We do not go to church, We are the church.
Tuesday 6 January 2015
Saturday 22 March 2014
Know, Believe and Faith
Know!
Just think back about good school friend from years ago that you have not seen for years, do you know them?
Nelson Mandela, do you know him?
Moses in the bible do you know him?
The answer is you do not know them, you may know about them, or you knew them, but you do not know them.
To know someone is to have an ongoing personal and current relationship with them.
1.know there opinions, and can speak on their behalf in their absence.
2.what they like or dislike, in food, clothes, movies, religion, politics.
3.problems they are currently battling with, deepest secrets.
4.what they are planning in the future, what they have done and what they are currently doing.
5.you are someone they can call on, rely on, depend on, they can give others your details to contact if they are not around.
6.you enjoy each other and spend time together.
Get the picture!
The Apostle Paul's prayer for his brethren are:
A Prayer for the Ephesians
Thanksgiving and Prayer
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col 1:9-14 (NIV)
Paul understood this:
Do you know Him?
You cannot get to know Jesus through someone else, or part time!
You have to choose to get to know Him daily, with passion and dedication.
He gave us His spirit to teach us about Him and that we can fellowship personally with Him all the time.
Only then can you Love Him completely and get to know Him.
I have told you a little about getting to know Him, you need to do the rest, if you indeed love Him.
Believe!
Now I can get to know someone, but not believe in them!
I can Live with them, observe them, talk with them, eat with them, but I can still not believe in them, ie. I do not like what I see, what they stand for, how they conduct themselves, what they are given to and stand for, what they believe. etc.
I can still fellowship with them, but I do not follow them, agree with them or like to be associated with them.
Their words do not match their actions, their motives do not match their beliefs.
They do not fulfill their promises and their allegiance to you is found wanting in real times of need.
They do not have true substance or character when they are tested.
I am not talking about believing that they may do something or believe they may react in a certain way, I am talking about believing in them.
Believe: to have confidence in the truth, the existence or reliability of something (or someone)
I can believe in someone or something or even an idealogy or system, does that mean I am given or dedicated to it?
Faith!
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Heb 11:1 (NIV)
We are saved through faith, we believe and are certain, and then we give ourselves to it no matter the circumstances. Consecrated to it, dedicated to is, we give up everything else for our new found faith.
There should be evidence of our faith, what we believe and feel inside should reflect on the outside, works and character.
But something or someone has to sustain our faith.
We are created to have and put our faith in someone or something, it as a part of us that has to be fed, because it motivates our spirit, as worldly desires and pleasures feed our flesh, faith feeds our spirit!
What are you feeding your spirit, is your Focus on Christ!
Just think back about good school friend from years ago that you have not seen for years, do you know them?
Nelson Mandela, do you know him?
Moses in the bible do you know him?
The answer is you do not know them, you may know about them, or you knew them, but you do not know them.
To know someone is to have an ongoing personal and current relationship with them.
1.know there opinions, and can speak on their behalf in their absence.
2.what they like or dislike, in food, clothes, movies, religion, politics.
3.problems they are currently battling with, deepest secrets.
4.what they are planning in the future, what they have done and what they are currently doing.
5.you are someone they can call on, rely on, depend on, they can give others your details to contact if they are not around.
6.you enjoy each other and spend time together.
Get the picture!
The Apostle Paul's prayer for his brethren are:
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For
this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from
whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I
pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through
his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, 18 may
have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high
and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and
to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the
measure of all the fullness of God.
Eph
3:14-19 (NIV)Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For
this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love
for all the saints, 16 I
have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I
keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give
you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I
pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may
know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance
in the saints, 19 and
his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working
of his mighty strength, 20 which
he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his
right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far
above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be
given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And
God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over
everything for the church, 23 which
is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Eph
1:15-23 (NIV)9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col 1:9-14 (NIV)
Paul understood this:
10 Am
I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please
men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of
Christ.
11 I
want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man
made up. 12 I
did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by
revelation from Jesus Christ.
13 For
you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted
the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I
was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely
zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But
when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased
16 to
reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not
consult any man, 17 nor
did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went
immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. 18 Then
after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and
stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I
saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother. 20 I
assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Later
I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I
was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They
only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the
faith he once tried to destroy." 24 And
they praised God because of me.
Gal
1:10-24 (NIV)Do you know Him?
You cannot get to know Jesus through someone else, or part time!
You have to choose to get to know Him daily, with passion and dedication.
He gave us His spirit to teach us about Him and that we can fellowship personally with Him all the time.
Only then can you Love Him completely and get to know Him.
I have told you a little about getting to know Him, you need to do the rest, if you indeed love Him.
Believe!
Now I can get to know someone, but not believe in them!
I can Live with them, observe them, talk with them, eat with them, but I can still not believe in them, ie. I do not like what I see, what they stand for, how they conduct themselves, what they are given to and stand for, what they believe. etc.
I can still fellowship with them, but I do not follow them, agree with them or like to be associated with them.
Their words do not match their actions, their motives do not match their beliefs.
They do not fulfill their promises and their allegiance to you is found wanting in real times of need.
They do not have true substance or character when they are tested.
I am not talking about believing that they may do something or believe they may react in a certain way, I am talking about believing in them.
Believe: to have confidence in the truth, the existence or reliability of something (or someone)
I can believe in someone or something or even an idealogy or system, does that mean I am given or dedicated to it?
Faith!
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Heb 11:1 (NIV)
We are saved through faith, we believe and are certain, and then we give ourselves to it no matter the circumstances. Consecrated to it, dedicated to is, we give up everything else for our new found faith.
There should be evidence of our faith, what we believe and feel inside should reflect on the outside, works and character.
But something or someone has to sustain our faith.
We are created to have and put our faith in someone or something, it as a part of us that has to be fed, because it motivates our spirit, as worldly desires and pleasures feed our flesh, faith feeds our spirit!
What are you feeding your spirit, is your Focus on Christ!
Sunday 23 February 2014
Focus for 2014
In the beginning of this year Mike Genocky brought a relevant message for this year on
what he believed was on God's heart, we agree with what was shared and have
given much time ,thought, prayer and meditation on that word.
The message was intended to give us direction for this year and hear what Father is saying to us now.
I will summarize what was shared, and we will study each point to gain more revelation of what God is saying, and allow the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand this word and make it our own, all this in Christ who has enabled us to hear from our Father and receive fresh power and direction by His Spirit.
Read Psalms 104, reminder of how great our God is.
For us to grow spiritually and to mature into the fullness of the nature of Christ, we must expect! that everything God has promised is for us, who believe and love His ways and to have Faith to live for them Now.
1. Do not neglect to continue what you started,
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Luke 14:28-30 (NIV),
we are intended to finish what God has started in us, we are not just saved and now exist in this hope of salvation, that is only part of His will, but we are to run the race in such a way as to complete it and receive the crown of glory.
2. Avoid the trap of comparison,
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. 2 Cor 10:12-13 (NIV),
Don't allow others to compare you, and don't compare yourself to anyone else, our focus and measure is in Christ.
3. Focus, our focus is always to be on Christ, He is our benchmark,
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Heb 12:2-3 (NIV),
our goal is personal Christ likeness, give yourself to what will feed that,
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NIV),
build up habits that align your life with His.
4. Renew your thoughts daily,
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV),
one bad thought can lead to a bad attitude and fill you with darkness.
Be Blessed meditate on these thoughts and I will be sharing in more detail, each point to help us all attain to the perfect measure of Christ for which He laid hold of us.
The message was intended to give us direction for this year and hear what Father is saying to us now.
I will summarize what was shared, and we will study each point to gain more revelation of what God is saying, and allow the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand this word and make it our own, all this in Christ who has enabled us to hear from our Father and receive fresh power and direction by His Spirit.
Read Psalms 104, reminder of how great our God is.
For us to grow spiritually and to mature into the fullness of the nature of Christ, we must expect! that everything God has promised is for us, who believe and love His ways and to have Faith to live for them Now.
1. Do not neglect to continue what you started,
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Luke 14:28-30 (NIV),
we are intended to finish what God has started in us, we are not just saved and now exist in this hope of salvation, that is only part of His will, but we are to run the race in such a way as to complete it and receive the crown of glory.
2. Avoid the trap of comparison,
12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. 2 Cor 10:12-13 (NIV),
Don't allow others to compare you, and don't compare yourself to anyone else, our focus and measure is in Christ.
3. Focus, our focus is always to be on Christ, He is our benchmark,
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Heb 12:2-3 (NIV),
our goal is personal Christ likeness, give yourself to what will feed that,
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NIV),
build up habits that align your life with His.
4. Renew your thoughts daily,
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV),
one bad thought can lead to a bad attitude and fill you with darkness.
Be Blessed meditate on these thoughts and I will be sharing in more detail, each point to help us all attain to the perfect measure of Christ for which He laid hold of us.
Monday 10 February 2014
Competing with Horses
During a get together over a meal, prayer and fellowship this past weekend, the Lord laid the following word on Jean’s heart (our spiritual mother).
2012 and 2013 saw some of the most challenging years in my walk with the Lord – relationships were tested … and shattered; at times I felt as if I was wandering through a dessert land where my spiritual walk with the Lord was concerned; and there was always a cry on my lips of ‘When Lord? When will the words spoken over our lives come to pass?’
It is therefore with great encouragement that I have receive the following exhortation for 2014. It comes from Jeremiah 12. In verses 1-4, Jeremiah cries out to the Lord, reminding Him of the wicked people and their deeds. He even goes as far as to tell the Lord what their punishment should be (perhaps in the same way that we sometimes think and speak about others?). He must have been in a place of desperation and completely worn out by those around him…
Jeremiah 12
New International Version (NIV)
Jeremiah’s Complaint
12 You are always righteous, Lord,
when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2 You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.
3 Yet you know me, Lord;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter!
4 How long will the land lie parched
and the grass in every field be withered?
Because those who live in it are wicked,
the animals and birds have perished.
Moreover, the people are saying,
“He will not see what happens to us.”
when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2 You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.
3 Yet you know me, Lord;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter!
4 How long will the land lie parched
and the grass in every field be withered?
Because those who live in it are wicked,
the animals and birds have perished.
Moreover, the people are saying,
“He will not see what happens to us.”
The Lord’s reply however comes with correction, with exhortation and a glimpse of what is to come in verse 5 :
God’s Answer
5 “If you have raced with men on foot
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,
how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?
and they have worn you out,
how can you compete with horses?
If you stumble in safe country,
how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?
What is the Lord asking us at the beginning of 2014?
If you have but run with mere men on foot, and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with a much stronger enemy and win?
If you are weary from a battle against men on foot (perhaps the human relationships in our lives), how will you be able to battle against an enemy that is on horseback (perhaps against the principalities and forces of this Dark Age – Eph 6)?
If you are feeling worn out to the point of stumbling in a safe country, where there is no persecution or war, how will you manage when things get really difficult?
I feel the Lord is exhorting us :
To not give up,
To not grow weary,
To know who we are fighting against,
To guard our hearts and continue serving,
To be ready in all seasons for battle against any type of enemy.
Sunday 9 February 2014
Are you seeking!
Hi All!
I have started this blog, as it has been on my heart for a long time to share what I believe the true church of Christ should look like today, and how to be relevant in our homes, workplaces, community and beyond.
If you believe in Christ as your Saviour, sent by God the Father, living in the flesh on Earth, dying on the cross and been resurrected by the Holy Spirit, for the forgiveness of your sins, this blog is for you!
If you are feeling irrelevant, confused, lost, unsure, need direction, this blog is for you!
If you are walking in faith, and are hearing what the Spirit of God is saying and know the times we are living in, this blog is also for you!
I will be sharing and posting thoughts, scriptures, teachings, prophetic insight, and encouragement on what I believe will mature individuals and start gathering the one true church of Christ together in unity of the Faith, under the headship of Christ, obedient to God the Father, influenced by the Holy Spirit and in fellowship with one another. Some of these thoughts are my own revelation and others may be from those that I'm in fellowship with - as wisdom often lies in the counsel of many.
If this is for you, whether you are curious, committed, or even connected to Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ, lets start the journey, and if there are others you know who will be blessed with this, please feel free to share it with them as well!
Stay focused and be blessed!
Craig
I have started this blog, as it has been on my heart for a long time to share what I believe the true church of Christ should look like today, and how to be relevant in our homes, workplaces, community and beyond.
If you believe in Christ as your Saviour, sent by God the Father, living in the flesh on Earth, dying on the cross and been resurrected by the Holy Spirit, for the forgiveness of your sins, this blog is for you!
If you are feeling irrelevant, confused, lost, unsure, need direction, this blog is for you!
If you are walking in faith, and are hearing what the Spirit of God is saying and know the times we are living in, this blog is also for you!
I will be sharing and posting thoughts, scriptures, teachings, prophetic insight, and encouragement on what I believe will mature individuals and start gathering the one true church of Christ together in unity of the Faith, under the headship of Christ, obedient to God the Father, influenced by the Holy Spirit and in fellowship with one another. Some of these thoughts are my own revelation and others may be from those that I'm in fellowship with - as wisdom often lies in the counsel of many.
If this is for you, whether you are curious, committed, or even connected to Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ, lets start the journey, and if there are others you know who will be blessed with this, please feel free to share it with them as well!
Stay focused and be blessed!
Craig
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