His love: He just loves us!
Creation is a testament to it and the sending of Jesus is the greatest expression of it. Ephesians 3:14-19. God doggedly pursues us with His love. Romans 8:35-39 and only in Him are we fully satisfied. We can receive and express God's love through:
- Words of affirmation eg. praise, worship. Revelation 4:11,12; Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 43:4.
- Quality time eg. Luke 21:37
- Receiving His gifts egt. Luke 11:13
- Acts of service eg. healing, serving others James 2:17,18.
- Physical touch eg. Matthew 25:40.
God's love is above anything else. Let Him overwhelm you with His love.
21 June 2009 Andrew Pritchard Who does God say you are?
Matthew 16:13-19. Jesus asks "Who do you say that I am"? He is Lord, God, Messiah. This is the central question of life. Philippians 2:9-11.Jesus then says who Peter is and renames him. There is much naming and re-naming in scripture. eg. Adam Genesis 2:18-23; Abram - Abraham Genesis 17:3-8; Jacob - Israel Genesis 32:28; Saul - Paul Acts 13:9.
Naming has to do with: Identity: when God names us He gives us our identity. Isaiah 43:1,2; 44:1-3. It is like a seed or spiritual DNA. Character: 1 Peter 1:16 We are to be holy as He is holy. Calling: He transforms us and sets our life on His path.
We are Christians; we are His; with a new name. Revelation 2:17. This is where our identity is formed and we need to reflect this and live out our calling.
14 June Rosemary Poland Similarities between Jesus and Joseph
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Both were born to women who were least expecting to become pregnant (Mary as she was so young and Rachel because she believed she was barren)
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Both were “special” or “favoured” children amongst their siblings
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Both were born to serve
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Both were born to lead people
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Both were tempted (one by Satan and one by Potiphar’s wife)
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Both found forgiveness of others easy
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Both were rejected by ones they loved
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Both were “prophets without honour” in their home towns.
7 June Ann Arnold
Ann Arnold, spoke on the Old Testament story of brothers Esau and Jacob. She spoke of the relationship between the brothers and related prophecies – metaphorically linking Jacob with Israel and comparing the troubles they endured to recent history and events in the Middle East.
31 May Karen Gazley Get ready
We get prepared for unexpected emergencies, but what about being prepared for Jesus return? A Jewish wedding parallels what we can do:
- Find a suitable Bride. Jesus is the Bride.
- Enter the marriage covenant and pay the Bride price. Jesus paid the price with His life. Luke 22:19-20; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Acts 20:28.
- The bridegroom pours a cup of wine. Jesus did this at at the Last Supper. Matthew 26:27-29
- Gifts for the Bride. Jesus gave the gifts of rhe Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:13; John 14:26.
- Mikveh (a cleansing bath)/Baptism. Jesus gave the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:4.
- Preparing a place in the Father's house. John 14:2,3; Mark 13:32,33.
- Consecration of the Bride. We are set apart awaiting Jesus' return. Be ready! Matthew 25:1-12.
- The Bridegroom comes for His Bride. The Lord will come for us. 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17
- 7 days in the wedding chamber. A 'time of trouble' - the tribulation. After this time Christ will bring His Bride to the earth at the second coming.
- Marriage supper. Jesus and His Bride, the Church will celebrate their marriage. Revelation 19:7.
- Depart for home: a new heavens and a new earth. Revelation 21:1-4.
Let's be ready by listening for God's voice and doing His will. Matthew 7:21-23. We don't need to fear. Isaiah 41:10; 2 Kings 6:16; John 10:27-29; Philippians 4:6; Philippians 1:6; Daniel 11:32; Psalm 122:6.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and Jesus' soon return!
24 May 2009 Anne Trevethick Having a right attitude
Genesis 4. Cain, the firstborn, was jealous of his brother Abel and eventually murdered him. What was the state of his heart that allowed him to do this? Can we relate to this? Did he feel justified in doing what he did? Do we justify ourselves in similar ways? Can the events of thousands of years ago challenge our heart attitudes? Do we need to re-think some of our attitudes?
17 May 2009 Ross Callaghan Effective and fruitful ministry
God wants us to be fruitful in our ministries. Genesis 1:18, 1 Peter 4:10.
There are many different ministries (to God, to others in the Body of Christ and to others in the community). In each God does His wonderful work through Christians who are open to receive from Him, and willing to share with others.
Effective ministries are born of God. 1 John 5:4. God plants a seed of His Word in us; it is nurtured and grows within us, and then we share it with others. See Mark 4:1-20 (the parable of the sower). We will bring forth differing amounts of fruit depending on distractions, shallowness, desire for other things etc. We will also bring forth different kinds of fruit. It depends on what seed God sowed in our hearts.
Effective ministries come out of relationship with God. John 15:1-17. God wants us to bring forth fruit that lasts. For this we must abide in Him. Anything that is not of God is unfruitful and will be pruned off. So effective ministry is not about the methods we use or how hard we work. It comes when God is the source, when we hear God's Word, obey Him and do what He wants us to do. It starts with God, is communicated to us by God, is empowered by God, and results in God's glory. Isaiah 55:10,11.
Click here to download notes on this series. Effective and fruitful ministry
3 May 2009 Jeremy Neeve The God of the round about way
We are on a life journey and we are not there yet! The Children of Israel could have gone from Egypt to the Promised Land in 2 weeks but God led them by the round about way through the wilderness. He refused to take shortcuts because He wanted the best for them.
We all have desert experiences. They are not places we enjoy, but we learn about God there. He won't abandon you in the desert: His way is the best way, even there! The desert is a place of growth, of endurance: a place where you learn to obey the Lord.
After you have been through a desert experience look back and start to understand what God has done in your life. There is hope in the round about way. Jesus walked there and took the tragedy on Himself so you can walk yours with confidence. You are on the road to glory!
26th April 2009 Anne Trevethick The value of an academic achievement (as Anne received her Bachelor of Biblical Studies).
An academic achievement shows the skills of studying. Proverbs 3:13. It brings wisdom, blessing and understanding, truth, and a sharpening of the conscience. Psalm 51:6. The Lord plants a seed that grows and helps us in the difficult times in life. God works in our lives bringing great rewards. Exodus 33:22.
But, not every book with a picture of Jesus on it is a good buy. You must learn to be discerning. Insights from the Bible are like an onion. There are many layers and each has its own story to tell. You need to come to it with childlike faith to believe what you read. Luke 10:21. Believe what is says because your Father in heaven says it is true. The Old Testament, Matthew , Mark, Luke, John, Acts, the Epistles.... It enables us to discover the people, the places, the excitement, and, ultimately, Jesus Himself.
Studying for the degree was like a door that challenges thoughts and feelings, and leads down many interesting pathways. We were never made to stand still. God gave us minds that need to be stretched. Studying the Bible does that!
9 April 2009 Kathy Callaghan That which we have seen and heard 1 John 1:1-4
We all have a story to share. What we are today is partly due to who was in our past and the decisions they made. (Which is why the Bible includes so many genealogies). Children from dysfunctional families or underprivileged upbringings don't automatically become dysfunctional adults.
What helps us become whole people?
- Becoming a Christian. John 1:12
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
- Being water baptised. Acts 2:38
- Understanding the Father heart of God. 2 Corinthians 6:18
- God's blessings Romans. 10:12
- Who/what we associate with Proverbs. 13:19
- Challenges and difficulties. James 1:2-4
So accept the past. You can't change it, so don't fight it! Move forward. Recall the things God has done in your life. Tell them to your children and grandchildren. Write a book; create a website etc. Get your foundations solid: be born again, baptised; filled with the Holy Spirit. Rejoice in God's blessings, and let God shape you through the challenges of life.
Jesus is risen from the dead. Because of this:
- We have forgiveness. 1 Corinthians 15:3,17. Jesus willingly gave His life so we could be forgiven of our sins. Colossians 2:13.
- We have justification Romans 4:25. It's just as if we had never sinned. God sees us as clean and we have peace with Him. Romans 5:1.
- We have hope. 1 Corinthians 15:19; Colossians 1:27. Through the resurrection we have a right to hope!
- Jesus is Lord of all. Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9,10. 'Every knee shall bow' because Jesus is 'risen from the dead, and He is Lord'.
- There is a warning of judgement. Acts 17:31. Jesus will be our Saviour or our Judge.
Jesus is now more alive than before He died!! We serve a risen Saviour!
29 March 2009 Ross Callaghan Growing in your ministry
We have been focusing on Goal 3 of the Church's 2009 goals: to help everyone in the Church find their ministries, and to exercise them with a giving, sharing attitude.
You can download the complete set of notes for this series by clicking here: Using your gifts and talents
You can complete the 'Spiritual Gifts Analysis' by clicking here: Spiritual Gifts Analysis
The best way to grow in your ministry is to exercise it! Matthew 25:14-30. You can also:
- Wait on God Isaiah 40:31
- Study God's Word about your ministry 2 Timothy 2:15
- Enrol in a Bible College course or training programme
- Go to conferences
- Read widely
- Get involved. Matthew 28:18
- Think about all aspects of your ministry Proverbs 14:8
- Find a mentor
- Ask for feedback Proverbs 1:5
As your ministry develops you will grow in credibility and effectiveness. You may feel inadequate but God will help you, by His Holy Spirit. Luke 1:37; Philippians 4:13; Philippians 4:19; John 16:13,14. He will help you and work through you. John 15:13. This is where you will find real meaning and purpose in life. Ephesians 3:20,21.
22 March 2009 Ross Callaghan Finding your ministry
When you share your gifts and talents they become ministries. (To minister means to serve). 2 Corinthians 3:5,5 and 4:6,7 God gives something to you, and you share it with others. When you exercise your ministry you will find real meaning and purpose in life. You will be doing what God placed you on earth for, and will be helping build the Kingdom of God. Matthew 5:14-16
You can minister to God; to others in the Body of Christ, and others in the community.
Many Christians are not sure what their ministry is. Here are some tips for finding your ministry:
- Identify your gifts and talents and what you are passionate about.
- Ask God what He wants you to do. Isaiah 6:8
- Get involved in other peoples' ministries
- Ask for ideas and feedback from trusted Christian friends
- Use an on-line guide eg. the 'Spiritual Gifts Analysis' at www.churchgrowth.org
- Study Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; Ephesians 4:7-16 and 1 Peter 4:7-11
- Recognise that you could have many ministries and that your ministries may change throughout your life. Assess your priorities and put ministry high on the list.
15 March 2009 Ross Callaghan Using your gifts and talents 1 Peter 4:10
God designed us all with many gifts and talents 1 Peter 4:10. And God doesn't make junk.
If you use your natural gifts they become talents. In the parable of the talents Jesus showed that we must use our talents; that in using them they will grow; and if we don't use them we will lose them. Matthew 25:14-30.
God also gives special gifts for particular situations. Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-21. God gives these gifts to everyone and expects us to share them with willingly with others in love. When the Body of Christ is working properly everyone is sharing their gifts and talents freely so the Body is healthy, and it also means that that the Kingdom of God is being extended out in the community.
8 March 2009 Ann Arnold No compromise
These days spirituality and political and religious unity are OK, but not Jesus as the way to know God. God won't continue to put up with this. There is a day when His grace will run out. Isaiah 13:13. The wages of sin is always death and that's when heaven and hell become real. Romans 6:23. Hell is separation from God's life with no chance to be saved. 1 John 5:12. It is about exposure of sin, God's justice, and bringing of truth, but not being able to do anything about it. Hebrews 9:27.
Jesus paid the penalty in full for our sin. On the basis of this God can forgive our sin. The Cross was much more than just physical pain for Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:21. He became sin for us. The Father laid on Jesus what was His greatest horror: sin. But He did it for us! Isaiah 53:10. Imagine the Father's pain? (Quite different to how the Cross was portrayed on Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ).
Jesus is returning as the Lion of Judah. He earned this title through what He suffered. Hebrews 5:8. Those who reject what God has done in Christ at the Cross will have no excuse, and will find no escape from the truth they have rejected. There is no compromise! Allow yourself to be challenged by the truth of God's Word!
1 March 2009 Kerry Arnold Despair or deliverance
God wants us to have fulness in life. John 10:10. The thief is trying to kill and destroy this, and can weaken our ability to spread the gospel. We need to be more 'salty' , and not spread a 'soft gospel'. God is not a Santa Claus, offering universal appeal.
Some 'faith' vs 'world' issues for Christians are: acceptance of the gay lifestyle; support for abortion (eg. Greepeace, Friends of the Earth, UN Population Fund; 'human rights'; Catholic indulgences to 'work your way to heaven'; children bypassing parents on issues of 'privacy'; undermining of parents (eg. no smacking) bill; turning to a 'universal god' eg. emergent church; searching for 'god particle (why matter has mass); people thinking the Bible is outdated and can no longer reach people.
How do we deal with this? We must play our part with courage, wisdom from the Holy Spirit (Eccl 7:11), and Biblical discernment Phil 1:9-10. We must test the spirits to see whether they are from God. 1 Thess 5:21. Review messages you hear against the Scriptures. Be aware of what secular people say to you, and use this as a discussion starter pointing them to Godly things. Ask God what He wants you to do.
23 February 2009 Andrew Pritchard Letting God's Word read us
We are to read God's Word but can also let God's Word read us. Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12
In Mark 2:1-12 Jesus returned home to Capernaum and was received with lots of faith. Crowds gathered and many couldn't get close enough to hear. When the paralytic man was lowered through the roof Jesus saw their faith and said "Son, your sins are forgiven". Some called this blasphemy but Jesus knew what they were thinking and raised the man up so they would know He had authority to forgive sins.
Jesus wanted relationship with the man, more than just his healing. He didn't focus on the man's sin but on giving the man freedom and life in all its fulness.
Let the Word of God read us. Who are we in the story? The people of faith? The questioners? The ones bringing a needy soul to Jesus? The needy man? In need of forgiveness? We are complex people so perhaps parts of us are like everyone in the story.
15 February 2009 Bernard McLelland Trials and tribulations
Count it all joy when you face many kinds of trials. James 1:2
James is a practical book, not theological. We need both the theory and the practical. We need to know the Word and God's expectations of us, but we also need to learn from life's experiences (including troubles and trials). We often think we are the only ones experiencing trials, but everyone has them. It's how we cope with them that differentiates us from others.
When you go through trials don't pretend they are not happening. Ask yourself Does God love me? Yes! But I'm a sinner! Yes! But nothing (not even sin) can separate you from God's love.
God works for good for those who love Him, Romans 8:28 regardless of what is happening. The trial may not be resolved in your timeframe, but God has no timeframe. His ways are higher than ours. We can trust Him when trials come!
8 February 2009 Bruce Billington Jesus: Lion of Judah
One aspects of Jesus' character that is often overlooked is what He demonstrates as Lion of Judah.
Jesus is compassionate and loving, but He also judges anything that is not in God's will. Hebrews 10:31 God's standard is for us to be conformed into His likeness. Anything less is judged and must be put to death. eg. Exodus 4:21-24; 34:6,7. Sin always has consequences and that is why it must be judged and dealt with. Hebrews 2:1,2.
Examples of Jesus rebuke in situations which were outside of God's will:
- John 2:14-16 Jesus cleansed the Temple
- Revelation 6:15-17 The day of God's wrath.
- Psalm 2:4,5 He will rebuke us in anger and can oppose us if we resist His will.
- James 2:19 Demons flea because they know Jesus is not to be messed with.
Joshua 5:13-15 Psalm 50 God is holy. Be numbered among His people. Recognise that He has a plan for your life. Conform to His will so that you are always in step with Him and so that you represent His character of holiness. As Lion of Judah He requires this.
1 February Sam Harvey That Jesus might increase ....
"My dream is that the world would see what the Church stands for, not just what it stands against."
John the Baptist said "Jesus must increase, but I must decrease". John 3:30. This showed a great confidence in who Jesus was. The disciples, however, reacted quite differently. They wanted to be the greatest. Luke 9:33; Matthew 20:20-28.
Jesus says that if you want to be great in God's Kingdom you must be a servant -as He was. Philippians 2:3-11. To be effective in meeting the needs of a hurting world we need a similar kind of passion for God that John the Baptist had. Jesus is enough for all needs! When He increases in our lives we have a greater capacity to love and make a difference - bringing light, healing, hope etc.
Jesus is the hope of the world! (not you!). Matthew 5:14-16. The needs out there are great so we need more and more of Jesus.
25th January Ross Callaghan Learning to lean on Jesus
Life is a pilgrimage in which we are continually learning to lean on Jesus. We need to lean on Jesus in all areas of our lives. Proverbs 3:1-18.
Jesus said that He came to give us 'fulness of life'. John 10:10. You can't have this fulness without leaning on Jesus!
Most of us find it hard to trust the Lord and fully lean on Him. But when you do, you find He is trustworthy. Psalm 20:7, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 8:31-39.
Jesus knows what is best for us; He is all powerful; He is fully trustworthy. Let's lean on Him, regardless of what our future holds.
4 January Testimony
R grew up in a Dutch family that read the Bible every day after dinner. He had a happy childhood and then grew up to be a hippie, getting fully involved in that lifestyle. He sensed a great need in his life that was not being met and heard the gospel from a patient when an orderly in a hospital. He was led to the Lord while hitchhiking. God touched him at the centre of his being and he felt like he was coming home.
God is not linear like us. He is multi-dimensional. He forgets our sinful past when we recerive His forgiveness. He sees our future and our destiny. Psalm 139:5