Easter Sunday

On Sunday we shared around the Resurrected Christ - Matthew 28:1-10

In the frenzy of the events leading to Christ's death, the disciples may have not have chance to reflect on these events. An angel draws their attention to the fact that even when things seem out of control, God has a plan and we need to trust Him.

So despite the frenzy of events which took place over the week end, (the murder of a right wing leader by two youths), we need to focus on the hope that God has a plan and will use us to bring peace to our places of influence.

The new church building for us is a visible sign that we at NR are committed to God's plan to shape and change the world, in other words, live a Resurrection life.

Defining Moments

On Sunday we shared around the defining moment when Jesus enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11)

It was a defining moment because in the time preceding, His ministry was resisted by the religious establishment; doubted by His disciples and ignored by the political authorities.

Rob Bell puts it this way: when He entered the gates, He could have gone right, with His army and overthrown Pilate but He chose to go left to the Cross. And the world has never been the same.

Right: we can also choose to go right - try and fix things ourselves or we can go left - to allow God control of our lives and we will never be the same!

Awesome!

Attitude

On Sunday we spoke about having a Christan attitude (Luke 6:27-36).

A definition for attitude in this sense is: a visible sign of where we are placed with God!

In this page Jesus challenges us to:
- Love our enemies
- Pray for those who hate us
- Give without expecting anything in return

Possible?

Yes, if we are the place that God wants us to be in

Stewardship 2010

On Sunday we spoke about giving to God - Luke 21:1-4.





Prior to Sunday, I'd spoken to three people at various times during the week. They related how their churches were struggling to meet their financial commitments. This really placed a huge burden in my spirit. Mainly because I believe churches should not be struggling financially.

So, for us three things emerged:
- If we understand God's plan for the salvation of the world, we will readily give (John 3:16-18).


- Giving fulfils the Law (Malachi 3:10).


- Giving allows the church to fulfil it's purpose (Matthew 16:15-20).



Possible, definitely, the widows two coins are proof!

Sometimes

Sometimes it's good to PAUSE!

For most of us, PAUSING is not an option.

We need to be forced ...

- like work says I must go on leave

- or I have to go to a family function away from home

- or my body says it's time

The awesome thing is that God already has that taken care of:

Exodus 20:8

"Remember the Sabbath.."

God knows we need to PAUSE!

Word and action

On Sunday we spoke about Jesus in the synagogue teaching and healing in Luke 4:31-37.

A couple of things emerged:

- Jesus has great insight into the Word

- He immediately turns the Word into action

- The people were amazed at this

The world will not change by us studying the Word only, the Word must become action.

For example: if we only talk about Jesus to each other, the lost, broken and needy will not be helped, saved or transformed.

Makes you think?

Jesus

We had the pleasure and privilege to have Peter Pollock with us on Saturday & Sunday.


Some know him from cricket and others as an evangelist. It's amazing how God uses people!





Peter's message was simple and clear:

Do you know Jesus as Lord and Saviour?

It's a profound question. Think about it.

Some know about Him.
Some think they know Him.

The acid test is this: Is He the most important thing in your life right now?

As Peter says: God simply wants our all.

My prayer is that you give God your all by accepting Jesus into your life - right now!