Gateway Christian Fellowship

Sunday sermons in 2011

You can access Sunday sermons from 2008,  2009 and 2010 here: Sunday sermons in 2008    Sunday sermons in 2009

Sunday sermons in 2010

• pray for the NZ representative in the UN as they debate the future of Israel
• pray for Israelis who are fearful of the dangers, and of the the possibility of the land being divided
• pray for the 10-15,000 Christians in Israel (who may be persecuted for being "missionaries")
• pray for those who are worn out by the wars and continual pressures.  Isaiah 42:22,23.

God loves Israel.  Isaiah 43:3-5. He is with her bringing comfort.  Israel is the key to world evangelisation but there is a price for this as the enemy always stifles any work for Israel.  But God is mighty.  His word stands forever and He won't break His covenant with Israel. Psalm 93:1-5.

• We only need to ask God - as Christians we have a legal right to the throne of God and can ask Him anything we want. James 1:5
  
• We can read the Bible – especially Proverbs which is full of prophetically wise sayings.
  

The son couldn’t earn his father’s love by his confession and repentance. The father loved him anyway, and welcomed him home with open arms. There was no sense of judgment, condemnation or retribution. This was an opportunity for celebration!

By comparison the younger son tried to earn the father’s love by his hard work and obedience. But he ended up outside  deciding whether to enter in and enjoy the celebration. It doesn’t matter whether rebellion or religion keeps us from a relationship with God.  The result is the same: we are cheated out of the loving relationship that God so much wants to have with us.

Regardless, God’s heart is toward us. He loves us and wants the best for us.  In all of His actions He works to bring about a personal, intimate, loving relationship with us. Sometimes we may not understand this, especially when it seems God is distant, or we are in deep trouble.  But through it all He is working to bring about His ultimate goal of a two-way, dynamic, heart to heart relationship. 

Our ‘incredible Father’ is a God of love!

• precious stones Exodus 28:29; Revelation 21:19,20; 1 Samuel 2:2; Romans 1:20.
• special stones Revelation 2:17
• Building stones 1 Kings 6:7; 7:8-11
• Marker stones Joshua 4:2-9
• Weapons 1 Samuel 17:48-50
• Tombstones Matthew 27:57-60
• Stoning Leviticus 20; Acts 7:55-60
• Jesus as the cornerstone 1 Peter 2:4-6
• Standing stones Genesis 28:18-21; 35:14,15; Exodus 24:2-4
• Living stones 1 Peter 2:5

We all have personal experiences of God moving in our lives; of hearing Him speak to us and knowing we need to trust Him more. Many of us know ABOUT God, but don’t really KNOW Him. Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us and will do so if we step out and ask Him. Many of us need to move beyond our fears with help from the Holy Spirit. If we trust God in all things, then nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus.

And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and is waiting to enjoy fellowship with each one of us.

• Seeds of truth.  e.g. positive encouragements; building up people and not condemning them.
• Seeds of love. We are saved to serve: loving others with no strings attached.
• Seeds of power. e.g. when we pray for people and situations.

Public theology is an attempt to influence public opinion and public policy with Bible principles. It draws on insights of the faith and  offers them as ‘gifts’ to the secular world. Examples of public theology in the Bible include:

•       Jonah – preaching to Nineveh (Jonah 3:3-10)

•       Daniel – interpreting the King’s dreams (Daniel 2:24-26)

•       Jesus – healing the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:8-13)

•       Jesus – introducing the Kingdom to Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14)

•       Paul – debating with the Greek philosophers (Acts 17:22)

Effective public theology:

•       raises significant issues,

•       demonstrates a clear vision of what it is to achieve,

•       contains authoritative material,

•       uses appropriate language,

•       includes development of good relationships

•       suggests viable proposals leading to effective outcomes

Octavius Hadfield wrote three letters in response to injustices towards Maori in the Taranaki land wars. The Crown had been advised that a block of land in Waitara was not for sale but negotiated to purchase it from someone who was not a paramount chief.  The Crown occupied the land and, when local Maori objected, declared war on them.

Hadfield’s letters (which could be considered public theology) sought the removal of Governor Browne and justice for the Maori who owned the land.  Hadfield was effective because Governor Browne was replaced by Governor Grey, and the land returned.  (Later the land was re-taken by the Crown.  Prime Minister John Key recently apologized for this and sent the issue to tribunal for resolution).

Hadfield’s letters partially met the requirements for effective public theology because

•       The issue of justice was significant.

•       He had a clear objective to replace the governor and hold an enquiry

•       The material he used was valid and authoritative

•       He used appropriate secular language

•       He didn’t build good relationships with the Governor

•       He didn’t suggest viable solutions like mediation and advocacy, and he didn’t adequately prepare for resolution of the dispute.

Christians have only been partially successful in seeking to influence public opinion and policies. e.g. Patricia Bartlett – pornography;  HART – apartheid; Anglican Church – social aid;  Mike Doolan – Family Group conferences;  Kim Workman – Faith Based prison unit;  Destiny Church – civil unions.  

We would do better if we ensure our contributions meet all of the recognized criteria for public theology.  

The truth sets us free.  John 8:32. Truth is found in God’s person and is expressed through God's word (logos).  John 14:6, 17:7.   

We can find the truth that is found in God’s person in many different ways. 

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.  Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who  find me find life and receive favour from the LORD.  But those who fail to find me harm themselves;  all who hate me love death. Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.  Proverbs 8:33-9:1.

• The Bible Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Psalm 119:105

• Jesus I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done for you.  John 13:15.

• The Holy Spirit … the Spirit of truth.  John 14:17.  He will teach you all things.  John 14:19.

• The Church  …. the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.  1 Timothy 3:15.

• History Everything that was written in the past  was written to teach us… Romans 15:4.

• Science Let the wise listen and add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5.

• Scholarship Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9

All must be listened to, analysed, evaluated, interpreted and reflected on, as we build our concept of truth, in any given situation.

Areas where Christians can be in bondage, and how the truth can set us free.

• Believing partial truths or untruths because we interpret and use the Bible in an invalid way.  e.g. proof texts.

Don’t be dogmatic in what you believe. Have assurance and confidence in the Lord, but always stay open to learning more of His truth. Study the Bible in depth and learn how to interpret it in a valid way.  Recognise that your understanding is limited and always seek for more. Seek a greater revelation of God by the Holy Spirit.

• Not knowing, believing or living in our position “in Christ Jesus”.  As a result we choose to be dominated by our old sinful nature, rather than living in the freedom and victory we have in Christ.

Study Romans Chapters 6-8, and live in the truth taught there. Know your position in Christ; accept it by faith, and then yield every aspect of your life to the Lord. Resist the old nature and choose to be led by the Holy Spirit.  Glorify Jesus in all you do and fulfil His purposes for your life.

• Keeping our spiritual life separate from the rest of our life, and thus creating a ‘religious’ life with its own culture and standards.

Recognise that God made you spirit, soul and body, and that He wants you to be whole in all areas of your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and make you more like Jesus in every aspect of your life. Be aware of the power of religion and how it will seek to take away your freedom. Let Jesus be Lord so you always do what He wants you do and be what He wants you to be.

• Being critical of others’ faults and disregarding our own.

Stop judging other people. Love them instead.  Repent of your sin, forgive others, and lay down your life in service for others. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and cleanse you from all sin, any bitterness and all remnants of the old nature.  Then be obedient to Him. Be gracious towards others who are on the same journey as you are.  Live in love.  Be a servant of all. Honour Jesus in all you do.

Freedom comes as we know the truth, and then as we walk in the truth.

It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 2 John 1:4  It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:3,4.

• If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
• Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (in other words the law of love).
• Those who receive instruction in the word must share all good things with their instructor.
• Don't become weary in doing good.
• Do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

• Watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
• Each of you should test your own actions.
• People reap what they sow. Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Sam gave us an update on the wonderful, life giving work the new generation team are doing in schools all over New Zealand. He also spoke about community.

Acts 4:32-35.  All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

31  July  Bernie Townsend Missionary Hadfield's Outreach & influence in Kapiti

There are many drawings of what the Temple of Solomon looked like, and we will never know the truth, but there were descriptions. There was the holy of holies, which is our spirit. It is where the spirit of God dwells within us. In front of that was the Holy Place, this compares with our heart, as we are born again we are given a new heart. The outer courtyard can be compared to our body, which is unredeemed. In the Temple of Solomon there were many storage areas, where treasures were kept. These storage rooms surrounding the holy place and the holy of holies can be compared to our subconscious, and it is here that we keep all the hurt, the lies, the wounds that we receive. When we mull over a wrong done to us, we store it in our subconscious. Satan whispers to our subconscious, but he cannot touch our heart or our spirit.

How do we get rid of the rubbish we keep?

1. Ask God to reveal the root causes.of our wounds, hurts and unforgiveness.

2. Confess all these things that He reveals to us and give them over to God.

3. Allow God to cleanse and heal us from these stored hurts.

What do we do with the empty places?

1. Ask God to fill those places with His Life, His Love, His Holy Spirit

2. Fill the chambers with treasure, from God's word.

How do we keep the subconscious clear?

1. Start praising God in every situation - He is in control

2. Catch the hurts, and wounds by taking every thought captive.

3. Make faith choices - moment by moment.

10 July  Dawn Townsend  God's Healing - A testimony of her experience of God's Healing

Healing comes in many forms - Inner Healing. Peace with our infirmities. Joy in the knowledge of God's control. The need for inner healing can be prompted by Words of knowledge from the Holy Spirit. God's power has been given to us, to lay hands upon the sick and heal them all. Dawn's experiences show us that God can work at all times in every situation. Our mind deals in what we can understand and feel. God works in ways that are beyond our understanding.

The Israelites were regretting being in captivity, knowing that Jerusalem had fallen. They cried out to the Lord "How can we sign the songs of worship in a foreign / strange land".  Our circumstances can lead us into a strange land, look at the israelites. Christchurch's community have been moved into a strange land. Japan's flood has moved them into a strange land. World events lead us into foreign places, and personally our health may take us from where we are, our financial situation, or perhaps grief or anxiety and depression, all of these circumstances place us in strange places and we cry to God once again. How can we sing the songs of worship in these strange lands.

What does the bible say about this, and what does the spirit of God say to us:

1. Being in a strange land, is not an uncommon experience for God's children.

The Israelites were 40 years in the wilderness. They were in captivity for even longer. Jesus was not born in comfort, but a stable - no easy beginning, soon they fled to Egypt for their lives were in danger, another strange land. Paul, on his journeys was beaten, placed in jail, even shipwrecked. The scriptures of the tribulations God's children suffered.

2. Difficulties, hardships and tribulations are not necessarily a sign of our unfaithfulness or God's displeasure or Judgement.

Our circumstances, as well as our location = Strange Lands. How can we sing the Lord's Song? There is one thing and one thing only that can help us: the reality of God's presence with us!  Joseph and Mary had God's presence with them when the fled to Egypt. Paul had God's presence with him through his entire journey. The Israelites had the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day. God was with them all. John 16:1-3. 1 Corinthians 10 describes how even though God was obviously with them, they grew restless and demanded more. Matthew 28:20 gives us the truth: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   God is with us always.

How do we cultivate an awareness of God's Presence?

1. Frequent personal engagement with the scripture - reading, meditation, reflection.

2. Personal Prayer - speaking with and listening to God. Praying and trusting God for our needs.

3. Living faithfully in the style that God has called us to.  Loving one another, serving each other, friends strangers even enemies.

When you don't know what to do you can say with the Psalmist:

1.  I trust in You.  He is a powerful and unchanging God.  Psalm 56:3,4.

2.  You are my God.  He is a personal God.  he loves you and gave Himself for you.  Psalm 48:14.

3.  My times are in Your hands.  He is a protecting God.  He is sufficient all of life's difficulties.  2 Corinthians 12:9,10.  John 10:27-30.

Regardless of our circumstances we can trust our loving, unchanging, powerful personal and protecting God.

19 June  Anne Trevethick  The healing of the man at the pool of Bethsaida  John 5:1-15

Even though the Israelites had forsaken God He still provided a way by which they could be healed.  When an angel stirred the waters the first one into the pool was healed. John 5:4

The man had been there for 38 years yet he hadn't given up and was earnestly seeking healing.  Jesus went to the pool and sought out the man (unlike other miracles where people sought out the Lord). Jesus saw the man's need and said "Do you want to be healed"?  In response the man laid all of his problems at Jesus' feet, and Jesus saw that he had the will to be healed, even though he didn't have the faith. Jesus was most interested in the man's heart, and His compassion brimmed over. "Pick up your mat and walk". Later the man was told to repent of his sin, showing that Jesus wants us to be whole in all aspects of our lives: mind, body, heart.  

12 June  Bernie Townsend  Missionary Hadfield's cultural immersion practices

Kapiti's pioneer missionary Octavius Hadfield immersed himself completely into local Maori culture. Previously he was familiar with a range of cultures and on arrival in the area committed himself to cultural immersion, leading to a great affinity with the Maori people.  His focus was on bringing them to Christ, not on changing them to English culture.  He lived in their village, learned their language, taught farming, built schools and churches, and trained local Maori lay ministers, under the authority of the chiefs.  He was consistently positive towards Maori and recognised that, as a Pakeha, he would never fully understand Maori ways of thinking, but emphasised mutual respect and understanding.  He was non-judgmental, non-racist, and  purposeful about peace. He became recognised as part of the whanau, and was committed for the long haul, leading to 25 years of peace on the Kapiti Coast.

Immersion means 'dipping into in such a way as the outcome is different from beforehand'. The Maori view requires it to be based on respect, and recognises that it results in hope, understanding, and enhanced relationships.

In the Bible immersion  is especially demonstrated in Jesus when He came and dwelt among us (John 1:14, Ezekiel 47:1-6, Matthew 5:38-42).  Now we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28) and share life's journey together.

Cultural immersion will help us be more effective in our marriages, relationships and interactions in a multi-cultural society.  We need to get involved, commit for the long term, be non-judgmental, be accepting of cultural differences, communicate well, be open to change and be respectful towards others.

The Holy Spirit will teach us how to do this because He is immersed in our lives!  John 14:26, 15:26, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 2:16, Philippians 2:5.

15, 22, 29 May and 5 June  Ross Callaghan  Finding freedom in Christ: Galatians 3:1-5:12

In this section Paul gives another key for how Christians can be set free from bondage and find freedom in Christ:  by acting and re-acting in the same way that Jesus did: the way of agape love.

Paul shows that we are not under bondage to the old Jewish law.  Trying to keep the law just brings us in bondage because we can never keep all of its requirements. Jesus has set us free from these requirements by taking the curse of sin for us.The law was only put in place so that people could have a way of being righteous until righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ came. Abraham was the Father of all who have faith and the promise of God's blessing is now available by faith for all who believe in Jesus: Jews, Gentiles, Arabs, males, female....  If we are Christians we are all children of God and one in Christ Jesus.

Next Paul contrasts those who are in bondage (due to being under the law), and those who are free in Christ Jesus by faith. He wonders how the Galatians could be so foolish to want to go from freedom back into bondage.

Paul then shows that love fulfills all of the requirements of the law.  If we genuinely act and re-act in the same way that Jesus did - the way of love - we will  exceed the requirements of the law (rendering it redundant) and will maintain the freedom we have in Christ.  Our old nature tries to take us back into bondage to the things of the flesh, but the Holy Spirit helps us to love, and thus stay free.

1 May  Lynne Curwen  Fulfilling God's destiny for your life

At creation God had a plan; a vision, which included His destiny for your life. (A destiny is a predetermined course of events for what is to happen). 

God's destiny for our lives is that we live for and through Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 8:6.  Philippians 3:10,11.  Our ultimate reason for living is to be "in Christ".  Out of this comes our purpose for living:  to know Christ and be like Him.

Ephesians 2:10  We all have the call of God on our lives, and are part of God's plan.  He decides what this is, and we are to walk in obedience to it.  God's purpose is different for each one of us, and it is not a static thing: it is dynamic and fluid.

We can find God's will by laying down our lives Romans 12:1, Matthew 10:39;  being willing to do what God wants; identifying our present position; identifying barriers that hinder us; naming our fears; looking for God's promises; asking God to help us, and plugging in to the power: the Holy Spirit.

This is a life-long process, and ultimately God's will will be fulfilled in our lives.  If you run away from it, the burden won't go away! 

So recognise the opportunity that God gives you and seize the moment! 

1 May  Open service

24th April   Special Easter Sunday celebration service.

17th April   Special last supper communion service. 

10th April  Jeni Tucker Voice of one crying prepare ye the way of the Lord

We are living in extraordinary days. Christchurch earthquakes, Pike River disaster, Japan's Tsunami. The nations are grieving. New Zealand is grieving.

How far away are you Lord?Many of us are stopped from doing what God asks us to do by the fear of man. The fear of embarrassment, the fear of humiliation. The fear of ridicule. We must get ourselves to a point where we don't worry about what people think. We need to start walking in the truth of who we are. We must learn to live a life of repentance We must capture every thought

3rd April  Bernie Townsend  Missionary Octavius Hadfield as advocate

An advocate is someone who speaks for others (often in a legal context).  The advocate supports, defends, pleads for and makes recommendations on behalf of those who can't speak for themselves.

Examples of advocates

• In the Old Testament:  Moses, Abraham, Esther, .... See Job 16:19
• In the New Testament: Jesus is our advocate with the Father. 1 John 2:1, as is the Holy Spirit.  John 14:16, 26; John 16:7; 1 John 2:1.

Hadfield was an effective advocate for Maori.  He used his status as Bishop and Primate of New Zealand to directly influence the Government of the day.  He was widely recognised as the best Pakeha advocate for Maori.  e.g. In the Waitara land dispute Hadfield presented the Maori view to Government forestalling war and bringing Governor Grey and and Maori chiefs together.  Hadfield confronted issues, facilitated  negotiation, and helped both parties understand the others' point of view.  He then gave ownership for what would happen to the affected parties.

20 and 27 March Ross Callaghan  What is truth?

Jesus said to Pilate  “For this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”  John 18:37,38 Pilate replied What is truth?  The answer to this question is very important because Jesus also said: You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32.  If we are to have freedom in Christ we must believe the truth.

The Greek word for truth is alḗtheia (from alēthḗs, "true to fact") – properly, truth (true to fact), reality. [In ancient Greek culture, alḗtheia was synonymous for "reality" as the opposite of illusion, i.e. fact.]  Strongs.

These days truth is defined in different ways.  It corresponds with reality; constructed from human conventions and experiences; verified when put into practice; logically fits in to a coherent whole.  Jesus is the logos of God and meets all of these criteria and more! John 1:1-5, 14. The Greek word Logos  is translated “word” and means utterance; cause; intent; work; reason; intelligence; wisdom  - Jesus is the logos, the reasoning, intelligent, guiding, correcting, controlling mind and wisdom of God.  In Jesus is found the whole logos of God!   That’s why He could say:  Your word (logos) is truth. John 17:7.  I am the truth.  John 14:6. 

If you want to know the truth, (and find freedom from bondage) look to Jesus:  He is the truth. If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed!  John 8:36. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32.

As we seek truth (found in Jesus) we have to deal with untruths (false); partial truths  (partly true and partly false); truths that are not the whole truth; truths in tension which together lead to a greater truth; absolute truth that never changes and relative truth that changes according to the situation.  We build our concepts of ‘truth’ from:

•        revelations from the Holy Spirit

•        interpretations of the Bible (from our own study and from teaching we receive)

•        our experiences of life (school, reading, reflection on experiences, trial and error, what others say……..)

We believe these concepts to be ‘truth’ but:

•        If they are ‘untruths’ we are actually deceived.

•        If they are ‘partial truths’ we will be confused, because what we believe to be truth doesn’t always fit with reality

•        If they are ‘partial truths’ or ‘truths in tension’ we can easily get dogmatic and believe that what we believe is the whole truth.

•       If they are ‘relative truths’ our beliefs will be changing all the time.

All of these can keep us in bondage.  “The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” is only found in Jesus Christ, the logos of God. He is the absolute truth!

One of the Holy Spirit’s roles is to take the truth in Jesus (the logos) and reveal it to us. John 14:16,17,26.  John 15:26.  The Holy Spirit does this by speaking into our hearts.   The spoken word of God is called a rhema.  When we receive a rhema we sense the Holy Spirit is saying something to us, deep in our spirit.  This is often associated with a lift in our spirit or tingling: an ‘anointing’.  Along with the anointing there is a sense in our mind of what God is saying to us (which comes as a revelation).  Romans 10:18.

He does this by speaking directly into our hearts or (more commonly) by taking the written words in the Bible and making them come alive in a personal revelation.  When we choose to get into the Bible the Holy Spirit has the opportunity to speak to us (via a rhema) from God’s word.  This can be mind and life changing (if we believe and obey what God says!).  Rhemas from the Bible then become the main way that God speaks His truth to us.  The unfolding of your words gives light.  Psalm 119:130.

So to come into greater freedom in Christ:

•       Recognise that the truth is found in Jesus.  Make it your life’s priority to get to know Him better.  I want to know Christ …. Philippians 3:10

•       Be open to learning more, especially in areas where you think you have ‘the truth’.  Not that I have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12.

•       Never be dogmatic and say or think that you have ‘the whole truth’ on something .  We know in part ….  We see but a poor reflection…   1 Corinthians 13:9,12.

•       Study the Bible intensively, and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal more of God’s truth to you (especially in areas where you think you are OK or where you are sure you are ‘right’).  Be open and obedient as the Holy Spirit reveals His truth to you. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105.

•       Learn how to interpret the Bible accurately. 

Exegesis is the process of trying to find the original meaning of the Bible: What did it mean when it was originally written?  What was the message the original author was intending to convey?  What was the message the readers/recipients would take from it?  What was the Word of God to the original readers/recipients in their situation?

Hermeneutics is the process of interpreting the Bible so that they have meaning for us today. What does it mean to us today?  What is relevant for us in our situation?  What is the Word of God for us today?

If we are to interpret the Bible accurately any hermeneutics must be based on thorough exegesis, under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32.

13 March Ross Callaghan  What is truth?  And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32.

Paul’s vindicates his apostleship. Galatians 1:11–2:10

Paul gives an extensive defense of his apostleship and of the gospel he had preached to them.  Paul’s gospel was not something that man made up.  He did not receive it from any man, nor was he taught it; rather he received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

His was the true gospel.

•       He received his gospel by revelation of Jesus Christ.

•        He was a zealous Jew, advanced in Judaism, a persecutor of the Church

•        God called him by His grace so that he might preach Him among the Gentiles

•        After 3 years he was re-acquainted with Peter in Jerusalem….  They praised God because of me.

•        After 14 years he again went to Jerusalem to check his gospel with the other Church leaders for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.

•        He did this because false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 

•        Paul’s gospel was validated by the Church leaders, as was his ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul challenges Peter’s hypocrisy.   Galatians 2:11-14

Paul now describes how he challenged Peter for being hypocritical in not eating with Gentiles when a group of Jews arrived.  Paul uses this to further validate his position as an apostle.  Peter stopped eating with the Gentiles when certain men arrived because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. Paul confronted Peter in front of them all by saying “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew.  How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs”?

Justification by faith, not by law  Galatians 2:15-21

Paul now introduces his central issue: how can someone have a relationship with God?  God is holy and cannot have fellowship with sinful people,  so how can people be justified  i.e. become righteous and able to relate to God?  Is it by trying to keep the law; or is it by being declared righteous in God’s sight because they have put their faith in Jesus?

Jesus took the punishment that our sins deserved and died on the Cross in our place.  (The wages of sin is death.  Romans 6:23). On that basis our sins are forgiven when we put our faith in Christ, and we are declared righteous in Christ. 

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21.  This means that we can have full fellowship with God – because we are righteous (in Christ).

Paul recognised that the law could not bring about righteousness because it is evident we ourselves are sinners. Faith in Christ meant he died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20. This demonstrates the grace of God.  Christ died so we could have a relationship with God.  If relationship with God could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing. 

Paul was adamant that he had the true gospel.

These days Christians have lots of different interpretations of the Bible and a wide range of different beliefs about the gospel.  How can we know whether what we believe is the true gospel?  

Paul established the truth of his gospel by showing:

• It was God’s Word because it came by revelation from God
• It was tested and validated by Church leaders
• It was not influenced by his own self interest 
• It stood up to challenges from those who were self-seeking
• It brought honour to Jesus
• It resulted in freedom for those who embraced it.

Does everything we believe meet these standards?

6 March Ross Callaghan  Freedom in Christ Jesus Galatians 1:1-10

The good news is: It is for freedom that Christ Jesus has set us free. Galatians 5:1.

Introduction 1:1-5

Paul immediately establishes his authority to speak into their lives.  He was sent by God so they had better listen to him!

Another gospel 1:6-10

Paul is astonished that they were deserting the Lord and turning to a different gospel.  The gospel he preached to them was the only true gospel.

It is possible to believe something which is a gospel (and so will contain good news and many truths) but is not the gospel (which contains the truth that will set you free).  Romans 1:16,17. Jesus alone is the way to salvation! (and to freedom). Nothing else is required!  Not circumcision.  Not adherence to the Jewish law (as the Judaizers were teaching). Not good works, not religious observances.  Only Jesus.

Paul attacked the “gospel” of the Judaizers because the new believers were deserting the One who called them by the grace of Christ.  They were losing the freedom they had found in Christ and were going back into a legalistic, religious system.

The way we conduct our Christianity today is very different to that of the early Christians.  Our focus is often on  Church services, buildings, meetings and organisations.  Is it possible that we too have another gospel? (Especially as so much upset, discord and bondage for today’s Christians comes from disagreements about the way we ‘do’ Church).

The concept of ‘Church‘ as an organisation is quite different from the original meaning of the word ekklesia: Ekklēsía – from ek, "out from and to" and kaléō, "to call") – properly, people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the Church (the mystical body of Christ) – i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom. (Strongs).

Read through your New Testament and you simply won’t find the kind of church-based religion we have today. In the New Testament Christianity was about:

•        Sharing the gospel.

•        Living in the Kingdom of God – i.e. living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  This includes relationship aspects like

-           repentance from sin

-           living in righteousness

-           prayer without ceasing

-           hearing and obeying the Word of the Lord

-           being led by the Holy Spirit

-           loving and worshipping God in all aspects of life

-           loving others, demonstrated by sacrificial giving and serving

•        Being prepared for the return of the Lord Jesus.

Living out these foundational truths are what will take you out of bondage and set you free.

To come into freedom in Christ:

Freedom is found in Jesus Christ, not in any religious system (no matter how good it is)!  Recognise that everything that happens in Church systems is cuItural.  Christians somewhere in the world totally disagree with how you think things should be done. And you might be horrified if you saw how they do things!   Lay down your religious bondages and turn to Jesus. Come to Him in a lifestyle of prayer, worship and obedience to the Word of God, under the leading of the Holy Spirit. If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed!  John 8:36.

27 February  Andrew Pritchard  God beyond all names

People call out to God in crises, and some get angry with Him.  Knowing God is what we need; not just seeking of 'answers'.

God is beyond all names. He is:

• Yahweh - I am who I am.  Exodus 3:1-14.  He is so great that no name can be used to describe Him. Our response on meeting Him is often fear , awe, or to run away (which could be why Moses was told to take off his shoes).
• Emmanuel - God with us. Matthew 1:23, Luke 24:13-33.  The great and wonderful God is also the God who is with us.  Sometimes we don't recognise that He is with us Hebrews 4:14-16. He has experienced what we experience, including suffering; and is not external:  nHe is there with us.

20 February   Richard Nicoll   Prison Ministry

The Faith Based Unit at Rimutaka Prison was opened in 2003 to provide an opportunity for prisoners to explore the Christian faith and to surround themselves with Christian support on release. The Dept of Corrections has an unique partnership with Prison Fellowship NZ. The Dept provides custodial staff while Prison Fellowship takes responsibility for running an 18-month Christian development program. This is done with the support of local Christians from a wide range of denominations.

Prison Fellowship NZ is a national volunteer movement whose mission is to serve the body of Christ in prisons and in the community by promoting programs, services and policies which:   

• transform the lives of prisoners,ex-prisoners and victims                                                                        
• restore prisoners & ex-prisoners to their families and community
• reconcile offenders and their victims

We serve prisoners out of obedience to Matthew 25:3, 5-46 and Hebrews 13:1-3.                           
                 

13 February  Ross Callaghan  Freedom in Christ: an introduction to Galatians

It is for freedom that Christ Jesus has set us free.  Galatians 5:1.  Galatians was written to address one of the most difficult issues of the early Church: are Christians under the Old Testament Jewish Law?  Paul resoundingly declares that we are not under Law, rather we are free in Christ Jesus. 

The Judaizers were Jewish Christians who taught that the practices of the the Jewish law were binding on Christians. They argued Paul was not a genuine apostle and that he had tried to make the gospel more appealing to Gentiles by removing the requirements of the Law.  Paul was scathing in his rejection of this and declares that his gospel was the true gospel.  Any return to legalism is a perversion of the true gospel;  would take away freedom in Christ, and lead to bondage.  Freedom is not found in religious systems, it is only found in Jesus Christ!  John 8:32, 36. 

Galatians became the "Charter of Christian freedom", used by Luther to bring about the Reformation.

Freedom eleutheros, means being free, liberated, not in slavery or bondage, delivered from restraint, unshackled: free to realize your destiny in Christ.

In this series on Galatians we will explore how freedom in Christ comes by:

• believing the truth
• acting and reacting in a Christ-like way
• being obedient to the Holy Spirit.

6 February Bruce Billington  Being sensitive to God's seasons  Psalm 1

Aligning yourself to God's seasons is more helpful than making New Year's resolutions.

v1.  Who we keep company with is important. Those in the world can dull us and we soon become like them. It's better to withdraw if you can't bring light into a situation or find yourself being compromised.

v2.  Our delight can be in God's word.  It is our guide and companion.

v3.  God has many streams for us, even when we are in dark places. If you embrace these streams in the right season you will bring forth fruit. Know the season you are in and cooperate with God for that season.  e.g. seasons of age, employment, busyness, life situation, health, spiritual awareness.

The streams don't last forever and sometimes the fruit of a stream is hidden, but it will come in its season. Perseverance, hope, character etc. can be fruits built into us through tribulations of a season. Romans 5:3-5, 8:28.  If you are in a difficult season don't pull down negatives of that season on yourself.  Jesus went through the wilderness so you don't have to.

Focus on the current season that God has led you into. Find God's reality and destiny for your life in that season, and co-operate with Him.  Psalm 17:5, Hosea 6:3.

30 January  Kathy Callaghan  The Potter's hand

Jeremiah was called to speak God's Word to the people but they wouldn't listen.  He said to God "It's too hard.  I'm not doing it any more".  But the Word burned in his heart.  The Lord showed him that He had a right to do what He wanted with His people.  Jeremiah 18:1-6.

The Lord is the Potter and decides what shape, colour, size, ....  a pot will be.  Each one is useful, beautiful, precious and valuable, regardless of its shape.  Even broken pieces are beautiful!  God loves you as you are.  You are important to Him.  Let Him mould you as He wishes so you do His will.

During this service the elders also shared our Goals for 2011.  

23 January  Sue Gould  Repentance

In repentance and rest is your salvation.  Isaiah 30:15. Repentance is more than just remorse or regret.  It is a change of attitude resulting in a life directed by Jesus.  Acts 26:20, Luke 15:10, Acts 17:30, Psalm 51:1-12.

Repentance is not just stopping sinning, getting saved Acts 2:38, being afraid Acts 24:25, being sorry for sin Acts 2:38, 2 Corinthians 7:10, living a reformed life, showing despair or concealing of sin.

Repentance is a radical act, a change of mind not emotion, being humble before God, quitting sin for ever, changing affections from earthly to heavenly, recognising sin, having a right attitude to God, self and others, and making restitution Luke 19:8-10.  It is proved by our following actions.

We need to repent because God commands us to Acts 17:30, and because it influences our thinking for the better. 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2.  God wants our ongoing repentance and is longsuffering as we get there.

We know we need to repent when the Holy Spirit convicts us and we realise our sin (which is different from experiencing sorrow or remorse).

When we repent there is a change of habits, attitudes, thoughts and behaviours regarding sin as we surrender to God and cease sinning. Hebrews 12:28. We view sin in a different way and love light and truth.  John 3:19.  Repentance  is based on respect for the Word of God and leads to major blessings.

Repentance is a duty, but it can't happen without faith.  It leads to restoration of relationship with the Father.  We repent or we perish!  Luke 13:3.

16 January   Paul Curwen    Spiritual hunger

Matthew 5:6.  Jesus says that if you hunger and thirst for righteousness you will be filled. Desire for material things doesn't satisfy. Jesus is the the bread of life.  Only in seeking Him will you never hunger or thirst.  John 6:35.

David has this kind of hunger.  Psalm 42:1-3; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 84:2;  Psalm 143:6.  My soul pants ... yearns ... thirsts .... earnestly ... .

Physical hunger is a natural reaction to not eating.  Spiritual hunger is not like that.  It's a choice.  It can be satisfied through:

• prayer
• reading the Bible
• praise and worship
• keeping a journal; writing a Psalm ...
• serving others. Matthew 25:45.

The road ahead may be straight/crooked; high/low; level/rough; in the desert/by still waters....  Wherever the road ahead leads Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Matthew 6:33.  Don't let fear distract you.  Let your hunger for Christ lead you to obey Him, and let it keep on growing.

9 January  Bernie Townsend  Being a peacemaker

Missionary Octavius Hadfield brought spiritual blessings to the Kapiti region that we can build on today.  One of these was peacemaking.

The Maori that Hadfield worked with were warriors, but through his peacemaking efforts no-one was killed through war or violence over a period of nearly 40 years.

Jesus is the Prince of peace so peacemaking is basic to Christianity.  Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.  Matthew 5:9. Peacemakers have a strong desire for peace and seek to promote it regardless of the cost to themselves. Ephesians 6:15; John 20:21; John 10:5; Luke 6:42.

Hadfield was often thrust into a peacemaking role.  eg. when tribes warred against each other; when Te Heu Heu came to attack the local tribes; during the Kingite movement.  His peacemaking was based on:

• confronting those who were seeking war
• taking personal risks for the sake of peace
• prayer
• encouraging both sides to work through the peace process and take responsibility for its implementation and maintenance.

Today much of the peacemaking role is left to the armed forces, police or government agencies.  Yet there is much violence, enmity, family breakdown, racial hatred and discord.  Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount calls all Christians to be peacemakers; to pro-actively seek peace between individuals, families, races, factions, churches and nations.  We can't do this without the Holy Spirit. Jesus went to the Cross and suffered for all of our offenses.  On the Cross He sought forgiveness not retribution and He now calls for us to be peacemakers.  "Make me an instrument of Your peace".

2 January 2011  Ross Callaghan Facing your future

Jesus knows the future.  He is the "beginning and the end". Revelation 21:5-7.  As you face the new year you can know:

• God is faithful
• God loves you and wants the best for you
• Your future and your hope lie in Him
• God will be with you.

This applies at different levels: in the day to day; in terms of your life on earth; for eternity.  See Lamentations 3:22-27.

God knows your future!  Jeremiah 29:11.  You can face your future with confidence as you walk through life with Jesus.  Jesus is the One who gives a future and a hope!  So keep walking forward with Jesus.  Philippians 3:10-14.

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