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Blogs from pastors, staff and ministry leaders.



Who Get's The Glory?

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It’s worth noting the response of Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar when he successfully interpreted his dream. Daniel said, ‘... it is not because I am wiser than any living person that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wanted you to understand what you were thinking about.’ (Daniel 2:30) Success didn'tt change Daniel’s character. He didn’t steal the glory of God but continued to put Him on display. We all need to remember that when things go well!

 

Enough is Enough

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It is well documented that pokies adversely affect the most vulnerable in our community and these people also tend to have no voice within our community. As followers of Jesus, we need to advocate for them and seek justice on their behalf. If I thought that there was any community benefit in pokies, I would be looking to install a few in the foyer of our building. Get behind the "Enough is Enough" campaign, that has been organised by a group of faith based service providers, and join us at the first public forum in the Campbell Theatrette (Bendigo Library)on August 19th at 12noon.
 

Seeking Wise Counsel

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After King Solomon’s death, the scriptures tell us that his son Rehoboam ascended the throne and was crowned King of Israel. The key leaders of Israel came to Rehoboam and asked him to rule more graciously than his father did and not to put onerous loads upon the people. Rehoboam asked for three days to consider their request and during this time sought the opinion and wise input of the elder statesmen of Israel. This was a wise move but his response to their sound godly advice could hardly be declared as wise.

 

Sex in the Scriptures

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Resources: Check out the following resources that will help you wade through the all-important subject of sexuality.  These are available in the office.  Drop me an email if interested in getting a hold of them.

  1. Rob Bell – [FLAME!] This is is a great video resource that looks at the topic of love. God wired us in a certain way to experience all that love was really meant to be. Not to hold us back or make us miss out on the best that life has to offer. God created love, and wants us to feel it all in the way it’s meant to be. Running Time – 11 Minutes. Great discussion starter for all ages.
  2. The Sexual Man – Masculinity without Guilt (Dr Arch Hart). This is a must read for any young man as he grapples to understand the way God has wired him.
  3. Secrets of Eve – Understanding the Mystery of Female Sexuality (Dr Arch Hart, Catherine Hart Webber, Debra Taylor). This is a must read for any female seeking to understand the way God has shaped and designed her life.
  4. From Good Man to Valiant Man – Sexual Integrity in a Sex Crazed World (Dr. Allan Meyer).

Parents, made sure you check out the following website as it is most helpful for chatting with your teenagers about sex and pornography. www.theporntalk.com

 

Strength

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As Nexus's 2010 production of Beauty and the Beast draws to a close and I now look to catch up on some sleep, I wondered how I got through to the other end. I seem to have as much energy now as I ever did! I came to the realisation that I have some very positive influences in my life. I also realised that the people you surround yourself with, will have a direct impact on your life. The same goes for God. I put Him first and devote my time and life to Him and I find strength and courage that I never had before. Put God first in your life and see what a difference it makes! I find strength in the passage below. God Bless, Matt.

Isaiah 40:30-31

 30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
       and young men stumble and fall;

 31 but those who hope in the LORD
       will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.

 

 

 

Are You A Secure Leader?

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I'm currently reading a book by Wayne Cordeiro called 'Doing Church As A Team.' It's filled with great insights that are worth reflecting on as a leader.  We all have moments of insecutiy as leaders but with God's enabling we can become secure servants of God.  How can you tell if you're insecure?  Look at the following 10 point list and assess yourself.

A Secure Leader                                                                      An Insecure Leader

Encourages others attempts                                                       Sabotages others efforts

Points out others’ strong points                                                   Brings attention to others faults

Overlooks flaws                                                                          Uses others’ flaws as ammunition

Readily admits own mistakes                                                         Is defensive and justifies mistakes

Gives away credit to others                                                          Demands or manipulates credit

Rejoices when others succeed                                                      Is jealous of other’ success

Is excited when others do better                                                  Is easily intimidated

Is willing to risk to improve                                                            Plays it safe to retain position

Is content to remain anonymous                                                    Requires others to notice

Is quick to build teams                                                                  Wants to do things himself.

 

Risk Taking

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C.T. Studd, a great preacher and missionary from another century once said, “The gamblers for gold are so many, but the gamblers for God are so few. Where are the gamblers for God?”  What are we risking our lives for?  We take risks in all kinds of areas (eg. Marriage, Travel, Investments etc) but often forget to take risks with God.  Lt’s take a few more risks for God.  I’d rather fail and make some mistakes serving Christ than run the risk of never having tried anything for God.

 

A Model for Ministry

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So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ’s mighty power that works within me (Col 1:28-29)

It’s very clear that Paul was single focused in all he did for Christ. What strikes me about this is that he works hard at presenting the gospel at every opportunity. He doesn’t leave anything to chance but takes every opportunity that comes his way to talk about Christ. But not only does he work hard at this he also depends on the mighty power of Christ that lives within him to accomplish that task. He does his part (works hard) but relies upon Christ (power at work within him) to do his. This is a beautiful picture of the harmonious relationship we have as we serve Christ. We need to work hard at ministry depending on God for apart from Him I can do nothing.

 

Faith Quote - C.S. Lewis

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Last week in the Alpha class that I’m hosting, a quote of CS Lewis was shared. 

It says, ‘If Christianity is false it is of no importance and if it is true then it is of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.’

 
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