15 November 2015 "God's Plan...Our part"

In this message from Daniel chapter's nine and ten, Ps Steve looks at the important part we play in the plan of God. A plan that we come to understand as we get into His Word!

Clink on the link below to listen to this latest message from Emerald Baptist church...

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Pastor's pen 15th November 2015

On behalf of those others who are precious to God

There is no book written that can compare with the scriptures we have received and know as the Holy Bible. Yet I have been enormously challenged and encouraged by a pastor who wrote a series of books over 100 years ago on the hugely important topic of prayer. That pastor’s name was Andrew Murray and his writings give insight into a Spirit –filled spirituality that experienced the power of a life given to prayer. In one of these volumes Murray focuses on the particular call of prayer as “Intercession”. He writes, “…we have far too little conception of the place that intercession, as distinguished from prayer for ourselves, ought to have in the church and in the Christian life. In intercession, our King upon the throne finds His highest glory…Through it He continues His saving work…”(Ministry of Intercession)

The term “Intercession” is not common. But it may be defined as, “(1) an acting on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble.  (2) a prayerful request to God on behalf of another or others” (Macquarie Dictionary). We mustn’t hold back from bringing all of our own needs and requests to God, but neither should we become so self-focussed that we miss the heart of God that is intent on reaching out to rescue the lost. When we see the brokenness and hopelessness of those around us who do not have an intimate experience of God, we are compelled to bring them before God in prayer. They are in trouble, and sadly they are often unaware of just how much trouble they are really in. They are slipping towards eternal separation from God and unable to seek Him from their own place of spiritual darkness. That’s what makes our prayers on their behalf (our intercessions) so important and so powerful. And God wants to use us in rescuing the lost.

I believe we need to think about getting out of our homes and walking the streets of our town, praying for our neighbours. Thinking about the people we will be meeting with working with or interacting with through our day and bring them before God’s throne of mercy. We have a God given role in seeing the hearts of these people opened to the truth of Jesus Christ, and putting their trust in Him. While we may have opportunity to witness to them about the God we know, it all starts with prayer. As Murray points out many Christians are “working” with very little fruit because of the lack of prayer, but we are called to exercise our God-given position and bring down the blessings of heaven to earth in intercessory prayer.

“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)

 

8th November 2015 "Disciples that SOAR"

Taking our call to follow Jesus seriously requires us to be disciplined in spending time and listening to the Lord as we pray and read His Word. Ps Steve gives a practical framework that can help us hear what God is saying and allow Him to work changes in our lives.

Click on link below to listen...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/y481u79mpt/8th_November_2015.mp3

1st November 2015 Seeney Dux

This message from Seeney Dux encourages us to consider the choices and priorities of our lives when we see life in light of eternity.

Click on link below to listen...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/920nwbbdfz/1st_November_2015.mp3

Pastor's Pen 25 Oct 2015

“Learning from our children”

Babies are cute. Apart from the smelly nappies and the intrusions to normal sleeping patterns they are fairly easy going (mostly). But babies grow up. We want them to. It would be no good for a baby to stay a baby forever. But in that process of growing up the parent is thrown into the deep end of shaping the future maturity of little individuals, teaching right from wrong, respectful behaviours and cultivating wholesome desires (for food, entertainment etc).

In the process of raising our children, one of the very fundamental disciplines taught is obedience. Without the one fundamental attribute instilled in the child, all future attempts at training and equipping for maturity will fail. While it is the most basic of fundamentals it is the one that takes the most ongoing work.

We can learn a lot about our own journey of faith as a child of God from these experiences we have in teaching our own children. For each one of us the most important thing we can learn as Christians is to be obedient to what God says. Without it we will never mature; we will continue to make the same mistakes and we will ultimately end up back in rebellion.

No parent finds a rebellious child attractive. So why do we think it is OK to ignore God and still think we are going alright. 1 Peter 1:14-15 says, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…”  In other words, if you want to grow up and be like your (heavenly) Father, you need to start by obeying what he says. That way you will end up being more like him.

We can see the value in teaching our children the right way to go. But we should also take a lesson from the lessons we are teaching them. We are all being trained by a heavenly Father who wants us to become mature people of faith, living lives of purity and power. But to get there we have to start by doing what our Father says. There is nothing more pleasing than a child who has learned to be obedient!

25 Oct 2015 "Under new management"

Focusing on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 in this message we are reminded that we are not only saved by God but God owns us. This is good news!!!

Follow link below to listen to message...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/f15y9v2vwa/25th_October_2015.mp3

Pastor's pen 18 October 2015

Light fellowship 

When I was a young man, I rebelled against the things of God and the people of God and went looking for friendship and fellowship with unbelievers. Even though I had made a decision for the Lord and had been baptised as a teenager, after leaving school I took up a lifestyle of nightclubbing and binge-drinking. I knew the decision I had made was not the path God would have me walk, but under a cloud of deception and fuelled by selfish desires I did my own thing for many years. In those same years I had a close brush with death after rolling a truck I was driving and even this failed to arrest my destructive direction. I am doubtful if I would have been saved in that period.

Finally God brought me to an end of myself and I surrendered my life afresh to Him and my life dramatically changed. The things I once did, I no longer desired. The people I once enjoyed the company of, now offered nothing of the companionship I sought. There had been a clear shift out of darkness and into light. After finding my place in God’s family and at His table I now clearly recognise that it is no longer fitting as one of God’s children who has been accepted at His table, to continue in a lifestyle of Godless pursuit.

Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, telling the Corinthian that their inclusion in Christ meant that any further joining in on demonic pursuits was unthinkable saying, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” (v21) This was contrasting the worship of God at the communion table with the pagan worship of sacrificing to idols. While we may never be tempted to pursue such activities, there may be a temptation to go back to the old life to pursue something of what we left behind.

Pornography, foul jokes, lewd behaviour, out of control drinking; even greed, hatred and jealousy etc. all these things find their origin at the table or the altar of demons. They are not fitting for the one who sits down at the table of Christ’s suffering sacrifice. The fellowship God offers is exclusive; it is not something He will share; especially with demons. It’s either God or its darkness. By considering this clear distinction between Godly or Godless behaviour, we should not feel we have to pull back from socialising with non- Christians. We must however be clear and un-confusing in how we live our lives before the lost. It is the power of God in us that will lead them to salvation.        

Ps. Steve.

 

18 October 2015 "Unselfish Kingdom"

In this latest message on the topic of discipleship, Ps Steve shows how following Jesus and leading others to Him is not possible while we are ensnared by selfishness.

Follow the link below to listen...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/wn1hsqdb1v/18_October_2015.mp3

"A Story worth telling" 11th oct 2015

In this latest discipleship message Ps Steve draws some lessons from the Israelites experience in crossing the Jordon River as we seek to live our lives in obediently following God's purposes.

Click on link below to listen

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/z84xtvswjj/11th_October_2015.mp3

Pastor's pen: What good is the Law?

In years gone by, one of the most well-known parts of the Bible was the Ten Commandments, found in Deuteronomy 5:7-21. It is the foundation upon which much of the Western rule of law is based. A system that has seen the Western world prosper and maintain order for many hundreds of years. The rise of secularism and the growing irrelevance of the Christian church in modern society however means many people today, especially young people wouldn’t know who Moses was, let alone believe God revealed a holy standard to Him for the guidance of the ancient people of Israel. And alongside this, modern teachings on grace in the church has also meant many people in church aren’t real sure how it applies to them either.

But there are a number of reasons we should see value in the Commandments given by God to the nation of Israel for our lives today. Firstly, in 2 Timothy 3:16 we read, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” Alongside this in Romans 7:22 the Apostle Paul, through whom we have received much of the New Testament doctrines of the church, says, “…in my inner being I delight in God’s law...”  On this second scripture, author Ray Comfort writes the following: “Why should we delight in God’s Law, even though we are not saved by our obedience to it? It is because the Law reveals God’s holiness, His righteousness, His justice and truth. It is the very instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to convert the soul…[and] the means by which the sinner’s heart is prepared to receive the grace of God.”

In Romans, Paul explains he wouldn’t know what sin was unless he knew God’s law, and he wouldn’t know he needed to be saved from those sins in order to be in relationship with God and rescued from eternal punishment. So even though the Ten Commandments are out of fashion these days, we can be sure that humanity need to know them and be reminded of them often, if we are going to have a sense of right and wrong, holiness and sin. The world has rejected God. It stands to reason then that the world also rejects the code of instructions that remind us about right and wrong, and reminds us we need a Saviour. But as Christians we must remain aware of God’s holy standards. They are impossible to fulfil in our own strength, but that knowledge drives us back again and again to the throne of God’s grace, where we can receive power though the Holy Spirit to be delivered from the power of sin and to live a life that honours God. The world needs to see that God’s Law still exists and they need to see that it is good. They are going to see it as they see Christians taking sin seriously, and living by the grace that our good God affords to us.

4th Oct 2015 "Faith that is bold"

Our society has for the most part rejected Jesus, but that does not mean we are irrelevant as Jesus' followers. In this season where God's truth is abandoned and Jesus disciples are being persecuted in various ways, we must be bold in living for Him. Those who are lost need us to be True.

Click on link below to listen...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/ymn6w0tmfd/4th_October_2015.mp3

Pastor's pen 27th September 2015

Is God a liar?

During my recent time in Brisbane I spent some days at Malyon (Bible) College doing some study I observed some of the undergraduate students in robust debate on theological matters. These discussions brought back memories of my own similar journey of discovery of God’s word. While such discussions can be helpful in coming to understand certain tenets of the Christian faith, I have observed in church life that differences in understanding of certain doctrines can be a destructive and divisive conversation. Such conversations pigeon hole individuals into different camps along the lines of what you believe. While a good understanding of biblical doctrine is important, I have come to see that there is a point when we must make less of what we believe and more of who we believe. This takes us past intellectual pursuit of truth to a relational faith journey with the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

I make this point not to trivialise the assault continually being made on biblical truth by the world and the devil, but to emphasise a dependence on God Himself to live out our Holy calling in the mission He has called us to. More importantly when we shift from what we believe to Who we believe, we move beyond internal differences that mean nothing to those lost souls around us, to living a life of faith that has an impact. My point is this: Listening to God’s word as it speaks to our lives and our day to day decisions will have a greater impact on those around us, than simply trying to nail down some debatable theological position. As I was saying, faith is so much more relational than it is intellectual. We have a relationship with the Living God!

For our relationship with God to grow we need to believe what He says. In 1 John 5:10 we read, “Whoever does not believe God has made Him a liar…” The verse is talking about receiving Jesus as the One sent from God. But this concept of making God a liar can impact our everyday lives. What is informing the decisions we make; the attitudes we adopt; and the priorities we set? Sadly, in many instances we too often allow worldly values to inform our choices and set our priorities. But by implication each time we choose to follow the world, it is not simply worldliness having a higher priority. No. To choose to follow godless counsel other than God’s own word, we are in fact making God out to be a liar. For if God is truly God, shouldn’t we be taking everything He says seriously; making Him the true guide of everyday decisions. Our faith is not just some abstract belief system but rather obeying the One person Who will always lead in the right way.

So this week when we are tempted to ignore God’s word and take more of a lead from the godless society around us, remember that when we choose to ignore God, we’re not just putting Him second, we are calling Him a liar and that means we are putting Him last.

27th September 2015 "Aspire to be a phenomenal church"

This message by visiting speaker, QB regional consultant, Rev Pieter Henning, calls us to step up and be true disciples, as we together aspire to be a phenomenal church.

To listen click on the link below...

http://k001.kiwi6.com/hotlink/d2eq1ggjrw/27th_September_2015.mp3

20th September 2015

This message by Chappy Tony Dodge takes a fresh look at the story of the Samaritan women's encounter with Jesus at the well.

To listen click on link below...

http://k001.kiwi6.com/hotlink/5jv5d40eiz/20th_September_2015.mp3

13 September 2015 "True Unity"

Taking a fresh look at Unity, Ps Steve explores the work required buy all members of a team in order for true unity to be achieved.

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http://k001.kiwi6.com/hotlink/y5rox9rzyv/13th_September_2015.mp3

Pastor's Pen 13th Sept 2015 "Commitment"

Commitment is an issue in all spheres of life. Just a generation ago, commitment to one partner for life was the normal thing for all members of society, not just Christians, but now divorce is as common among professed believers as it is among non-Christians. But commitment in other areas has also suffered. Commitment to a local church for Christians has dropped away significantly, with once a month attendees believing they are regular and committed. Furthermore, there is an easy come easy go attitude among many who call themselves Christians, as they float from one church to another, or even adopting a view that they don’t need to be part of a local church, that they are part of the ‘universal church’ and get there teaching online or on television.

But what do those looking on think about a lax un-committed group of people that claim to be God’s power people. They probably don’t care. But that may be because many “Christians” have stopped caring. But God cares and He does intend for His children to be committed members of a local fellowship, active in service and humble in attitude. I have noticed a powerful picture of the church as God intended in scripture in recent times. This gathering of God’s holy people was clearly recognized by believers and un-believers.

Acts 5:12-14 reads, “And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.”

Notice four things. 1. When they met together they were all there. 2. They were different and those who weren’t part of it knew they weren’t included. 3. They might have been different but they were “highly regarded”. 4. The group continued to grow (those who were saved became PART of this committed, set apart and highly respected group.)

We must resist making church common and unimportant. We have a beautiful, potentially powerful thing going here. What we need however is for us who have been saved to take our commitment to Christ seriously and make our commitment to the church something that will serve to bear witness to the truth and power of God in our midst. So let’s make our commitment to Christ and His church real by gathering together, by being different, and by living with integrity. Such commitment may even open the door for God to bring more people into our community of faith.           

PASTOR'S PEN 6th September 2015 "A Godly father-figure"

So it's Father’s Day. On this day we can pause to reflect on what is a Godly take on Fathers Day? I was at a luncheon on Wednesday that sought to honour fathers in exercising their role and I saw a number of dads that could well be described as good role models.

But while we can certainly be shaped and encouraged by the influence of our peers we should also look beyond the good but imperfect example of others to the example God himself sets as Father. A neat picture of God our Father can be found in the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-31). While we often look at the story from the sons perspective, the Father shows us some Godly examples to draw on.

Firstly, the father wanted the best for his son but he wasn't controlling. When the son asked for his inheritance the father didn't start manipulating, but seemingly with great sadness he allowed his son to exercise his free choice. God also allows us to make choices, and we should never think that that we need to make all the choices for our children. It takes faith to let go and let our children make their journey. We need to teach our children truth and set boundaries for them as little ones, but there comes a time when we have to entrust them to God.

Secondly, we see from the father  he didn’t stop caring. While he had surrendered control the father’s compassion never waned and he never stopped hoping for his sons safe return. This is the essence of every healthy relationship; it is the essence of love. Not having to control the other person but always having the door open for them to respond freely with love, gratitude and respect. So whether we are a father, a son, a daughter or a spouse or whatever, the godly example we can glean is to always operate out of a heart of compassion, without taking on the spirit of control.

Yet in all relationships, rejection can hurt. That is also why we can draw our final godly example from the prodigals father: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the most powerful aspect of love that sits right alongside sacrifice in every relationship; God’s relationship with us and our relationship with each other. There are many people, even church people who are being controlled by the anti-Christ spirit of  un-forgiveness. But if we are truly Christ ones or Christians than  we should be operating in the same heart of our Heavenly Father, whose heart of forgiveness is modelled by the father of the prodigal. Yes, we may have been hurt but forgiveness is key for the one thing that is so important to God, unbroken relationship.

The story in Luke offers  an example for fatherhood as well as an example of  Godliness no matter who  we are. A few aspects of what that looks like includes: letting go of control, nurturing a heart of compassion and exercising a spirit of forgiveness. These three things will enhance who you are, father or not.    

 Ps. Steve

Pastor's Pen 30th August 2015

Targeted treatment

Every week day I turn up at the Level 3 oncology at Royal Brisbane and wait for my name to be called. It doesn’t usually take long before a voice comes over the speakers, “Stephen Gellatly, LA2”. My name is called and I am being summoned to my treatment location LA 2.  “L.A.” stands for “Linear Accelerator” a machine that gives my daily dose of radiation to the area of disease. This treatment is regarded as targeted, zoning in on the unhealthy, diseased cells while leaving the healthy cells untouched (that is the plan anyway and we believe with God’s help this is being achieved).

This treatments safety and effectiveness is conditioned on a couple of variables. Me laying still and allowing the treatment to have its effect, and the operator of the machine lining me up correctly and setting the machines parameters properly. As I have thought about this process, even as I undergo it each day, I often think about spiritual parallels to this treatment that apply to all of us. We are, even as born-again believers, subject to the effect of an even greater disease than cancer; the toxic condition of sin. But as ones who have been saved, who are being saved and who will be saved, God is intent on treating us for this debilitating condition of sinfulness.

Yes when we surrender our lives to Jesus and are born again of His Spirit we are forgiven, the eternal punishment for our sins is cancelled out. But the work of salvation is an ongoing process that is God intention to get rid of the areas of sin that are holding us back from the God ordained purposes He has for us. And just like the daily treatment in LA 2, so too God has some targeted treatment to get rid of the disease.

2 Timothy 3:16 reads, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” You see God has a treatment He wants us all to submit to in order that we can overcome the pervasive condition of human sinfulness. It’s a targeted treatment that zones in on the offensive areas of our lives so that we can overcome the deadly disease of sin. That treatment is the targeted truth of His living word being brought to bear upon our own lives, habits and attitudes; it’s the humbled, submissive reading of God’s word and receiving its truth. Often we can read the word and see instruction for others, but the first port of call in our daily bible reading should always involve us letting the truth of God’s word do some targeted treatment on us. Like me laying down and remaining still while the Linear Accelerator does its work, so too we need to come and quiet ourselves before God in order to allow Him to target the areas He wants to deal with.

This also requires us to trust the work of the Holy Spirit and resist the words of the enemy. You see God is loving, caring and careful as He treats us for our underlying condition. But the enemy wants you to be restless and he wants to use scripture to condemn and destroy you. In all of this there is a faith required to allow God to target areas we may be afraid to let go of, but if we do as He says, allow His word to search us and destroy the dark cancer of sins power over us, we will be set free in increasing measure to live a freer, more righteous life. 

Ps. Steve.

23rd August 2015 Tony Dodge

Click on the link below to listen to this message by Tony Dodge...

http://k001.kiwi6.com/hotlink/nysfjp821r/2015-8-23.mp3

Pastor's Pen 23rd August 2015

 Words of encouragement

Some of us are talkers and some of us not so much. But whether our words are many or few we all need to stop every once in a while and take a measure of what’s coming out of our mouths. The significant point in all this is that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ the words that flow from us should be a reflection of the new life and the hope we have in Him. But sometimes our perspectives are twisted and we believe the lie of the world that our life is all about us and us getting everything we want, rather than God having His way in us.

The truth is we have been purchased by the precious blood of Christ, redeemed from a hopeless existence to become children of God. This means our life is no longer our own but belongs to Christ. When this is real for us the flow out of our mouths becomes fresh with the encouragement we have from being in Christ.

This is hugely important because the encouragement that comes from our mouths is central to the mission we have all been called to in living for Jesus and sharing Him with others. In Acts 13 when Paul and his companions were moving from region to region to share about Jesus and they came to Pisidian Antioch the Jewish leaders entreated them, “if you have a word of encouragement...please speak.” (v15)

Paul takes his opportunity and shares not some message that simply made them feel better or endorsed their ignorance, but he encouraged them with “the good news” (v32). The good news that he shared was the gospel; a word of encouragement that was grounded in the new beginnings only possible in Jesus Christ...new life (v34) and forgiveness for sins (v38).

For us then, as we seek to live our lives in obedience to Christ and under the direction and leading of the Holy Spirit, we must understand that there is an inaudible request hanging over every relationship God has gifted to us. That request that is heavy with expectation lingers over every conversation we have with every single person God has privileged us to influence. The request is this: “if you have a message of encouragement… please speak.” The logical implication of that is if you haven't got anything encouraging to say please don’t speak!!!

This is not about being flowery or false, far from it. The only true encouragement we can offer comes from the power and truth of the gospel, and that means we may have to confront some sins and deceptions that are threatening to destroy those precious people around us. But remember the word “encouragement”. Its means we won’t be beating people down but picking them up; not hacking them apart with our words but building them up in love. Jesus is wanting to shine through us and encourage those around us with the good news. Are we able to offer them that encouragement?

So whether you speak a lot or just a little, there is just one condition on the words that come out our mouths; if we are going to speak let it be with words of encouragement.

Ps. Steve.

18th August 2015 Seeney Dux

A message from Seeney Dux preached on 18th August 2015

Click on Link below to listen...

http://k001.kiwi6.com/hotlink/6m4txs0l75/18_82015.mp3

9th August 2015

The relational basis of the righteous life

In this message Ps Steve sets aside the erroneous poles of legalism and license in order to recapture the relational essence of how God wants to interact with us as we live out the Christian faith. So often we can let the Bible be a list of rules or on the other hand we can take the soft option of accepting the deception that being forgiven means we can liver as we please. But we must remember that God wants to speak to us as we read His word and His word will always be relevant for our lives.

For more, listen by clicking on the link below...

http://k001.kiwi6.com/hotlink/z8tvn3owbb/9th_August_2015.mp3

Pastor's pen 9th August 2015

Pastor’s pen: “Living in the Truth”

If you have had surgery in recent times and have had a Doctor take you through the risks associated with the procedure, you would recognise the use of statistics to define the chances you have of something going wrong. The language used is in 1 in 100 cases this may happen or in 1 in 1000 cases that may happen, and so on. It is so easy in such circumstances to see yourself as simply a number or a statistic which can easily lead to fear of what may happen to you. I have had these same experiences lately of hearing statistics used to outline the dangers in procedures I am or will be having. But the Lord spoke a powerful word of reassurance into me in recent times from Psalm 91:7. It reads, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand but it will not come near you.”

We are exposed to many facts, opinions and assumptions in life that we can be overwhelmed, even to the point of being so preoccupied with facts that we lose sight of truth. Truth, after all, is what God says and it sometimes runs counter to what is peddled as facts. This is important to recognise in our journey of faith for apart from God’s truth we have little to stand upon and we become extremely vulnerable to the fears and uncertainties of life.

I am so grateful God has quickened this truth into my spirit as I make my journey of faith through this season of trial. It has already born fruit in my faith and expectation. In a recent appointment I was again having various categories described to me of what happens to different people through the radiation treatment process. As I left the Doctor’s office I wondered to myself what category I would be in. Then the truth that God had already deposited in me, that I am not some mere statistic, rose up and fuelled my faith in God’s truth. I am not subject to the storms of fear and uncertainty because I do not belong in a category; I am safe in the hands of my Saviour and my God.

We don’t have to be facing health issues for this truth to become real for us. Stop seeing yourself as a helpless victim of circumstances and rather see yourself as God would intend; safe in the hands of the Living God. That place of security is a place we occupy by faith.

 

Ps Steve

Pastor's pen 2nd August 2015

Pastor’s pen:  Pencilling in some Divine Appointments

Life is so busy. Sometimes to stop and reflect on what we have crammed into our days may give us pause to reflect on the distinct lack of margin in our schedule. The temptation is to feel most important and purposeful when our schedules are chock-a-block. The danger is, however, if we leave no space in our daily list of to-do’s that we end up rushing past many potentially life-changing opportunities that we are too busy to even recognise. But the reality is that God has ordained opportunities for us to connect with people; occasions that often open the door for us to witness to the truth about Jesus. These are divine appointments that God wants us to pencil in to our daily schedule.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  We may be racing through life and thinking we never have any opportunities arise that give us the opportunity to share the hope we have in Jesus, but note the part of the verse that says “everyone who asks you”. In order for someone to feel safe enough to ask us why we can be so hopeful we actually have to stop have a conversation and, ready for it, LISTEN to them!

Over the past few weeks I have had quite a few opportunities arise in which I have been able to share my hope with people. But this has not been possible without first listening to them. These opportunities have been in waiting rooms, hospital wards and even on aeroplanes. But just because the person we strike up a conversation with opens the door for us to speak about Jesus, that doesn’t mean we take that opportunity in an arrogant or a prideful way. The verse in 1 Peter finishes by saying we should be doing our sharing, “…with gentleness and respect…”

Ultimately the results of our sharing with others is up to God’s working in the situation and that is why we need to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is saying, to know whether this is a divine appointment presenting itself. But in order to sense the Holy Spirit’s promptings we need to leave some margin in our schedules so we aren’t so busy rushing to the next thing that we miss the opportunity to pencil in a Divine Appointment.

Ps Steve

Pastor's pen 26th July 2015

“The life that really matters!”

It was a real privilege to be able to host the “Open Doors” presentation on Wednesday night and while there was only few in numbers, it was so encouraging to note that six local churches were represented. But for those of us who attended, we couldn’t help but be impacted by the stark comparison between what it takes to be a follower of Jesus in many countries where persecution is real and the ease and freedom we have in this country.

But while we may feel we are the more fortunate ones in this country because of our freedoms, when it comes to living lives of authentic faith our brothers and sisters suffering persecution have an understanding or experience of the Lord that we will never know while we operate with such “cushy” margins. The essence of what we miss by not being stretched in our faith journey can be summarised by the excerpt on the back of a book at the Open Doors stall. The author of this book “tells the story of being taught by believers in persecution ‘how to follow Jesus, how to love Jesus, and how to walk with Him day by day.’ We may think that we would rather live like the world than to do the ‘insane’ things that Jesus asks of us. But are we really more joyful than those who walk the darkest, craziest paths? What does it mean if we are not? Is God truly enough?”(The Insanity of God: a True Story of Faith Resurrected).

There was also a video testimony of a father whose son had been beheaded by I.S. earlier in the year, who, with seemingly inexplicable joy, celebrated Easter; the sacrificial death of Christ and the power of the resurrection, knowing his son had joined in those same sufferings of Christ. Hearing such stories bring greater clarity and meaning to the words of 1 Peter 4:13, “…rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

After hearing such testimonies one is left asking the question, who is really worst off out of us and them. They experience the sufferings certainly, but their experience of God is so real and their faith is so alive. It makes us consider whether all the things we call blessings are really such a blessing or could they be an impediment to us walking the faith journey God truly intends. I don’t have any definitive rulings in this regard, but it is good for us to consider what the really important things in life are, and ask, will this matter in eternity?

26th July 2015 "Battle of the Voices"

Deb Gellatly brings this message that challenges us on how we think and how we speak, with both of these affected by the condition of our heart. That heart condition will be impacted by what voice is winning the battle.

To listen follow link below. To download mp3 file right click and 'save as'...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/2k2s7m1tbt/26-7-2015.mp3

19th July 2015 "Disciplined desires" Psalm 101

Drawing on the aspirations of the Psalmist whose heart was intent on pursuing intimate relationship with the Living God and reinforced by the practical teaching in the letter from James this message is a reminder of the discipline required by Jesus' followers to safeguard the environment of ones heart and mind.

Click on the link below to listen or right click and 'save as' to download mp3 to your device...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/ufup60pfj8/2015-7-19.mp3

12 July 2015 "Godly desire is desiring God" Matt 13:44-46

In this weeks message we have an opportunity to reassess what's most important to us in life. The big question is what is standing in the way of us pursuing and laying hold of that which is most valuable for the redeemed child of God.

Follow the link below to listen to this message or right click and 'save as' to download mp3 file.

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/p8g5w8cp1z/12_7_2015.mp3

Pastor’s Pen: Spiritual discipline

Self-denial is a concept foreign to most modern westerners and even to followers of Jesus. Our society, and our even our church culture by association, is consumer driven with a seemingly insatiable hunger for satisfaction. The poverty that this brings to Christianity is manifest in unsatisfied church consumers that float from church to church and pass judgement on the worship, the sermon and the people of the various denominations on offer. But even we who are committed into the life of a local church can fall prey to believing God’s higher priority is satisfying my desires and that He couldn’t possibly want or expect any sort of self-denial to be part of the “Grace” filled life He has called me to.

In Leviticus 23:27, on the Day of Atonement, the Israelites were told to, “Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves and present an offering…”  Interestingly all three of these disciplines are commonly rejected by modern believers, possibly arguing the irrelevance of such calls in the Old Testament to New Testament Saints. Yet for followers of Jesus, there are some principles that can instruct us to serve/worship the Lord with an increasing depth of spirituality. A New Testament passage containing the words of Jesus adds greater weight to this topic. In Matt 16:24-25 we read, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

If Jesus thinks self-denial is an important part of developing as one of His followers we should take stock and discern how we might be best served to exercise spiritual discipline; to make some sacrifices in order to grow in faith and spiritual maturity. Self-denial can come in many forms. But as preliminary suggestions we can go back to Leviticus 23:27 and see that being committed to taking part in the assembling together of the Saints is one, while contributing to the offering is another. Beyond this we may be led by the Spirit of God to fast from food or even TV or other pleasures for a season to prepare our hearts to worship Him. As we grow in this we may even be called to make some choices that affect our comfort level as God may lead us into spheres of service that mean we have to go without.

There is no one size fits all here, but rather an attitude of worship and service that is prepared to trust God and put our own desires second in order to see the power of the Holy Spirit manifest in our lives individually and among us as a community corporately. My God bless us in our spiritual disciplines as we make the conscious decision to deny ourselves and follow Him!

Year of Jubilee 5th July 2015

In this message Pastor Steve unpacks the "Year of Jubilee" discerning it's insights into God's character and how it can speak into our own lives today.

To listen click on link below or to download mp3 file right click and 'save as'...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/k8e7hwep5d/2015-7-5.mp3

Pastor's pen 5th July 2015

Living with hope

Wow! How much things can change in a week. As I wrote last week’s Pastor’s pen, I was anticipating spending time with visiting friends on Friday evening and spending Sunday as I regularly do, preaching God’s word. Yet on Friday evening even as our guests arrived, I was rushing to hospital in Emerald. Twenty-four hours later in Rockhampton hospital a surgeon sat down next to me with a serious look on his face to tell me he had discovered a mass that he suspected was a malignant tumour. This was confirmed in the following days.

As you can imagine the last week has been quite a ride. So as I put my fingers to the keyboard this week I do so looking at life from quite a different perspective. But while the circumstances of my life may have changed somewhat, God has not changed and that is a great source of encouragement and hope. Hope is a very powerful thing. And the hope that we have as Christians means we can face today, tomorrow and eternity with a confident assurance that God is for us and with us.

Romans 12:12 puts it plainly, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  I am guessing that those words will come to be importantly instructive for me over the coming weeks and months. But they are instructive for us all. The one thing that really comes home at times like these is there are many things that we worry about which just aren’t important. Hope is something that needs to be guarded and fostered. And it is something to be enjoyed (joyful in hope). This hope can only come through faith in what God has done and what He is going to do. Furthermore the hope we have in God to deliver us and sustain us enables us to face the fiery trial with a patient endurance. That patience will be key for us to remain faithful in prayer, not giving up when we don’t see God’s salvation immediately but holding onto hope; patiently and faithfully seeking God’s face.

In the various trials each of you may be facing as well as in the trial you see that I am facing, let us together be encouraged to hold onto hope. It will enable us to truly live life as God intended—filled with joy.

Sermon 28 June John Moon

This weeks message is by John Moon and focuses on the story of Joshua as he is called to be courageous. We can all learn and be encouraged by this story.

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Pastor's Pen 28th June 2015

Get wisdom, get understanding

It has been a great blessing for me over the last twelve years to be studying God’s word at depth, and it gives me great joy to unearth treasures in God’s Word week to week and apply them to all our lives in preaching. The reason I first went to Bible college was not to become a pastor but because I felt I needed to set apart a season of focused study of biblical truths. Not everyone has the privilege I have had and continue to have in spending considerable time studying God’s word. But just because you’re not a pastor or a preacher doesn’t mean you can’t be intentional about searching the scriptures for yourself and discovering treasures that bring illumination and change in your own lives.

We live in an era in which more versions of the Bible exist than ever before, and we are spoilt for choice in regard to books on various theological topics, yet the western church with its prolific resources is for the most part spiritually weak and many Christians, apart from some pet topics are largely biblically illiterate.

In Proverbs 4:5 it says, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.”  In this scripture we see the balance of what it is to be studying God’s word. Some people study to gain knowledge in an intellectual sense without opening their hearts and minds to be taught of the Lord in regard to what impact truth should have on our lives, while others react against any studious approach to God’s word by exercising little or no discipline in bible study. But wisdom and understanding are a wonderful pursuit if we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work of revealing the life application of what we have learnt. Wisdom can be understood as “knowledge coupled with an inner quality that embodies a heart and life in conformity with the purposes and character of God.” Understanding is a “rational competence” or reasoned ability to fit biblical truths together (Renn, 2005).

So wisdom and understanding are honourable goals to have in approaching the truths of scripture. I want to bring out of the treasure house of God’s word applicable words of encouragement and direction so we can journey together toward the future God has for us as a community of faith. But Sunday sermons cannot be your only source of biblical discovery. We all need to be reading the word for ourselves. Most devotionals have a reading plan included or you could google a bible reading plan to get you started. And as you read, pray and ask God to reveal truth, having an expectation that God wants to apply His word to your life. I also like to journal my thoughts in this time to help understand what God is saying.

So come on church, let’s get wisdom and understanding! If questions arise that you can’t square away please get in touch as I would love to assist you more personally on your spiritual journey of discovery.

 Pastor Steve

Pastor’s pen “I want to win my race”

Effort plays a large part in any successful venture. Hard work, it seems, is the key ingredient to winning, no matter what we are involved in. I suppose this is what Thomas Edison was thinking when he penned his memorable quote, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” But is it hard work alone that leads to a productive and successful outcome? How about in the Christian life, is the level of busyness the most important ingredient in Christian service?

The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9: 24b says, “Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Paul shows us that we do need to be committed in the Christian life, and committed in our service to the Lord: that much goes without saying. However he also says that the effort we expend needs to be focused and goal directed. He goes on to say in verse 26, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly…”

Paul had one desire: to live the life that God wanted him to live and to do the works He had called him to do. On the one hand this means not being lazy and letting everyone else do the work. On the other hand this means not being so busy doing “stuff” that you miss the God ordained works that He has prepared especially for you. Remember in Ephesians 2:10 it says that God has prepared good works in advance for us to do. That means there is a particular work that God would have you do in His Kingdom. But first, some of us have to let go of our own agendas and start working to God’s agenda. The key is to look toward the goal; the goal of doing the will of God and gaining the prize. That prize is a heavenly welcome; “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25: 21, 23).

 Jesus lived by this principle.

21st June 2015 "Celebration time" Luke 14:12-24

In this latest message Ps Steve freshly applies the parable of the Great Banquet.

Click on the link below to listen or right click and 'save as' to download mp3 file...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/vs27bfvzpv/2015-6-21.mp3

Pastor’s pen: Work is good, but don’t worship it!

There are many encouraging passages in scripture that serve to strengthen our faith that God cares about our needs and He is willing and able to meet them. One such scripture is Jesus words as he preached the Sermon on the Mount: “..do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or …what you will wear…For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt 6:25, 32-33) God does not want us to starve and He does not want s wandering around in a loin cloth, but He doesn’t want us to be ensnared by “pagan” or “worldly” thinking that makes us think we have to have this and we have to have that. God’s desire is for us to live a life of worship that is characterised by thankfulness, and not be worshipping with worry the idol of vain pursuit.

So does this mean we should do nothing to contribute to our own needs? No - God is not a god of laziness! But it does appear that some early Christians had decided living by faith meant it was alright to be doing nothing. The Apostle Paul addresses this in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 when he says, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”  Furthermore the scripture in Matthew says not to chase “things” but to pursue God (His kingdom and His righteousness ie. what’s important to God).

God created us to be productive and delights in blessing the works of our hands when our work is done out of a heart to honour Him. But when we allow our hard work to replace God as the object of worship and our heart is drawn away to the pursuit of selfish pleasures and temporary possessions; when we stop trusting in God’s provision and spend more time working out how I can get ahead than meditating on the goodness of God, we are in effect forsaking the Lord and instead pursuing idols of the heart.

So we can and should be trusting in God for our provision. But as we pray and ask God to meet our every need, we should look with expectation for the opportunities He will open up for us to work hard at. We must not however fall into the trap of believing it is my hard work that has brought this provision but it simply my obedience to trust Him and do whatever He puts before me to do. This will help me remember that everything I have is a gift from God and to hold loosely the things of this life. In other words: Work is good, but don’t worship it!

14th June 2015 "My deliverer is coming"

In this message Deb Gellatly relates the journey of the Israelites coming out of Egypt to our own journeys of faith. Highlighting the faithful deliverances of God in the Israelites journey, despite their poor attitude, we can draw encouragement to trust God in our own journey of faith.

Follow the link below to listen to this message or right click and 'save as' to download mp3 file...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/u4s8psxjqm/2015-6-14.mp3

Pastors Pen: Being equipped for the battle

The topic of spiritual warfare can be both over and understated. Understated, when in ignorance the Christian thinks nothing of the dangers that lurk in the darkness seeking to ensnare one’s soul with idolatrous temptations. Overstated when we conceive that by some power of our own we might hope to prevail over the wiles of the evil enemy of our souls. Bu the reality that we fight a spiritual battle daily is explicated stated  in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the  rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of  evil in the heavenly places.” The scripture then goes on the entail the importance of the armour we need to be wearing in this spiritual battle. Key among the armory is the Word of God.

Charles Spurgeon, in one of his sermons on spiritual warfare, prevailed upon the value of scripture in the spiritual battle writing, “ I commend to you then the hiding of God’s Word in your heart the pondering of it in your minds...Be rooted and established in its teachings and saturated in its spirit. To me it is an intense joy to search diligently in my Father’s book of grace which grows upon me daily...It is not a mere historic document. It is a letter fresh from the pen of God to me...I look not upon the Scriptures as  a  harp that once was played by skillful fingers and is now hung up as a memorial upon the wall. No, they are an instrument of ten strings still in the minstrels hand, still filling the temple of the Lord with divine music, which those who have ears to hear delight to listen to. The Holy Scripture is an Aeolian harp, through which the blessed wind of the Spirit is always sweeping and creating mystic music such as no man’s ears shall hear elsewhere...The Holy Spirit is in the Word, and the Word is, therefore, living truth. Be assured of this, and because of it, take the Word of God as your chosen weapon of war.”

When, as Spurgeon eloquently describes, we get into the Word and let its majestic power get into us, we have a weapon in the armoury that will certainly be powerful and effective in the battle. Having stored it deep in our heart we will be able to draw on it in powerful prayer and even our mediations upon it will inspire us to open our hearts and mouths in prayer. The battle is getting hotter. Its time to dust off our weapons, and maybe even spend some time getting them, and our hearts in tune.

                                                                                                                                Pastor Steve     

 

Ephesians # 15 " Fight the good fight" Eph 6:10-20

In this final message from the Epistle to the Ephesians we gather together all we've learned thus far by putting on all these aspects of our spiritual armour.

Noting the importance of understanding the dangerous battle we are engaged in this passage gives great insights into how we can stand firm and see God's Kingdom come, in our own circumstances and in the circumstances of others around us.

Click on the link below to listen or right click and 'save as' to download copy of mp3  sound file...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/y3z7ubvp2n/7th_June_2015.mp3

Pastor's pen: Imitating Christ’s humility

Self-esteem. What is it? Plainly put it is “confidence in one’s own worth”. Healthy self-esteem is a good thing, especially for a follower of Christ, because it readily understands one’s worth in the sight of God. However the elusiveness of self-esteem or worth in the world today indicates the emphasis may not be on the “worth” aspect of self-esteem as much as it is on the “self” aspect. The way some people, and there are many of us Christians in this basket as well, who in pursuit of their sense of worth are being self-ish about it. The problem we run into is this: Even as Christians we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with those around us, seeking validation in how we measure up in comparison to others.

As in all lessons of life the Christ follower, rather than looking at and comparing ourselves to the people around us, should always look to the example set by Jesus, for attitude and for actions. And may we be sure Jesus was very confident in who He was. Yet that did not make Him self-absorbed and nor did it make Him competitive with His contemporaries; even those who set themselves up as rivals.

In Philippians 2:3, 5-7  we read, “ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves…Your attitude should be the same of that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant…”

Jesus was not conflicted about who He was or how valuable He was. It was His confidence that enabled him to take the humbled position that God had given Him. And the passage makes clear that we too, having a clear sense of our identity and our value as a redeemed child of God, should be confident of what God says about us, allowing that confidence to shape our attitude toward others. “In humility consider other better than yourselves…” does not mean your measuring your worth against others. It does mean that because your God’s child you can serve others with a Godly humility, just as Jesus did. It won’t make you lesser person; it will actually establish you as one God can truly use to accomplish His purposes here on earth.

I can have healthy self-esteem. It flows out of knowing just how much God loves me and the value He has placed on my life. That fact sets me free to serve others selflessly.

Eph # 14 "Honouring God by honouring others" Eph 5:21-6:9

Submission is often considered a dirty word in contemporary society, especially in relationships in marriage and even in families and in the workplace.

The word of God however is living and active and this scripture in Ephesians continues to instruct us today on how we must live as members of God's holy household. Honouring God and others is essential to live this life as God intended.

Click on link below to listen or right click and "save as" to download mp3 file.


http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/adkoj1fghz/2015-5-31.mp3

24 May 2015 "Holy Exposure" Eph 5:8-20

The darkness hides many dangers as well as providing an environment for evil to flourish. That is why in the spiritual sense of darkness God's light serves such an essential function in our own lives as well as in the world where many are lost in darkness.

Join Ps Steve for this message in which we discover the importance of ongoing "Holy exposure".

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http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/dzflvvn1of/2015-5-25.mp3

Pastor's pen 17 May 2015

Imago Dei (image of God)

In my recent studies I have been exploring the issue of God’s directive to the fledgling nation of Israel not to make an image, or an idol to worship (Deuteronomy 4:16). The context of the statement was not simply that the young nation was about to enter the land of Canaan where pagan idolatry was prevalent, but also the Israelites had in their recent history experienced God’ power and had heard Yahweh speaking to them out of the fire (4:12) when He gave them the ten commandments.

What struck me about this incident was that the pagan religions in the land of Canaan had gods they could see (their idols) which contributed nothing to their spiritual, moral, cultural or social wellbeing. In fact the worship of these “gods” led the Canaanites into depravity and darkness. They had a god they could see but these gods offered them nothing meaningful for their lives. On the other hand, Yahweh revealed Himself not visually (as in showing His form or image) but rather audibly, by speaking His Word to His people. The connection is powerfully evident in vv15-16a, “You saw no form of any kind the day the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape…”  God spoke out of His infinite wisdom and grace to these people to reveal to them the pathway of life.

The Canaanite deities were based on sexual rituals of fertility and the like which drew the worshippers into adulterous practices seemingly imitating their gods. But Yahweh told the Israelites how they were to follow God’s ways so they could be an example of His wisdom and goodness. In fact God has that plan for all humanity given He has created man “in His own image…” (Gen 1:27)

The danger of making idols is we allow godless values and darkness (even originating in our own hearts) become the values that govern how we live our lives. But when we acknowledge that God intends us to carry His image by walking in His ways and being obedient to the Word He has spoken, our lives become purposeful and we reveal to those around us the wisdom and goodness of God.

Ephesians 5:1 tells us to be “imitators of God” but to do that we need to resist the temptation to model our lives on the many temptations being offered to us. We can easily become ensnared by the treasures that we have conjured up in our hearts that offer pleasure and fulfilment. But only when we set apart Jesus Christ as Lord and seek to make Him the treasure of our hearts, will we fulfil our God given role of bearing the image of the one true and living God.

Ephesians #12 "Play nicely children" Eph 4:30-5:7 17 May 2015

In this latest message from Ephesians Ps Steve builds on our identity to call out honourable conduct in God's dearly loved children. We are valued and our life should be lived according to the value God has placed on our lives. So play nicely children.

Click on the link below to listen to this latest message or right click and 'save as' to download...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/xa0wuf9v7p/2015-5-17.mp3

10th May Pastor’s pen: "Getting rid of the gutter mouth"

When I was living in rebellion to God and living for myself in the world, I had a dreadful gutter mouth, out of which foul language seemed to flow like a stream…a polluted stream. When I was washed clean by the power of the Holy Spirit new birth there was a marked improvement. But obviously my use of language was still contextual and working alongside other gutter mouths I tended to still use some terminology that was not very healthy.

I have been dismayed as I have journeyed along through life that some Christians seem to have a mission to make foul language OK for the cleansed child of God. But how can this be? I know that the logic offered is that if I use the language of the people around me I can more easily identify with them and they won’t peg me for being “holier-than-thou”. However this attempt at contextualised Christian living is far from what God intends. For when we become so identifiable with vulgarity, how are we able to show them that there is a life of renewal where the broken sinner can be washed clean and healed? This is what Jesus was getting at when He told us to be “salt and light” and to not lose our saltiness (Matt. 5:13). Sure that teaching of Jesus is much wider ranging than language but it certainly includes it.

In Ephesians, Paul writes about living our lives as God’s children, different from those who are separated from Him. We mustn’t look down on unbelievers but we must be an example to them of what God is like (Eph 4:24). And in verse 29 Paul takes up the gutter mouth issue by saying “don’t use foul or abusive language” (NLT) The foul or abusive language which is translated “unwholesome” in the NIV is the word ‘Sapros’ which has the meaning of: rotten, putrefied, corrupted, of poor quality, bad, unfit for use.

So whether you’re struggling with a gutter mouth or you’re ignorantly proud of using foul words, be assured God has a desire to clean us all up. We do need to come to Him however and submit to that process, asking for the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, our lives and even our mouths. We are to be witnesses and examples of God’s work of renewal so let’s get rid of the old ways and pursue the new way of Life Jesus has opened up for us.

10th May 2015 Ephesians #11 "Full...not empty" Ephesians 4:17-30

In this latest message we compare the old empty life before our new birth and the life we are called to live as born again children of God. The former is futile, empty while the latter is filled with purpose and meaning.

Follow the link below to listen or right click and 'save as' to download mp3.

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/g9krbzsz4f/10_May_2015.mp3

Pastor's Pen 3rd May 2015

Pastor’s pen: “The Church that God intended.”

 As we discover and rediscover that the Bible is not simply a book of stories for us to know about, or a series of doctrines for us to intellectualize over, we are compelled to accept that scripture should inform our actions as well as our beliefs. God intends for His church to be a vibrant force in the world; not living a life of selfish comfort but moved by selfless sacrifice. Romans 12: 1-2 communicates this clearly. “…in view of God’s mercy…offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

For us to be the church that God intended, we need to submit and offer ourselves to become the kind of Christians that God intended. How often we look at the church (local or wider) and lament its lethargy and ineffectiveness and start judging it. News flash: the condition of the church is created by the condition of Christians! We can want a move of God but am I willing to let God move me? We may well say that nothing is impossible for God. True, but we also must remember that God is going to move among a people that are hungrier for Him than they are for the elusive contentment, success and position being offered through worldly values systems.

If we are going to become the people that God intended, and if we are going to become the Church God intended, we have to come to a place of wanting God’s way more than the carnal/natural way; willing to sacrifice the things that have dominated our priority lists that have never been on God’s priority list and allow God to carry out His renovation of our minds. It will also require us to listen to what God is saying and being obedient even though it gets uncomfortable. Remember God is not looking for lukewarm Christians, He wants us to be on fire for Him, and He is the One who will set us on fire! See you at the prayer meeting!!!

Pastor Steve     

 

Ephesians message #10 "Healthy Community" Eph 4:4-16 3rd May 2015

Exploring Paul's use of the human body as an illustration of how Christian Community should function, this message reveals healthy community, like the human body should be fit, growing and flexible in order to operate as God intended.

To listen to this latest message click on the link below.
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http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/cuf1kmv3jf/3_May_2015.mp3

Ephesians #9 "Living worthy of our calling" 26th April 2015 Eph 4:1-6

This message is the first in the second half of the Ephesians series we are working through as a church. Building on the previous eight messages that concentrate on developing our identity as believer's in Christ, this message and the remaining messages in this series will concentrate on "Christians in Community: Character and Conduct". Connecting our identity with the life we are called to live, this message calls us to "live worthy of our calling".

Follow the link below to listen, or right click and save as to download mp3 file.

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/0sgyi2jxeq/26_April_2015.mp3

19th April 2015 Ross Grierson

This message is by guest speaker, local chaplain, Ross Grierson. Ross has been through a major health crisis and can testify to the power of prayer and the love of God. May you be encouraged as you listen...

Click on link below to listen to message or right click and 'save as' to download the mp3 file...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/yx0fx1bu94/19th_April_2015.mp3

Easter Sunday 5th April 2015

While we spend much time as Christians focusing on the power of the cross in dealing with our sinful condition we are reminded on Easter Sunday that the power of the Christians new life in Christ is equally reliant on the power of the resurrection. The life of victory despite our circumstances requires the balance of both the cross and the resurrection (the whole gospel) to be at work in us.

May God bless you as you listen to this latest message by Ps Steve Gellatly at Emerald Baptist Church. (Unfortunately the Good Friday message was not recorded.)

Click on the link below to listen to the message or right click and 'save as' to download mp3 file...

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/lcvl5cgyxy/5th_April_2015.mp3

Ephesians # 8 "The Power of God's Love" Eph 3:14-21

This eighth message from the letter to the Ephesians rounds off the first half of the series that has focused on "In Christ: Identity and belonging". The final seven verses of chapter three reveal a view of power and strength far different from what world order understands to be strength and power.

Again the key is found in our identity as a child of God and the love that he has for us. That truth establishes us in a strength that cannot be known apart from being included in Christ.

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Pastor's Pen: Prayer

Prayer is the single most important aspect of the Christian life and the area most neglected. Whether private or corporate we must come to appreciate its necessity if we are to move into greater connection with the Lord’s enabling power and strength.

Jesus knew the importance of prayer and we should look to His example. R. Paul Stevens, in “New Testament Spirituality” writes, “The most revealing statement by Jesus about his life of prayer is simply, ‘I and my Father are one’ (John 10:30). Prayer for Jesus was not primarily a ‘discipline’ but the daily meat and drink of fellowship with the Father. Prayer is like friendship. As in friendship, prayer is not for anything at all, not even for ‘answers’. It is for the relationship. It is for the communion. What we are speaking about is not the natural or instinctive turning to God in a crisis – good as it is – but turning in faith to God moment by moment with the actual details of our life, and so praying without ceasing. To do this we must know the character of the one to whom we pray..." (p57)

Stevens further adds, "Jesus reveals a Father-God who is more willing to give than we are to ask, a God who invites us to come boldly, persistently and honestly (Luke 11:1-13). Equally importantly Jesus reveals that what God wants from our prayers is not the substance but the relationship implied in our praying. So there are probably no ‘bad’ prayers, and if there are, praying them is probably better than not praying at all. It is my hunch that praying even inadequate prayers places us in a spiritual position where God can teach us more about prayer. We learn to pray by praying. Were we to wait to be proficient we might never start. So we have every reason to be spontaneous when we pray and not to worry what God or anyone else thinks about the form of our prayers. God looks at the heart not the words of our prayers.” (p57-58)

May we be challenged to lay aside whatever is holding us back in our prayer life and just get started. A vital relationship is waiting for us with the most powerful person in the universe, who desires to impact us and our community through us.