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

Pray for Malaysia

God is Healing Our Land

"Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid."
(Romans 3:3-4)

Faith-filled words. That's what changes things. They'll move mountains into the sea. They'll turn sickness into health. They'll turn a sinner into a saint.

They'll also take a sin-ridden nation and turn it into God's own country. That's right. Then, if we believers would back up the prayers we've been praying for this nation with words of faith instead of doubt and discouragement, we'd soon begin to see spiritual resurrection in Malaysia.

God promised us that if we, His people, would humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, He would heal our land. And let me tell you, there are prayer warriors all over this country (I hope you're one of them) who are doing what that promise requires.

But, even so, you don't hear many people saying, "This is great! God is healing the land." You don't hear people speaking out by faith the promise of God. Instead, you hear them saying, "Oh my, oh my, did you hear what those politicians are doing?" or some other destructive thing they've seen on television.

Listen, we need to stop preaching what the politicians are doing and start telling what God is doing! God said He is healing this land.

We must start speaking about this country by faith instead of going around spouting bad news all the time. Of course, that will sound odd to most people. Some of them may even think we've slipped a few cogs. But that's nothing new.

Let me tell you something: One handful of believers who are listening to, trusting in, and speaking out the good news of God are more powerful than all the devils on earth. One handful of believers are more powerful than a whole army of unbelieving doomsayers. Their unbelief will not make the faith of God of no effect!

That's why over the last 25 years, we learned to turn a deaf ear to the bad news and just start praising and thanking God for His deliverance. Every word of praise we speak releases faith in our heart.

Get determined with us right now. Take a firm stand with us that things are changing in this country. Settle it in your heart as you pray. Speak it out. Call it forth. God is healing the land!

Sunday Re Cap (13th July 2008)

The Five Stages Of Evangelism-A Biblical Model

John 4:7-28

I. ATTENTION

• Jesus began where the woman was and got her attention-v7-9 “Give me a drink”; “How is it that you ask me? We have nothing to do with each other”.
• We can engage right where we are-work place, school, etc. Sharing family matters, school work, business challenges, health, exercise, hobbies, pets, travel; i..e. David Lai
• However this is only a very superficial stage of ACQUAINTANCE.
  

II. INTEREST

• After getting her attention, He kept her interest. John 4:10-12
• This is the realm of relationships. It's more than an acquaintance. Sharing of lives, interests take place. Very relational. Can sometimes be confrontational because of existing mindsets. “Are you greater than our Father Jacob?” It's part and parcel of relationship building; don't give up.
  

III. DESIRE

• He caused her to desire what He had. John 4:13-15
• This woman was now really interested. She was responding.
• This is when our lives begin to impact and influence others to a point where they want what we have. Notice it comes through INTERESTS which is kept going through relationship. “Can I have what you have?” “Sir, give me this water...”
  

IV. CONVICTION

• John 4:16-18
• This is where we begin to apply the gifts of the spirit. We cannot convict anyone; only the Holy Spirit can as we walk in obedience.
• These next two points are the realm of the SUPERNATURAL; MANIFESTATIONS; REVELATIONS.
• Need to wait for the timing of the Holy Spirit. Without a DESIRE, CONVICTION cannot come.
• Even though we cannot bring conviction; we can pray for conviction and /or circumstances that will bring it about.
  

V. COMMITMENT

• John 4:26
  "I who speak to you am He."
• She is brought to the point of decision. She can either accept or reject Him.
• So strong was her commitment that not only did she accept but she went on and told others about Him. V28-30.
• If we find our COMMITMENT wavering, we need to go back to the point where we were convicted (FIRST LOVE).
  

CONCLUSION
We can learn from this:

• Jesus took her from where she was to where He wanted her to be.
• We can use these five simple steps in witnessing.
  
  

Sunday Re Cap (6th July 2008)

THE LABORERS ARE FEW by Samuel Hari

Text:

Matt 9:37-38

Why are the laborers few? Can God raise up the laborers?

Mat 20:16 ; Mat 22:14 Many are called, few are chosen

We are all called. Praise God! But not all are chosen. Why not?

The calling part is with God but the chosen part depends on us (although GOD IS the one who chooses).

Many are called up but only a few are chosen. If that is the case, then our main agenda is to be part of the few! Fortunately, even for that the LORD has made a way.

The majority are not responding due to:

Luk 14:18-20 Excuses.

Mat 24:38 We are not aware.

1Jn 2:15-17 Friendship with the world.

2 Cor 5:17-21

What should we be confessing? The “FEW” say BELIEVING these few things everyday:

I AM A NEW CREATION.

I AM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS!

GOD IS IN CHRIST RECONCILING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF. That means God is working all the time!

GOD HAS GIVEN ME THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION.

GOD HAS COMMITTED TO ME THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION.

I AM AN AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST. Therefore i have diplomatic status and diplomatic immunity .

When we confess this, we begin to draw the anointing, we begin to draw the thirsty, the hungry in the world around us.

The laborers are FEW. Do we want to be part of the few? More motivation to be part of the FEW.

Matt 7:13-14

If we want to be part of the few, START BELIEVING! He will then equip us, enable us and show us HIS HARVEST! We will be surprise at those God chooses, we may never have expected them; but let's stand out of the way and let the LORD have His way. We will be even more surprised at where the harvest is! The most unexpected places! The most unexpected people. Like Jonah, let's not be disobedient but understand the heart of our reconciling Father. AMEN!

Sunday Re Cap (29th June 2008)

THE HARVEST TRULY IS PLENTIFUL by Samuel Hari

Matt 9:37-38

37 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

NKJV

Observation

1. Jesus is speaking to the disciples. The role of the disciple to to receive and carry out instructions from the LORD. Are we pre-occupied or without focus? Vision? Without a prophetic revelation the people cast of restraint. Pro 29:18

2. What is He saying to us today? He is at work in the lives of people even as we speak. The church is waiting for revival (in it's own understanding). The Lord is describing a different kind of revival. He is saying that there's already a revival taking place in the hearts of the pre-believers. That's His function. This is truly a work of His GRACE. The only kind of revival that is needed is in the hearts of the believers. The laborers are few. Look around us. How many laborers?

3. PRAY! It is impossible to preach in places where there's no harvest. Notice it's not our harvest; it's HIS HARVEST! The direction comes from Him, The leading comes from Him, the wisdom, boldness, words, etc. Many times we are frustrated because we go without the leading. How does the leading come? PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! One of the reasons a church becomes ineffective in witnessing and evangelism. I.e also said to send us OUT! Out from where? From our comfort zones. Going out involves a change of environment. We are contented to stay in but He says OUT!

4. The Lord knows which laborer to send where. He prepares us through our personality, life experiences, love languages; even our occupation, skills.

Application

1. Begin to first of all pray daily (in tongues and in understanding) and ask God to send us out into His harvest.

2. Begin to identify people around us. Where is the grace operating? Do a grace test. If it's not operating; then keep praying and asking God for open doors.

3. Sometimes we need to bring in the “specialists”. Someone who has had a special need and overcame it (comfort others with the comfort).

4. Be sensitive to the Lord's leading in taking us though different experiences. It could be for a far greater purpose than we think. To minister to someone else.

5. Begin using the tools that have been provided I.e. Our Love Language and of people around us. Is it Physical touch, Quality Time, Gifts, Acts of service, Words of affirmation. Language proficiency, music? Cooking? Talking?

6. 1 Cor 2:1414 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

   1. We need to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit and not our own persuasiveness.

“We can save no one, but unless we proclaim to them the gospel, God will save no one”

Conclusion

Jonah 2:9 Salvation is of the LORD

• It is the supernatural work of God the Father, who plans it; God the Son, who is the vessel through which we are redeemed; God the Holy Spirit who brings conviction.

• Conversion is not obtained by salesmanship, persuasion, argumentation or any other human means.

Sunday Re Cap (15th June 2008)

The Father Gives Revelation and Rest to Sons
by Ps Christopher K.

Matt 11:25-30
The Father gives revelation to His sons; however not all those who have revelation are His sons.

John 11:51 (NKJV) 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

• Caiaphas prophesied because he received revelation from God as High Priest and he was just a religious leader.
• Sons have continuous revelation because they have a on going and growing relationship with the Father.
• Revelation also must be in line with the principles found in the scriptures. Truth that liberates people to live a life free from sin.

John 9:35-41

• Spiritual blindness is caused by pride.
• Religious leaders lived in unbelief due to pride.
  

Matt 11:16-19

• Jesus had revelation because of intimate relationship with the Father.
• Jesus was able to do the work of the Father because of intimacy with the Father. He heard and saw what the Father did and was also able to say and do what he heard and saw.
• V28: Rest is not inactivity. It means work as it involves a yoke. However, Jesus is the lead ox. We follow His lead.
  

Guidelines for Fathers

• Clearly communicate instructions through words and examples.
• Through words and actions take the lead and teach our children.
• The Father through Jesus is gentle and lowly and so must we.

Lets learn and communicate clearly.

Sunday Re Cap (8th June 2008)

The Ministers of Reconciliation by Ps Samuel Hari

PURPOSE: God has given us a ministry and message of reconciliation to the world. 2 Cor 5:17-20

Are we telling the world the good news or the bad news? Are we sin focused or righteousness focused? Awake to righteousness 1 Cor 15:33-34; Heb 12:1-2

As MINISTERS of Reconciliation how do we administer the GOOD News (The Gospel) 2 Cor 5:18-21? What is our Job Description?

1.Receive the GIFT: We receive the good news of reconciliation. Restoration of favor and harmony with God through Christ; not our own works.

2.GIVE the gift: We are to share the good news of the gift of righteousness Rom 5:17. By word and deed 2 Cor 5:18.

a.Are we giving license to sin? The world does not need our license to sin.

b.1 Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins; not a condition or a prerequisite but an indication of the working of God in our lives. Comes after v7,8. We cannot convict anyone of sin. Only the power and the presence of God in someone's life can cause them to confess sin.

3.GET the harvest: 1 Tim 2:1-6

a.Our objective is still the same i.e. To bring sinners to repentance before the LORD. The only difference is that our approach is to point out to them the gift of God.

b.Pray for those in authority so that we may practice our faith peacefully. That as a result of our lifestyle of faith many will also come to repentance. To reconcile the world to God.

In applying the principle of 3G in the message of reconciliation, we must always remember the other 2G.

1.Put GOD in the midst of all these i.e. God gives us the GIFT of righteousness, salvation so that we can GET the harvest by GIVING them the message of reconciliation. GOD alone gets the GLORY.

2.We administer the gift through His GRACE that is freely already available.

Conclusion
We are the MINISTERS OF RECONCILIATION through Christ Jesus. Let's fulfill our purpose and destiny.