Life Through Christ

(Apologies for missing the blog last week - our modem was hit by lightning)

Most of us struggle with the thought of original sin.

How come I'm being punished for something Adam did?

There is no simple answer to this question, however, it may suffice to say, that while one man (Adam) brought sin and death into the world, one man (Jesus) brought redemption and salvation.

You choose who you want to focus on!

Thank you Lord, for saving me from sin and death through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Fighting the Good Fight

In the times we live in, it's easy to imagine that we are living in the end times.

Cautiously put, it is possible!


The key thing for us as Christians is to continue proclaiming the Good News.

- Telling others about Jesus - he died for our sins
- Praying for God's kingdom to come on earth
- To work towards the kingdom on earth
- To allow God to change us

When He comes, we will be prepared!!

Bless you as you fight the Good Fight

Changing Our Core

It is said that the stomach is the core of our physical body.
Often back pain, physical issues etc are related to under developed stomach muscles.


The cure of course is for us to strengthen our stomach muscles.

What does this mean for us then?

Well, the core of our spiritual life is Jesus.
If we make Him the core of our lives, He will strengthen and sustain us in all things. He will also help us to change our core so that we become faithful and grow in holiness.

Awesome!

So my prayer is that you allow Jesus to be the core of you life!

Being Rich Toward God

Isn't it amazing how we are asked in Scripture to be rich toward God!

Luke 12:13-21

We shared on Sunday three ways this is possible:


One: Work Hard

- No ever died from hard work
- Hard work is a way of honouring God

Two: Be Generous:

- The reward of hard work is prosperity
- Generosity is a way of ensuring we are not enslaved by our material wealth

Three: Be prepared
- In every way we need to be ready - regrets and I'll get to's are of no use

Are you living richly toward God?

If you are, bless you!

If not, right this moment is the time to start...

Jesus Heals

On Sunday we shared from Mark 5:24-34.

The story of the woman who, in the midst of a crowd, touched Jesus cloak. Sensing this Jesus stopped and confronted her before sending her away healed.

An important thing emerges from this passage:

A healing process!

This process is important for our healing.

- Our sins are not private - they affect those around us
- In order to heal, we need to confront ourselves before Jesus - He will not heal us surreptitiously
- Jesus sets us free - we can only be fully healed, not partly
- We can testify to our healing

Awesome!

In Good Hands....

At North Rand this weekend, we held our annual Leaders Retreat.

It was a time for focusing on the year ahead and an opportunity for our leaders to dream for 2009.

It is amazing how the Lord has assembled a wonderful, committed and gifted group of people to lead the church this year.

My prayer is that all our members,and anyone who reads this blog, will uphold them in prayer.

As Paul says:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:10-12


Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:13-18

Covenant

Along with Methodists worldwide, we at North Rand, had our Covenant Services on Sunday.

Essentially we commit/recommit ourselves to the Lord and His service.

Making covenant, however, will be meaningless unless we understand three basic principles:

1. The Christan faith centres on the Cross of Christ.

2. The Kingdom of God resides in the hearts of people.

3. The kingdom of God needs to reach to the ends of the earth.


Right so what does that mean?

Our invitation to the kingdom is founded in Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. When we respond to His invitation, our hearts are changed and we live for Him. We are called then to take this invitation to others until the world hears the message.Awesome!

Perhaps you want to renew your commitment?

Please pray with us:

Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I have ignored you and gone my own way.I have tried to run my own life and realise I need you. I'm sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the Cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know now, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow as a Christan. Amen.