gatewaychristianfellowship

Sunday sermons in 2010

You can access Sunday sermons from 2008 and 2009 here: Sunday sermons in 2008 Sunday sermons in 2009

26th December Sharing service

During the service we watched the Christmas story as interpreted by a group of children. Watch this lovely story here. Christmas story.

19 December Christmas pageant

Click here to read the script of our Christmas pageant "A ray of hope".

12 December Ross Callaghan The incarnation

Jesus, the Son of God, was conceived in the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit and born as a human baby. God became man! This is called the incarnation. Matthew 1:18-25; Galatians 4:4.Philippians 2:5-11 describes what happened at the incarnation:

Who, being in very nature God…. Jesus was, is, and always will be God in His nature (morphe: nature, form, essential character).

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
Jesus always had equality with God but willingly laid it down when He became a man. He willingly adopted a manner of existence that was different from His Father's, ie. that of both God and man. This is the kenosis of Christ. Kenosis is the act of emptying, making nothing or void.

being made in human likeness. Jesus took on (labon - added to) human likeness. In doing so He did not lay aside His “Godness” but added to it. He added the very nature (morphe) of a man and was made in human likeness (schema - outward appearance or status). In His essential nature (morphe) He became a servant. (doulos - a slave; servant; one who serves others).

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death – even death on a cross.
Jesus was made in the likeness (homoiomati) of sinful men, Romans 8:3. While He was fully human in His nature, He was not exactly like us humans because He was without sin. Hebrews 4:15. (If Jesus was exactly like us the word eikon - exactly like, would have been used rather than homoiomati - likeness). Jesus had a fully divine nature and a fully human nature - yet was without sin. As a man Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the Father’s will, Hebrews 5:8,and willingly died on the Cross.

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus is now hyperypsosen -super-exalted. He is worthy of our love, obedience and worship.

The Arian controversy

• Around 300AD the Arian controversy split the Church. The Arian concept of Christ was that Jesus, the Son of God, did not always exist, but was created by - and is therefore distinct from and inferior to - God the Father. This is often the basis for non-trinitarian views of Jesus.

• After Emperor Constantine died the Roman Empire was split into east and west with the western (Roman) Church believing Jesus was fully God, and the eastern (Constantinople) Church being Arian.

• The Nicene Creed was written in 325AD, in an attempt to unify the Church and was revised in 381AD.

• The Trinitarian view (as in the Nicene Creed) became accepted in the Western and Eastern Churches (and later in Protestant Churches), but Arian views are still around. Read what the Nicene Creed says about Jesus here: Nicene Creed

5 December Garry Gould

Garry took a global view on our raison d’étre – asking not only why we are here but also noting New Zealand’s comparative isolation and what we, as Christians, can do to influence global happenings. He began by outlining the major international events of 2010, paring it back to events within New Zealand, our local community and our church, adding that God does not regard us as insignificant, and that through Him we can all take steps to help influence the lives and conditions of other people – through giving, praying, helping or encouraging. God created us to worship and fellowship with Him, and as we seek His will for others, we can choose to be obedient and fulfil His desire for others as well as ourselves.

28 November Ross Callaghan Hallelujah

Watch the Hallelujah Chorus by clicking here: Hallelujah Chorus.

Handel composed Messiah in 1741, in just 24 days. He used verses from the Bible to declare Jesus' birth, death, resurrection and final victory over sin and death.

The words in the Hallelujah Chorus are Hallelujah. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15. King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:16.

These scriptures show that God's ultimate purpose of bringing in the Kingdom of God will be fully consummated when Jesus returns. Then all things in heaven and earth will be brought together under one Head: Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:9,10. The dead will be judged; those who reverence the Lord rewarded, and those outside of Christ destroyed. Revelation 11:17,18.

When the fulness of God's Kingdom is brought in we will all worship Him forever. Revelation 5:12,13. Hallelujah!

21 November Sam Bayly Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

1. We don't know what we have till we lose it.

2. Thanksgiving opens doors Psalm 100:4

3. Thanksgiving helps us navigate challenging circumstances.

14 November Don and Anne Trevethick

Don and Anne reflected of their recent "OE" trip to England, Europe, Israel, Egypt and Australia, especially the beauty and history or the lands they visited; the contrasting wealth and poverty, and the Lord's presence and protection. The trip helped them appreciate that they are Christians, and that they live in New Zealand. Anne said "I no longer yearn fro greener pastures, I have found them here, right under my feet".

7 November: AGM

31 October Richard Nicoll The days we are living in

Haggai 2:21. God is shaking things up in the natural, economic, political and spiritual worlds. Less than 1/3 of the world knows Jesus and the world is in a mess. Where is God in all this? He's there! He is calling His Church to bring Him into all of these situations so the Kingdom of God is established. John 3:17. We are His hands. We need to be awake and move when God moves. Our mandate is to share what we have been given within NZ and beyond. As God reveals His will we must be ready to go and share God's love. It's time for us to believe, trust and endure.

24 October Bernie Townsend The ministry of Octavius Hadfield, missionary to the Kapiti region

Octavius Hadfield (1814-1904) left a rich foundation of Christian values for contemporary New Zealand society. He arrived in Waikanae in 1839 and worked between Taranaki and the top of the South Island, particularly in Kapiti.

When Hadfield arrived Christianity was already established among the Maori. There was a Maori Bible, an Anglican prayer book and services in Maori. The Holy Spirit goes before us. With Hadfield's support local Maori spread the faith throughout the region. Credibility was enhanced when Hadfield was cursed by a tohunga and then the tohunga died that night.

Though he was an Anglican and worked fully within the framework of the Anglican Church, Hadfield used different methods to those normally used by Anglican missionaries. He immersed himself in Maori culture; living with them, speaking their language and consistently advocating for them. He was a peacemaker and his ministry led to many prisoners being set free. Hadfield focused on the gospel, conversion, baptism of adults after they showed fruits of their conversion, sacraments, the afterlife and the work of the Holy Spirit. Later he saw business as a mission with a focus on work, and productive use of land.

Hadfield was also a writer and used public theology to influence others, especially seeking justice for Maori. He used personal letters, pamphlets, lobbying through the Church Missionary Society, letters to the editor in newspapers, and presentations to Parliament.

Hadfield rose to become Bishop of Wellington and Primate of New Zealand. He is a great example to us in the way he worked out his values in practical ways. Octavius Hadfield was one of New Zealand's great pioneers and Christian missionaries. He has left a wonderful legacy in the Kapiti region.

This message is based on a dissertation that Bernie is preparing for his Masters in Theology. Once the dissertation is complete it will be posted here so you can read the complete document.

17th October October Chris Marshall Faith

Faith is a response of believing trust in God's goodness that endures over time. It includes a belief in the truthfulness of the Gospel; a response of trust in God, and an enduring faithfulness and commitment to God.

Each of these aspects is demonstrated in Mark 5: 21-43.

Here two stories are interwoven: the healing of the woman with a flow of blood and the raising from the dead of Jairus' daughter.

Jairus was male, important, and powerful; the woman was female, nameless and unimportant. Jairus was responsible for maintaining the law; the woman was perpetually unclean under the law. Jairus was married and wealthy; the woman was unmarried with no prospects and impoverished. But both were in need and recognised that Jesus could help. Both put their faith in Him and had their faith tested.

The test of tormenting delay. The sick woman delayed Jesus from attending to Jairus' daughter. When she touched Him He stopped and reassured her so she knew she was accepted by God and could start to be restored to society. Only God knows why He delays blessing when we are in need. Often it is to do deeper things in our hearts. God has no favourites: He is equally concerned for all and all experience delays and difficulties.

The test of deepening need. Jairus was told his daughter was dead, but Jesus turned to him and said 'Fear not, only believe'. Courage is a major ingredient of faith, especially when things are getting worse, not better. As things get worse 'faith' that is just wishful thinking gets stripped away. All we can do is choose to trust God. It's not stubbornly holding on to hope; it's holding on to Jesus.

The test of human skepticism. The skeptics said Jairus' daughter was not dead, just sleeping. Skeptics can't recognise the presence and mystery of God. After the child was raised up the family showed they had faith; and the skeptics remained skeptical.

God wants more of us than occasional faith. he wants faithfulness: living our whole lives in trusting dependence on Him. Testing is never easy; it's often confusing but it leads to true faith. Romans 5:1-5.

10th October Ross Callaghan Tithing and Christian giving

The Hebrew word for tithe ma’aser means ‘tenth part.” A tithe was a tenth part of farm produce that was used to maintain and support the priests and the Levites. See Leviticus 27:30-33. The custom was very ancient. (Abraham paid a tithe of the spoils of war to Melchizedek; see Genesis 14:20, and Jacob promised to give back a tenth of all God had given him. See Genesis 28:22.) It was widely practiced, being known in Athens, Arabia, Rome, Carthage, Egypt, Syria, Babylon, and China.

When the Israelites’ settled in the Promised Land they established the Temple and priestly cities. The tithe was taken annually to the sanctuaries in these places, along with other offerings. (Deuteronomy 12:2-7, 17-19; 14:22-29). It was shared with the Levites, and eaten in celebration of God’s goodness. Corn, wine, oil, and flocks were tithed. Nehemiah 10:37,38; 13:12. If the distance to the sanctuary was too great to carry the produce it could be exchanged for silver and the silver used to buy suitable produce to be eaten in the celebration. A tithe of the tithe (called the sacred portion) was given by the Levites to the priests in return for their services. Nehemiah 10:38. (The priests and Levites had no allocation of land so were supported by this produce). Numbers 18:21-32. 2 Chronicle 31:5,6,11. Large volumes of produce were given so they had to be kept in the temple storehouses. This provided a resource which could then be used to provide for the priests, the Levites and for the poor. Every third year, the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows were given the whole tithe. (Deuteronomy 26:12). The prophet Malachi rebuked the priests because they were not bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse and so were “robbing God”. (Malachi 3:8-10). God promised full barns and vats, opened windows of heaven, outpoured blessing, and deliverance from locusts, if they would obey Him. The tithes thus created a ‘bank’ of produce that supported the priests and Levites and enabled all of society to benefit. By New Testament times the Pharisees had become legalistic about tithing (as they did about most other matters of Jewish law). Jesus was very critical of this. In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, Jesus criticised them for tithing three small garden herbs while neglecting three “weightier matters of the law,” namely, justice, mercy, and faith. In Luke 18:12, He denounced a Pharisee who congratulated himself for his virtues, including tithing, but did not value humility and repentance. With the introduction of taxes and the destruction of the Temple in AD70 there was no need for the tithing system and it died out.

In Hebrews 7 the writer shows that Jesus’ priesthood in the New Covenant is “better” than that of the Levites under the Old Covenant. Abraham paid tithes (of the spoils of war) to Melchizidek; a priest “like the Son of God”. Now the former regulations are “set aside” and Jesus introduces a “better hope” because He lives forever and has a permanent priesthood.

Under the New Covenant Christian giving has a quite different focus to that of the Old Testament law. Christians are to give with generosity, in recognition of God’s grace. We are to give according to our means; willingly; freely; and with no reluctance or compulsion, for “God loves a cheerful giver”. (See 2 Corinthians Chapters 8 and 9). We can give to needy Christians (Romans 12:13, 2 Corinthians 9:12); the sick and aged (Acts 20:35); church leaders (1 Timothy 5:17); those who teach God’s Word (Galatians 6:6-10); widows (Acts 6:1, 1 Timothy 5:16); the poor (1 Timothy 5:8-16), and missionaries (3 John 5-7).

Click here for a full set of notes on Tithing and Christian giving.

12th, 19th and 26th September; 3 October Ross Callaghan 2 Timothy

2 Timothy is the last book that Paul wrote before he died. In it Paul gives Timothy the benefit of specific wisdom, guidance and instruction.

Greeting 1:1-2

Encouragement to endure 1:3-2:13

God’s approval 2:14-26

Godlessness in the last days 3:1-11

Paul’s charge to Timothy 3:10-4:8

Personal remarks 4:9-18

Final greetings 4:19-22

Click here for a full set of notes on this series: 2 Timothy

5th July Bernie and Dawn Townsend Restoration Service

Restoration has several meanings. They are

A message of Good news.
That you will be seated in Heavenly places.
It s for God's people.
Restoration is for us to ponder and reflect upon.

Psalm 103:8-10, show us how God feels about us, and this is part of restoration.

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

Shalom: This defines how God intends things to be. It is a core belief. It is described as being healthy and having material prosperity. It is to live in peace. It is also described as straightforwardness. Finally it is a completion; a conclusion. Shalom leads us to Restoration.

Restoration is central to the intent of God. In the Old Testament it was the deliverance of the Jews out of Egypt. In the New Testament it was the Crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Col 3:1 shows us that we have been raised with Christ to a higher standard: a restoration.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

If we are not living a restored life, a renewed life, then we are victims, trapped by the things and situations of the past. Christ is waiting for us to hand over the pain and anguish we carry. He holds out is hands for us to hand over the past, to let go, and to grab the freedom of being renewed in Him.

29th August Richard Nicoll The Power & Glory of the Holy Spirit

^{Richards
prophetic words were for Gateway church, and for Kapiti. This is a
special time, a season upon the church. This is a Kairos time. (Greek word meaning a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens).A time of great healing and miracles, glorifying Christ. We are blessed
by the power and the glory of the Holy Spirit. In this church things
will manifest with great power. At Pentecost when the power came upon
the disciples they were accused of being drunk, as they staggered under
the power and glory of the Holy Spirit.}

Acts 10:38. At the river Jordan Jesus received the Holy Spirit, and it remained on Him. All of Jesus' miracles, healings and teachings were done after the power of the Holy Spirit came upon Him. God wants the church (us) to be powerful, to be glorious as a witness to this world. Eph 3:20-21.

Haggai is a prophetic word to the church. The Lord's church was in ruins and Haggai stirred up the people to rebuild the church, restoring the glory. This speaks to us today. Who is the temple of God today? - We are. Where is the kingdom of God today? - Within us. We are the Lords temple. From Genesis to Revelation God's plan is to restore His glory upon this earth. Our mandate as part of this is "Being a place of restoration and refuge." Eph 2:8-10. God has prepared in advance good works for us to do. There is a corporate call upon this church to heal, perform miracles, to restore and reform, but there is also an individual calling to go out a serve the body of Christ. 2 Cor 3:18. We are built to reflect God's glory, as individuals and as a church. We are being transformed with ever increasing glory. Ever increasing, it is never stopping.

Rom 8:29-30. When we give a testimony of how God has changed our life, or set us free, or healed us we are revealing His glory. We are built to reflect His glory. This is a time of a sovereign visitation of His glory. Isaiah 11:9. The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. We will experience it, we will know it and we will testify of it.

22nd August Ross Callaghan Let the wise listen and add to their learning Proverbs 1:5

The first three chapters of Proverbs describe many benefits of lifelong learning: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, insight, fear of the Lord, success, protection, discretion, righteousness, long life, love, faithfulness, favour with God and others, health, fruitfulness, discipline.. See Proverbs 1:1-3:18.

To be a life-long learner:
1. Stay teachable Proverbs 18:15 Be interested, inquisitive, questioning, hungry to learn, unlearn and relearn. Be open and teachable.
2. Learn how to learn. Proverbs 2:2,3 We all have our own preferred way of learning. Learn how to be more effective in your way of learning.
3. Challenge yourself. Get yourself into situations where you have to learn, grow, and develop. eg. study, travel, ministry, reading....
4. Reflect on life's experiences. You learn by reflecting on experiences. eg. You can reflect on thew Bible, history, events, people's actions and reactions ...

Example: Learning about Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17). Visiting there, then reading and researching about the city and the people mentioned gives a whole new level of understanding.

15 August Anne Trevethick The wedding at Cana John 2:1-11

The invitation. Jesus was invited to the wedding and He came. Relationships are important to Him.

The arrival. Jesus was sociable, not withdrawn. He was interested approachable and fun to be with.

The crisis. The wine ran out. Crises like this can happen any time. When Jesus is around they are more manageable. Give your crises to Jesus, but don't take them back!

A mother's concern. When Mary said there was no more wine Jesus seemed to rebuke her. She may have been suffering from 'mother's pride' but she still trusted Jesus. Trust Him, no matter what your concern.

Preparing for a miracle. Mary prepared the ground; gave it to Jesus and left it to Him. Miracles come in Jesus' time and when He when is in control.

Fill the jars to the brim. Jesus works quietly and without fuss. He is generous and will always reward your trust; giving more than you expect. You can trust Him!

Click here to read Anne's poem: Crises

8 August Bernard McLelland God's friend

It would only be OK to call the Queen "Liz" if she were your friend!

John 15:15-17 The King of Kings and Creator of all says He wants to be our friend! We must be important to Him.

Matthew 13:44 We are His treasure and joy. He loves us so much He died for us.

Matthew 13:45 We are His pearl. We are very precious to Him (even though we are sinners).

Friendship goes two ways. We are God's friend, and He can be ours as well. Don't just see yourself as God's servant. See yourself as His friend. This may be hard because He is invisible. We have to work on our relationship with Him. Love His company; practice friendship with Him; enjoy His presence.

Nothing is better than a friendship relationship with the Lord!

1 August Bernie Townsend The Disciple Ananias (Acts 9:10-19 and Acts 22:12-16)

A play was performed by Bernie, Dawn and two associates. The play was called "Apostle to the Gentiles". A boardroom meeting attended by God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, discussing the possible selections for an apostle to the Gentiles. Lighthearted and revealing, it related the ministry and work of Saul and Ananias.

Very little is known of the disciple of Jesus who became the vital key in Paul's life, immediately after his conversion on the road to Damascus. Ananias was his name, and Ananias was given revelation keys to impart into Paul's life, as well as to bring healing of his sight after three days of blindness. He is only mentioned in two small parts of scripture (Acts 9:10-19 and Acts 22:12-16); yet his ministry impacted the greatest apostle since Jesus!

Ananias was a disciple of Jesus, He knew the voice of the Lord. Ananias had normal human reactions when told to go and see Saul. Still nervous and hesitant he obeyed God's voice.

Ananias obedience enabled God to setup a divine appointment with Paul.

Questions to ask ourselves !

What sway does fear have in our lives, preventing Kingdom building effectiveness?

How do you address people so they are uplifted by your "hello"?

When did you last obey His voice? What prevented you?

The prophetic principles and keys that Ananias gave to Paul (Acts 22:14-15) are exactly the same principles that we all need to take heed to and apply in our own lives today.

KNOW that we are chosen of God!
KNOW God's will for our life!
SEE the Just One (Jesus) - we see Him with the eye of faith.
HEAR the voice of HIS mouth!
BE HIS (Jesus) witness to all of what we have seen and heard!

Let us learn from the example of Ananias. Let us be a person that God can rely on to give our name to others and tell them we are coming with a message for them. To be in that category we have to be obedient to whatever the Lord tells us, no matter what our mind or reasoning tries to tell us.

Will you be Ananias for Jesus today?

Click here to download the play An Apostle to the Gentiles

Click here to download the notes The Apostle Ananias

25 July Rosemary Poland

Due to Rosemary falling ill we were left with no speaker, so a movie was shown called "That the world may know".

That The World May Know - Faith Lessons, filmed on location in Israel, is an in-depth video tour of the buried, distant, or otherwise forgotten places where the stories of the Bible actually happened. Teacher and historian Ray Van der Laan challenges long-held Western assumptions about even the most well-known Scripture passages. You will simply never read the Bible the same again.

18 July Andrew Pritchard Eating the scriptures - Psalm 119:103 (Jesus Prayer John 17)

¹⁰³ How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Ezekiel 3:3-4
³ Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

⁴ He then said to me: "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them.

We need to eat the words of God. We need to read them, to digest them, to savor them, to chew over them, and once our stomachs are full we need to speak them to other people. As God has said: the words of God are sweeter than honey to my mouth. God's word needs to be eaten for it to dwell in us and become part of us.

With this in mind we read John 17:1-20, where Jesus prays. Firstly He prays for himself. Then He prays for His disciples. Then He prays for all believers. To put this prayer in context we need to set the scene. Firstly Jesus washes his disciples feet (Jesus knew His life was coming to an end, and the work His father had started in Him was going to be complete) With this great burden upon Him, he still cared, loved and served His disciples. Caring and loving one another is the very fabric of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus then comforted and encouraged His disciples. Even with the impending punishment facing Jesus, He cared for His disciples. Finally Jesus teaches His disciples. This was probably the last peaceful time that Jesus could pray and to express His feeling for us.
This prayer (John 17:1-20) is a very large meal to digest, so break up this prayer and spend some time in each piece.

Read Jesus prayer, break it up and digest it, savor the words, chew them over until we and the word become one.
Eat --- Chew over the passages and digest it. These are the words of Jesus!

What stands out as Gods word - to you? - to the Gateway Christian Fellowship?
What response - question - prayer - commitment to action - do these words stir in you?

Finally some people come to the awe of God, through the study (eating) of the scriptures, whilst others come to the scriptures, by their experience of the awe of God. Either way we need to feed upon the words of God. Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Click here to read the prayer Jesus Prayer from John 17

11 July Ray Harrison What is our responsibility to God

2 Cor 5:14-20 This gives us the 4 big C's which explain our responsibility to God. They are as follows

Constrained (Compelled)¹⁴ For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Changed
¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Challenged
¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
Commissioned
²⁰ We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

To the king who gave everything for me, constrained by His love. The love of Christ is the love eternal - it is what compels us. There are many Christians in the world that are risking their very lives for the gospel. We are compelled to share the message of Christ, This is part of our responsibility toward God.

Saul was changed completely. The old passed away and the new had come. God can change anything!

As Christians we received the message of reconciliation. Oneness with God. We have a responsibility to take this message to everyone else.
Paul says in Eph 6:19. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

We are commissioned by God. Ambassadors for Christ. To tell the world to be reconciled to God. Our responsilility is to share the gospel. Spread the world. Put our lives at risk for the kingdom of God.
Why should we tarry when we are CONSTRAINED by His Love, CHANGED by His Grace, CHALLENGED by HIs Call and COMMISSIONED by His Word!

4 July Bernie Townsend A presentation on the Holy Spirit's role in the Annunciation and Birth of Jesus

Bernie spoke to us about his ministry, and about some of the miraculous answers to prayer, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He then went on to give the above mentioned sermon.

Click here to download the complete message The Role of the Holy Spirit in Incarnation

27 June Ross Callaghan & Neil Evans Some thoughts on where we are at, and where we might be going

In the last two years Gateway has become a healthy church. We have new leadership, and we have found our purpose and are being led by the Holy Spirit to fulfill that purpose. This leads us to to two questions.
1. Is our Mission Statement still relevant ? 2. Is our purpose still relevant
The answers to both are a resounding yes!

We need to be thinking about our future, because we cannot carry on long-term as we are.
The possibilities for our future are as follows:

We could close down as an organised church and go back to being a house church. Closing down would not be a negative thing.

We could grow, this would involve more active evangelism. With a lot of new people we would have to accept that things would change.

We could see ourselves as a body of people who take in others for a time; then release them healthy, fed, rested, revived and blessed by the Lord.
God has told us not to worry about numbers and to make sure we do His work and do it well.

We could seek the Lord to find a unique focus for the church. Rather than try to do everything we would focus on our particular calling.
This could be anything from intercession centre, Bible teaching centre to mentoring and or ministering to the elderly.

We must pray for Gateways future. We must be open to the Holy Spirit. Share what He reveals. Invite people to be part of the beautiful thing that is happening here. Be gracious and keep your eyes and hearts open for opportunities to serve the Lord. Finally, offer to help.

By God's grace we have experienced wonderful things over the last 7/½ years. We want to be open to His leading so that we are doing what He wants us to do in the future.

20 June Glenda Farr The power of words

Click here to download the complete message (including pictures) The power of words

13 June Bruce Billington The Holy Spirit's role in community

The Holy Spirit is seeking to build us more into community. We don't go to church; we are the church. All participate and share their giftings so there is much wealth (community resources not $ wealth). Acts 2:44. In this community no-one lacks and there is acceptance, friendship, love and freedom from fear and loneliness. This opens doors for others to become part of the community. The antidote to poverty is not financial wealth; it is community which shares the full set of attributes of its people.

Joel 2:28 It includes young and old together. The Holy Spirit bridges the generations so all are valued and younger people are not seen as a threat.

Joel 2:29 It includes males and females. The Holy Spirit breaks down class and gender barriers, including current male privilege barriers.

Joel 2:28 It includes all flesh (more than just humanity or people) so the Holy Spirit brings about right relationships between all created livings things and the workings of planet Earth.

Joel 2:25 The Holy Spirit makes up for past years which have been squandered or where there is regret. He will redeem the times. Romans 8:28.

John 2:10 The Holy Spirit has saved the best for now. (not the past or the future). He has given us much community wealth and is here for us now as we develop and build community. As a result we can face the future with hope.

Series on the Holy Spirit. Click here to download notes on this series. The work of the Holy Spirit.

6 June Ross Callaghan Being led by the Spirit Romans 8:1-17.

In Romans 8 Paul reminds us we are righteous in Christ, and that we need to be led by the Holy Spirit. He contrasts a carnal Christian (who is led by their old nature), and a spiritual Christian ( who is led by the Holy Spirit).

Carnal Christians are under condemnation, walk in the flesh, are dead to the Lord, are condemned under the law, have their minds set on earthly things, are hostile to God, and are under sin's power.

Spiritual Christians are not under condemnation; are free from sin and its power; fulfill the righteous requirements of the law; have their minds set on doing what the Holy Spirit wants; are alive to God; are led by the Holy Spirit, and are continually being made alive as the Holy Spirit deals with areas of their lives. This pleases the Lord.

We can move from being carnal to spiritual Christians because of the atonement (Jesus took our sin and declared us righteous in God's sight); and by being led by the Holy Spirit and walking in obedience to Him. This process may involve suffering but we have an obligation to live like this because we are God's children, and His heirs. We have a glorious hope as God is increasingly revealed in and through us!

30 April No sermon, but the Holy Spirit reminded us of our need to remain faithful, and to intercede for our children and grand-childrens' generation, that they may live for Jesus.

23 April Richard Nicoll The gifts of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:1-27. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to everyone so we can serve God and do His will in power. He distributes the gifts as He wishes. We all have our part to play in the Body of Christ and must share the gifts God gives us so all are blessed.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are

The word of wisdom so you know what to do.
The word of knowledge so you know information about a person or situation
The gift of faith so you can speak the Word of God into a situation
Gifts of healing so illness can be cured
Working of miracles which defy the laws of nature
Prophecy which enables you to speak God's word
Distinguishing between spirits so you know whether a spirit is of God or not
Tongues where you bring a word from God in another language
Interpretation of tongues where you interpret a tongue so its meaning is understood.

Also the gifts of helps and administration.

Let's be open to receive and share God's gifts!

16 April Richard Nicoll The gifts of the Holy Spirit

Christ brings the Word of God alive through the Holy Spirit. (The Old Testament figures did not have this amazing gift). We are privileged to exhibit the Kingdom of God here on earth because the Holy Spirit is within us. God's DNA is in us as His spiritual sons and daughters and the Holy Spirit gives us His power for service. Never deny the sovereignty of God - for example, when He doesn't appear to answer prayer. Jesus says "I only do what the Father is doing by His Holy Spirit".

Even Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles. If He needed it how much more do we? Today we need the Holy Spirit more than ever. God gives us His gifts for His glory so the world can see His power and character. These gifts include:

- apostle (one sent with a commission)

- prophet (one who keeps people on track with God's mandate)

- evangelist (announces good news)

- pastor (shepherd)

- teacher (simplifies God's truths to conform Christians to the likeness of Christ)

The aim of using spiritual gifts is to allow the supernatural to become the natural. We are all called to witness, using our particular gifts so others can know God.

9 April Ross Callaghan The power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit filled and empowered the early Christians so they could be witnesses for Christ throughout the world. Acts 1:4,5, 8; 2:1-4, 17-21, 38,39. This was called being 'baptised with (or in) the Holy Spirit', or 'receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit'. Other occasions when the Holy Spirit was poured out were in Acts 8:15-20; 9:17,18; 10:44-48; 11:15-17; 19:2-6. This shows that the early Christian experiences were to repent, believe in Christ; be baptised in water, and be baptised in the Holy Spirit. Baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are not 'optional extras' fro Christians!

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the initial experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a one-time experience of being filled (Greek -pletho). The believers were then urged to live their lives full of the Holy Spirit (Greek pleroo) i.e. full and continually full. This is what makes the difference between the carnal Christian described in Romans 8 (led by their own desires) and the spiritual Christian (led by the Holy Spirit).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for all Christians and occurs when we go to Jesus; drink of Him; are filled with the Holy Spirit and then this overflows, normally in speaking in tongues. John 7:37-39. The baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us power to live for Christ and share the Gospel. Mark 16:15-20.

When we speak in tongues our spirit prays, (as compared to praying in English, when we pray with our mind). Speaking in tongues edifies us because we are exercising and developing our spirits and our spiritual lives. Personal speaking in tongues is different from the gift of tongues which, in a meeting, must be interpreted so all understand. See 1 Corinthians 14:1-25.

2 April Ross Callaghan How the Holy Spirit works in our lives

When we accept Jesus we are born again and the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us. John 3:6-8. He then works in our lives to make us like Jesus, and do His works through us. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The Holy Spirit speaks into our hearts. He speaks a rhema that we sense and understand through an anointing. Romans 10:18; John 14:26. Rhemas come with love Romans 5:5; honour Jesus John 15:26; focus on truth 1 John 2:20; are sensed in our spirit with meaning 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; are real 1 John 2:27. Anointings can come as pictures; words; sensations; songs or scripture verses. When we receive them we need to obey. John 16:14.

The Holy Spirit reveals the Word of God from the Bible. We need to spend time with Him in the Bible! Psalm 119:130.

The Holy Spirit activates our conscience. This keeps us from sin and protects us from trouble; if we obey! 1 Peter 3:16; Hebrews 9:14. If we disobey we lose the sense of His presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to sensitise your conscience. Psalm 139:23,24; Psalm 51:10-12.

The Holy Spirit produces fruits. As He controls us more, we demonstrate His fruits. Galatians 5:13-25. Being led by the Spirit gives us freedom from our sinful nature and from legalism. We show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is a natural outflow of being filled with and led by the Spirit. Others are very sensitive to this. The fruits can also minister to others as we can pass on love, joy, peace... to others just because we are with them. Psalm 23:6. eg. John ministered love; Paul ministered long-suffering. The parable of the trees in Judges 9:8-15 shows we can minister both good or bad fruits. Let's make sure we are filled with the Holy Spirit and reflect the fruits of this.

25 April Ross Callaghan Who is the Holy Spirit?

When we accept Jesus as Saviour the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us. He then leads, guides, empowers, uses, and changes us so we are more like Jesus.

In John Chapters 13-17 Jesus tells His disciples He is leaving them and that He is sending the Holy Spirit. They are to carry on His work in the power of the Holy Spirit. John 14:12-14. He then explains what the Holy is like:

14:15. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is linked to our love and obedience.

14:16. The Father sent the Holy Spirit. He will be with us forever. We can't have an effective Christian life without the Holy Spirit.

14:17; 16:13. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. The world cannot understand the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 2:6-16. The Holy Spirit lives in us and will be with us.

14:18-24 Jesus will reveal Himself to us by the Holy Spirit.

14:24-26. The Holy Spirit will teach us, so we can be led by the Spirit.

14:27. The Holy Spirit gives peace.

16:5-11. The Holy Spirit is holy and will convict (not condemn) regarding sin, righteousness and judgment.

16:13-15. The Holy Spirit will reveal God's will to us.

16:14,15. The Holy Spirit will always glorify Jesus.

18 April Sam Bayly Four things I learnt about God selling door to door

We have to take the first step. When we faithfully take the first step we find God's grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9.
A door may close before the right door opens. Test everything. Hold to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Even good things may need to be laid down so what God has for you can open up.
Meeting with people may be for your benefit or theirs. Be wise in the way you interact. Colossians 4:5.
We are all in full time ministry.

11 April Anne Trevethick Koinonia

Koinonia is a Greek word that is translated in different ways in our Bibles: sharing, participation, contribution, fellowship, partnership, communion, communication. The heartbeat of koinonia is that of devotion to someone else; acceptance of them and serving of them. Koinonia is active, not passive, and can go in three directions: people to people; people to God and God to people.

Examples: Acts 2:42 - koinonia between people; 1 John 1:3 koinonia with God; 2 Corinthians 13:14 koinonia from God; 1 Corinthians 10:16 koinonia with God.. Putting the different meanings of koinonia into each verse makes gives a deeper sense of what it is about.

4 April Special Easter service - no sermon.

28 March Jeni Tucker The mountain of the Lord

We are in extraordinary times. The 7 Spirits of God helped Jesus when He was on earth and they will help us too. Galatians 4:1-7. Isaiah 11: 2.

Knowledge empowers us for position and gives divine insight and revelation.

Understanding helps us use revelation, and gives us spiritual discernment.

Counsel helps us understand God's direction; resolve issues; gives joy and helps us communicate effectively.

Might enables us to see God's glory manifested, and access the power of God.

Fear of the Lord helps us to turn from sin and be ready for the Lord

Wisdom helps us understand God's heart of justice and see into the realms of glory.

In Mark 11:12-21 Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered. This removed the false covering that Adam and Eve used (the fig leaf) and enables us to be restored to the glory of God, through repentance and cleansing of our human family line. 2 Corinthians 3:18. This will enable the mountain of the Lord to be established so we walk in the ways of the Lord, and so that His word goes out in power and anointing. Isaiah 2:2,3.

21 March Andrew Pritchard Sir, we would like to see Jesus John 12:21

Seeing and recognising Jesus is a key theme in Luke's gospel. e.g. Luke 19:41-44; Luke 23:35,47,48.

Sometimes we see partially or see and don't recognise. but the gospel is all about us seeing, recognising and knowing Jesus.

e.g. Luke 24:13-49. On the road to Emmaus the disciples initially didn't recognise Jesus. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised Him. They were leaving the city of death and heading home to safety; but after meeting Jesus they headed back with courage and hope to the city of resurrection. But then He vanished! Why? Because His physical presence from then on would have ben a hindrance rather than a help. They were transformed, faith-filled and ready to be sent out in mission.

We need to see, recognise and know Jesus. This will transform us so we can go and share the gospel and others can see and know Him too.

14 March Ross Callaghan Storms

Physical and spiritual storms are part of life. We all have to go through them. Spiritual storms are situations, conditions or experiences where there is a clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness that puts under physical, emotional or spiritual stress. In all storms you can know God is with you. Romans 8:28.

1. Storms to be resisted, rebuked or fought. eg. Jesus temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus turned from the temptation and referred back to God's word. Hebrews 4:15,16. eg. On the Sea of Galilee. Luke 8:22-25. In this kind of storm you can resist it in Jesus name and authority; quote what God says in the Bible; and draw close to God. He will provide all the resources you need. 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7; Colossians 1:13. Jesus' authority given to us is conditional on it being relevant for the Kingdom. We can't "claim" things arbitrarily. John 15:5.

2. Storms to seek shelter from. In some storms it's best to seek shelter and let the Lord work on your behalf. eg. Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicle 20; David in the cave of Adullam Psalm 57:1; Psalm 61:1-3; Isaih 40:29-31. God is our refuge!

3. Storms you must endure. eg. Paul's thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Some storms are good for you because they build endurance and character. Romans 3:5; Hebrews 5:8.

So do not lose heart when you go through storms in your life. Resist some storms and you will see the power of God in action; shelter from some storms and you will experience the goodness of God; endure other storms and the character of God will be further developed in you.

Click here for a full set of notes on this message: Storms.

7 March Kathy Callaghan Doubt

Doubt is 'being not sure of', 'being uncertain of', having difficulty in believing'. John 20:19-29; Luke 24: 36-45. Thomas (and all of the disciples) doubted Jesus. Once they encountered Jesus, though, they believed. Thomas faced his doubts, was honest about them and responded truthfully. "My Lord and my God" - the greatest confession of faith! He wasn't there on the night Jesus appeared to the others. Perhaps he was dazed, shocked, hurt, or needed time alone to process what had happened. He was a courageous, loyal and honest man. John 11:16, John 14:5,6. Later on he witnessed for the Lord in Babylon, Persia, Malibar and Mylapore, India (where he was martyred).

Doubt is not necessarily a negative thing. (The opposite of faith is unbelief, not doubt). Doubt can lead to faith; it is 'can't believe' rather than 'won't believe'; and it is honestly looking for light. Thomas' doubt still blesses us to day!

What to do with your doubt? 2 Corinthians 4:18. You can admiit it and honestly face it; examine the issue further; discuss it with others, or suspend it so it is on hold for later investigation. Doubt can be a positive influence in your life, turning you to the Lord.

28 February Sue Gould Grace

Grace is unmerited favour that we don't deserve. It is God's sufficiency; His enoughness; His fulness in your life. 2 Corinthians 12:9. God's grace supplies us with all we need for salvation and for life. Ephesians 2:8. It enables us and empowers us so we can serve God; react in a Godly way and keep ourselves in check in our daily walk.

We get grace from God as we believe Him and as we read and act out His word. John 15:5. Meditate on it; act on it and live it joyously and withg assurance. Titus 2:11,12.

Grace is a gift from God 2 Timothy 1:8,9, and is accepted by faith and worked out in our thoughts and actions. Ephesians 2:8-10. Colosians 4:6.

We can fall from grace when we depart from the truth but nothing can separate us from God's grace. How gracious are you?

21 February Ross Callaghan Preparing for eternity

Christians have a different view of death from those outside of Christ. Death is no longer the enemy and something to be feared. It is the gateway to our future! Jesus has triumphed over death! He has provided the way we can be saved from spiritual death. Romans 6:23. •Through His resurrection He has defeated physical death. We are in Him. He was resurrected and we will be too!

Let’s explore this from 1 Corinthians 15.

v3-17 Jesus rose from the dead. v12-18 If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead we are lost and have no hope.

v19-26 But Jesus has risen from the dead. He has destroyed the enemy: death! He rose from the dead and we will too.

v35-49 What kind of body will we have when we are resurrected? It will be a spiritual body: imperishable, glorious, powerful: in the

likeness of Jesus. v50-55 When Jesus returns we shall be changed. Death will be swallowed up in victory. Jesus has destroyed death and brought immortality and light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10. And then we will spend eternity with Him in heaven!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15.