Sunday Re Cap (21st Dec 2008)

Jesus' Blood Speaks Better Things

As we prepare to celebrate the season of His coming, we need to reflect on the purpose of Jesus coming.

Heb 12:24 To Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

3 key words: The New Covenant, The Mediator, The Blood.

1. The New Covenant

This new covenant is entirely different from the old covenant which is a covenant of works. Because of Jesus PERFECT SACRIFICE, we no longer need to do things to please God. This is a covenant of personal relationship.

2. The Mediator

Christ is the Mediator of this new covenant; he is the middle person that goes between both parties, God and man, to bring them together in this covenant, to keep them together notwithstanding the sins of the people and God's displeasure against them for sin,

Heb 8:6 , Heb 9:15

Jesus as the mediator offers up our prayers to God, and to bring down the favours of God to us, to plead with God for us and to plead with us for God, and as we worship, brings God and his people together in heaven, and to be a Mediator between them forever, they beholding and enjoying God in Christ and God beholding and blessing them in Christ.

3. The Blood

This is speaking blood, and it speaks better things than that of Abel. First, It speaks to God in behalf of sinners; it pleads not for judgment and retribution, as the blood of Abel did on him who shed it, but for forgiveness and reconciliation. Secondly, To sinners, in the name of God. It speaks pardon to their sins, peace to their souls; and calls for their strictest obedience and highest love and thankfulness.

Blood has a voice-DNA speaks and can be used as evidence to “speak”. Our blood test result has a voice that can “speak” and tell us about the condition of our organs and vital signs.

The blood of Jesus speaks better things then that of Abel. Abel blood cried “Vengeance! Vengeance!” but The blood of Jesus cried “Mercy! Mercy!”. It cries forgiveness for our sins, healing for our bodies, and peace and soundness for our souls, protection, prosperity, our righteousness of God in Christ.

Conclusion

The eternal blood of Jesus which speaks of better things will never loose it's power. See to it that we do not refuse Him who speaks (Heb 12:25). See that we keep hearing the voice of grace, which speaks salvation, righteousness, protection, deliverance, properity and healing over our lives!

Sunday Re Cap (30th November 2008)

A House on FIRE will set the City on FIRE by Ps.Kumar

A revived CHURCH will cause a revived COMMUNITY.

1. Isaiah was revived in God's presence.
• Is 6-Here I am send me

2. In Acts we see a revived house/church setting the city of Jerusalem on fire.
• Acts 2:1-"fully come"-timing-Kairos
• v2-suddenly; suddenly healing, provision, salvation
• will we go suddenly when the Lord calls?
• the sound of heaven(SOH)-touching heaven & resonating/in agreement with the SOH.
• It comes when we are in unity.
• We are the torch.
• God is going to release & we are going to receive!
• v3-a fire for each one of us! Individual revival.
• V4-a movement of the spirit.
• V5, 6-the city heard the voice of God through the church.
• v7-12-the world is waiting for the church.
• V14-Peter & THE ELEVEN rose up together-body rising together!
• V16-prophecies spoken over the church will come to pass.
• V14-"heed my words"-hear God carefully.
• v41-120->3 thousand!
• V42-all things-Kingdom mentality

3. Ask God for a strategy-even if we have lost before (Ai).

• Joshua 8:1 "I have given"-past tense!
• V3-Joshua arose-we need to arise together!
• V8-setting the city on fire!

Sunday Re Cap (16th Nov 2008)

No More Toil-Rest In The Blessing by Ps Samuel Hari

Heb 4:1-11, 14-16

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.(REST?)

There is a revolution/revelation of REST that is coming into the church. This not something new but was there all along and was lost to man at the garden of Eden.

In the beginning...

When God began time, He did His work in six days. Then God rested. Gen 2:2

Adam was made in the image of God. God called all creation out of the earth; but Adam was called out of Himself (His breath; in His image). God and Adam functioned as one (in Him) (1 Cor 6:17). God blessed Adam and blessed him in him in Gen 1:28

Adam was blessed, God's work was finished and He rested.

And then...

As Adam lived in the blessing, the garden was supposed spread and expand throughout the whole earth. All Adam was asked to do was to step out there and flourish in the blessing...rest.

God's blessing was powerful enough to do it. He already provided everything to make it happen. Adam was just to rest in the blessing.

Through God's union with Adam,

• He had the energy (not tired) to live in the blessing.

• He had all the supply of the needs and desires in his life.

• But Adam let himself to be talked out of the blessing.

Adam and the generations that followed then chose his own way apart from God's plan and apart from the blessing of God. In Gen 1:37

The day is now here....

Ezek 36:33-36

I cleanse you from all your iniquities

We are in that day! The greatest day of His plan! By the blood of Jesus we are cleansed from our iniquities and He has delivered to the Body of Christ the blessing that Jesus has regained for us!

I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt.

He will cause us to dwell in our cities (inheritance and build the wastelands (to fruitfulness) in them.

This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited

Desolate lands and desolate people are being replanted and flourishing again as He intended in the garden of Eden though HIS REST....

Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it."

The people around us who don't know Him will see clearly that He is the one doing it!

Is it just sitting around? No. We can and must labor but need not get weary or heavy laden!

Eph 2:10, Mat 11:28

God' WORK done God's WAY brings God's REST!. Luke 5:1-7, John 6:1-15

Sunday Re Cap (9th Nov 2008)

BABES WHO REST by Ps.Samuel Hari

Introduction

In the midst of the current global situation, financial, political, working life, family, ministry there is a message found in the core of the Bible that promises not only to relieve stress and but actually causes us to function more effectively. This is not only to be done once/day or once/week but is to become a lifestyle of every believer. One of the key elements of experiencing NEW BEGINNINGS is REST!

Matt 11:25-30

Observation

1. Who are they hidden from? Who are they revealed to? Who do you want to be?

2. The wise and the prudent. Why is it hidden? Because they strive with their own strength. What are things hidden and why does it seem good to the Father? 1 Corinthians 1:18-29

3. We all need to labor-school, work, family, ministry, etc. Gen 3:17-19. It may be (1) sin; (2) excessive demands of religious leaders; (3) oppression and persecution; (4) weariness in search of God.

Application

1. How? Come to Him. Release every other yoke. It is a step of faith like Peter walking on water. Mt 14:24-29.

2. The Lord desires that we find this easy & light. Imagine doing this & enjoying it rather than be heavy laden with our expectations or of others. This is the yoke that is heavy & makes us weary, heavy laden.

3. We are already pleasing to Him based on the atoning work of Christ. We don't need to carry anyone else's' yoke of expectations, approval, etc. The rest that Jesus promises is love, healing, and peace with God; not the end of all labor. A relationship with God changes meaningless worrisome toil to spiritual productivity and purpose.

4. Take on a the easy new well fitting (easy: (greek) chrestos: pleasant, good, comfortable; built on a personal relationship with God by the indwelling Holy Spirit) yoke. His yoke. Grace. His righteousness. His approval, acceptance. Remind rehearse, confess daily.

5. Just like new shoes-it takes time to break into it. But once we are used to it, we actually look forward to wearing it! Walking in it, going the distance. Work, ministry, family, school, friendship , relationship, etc.

Conclusion

This scriptures suggest that Jesus is the lead oxen. He will lead and we follow. The moment, we try to take over, we become weary and burn out quickly.

• these things are revealed to BABES WHO REST!

• BABES ARE READY to experience new beginnings because they are new creations.

• when we have rest in our souls (mind, will emotions), we PROSPER and remain in HEALTH! 3 Jn 2.

Sunday Re Cap (2nd Nov 2008)

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES & THE SEASONS by Paul Ang

David remained in Jerusalem when it was a season of war. It was because he did not understand the times and seasons that he fell into immorality. There are times and seasons in everyone's lives. How we interpret and respond to it will determine the outcome and destiny of our lives. (Read 2 Sam 11:1)

• Ruth 1:1 there was famine in the land.
  
• V2-Elimelech went to the world's system for wealth.
  
• V3-5-they experienced a season of great loss-death.
  
• Do we react or respond to the season of loss?
  

Job 1:1 blameless & perfect. Even when he went through a great season of loss he responded correctly. How?

Two ways of responding:

1. Surrender to God's sovereignty.

2. Worship God (Heb13:15-Continue to worship)

God restored to Job double. The end is more important then the beginning.

Ruth 1:20 we can be better or bitter.

• V22-2nd season (after loss) is harvest! It was the season of Barley Harvest.
  
• Ruth 2-Our success & destiny in life is connected with being connected with the right people (Boaz, "it so happened v3"-no coincidence).
  
• Your season of adversity prepares us for a season of harvest.
  
• Ruth found provision & favor.
  

V23-end of harvest.

Chap 3-4 last season

• Ruth 3:1-Listening to the Holy Spirit -Naomi was a type of the Holy Spirit.
  
• V3-put on the best garment (vs widow's garments). Close the old chapter & releasing the past. We are created by God to live in the future.
  
• The Holy Spirit (Naomi) often tells us to do something risky-the midnight season-deliverance/salvation Examples of midnight hour deliverance-The Children of Israel left Egypt, The Phillipian jailer and household saved!
  

Final season-3rd day-IMPACT & INFLUENCE NATIONS & GENERATIONS. A season of GREAT FAVOR!

Sunday Re-Cap (26 October 2008)

The Light of Christ in You
by Ps. Abel Phillips

Text: 1 Pet 2:9-10

Biblical definitions of darkness:
Darkness is a physical limitation
Darkness is a mental condition
Darkness is an activity
Darkness is a location, a place, a dimension
Darkness is a state of being
Darkness is a person
Darkness is a force / power
Darkness separates
Darkness creates fear

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Biblical Definitions of Light:
1) Light orients & guides us.
2) Light illuminates & gives is an understanding. – a pathway to walk on the right direction – belonging to God. Moment by moment -in all situation/relationship/ finance situation.
3) Light heals (like laser – burn & heal), Light restores great amount of things
4) Light exposes wrong – exposes our wrong, wrong thinking - ours & the society’s wrong thinking. Mt 6:22 –“The eyes is the lamp of the body. If the eyes are good, your whole body will be of Light”
5) Light Gives Power – to do what is right in God’s sight
6) Light is Life - no sun no greenery – it creates life in the believers

- Put Jesus Christ in; who said He is the light of the World – and the Bible says this light is the life of all human.
- We all must acknowledge that need of this Light of the World to get His life in us.

Jesus said in Mt 5:14- 16:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

- Consider yourselves as the Light of Christ to the world around so that others may see you and be freed too and glorify God.

1 Peter 2:10 - who once were not a people but are now the people of God,
Be convinced now that you are His people – and be thankful & raise above all the difficulties of this life. The last word is what the Bible says: “You are more than conquerors because of Jesus Christ in you.”

TURN ON THE LIGHT OF CHRIST & be the light to others! Live in the full dimension of the Light of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Re Cap (5th Oct 2008)

REDISCOVERING THE PLOT

Introduction
Gen 1:28; John15:16
God's purpose for our lives is to be fruiful. However with the fall of Adam, that purpose was disrupted. However, God's purpose still remains the same and came into fulfillment through Jesus.

But our lives hardly seems like it? Still struggling to pay the bills, health issues, difficult to forgive, etc. Why? Could it be that we have lost the plot somewhere along the way? Let's take a look at some examples and see if some of these reflect our own lives...

Num 21: 4

I.WE DISCOVER THE PLOT WHEN WE LOVE THE MANNA

Manna is so basic! In our physical body we need the basic building blocks; we may not get in in our daily diet so we have food supplements that have what our body needs daily. If our body lacks the basic nutrients, our immune system will weaken or breakdown. Then we are prone to infections, disease, critical illnesses. Same thing on the spiritual basic building blocks...

II.WE DISCOVER THE PLOT WHEN THERE'S HUMILITY

Their repentance and supplication to God under this judgment, v. 7. They confess their fault. Moses, to show that he had heartily forgiven them, blesses those who had cursed him, and prays for those who had spitefully used him Herein he was a type of Christ, who interceded for his persecutors, and a pattern to us to go and do likewise, and thus to show that we love our enemies. Job 42:7-10, Matt 5:44 We discover the plot again!

III.WE DISCOVER THE PLOT WHEN WE DISCOVER THE PROVISION

God alone made the wonderful provision for their healing/restoration.

He did not use Moses to bring about judgment, he made him instrumental in their relief, v. 8, 9. in the same way, we are not an instrument of judgment but and instrument/MINISTERS of reconciliation!

It was a very unlikely method of cure; so our salvation by the death of Christ is to the Jews a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness.

That which cured was shaped in the likeness of that which wounded. The best antidote to a snake bite is a serum from the same type of snake. Jesus alone has the perfect serum for all of life's poison. Only by the BLOOD OF JESUS!

IV.WE DISCOVER THE PLOT WHEN WE KEEP OUR EYES ON THE PROVISION

We need never lose the plot again. How? They had manna but they said “For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread."

Mat 4:3-4 Joh 6:48-58 (55) For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

The Holy Communion helps us stick to the plot of God which is...being fruitful!

Don't lose the plot. Discover it and keep it!

Sunday Re Cap (21st Sept 2008)

Rediscovering the Plot
Ps Samuel Hari

Introduction

Gen 1:28

Be fruitful and multiply...

John15:16

You did not choose me...to bear fruit and that your fruit shall remain...

But our life hardly seems like it? Still struggling to pay the bills, health issues, etc. Why?

Could it be that we have lost the plot somewhere along the way? Let's take a look at some examples and see if some of these reflect our own lives...

Case 1

Num 21: 4Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread."

Loathes-despise, disgust, find repugnant.

1. The children of Israel were eating manna day in and day out and began to despise it. They were bored with it to the point that it became disgusting. They were looking for something new!

2. We know that manna is a reflection of the word of God in our lives and sometimes, we can come to the point that we can say that we know it all and there's nothing new. We begin to seek out the sensational and even pastors, ministers are pressured into producing “new” revelations. Christians go seeking after “revelations” and “signs and wonders” like looking for the next great fix. The Bible talks about this in the end times...2 Tim 3:5,7; 2 Tim 4:3,4. We've had cycle after cycle of this and what do we get at the end of every cycle? Ministers falling, people disillusioned, etc.

3. Sometimes, we have lost the plot just like the children of Israel.

4. The wilderness is like our day to day lives. We face heat all day long from work, school, business, family...if we're not careful, our soul can get discouraged and we begin to despise the word! The last thing we look for when we're in trouble is the manna I.e. when we/our children fall sick what is the first thing we do? Look for doctor or do we get together and pray? Even if someone comes and tells us to pray or read the word when we are going through a tough time, we kind of nod but are disgusted on the inside...
   

5. Nothing takes the place of a personal or simple bible study of 2-3 people blocks...manna! Low immune system...

6. Manna is so basic! We want more! In our physical body we need the basic building blocks; we may not get in in our daily diet so we have food supplements that have what our body needs daily. If our body lacks the basic nutrients, our immune system will weaken or breakdown. Then we are prone to infections, disease, critical illnesses. Same thing on the spiritual basic building blocks...

To be continued....

Sunday Re Cap (14th Sept 2008)

The Final Judgment Matt 25:31-46

This chapter begins with the importance of preparedness (prayer/Holy Spirit) to the importance of using our talents (training, discovery) & ends with action!

How can we summarize what is being said here by Jesus?

These are real events that will come to pass & it's important that we as believers are aware of what Scripture says:

1. Sheep & goat often grazed together at the same field but at the time of shearing they would be separated. Ez 34:17-24

2. There will come a time where God will separate the true followers & the pretenders & unbelievers. Explain:

   1. how do we know which category we fall in?

   2. The real intention of this scripture is not to condemn us but to alert us now & regularly where we stand.

3. Inward righteousness will & must produce outward obedience (fruit of the spirit) Phil 2:13; The fruit of the spirit is produced. The fruit is the character/nature of God, the gifts are the personality of God. One thing to confess “We are the righteousness of God, a new creation”, etc. Luke 4:18-19

4. The real evidence of what we believe is the way we act. How?

1. Treat every person we meet as if they were Jesus. Receive GRACE show MERCY? Parable of the unforgiving servant. Mt 18:23-25. The only way is to walk in the spirit.

2. How was Ananias able to go and pray for Paul? In the natural he struggled!

1. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus.
   
2. 1Jn 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
   
3. Feed hungry, house the homeless, look after the sick. How well do our actions differentiate us from pretenders & unbelievers?
   
4. These are acts of mercy we can all do. Does not depend on wealth, ability, intelligence, simple acts freely given & freely received.
   
5. We don't have to quit our jobs, wait for retirement, go to Bible school before God can use us.
   
6. We have no excuse to neglect those in deep need.
   
7. Cannot handover to church, government, Jesus demands our personal involvement. Is 58:7
   
8. V 40: Who are brothers & sisters? Who is my neighbor? Luk 10:27-29
   

Love for those in need (love & serve) glorifies God by reflecting our love for Him & our conviction of the finished atoning work of Christ on the cross.

v46: When Jesus' warns us against unbelief, He is trying to save us fr agonizing punishment.

Sunday Re Cap (7th Sept 2008)

When we are PROPERLY RELATED to God we are BLESSED
by David Lai

Haggai 2:19
Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, the vine, and the fig-tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive-tree have not brought forth; from this day will I bless [you].

When we are properly related to God, blessing is our portion.

Lk 24:50
50 And he led them out until [they were] over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Points To Note:

• Mt 5:3-12: The Beatitudes Blessings
• Mal 2:2: What happens if we are not properly related
• Hag 1:7: Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Consider your ways.
• Ezra 1:1: The commission to build the house of the LORD
• Ezra 3:10-13: The foundation laid.

THE THREE THINGS THAT CAUSED THE PEOPLE TO LOSE THE BLESSING DURING THE TIME OF HAGGAI:

1. OPPOSITION

• Hag 1:4-5: opposition-may cause us to lose sight of the blessing. Don't stop walking in the spirit.
• Neh 2:19-20: Opposition
• Ezra 6:15: temple completed in 4yrs. However, They were there for a total 17yrs.

We are here to build the temple. Put God's interests first. 1 Pet 2:5 we are living stones being built into a spiritual house.

2. COMPARISON-impossible?

• Hag 2:1-5
• v3:when we compare we never get started.
• Do not despise small beginnings, days of youth. More importantly how do we look in the eyes of God?
• v6-9: the future church. The greater glory.

3. UNCLEANNESS

• v10-14: We cannot hide from God. No pretensions, hypocrisy. Receive the new life/mind/creation through the atoning work of Christ on the cross.

Conclusion
Let us examine our hearts to see if any one or all three of the things listed above are preventing us from being properly related to God. Let us enter into the BLESSING!

Sunday Re Cap (31st August 2008)

5 FACTS ABOUT GREAT OPPORTUNITIES by Luis Cabral

1 Cor 16:9

For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

1. Great Opportunities are better than little problems. 1 Cor 16:9 (adversaries-little problems)

2. Great Opportunities need to be discerned. Eph 5:14-17

3. Sometimes Great Opportunities come in small packages. Only 12 men in all! As a result, ALL in Asia heard the gospel Acts 19:7, 10

4. There is a great God behind Great Opportunities. Let God take your “except” and make it exceptional I.e. “I don't have anything to offer “except”....Acts 19:11-12

5. Great Opportunities require great prayers. Adversaries, enemies, etc. Acts 19:23-

Sunday Re Cap (10th August 2008)

The Hidden Secrets of the Parable of The Talents
Part I

Conviction must lead us to commitment and “right believing must lead us to right living”. The wonderful thing is that the Lord shows us through the scriptures an idea of what that commitment is. Just like the Samaritan woman did not remain in conviction but that translated into commitment. The question is, are we truly convicted of the atoning work of Jesus on the cross? Is it a revelation?


Read from Matt 25:14-30

• V15, 20, 22: It is God who gives us the provision. We work with God and His provision to bring in the harvest.
• Notice that there was none who received no talents. ALL received.
• According to his own ability. If God gives us a task, he also gives us the ability to execute it. BE FAITHFUL!
• It's a question of depending on Him, availing ourselves to Him and be willing and obedient to use the talents He has given us.
• v16,17 IMMEDIATELY, RIGHT TO WORK: Don't say when I have the time, when I am free, someday, when I have the money; the time is now!
  

Luk 10:41-42: Martha worked for acceptance but Mary worked out of acceptance!

• V21,23: As we are both good and faithful, we will enter into the joy of the LORD. Things may not seem easy on the outside (sickness, debt, work pressure), but we enter into a different kind of joy. The joy of the LORD. Not the joy and comfort of man.

Salvation does not lead us to idleness but a faithful discharge to our responsibilities; the wise use of gifts and abilities entrusted to us result in greater opportunities while their neglect results in not only loss opportunities but also that which was entrusted to us.

Sunday Re Cap (3rd August 2008)

What will be the signs?

Text: Matt 24:1-14

Intro: Why Evangelism? Jesus gives us one of the greatest motivation for evangelism.

1. Deception/False Prophets. V4, 11.

   1. Satan is known as the Father of lies. John 8:44

      1. Deception is the only thing he still has 1 Pet 5:8. He has no power. Col 2:14-15; Eph 2:13-16; Gal3:13; 14; 2 Cor 5:14-17; Rom 5:6-15; Rev 12:10-11

      2. Then why are people still sick? Why are there still wars? Why are there financial problems? Misunderstandings? Divorces? Etc.?

      3. What is the core of all deception? It is to take our eyes from the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. The further away we look the stronger the deception that we fall into.

   2. Satan will do everything in His power to blind us, distract us (sickness, financial lack, misunderstandings, etc) from the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. THATS ALL HE NEEDS TO DO.

      1. Moses and the bronze serpent. Ex 21:4-9

         1. People became discouraged; complained.

         2. They put circumstances above the promises of God.

         3. Our circumstances can be bad and we may become discouraged but God's promises still stand. We need to get that into our spirit or we will fall into deception.

   3. Satan can no longer kill us. Rom 8:1-2; 1 Cor 15:54-58

      1. Because we are dead already! Gal 2:20

      2. The only power he has is the power that anyone gives to him. Just like Eve who was the first of mankind to fall into deception I.e. Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life.

   4. Notice how deception leads to all the other things in Matt 24:5-14

      1. Wars and rumors of war. V6.

      2. Natural disasters & famines (Global food shortage). V7.

      3. Persecution & offenses. V9 & 10.

      4. Lawlessness, love of many will grow cold. V12.

   5. One of the most powerful way of remembering is Holy Communion, coming to church, tithing, worship. All these things are there to help us from ONE AND ONLY one thing. To not fall into DECEPTION.

   6. When Jesus said “it is finished”, Satan said “I am finished!”.

   7. What are we to do in the midst of all this? The Gospel will be preached. V14. Why? Because the gospel, the good news of the atoning work of Christ is the ONE AND ONLY antidote to DECEPTION! Setting the captives free. From what? DECEPTION. Before we can set others free, we need to be set free! How? By looking at the BRONZE SERPENT, the Atoning Work of Jesus on the cross.

READ: Luke 4:18-19

Sunday Re Cap (27th July 2008)

Let The King Of Glory Come In
by David Lai

Text: Hab 2:14

We cannot see God but we can experience the manifestation of the Lord through His glory. Where the glory is there God is. Our purpose is to do the work of God & expand the kingdom of God. For this we need God's glory as behind the glory is the King of glory. Ps 24:7-10. Everything God creates reflects His glory. We are the everlasting doors and we were called from the beginning of time.

• What did God breathe into Adam? Gen 2:7
• The same Holy Spirit was breathed into the disciples. Jn 20:22
• This is the Spirit of glory.1 Pet 4:14
• That same spirit of glory is in us to bring Him glory.
• We work to manifest His glory.
  

Ex: Do we control money or does money control us? If we were created for His glory, then everything we have is to bring Him glory by doing His work and expanding the Kingdom of God.

OWNERSHIP VS. STEWARDSHIP. EZE 28:11

• God gave Lucifer stewardship but he wanted ownership and that brought his fall. Are we owners or stewards?
• Adam received the original word from God but Satan twisted this word to Eve. Gen 3:1-5
• Eve was given stewardship but she wanted ownership. Gen 3:6

ALLOWING THE GLORY TO WORK IN AND THROUGH US

• Pro 18:20-21 Our spirit responds to words. Whether good or bad.
• Ex 33:18-23 Moses saw what God saw-seeing from the back of God.
• Gen 13:10 Lot saw the outside. v14-Abraham saw from the inside of God.

Before-From faith to faith (Mark 11:23 whoever -anyone, unbelievers included) How to differentiate an unbeliever from a believer?

Now-From glory to glory (Col 1:15, 2 Cor 3:18)-spirit dimension helps us to change from glory to glory. This is the difference!

HOW DOES GOD'S GLORY OPERATE IN AND THROUGH US?

• John 17:4-5 We receive His Glory as we do His work to extend His Kingdom I.e. inviting our loved ones to hear the good news.
• Jn 17:21-22 When we extend the glory to others. By bringing them to Christ.
• Acts 7:55-60 Heaven is open when we are on assignment. Stephen preached to a tough crowd through the glory (of God).
  
  
  
  
  
  

Rapha Night

Sunday Re Cap (20th July 2008)

NATIVES OR IMMIGRANTS? By Angelina Boots

Text: Luke 2: 41-52

JESUS? Eager to ask questions and listen.

It was NOT His youth but depth of WISDOM that ASTOUNDED the Temple Teachers.

“Then Jesus returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them”, and “HIS MOTHER STORED ALL THESE THINGS IN HER HEART!”

MARY- “pondered on these things!”

NATIVES- indigenous/ Innate. Local inhabitant of place.

IMMIGRANT- left town country, now lives permanently in another, has official permission to do so. Emigrant/ alien/ displaced/ evacuee.

Natives	Immigrants
Locked in past traditions.	More Kingdom oriented
Black or White.	Grey dominates
“Yes....BUT?	Yes,....AND?
Slow deciders	Fast deciders
Threatened by change	Leads change.
Linear Thinking	Think on the run.
Learn Formally	Learn by doing and discovering.
Books	Visual.
Against chaos and instability	Lives with chaos, uncertainty and instability.

Mary and Joseph- Old church- Natives.

Jesus- New church- Immigrants.

Today are you a native or an immigrant?

“THERE ARE NO FUTURE DECISIONS, ONLY PRESENT DECISIONS WITH FUTURE CONSEQUENCES”

We must:

• Prepare for change

• Promote change

• Lead change

A Paradigm shift needed!

Luke 2:19,51; Dan 7:28; Gen 37:11

Heb 13:8-message constant but methods change!

Listen/Ask/Ponder and then CHANGE!

Live in Kingdom culture today and be willing to embrace contradictions.

RAPHA NIGHT JULY 2008

Pastors' & Leaders' Fellowship-July 2008

Dear Pastors, Elders

Re: Pastors' Fellowship

Greetings in Jesus Name.

It is with great pleasure that we would like to invite you to a Pastors' Fellowship and Meeting with details as follows:

Date: 19th July 2008 (Sat)

Time: 9.00am-12.00noon

Venue: GROW BM

Speaker: Rev. Don & Angelina Boots

Profile of Speakers

Don Boots

1976 – 1979 Youth and Singles’ Minister, Peoples’ Church, Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A.

1979 – 1980 Assistant Pastor, Warrnambool Christian Revival Crusade, Victoria, Aust.

1981 – 1986 Assistant Pastor, Forrestfield Bible Fellowship, Perth, Western Australia.

1987 – 1990 Staff Pastor, Kern Christian Centre, Bakersfield, CA, U.S.A.

Earned a Doctorate of Ministry at Southern California Theological Seminary.

1990 – 2005 Senior Pastor of A.R.K. Christian Centre, a Foursquare Church, Perth, Western Australia.

Don has a servant’s heart and his passion is to see pastors encouraged and empowered to fulfill their calling in their communities. His love for local and international missions was birthed in Arizona, where he was saved and continues today to be one of his passions.

He is an exhorter and encourager and loves to serve people. Don is a dedicated and very successful father of four boys and has a very special and sound relationship with his wife, Angelina.

Don is a credentialed Foursquare minister since 1990.

Angelina Boots

A trained Microbiologist with a Master of Science degree. She has lectured and worked at the University of Western Australia and the California State University in Bakersfield.

Angelina also has a Doctorate in Divinity (Hon) from Southern California Theological Seminary.

1977 – 1982 Worked in the Clinical Microbiology Department of the University of Western Australia

1981 – 1986 Worked as a team with Don at Forrestfield Bible Fellowship.

1988 Ordained at Kern Christian Centre, U.S.A.

1990 – 2005 Co Pastor at A.R.K. Christian Centre

Angelina’s passion is to teach, train, coach and mentor leaders in the Church. A desire to bring people into the fullness of their calling and ministry. She also has a passion to encourage the older women to teach the younger women in practical Christian living.. She has been on the Women In Leadership Ministries (WILM) Committee since 1993, ministering to about 150 Pastors and leaders Inter-denominationally.

Angelina preaches with passion and has a desire to see the Churches move in power with signs and wonders following to be “Jesus with skin on”.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Foursquare Western Australia.

Angelina is a credentialed Foursquare minister since 1990.

Don and Angelina have been in Ministry together since 1981 and enjoy ministering as a team. Their gifting compliment each other.

Don and Angelina live in Perth with their four sons.

Please do confirm your attendance with Ps. Shamala (012 4632495) or email

growbm@streamyx.com as a light breakfast will be served before the meeting.

You are welcome to bring along your leadership and church members as well.

God bless you.

Ps. Samuel Hari on behalf of SPPF + CCC