INSIGHT

GOD WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU

Mon, 28 May 2012 13:27:57 +0930

“How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God. That power is the same divine power which was demonstrated in Christ when he raised him from the dead.” (Ephesians 1:19b-20 Phillips)

Confidence isn’t easy to keep. Yesterday, I shared about finding the confidence to start over after failure. But how do you find the power to keep going once you start over?

Everyone wants power. You’ll find books in many bookstores on dressing for power and eating for power.

Did you know that God wants to give you power? Ephesians 1:19-20 says, “How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God. That power is the same divine power which was demonstrated in Christ when he raised him from the dead” (Phillips).

We can take two important truths from this verse:

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrated how powerful God is. That same power is available to us.

If God can raise Jesus from the dead, then he can handle any problem you give him. No problem is too big. He specialises in hopeless cases. You may say, “You don’t know my finances” or “You don’t know my health problem” or “You don’t know my marriage problem.” God does, and he can make the power of the Resurrection available to you.

God will finish in you what he started in you. Your failure won’t prevent that. You can have confidence in God’s words in Philippians 1:6: “God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns” (CEV).

Whatever God started in your life, he’ll finish. He won’t quit on you. You may give up on God, but he’ll never give up on you.

That’s a confidence builder!

GODS REMEDY FOR THE EXHAUSTED

Mon, 28 May 2012 13:24:07 +0930

“God wants His loved ones to get their proper rest.” (Psalm 127:2 TLB)

I’ve always been fascinated with the sudden change in the disciples before and after the Resurrection. One minute they’re defeated, and the next minute they’re dynamic. One minute they’re crushed, and the next minute they’re confident. One minute they’re having a pity party, and the next minute they’re taking on the world.

What made the difference?

When you personally meet a resurrected Jesus Christ, you become a more confident person. You can see this in the disciples in John 20.

John 20:19 says, “That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!” (NLT)

Over the next few days, we’ll look at three things that robbed the first disciples (and that also rob us) of confidence and what the Bible says about how to overcome those obstacles.

First, you can tell the disciples were tired. It was late that Sunday. It had been a rough week. They had Palm Sunday. They had the cleansing of the temple. They had the Lord’s Supper. They had Gethsemane. They had the six trials. They had the Crucifixion. They were worn out!

The most common cause of discouragement is physical and emotional exhaustion. Things look worse when you’re tired. Vince Lombardi said, “Fatigue makes cowards of all of us.”

When you’re tired, you lose your confidence. It’s that simple. What’s the remedy? It doesn’t take rocket science to figure this out. The remedy for physical and emotional exhaustion — and the confidence drain it can be — is rest!

Psalm 127:2 says, “God wants His loved ones to get their proper rest” (TLB). Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is go to sleep. It’s amazing how much better things look after you’ve had a good night’s sleep.

You’ll never be at your best if you’re not getting rest.

LET GO OF DOUBT SO GOD CAN USE YOU

Mon, 28 May 2012 13:12:08 +0930

“Anyone who doubts is like a wave on the sea, blown up and down by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7 NCV/NIV)

There are two things that cause self-doubt in your life:

1. Comparing your abilities causes you to doubt your abilities. Instead of looking to God, you start looking around at everybody else. They have more talent, more abilities, more education, or more experience. The moment you start comparing yourself to other people, you’re going to be filled with self-doubt.

The Bible says that it’s dumb to compare yourself to other people (2 Corinthians 10:12). God doesn’t want you comparing yourself to anybody else. He wants you to be unique. He wants you to be you.

2. Remembering your past failures causes you to doubt your abilities. Remembering your past failures is kind of like putting a movie in your mind of all your mistakes and playing it over and over. It tortures you to death, and you hate doing it.

God does not want you focusing on your past. If you stay focused on your past mistakes, you can’t get on with your present, and God can’t use you in the future.

God says to forget the past. Don’t let your past doubts or guilt keep you from being used by God. God says, “I don’t care what your past is. I want to use you!”

COMING UP AT HOPE:

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:48:39 +0930

Sunday 27th May
NEW SERIES COMMENCES - ‘JESUS PLUS’
Speaker: Josh Brett

Sunday 3rd June
SUNDAY LUNCH
Following our morning gathering we have authentic Italian pasta available in the Cafe. Stay back & chat with a few people while the kids watch a movie in the Kids Auditorium.

Tuesday 5th June
WELCOME TO HOPE COFFEE CHAT
For those who have recently connected at Hope or are looking to then this night is for you!. Come out & meet our team while also learning more about who we are & how we function. Commences at 7pm in the Cafe. Register at: admin@hopechurch.net.au

A FEW THOUGHTS - 24/5/12

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:14:33 +0930

Hi all

This past week I have had the privilege of officiating at a friends wedding. The wedding was in the Hunter Valley of NSW which allowed Sharon and I a few days up in the Hunter Valley. Then I came up to the Gold Coast to meet with a good friend and have a couple of days down time. Every 3 months I get away for 2 days for a study and prayer break. Usually I do this locally in Adelaide so it has been nice to do something a bit different this time round.

Here’s a few things from these days away:

Got to ensure that we apply rest to our schedules. Its great to get out and achieve, build things and make things happen but a key ingredient to doing this well is found in our ability to rest up.
When I get a few days rest and get away from my normal environment and routine I find that I think clearer. I believe this is because I actually give room to think. We can not under-estimate how crucial thinking is. Question/Challenge: When did you last make time away from your routine and schedule to just think? Do it!
The best me is a fit and health me. This involves my spiritual state, mental state and my physical state. I am have been challenged in these areas and without airing my laundry I have asked God in these few days what I need to be doing. I believe that he has given me keys and I now look forward to putting these into place. Of course this involves commitment and self discipline but these are both key ingredients to anything in life.

I hope that my experience of this week and the thoughts I have shared here help you in some way. Each of us have decisions to make and choices that are bundled up within these. Lets be committed to good choices!

Love ya

Josh Brett - Lead Pastor

A POWERFUL KEY TO PRAYER

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:59:58 +0930

“And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 TEV)

If you look at the Lord’s Prayer, you’ll see that it reflects praying together: “Our Father … give us … our daily bread … forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors … lead us not into temptation … deliver us … (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV, italics mine).

Many people miss out on so much because they only pray by themselves. Yet, when Jesus gave us an outline for prayer, he spoke about praying together. There is power in group prayer.

If you’re not praying with other believers, then you’re not getting the support you need. You’re missing out on one of the major benefits of being a Christian. Jesus says “whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them” (Matthew 18:19-20 TEV). That’s the power of praying with other people.

Ask yourself, “Who am I praying with on a regular basis?” You may be saying you’ve never prayed with anybody before, and it scares you to death. Its OK to start slow. When you get together with five or six other friends, you don’t have to pray if you don’t want to; you can sit there and be quiet.

Then, after several weeks, as you become more comfortable, you can begin to participate more in the group’s prayers. You’ll find a new level of stability in your life.

Talk About It

If you’ve never prayed with other people, start by praying aloud when you’re alone. I do most of my praying on the freeway. I drive down the road and pray out loud: “Lord, here are some things I want to talk about with you today …”

Another suggestion is to pray at meals. Our family holds hands together; sometimes we pray sentence prayers — “thank you” prayers to God for what he has done for us.

LIVING A LIFE OF SERVICE

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:58:46 +0930

“God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” (Ephesians 2:10 (NCV)

There are three things you can do with your life: You can waste it, you can spend it, or you can invest it. The best use of your life is to invest your life in something that will outlast it.

The worst thing you can do is to live simply for today and to live for yourself. God did not put you on Earth to live for yourself. He created you to be like Christ.

We know that, according to Mark 10:45, Christ came to Earth to do two things: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (NIV).

As we seek to grow and become more like Christ, we need to learn how to live a life of service. This will help us create a lasting spiritual legacy.

Talk About It

Today I want you to take time to meditate on the following verses about God’s call to service in our lives. Pray over them, and ask God to reveal new ways you can give yourself in service to those around you.

“Give yourselves completely to God — every part of you … you want to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes.” (Romans 6:13b LB)

“My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24 NLT)

“Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the good news will ever know what it means to really live.” (Mark 8:35 LB)

SORRY

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:58:00 +0930

We apologise that this BLOG has not been updated too much lately. We are onto it and you can expect more activity from today.

Mothers Day 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:22:08 +0930

Yesterday at Hope we had a great time celebrating not just Mums but we celebrated all the Women in Hope Church. Every Women received a red velvet cupcake made to look like an apple with the theme being that every women is the apple of Gods eye.

What is HOPE'd?

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:14:19 +0930

What is HOPE’d?

Inspiring people to practice kindness and pass it on to others!

It’s about Helping Other People Everywhere

It’s about taking time out of your day to do something for someone else expecting nothing in return. It’s about doing “Random Kindness” to others.
It’s about showing others, that there are people around that care.
It’s about Listening, Seeing and Doing.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” - Philippians 2:3-4

When you are grateful and practicing random acts of kindness in your life, you end up feeling safe and connected to that which is good and true in this world and the result is inner calm, clarity of thinking and a heart full of love.

According to scientific studies, some of the physiological benefits to this experience include:

Increased immune system
Improved Cognitive Performance
Increase in energy
Lower heart rate
Balanced cortisol levels which result in less internal stress
More likely to live a longer and more satisfied life
Laughter and inner joy resulting in decreased stress hormones; lower blood pressure; diminished pain

REMEMBER - There’s only one “problem” with random acts of kindness. Once you start, a smile comes and stays with you. Your walk is lighter. The effects are contagious and you tend to repeat being kind.

Go out and make a difference in your life, someone else’s life, the WORLD!

Everyone needs HOPE!

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:03:53 +0930

Yesterday as part of Hope Community Sunday we launched HOPED which is an initiative that encourages kindness. Through our eveyday activites opportunities exist to do something kind for someone else. Check the previous BLOG for ideas on what you could do to practice kindness!

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS LIST

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:47:08 +0930

1. Deliver fresh-baked cookies to city workers.
2. Collect goods for a food bank.
3. Bring flowers to work and share them with co-workers.
4. Garden clubs can make floral arrangements for senior centres, nursing homes, hospitals, police stations, or shut-ins.
5. Adopt a student who needs a friend, checking in periodically to see how things are going.
6. Volunteer to be a tutor in a school.
7. Extend a hand to someone in need. Give your full attention and simply listen.
8. Merchants can donate a percentage of receipts for the week to a special cause.
9. Bring co-workers a special treat.
10. Students can clean classrooms for the custodian/janitor.
11. Buy a stranger a free pizza.
12. Distribute lollipops to friends’ kids.
13. Sing at a nursing home.
14. Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to parents.
15. Slip paper hearts that say “It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week! Have a great day!” under the windshield wipers of parked cars.
16. Have a charity day at work, with employees bringing non-perishable food items to donate.
17. Serve refreshments to customers.
18. Draw names at school or work, and have people bring a small gift or food treat for their secret pal.
19. Remember the bereaved with phone calls, cards, plants, and food.
20. Treat someone to fresh fruit.
21. Pay a compliment at least once a day.
22. Call or visit a homebound person.
23. Hand out balloons to passers-by.
24. Give free sodas to motorists.
25. Be a good neighbour. Take over a baked treat or stop by to say “Hello.”
26. Transport someone who can’t drive.
27. Mow a neighbour’s lawn.
28. Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
29. Send a treat to a school or day-care centre.
30. Volunteer at an agency that needs help.
31. Wipe rainwater off shopping carts or hold umbrellas for shoppers on the way to their cars.
32. Give the gift of your smile.
33. Send home a note telling parents something their child did well.
34. Adopt a homeless pet from the humane society.
35. Organise a scout troop or service club to help people with packages at the mall or grocery.
36. Host special programs or speakers at libraries or bookstores or in home.
37. Offer to answer the phone for the school secretary for ten minutes.
38. Volunteer to read to students in the classroom.
39. Write notes of appreciation and bring flowers or goodies to teachers or other important people, such as the principal, nurse, custodian, and secretary.
40. Incorporate kindness into the curriculum at area schools, day care centres, or children’s classes in faith organisations.
41. Give a hug to a friend.
42. Tell your children why you love them.
43. Write a note to your mother/father and tell them why they are special.
44. Pat someone on the back.
45. Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.
46. Give coffee to people on their way to work in the morning.
47. Donate time at a senior centre.
48. Give blood.
49. Visit hospitals with smiles, treats, and friendly conversation for patients

50. Stop by a nursing home, and visit a resident with no family nearby.
51. Plant flowers in your neighbour’s flower box/garden.
52. Give another driver your parking spot.
53. Leave a treat or handmade note of thanks for a delivery person or mail carrier.
54. Give free car washes.
55. Clean graffiti from neighbourhood walls and buildings.
56. Tell your boss that you think he/she does a good job.
57. Tell your employees how much you appreciate their work.
58. Let your staff leave work an hour early.
59. Have a clean-up party in the park.
60. Tell a bus or taxi driver how much you appreciate their driving.
61. Have everyone in your office draw the name of a buddy out of a hat and do a kind act for their buddy that day or week.
62. Give a pair of tickets to a game or concert to a stranger.
63. Leave an extra big tip for the waitperson.
64. Drop off a plant, cookies, or donuts to the police or fire department.
65. Open the door for another person.
66. Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through/restaurant.
67. Write a note to the boss of someone who has helped you, praising the employee.
68. Leave a bouquet of flowers on the desk of a colleague at work with whom you don’t normally get
along.
69. Call an estranged family member.
70. Volunteer to fix up an elderly couple’s home.
71. Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.
72. Give flowers to be delivered with meal delivery programs.
73. Give toys to the children at the shelter or safe house.
74. Give friends and family kindness coupons they can redeem for kind favours.
75. Be a friend to a new student or co-worker.
76. Renew an old friendship by sending a letter or small gift to someone you haven’t talked with in a long time.
77. For one week, act on every single thought of generosity that arises spontaneously in your heart, and notice what happens as a consequence.
78. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car.
79. Invite someone new over for dinner.
80. Buy a roll of brightly coloured stickers and give them to children you meet during the day.
81. Write a card of thanks and leave it with your tip. Be sure to be specific in your thanks.
82. Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line.
83. When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.
84. Buy drinks for the people next to you at a game.
85. Distribute kindness bookmarks that you have made.
86. Create a craft project or build a bird house with a child.
87. Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person.
88. Laugh out loud often and share your smile generously.
89. Plant a tree in your neighbourhood.
90. Make a list of things to do to bring more kindness into the world, and have a friend make a list. Exchange lists and do one item per day for a month.
91. Use an instant camera to take people’s photographs at a party or community event, and give the picture to them.
92. As you go about your day, pick up trash.
93. Send a letter to some former teachers, letting them know the difference they made in your life.
94. Send a gift anonymously to a friend.
95. Organize a clothing drive for a shelter.
96. Buy books for a day care or school.
97. Slip some money to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.
98. Take an acquaintance to dinner.
99. Offer to take a friend’s child to sporting event or practice.
100. Waive late fees for the week

Four Questions

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:41:00 +0930

People in ministry roles have a tendency to run until they collapse. So – four questions I have for those who minister and serve in the life of Hope Church:

1. HOW ARE YOU DOING SPIRITUALLY?

As a young leader, I don’t remember many people taking an interest in my personal spiritual life. My youth pastor was phenomenal at teaching us the Bible (and for that I’m forever grateful). But most of my early mentors didn’t help me develop my own disciplines for spiritual growth.

When I meet with all of you, I want to know how you’re doing spiritually.

In ministry, it’s way too easy to substitute ministry for our time with God. Doing ministry without spending time with God is like trying to drive a car without refilling the tank. Eventually, it just won’t work anymore.

Bill Hybels once said, “The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in me.”

I don’t want that to happen to those who serve with me.

So… how are you doing spiritually?

2. WHO IS SPEAKING INTO YOUR LIFE?

As our church grows and our leadership group grows, I can no longer invest in every individual person the way that’s needed.

That’s why I want to know, “Who is speaking into your life?”

· Who’s rattling your world?

· Who thinks so radically that they give you a headache?

· Who’s correcting you when you need it?

Tony Rainbow from Victory and Ross Abraham from Elevation challenge my thinking toward ministry and church life and they also challenge my personal life.

There are many others over the years and now that I’m deeply grateful to for speaking into my life.

Who is speaking into your life? What are you learning from their influence?

3. HOW IS YOUR FAMILY DOING?

My family is a big part of ministry. Hopefully, I’m raising future Christian leaders who will bring glory to God in the world.

Planting a church and leading a church was never and will never be about Josh doing what he wants to do. It has always been something that Sharon and I together worked through and the kids also play a massive part in it all. We are in this together as a family.

Without due consideration Churches can be harmful to families by putting such crazy scheduling demands on pastors, staff, leaders and volunteers that having a strong family is almost impossible.

I believe a strong ministry is an overflow of a strong family – this may be the family you are building or the family you are already in.

God has given me a deep burden for our staff’s and leaders families. I take the time to discuss our marriages, whether we are taking breaks, whether we are making room for ourselves amongst all that is happening.

What about you? How is your family? How is family life for you?

4. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU FAILED

This may sound like an unusual question, but it’s a great question to ask. I want to know from our team, “When is the last time you failed?”

When you’re not failing, you’re not growing. Some of the most valuable lessons the disciples learned from Jesus immediately followed failure. Jesus allowed them to fail.

I’m glad to say that I’ve tried a few things recently that didn’t go so well. The good news is:

· When I fail, it gives me the chance to learn.

· When I fail, I increase my tolerance for failure, helping me not to become complacent.

· When I fail, I continue to inspire others to take faith risks.

What about you? When is the last time you’ve failed?

More importantly – when have you failed and then not allowed pride to hold you back from sharing your failure and letting it be something you learn and grow from?

Love to all - Josh Brett

Ready or not...here I come!

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:34:46 +0930

“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” - Mark 1:3

I remember playing hide and seek as a kid. As I ran off to hide the seeker would count to 20 giving me just enough time to find a secure hiding spot. Then the seeker would yell out these words, “Ready or not…here I come.” Even if I had not found a good spot to hide the seeker was on their way.

One promise and belief we hold onto as Christians is that our Lord and Saviour is coming back in glory! Knowing this truth then gives us the green light to ‘prepare’. This word prepare means to ‘make ready’. This is not a heavy demand upon our lives but a relational pull within our hearts to become more Christlike.

Understanding this passage and thought gives clear direction to all of us as Christians to live a life committed to discipleship. To live lives that equip our hearts and those around us.

As we prepare we make STRAIGHT paths - this is like the stakes that hold a tree in its infancy. The stakes are there to keep the trunk of that tree straight so that it can grow to be all that it was created to be. The stakes hold the trunk straight during the seasons of life - whether its harsh winds or pouring rains - the tree remains straight - upright.

In the same way our lives as Christians are designed to be straight - to be upright. Psalm 92 gives a good picture of the life of a believer and likens us to a plan tree. It says in this passage that ‘the righteous shall flourish like a palm tree’. This word righteous used here means ‘straightness’. As our lives and hearts are discipled to be more like Christ, as we commit to applying the word of God to our lives, as we desire to be passionate Christ followers we will be like those trees.

The righteous shall flourish. This talks about an enduring life of flourishing. Not moments of flourishing but something that is consistent and ‘straight’. The key is simply found in living right according to Gods word.

Jesus is returning - he is coming back - ready or not….here He comes!

Don’t be fearful of this in your response. The heart of this thought is to encourage us to daily prepare our hearts and lives in accordance with the word of God. If each day we take one small step toward becoming more Christlike then each year we can look back on our lives and be amazed at the transformation that has taken place. My prayer is that we all commit to living more Christlike in our speech and in our actions.

Love ya

Josh Brett

HOPE CHURCH – CORE VALUES

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:50:49 +0930

A core value for us is what Hope Church considers the important and fundamental beliefs and interests that define who we are and what we do.

THE TABLE – why a table?

The last thing Jesus did before leaving this earth was eat a meal around a table with his friends (Matthew 26:17, Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7). In Acts 2, with the tremendous growth of the early church, the first Christ-followers frequently, if not daily got together for meals. When we get to Heaven, we’ll be sitting around a table eating with Christ at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:14).

We felt a table that describes and develops what the church ought to look like would be the perfect way to illustrate our core values.

THE CHAIRS – why the chairs?

Each chair around The Table represents important parts of connection with one another and with Christ.

As we describe each chair we explain the value and then use the word “win” as our terminology for actually being fruitful or successful in that value – to have values stated is great but them they must be measureable so that we put some action to our confession!

1^st Chair: ENCOUNTER

The first chair is all about gatherings. Whether it’s the weekend, midweek, Mums N Bubs, a Kids or Youth gathering – it’s all about how people encounter and experience the love and grace of Christ. Our gatherings exist to be a safe place to hear the message of truth.

Through our gatherings we determine to create an environment where anyone would feel welcomed and wanted. Our goal is that everyone would be intentional about investing in others and inviting them to a gathering.

Our ‘win’ is that people would come to know and follow Christ. We are determined to do all we can to reach the next one person for Jesus Christ.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28:19

This chair covers: Gatherings and Next Generation – Kids and Youth

2^nd Chair: ENGAGE

Our 2^nd chair is about becoming a part of Hope Church. This can happen through connection to a small group or through regularly volunteering somewhere within the life of Hope.

This is where you move from ‘attending’ to ‘belonging.’ Our win is that everyone here is connected somewhere and being engaged with others along the way. Our win is that people become fully devoted followers of Christ.

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42 (NLT)

This chair covers: Small Groups and Volunteering

3^rd Chair: EQUIP

This is the chair that sees, realizes and releases people to be who God created them to be. Not settling for mediocrity but reaching the potential that ONLY GOD has for us.

Ephesians 4:12 says of leaders: “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

The most simplest and direct description of ‘equip’ is “to make ready”. Our goal is to equip, make ready every person who wants to grow in their faith, and become a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Our win is to train and release people to be ministers in their everyday lives. Take the risk to be released. You will never be the same.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12

This chair covers: Discipleship, Training and Short Courses

4^th Chair: EXTEND

Here we turn our chair away from the table and look at the needs of the world around us. The 4^th chair is about the bigger picture. It’s about taking the next step to live a life no longer about yourself and going into the community to be the hands and the feet of Christ to those who might otherwise never know Him.

Our goal is to provide many opportunities to serve locally and beyond. Our ‘win’ is that through hands-on practical service, the ‘least of these’ would encounter the authentic love of Christ.

This chair covers: Hope Community

FAITH THAT DEMANDS ACTION - 22 April 2012

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:30:43 +0930

On This Day...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:47:57 +0930

Apr 18 1955

Nobel Prize recipient Albert Einstein dies in his hospital bed from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Seven hours later, his brain is plunked into a jar of formalin and taken away by the pathologist. It will remain missing for 23 years.

Dead Ends Are a Part of Gods Plan

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:38:29 +0930

“At that time we were completely overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear, in fact we told ourselves that this was the end. Yet we believe now that we had this experience of coming to the end of our tether that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God who can raise the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8b-9 PH)

When the pursuit of your dream deteriorates from difficult to impossible, when the situation looks hopeless — congratulations! You’re in good company.

Even Paul went through dead ends: “At that time we were completely overwhelmed, the burden was more than we could bear, in fact we told ourselves that this was the end. Yet we believe now that we had this experience of coming to the end of our tether that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God who can raise the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9 PH).

If God can raise dead people physically, he can raise people who are dead emotionally. He can raise a dead marriage. He can resurrect a dead career. He can resurrect you from a health problem. If God can raise the dead, he can do anything.

In Abraham’s situation, God said, “I want you to become the father of a nation,” but then Abraham had to wait until he was 99 years old before he had his first child. The Bible shows Abraham”s situation going from difficult to impossible. He looks at his body and says, “No way!” Then he looks at his wife and says, “Double no way!”

But Sarah got pregnant, and they laughed about it. When the baby was born, they named him Isaac, which means “laughter.”

God often lets problems become impossibilities. The disciples planned to follow Jesus. They thought he was the Messiah, but then the next thing they know Jesus is hanging on the cross, dying. Was this a dead end for the disciples? For three days it seemed that way, but then Jesus walked out of the tomb.

When you face a dead end, you may start asking, “What’s going on, God? Did I miss your will? Your plan? Have I missed your vision?” Keep in mind that dead ends are part of God’s plan for you.

What’s the best response to a dead end? “He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and He will deliver us. We have put our hope in Him that He will deliver us again” (2 Corinthians 1:10 HCSB).

The Difficulties While God Delays

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:37:50 +0930

“This means tremendous joy to you, I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident — it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold …” (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH)

In order to build your faith, God will give you a dream. Then, he’ll urge you to make a decision. But then he’ll allow a delay, because in the delay he matures you and prepares you for what is to come.

The truth is, you’ll have difficulties while God delays. This isn’t because he doesn’t care about you or that he’s forgotten your circumstances; rather, it’s one of the ways he pushes you toward the deep end of faith.

As God delays, you’ll face two types of difficulties: circumstances and critics. This is a natural part of life. God designed it this way because he knows we grow stronger when facing adversity and opposition.

When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt into the desert toward the Promised Land, he had one problem after another. First there was no water. Then there was no food. Then there were a bunch of complainers. Then there were poisonous snakes. Moses was doing what God wanted him to do, but he still had problems.

David was anointed king, and then for the next several years he was hunted down by Saul. Joseph had a dream of becoming a ruler, yet he was sold into slavery and thrown into prison on a false charge where he languished, forgotten. Imagine the difficulties Noah had building a floating zoo!

The Bible says that when Moses died, Joshua was appointed the new leader. Moses led the people across the desert, and then Joshua led them into the Promised Land. Did he get the easy part? The Bible says that when the Israelites entered the Promised Land, there were giants in the land. Even in the Promised Land there were problems!

God does this because he is building our faith and character. When we finally come to a place where the difficulties become so bad, where we’ve reached our limit, where we’ve tried everything and exhausted all our options, it is then that God begins a mighty work through us: “This means tremendous joy to you, I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident — it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold …” (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH)

At a Dead End? Expect a Rescue!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:36:56 +0930

“‘What do you mean, “If I can”?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’” (Mark 9:23 NLT)

God will build your faith by planting a dream within you. But that dream will require a decision of faith, and then God will stretch your faith as you face delays, difficulties, and dead ends.

It is then that God comes in and delivers. God does a miracle. God provides a solution. For instance:

In Moses’ case, God parted the Red Sea.
In Abraham’s case, he and Sarah miraculously conceived a child.
In Joseph’s case, all of a sudden his dream came true, and he found himself no longer imprisoned in a dungeon; instead, he was the second in command in Egypt.

And Jesus was resurrected! God can even turn a crucifixion into resurrection, and that means he has the power to transform your dead ends into deliverance. He builds your faith through delays, difficulties, and dead ends, so that when he delivers you, God gets all the credit!

When faced with a dead end, the best response is to expect God to act. What are you expecting God to do in your life? Jesus says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29b NIV).

When you wait for deliverance, then God gets the credit. And you can look back to see how God led you through a path of faith, expanding and increasing your trust of him with every step. Your faith is stronger, and now you can say with confidence, “I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see his goodness to me …” (Psalm 27:13 LB).