Teaching Series

1. TRANSFORMATION INVOLVES AN INWARD CHANGE.

But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

JOHN 1:12-13 (NLT)

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!

1 JOHN 3:1 (NIV)  

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 (NLT)

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

JOHN 8:32 (NLT)

I am the way, the truth and the life.

JOHN 14:6 (NLT)

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

JOHN 8:36 (NKJ)

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

ISAIAH 55:8-9 (NKJ)  

2.  TRANSFORMATION BEGINS WITH A CHANGE IN THE WAY WE THINK.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

ROMANS 12:1-2 (NLT)  

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 (NKJ)  

3.  TRANSFORMATION UNLOCKS THE HIDDEN PLACES.

We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.

HEBREWS 4:15 (ESV)

“a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief”

ISAIAH 53:3 (ESV)  

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

PSALM 34:18 (ESV)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

MATTHEW 11:28 (ESV)  

4.  TRANSFORMATION ENABLES US TO BE AGENTS OF CHANGE

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 (AMP)

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

COLOSSIANS 1:9-14 (ESV)  

Luke 14:15-24 NIV

“When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ “ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’ ””

Remez = Hint

Isaiah 25:6-8

“On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.””

God’s heart is for all people - His salvation is for all people

The love of God is great; it requires many guests and will not tolerate empty seats.

Luke 14:18-20

“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

• One bought a field (possessions).

• Another bought oxen (work or responsibilities).

• A third just got married (relationships).

Matthew 6:33 NLT

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

A Table of Invitation

THE CHRISTMAS TABLE

At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ Luke 14:17 (NIV)

So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.Ephesians 1:6–7 (NLT)

A Table Of Unity

I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV)

The Heart Of Unity

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV)

Ephesians 2:14–19 (NIV) 

¹⁴ For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 

¹⁵ by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 

¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. 

¹⁷ He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 

¹⁸ For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 

¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.

If the Lordship of Jesus Christ is not greater than any difference you have with others—be it political, racial, economic, language, geography or whatever, then you have not fully understood what it means to be under the Lordship of Jesus. David Guzik.

Unity – Commanded Blessing

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…for there the LORD commanded the blessing; life forevermore. Psalm 133:1,3 (NKJV)

1. Unity With God

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Deuteronomy 6:4–6 (NIV)

But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” Genesis 11:5–7 (NIV)

2. Unity With Others

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29–31 (NIV)

Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” Luke 10:28 (NIV)

A. In Marriage

You husbands must give honour to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)

Physical—“As you live together.”

Intellectual—“Treat your wife with understanding.” 

Emotional—“Giving honour to the wife”

Spiritual—“That your prayers be not hindered.”

B. In Church Life

All the believers were one in heart and mind… 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. Acts 4:32–33 (NIV)

C. In Prayer

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.Matthew 18:19–20 (NIV)

Conclusion

I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one — I in them and You in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved me. John 17:22–23 (NIV)

Communion

If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24 (NIV)

Sean Stanton — Sunday 8 December 2024​​ of

The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. Matthew 22:2 (NLT)

Luke 14:16–23 (NIV)

¹⁶ Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 

¹⁷ At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 

¹⁸ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 

¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 

²⁰ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 

²¹ “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ 

²² “ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ 

²³ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’ ”

A Table Of Grace

At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ Luke 14:17 (NIV)

The angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”Revelation 19:9 (NIV)

So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.Ephesians 1:6–7 (NLT)

The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ Luke 14:21 (NIV)

1. The Broken

2 Samuel 9:1–4 (NIV)

¹ David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 

² Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “At your service,” he replied. 

³ The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” 

⁴ “Where is he?” the king asked. Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. Romans 5:12 (NIV)

Makir: His name means “bought,” marking him as an orphan or street kid.

Lo Debar: The name plays on its two Hebrew elements (lōʾ “no”; dābār “thing”), meaning “nothing.”

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:7–8 (NIV)

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NIV)

2. The Lost

The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:12–13 (NIV)

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke15:20–24 (NIV)

Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:23–24 (NIV)

Communion

He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Luke 22:15–16 (NIV)

Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honour to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. Revelation 19:7 (NLT)

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Daniel 10:12

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war.^[a] The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.
Daniel 10:1

I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:

“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, ⁵ we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. ⁶ We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.
Daniel 19:4-7

So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.
Daniel 10:8

A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. ¹¹ He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
Daniel 10:10-11

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. ¹³ But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Daniel 10:12-13

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. ¹⁹ “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”
Daniel 10:18-19

Genesis 29:30-32 [NLT]

“So Jacob slept with Rachel, too, and he loved her much more than Leah. He then stayed and worked for Laban the additional seven years. When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive. So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “The Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.”

‘Rejection’ = the dismissal or refusal of one’s value, presence, or efforts.

“Being praised essentially means that one is receiving judgment from another person as 'good.' And the measure of what is good or bad about that act is that person's standard [yardstick]. If receiving praise is what one is after, one will have no choice but to adapt to that person's standard [yardstick] and put the brakes on one's own freedom.” - The Courage To be Disliked

Galatians 5:1 [NIV]

“it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Galatians 1:10b [NIV]

“…If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” 

[Mark 6:2-4 NIV]

When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”

 Mark 6:8-11 [NIV]

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

Rejection is not the end of the road; it is often God’s way of redirecting you to where He wants you to be.

Our life is not determined by whether people reject us or accept us, our life is determined by an event that took place 2000 years ago on a hill called Calvary.

Communion

Matthew 27:46 [NIV]

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

(Please display the scripture below at the very end of my message. The prompt will be when I’m speaking about a vision I received in one of our services.)

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 [NIV]

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

THE POWER TO CHANGE

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Don’t Try — Train

Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:6–8 (NLT)

We are not trying to be different people, but we are training to be different people. Dallas Willard

Spiritual Fitness

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV).

I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Don’t you realise that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.1 Corinthians 9:24–25 (NLT)

1. Mind The Gap

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. 1 Peter 1:14–15 (NIV)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22–25 (NIV)

2. Develop A Daily Habit  

So you must remain in life-union with Me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to Mine. John 15:4 (TPT)

3. A Healthy Diet

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! 1 Timothy 4:7 (MSG) 

One who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.” 1 Timothy 4:6 (NLT)

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1–3 (NIV)

4. Just Keep Breathing

The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21–22 (NIV) 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

5. Partner Up

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:3–4 (NIV)

6. Physical Health

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)

Your body was a willing horse when it was in the service of the devil; let it not be a sluggish hack now that it draws the chariot of Christ. C.H. Spurgeon

7. Fail Back On Grace

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians12:9 (NIV)

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)

THE POWER TO CHANGE

I am convinced and sure of this very thing that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, developing and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

Break the Cycle That’s Breaking Your Life

One day, Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute. He went in to spend the night with her. Judges16:1 (NIV)

Don’t you realise that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living. Romans 6:16–18 (NLT)

A Pattern Of Teaching

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. Romans 6:17 (NIV)

1. Begin Today

Moses said to Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honour of setting the time for me to pray for you …that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs. … “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Exodus 8:9–10 (NIV)

As the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 3:7–8 (NIV)

2. Examine Your Life 

Let us examine our ways and turn back to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 (GNT)

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23–24 (NIV)

3. Confess It

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. Proverbs 19:3 (NLT)

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8–9 (NIV)

If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

4. Renew Your Mind

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Psalms 119:11 (NIV)

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22–24 (NLT)

5. Not “Try” But “Trust”

We’ve sinned and kept at it so long! Is there any hope for us? Can we be saved? We’re all sin-infected, sin-contaminated. Our best efforts are grease-stained rags. Isaiah 64:5–6 (MSG)

God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1–2 (NLT)

Good morning everyone, a real pleasure to be sharing the word with you today.It’s the start of daylight savings, so we will pretend not to notice when folk scurry in in an hour’s time – after all, there’s no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus…but perhaps just a dash of judgment as we check our watches…

As you know, we are in the middle of a series called The Power to Change.

SLIDE 1

In the first week, Pastor Sean spoke about when you’re sick of being stuck doing what you don’t want to do and not doing what you do want.

Last week we heard from Ben Frommel – if you didn’t go home from last week chanting Who Before Do and Jesus ID, then you need to listen to the message again on how to stop the negative self-talk. Our picture of ourselves directly impacts our ability to be able to change: I’ve always been like this, it’s who I am. Those types of negative thoughts will keep us exactly where we are.

Ben’s message was also hilarious and I had a panic and said to Chris “I’ll need to rewrite mine”. As you know, I normally love to introduce humour in my messages, but this one is quite serious – more deep and meaningful…perhaps something you could strive for next time, Ben 😊.

This week’s topic in the series is Holy Habits. But before you bang on about ‘oh no, Jane’s going to tell us to read the Bible and pray yet again.’ I am going to take a different aspect to begin with…and then yes, I will tell you to read your Bible and pray 😊. 

My sermon is in two parts this morning: the second part will look at a Biblicalexample of a holy habit that saved a life and how easy it really is to start to form new habits. But in the first part, I want to begin by looking at WHY we would even want to form holy habits; why would we invest energy into it at all. After all, if we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then we’re off to heaven. Job done, right?

Well, yes and no. Yes, we have eternal life…but first we have to negotiate this life and the daily battles in this life are very real. We also know that each one of us has a purpose in God from Ephesians 2:10:

SLIDE 2

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV):

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Having some good holy and wholesome habits that speak strength into our body, soul and spirit are very sensible and practical for our survival. People who don’t yet know God also realise this and put things in place to strengthen themselves. For example, going to the gym or walking to strengthen their bodies, having hobbies such as gardening to relax their minds. Healthy habits are good for us whether we’re Christians or not.

But it’s not just healthy habits we’re talking about this morning, it’s Holy Habits. Why should we want to consider putting Holy Habits in place on top of other things? Do we do it just to bat away the issues of life? That’s actually not really enough inspiration for me, and quite frankly I’m often too tired to even think in that way. I need some motivation and, for me, I want to do it because of the picture I have of the God I worship. 

Some of us see God the Father as an angry God, seeking to point out our faults and punish us at every opportunity. Some of us see God as aloof and not interested in our daily struggles – someone who created us and seemingly just walked away and left us to it. I’m not sure that I’d want to be bothered putting holy habits in place to help me get closer to either one of those images of God.

But, if I understand that God the Father laid everything down for me to the point of sacrificing his one and only son, Jesus, as it says in John; and that he longs to bless me with all the blessings in the spiritual realm as it says in Ephesians; and if he has a purpose and a destiny for me as it says in Jeremiah, a plan to prosper me and not to harm me; that he sings over me as it says in Zephaniah, then this is a God I want to get to know more intimately. This is a God who is personal, who is loving and kind, who is patient with me even in my failings and who is tender in guiding me. This is a person I want to take time to establish holy habits for in order that I can get to know him better and so I can grow to be more like him.

In our ladies’ Bible study group, we have just finished studying Psalm 23. 

SLIDE 3

Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV):

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

This is a beautifully intimate picture of God seeking only the best for us. But it’s the word used in verse 3 that I want to focus on for a little – He restores my soul.

Now different translations of the Bible use slightly different words here for restore. The NIV has ‘refreshes’, the New Living Translation says ‘renews’, theLiving Bible says ‘new strength’. You see our English words individually are often inadequate to translate the original Hebrew.

SLIDE 4

The Hebrew word for restore is Tikkun which means ‘to turn back, to return.’ The idea is for something or someone to go back to the condition where it previously was meant to be. 

The various Biblical translations provide a good demonstration of how using different words actually can change the nuances of our understanding. To me, refresh can simply mean to give me enough pep to go on from this position like a splash of water on my face; but restore for me conjures up the picture oftaking time and something being transformed back to its former and intended glory.

(5m 30sec in)

I’d like to introduce my neighbour, Ray, who is going to help me with a visual aid this morning. Ray is a wood craftsman in his retirement and I have seen some of his pieces and they take your breath away in their beauty and perfection. Ray is just going to sit quietly by my side here, restoring a piece of wood, just as God might go about restoring us. While I keep talking, you might find yourself distracted and just watching what Ray is doing and I want you to feel totally free to do that; it’s a one-time only offer. 

Because I seriously don’t mind if you don’t hear another word of my message. If you watch Ray and get a fresh revelation of the tenderness of God, of how precious you are when you place yourself in his hands, of how careful and intentional he is in restoring you, then I know you will be inspired to form holy habits in order to draw close to this God regardless of any words I might have.

When we trust God to restore our soul, first the dirt and grime is cleared away from the surface; the things we have dabbled in, the words we have allowed to settle in our hearts and minds, the hurts we have endured or committed, the rubbish that we have allowed to cover over who God says we are.

The restorer then gently and lovingly sands back the old paint and imperfect bits; but very carefully without damaging the original natural wood underneath. Then, finally, a lovely wax will be softly rubbed in which gives protection but also allows the natural state of the wood underneath to still shine through – the unique grain of each piece of wood. It is restored to how it was originally created to be. 

For some of you here this morning, you have believed the lie from the enemy that there’s no going back for you. Too much has happened, too many mistakes, too many abuses committed against you, too many harsh words that you have believed about yourself, for you to ever feel that fresh sense of restoration ever again.

Just watch Ray, then, and let the Holy Spirit show you how very special you are to God…just you, in his hands this morning.

You see, understanding who you are making holy habits for is essential to triggering your desire to do so. It’s important that I stress I am not speaking about legalism this morning. I am not speaking of the sort of habits, even very good habits, that you might now perform from a sense of a lucky rabbit’s foot – if I don’t do this, something bad will happen. Even Christian disciplines such as fasting or even reading the Bible can become a noose around our neck if our motivation starts to become ritualistic or legalistic. Remembering the who we are doing it for removes that sense of being performance-based.

In the first week of this series, we learned that real and lasting change isn’t behaviour modification; it’s spiritual transformation. In language for the younger generation: Just sleeping at MacDonalds doesn’t make you a hamburger! We learned that we do what we do because of what we think about ourself. If we think we’re unworthy of any of God’s affection towards us, then we are not going to be motivated in any way to introduce new holy habits – what’s the point if we don’t think the end result can or will change anything.

But if after last week, we have stopped the negative self-talk and embraced how God sees us, if we have mastered the Who Before Do and our Jesus ID, then we can proceed to identify the holy habits we want to put in place and how we might take steps towards achieving those…in order to what? In order to draw closer to this God who wants such an intimate and personal relationship with us. And, in order to allow him to gently restore us closer and closer into His image which Genesis tells us is what we were originally created to be.

SLIDE 5

Genesis 1:27 (NIV):

So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

(10 mins in, 5 since Ray started)

So, what exactly is a holy habit?

SLIDE 6

According to the dictionary, habit means: a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. Any regularly repeated behaviour that requires little or no thought and is learned rather than innate.

I particularly like the statement that it requires little or no thought. Obviously and unfortunately this works for bad habits too. One of my friends was a gambler and if he was stressed or triggered in some way, he would often find himself parked outside the casino with no recollection of how he got there or having even made a conscious decision to go there…now that’s a habit.

But what is this word Holy in front of Habit? The dictionary defines it as:

sacred or set apart; dedicated to the service or worship of a deity

So now this helps us adjust our attitude to any good habit we put in place. If we start with “God, I dedicate this habit to you for your glory, may I draw closer to you through it…” it gives us a much deeper motivation than any old New Year’s resolution.

Can anything be a Holy Habit or does it just have to be all about reading the Bible and praying? Well, yes if it contributes to positioning yourself better to know God and grow in His image, then any positive thing can become a holy habit. If you enjoy exercising first thing in the morning, for example, then if you do it because you just want to lose weight that’s one thing (and not a bad thing, but a self-serving thing really). But if you want to do it because you know it clears your mind and you can pray while you run, or it stimulates you so that when you get home you’re energised to read the Bible, then that’s a holy habitwith great motivation.

Let’s look at a holy habit from the Bible that was so ingrained in the person that they didn’t even think about the consequences of their actions – and the consequences were dire.

While you’re looking up Daniel 6:10 (NIV), the background is that Daniel was one of many young men stolen from his people when Jerusalem was capturedby Babylon, and he was trained up in the ways of the palace of the King of Babylon. Three kings later, Daniel had been appointed one of three administrators over the whole kingdom. King Darius was so pleased with how Daniel had distinguished himself, that he planned to make him the sole person in charge under the king. And this upset the other leaders greatly and so theylooked for ways to trap Daniel in the conduct of his affairs.

SLIDE 7

But verse 4 of chapter 6 says: At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

So, in verse 5 we read:

Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

And this is a word for someone here this morning. Don’t trust in your human abilities in your work or your study or your family-raising. Because when the enemy finds you are doing a good job, he will attack your faith to undermine you. What holy habits do you have in place for strengthening your faith for the attack, not IF it comes but WHEN?

The leaders get the king to agree to issue an edict that if anyone prays to any god or human during the next 30 days, except to pray to the king, they shall be thrown into the lions’ den.

SLIDE 8

We read Daniel’s response in verse 10:

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

It’s that last part of the verse ‘just as he had done before’ that shows us this was a Holy Habit, an instinctive practice that Daniel didn’t even need to think about.

What it DOESN’T say is that Daniel went home, panicked, did all the legal research on how to get around a royal edict looking for loopholes, texted all his friends to complain about how unfair it all was (see, Ben, us oldies can use words like ‘texted’). It also doesn’t say that he even contemplated whether he should just not pray for 30 days (after all, it’s not that long a period, is it? He could resume next month) He didn’t even give any thought to maybe hiding under his bed to pray, or in the wardrobe. He had options.

In fact, what the verse demonstrates is a holy habit so ingrained that he did it out of muscle memory even while he was faced with the terrible dilemma. He simply went home and did what he was always in the habit of doing. Are you sure, Jane? Oh yes, because it’s even in that verse what he prayed. It was not “Oh, God, save me. Stop this horrible decree, get rid of the king”, it says he prayed giving thanks to his God. This was a habit so natural to Daniel that he never considered doing anything else.

You see our holy habits need to become so natural to us that we don’t even need to think or query our need to do them. When our habits are holy, they become part of our protection and strength and transformation in the midst of all life has to throw at us.

(15min 30 sec in, 10 min since Ray started)

So what are some tips for forming holy habits?

SLIDE 9

1. Cue yourself in.

What I mean by this is the habit itself is not your starting point and because of this so many of us fail to establish a new habit. We should start with placing cues around us that trigger the habit. For example, if you want to create a habit of reading the Bible first thing in the morning, then your cue needs to be putting your Bible in a prominent position the night before, not leaving it tucked in your bedside drawer or on the dusty bookshelf. Then, when you have your coco pops ready in the morning (are coco pops the best invention ever or what!), you see the Bible sitting on the table and think ‘oh, yes, I’ll just read a verse or two while I munch’ and you’re on your way to forming a habit.

Daniel had a cue. It said in verse 10 that he prayed three times a day. What do we do three times a day? Well, usually we eat three times a day; so it’s quite possible Daniel’s cue was breakfast, lunch and dinner. How simple.

Whatever the habit you want to form, what cue will you use to trigger that habit? Start with the cue and it will ease you into the habit.

SLIDE 10

2. Understate and overachieve.

What Daniel did was simply pray and give thanks to God. Every day, he simply found something to thank God for. Surely we can do that too? 

SLIDE 11

1 Chronicles 16:34:

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

We don’t have to have sophisticated words. A great Holy Habit to start with is to simply give thanks for one thing; thank you for my family, thank you for my job, thank you for my coco pops. You will be surprised how natural it will become in a short period of time.

If you want your Holy Habit to be to start journalling, the cue is to buy yourself a book set apart solely for that purpose (not where you write your shopping list or even take sermon notes) and then to place it somewhere you can’t miss seeing it. Then understate by setting yourself two lines to write each day, not two pages! And them simply watch as over time two lines becomes five and five becomes half a page until finally you’re telling yourself “I’d better stop there for the day even though I have so much more to write.”

Set yourself an achievable target. Don’t go saying I will read 10 chapters of the Bible every morning because the first day you fail at that will derail you completely with a sense of disappointment. Start with one verse. Out of doing that on a regular basis, a desire to read more will grow naturally.

Only start one new habit at a time. Craig Groeschel who wrote the book this series is based on says he starts one new habit a year. He consciously picks only one thing and plans a strategy with cues so that he can achieve it. 

SLIDE 12

( 21 mins, 15mins 30 secs since Ray started, 5mins 30 secs remaining for Ray, wax needs to start)

3. Bury it deep.

This might sound odd – don’t we want our habits to be at the front of our thoughts? No, we want them buried so deep that they become an instinctive reaction – no thought required. 

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural pathways throughout life and in response to experiences. The scientists tell us that it takes approximately two to three months to form a new neuro pathway. Now these pathways are not what we call memory. Imagine our memory is like a filing cabinet with millions of pieces of information tucked away. When we are confronted with something, we need to think have I seen this before, what do I remember about it, what action did I take, was it successful?

We can often make those memory connections in a fraction of a second. But, those of us here at my end of the age scale will know that it takes a lot longer now to recall things from those filing cabinets and sometimes it’s like the drawer is wedged shut.

But I’m not talking about this type of memory when I speak about neuro pathways. These are the things that are triggered automatically without need for our conscious thought, and that’s the level of Holy Habit I am speaking about. Daniel didn’t say ‘what can I do, I know, I’ll go home and pray’. Nope, he simply got up, went home and prayed - a deeply subconscious reaction. And he prayed thankfulness. 

SLIDE 13

We do know from verse 11:

Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 

So his prayer turned to asking for help…but only after he responded automatically to the situation from his neuro pathway of thankfulness…and his ingrained holy habit got him tossed in a lion’s den. Sometimes there are consequences for our habits, are you prepared for that? It might cost your job, your friend, your life even to be so easily recognised for your holy habits.

Some of the girls from our ladies’ Bible study have taken the 66-day challengeto instill one Bible verse in their mind; 66 days being what is considered by neuro-scientists to be the average time taken to form a new neuro pathway in the brain. 

For example, in my health circumstances, I can and have quoted to you before Psalm 118:17:

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

Now I know that verse now, but each time I have to go ‘Ok, what was the verse?’ and I pull it back from my memory. And sometimes I slightly misquote it and might say ‘declare the wonders of the Lord’ instead of the works of the Lord, but I have it pretty much right.

But when we create a new neuro pathway, I don’t have to think about it; it springs to my mind before conscious thought even takes place because there’s a pathway been established that says when my health is challenged, if I get a negative report from my doctor, or if someone has that ‘she’s a goner’ look in their eyes, this is my go-to in God’s word, and that verse will be out of my mouth, declaring God’s victory before I even have time to think. So I’m doing the 66-day challenge to create that neuro pathway for that verse because that’s how natural and automatic I want it to become.

And that’s what we’re talking about when we say Holy Habits. We’re talking about changing our neuro pathways, over time of course, so that Godly things become an automatic response. We get up in the morning and we reach for our Bible, or we say thank you to God before we even get out of bed or before we eat our food, or we reach for our journal as soon as we’ve had dinner, or, or or… and it’s automatic!

This is not weird stuff, this is in fact what all of us already do every day. When I get up, I don’t get dressed for the day and THEN have a shower. Without any conscious thought I have a shower first thing and then get dressed for the day – I have never made a mistake and got that round the wrong way in my 62 years on this earth. It’s a neuro pathway for me, it’s automatic. It’s so automatic that sometimes in the shower I have to stop and think did I just wash my hair (and look, I have hair again now on my latest chemo regime – woot, woot!), because I can be thinking about the day ahead and my neuro pathway just gets on with the showering. You must already have a stack of things in place in your brain like that. All I’m encouraging you to do today is to think about establishing one more neuro pathway along the lines of any holy habit you want to form.

SLIDE 14

4. Hope is not habit.

If we’re hoping to change, that’s fabulous. But hope won’t change your life. Hope will get you started as your initial inspiration, but habits will keep you going. We need to choose to do something: God can’t steer a parked car. 

It doesn’t matter how small a thing you want to become a habit, you need to take a step, put a cue in place to stimulate you to take action and then God will take that tiniest of things and water it and grow it. It’s our willing heart he sees and he says yes!

SLIDE 15

Zechariah 4:10a (NLT):

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT):

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

(25 mins, 20 mins 30 secs since Ray started, 1 min to go for Ray)

There is one last aspect to consider, and that is the breaking of bad habits. All of us have developed some bad habits over the years, many of which we have allowed (through repetition) to establish a neuro pathway so that we no longer even are really conscious of it; just like my friend with the gambling habit. Bad habits are actually harder to break than it is to establish a new habit. Why?

New holy habits are difficult to start because the pain comes first before the reward, it’s a bit of a chore to get started – the payoff is in the future when we begin to reap the benefits.

Bad habits are hard to break for the opposite reason – we get a reward now and the pain is in the future as we break it off. Let’s not kid ourselves, for the most part we have allowed bad habits to form because we enjoy them; we get a dopamine rush when we take part in them. We need to consciously decide to put the same sort of cue in place to stop us indulging in that bad habit as I mentioned for starting a good habit. For example, if it’s too much social media, put your device out of sight in another room after 7:30 at night. I know for the city service I may as well be saying chop off your right arm and feed it to the dog, but even us oldies have trouble in this area and something needs to change. Maybe you start by nighttime restrictions on message alerts (and yes, Ben, I would have to ask you for help in how to do that…whatever.) Do something!

Now I just want to come full circle and remind us again of our motivation for even considering establishing holy habits: to be in a personal relationship with God and, over time, to become more like him.

SLIDE 16

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV):

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

(26 mins 15 secs in, only 1 minute extra from Ray starting to wax)

For those of you who have been watching Ray, I hope you have recognised the tenderness with which he has gone about the restoration. Even when bits have required sanding back, it has been done with gentleness and a gentle breath across the surface to remove the fine sawdust. And that’s how personal a relationship God wants with you.

Perhaps you’re here today and you’ve always had a belief in God’s existence, but you’ve never experienced a true relationship with him where you know you can trust him to be right alongside you and to restore you, then in a moment we are all going to pray a prayer out loud which will be on the screen. That prayer will simply give you the opportunity to say yes, God, I want a personal relationship with you. We know that the only way to relationship with God the Father is through accepting what Jesus his son did for us in laying himself down to die on the cross and then rising from the dead. And that’s what this prayer acknowledges.

If you’re watching online, the words will be on the screen for you and I encourage you to pray out loud right there in your loungeroom along with us all.

SLIDE 17 Salvation Prayer slide

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I am sorry that I have excluded You from my life.

I ask for your forgiveness.

I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead.

I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life.

Today Jesus, I have decided to follow you as my Lord and Saviour. AMEN!

If you are watching ONLINE and you prayed that prayer today, by texting YES and your name to the number on the screen, one of our team would love to help you with the next step in developing your relationship with Jesus. 

For those in our AUDITORIUM, if you prayed that prayer today, while every eye is still closed and heads bowed, would you raise your hand high enough for me to see as an act of affirming your decision. 

If you weren’t ready to make that decision today, that’s totally okay.  Can I ask you to just keep coming back or keep watching online, but don’t give up on searching for God as He longs to be in relationship with you. 

As always now, we have a ministry team who will be at the front here to support you in prayer. If you have any need at all, or want to share a fabulous praise point, or want to make a declaration that you intend to establish one new holy habit, as we continue to worship God, why don’t you come forward and allow the team the privilege of praying alongside you.

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

The Power to Change

John 15:5 NIV

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:22-24 MSG

that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

Acts 19:15 NIV

15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 

Jesus ID

Who am I? 

What kind of situation is this? 

What would someone like me do in a situation like this? 

Acts 19:13-17 NIV

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 MSG

that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

John 15:5 NIV

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

You have Jesus ID

I am convinced and sure of this very thing that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, developing and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

WHEN YOU’RE SICK OF BEING STUCK

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.Romans 7:15 (NLT)

I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. Romans 7:19 (NLT)

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me? Romans 7:24 (NLT)

Real change is not behaviour modification.

Real change involves spiritual transformation. 

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:24–25 (NLT)

Three Mindsets

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? … Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Galatians 3:1, 3 (NIV)

Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 (NIV)

Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands? James 2:20 (MSG)

 By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

Real change is God through you.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (NLT)

Spiritual Transformation

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose. Philippians 2:12–13 (NIV)

We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

To the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:6–8 (NIV)

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Prayer — God, reveal Your love for me.

“What are the two most important days in my life?” THE DAY YOU WERE BORN, and THE DAY YOU REALISE WHY YOU WERE BORN! Rev Ernest T. Campbell

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

I will cry to God Most High, Who rewards me and Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them! Psalms 57:2 (AMP)

Prayer — God, reveal Your purpose for my life.

“Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord who rules over all. “What are you, you great mountain? …you will become a level plain! …with shoutings of ‘Grace! Grace!’ ” Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Zecheriah 4:6, 7–10

Prayer — Come Holy Spirit and fill and empower me.

Sick of being stuck? With God’s help, make a quality decision to change right now!

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose. Philippians 2:12–13 (NIV)

THE HEART OF A DISCIPLE

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18–20 (ESV)

A disciple follows Jesus — Follow Me.

A disciple is being changed by Jesus — I will make you.

A disciple is committed to the mission of Jesus - Fishers of men.

Called To Hear His Voice

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognise a stranger’s voice. John 10:3–5 (NIV)

"We are the sum total of the voices we hear in our lives." Sam Chand

The Voice Of The Enemy

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

Eve’s demise and, ultimately, that of humanity started by her listening to the wrong voice. 

How much time do you spend in God’s Word listening for His voice?

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (NIV)

The Voice Of Our Father

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son. Hebrews 1:1–2 (NIV) 

A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:3–4 (NIV)

Voices You Need To Hear

1. Encouraging Voices

Encouragement is like oxygen to the soul, and everyone needs it. John Maxwell

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)

When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. Acts 11:23–24 (NLT)

2. Challenging Voices

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) 

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

3. Celebrating Voices

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 (NIV)

4. Jesus’ Voice

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 (NIV)

Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:17–18 (ESV)

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smouldering wick He will not snuff out. Matthew 12:20 (NIV)

There is a vast difference between being saved and being a disciple, a follower of Jesus.

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18–20 (ESV) 

A disciple follows Jesus — Follow Me.

A disciple is being changed by Jesus — I will make you.

A disciple is committed to the mission of Jesus - Fishers of men.

Are you disqualifying yourself from following Jesus? Remember, sinners are the only kind of people Jesus calls.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” …Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now …” Luke 5:8–10 (NIV)

Called To Be Generous

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Generosity is central to Jesus' mission, and generosity will shape our hearts, lives, and eternal reward.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) 

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 8: 11 (NIV)

Money giving is a very good criterion, in a way, of a person’s mental health. Generous people are rarely mentally ill people. Dr. Karl Menninger

Money is such a priority in our lives, it competes for the loyalty of our souls.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

First and foremost, money is a spiritual matter. You can’t become Christlike without becoming generous.

The godly are generous givers. Psalm 37:21 (NLT)

A tithe of everything… belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)

***Video Clip - Ps Russell Johnson, Pursuit NW Church***

Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality. A.W. Tozer

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV).

People go through three conversions: the conversion of their head, their heart, and their pocketbook—unfortunately, not all at the same time. Martin Luther.

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. Luke 19:1–3 (NIV)

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Luke 19:5–7 (NIV)

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house…For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:8–10 (NIV)

Jesus notices how much we give but is far more interested in what that amount says about our hearts than anything else.

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Luke 21:1–4 (NIV)

Faith is like a muscle. When you use it, faith grows. 

Your giving is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ—the gospel you say you believe—and because you freely share with them and with all others. 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NCV)

God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. Billy Graham

We’re in the middle of a series at the moment, exploring what it means to have the heart of a disciple. People can choose to be a disciple of any great teacher, leader or philosopher, learning from them and seeking to emulate them, but we want to know what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In Matthew 4 we see the start of this discipleship journey for 2 of Jesus’ 12 disciples. It says:

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mt 4:18–19 (NIV)

If we look at this passage, we can see there are 2 parts to being a disciple…first of all Jesus called them, and He calls us, to follow Him, which Ps Sean unpacked so beautifully 2 weeks ago. And secondly, we are sent out.

Discipleship is both our own personal journey of becoming more like Jesus, and it’s also the act of going out into our community and encouraging others along their faith journey as well.

But what is it that Jesus called Peter and Andrew to do? I find it interesting that when Jesus talks to Peter and Andrew, He uses the phrase ‘…to fish for people’ or other translations say, ‘fishers of men’. When we hear this terminology, we assume there’s going to be something they can relate to from the experiences they had as fisherman. Maybe what they had learned in their trade, Jesus was now asking them to apply to their new calling. But it’s not necessarily going to be about the tangible things, like how to fix a net, how to fillet a fish or how to sail a boat. We need to think a bit more broadly about the character traits that have been developing over their years out on the boats and in the marketplace. Characteristics like discipline to get up early, resourcefulness to manage through the ebbs and flows of seasons and supply, determination to keep going, courage to face storms and rolling seas, and patience when it took longer than they hoped to get a catch.

If we apply this to our own lives, we can ask ourselves the question: What have I learned along my faith journey, what has God been teaching me…not just practical skills like how to fix a computer, how to take blood pressure for a patient or how to teach a child to read, but how has God been developing my character and more importantly, deepening my faith and strengthening my relationship with Him?

When you look back over your life, do you see ways that God has been developing your character, calling you to have a closer relationship with Him and inviting you to follow Him?

Being a follower of Jesus means choosing to invite him into every area of our lives, but the key word is ‘follow’, which means we have to let Him lead.

If you decide to take up hiking and you meet someone who’s a seasoned trail guide and invite them to come along, you’d be wise to let them lead from the front rather than tag along at the back. They’ll be able to point out beautiful scenery, suggest the shortest route, provide tips on how to make the hike as enjoyable as possible and warn against hazards along the way.

It’s the same for us as we journey through life. Ps Bek spoke last week about the difference between making the decision to be a Christian and making the decision to be a disciple.

Asking someone to come along on the hike is like the moment when you ask Jesus to come into your life, but asking Him to lead your life is like asking an experienced hiker to guide the bushwalk.

Saying ‘yes’ to Jesus is only the first step in a lifelong journey of walking with him, appreciating his wisdom, encouragement and guidance when we hit steep or rocky patches, learning the best paths to take and enjoying beautiful moments along the way.

The disciples had the benefit of living and walking with Jesus for 3 years. They saw how he responded to situations and how he handled life’s circumstances. Unfortunately, we can’t just walk up to Jesus and ask his advice on whether we should invest in the stock market or how we should parent our children in the digital age. You can’t turn to the verse finder at the back of your bible and search for the word ‘social media’ or ‘stock market’, but does that mean the Bible doesn’t have any advice on these issues? If we want God’s thoughts on investing in the stock market, we might have to ask a different question, like ‘What does the bible say about our finances?’ When we do this, we see that God does speak about being good stewards of our finances and He also reminds us not to be greedy or store up treasures in barns. If we spend time reading about the life of Jesus in the bible, we start to get a better picture of his character and the Godly principles he lived by and taught. We see how he treated people and handled situations with care, patience, generosity, forgiveness, humility and service.

We don’t come to understand and know all of these things the moment we say ‘yes’ to Jesus.

When we decide to follow someone, we start watching what they do and asking questions like ‘How did you do that?’ or ‘Why did you do it that way?’ We gradually start to understand things the way they do, think the way they think, behave in similar ways and share the same attitudes. We begin to mirror the things we admire in them, and it should be the same if we truly want to be more like Jesus.

The disciples didn’t stop growing and learning when they met Jesus, and neither do we. Jesus meets us wherever we encounter Him on life’s journey. It doesn’t matter if we’re a child when we first meet Jesus, whether we’re a 35yr old man or a 62yr old woman. He works with the skills, gifts, life experiences and personalities we each have, and gently molds us if we’re willing to learn from his example and his teaching. As we dive into His word and spend time in conversation with Him, we will develop a greater understanding of the Father’s heart and His ways. This is what it means to choose to be a disciple or follower of Jesus.

So, what does it look like to follow Jesus? What is it He calls us to do?

Over the next 3 weeks we’re going to look at 3 aspects of our calling.

We’re called to care, we’re called to be generous, and we’re called to serve, and as we do these things it has an impact on the community we’re told to go out and share the Good News with.

A HEART TO CARE

In 1 Peter 2:21, we see Jesus set the ultimate example of doing good for others… Jesus cared so much for us that He was prepared to sacrifice His own life in order to save us and restore us to a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 (NLT)

When we invite Jesus into our life, we have to daily choose whether we’re going to let Him take the lead or if he’s just invited to tag along for the ride. If we choose to let Him lead, then we are called to follow in His footsteps…we’re called to do good and care for others.

YOU ARE CALLED TO CARE.

If we look at Timothy, he served with Paul in preaching the Good News…and Paul equates this to genuinely caring about the welfare of the people. In Phil 2 he says:

I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. Phil 2:20-21 NLT

What mattered to Jesus was caring for the condition of people’s hearts...He saw the lonely, the doubting, those in pain, those who were anxious and those who were disappointed. He saw beyond what was happening on the surface and recognized what was going on in their hearts.

Some of us will be called to care for others through teaching the word like Timothy, or sharing the Good News, but others will be called to care through praying for people, supporting them financially or providing for their practical needs.

What is God asking you to do to care for the condition of someone else’s heart?

Faith by its very nature is invisible, so we can’t meet the physical, emotional or spiritual needs of our community merely by speaking about our faith, but by putting our faith into action. James says:

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (Jam 2:14-17 NLT)

The challenge for all of us is for our actions to speak louder than our words. It’s interesting to see how closely people will watch our every move once they know we’re a Christ follower, and how quickly they will pick us up on language and behaviours they don’t expect to see in a person of faith. On the other hand, some people don’t even mention their faith, but people notice their calmness or positive attitude in stressful situations, their generosity and kindness, their willingness to forgive, and people start to wonder and ask what makes them different.

James says,

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their trouble and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (Jam 1:27 NLT)

‘Care’ is a verb, it’s a doing word. If we say we care but we don’t do anything to demonstrate that care, we’re not really showing that we care at all.

TO SAY YOU CARE BUT NOT ACT IS TO NOT CARE AT ALL.

TRUE COMPASSION DEMANDS ACTION

If we are to be disciples or followers of Jesus, we need to look at the example He sets. Over and over again we see Jesus’ care and compassion towards others. Compassion is the feeling that arises when we’re confronted with another person’s suffering and feel compelled to do something to relieve that suffering. Compassion motivates us to take action.

If we look at just a few examples from the bible, we see the constant connection between Jesus’ compassion and His actions.

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matt 14:14

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matt 20:34

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:33-34

THE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus is questioned by an expert in religious law. He’s keen to find out what he has to do to receive eternal life. He knows what the scriptures say about loving God with all your heart and he knows that the scriptures say to love your neighbor as yourself.

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Luke 10:29 NIV

The Message version says ‘He was looking for a loophole’, a way to excuse himself…

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Luke 10:30-32 NIV

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE AN EXCUSE TO JUSTIFY NOT GETTING INVOLVED.

We can be too busy, too tired, not enough money, too shy, too proud or too old, but the first thing we need to realise about compassion is that it can often be inconvenient.

1. Compassion INCONVENIENCES

When Jesus shares this story, he chooses a man who was despised within the Jewish society to be the hero. It goes on to say:

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. Luke 10:33-34 (NLT)

God doesn’t need us to be wealthy or spiritually mature, popular or well-respected. He can use anyone who sees people, feels compassion and is willing to go.

What does compassion look like to you?

Is it ever inconvenient?

I’m sure we can all think of those moments when the Holy Spirit is prompting us to do something, and an internal dialogue goes on, wrestling between what would be easy or comfortable, and what we think God could be suggesting.

Do you ever sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to message or call someone who’s been on your mind?

Compassion can be doing something practical like making extra meals and dropping them off at someone’s house.

It may mean giving money that you were setting aside for something else, or visiting someone after a long day at work when you could easily just head home.

Sometimes it might mean having the courage to speak up and defend someone, and at other times it can be just sitting quietly beside someone when they receive bad news or lose a loved one.

What if our willingness to be inconvenienced and our obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit leads to a moment where God shows up for someone who didn’t think God cared?

Just like the Good Samaritan, all we’re asked to do is really see the people around us, feel compassion for them…and then go and do something to ease or relieve their suffering.

2. Compassion COSTS

Not only can care and compassion be inconvenient, it can also come with a cost. There is a cost to compassion. The Good Samaritan took time out of his journey to care for the man, he used his own donkey to transport him, his own oil, wine and bandages to patch him up and his own money to pay for the man’s lodging and care. Sometimes there will be a financial cost to caring for others, but it can also involve sacrificing some of our time or resources. In some circumstances, showing compassion may put us at odds with the people around us…there can be a cost to our pride, our status or our relationships.

Compassion can cost us, but I guarantee it’s worth it…God is more concerned about the condition of our hearts and the hearts of others, than he is about our comfort.

But this isn’t just something that we’re responsible for as individuals. As a community of believers, we should be known for our compassion. As a church, we are called to care for others.

If we read Luke 10:35, it says,

The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, 'Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.' Luke 10:35 (NLT)

Have you ever considered what the inn represents in the story of the Good Samaritan? Have you ever considered who the innkeeper might be in our modern context?

In the same way the Samaritan brought the injured man to the inn, we can bring our family and friends to the house of God. But it’s not a drop and run situation, it’s a partnership. It says, ‘…the man put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.’ But then interestingly, it says he gave 2 silver coins to the innkeeper and asked him to take care of him until he returns.

I’m not sure how often we consider what our tithes and giving achieves. It isn’t just a Sunday thing. Just like the innkeeper would have had staff to welcome the guests, prepare the meals and clean the rooms, we have staff who look after the maintenance of this building and the administration of everything that goes on, as well as pastors who are reaching out and following up throughout the week to help people connect, grow and overcome challenges within their lives…we, the church, all of us, are here in this building and out in our community 7 days a week…to care for people.

So, before I highlight some of the acts of kindness and care that have taken place in the last 6 months, I firstly want to acknowledge the innkeepers of this house…Pastors Sean and Lynda, and the staff in the inn…our administrative and pastoral staff who do all sorts of things behind the scenes, as well as the amazing number of people who serve voluntarily on Sunday and throughout the week to help care for our community and beyond.

When we think about care, one of the things we invite everyone to be involved in each week is sharing praise reports and prayer needs. Since the start of 2024, we’ve received over 420 prayer requests and praise reports and this year a team has started making calls to people in the evenings to offer to pray with them over the phone.

Conservatively we’ve had over 250 pastoral care interactions in the last 6 months. Over half have been happy just to receive a phone call or text from the prayer or pastoral care team, but at least a third of them have had a visit to their home or hospital, or met with someone from our team for a coffee and chat. In addition, we’ve provided meals, baby packs, flowers and home help depending on the circumstances. And this doesn’t include the amount of prayer and pastoral care that Danny and Skye do with our teenagers and young adults as well.

On Sunday, during our services, we have a host team that care for people that are new to our church community or new to the faith. In the first half of 2024 we’ve had over 300 people come to LifeUC for the first time and almost half of them are now connected in some way through coming to an event, joining a Life Group or serve team, or getting involved in KidsLife or Young Rising.

One of the things I love about this church is that it’s not just about caring for the people within our own community…

CCC

We receive an average of 500 visits per week.

We have about 750 active members.

Our food relief network includes 12 partners reaching over 1200 additional households per week.

The Tech Shed is serving on average 25 customers a week, offering computer maintenance and sales

The Harvest Kitchen is producing on average 200 meals per week

The Cafe serves on average 35 customers per two-hour shift (3 days a week)

We are rescuing over 2,000 Kilos of fruit and veg from supermarkets each week which equates to 1000 meals

Any Fruit, veg and bread that’s not fit for human consumption is passed on to farmers, significantly reducing waste to landfill.

And this doesn’t even touch on what we do to care for other nations through the financial support we provide to our field workers in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Mozambique and Lesotho.

But I’m not telling you these things to brag about our senior leaders or our staff, because they certainly don’t do it on their own. Does this mean all you need to do is just hand over a bit of money each week, brush off your hands and expect the ‘church’ to do it all? No. The reality is that none of us could do what we do without each other…our tithes and offerings, our time, our gifts and talents help us all care for the people in this church community, as well as our local and global community. It’s a partnership. Remember, the man used his own donkey, he brought the man to the inn, he cared for him, but he also made a contribution to the inn so they could continue taking care of the person when he wasn’t there to do it himself, and he came back again to help in whatever way he could, which in this case was an offer to reimburse the innkeeper for any further expenses.

3) Compassion CHANGES LIVES.

When we work together, we see that compassion changes lives. Jesus concludes his story by asking the religious leader:

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:36-37

So, what does Jesus command us to do as disciples?

In John 13 He says:

So now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Jesus says we should love and care for others in the same way that He loves and cares for us. So, before we consider how to care for others, I want to ask if you know that Jesus loves you?

Have you experienced His love, do you know what it feels like to be forgiven, accepted and loved unconditionally by our Heavenly Father?

For some, you may have invited Jesus to come along for the ride at some point in your life. You’ve been calling yourself a Christian but if you’re being completely honest, you haven’t really been following Christ, instead you’ve given Him a position at the back of the hiking group. You’re not reading the manual he offered or asking for His advice on anything. Jesus lets us decide who’s coming on our journey and what role each person plays. He also gives us free will to choose how much we want Him to be involved in our life. He’ll never make Himself the leader without your invitation. Today I want to encourage you to invite Jesus to take the lead, to get to know Him again and listen to the expert advice He has for every aspect of your life.

For others, you may have never let Jesus into your life. Just like the hiker, you’re walking life’s journey on your own without an expert guide leading the way. If you want to take the first step today, you can ask Jesus to join you on the journey of life. But more importantly, I would recommend that you ask him to take the lead, and that is a daily decision for all of us as we swing our legs out of bed each morning and put our feet on the floor…are we going to take the lead today or are we going to choose to follow Jesus?

SALVATION PRAYER

Call to Action

Once we’re secure in the knowledge that we’re loved by God, Jesus calls us to love and care for one another. As you leave here today, ask God what He’s personally calling you to do. For some people, he could be bringing to mind particular people or circumstances that you’ve been ignoring or avoiding because it’s going to be an inconvenience on your time; maybe God is challenging you to rethink your understanding of tithing this morning and how we need to work together to care for our community; for others you might walk up into the cafe after the service and chat with one of our ministry leaders at the market day to see how you can get involved in serving.

Jesus says, ‘Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love, your care, your compassion for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.’

Called To Make Disciples

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20 [NIV]

Are we going or are we staying?

“The greatest threat to Christianity is not communism, atheism, materialism, or humanism. The greatest threat to Christianity is Christians trying to sneak into heaven incognito without ever sharing their faith, without ever living out the Christian life, without ever becoming involved in the most significant work God is doing on planet earth.” – James Stewart

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Matthew 5:13

There is a difference between making disciples and making converts.

Disciple [Oxford Dictionary] = ‘learner’ or ‘pupil’

Conversion is a moment, but discipleship is a process.

We cannot replace discipleship with a Church service.

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

Who are you discipling?

Called To Follow Jesus

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. Matthew 9:9 (NIV)

Cultural Christianity

Mathetes (math-ay-tes’) is a learner, pupil, disciple, follower.

1. A cultural Christian follows Jesus if it is convenient. A true disciple follows Jesus even if it is not.

2. A cultural Christian asks, “What can Jesus do for me?” A disciple asks, “What can I do for Jesus?”

3. A cultural Christian enjoys the benefits of the cross. A disciple embraces the sacrifices of the cross.

4. A cultural Christian is a fan of Jesus. A disciple is a follower of Jesus.

God hasn't called us to survive culture; He sent us to redeem it.

Jesus did not leave Heaven, come to earth, live, die, and come back from the grave to make Christians. He did it to make disciples. James Merritt

The Priority Of A Disciple

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. …When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.” John 21:20–22 (NIV)

Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29–31 (NIV)

The Characteristics Of A Disciple

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18–20 (ESV)

A disciple follows Jesus — Follow Me.

A disciple is being changed by Jesus — I will make you.

A disciple is committed to the mission of Jesus - Fishers of men.

1. A Disciple Follows Jesus

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:24–26 (NIV)

Deny yourself or live for yourself.

Take up your cross, or ignore the cross.

Follow Christ or follow the world.

Keep your soul or lose your soul.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

2. A Disciple Is Changed By Jesus

Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become…” Mark 1:17 (ESV)

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16–18 (NIV)

Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them? Luke 9:54 (NIV)

To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5–6 (NIV)

3. The mission of Jesus

The Church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning. Where there is no mission, there is no Church. Emil Brunner

Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV)

Numbers 35:6
Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. ‭‭‭‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Joshua‬ ‭20‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. East of the Jordan (on the other side from Jericho) they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau in the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead in the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan in the tribe of Manasseh.”‭‭

1. Kadesh: holy or righteousness

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Christ is a refuge for all who have sinned.

2. Hebron: Fellowship,

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Christ is a refuge for all who are lonely.

3. Bezer: Fortress, resting place

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Christ is a refuge for all who are tormented.

‭‭4. Ramoth: Heights. (Raised to high places)

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭

Christ is a refuge for all who feel lowly and depressed.

5. Golan: Joy

1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“….. and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,”

‭‭

Christ is a refuge for all who grieve.

6. Shechem: (Carried) Shoulder,

Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
“Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.

‭‭

Christ is a refuge for all who are too weak to walk.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

The Second Coming of Jesus

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

Be Prepared — The 10 Virgins.

Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

Be Faithful — The 3 Servants.

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

Be Compassionate — The Sheep And Goats

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on His left. Matthew 25:31-33 (NIV)

The basis of God’s judgement is not theological but relational.

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37–39 (NIV)

The King Of Compassion

“The King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:34–40 (NIV)

Both the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:29–30 (NIV)

1. Recognising Christ

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? Matthew 25:35–37 (NIV)

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. Acts 9:4–5 (NIV)

In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4–6 (NIV)

2. Moved With Compassion

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35–36 (NIV)

Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticise, and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort. Samuel Chadwick

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 1 John 3:14 (NIV)

Pay Attention To Your Heart!

For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35–36 (NIV)

When did we ever see You? Matthew 25:39 (NIV)

How are you engaging with the Body of Christ, whom Jesus calls His brothers and sisters?

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. Matthew 25:31 (NIV)

Judgment awaits everyone.

People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)

Pluralism is a lie.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NIV)

How will you respond to Jesus?

“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

‭‭‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

1. THE SEAT OF JESUS IS FAR ABOVE ALL OTHER SEATS

“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.”‬‬

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT

2. OUR SEAT IS WITH JESUS

“For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

1. OUR THINKING

“asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”

Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

2. OUR SPEAKING

3. OUR LIVING

“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”‬‬

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT

Exodus 3:3-5 “So Moses thought, I will go over and see this strange sight – why the bush does not burn up. When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am”. Do not come any closer, God said. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

1. Listen for the whisper

EXODUS 33:11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

2. Cultivate a hunger

Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place…”

3. Allow God to shape you

Jeremiah 18:1-6

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!

4. It requires a response!

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

1. GET GOING WITH GOD.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. 9We are hunted down, but God NEVER abandons us. We get knocked .down, but we get up again and keep going. 10These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the LIVING CHRIST WITHIN who keeps us safe.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-10 (LB)

Time for a WAKE UP CALL:

• Stop looking at YOU and start speaking out the Word of God over your life.

• Start seeing yourself as God says you are.

• Stop limiting what God wants to do through you – be open to everything, even if it isn’t your thing.

It’s not about you, it’s ALL about Him, His Kingdom and His purposes.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14 (NKJ)

2. GET INTO SHAPE.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

Train or exercise yourself toward godliness – keeping yourself spiritually fit. For physical training is of some value – useful for a little; but godliness (spiritual exercise & training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

1 TIMOTHY 4:7-8 (AMP)

3. GET THE RIGHT SHOES.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

EPHESIANS 6:15 (AMP)

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

ROMANS 16:20 (ESV)

4. GET GOING FOR THE LONG HAUL.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience.

HEBREWS 6:12 (LB)

Patience is not an ability to wait. It is a fruit of the Spirit that manifests while we are waiting.

But those who wait for the Lord – who expect, look for and hope in Him, shall change and renew their strength and power: they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

ISAIAH 40:31 (AMP)

I BELIEVE ... God is cheering you on!

• Get going with God

• Get into shape

• Get the right shoes

• Get going for the long haul.

2

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is Lord. Philippians 2:11 (NIV)

The Second Coming of Jesus

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

Plan as though Jesus is not returning for a hundred years and live as though Jesus is returning today.

A Tale of Talents

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming, for like a man travelling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. Matthew 25:13-14

1. A Departed King

The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. Matthew 25:14 (NLT)

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth… You know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16–18 (NIV)

2. Entrusted Stewards

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. Matthew 25:14 (NIV)

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV)

Kingdom Stewardship

3. The Talents

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. Matthew 25:14–15 (NIV)

4. The Servants

The servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free.’ Exodus 21:5 (NIV)

The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. Matthew 25:16–17 (NIV)

5. The Judgment

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. Matthew 25:19 (NIV)

I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. Revelation 20:12 (NIV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

6. The Failure

Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ Matthew 25:24–25 (NIV)

So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ Matthew 25:24–25 (NIV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

7. The Relationship

But the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man… His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! Matthew 25:24, 26 (NIV)

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. A. W. Tozer

Nothing twists and deforms the soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God. A.W. Tozer

The people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]. Daniel 11:32 (AMP)

Sean Stanton — Sunday 16 June 2024​​ of

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NIV)

Christians who refused to proclaim “Caesar is Lord” were subjected to cruel punishment (Tacitus, Annals, 15.44). 

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

The Second Coming

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

The Timing Unknown

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36 (NIV)

Indifference Toward God

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37 (NIV)

Are You Living Ready?

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility… If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. Matthew 24:45–46 (NLT)

The faithful servant is faithful because he expected his Lord’s return.

 Plan as though Jesus is not returning for a hundred years and live as though Jesus is returning today.

The Great Criterion

wisdom/preparedness—the ten virgins

productivity/stewardship—the talents

compassion/others—the sheep and goats.

The Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13)

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1 (NIV)

 The Similarities

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25:3–5 (NIV)

The Distinctives

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them… At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ Matthew 25:3, 6–8 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:5–6 (NIV)

Conviction

Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.  When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:7–9 (NIV) 

Infilling

Be constantly filled and stimulated (controlled) with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Lordship

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) 

Therefore Keep Watch

Being prepared is not transferable. J.M. Boice

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

In those days, John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1–2 (NIV).

What Is The Kingdom of God?

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9–10 (NIV)

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV)

Rescued: To draw or snatch from danger, rescue, deliver.

The kingdom of God is the redemptive presence of God. Richard P. McBrien

Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and power. For He must reign. 1 Corinthians 15:24–25 (ESV)

The Gospel Of The Kingdom

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 (NIV)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 (NIV)

If it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Matthew 12:28 (NIV)

The Parables Of The Kingdom

The disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Matthew 13:10–11 (NIV)

The Kingdom Authenticated

Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20–21 (NIV)

The Presence Of Jesus

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19–20 (NIV)

Among the lampstands was someone like a Son of Man, dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. Revelation 1:13 (NIV)

Proclaiming The Gospel

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Luke 4:18–19 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3 (NIV)

The Power Of The Spirit

Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:32–33 (NIV).

Childlike Faith

He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

Active Faith

Indeed, from the days of John the Baptizer until this moment, the kingdom of heaven is being taken by storm, and the strong and forceful ones claim it for themselves eagerly… He who has ears, let him be hearing. Matthew 11:11, 15 (WUESTNT)

The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. …The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it. D.A. Carson

About This Series

The Bible unashamedly describes God as a worker in His creative acts. Work is a gift and a blessing. Everything God creates is a good thing, and He created work to be a good thing. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

God designed us to work, and it would be a good thing. Work is not a curse. Work is a gift from God; why can going to work feel so frustrating? God desires that you discover His purpose in your work. We need a new biblical work worldview.

(Sunday 28 April 2024)

About This Series

The Bible unashamedly describes God as a worker in His creative acts. Work is a gift and a blessing. Everything God creates is a good thing, and He created work to be a good thing. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

God designed us to work, and it would be a good thing. Work is not a curse. Work is a gift from God; why can going to work feel so frustrating? God desires that you discover His purpose in your work. We need a new biblical work worldview.

(Sunday 21 April 2024)

About This Series

The Bible unashamedly describes God as a worker in His creative acts. Work is a gift and a blessing. Everything God creates is a good thing, and He created work to be a good thing. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

God designed us to work, and it would be a good thing. Work is not a curse. Work is a gift from God; why can going to work feel so frustrating? God desires that you discover His purpose in your work. We need a new biblical work worldview.

(Sunday 14 April 2024)

About This Series

The Bible unashamedly describes God as a worker in His creative acts. Work is a gift and a blessing. Everything God creates is a good thing, and He created work to be a good thing. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 (NIV)

God designed us to work, and it would be a good thing. Work is not a curse. Work is a gift from God; why can going to work feel so frustrating? God desires that you discover His purpose in your work. We need a new biblical work worldview.

(Sunday 7 April 2024)

(Sunday 17 March 2024)

(Sunday 10 March 2024)

(Sunday 3 March 2024)

(Sunday 11 February 2024)

(Sunday 4 February 2024)

(Sunday 28 January 2024)

(Sunday 21 January 2024)

(Sunday 14 January 2024)

(Sunday 7 January 2024)

(Sunday 17 December 2023)

(Sunday 10 December 2023)

(Sunday 3 December 2023)

(Sunday 19 November 2023)

(Sunday 5 November 2023)

(Sunday 29 October 2023)

(Sunday 22 October 2023)

(Sunday 15 October 2023)

(Sunday 8 October 2023)

(Sunday 1 September 2023)

(Sunday 24 September 2023)

(Sunday 16 July 2023)

(Sunday 2 July 2023)

(Sunday 25 June 2023)

(Sunday 18 June 2023)

(Sunday 11 June 2023)

(Sunday 04 June 2023)

(Sunday 28 May 2023)

(Sunday 21 May 2023)

(Sunday 29 January 2023)

(Sunday 22 January 2023)