Gateway Christian Fellowship

7 October  Chris Marshall    Theme of Freedom

"When we put criminals behind bars the punishment is not their surroundings it is having their liberty taken away. If we reflect on freedom we discover a few things :-
1. Freedom is a basic need. God does not force himself upon us; He invites us.
2. The Christian concept of freedom is to follow God
3. The worldly concept of freedom is to be free of rules and restriction - like the Nike advert - just do it. No responsibilities = freedom, but this is freedom gone mad.
Freedom comes from our willing submission to the creator. For if the Son sets you free, you a free indeed. Human autonomy is an impossibility. Jesus said you will either love and serve God, or you will love and serve another God, such as mammon. There is no middle ground. When we a slaves of Christ - Paradoxically when we are a slave we find freedom; freedom to be all that we were created to be. True freedom is where your inner reality is independent of your external circumstances. Paul languished in prison yet wrote of how he rejoiced in the freedom of Christ. In the New Testament, we find a strong emphasis on believers being ready to surrender their freedom for the sake of loving and serving others. Choosing not to exercise your freedom is the supreme testimony to being free. When personal freedom is controlled by love, then we are truly free. Free to be the loving, serving, self sacrificing creatures God created us to be.

30 September  Richard Nicholl    Experiencing The Glory of God

"When my glory is in my house, people will run to see it". Habakkuk 2:14  -  For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.  God put His glory upon us, The word states we were made glorious. We lost that glory in the garden.
God want to restore His glory upon His creation. God sent Jesus, to reflect that glory - The word became flesh.
Jesus is the pathway to God's Glory, He is the Way, He is the Truth and He is the Life. There is no other way to the Father than through me.
We are a reflection of who God is, of what He has done to us, our salvation and eternal life is a glimpse of God's Glory.
We want more of the Glory of God. When God reveals his glory, lives are changed,
The wedding at Cana. God's glory was revealed and faith increased.  A rich man's son was dying, Jesus healed him, revealing God's glory, and the consequence - the whole household believed. The blind man from birth, was blind not from the sins of the father, but to enable Jesus to show God's glory.
If you believe you will see the glory of God. If you believe you will see the glory of God! We need more of God's Glory. We must desire more of God's glory. We must hunger for more of God's Glory. Christian and non-christian alike, we need a fresh revelation of the glory of God. A time is coming when God's glory will be revealed, in a new and wonderful way. Let's get ready. Let's prepare.

23 September  Paul Curwen    Peter & Jesus - Part 1 of 2

Simon Peter was an illustration of God's promise in Philippians 1:6 God, "who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". Simon Peter shows that God's good work is not without pain, risks and hard lessons. Peter walked on water and then sank in it.  He was the first to confess that Jesus was the Son of God, and then minutes later try to tell Jesus what to do. He promised to lay down his life for Jesus at the last supper and within hours denied Him three times. He risked his reputation to preach to the gentiles, and then refused to eat with them. He was called to be a fisher of men, but was more comfortable fishing for fish.
Peter was and is a living example of being a Christian.  Today we look at the revelation of Christ's divinity in Peter's life, and in part 2 we look at Peter's denial of Christ and what can we do when we fail God.

16 September  Bernie Townsend  Ministering in the workplace - Part 1 of 2

The missionary fields are not just in some far flung plain of Africa, or the highest mountains of Tibet. The missionary fields are right outside the church doors, They are the workplaces where we earn our living, from IT offices, to building sites, from college campus's to psychologists rooms. Where we do business every day, is the ministry fields for God's people. When you leave, wherever you gather to worship you enter the missionary field. Monday through to Saturday is your mission Field. Sunday we gather to worship, to pray for one another, to learn and speak of the little miracles God, keeps performing in our lives. What have you done for God at work? What is the role of God's people in the workplace? What are the workplace ministries?
We are there in Christ's name to serve one another, to perform signs and wonders, to break bondage through prayer, to exhibit authority, to transfer wealth, to hear the voice of God, to ultimately function as a walking Christ like colleague. Through our work ministries (no matter what job you do) we can reach all nations. Are you using the gifts God has given you?  As you walk from the door of the church, you enter into God's ministry.

9 September  Rene Scholtjes  Our sinful Nature  

The Lord Jesus Christ suffered two deaths when first He took upon himself the “likeness of men” ( Phil 2;7 ) and then when He suffered the cruel horror of the cross. We should reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord ( Rom 6;11) even though the nature of the first Adam regularly raises itself in its rebelliousness. Much like a tree branch that has been severed from its deciduous parent in winter blooms for a short period in spring, so is the nature of the first Adam in Godʼs eternal scheme. The law is but a pedagogue but fallen man, and even the church, would often prefer the law to grace much like the children of Israel often hankered for Egypt just a short while after crossing through the Red sea. Thereʼs an ocean of difference between an intellectual knowledge about God and an experience of Godʼs knowledge. In the mind and knowledge of God, our great creator, his great and eternal purposes, which are found all through his Word, are determined and won’t be thwarted.

Click here to download a copy of the notes for this message.

2 September  Andrew Pritchard  Growing our relationship with my Father   (Fathers day 2012)

The core of anybody's Christianity is the relationship with our Heavenly Father. The penultimate reason we pray and worship is to get to know God personally. The central purpose of a Christian life is knowing God. Responding to the needs of others, and situations in prayer comes from our relationship with God. You can see our committment to God as one of two things, either FENCES  or a WELL. When we step in God's paddock, we are surrounded by the fences, which hold us and contain us, in what we believe. In a dry arid country where there are no fences all the animals and people congregate at the well. Drinking and communing with each other and with God through the living water. We are called to both, alone time and well time.

Growing a relationship with God (Our Heavenly Father) means coming back to the well over and over and over again! One way of growing our relationship with our Father is our personal devotion time. This is a really important. When we spend time with God, or His word, we develop a relationship with Him, Often though we end up thinking about things. A lovely saying that shows this is "Sometime we end up engaging with someTHING rather than with someONE.

To enhance your personal devotion time, try this.  

1. Read 3 short messages from the Bible.
2. Look for a common theme or title.
3. Write down your thoughts, reflections and prayers that they may lead you to.

To know your Father you need to engage with Him, to visit the well over and over and over again.

5, 12, 19, 26 August  Ross Callaghan Interpreting the Bible

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word (logos) of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15.

Here are some principles for how we can "correctly handle the word of truth":

1. Acknowledge that we come to the Bible with preconceptions and biases. Open yourself to the Holy Spirit so that He can reveal the truth of God’s logos (word) to you.
2. Use a variety of translations based on the most authoritative manuscripts.
3. Find the meaning of words as they were understood in their original languages.
4. Read and interpret books in the Bible according to their type: history, poetry, prophecy, prayers, parables, apocalyptic visions, stories, letters, songs, thoughts…
5. Read the Bible in its historical and cultural context.
6. Read the Bible in its Jewish cultural context.
7. Read the Bible it is literary context, including content, style, words, language, grammar, limits and purpose.
8. Recognize that God's revelation within the Bible was progressive. The Old Testament looked forward to its fulfilment in Christ, and the New Testament is looking forward to its fulfillment in eternity in the “Kingdom of God”.  The Bible is best interpreted by the rest of the Bible.
9. Base doctrine on passages that were written for teaching, not on what happened in historical events.
10. Recognise that God’s logos is far greater than we can ever comprehend. Don’t place your human limitations on God!
11. Seek the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Because of the Bible’s divine authorship it  can have a "fuller meaning" than its human authors intended or could have foreseen.

 Click here to download a copy of the notes for this series.  It looks at the nature of the word of God, and how the Bible is inspired by God, then gives examples of each of the above principles.

29 July Sam Bayly  A new life

John 10:10. It's wonderful when people find new life in Christ, but not when they try to find it outside of Christ.

• New life/abundant life is a choice. John 1:12

• New life/abundant life is more than a feeling. God is still there regardless of whether we feel it.

22 July  Garry Gould  There is never nothing happening  James 1:22-25

There is widespread persecution of Christians in the world, and much violence and injustice.  Yet we have clear evidence of God's design, lots of knowledge of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. How does this affect us in a practical way as we interact with what is going on in the world? Also how well informed are we about what is going on? And how much uniformity is there among Christians e.g. about the poor; money; attitude to the world James 4:4; ethics; relationship with non-Christians; attitudes to Government, laws, voting, social issues; behaviour at home and at work.....?

Think and pray about what sort of Christian you are and how you put your Christianity into practice in the world. Psalm 139:23; 51:10; 1 John 2:15-17.

15 July  Richard Nicoll  A move of God or a "new world order"?

There  is an increasing sense of God's presence amongst us. Don't let it pass by as this new season comes to pass. Get ready to move when God moves:

• Listen to the Holy Spirit and yield to Him

• Be obedient when you receive words (rhema) from God

• Be bold and have faith to go where God directs.

God will oppose enemies like resistance and sickness. As we draw in to Him He will move sovereignly and bring great blessing. Exodus 23:20-26, 33:7-23.

Internationally there are moves through the UN and EU to try and bring about a "new world order" via religious inclusiveness or interfaithism. These are attempts to bring about world peace through forced compliance with anti-Christian philosophies. Revelation 16:12-16.

In the face of this we are to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19. It's now time for the greatest harvest for Christ ever in history, so be obedient to the Holy Spirit, otherwise God will pass us by.

8 July Reminiscing about the charismatic renewal - no sermon

1 July Bernie Townsend  Smith Wigglesworth revival, Wellington 1922

The greatest revivals in history were in the early 20th century. Smith Wigglesworth was an illiterate young evangelist who visited NZ in 1922 as part of this. He was invited to NZ by Fullerton from the China Inland Mission.

In preparation there was much prayer for revival and for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and other evangelists like Torrey, Alexander, Lyall and Guiness had visited. Wellington had a bad reputation (as the seat of government) but was an "aggressively evangelistic centre".

Key scriptures for Smith Wigglesworth were Ephesians 4:11,12, and Luke 5:16. Core beliefs were

• salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ

• divine healing through Jesus' stripes

• baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues and leading to sanctification

• the second coming of Christ.

There were 2000 decisions fro Christ, healings, miracles, unclean spirits cast out, and much joy in the city. Many were water baptised afterwards and about 800 baptised in the Holy Spirit.

24 June  Kathy Callaghan  It's not fair.

In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus gave the parable of the workers in the vineyard. In context it flows on from Jesus' talking to the rich man about his riches and whether or not he would inherit eternal life. The traditional interpretation of the parable is that it relates to salvation and eternal life.  It doesn't matter if you accept Christ early or late.  What is important is that you do so and are saved.

But the parable also brings up a number of lessons about fairness.

• Be grateful for whatever God gives you.
• Don't dwell on old issues and grievances.
• Remember that God enjoys being merciful and generous, even to those who don't deserve or expect it.
• Life isn't fair - get used to it.

We may think that something isn't fair but God doesn't pay wages: He gives gifts. He loves us unconditionally just as we are. He is sufficient.

 

17 June Kapa haka group.

27 May,  3 June, 10 June  Ross Callaghan Authentic Christians in an anti-Christian world: the influence of tradition

Our lives are built on traditions - beliefs, opinions, customs and stories handed down from generation to generation. Traditions give meaning and certainty to our lives, but can also stop us changing, keep us in a rut, make life boring and keep us inflexible. Jesus was scathing about interpretations of the law that had become traditions and brought bondage. Matthew 15:1-9. Some of Paul's teachings were called traditions. 1 Corinthians 11:2, 23, 2 Thessalonians 2:15.  The beliefs of the early church were recorded in Creeds and gradually church practices became authoritative traditions, even beyond the authority of the Bible. Colossians 2:8. After the Reformation lost truths were restored to the church in revivals, but soon became organised and traditions re-emerged.  The way we 'do church' is now a strongly held tradition which would be quite different if we were part of some other church, especially if it was in a different country or culture.  These days much of what we do in Christian churches is traditional.

At present there is much unease among Christians about the way we 'do church' because we recognise that we are making minimal impact on society for the Kingdom of God.  Our traditions need to be deconstructed and then re-constructed in an authentic, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led way.  This requires great respect for each other, much love and patience for and with each other.  We need to be open to the Holy Spirit and obedient to what He reveals. Let's be honest before the Word of God; and recognise that change may be uncomfortable and threatening, and that it doesn't take place at the same pace for everyone.  Our guiding scripture is 1 Peter 2:1-10.  We are to crave maturity in Christ; come to Jesus as our source; build everything on Him; be the people of God who give Him pleasure; and focus on sharing this with others so we bring light into our dark world.

Questions we can use to evaluate the authenticity of what we do and believe include:

Based on the prevailing humanistic culture  (I am lord)

Do I like it?  What’s in it for me?

Based on Christian tradition (Believe and do what we believe and do)

Is it good/bad?  Is it right/wrong?  Is it sinful/righteous?

Has it always been done this way?  Do all Churches do it this way?  What do Church leaders expect or require about it?  What is the latest trend in it?

Is it Biblical/Scriptural?

 - Was it the way it was done under the Old Covenant?

 - Was it the way that Jesus did it?

 - Was it the way that the early Church did it?

 - Was it taught/commanded by God under the Old Covenant?

 - Was it taught/commanded by Jesus?

 - What is the cultural context of Bible verses relating to it?

 - How does it fit with relevant New Covenant theology?

 - What is the Holy Spirit saying about it?

e.g. Evaluating our worship. What are our traditions regarding 'worship'?  Compare these to the Bible meaning of worship?

proskuneó: to do reverence to, go down on knees before, do obeisance to, bow down before, fall down and kiss, worship.

See Matthew 4:9,10; Matthew 15:25; John 4:24; John 9:38; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 14:25; Revelation 22:8

Authentic worship involves laying down your life before God and submitting to His will. It is about honouring Him in all that you do and are. (A bit different to singing songs in a certain way!).

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2.

Click here to download a complete set of notes for this series on being authentic.

20 May Bernie Townsend The 1906 Azusa St Revival.

There were many significant revivals around the turn of the 20th century. Revelation 2:4,5; Genesis 26:18. This was a re-opening of the wells of the Holy Spirit and at Azusa St led to the establishment of the Pentecostal movement that still continues today.

Before the revival there was widespread moral decay in America, together with a strong holiness movement and a hunger for renewal and the "latter rain". There was much prayer, expectation, fasting, and intercession. William Joseph Seymour was willing to be used by God and was seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.

There was an initial outbreak where all spoke in tongues and others recognised the languages spoken. The revival soon spread out locally and through training, scripture study and prayer rooms affected America and then through conventions and outreaches, most nations in the world. There was an experience of the Holy Spirit that resulted in many "going out". Core beliefs were salvation by faith, sanctification, tongues as evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, faith healing and the imminent return of Christ.

The revival declined due to racism, witchcraft, lack of accountability, abuse of authority and non-compromising fundamentalism.

The revival was similar to Pentecost but with different manifestations, effects, and a strong emphasis on tongues. It led to many salvations, baptisms, persecutions, deliverances, signs and wonders, and sending out of missionaries. It was not just for Los Angeles. It was for the world, and for future generations like us.

13 May Ray Harrison (Retired Director of International Needs)

It is important that we spread the gospel in countries where Christians are persecuted for proselytising – in communist or muslim countries or in places where there is no religion at all. e.g. Czechoslovakia, Nepal and Turkey. In many of these places educators want to teach ethics, but have no understanding or basis  for Christian ethics. The IN teams are often overwhelmed and need our prayers and encouragement.

Our challenge: how are we fulfilling the Great Commission – as Jesus spoke about in Matthew 28? We have the authority (confidence) to go out into all the world (challenge) as Jesus is with us always (confidence) – so what is stopping us?

29 April  Glen Hill (Tear Fund)  Heroes

This generation is looking for heroes: people with integrity, faithfulness, truth, justice and commitment.

Luke 18:1-8 describes one of Jesus' heroes: the persistent widow.

Jesus loves a hero in disguise. God backs the underdog so we are absolutely perfect for His purposes! This means, though, that we can't pass the buck on to anyone else.  We are ideal for Him to work through.

Jesus loves an everyday hero. God won't hold back on blessing others through us. He wants us to be His hands and feet. (Examples are Sue Germein, and Bono). Opportunities abound for us every day.

Jesus loves a hero who will fight for justice. God's heart for justice extends beyond any border of religion, nation, power, money, gender... His world is shattered and broken with poverty and corruption. He invites us to be part of the solution. Matthew 6:10.  Extreme poverty is unjust. All people should be treated with respect, honour, love and dignity. What God has done for us He asks us to do for others.

To be God's hero will take everything we have and are. Jesus asked whether He would even find every day faithfulness when He returned.  Let's be His hero by serving others especially the poor, and bringing about true justice.

22 April and 4 May   Ross Callaghan Authentic Christians in an anti-Christian world: the influence of tradition

Our lives are built on traditions - beliefs, opinions, customs and stories handed down from generation to generation. Traditions give meaning and certainty to our lives, but can also stop us changing, keep us in a rut, make life boring and keep us inflexible. Jesus was scathing about interpretations of the law that had become traditions and brought bondage. Matthew 15:1-9. Some of Paul's teachings were called traditions. 1 Corinthians 11:2, 23, 2 Thessalonians 2:15.  The beliefs of the early church were recorded in Creeds and gradually church practices became authoritative traditions, even beyond the authority of the Bible. Colossians 2:8. After the Reformation lost truths were restored to the church in revivals, but soon became organised and traditions re-emerged.  The way we 'do church' is now a strongly held tradition which would be quite different if we were part of some other church, especially if it was in a different country or culture.  These days much of what we do in Christian churches is traditional.

At present there is much unease among Christians about the way we 'do church' because we recognise that we are making minimal impact on society for the Kingdom of God.  Our traditions need to be de-constructed and then re-constructed in an authentic, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led way.  This requires great respect for each other, much love and patience for and with each other.  We need to be open to the Holy Spirit and obedient to what He reveals. Let's be honest before the Word of God; and recognise that change may be uncomfortable and threatening, and that it doesn't take place at the same pace for everyone.  Our guiding scripture is 1 Peter 2:1-10.  We are to crave maturity in Christ; come to Jesus as our source; build everything on Him; be the people of God who give Him pleasure; and focus on sharing this with others so we bring light into our dark world.

15 April  Bruce Billington  Running your race well. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

God is more interested in our 'being' than our 'doing'. What we do only contributes a tiny amount to the Lord's work, so it can never be complete. Jesus is the master-builder and gives us the privilege of being co-labourers with Him.  We are prophets of a future that is not our own. Some potential traps in this are:

Our history. 1 Samuel 15:35-16:1. God must live with our failures but they don't distract Him from His overall plan. We are not to be prisoners of our history, rather servants of God's purposes.

Our cares and anxieties. 1 Peter 5:6,7. God's power is way beyond whatever we may experience. 2 Corinthians 2:14, Psalm 55:22. Place your burdens on God and seek His counsel, because He knows what He is doing and is bringing His purposes to pass.

The enemy. 1 Peter 5:8,9. The work of the enemy needs to be kept in perspective. 2 Corinthians 10:5. He is the master of 'mental movies' by which he tries to keep us in fear and mistrust. Isaiah 54:17. Jesus isn't frightened of satan.  He stands behind us with authority so we can condemn satan; rather than him condemning us.

Trials. 1 Peter 5:9,10. Going through trials seems to be the best way of building character in us. Philippians 3:10,11.  Walking with Jesus includes suffering! 1 Corinthians 10:13.  When we go through trials we often withdraw, get out of fellowship and allow our spirits to be contaminated.  But we are all part of one body, and sometimes it will be our turn to be its weakest link. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. God is the one who can restore, strengthen, and perfect us.

So don't be satisfied till you are fully Christlike.  Psalm 17:15.

8 April  Special Resurrection Sunday Service

We celebrated the resurrection in style!

1 April  Special Palm Sunday Service.

We celebrated Palm Sunday by exploring what happened to Jesus in the week before the crucifixion. This included a special "Last Supper' re-enactment in which we examined the meaning of the various items on the table.  Click here for details.

25 March  Bernie Townsend  The revival in Wales

A wonderful revival took place in Wales in 1904, built on foundations laid in earlier moves of the Holy Spirit.  We can learn from this as we seek to work with God in His revival programme.

Scriptural considerations: Genesis 1:2; Hebrews 12:22-29, Matthew 13:30.

Before the outbreak of revival there had been prior revivals, supported by powerful preaching by Dr FB Meyer, Joseph Jenkins and others. Many had read Andrew Murray's book "With Christ in the school of prayer" and God had prepared many to be used by the Holy Spirit to bring Wales back to God.

The key player in 1904 was Evan Roberts. He had been praying for revival for 12 years (even though he was only 26), and had a call of God to preach. He returned home and sought his church leader's approval before he started.

The foundational messages preached were: confession of sin, forgiveness of others, obedience to the Holy Spirit, and public expression of Christ. 

Spiritual attributes of the revival were:  willingness of the messenger; acceptance by the people; humility towards God's messengers; Jesus being central; equipping and training of youth; extending God's kingdom; glorifying God , and people accepting and acting on the message of the gospel. The revival  had wonderful hymn singing; and was across all churches with no overseeing elders. There was spiritual opposition through discouragement, attempt to control the Holy Spirit by church leaders, discrediting of manifestations by local clergy and contempt for women in ministry. 

Outcome.  The revival soon spread to England Scotland and Ireland. It contributed to the American experience in Azusa St that led to the establishment of Pentecostalism. It had practical effects in social concern, repayment of debts, reconciliations, forgiveness, temperance (and closing of some public houses), reduction in blasphemy, and reduced crime. The effects of the revival continue to this day.

 

18 March   Andrew Pritchard  Loving like God John 3:16, Romans 8:32.

God loves us in to make us good. He loves us regardless of our condition.  He loves us intimately, unconditionally, deeply, generously and

sacrificially; none of which we deserve.

We must allow God to love us and we receive His love by becoming the people we we made to be.

We can only begin to love like God when we are open to receiving the love that He gives to us.

12, 19, 26 February, 4, 11 March  Ross Callaghan  Authentic Christians in an anti-Christian world

Click here to download a complete set of  notes for this series: Authentic Christians.

Key verse:  Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2.

We are continually being shaped by the culture we live in. Each one of us has been shaped by a wide variety of factors to make us what we are today.  Many of these factors influence our Christianity; some with clear agendas, others more subtly.  As a result Christianity is becoming more irrelevant in our society and we have created a church sub-culture where we feel more safe  and can try to live our lives according to God's word.

Some Christians are concerned about this and are exploring how we can be real, genuine, authentic Christians in an anti-Christian environment, and so make a much greater impact on society for the gospel.

This involves identifying what is of God/the world/ culture and then choosing to live God's way and to do His will. 

Here are four main influences on the way we think, and thus on the way we live our lives:

1.  The non-Christian worldview

This influences all aspects of society.  Underlying it is the age-old battle between God and satan and it is expressed in philosophies like rejection of the authority of the Bible; replacing of God by man (humanism); free sexuality; and open spiritual experience. These philosophies underpin the way governments and societies operate, and are gradually creeping into the church.  They affect our values, way of thinking and behaviours, and are quite different to the authentic Christianity taught and modeled by Jesus.  It's hard not to be moulded by these philosophies but as we are aware of them and as we allow our minds and behaviors to be guided by the Holy Spirit and by God's Word we can show others that God's way is the best way.  People in the world desperately need God and His ways!

In future we will explore the following influences:

2.  The influence of tradition

Our lives are built on traditions - beliefs, opinions, customs and stories handed down from generation to generation. Traditions give meaning and certainty to our lives, but can also stop us changing, keep us in a rut, make life boring and keep us inflexible. Jesus was scathing about interpretations of the law that had become traditions and brought bondage. Matthew 15:1-9. Some of Paul's teachings were called traditions. 1 Corinthians 11:2, 23, 2 Thessalonians 2:15.  The beliefs of the early church were recorded in Creeds and gradually church practices became authoritative traditions, even beyond the authority of the Bible. Colossians 2:8. After the Reformation lost truths were restored to the church in revivals, but soon became organised and traditions re-emerged.  The way we 'do church' is now a strongly held tradition which would be quite different if we were part of some other church, especially if it was in a different country or culture.  These days much of what we do in Christian churches is traditional.

At present there is much unease among Christians about the way we 'do church' because we recognise that we are making minimal impact on society for the Kingdom of God.  Our traditions need to be de-constructed and then re-constructed in an authentic, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led way.  This requires great respect for each other, much love and patience for and with each other.  We need to be open to the Holy Spirit and obedient to what He reveals. Let's be honest before the Word of God; and recognise that change may be uncomfortable and threatening, and that it doesn't take place at the same pace for everyone.  Our guiding scripture is 1 Peter 2:1-10.  We are to crave maturity in Christ; come to Jesus as our source; build everything on Him; be the people of God who give Him pleasure; and focus on sharing this with others so we bring light into our dark world.

3.  Influence of the Christian world view

Most Christians seek to live in a "Christian" way, but there is no absolute definition of what this means. Much of the way we live our lives is cultural (especially the way we 'do' church) and is affected by our traditions, accepted Christian culture, doctrines, theology, interpretations of the Bible etc. This is reinforced by our involvement with Christian books, radio, TV, music, websites, groups, newspapers etc.  Out of this we all develop our own personal "Christian" world view, which is strongly influenced by the similar world views of our fellow Christians.

A key question for Christians who want to be authentic is "What is truly Christian? (regardless of place, time and culture). Authenticity requires an honest appraisal of our beliefs and how they line up with valid interpretations of the Bible. Rather than basing our lives on isolated verses taken out of historical and cultural context we need to study God's Word with an open heart.  We need to do valid exegesis of all parts of the Bible so we understand its meaning in its original context and what God was saying through the original writers. Only when we understand it in its original context should we then make practical applications to our daily lives, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  At all times we must be aware of our traditions, culture,  biases and areas of blindness and let the Lord speak His truth into our hearts. In this way our personal Christian world view is more likely to be aligned to God's and we will be more authentic in our Christianity.

4  Influence of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a major influence on our lives seeking for us to have Jesus as Lord John 14:16,17,26; 15:26; 16:7-10,13,14, and to bring in the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit always gives us a choice as to how we will respond.  We can choose to obey or disobey.  We can also open ourselves up to Him asking Him to search out the garbage in our lives and replace it with genuine Christian life. Psalm 139:23,24; 51:10-12.

The Holy Spirit works in our lives in different ways:

• He reveals the Word of God from the Bible. Psalm 119:130
• He speaks into our hearts.  When we receive a rhema we sense Him speaking (anointing) and have an understanding of it (revelation).  Romans 10:18, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, Romans 5:5, 1 John 2:20, 27.
• He activates our conscience. Proverbs 20:27.  1 Peter 3:16

As we obey the Holy Spirit He works in our lives glorifying Jesus, bringing truth and leading us towards the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

Psalm 139:23,24; Psalm 51:10-12.

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2.

5 February  Sue Gould   Retribution

Retribution includes actions of retaliation, revenge, payback........  We live in a world where retribution is normal and expected, but our God is a God of love, mercy, justice redemption and awe.  There are many examples of retribution in the Bible, so what place does retribution have in our Christian lives?

The story of Hosea shows how God is a God of justice and also a God of redemption.  Hosea was told by God to marry Gomer, a prostitute.  They had three children: Jezreel (God scatters), Lo Rumah ((unloved, pitied one), Lo Ammi (not my people). The children drove their mother away to reform her, and God told Hosea to divorce Gomer for her infidelity. Through this story God said He would reject His people Israel, even though He loved her - an act of retribution. But God also promised never to give her up if she would repent (as Hosea took Gomer back) - an act of redemption.

The Bible often teaches blessings and rewards for obedience, and judgment and punishment for sins. The gospel now sets the standard for this.

Matthew 5:38-42.  Jesus warns against legal retribution.  We are to comply with those who offend us, value them above ourselves and seek to bless them. God is the final arbiter of justice so we have to trust Him to make the judgment on them and not make it ourselves.

Romans 12:9-21. These verses are a call for peace, patience and love.  We are to let God avenge, love our enemies and treat them better than they deserve. We will then reveal some of what God is to them.  We may appear to be wimps but God is on our side.  He should be all we need.  God calls us to be merciful, pray for those who offend us, uphold justice, trust in Jesus as we walk the fine line between mercy and justice, and be very wise.

He has shown you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8.

29 January Bernie Townsend Revival in Samaria

We need to prepare for revival in the local Kapiti area and beyond so we can receive and help others understand the signs and wonders that the Holy Spirit will do. Our spiritual weapons, particularly wisdom, need to be sharpened.

Acts 8 describes a revival in New Testament times. Some of the features of this revival were:

• There was a key leader: Philip.
• The church was undergoing persecution much as is happening in the Christian church today.
  
• Miracles showed it was a genuine move of the Holy Spirit.
• There was a specific location (Samaria) and a remnant of believers (just as there are relatively few Christians in NZ), and attentive crowds (which happens when there are genuine miracles and people being saved and baptised).
• There was much healing, deliverance and joyfulness. 

These are the kind of evidences of a true revival. Many similar revivals have taken place later in history.  We hope for a revival in Kapiti sometime soon!

22 January  Neil Evans and Ross Callaghan  Goals for 2012

Our goals for 2012 are:

1.      Be obedient to the Holy Spirit as we fulfill our calling to:

• be a loving fellowship focused on building the Kingdom of God in Kapiti and beyond.

We will be a place of restoration, refuge and healing which can take in people for a time and release them blessed by the Lord. We will be externally focused by seeking to build the Kingdom of God in all that we do.

• pray and intercede for people, situations, communities and nations.

We will have a strong prayer focus in our Sunday meetings and in home groups.

We will encourage personal prayer through ministry times, deliverance sessions, the prayer chain, the newsletter, and through teaching on prayer.
 

• be a help, support and comfort for those who are suffering or in need.

We will support those who are suffering or in need through our Sevenoaks, and singalong ministries, and through ministry times, deliverance sessions and the prayer chain.  We will provide financial support to those who are suffering or in need.

 

• support ministries within and outside of Gateway financially and in prayer.

We will pray for, give to, and provide support and encouragement for ministries of people within Gateway, in Kapiti, throughout New Zealand and beyond.  eg.  prison ministry, Sam Bayly’s youth ministry, Blessed by the Lord Church in the Philippines…….

 

• encourage natural growth, development and progression of the Church.

We will have creative, worshipful, prayerful Sunday and Home Group meetings.
We will have quality Bible teaching from a range of internal and external speakers.
We will have regular social and fellowship activities.
We will be open, accepting, loving, non-judgmental, adaptable and creative in our relationships.
We will have a consistent focus on Jesus and on doing God’s will as revealed by the Holy Spirit.
We will be spiritually natural and naturally spiritual.

 

2.      Embrace the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and allow God to develop us in whatever ways He chooses.

We will consistently focus on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, and encourage each other to live in this freedom.
We will be open to the Holy Spirit and let Him work among us and change us as He will.
We will have a teaching series on “Revival” exploring features of past revivals and principles for working with God as He revives His Church in the future.

3.       Explore how we can be authentic Christians in an increasingly anti-Christian world.

We will have a teaching series in which we will explore the forces that influence our Christianity and how we can live as authentic Christians.  This will be based on Romans 12:2:  Do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

 

15 January Paul Curwen Why are you afraid? Matthew 8:23-26

Every day we have many reasons to be afraid. Fear can take residence in our hearts, removing joy and never delivering on what it promises. We can expect storms (seismos) John 16:33, but only God can release us from fear in them and bring freedom. Jesus was alseep in the storm and the disciples expected to drown. Mark 4:38. Fear makes us doubt God's love and forget God. Safety becomes our goal, not God. We are filled with "What if's" rather than love.

God does not want us to live in a state of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7. Trust in Jesus is our only hope. 21/125 of Jesus' imperatives are about not being afraid (compared to 8/125 about loving). e.g. Matthew 10:31, 9:2, 6:25, 14:27, Luke 8:50, 12:32, John 14:1-3. Here are 8 steps to come out of fear:

• Pray first: God does care about you! 1 Peter 5:7
• Easy now - Slow down and wait patiently for God. Psalm 37:7.
• Act on it. Deal with it now, not later.
• Compile a worry list (and see how few of the things you worried about actually occurred.
• Evaluate your worry categories to find patterns, then bring them to Jesus.
• Focus on today. God meets daily needs daily.
• Unleash a worry army by sharing your fears with others. Ask them to pray and help.
• Let God be enough. Matthew 6:33

Jesus says: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

 

8 January  Karen Gazley  God is doing a new thing

See I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Karen led a tour of Israel in 2011.  She explained how Jesus still weeps over Jerusalem and is doing a wonderful work to bring Israel back to Himself.  Isaiah 29:13,14.  He is doing a new thing but this will require repentance.  2 Chronicles 7:14.  Nothing is too hard for the Lord Isaiah 55:8,9.  He will do this by His Spirit, bringing life, fruitfulness and streams in the desert.  Ezekiel 37:14. Be open to the Lord!

 

1 January  Sharing service: no sermon.