Bethel Elim Church podcast

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

הוסף לפני seven שנים

תוכן מסופק על ידי Bethel Elim Church. כל תוכן הפודקאסטים כולל פרקים, גרפיקה ותיאורי פודקאסטים מועלים ומסופקים ישירות על ידי Bethel Elim Church או שותף פלטפורמת הפודקאסט שלהם. אם אתה מאמין שמישהו משתמש ביצירה שלך המוגנת בזכויות יוצרים ללא רשותך, אתה יכול לעקוב אחר התהליך המתואר כאן https://he.player.fm/legal.

The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®

1
#644: AI-augmented human recommendations for retail customers with Noah Zamansky, Stitch Fix 27:12

לפני 7 ימים27:12

הפעל מאוחר יותר

רשימות

לייק

אהבתי

27:12

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Question: Do you need to choose between AI and human recommendations as a customer? Why not have both? After all, don’t each have their strengths? AI in the retail experience is all the rage these days, but today I’m talking with someone from a brand that has been incorporating AI-personalized experiences and shopping combined with expert human recommendations for over 14 years, and continues to innovate today. Today we’re going to talk about how AI-based personalization plus human creativity and input makes an amazing customer experience at Stitch Fix. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Noah Zamansky, Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix. About Noah Zamansky Noah Zamansky serves as the Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix, where he leads cross-functional teams spanning Product, Design, Engineering, Algorithms, and Platform Development. A seasoned leader, Noah has a proven track record of shaping product vision and strategy, designing exceptional user experiences, and spearheading the launch of new business ventures. Before joining Stitch Fix, Noah held the role of Senior Director of Product Management at eBay, overseeing Fashion and Vertical Experiences. Resources Stitch Fix: https://www.stitchfix.com eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

Bethel Elim Church

שתפו

בית הסדרות•Feed

Messages shared from our weekly Sunday morning service.

10 פרקים

#Religion #From Gods #Bethel Elim Church #Christianity

Bethel Elim Church

updated לפני 4 ימים

שתפו

בית הסדרות•Feed

Messages shared from our weekly Sunday morning service.

10 פרקים

#Religion #From Gods #Bethel Elim Church #Christianity

כל הפרקים

Bethel Elim Church

1
Spirit Filled; Life – 020325

לפני 4 ימים

—

Spirit Filled - Life Acts chapter 2, verses 1 to 21 . I remember quite vividly it was a Sunday evening in 2010 after an evening service at my home church in Swansea, where a good friend of mine called me aside. I was a new Christian and he asked me Mark I’ve been praying for you and I wanted to know have you been baptised yet in the Holy Spirit? I was a young new Christian and I had no idea what this meant, so Andy explained it to me. He told me the baptism of the Holy Spirit is basically when God fills you with His power, love and gives you the gift of speaking in tongues – which is a heavenly language you can use to communicate with Him. You won’t know the words necessarily, but it’s a spiritual language where your spirit connects to God in a deeper way. I remember sitting there doing the Church thing, nodding away saying okay when inside I had no idea what he was talking about. Andy then began to pray for me speaking in tongues. I sat there thinking this guy is nuts, then it got even more awkward. At any moment now Mark you will be filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues so just go with it Andy said it was this incredibly uncomfortable situation where he was believing God but nothing happened for me. I didn’t even know how to fake it if I wanted to and when he asked me are you sensing anything I just said I don’t know what I’m meant to do! Nothing happened for me that day – I didn’t experience anything just a huge awkwardness. Fast forward a few months….. Soul Survivor Vicky – I spoke in tongues the first time Didn’t happen straight away, but after that moment I began to see three major changes in my life. I experienced God’s power more, my worship went to a deeper place and I felt the Spirit’s embrace. I want to focus this morning on those three aspects of a Spirit-filled life. A Spirit-filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT A Spirit-filled life is a life of ENCOUNTER A Spirit-filled life is a life of EMBRACE A Spirit-filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT When the Holy Spirit comes and fills an individual’s life the first thing that happens is they begin to move in power. Acts 1:8 Jesus says: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you ; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus commissions His followers after His crucifixion to continue the mission He came to Earth to begin – to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Before they were to go though Jesus tells them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. THEY NEEDED TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT FIRST. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernatural lives and boldly proclaim the Gospel. Before the Holy Spirit was poured out, we see Peter just a few chapters prior denying he ever knew Jesus when confronted by a servant girl out of fear. The disciples afterwards are so afraid of the Jews they are hiding away locked behind a door. But when the Holy Spirit comes all that changes! THEY RECEIVE POWER! The same Peter gets filled with the Spirit and boldly proclaims the Gospel and 3,000 people get added to the church! The Spirit EMPOWERED PETER and gave him the boldness he needed to proclaim Jesus. The Holy Spirit does the same for you and me today. A Spirit-filled life is a TRANSFORMED LIFE. The Spirit of God empowers us to share our faith and gives us boldness in place of fear. When I got prayed for to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be filled with His power by my friend Andy, I felt nothing in the moment. Something did change though. I remember having a greater desire to pray for others and began to see more results when I did. I somehow began to knew things about other people I couldn’t have otherwise known and started to see people get healed. CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY – RUN ON THAT FOOT POWER AND COURAGE TO WITNESS When the Holy Spirit comes – He replaces fear with courage, transforms us and gives us power to be His witnesses! I think it’s important to note as well here that the filling of the Spirit is not a one time experience in the Christian life. Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, That phrase be filled with the Spirit is in the PRESENT CONTINOUS tense in the Greek language which could be read as KEEP ON BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT. A Spirit filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT. A Spirit filled life is a life of ENCOUNTER When the Spirit was poured out in Acts 2 we’re told the people were loudly praising God and declaring His wonder. It led them to worship and just listen to how the first ever sermon in Church history starts: Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! WE’RE NOT DRUNK! We’ve just encountered God and we have this incredible joy! Imagine if that is what our churches became known for – an INEXPRESSIBLE JOY and we need to start our sermons off with we’re really not drunk. Most of the time I feel like we need to begin our messages off by saying we’re really not boring! IN A SOCIETY WHERE THIS IS SO MUCH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND FEAR – THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BE THAT CITY ON A HILL SHINNING OUR LIGHT. We should be the most joyful people on Earth – how do we experience this inexpressible joy that when we lose our jobs we’re still joyful, when we experience loss we still have hope? WE NEED TO BE CONTINOUSLY FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. TORONTO OUTPOURING – JOY AN LAUGHTER WHEN SPIRIT WAS POURED OUT One of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives though when He is poured out is the gift of tongues. Now you may be new to Christianity and be wondering what on earth does that mean? Speaking in tongues? The Greek word translated “tongues” literally means “languages.” Therefore, the gift of tongues is speaking in a language the speaker has never learned in order to minister to someone who does speak that language. To keep it simple, the Biblical definition of speaking in tongues would be the supernatural ability to speak in a language you do not know. ACTS – THEIR LANGUAGE But Paul (a follower of Jesus) teaches that speaking in tongues can also be a heavenly/spiritual language given to us. WE DON’T NECESSARILY UNDERSTAND THE WORDS, BUT WHEN WE SPEAK IN TONGUES WE COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY TO GOD. WHEN I RECEIVED THIS GIFT, I FELT GOD’S PRESENCE MORE AND HAD MORE JOY! Research done – those who speak in tongues are less likely to suffer emotional instability and depression! The Bible says those who speak in tongues edify themselves and get stronger in their spirit. IT CAUSES US TO ENCOUNTER GOD IN DEEPER WAYS! If you don’t speak in tongues, we’ll pray for you to receive this gift at the end of the service today. A Spirit filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT, ENCOUNTER and finally it’s a life of EMBRACE. A Spirit filled life is a life of EMBRACE William Seymour who is known by many to the father of Pentecostalism writes this about the baptism of the Holy Spirit: “The Pentecostal Power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring more love, it is simply a counterfeit.” IF IT DOES NOT BRING MORE LOVE – IT’S SIMPLY A COUNTERFEIT. This is so powerful to me because it tells me when the Spirit comes upon us it’s so much an act of empowerment, than it is of love. There’s a real interesting word that is used for when the Spirit falls in the NT and in the Greek. We see the word used in Acts 2 when Joel says I will POUR out my Spirit. The word POUR or FALL when it’s used in Acts is the word EPIPIPITO. EPIPIPITO means to fall upon, embrace and hold with affection. Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came (EPIPIPITO) on all who heard the message. Acts 11:15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came (EPIPIPITO) on them as he had come on us at the beginning. It’s the same word used in Luke 15:20 when the prodigal son returns home, the father sees him while he’s a long way off, runs to him, embraces him (EPIPIPITO) and kisses him. When the Spirit of falls upon an individual, it’s an embrace of the Father. Romans 5:5 – Love of God is POURED into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. How do we get filled with the Spirit? It’s simple we ask. Luke 11:9-13 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The Christian life is not one of striving, but one of being held by the Father. Charles Finney, one of the greatest evangelists to ever lived – led around a million people to Christ, in his autobiography shares his experience of being filled with the Spirit: “I returned to the front office and found that the fire that I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the word mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body, and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through me. Indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love, for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love, and I do not know, but I should say, I bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. These waves came over me, one after the other until I recollect, I cried out, "I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me." I said, "Lord, I cannot bear any more," yet I had no fear of death. When you’re filled with the Spirit you live a life of extravagant worship and the result is an overflowing joy! Oh how we need this joy in the Church and our lives today! Three key features of a Spirit-filled life: We live a life of EMPOWERMENT – we have a gift of boldness to share Jesus with people and a courage. We start seeing God’s power at work in our lives. We live a life of ENCOUNTER – it brings us joy and we experience God’s Presence in new powerful ways. We live a life of EMBRACE – we experience His immense love for us.…

Bethel Elim Church

1
A City On A Hill – 230225

לפני 11 ימים

—

1 John 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. We have sometimes had a week in Pembrokeshire and have stayed on a lovely site very near the sea. When you look out of the front window there is a beautiful view of a small mountain... In West Wales, it rains sometimes… The first signs of it are when a mist gradually hides the mountain from view – like someone has drawn a grey curtain or a veil across it. You wouldn’t know there is a mountain. But I’ve seen the mountain in the bright sunlight too. I associate it with wonderful holidays, family being together, good things. You can climb to the top and see the beach and the sea. Our chapter begins with John saying, "We’re telling you now: we’ve seen it!" What we’re proclaiming we have seen and heard. We’ve touched it. John wasn’t just writing a good encouraging letter or establishing doctrine. Not just a good sermon. Much more exciting than that. We sing the song “There must be more than this”... In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." He also said Matt 5: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. We just read a minute ago that God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all! But we can veil it, the lamp covered, the city hidden. The mist obscuring the mountain… this light wants to break out in God’s kingdom children, those who wish to be seen as his. The light doesn’t go out. But it can be veiled… When you have had a true encounter with the Father’s love, you are never the same. You can’t help but love him back. You want more. His light is precious to you. When Moses went up the mountain to receive God's commandments, he came down with his face shining. The Lord’s light can make our lives shine. There is something unmistakable about a person who lives in the Lord’s presence. There is enthusiasm, faith, hope and boldness because they have seen the light. They’re not drumming it up. It comes from within. Don’t be veiled like the mountain is when the rain comes. 2 Cor 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Jesus has purchased freedom for all who believe. This freedom is not just freedom in meetings. It is certainly not freedom to do whatever I want. It is the freedom to become more like him, to shine the light out of a heart that is liberated, with no guilt, no fear, and a certainty of where I am going. I talked a few weeks ago about our life being like a play on a big stage – and I asked you whether Jesus had the starring role in your play. Have you given the main role over to him since we talked about it? But also, by the grace of God, we all have a part in God’s play. It’s a walk-on part. Or maybe a "walk-in" part. John says something important about this, we already read from the first chapter of his first letter at the beginning. v6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. There is a call here for our secret life to be the same as our seen life. God sees everything. We know that. But the life we’re talking about does not work with secrets. Part of the meaning of walking in the light is being transparent, having nothing to hide. Yes, we want to shine the light, but we must walk in it ourselves. If we obey and do that, the light will shine ON us. We had a power cut once on holiday and Sarah said, “It’s a good job that we have candles” From being in the pitch black, we could suddenly see again. We could see the room and we could see each other. But we could have stayed in the darkness. Safe from anyone else seeing us. Often, the veil that hides the light or the mist that obscures the mountain is caused by our attitudes or unbelief. Attitudes that put conditions on what God wants to do, such as " it mustn’t be this that or that... Our passage goes on to say- v8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. David confessed his sin to the Lord and then this was his prayer – Ps 51:10 -- "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." A pure heart, full of the grace of God, is a shining light in the darkness of this world. It is something God creates but it is given to those who desire it, and are honest with God, and who go after it. Are you walking in his light today? What’s the best way to be free from the mist? Go up the mountain. Breathe the air! Enjoy the view. Be transformed into his likeness. Let your light shine... LET your light shine. In our country, the mist is sweeping in. Don’t get so you can’t see the mountain. Get right with Jesus and give your life afresh to him. Let the veil be lifted from your face. Let the mist be removed from your mountain. Choose to Walk in the Light! We read the following as a prayer together: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. I agree with your Word – I am the light of the world. I want to walk in the light and shine it out. Restore to me my first love! Let my light shine from this day! Amen…

Bethel Elim Church

1
Missional Church: Partnership 090225

לפני 25 ימים

—

What type of gardener are you? Who here considers themselves a bit of a gardener? A bit of an Alan Titchmarsh or Monty Don? Well, I’m not one. I have an uncanny ability to kill house plants and in the garden to ignore the weeds and dig up the actually flowers! BUT, when Ian asked me to speak about Missional Partnership, I was drawn to the image of gardening. Not just because I think it is a good image but because it is the one of the most commonly used images of evangelism and mission in the Bible. Now, you lot might be the most amazing at sharing your faith, but if you are anything like the rest of us, you probably struggle. One of the biggest struggles is when we speak to someone and they don’t immediately get onto their knees and confess all of their sins, giving their lives to Christ. Can I tell you some hopefully very feeing news – most of the time we share our faith, people don’t become Christians. That may sound really negative, but it’s not. It’s freeing. As we’re going to find out, this is not about us and our words, but about what God is doing in a person’s life. So, let me give you a bit of evangelism background with me. In the classical sense of evangelism, I really don’t like evangelism. I don’t like standing on a High Street whilst everyone crosses the road to avoid me, trying to speak to some and saying, “can I tell you about Jesus?” Now, if that is your thing, AWESOME! Go for it. It’s just not me … and if we’re honest, it probably isn’t many people in the church. Otherwise our street evangelism teams would be rammed with people! Don’t get me wrong. I’ve done, fairly majorly. In my early 20s I was part of a very large church in London called Kensington Temple, or KT. In the 18-30s group we would go once a month to Leicester Square in the heart of London, where all of the big cinemas are that host film premieres. When we got their, someone would sing a song, mainly to gather a bit of a crowd and then someone would get up and preach. And that person was usually me! I had a maximum of two minutes to get the gospel across in a powerful, funny, meaningful way. Sometimes, I managed to actually do it. And I loved that. It makes preaching in a church an absolute doddle. So its great and it does bear some fruit, but not that much today. The vast majority of people who become Christians, do so through the gentle witness of friends and through discussion. That’s why the Alpha Course is so amazing. Anyway, let’s turn to scripture … 5 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. 9 For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NLT) So, what lessons can we learn from Paul in this passage for missional partnership. We need to be someone who … · Cares 37 Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’ (Matthew 22:37-40) And who is our neighbour? … Good Samaritan. “It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and my job to love.” (Billy Graham) · Sows 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ (Romans 10:14-15) · Tends (Waters) Through our words … 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16) “We are the Bibles the world is reading; we are the creeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding.” (Billy Graham) And through our prayers … 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’ (Matthew 9:35-38) · Reaps/Harvests Now, some of you were thinking, surely he is going to mention the parable of the sower and the soils, and you were starting to think I was missing an amazing opportunity by not mentioning it… well, here it is! Matthew 13 – Parable of the sower and the soil. Ultimately, we are hoping, praying and working for people to make a commitment to Jesus; to become His disciples. But the heart of our first scripture is that we all play different roles in reaching people. We don’t just slot into one role or another but we can play many. Did you realise that statistically, a person will encounter the Gospel message on average SEVEN times before actually making a commitment to Jesus. Now you may be fortunate enough to be encounter number seven and see that prayer of commitment happen. But you equally might be encounter number 1, 2, 5, 6 or whatever number. Our scripture from 1 Corinthians says that it really doesn’t matter. We each play our part, we do whatever God asks us in that moment. That might be: · Invite a neighbour over for coffee and just get to know them! · Offer to help out at a Foodbank or coffee morning or some other community engagement. · Talk to a family member about what Jesus means to us. · Invite someone (and bring them along) to an Alpha Course. · Help someone when they are ready to make the decision to become a Christian. Ros’ “so what is stopping you?” stories. You see, the key to missional partnership is that part in the 1 Corinthians passage where Paul says, “what’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” You see, we are simply workers. We partner with one another but ultimately we are partnering with the Holy Spirit. It is God who draws people to him. And there is such a move of God at the moment. Its quite quiet and not hugely public, but young adults are really open to spiritual matters and are really quite positive to the Gospel. People are coming to faith regularly in our Universities, in our Prisons, in schools and everywhere. Don’t believe the news! The church is alive and well and people are coming to faith in Jesus every day. Let’s get close to God, listen for his voice telling who to speak to and what to say. Let’s not get discouraged if people show only limited interest or even none at all. “To evangelise does not mean to win converts … but simply to announce the Good News, irrespective of the results.” (John Stott) [Esther Cockram’s story of her sister] So, BE ENCOURAGED! Start speaking to people. You don’t need to have all the answers (in fact please don’t pretend you do). Just love people, sow a seed, do some watering, watch that seed grow and, when the time is right, be ready to harvest the fruit.…

Bethel Elim Church

1
Missional Church: Personal Mission 020225

לפני 5 weeks

—

Missional – Personal Mission Mark Trubey Good Morning everyone, it’s a real joy to be here with you today and to share a message I feel God has laid on my heart for you guys as a congregation. I want to say a huge thank you for the leadership team entrusting me to come and minister to you guys – it’s a huge privilege and one I don’t take lightly. When I was given the topic to preach on, I was thrilled as this is a subject that gets me fired up! We’re going to look at the theme of living a missional lifestyle this morning. Jesus commissioned us in Matthew 28 to GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL – if you’re a follower of Jesus you and I are called to live a missional lifestyle. For those of us have encountered Jesus’ love, we’re called to share His love and this Good News of the Gospel with those around us. WHAT A HUGE PRIVILEGE THIS IS – TO BE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST! TO BE CALLED TO LIVE MISSIONALLY IN OUR CONTEXTS. You’re the missionary in your workplace, family, social clubs, neighbourhood – WE’RE ALL CALLED TO LIVE A MISSIONAL LIFESTYLE! IT IS NOT FOR A SELECT FEW INDIVIDUALS, BUT EVERY CHRISTIAN! To help us explore this theme of LIVING A MISSIONAL LIFESTYLE this morning we will spend most of our time focusing upon perhaps the most influential missionary to have ever existed outside of Jesus – the Apostle Paul. So if you have a Bible would you please turn with me to the book of Acts, chapter 9 and we will read from verses 1-19. If you’re new to this space and unfamiliar with the story of Scripture let me quickly update you where we’re at so far in the story. Jesus has just died on the cross, rose from the dead, appeared to the disciples and commissioned them to continue the work He had begun on Earth – to spread the message of God’s grace, kindness and forgiveness to those who have rejected Him, are far from Him and don’t know Him. The early followers of Jesus started to do this but have been met with great opposition from the authorities and religious rulers. One person in particular called Saul, wanted to eradicate these Jesus followers and stop this message spreading any further so he began to persecute, imprison and kill them. Saul is now currently travelling to a place called Damascus to persecute these early Christians and that’s where we pick up our story from. ACTS 9:1-19 I want to explore three lessons we can learn from this story and the Apostle Paul’s life on how we can live missional lifestyles. Paul had an ENCOUNTER with Jesus Saul was on the way to persecute, torture and kill Christians – but he encounters Jesus and gets struck physically blind symbolising his spiritual blindness. Jesus speaks to Paul audibly and changes the trajectory of his life forever. Paul radically encounters Jesus and from that moment on EVERYTHING CHANGES. If we’re going to live missional lifestyles, it begins and is sustained by an encounter with Jesus. This encounter happened 2,000 years ago, but can I tell you He Is still encountering people today! MY ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS STORY An encounter with Jesus will change you and you’re never the same after one. Before Moses received his missional calling, he encountered God at the burning bush. Before Isaiah was commissioned to go, he encounters the Lord in the temple. We can go through so many characters in the Bible who had an encounter with God before they were commissioned in their calling. Some of my hero’s who lives out this missional lifestyle are a couple called Rolland and Heidi Baker. Rolland and Heidi are long-term missionaries in Mozambique, Africa. After fifteen years of living out a missional lifestyle in the slums of Indonesia, Hong Kong and London, and eighteen months among the broken children of Mozambique – Rolland and Heidi were burnt out and in desperate need of a fresh touch from God. You can read their encounter with the Lord online – but in a nutshell they go out to Toronto and are profoundly touched by God in a revival that was happening there. Heidi was so desperate before going out she cries out to God saying “God, if You don’t touch me, I am so tired that I’d just like to take a job at Kmart. I don’t think I can continue in ministry without You touching me afresh.” Heidi went out several times and had such a powerful encounter with God where she felt this fire go through her body and electricity leaving her paralysed from the neck down for a short period of time. This lasted for several days – with such an incredible joy that when they returned to Mozambique their ministry took off to a new level. They’ve seen incredible miracles, deaf ears opening, countless churches planted and over a million salvation responses! WHAT CHANGED EVERYTHING FOR THIS BURNT OUT COUPLE SEEKING TO LIVE A MISSIONAL LIFESTYLE? AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD! Some people said to me over the years I’ve never encountered God like that or had a Damascus Road experience though. I want to encourage you that an encounter with God can look different for everyone. HE KNOWS WHAT WE ALL NEED. We must be careful not to minimise what we see as ‘lesser encounters.’ Sometimes an encounter with God does look like a weightiness that comes upon you or a fire you feel in your heart – but other times it can be a Scripture that burns within your heart – that’s an encounter. It could look like a heart full of gratitude as you walk in God’s creation – that’s an encounter. It can happen in the quiet like with Elijah – the still small whisper – but what’s important is we encounter Him. NOT A ‘LESSER CHRISTIAN’!!!! IN SAYING THAT THOUGH – can I encourage you that the Bible says THOSE WHO SEEK ME, WILL FIND ME. DON’T LIMIT GOD!!!! Ephesians 1:17 – 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. KNOW – EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE Maybe some of you here today are feeling a little burnt out and need a fresh encounter – if that’s you we’re going to pray into that at the end of the service. HOW CAN I HAVE AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD THOUGH LIKE THIS? Bill Johnson – Set yourself up to be ambushed by God by maintaining a passionate pursuit of His Presence through prayer. The Apostle Paul was continuously throughout his life, setting himself up to be ambushed by God. ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS WE CAN DO TO ENABLE THIS IS TO PRAY. WHEN YOU SEEK HIM, YOU WILL FIND HIM. Lesson one – if we are going to live missional lifestyles we need an encounter with God, to EXPERIENCE HIM and have an ongoing lifestyle of encountering Him. Paul was EMPOWERED for the Mission We read in the story that after Paul was struck blind, God speaks to Ananias and tells him to go lay hands on Paul. Ananias is terrified as he knew Saul’s reputation, but he goes – he’s obedient to the calling of God. When he arrives at the house, he prays for him, the scales fall off his eyes and it says in verse 17 Saul was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” This is so important for us if we’re going to live missional lives. WE NEED TO BE EMPOWERED AND BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! After Jesus was resurrected, He commissions the disciples to go into the world but then in Acts 1 – HE SAYS BUT DON’T TRY DO THIS ALONE! WAIT FOR THE GIFT MY FATHER PROMISED – YOU NEED TO BE BAPTISED FIRST IN THE HOLY SPIRIT! The Apostle Paul teaches us this is not a one time event but commands us to KEEP BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT. TO LIVE MISSIONALLY WE NEED TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT! We see that throughout the Apostle Paul’s life the Holy Spirit helped him in his missional calling. We see the crippled man in Lystra get healed, demons get cast out of people, healings through handkerchiefs and aprons, people raised from the dead and sickness’ being healed. God backed up Paul’s message through signs and wonders. IF WE’RE GOING TO LIVE MISSIONALLY – WE NEED THIS INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. LONDON TESTIMONY 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. The Holy Spirit empower us and gives us supernatural power to fulfil the calling. Peter denies Jesus, Pentecost filled with the Spirit, bold and courageous. Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Prayer, encounter and power. Lesson One – if we’re going to live missional lives we need an ENCOUNTER WITH GOD Lesson Two – we need to be EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit The final lesson, which is perhaps the hardest lesson and most difficult to hear. When God shared this with me I asked if we could have a different E, but this is what He gave me. Paul ENDURED for the Gospel God tells Ananias Paul is called to live a missional life for Him but then in verse 16 he says – I WILL SHOW HIM HOW MUCH HE MUST SUFFER FOR MY NAME. I don’t feel it would be right for me not to mention this point, to live a missional lifestyle it will involve sacrifice, hardships, difficulties and for some even persecution. Paul certainly did not have it easy and this came true in his life. We know numerous times Paul was imprisoned, flogged, beaten, shipwrecked, sleep deprived, without food and clothes – all for the sake of the Gospel. But, through all Paul’s suffering and trails – he remained true to the mission and praised the Lord! We see Paul in prison in Acts 12 due to his determination to live out a missional lifestyle – singing and worshipping God. Later Paul will command us to REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! When Paul wrote this commandment – he was in a Roman prison for living out his missional lifestyle calling. Paul was being falsely accused and facing an early death. After everything he had been through though, he writes – REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! HOW COULD PAUL REJOICE IN THE LORD LIKE THIS? Supernatural over-filling of the Holt Spirit! This attitude of gratitude is what helped sustained him through his calling and listen to these words Paul writes in Philippians 1:12-14: 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. If we’re going to live missionally, we must endure sufferings and hardships for His name sake – but the way Paul was sustained was to remember the bigger picture. Even though he is suffering – the Gospel is advancing, his life was not his own – his life had taken on a bigger purpose. JOSPEH THE MASAI WARRIOR STORY Joseph was a proud Maasai Warrior living in eastern Africa when he first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the side of a hot, dusty road. In that moment, he dedicated his life to Christ and immediately made plans to share the Good News with members of his tribe. But this warrior had never been in a fight like the one he was about to walk into. Joseph went from door-to-door telling everyone about the cross of Jesus and the salvation it offered. He expected them to eagerly embrace Christ as he had, but to his amazement, the villagers not only rejected the Gospel, they became violent, as well. The men of the village seized him and held him to the ground while the women beat him with strands of barbed wire. Afterwards, he was dragged from the village and left to die alone in the bush. Joseph managed to slowly crawl to a watering hole, and there, after several days of passing in and out of consciousness, he gained enough strength to stand up. He was perplexed by the hostile reception he received from people he’d known all his life and decided he must have left something out or told the story of Jesus incorrectly. So after rehearsing his important message over and over, he went back to share his faith again. Joseph limped into the circle of huts and began to proclaim Jesus’ love. “He died for you, so that you might have forgiveness and come to know the living God!” he cried. Again, he was flung to the ground by the men of the village while the women beat him; wounds that had just begun to heal were reopened. Like the first time, they dragged his unconscious body away from the village and left him to die. To have survived the first beating was truly remarkable. To live through the second one was borderline miraculous. But several days later, Joseph awoke in the wilderness, bruised, scarred… and determined to go back yet again. He returned to the small village and this time, they attacked Joseph before he even had a chance to open his mouth. While they flogged him the third time, Joseph pleaded with them to seek the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Before he passed out, the last thing he saw was the women beating him had begun to weep. When he regained consciousness the third time, it was in his own bed. The men and women who had so severely beaten him were now trying to save his life and nurse him back to health. The entire village had become Christians because of Joseph’s willingness to suffer on their behalf. The encounter Joseph had with Jesus caused him to fall so in love with Him and caused a burning desire in him to share His love with others. Jospeh was empowered by the Holy Spirit and lived out a missional lifestyle. His suffering was part of his message, he endured for Christ and was a witness to his enemies. If we’re going to live missionally we need an encounter with Jesus – that He becomes so precious to us, that we are filled by His Spirit and through His strength we suffer for the sake of the Gospel if necessary. Joseph’s suffering caused a whole village to turn to Christ, I wonder how God will use your suffering and mine to advance His Gospel. I may never be called to endure what Joseph the Massai Warrior endured but I am called to share my faith with those around me. I am called to be bold with this Gospel message and live a missional lifestyle. Maybe for us enduring for the sake of the Gospel will be counting it all joy when someone rejects us and the message or when someone is rude to us for reaching out. Maybe enduring for the sake of the Gospel will look like being the first to forgive and turn the other cheek to show Jesus to others. Maybe enduring for the sake of the Gospel will look like stepping out in faith to pray for people on crutches on the streets. Where we may need to face our fears and step out of our comfort zone. What I do know is though if I want to live missionally I need: An Ongoing, Lifestyle of Encountering God An Empowerment from the Holy Spirit An Endurance for the Sake of the Gospel…

Bethel Elim Church

1
Missional Church: God’s Plan Your Purpose 260125

לפני 6 weeks

—

Missional – God’s Plan – Your Purpose Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 18-20 WE ARE BLESSED Loved worshipping today – sense of belonging as we gather Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that as Jesus Followers this morning just how blessed we are When you focus on being a blessing God makes sure you are always blessed (Joel Osteen) GOD’S PLAN Church, know this this morning that you are loved, loved beyond measure Scarlett thread of redemption that takes us to where we are today Bible is clear we were created for relationship and Gen 1 reminds us that God walked around the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day looking for contact with Adam and Eve Due to Adams sin, stubbornness and rebellion God out of love made an alternative plan. A rescue plan, and that plan was Jesus. RELATIONSHIP – HEBREWS 11 GREAT MEN OF FAITH RELATIONSHIP – GOD STARTS WITH THE ONE - ABRAHAM – FRIEND OF GOD In the OT God put everything in place so that mankind can live in harmony with the living God , but also live in harmony with each other! That’s impressive! JESUS – He sent his only son Jesus to be the sacrifice that expressed itself in the form of a cross. A cruel death. The Bible says that He took upon himself our sins, our iniquities (ultimate and final sacrificial lamb. A Isiah 53 ) Jesus took the keys of death and hell ( Revelation 1:18) So that you and I can have our sins forgiven and find new life in Jesus Finally, the door is now open for you and me to find new life in Jesus In faith with Jesus we can have a better life, a life living in relationship with a living, loving God who quite simply loves you A God who has plans for you which are for good and not to harm you, plans to make you prosper you, (Jeremiah 29:11) This is truly astonishing – we don’t deserve it, we can’t earn it, we can’t buy it Salvation in Jesus is God’s ultimate gift to you and to me As believers and more to the point ‘Followers of Jesus’ we have much to thank God for. Like Abraham - God sees you as a friend God sees you as a son and daughter We have been – Saved Sanctified Set apart Thank God today for His mercy and grace upon your life and mine CHRISTMAS GRATITUDE We have just said farewell to Christmas 2024. A time when we together celebrated Jesus, God’s ultimate and perfect gift. This gift was given from heaven to earth. The everlasting Light Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given and the government will be upon his shoulders. He will be called, wonderful, counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave…. WHAT A GIFT Jesus is the best gift anyone could ever have. We have been adopted into the family of God. No longer aliens no longer remote, afar off, but through Jesus we are divinely connected to the living God In 2025 Holy Spirit is reminding us with a LOUD VOICE ABOUT BEING A MISSIONAL PEOPLE THE CHURCH IS NOT JUST A BUILDING – NOT A RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE – PEOPLE MOVEMENT – YOU ARE A PEOPLE MOVEMENT BE THE GIFT THE NOW WORD IS THAT WE SHOULD NOT JUST THANK GOD FOR THE GIFT BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY BE THE GIFT It’s a divine call to participate in the Missional call to represent Jesus inside and outside of these four walls. We all have a gift, we are each one unique, we have impact, we all have our own expression faith and service that brings honour to Him . WE STAND TOGETHER IN OUR PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST – THERE’S NO OTHER WAY IN WHICH MAN MAY BE SAVED WE KNOW SHARING THE GOSPEL CAN BE TRICKY IN THE TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE. MAN’S HEART SEEM’S CLOSED AND COLD Stand against those negative voice that shout out we are not good enough, trained enough, skilled enough, know enough If we are thinking about missional call, then we have to look at the Early Church as recorded in the scriptures THE CHURCH IN CORINTH BACKGROUND mainly gentiles. All sorts of things going on Disunity Immorality False teaching that threatened to destroy the church and hinder the expansion of the gospel There was no church in Corinth – Paul left and later wrote to them! 2 Corinthians 6:11/12 – NEGATIVE SELF TALK V11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, our heart is wide open, v12 You are not restricted by us, but you were restricted in your own affections We are restrained by our own feelings. Affections = Greek – Emotions Feelings are our own worst enemy’ disappointments Corinthians – who did God call not rich, educated, wise Open my eyes Lord God doesn’t hold us back We talk ourselves back , we are held hostage to our thoughts, feelings and emotions and past negative experiences. The wonderful thing is that on our transformational love walk with Jesus, we don’t walk alone, far from it! Working together with God Sometimes we have to remember the word! Who did God call – HE CALLS YOU AND ME 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are co-workers in God’s Service, you are God’s field, God’s building. Jesus lays the FOUNDATION and we play our part to build the structure into something that’s beautiful and glorifies God. We work together with God and he needs me!!!! Called ones Have God’s power Acts 1: Power of the Holy Spirit You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sameria and to the ends of the earth! The world doesn’t like Jesus, Christians or the church Boy we need the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. To be fully effective Missional people we need the help, support and direction of the Holy Spirit. His function is to prepare the way for the gospel, prepare the way for ministry. Sharing Jesus is a work of the Holy Spirit. HE IS OUR TEACHER , OUR COMFORTER, OUR GUIDE HE IS THE ONE THAT GIVES US COURAGE AND STRENGTH. I LOVE THE EARLY CHURCH Whatever the world says or demands or believes or acts 1 Corinthians 1:22f We preach Christ Crucified a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to Gentiles but to those who are called both Jews and Greeks. Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God For the foolishness of God is wider than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men AND GOES ON TO SAY For consider your calling brothers not may of you were wise according to worldy standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. BUT God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose the week in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, event things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God V30 and because of Him, guess what You are In Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that it is written ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’. Church God has chosen You and me!! We may feel week, inadequate, lacking in everything under the sun, well, we are in good company It’s a reason then to boast in the Lord. Jesus it’s all about you. May God be glorified when our knees are shaking and our hands are trembling. If we are going to boast, then boast in the Lord Church, we all have a gift our own unique way of serving, there’s no two of you, no two of me! We are all operating by God’s love and grace Ephesians 4:7 and 8 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift, when he ascended on high he led a host of captives and he gave gifts to men Grace given to each one of us You have received grace V11 Gifts APEST equipping of the Holy One - believers. Be the gift for every believer. V12 for the work of ministry build up the body of Christ. Equipped to use the gifts that God has given to you. THIS REMINDS US THAT THE LOCAL CHURCH OF COURSE HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO LEAD AND SUPPORT THE PROCLAMATION, TEACHING AND THE NUTURING AND SUPPORT TO NEW BELIEVERS AS THEY COME TO FAITH IN JESUS. We all have gift and ways of service in a myriad of ways Rise to the occasion for every Christian – grace has been given to each one of us Holy Ones, believers to the work of ministry Gift of God in us to be the gift to others I WILL SAY IT AGAIN WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN GIFTS TO BE THE GIFT We are missional people called to serve what a privilege we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to Go To people in your world cannot physically see Jesus . But they can see Jesus in You and Me The bible says that we are known and read by ALL men (2 Corinthians 3:2) Paul as we have seen has a lot to say about the Corinthian Church. The Corinthian believers are a living testimony to the effectiveness of Paul’s ministry As you live life in this world - We all have a wonderful opportunity for service in this house I want this church to be the best that it can be on both sites A house where everyone plays their part. I thank God for everyone that is faithfully serving the Lord in this place But there is room for more. Want the house to shine brightly Be a light o n a hill Be Jesus t a lost world who for the most part know nothing about Jesus There’s a now call to be the gift I don’t know about you but I want to live in the overflow Recognise who we are in Christ We are people of the word, grounded and standing on the word of God Psm119:105 Your word is a light to my feet and a light to my path We are anointed and commissioned to go into ‘all the world and preach the gospel to every creature Mark. 16:15 We have been filled and equipped by the Holy Spirit Anointed separated. We are missional people we have a wonderful privilege to work with and for Jesus We also have a wonderful opportunity to be Jesus to your world Jerimiah 17:7f Blessed is the one who TRUSTS in the Lord whose confidence is in Him they will be like the tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes for its leaves remain green and is not anxious in the year of drought for it does not cease to bear fruit I want to walk in an overflow Overflow of Love for God, gratitude for his saving grace, thankful that my name is written in the lambs book of Ife Walk in an overflow of worship and service to the body of Christ here at Bether Walk in an overflow of sharing Jesus outside of these four walls I say it again, We are a people movement Anointed/filled with the Holy Spirit standing on the word, operating in an overflow, drawing people to Jesus. The challenge to me is simply LET GOD BE GOD. LIFT THE LID ON CONTAINMENT. WE ARE NOT CONSTRAINED BY OUR PAST BUT TODAY WE ARE BEING RELEASED TO NEWNESS OF LIFE IN JESUS WHO CAN DO MORE THAN WE CAN EVER ASK OR THINK! THANK YOU THIS MORNING FOR JESUS, GOD’S GIFT AND LORD IN YOUR MERCY AND GRACE GIVE US THE HEART AND BOLDNESS TO BE THE GIFT TO THIS GENERATION ALL OF WHAT I SAY MAY NOT MAKE SENSE. BUT KNOW ONE THING. YOU ARE LOVED, THERE IS AN INVITATION, A CALL TO COME CLOSER. A CALL TO COME INTO RELATIONSHIP WITH JESES. HONESTLY, HE IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY…

Bethel Elim Church

1
Consecration 120125

לפני 6 weeks

—

Consecration E lim movement has a season of Reconsecration. Throughout history Gods’ people have lapsed, drifted, and become lukewar m . We see it over and over and over. Moses – Golden Calf Book of prophet Hosea Prodigal Son In Rev, letter to Laodicea. God always urging return ; “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” If we do four things God will do three things. Malcolm Duncan on Consecration…. We can become so focused on our daily lives , that we forget one simple fact – God has not forgotten us We start off with wonderful intentions of serving others because we have experienced God’s grace and goodness in our own lives. We want to see other people’s lives transformed because we know that God is in the business of transformation. But the transformation of others should never be at the expense of our own transformation. This forgetfulness is more likely if we become disconnected from God and His presence and purpose for our lives. Consecration keeps us connected. To be agents of change in the world around us, we must remain connected to God ourselves. The deeper our consecration the deeper our experience of the reality of God’s presence and the truths that God watches over us, loves us and wants to bring hope and transformation to us. You might feel forgotten by God today but take a moment to remember that you are not. As you dwell intentionally before God, and consecrate yourself to His will and His way, my prayer is that He will remind you that He knows every hair on your head. He knows every person that you will see today. He knows the challenges you face and the struggles you have come through. A byproduct of ongoing consecration is a deepening sense of connection that God gives us; rather like the byproduct of a healthy heart being more energy. A great danger that we must avoid is that we want connection without consecration, and without intentionality. I am not sure that this is possible. To abide in Jesus, in the words of John 15, is to be deliberately rooted in His word, by His Spirit for His purposes, and to commit to obedience and dependence. As we do this, our lives reflect His vision and values, and we hear His voice more clearly. As we remain connected to Him in consecration our ministries are strengthened, but more importantly, our souls are nourished. 2 Kings: young King Josia, grandson of Hezekiah. Whats’ happened here is that King Josiah used the Temple offerings, the tithe, or collection, to fund repairs to the neglected building , and in the course of these repairs the high priest f ound the book of the Law. We’re not told precisely which book, but it might have been Deuteronomy, because in it they read Gods Word, of what will happen if His people do not follow the Law. The Exodus generation had excluded themselves from the promised land, died and been replaced, so even though Moses would never enter the promised land, as they stood at its’ borders, Moses literally laid down the law for this new generation. This is where t he greatest Jewish daily prayer is found . The “Shema”. “ Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”. The Lord is One. One People, One Temple, one God. Moses ends his speech in Deuteronomy by telling this Promised Land generation that if they listen to and obey Gods Holy laws they will be blessed, but if they don’t they will face devastation and exile. This is the book that was lost for many decades but King Josiah is now horrified by. This book has been neglected, forgotten about, since Hezekiah died. More than 57 years , during which time the kings had led the people off the beaten track . As we have read, Josiah was horrified, grief stricken, tearing his clothes. He said “Great is the Lords anger because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book.” And he then acted immediately, gathering everyone to the Temple, reading them the book of Gods First Covenant, and rededicating the people, and the Temple. He destroyed the shrines, the idols, the furnaces used to sacrifice children, tore down these places, and covered them with a metre deep of soil on top. He killed the sex- -and religion priests, burned their remains, and he did all of this to fulfil the requirements of the book of the Law that had been neglected for so long. And then he commanded the people to celebrate Passover, as instructed in the book of Gods law. So, for 57 years or more, the people have been led astray, they drifted, and the people of God fitted in with those around them, worshipping Canaanite Gods. To all intents and purposes they blended in, they were no longer distinctively Gods’ people. This is a revival message!! The King, the courts, the elders, the rulers and the common people alike, everyone felt its power sweeping the land. It began in the House of God, the place where they c a me together to seek His face. It is where we expect and pray for the fire to fall. To fall in power and force in human hearts. It is in the house that we come together and pray for him to refill us, to strengthen us, to deepen our faith. In this revival in 2 Kings, men came back to the Word of God. The young king was quick to see its’ importance, value and worth. He had it read to the people. It was heeded, its’ promises believed. There can be no revival without the Word of God being front and centre of all church activity. There can be no revival without the Word of God. It was by His Word that all things were made and without it nothing was made. John chapter one. This people had been drifting for decades, not reading Gods Word, not staying centred in Gods will; Instead of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, they were worshipping the gods the locals followed. Do we do that? Do we worship gods of consumerism, fashion, or pride in our possessions, or our appearance? They were still being pretty religious but in a worldly, secular way, worshipping the idols that society worshipped , fitting in . Are we guilty of that, maybe? Or are we using our Bible as a spiritual compass to keep our direction in stormy seas? If we are not in the fire then our heat within will gradually get cooler. We don’t come to this place once a week on a Sunday to get our weekly fix of the Bible and then go away for another week content in the knowledge that we have carried out our Christian duty, if we are to get back in the fire and feel afresh the heat of the Holy Spirit, then we must pick up our Bible every single day . If you haven’t got one, let us know, we have plenty. Yes, pick it up and open it. If you have it as an app on your phone, open and study the app. If you really don’t know how to get started with reading the Bible, again, get in touch and we can suggest some helpful ways that you can start digging into it so that you can benefit from the amazing treasure it contains, and the wonderful promises God makes to each of us. 05.01.25 798,000 Youversion Bibles downloaded in one day!! Many people are watching this service through a screen from another location. That honours us, and if you wish you were here, well, we wish it too. For some of you, you are not here because we have become too good at what we do, with online services, and maybe you’re thinking “ Oh my gosh life is so busy I will watch the service later when I have time”. Others will be enjoying a nice lie in, snuggled up in bed watching. For some, they will be shielding due to health concerns, a nd I’m sorry but there will be a few who are simply too lazy to come. To these people I would point out that you are missing out on so much. The streamed version is great, but the in - person experience is so much greater. The fellowship with others, the power of the Holy Spirit moving amongst us, refilling us with • Love • Joy • Peace • Longsuffering • Kindness • Goodness • Faithfulness • Gentleness • Self-control Then there is the live sung worship that we always took for granted until it was illegal to sing in church ……… But guess what, its ’ no longer illegal, so please don’t ever take it for granted again, but value and cherish the opportunity to sing your heart out with others to our wonderful God to whom we owe far more than we could ever possibly repay for what He has done for us. On one occasion inlockdown , m y muslim barber asked me how online church was working out. In my answer I drew him a comparison: I like watching good quality cooking programmes. Some are so good you can almost taste the food. And that is the point. Almost. If you were there you would. In the same way, a phone call with a loved one is better than nothing, but pale and shabby, when compared with spending time in their company. The world we live in is becoming increasingly secular, with the majority of younger people in the Western world describing their faith background as “None”. This doesn’t mean that they don’t believe, because when asked, many do have some vague concept of God, and in an emergency will pray, but its more that the book of the Law for them has been lost for decades, and they are just fitting in with the crowd. They are if you like, worshipping Canaanite Gods, blending in with society. Swearing, getting drunk, high, stoned or creating their own idols of materialism, of greed, of lust. They live in a world where, as Shakespeare put it, “There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so. Many church buildings are turning off the lights, being repurposed as housing units. Ian Dury sang the words “Sex and drugs and rock and roll a re all my body needs.” In John Lennons song “Imagine”, he sings “ Imagine there's no heaven, It's easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us only sky, Imagine all the people, Living for today.” And sadly that is the new lifestyle of choice for so many now, just as it was when young King Josiah came to the throne at the tender age of eight. The book of Gods’ covenant and Law were no longer known, and the Temples had become places to worship created idols , rather than the Creator God. So again , I ask, what are you feeding on, in a spiritual sense? Because we all need a spiritual compass if we are to keep good direction as we navigate in stormy seas. Paul says this in his letter to the Hebrews: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. The passage in question draws from the rich imagery of the foot - races of ancient Israel, Greece, and the amphitheatres of Rome. It was written to encourage and challenge believers to persevere in their faith, especially in the midst of trials and persecution. Athletes in a race were surrounded by rows and rows of spectators, pictured for us as “a great cloud of witnesses .” The “witnesses” of the believers’ race are listed in the previous chapter of Hebrews: the men and women of God whose faithful lives were recorded in the Old Testament. These saints persevered despite unimaginable oppression and cruelty and were commended for their faithfulness. Maybe the saints of Hebrews 11 are actually watching us run our “race” today , cheering us on, shouting encouragement from Heaven ; the point of the passage is equally that their testimony lives on in the Bible . Their unyielding faith bears witness to the promises of Jesus Christ, urging us to follow their example and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. The “race,” then, is the Christian life , including both the good, the bad and the ugly . It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we are called to stay the course and remain faithful to the end. Paul used this same imagery near the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. In Ephesians 5 , Paul explains to us the spiritual armour of God, including the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. We learn of this gospel of peace from the Bible, so my core message today is please, in whichever form you may have it, in whatever translation you have it, put some time aside regularly , every day . . No matter how busy we are, we all make time in our lives for that which we consider important, so we must be just as intentional about our Bible. And don’t be shy, if you have any questions, don’t be embarrassed: our contact details are included at the end of this service on screen if you are watching from elsewhere , so get in touch. There is no such thing as a silly question, and we WILL take your question seriously. The Bible is our satnav getting us safely home, in such a time as this. Daily we will face uncertainty and new challenges, but we have our guide book , our road map to get us home safely, to help us to finish the race.…

Bethel Elim Church

1
Prayer 120125

לפני 7 weeks

—

A man was in a bit of trouble while flying his little plane. He called the control tower and said, "Pilot to tower, Pilot to tower, I'm 300 miles from the airport, six hundred feet above the ground, and out of fuel. I am descending rapidly. Please advise. Over." "Tower to pilot, Tower to Pilot" came the reply, "Repeat after me: "Our Father Who art in heaven...'" We all pray in a crisis! But that’s a bit late to start ! I want to talk today about our need to find our prayer life with God. I think we are going to see 2 opposite developments this year. We’ll see the world get more crazy and weird – and more against us. But we’ll see throughout the nation new people coming to Jesus and lives being changed. To be part of that let’s walk with him! Have you ever broken a limb, an arm or a leg? One of yours I mean. Did you have a plaster on it? As a 15-year-old, I woke up after a cartilage operation in desperate need of the loo: without thinking I stepped out of bed onto my bandaged leg and splat!.... It took a long time to get that muscle to work again because of the operation. If you've had an arm or a leg in plaster for a while you may have wondered where the muscle had gone when you took the plaster off. It had wasted away through all the inactiv ity . Some of us have just been giving our muscles a rest for a while. But Col 4 . 2 says “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” You’ll hear people saying we should pray more and read the bible more. But why should we? Because we don’t do it enough, they say. But how much is enough? And how will we feel when we’ve done it enough ? The Christian life is not about living up to something but about living something. You can’t live by the oughts and the shoulds. You ought to do more. You should do better. You should pray better! Do m ore! You never will be as good as your conscience says you should. But the objective is not to hit some standard where you can feel good enough at praying ! Mt 6:5-7 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Prayer is talking to somebody that you know, and that knows you. It is so far from an ought to or should do. But be prepared to be changed! Jesus said in Jn 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have co me that they may have life and have it to the full.” Jn 16:26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. The F ather loves us and coming to him in prayer is life-giving. So in the midst of all we have to do in life, that seems so important, we have to come to him. Perhaps we sometimes treat the temporary like it is eternal and the eternal like it is temporary. For instance m y garden seems to be permanently full of weeds. They come in waves. It feels like a permanent thing. They keep regrowing and my house becomes untidy. Maybe that feels eternal. But it is temporary. Yes I need to do it but It is not what I need to fill my mind with. God very clearly is eternal: you could describe that as being every day for ever. He is always our priority. Maybe because he’s eternal it’s easy to leave him until tomorrow. Yet this is something that for many of us needs to change. So How Can I Build Up my Prayer Muscles Again? 1/ Yield Psalm 139 is an incredible Psalm where David talks about all the ways that God knows and loves him. Then at the end he says this Ps 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. It’s like he has twin doors on his brain , flings them open, and says, " Lord, look at everything I’ve ever thought, good or bad. I am completely open! We spend every Sunday morning and many other times talking about the way Jesus loves us and what he’s done for us. But surely our response has to be , like David, to throw open the doors and say Search me , God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. A real prayer life begins right there! Do it regularly. 2/ Decide to trust him a/ We are all affected by good and bad things that have happened in our lives. We may have certain attitudes we have developed over the years. But we need to trust him. What are you expecting this year from God? Ps 62: 5-8 says – Yes, my soul, find rest in God. My hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. If we trust, we will come to him . Jesus said in Mat 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Now there's worry and worry. We all feel concerned and get nervous about things. Yet there is a state that we get in when our worries wear us out, where we are troubled and burdened, or when we are simply thinking about stuff all the time. But he says - Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. God will lay his peace on your heart when you take your worries and fears , and those you pray for daily to him. Jesus said that the peace that he gives is not like the peace that the world gives. What did he mean? The peace that the world gives is only there when everything is sorted or going well. It depends on how well you are doing. It is an absence of stress. But the pe ace God gives is only dependent on his presence, not circumstances. There can be peace, and a rest within you even when the world is going mad. 3/ Give him centre stage a/ 2 Chr 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. This is about where he is in your priorities . If your life is a stage, where is he on it and what part does he play? Make him the part around which your whole story revolves! Psa 85:8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-- but let them not return to folly. It is folly to put our faith anywhere else than in the Lord. Take time to listen to him. Stop being independent and controlling. That is folly. Instead, locate your life in God, rather than locating God into slots in your life. b/ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. You can go through the day conversationally with God, letting him be part of everything . Treat him like he is there. Each day can be spent with him. Between the desk and the restroom talk about what you are doing with him. When you come back, he will be at your desk with you. In the end, you will be thankful . 4/ Walk with God! a/ Psalm 1 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 4 But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. 5 They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have n o place among the godly. 6 For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Everything else seems so important. But o nce you do commit to a life of prayer, you’ll see that God will work in your life, helping you move beyond selfishness, helping you move closer to Him, to those you love the most, to the calling he has in mind for you, and making you more like him…. Your roots will go down and down. Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but cooperating with His willingness. This is how to live! 1 Sa m 16:7 ; God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Isa 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.…

Bethel Elim Church

1
One 05012025

לפני 9 weeks

—

ONE INTRODUCTION Thank God for this house, New Beginnings. Its week One of 2025. Often time of mixed emotions too. And traditionally it’s a time to reflect to set new plans in place, set some new priorities, new rhythms for life and especially for our own Jesus walk. Busy lives/ demands/challenges So, on week ONE of this new year, I began to reflect and pray over some of the ONE priorities or principles that we find in the word. As I believe God is reminding us of some key priorities as we gather together in week ONE of 2025. Of course, taking stock and review what’s important is a very healthy activity to do, particularly in the context of our every changing world and culture. Let’s face it the world around us is changing at a fast pace , and there are all kinds of challenges on the world stage and challenges locally and personally Attitudes change, we are living in the middle of a cultural shift. Society is more individualistic and attitudes to faith, to God, to Church. We are now living our lives and representing Jesus in a post Christian society, especially in the West! We are getting the sense that Christian faith and values are marginalised, there is a sense of intolerance. This doesn’t mean we hide in the shadows , but rather we dig in and be the Jesus follower that shines bright in such a time as this! If you are like me, its difficult to know where to start! As we walk together in week one I believe the lord has given us a clue on how to move forward together, as we explore ONE things we can do to shine bright for Jesus. SO WHAT ARE THESE ONE THINGS? We kick off with PSALM 27: 4 (David running from Saul or Absolum David had seen it all and in may ways done it all) David writes ‘One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I will seek after, that I may Dwell in the house of the Lord ALL the days of my life, and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple. ONE - DWELL The Holy Spirit is setting out our assignment or priorities for 2025. And top of the list is putting God first. OF COURSE THE HOUSE OF THE LORD IS A PHYSICAL PLACE WHERE WE FIND THE PRESENCE OF GOD BUT PAUL REMINDS US IN I CORINTHIANS 6:19 THAT OUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN YOU AND WHO WAS GIVEN TO YOU BY GOD WE were created for relationship. Back in Genesis God created Mankind for relationship. So in Week One of 2025 Father God is reminding you that he Loves you, and that he is for you and not against you. He sings and dances over you. You are His delight, You are precious beyond measure! One thing I desire is that I might know you , that I have a heart to love God and seek after him, to seek him and allow Him to take us to new places. Church this is a MATTER OF THE HEART = OUR DESIRE. Matters of the Heart are really important WHEN OUR HEART IS RIGHT – EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS INTO PLACE – THAT’S HOW IT WORKS When our heart is firmly directed to the living God that brings us to a place of JOY and it’s a place to savour, it’s a place or position that we long for the presence of Father God. WE HAVE TO BE HONEST – THIS COMES AT A COST – SURRENDER That we adopt a posture of surrender and develop a heart that’s open and receptive to the heart of God. Church, as Jesus followers we have such a joy and privilege to know Father God . This is something we have been talking about together for a while now! We have to remind ourselves that we are loved by God. Full stop. There is nothing on earth that’s betting that dwelling in the presence of God, sitting at his feet and allowing God’s amazing love to cover you. You are not Alone, I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY LOOKS LIKE. YOU MAYBE THE TYPE FOR WHATEVER REASON TO PUSH PEOPLE AWAY BUT ON WEEK ONE OF 2025 ALLOW FATHER GOD TO LOVE YOU We are in relationship with THE LIVING, LOVING GOD a Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Sprit Father – the origin or creation and redemption who communicates his divinity to the Son and the Holy Spirit Son – The mediator, who accomplishes the fathers plan and saves humanity from sin Holy Spirit – The bond of love between the father and son, who applies the fathers plans to believers Remember that in Christ we have Intimacy – Dwelling with the Lord gives us the joy of listening to the father’s voice, hear his heart for you and his will for your life Trust – Dwelling with the Lord means trusting in God’s live, power and wisdom to protect you and give you everything you need Peace – Dwelling with the Lord can bring a sense of peace, even in the challenging times of life Guidance – Dwelling with the Lord gives clarity and a sense of guidance Trust – Dwelling with the Lord gives us a sense that we live, move and breath, we are held firmly in the strong arms of our heavenly father Hope – as we step into 2025 we need a strong dose of hope Church we are loved – Father God is again, call to Allow God to love us, to take those small steps towards our heavenly Father. To sit at his feet in the good times and the not so good times! John 16:33 – reminds us that God has given his children, help, rest and peace. Even in the storms of life 1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God. You are not your own, you were bought with a price, so Glorify God with your body ONE CHURCH 1 Corinthians 12:13 – Christ has only one body THE CHURCH, HIS ONE BRIDE, HIS ONE HOUSE, HIS ONE FAMILY Ephesians 4:4 – There is only ONE body and ONE spirit 1 Timothy 3:15 – There is only ONE house of God Philippians 2.2 – complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being of full accord and of ONE mind! The church – This church is God’s idea The Lord has placed us together as a family, we are called to gather as sons and daughters of the living God FOR A REASON We are ONE church – blood bought, sanctified, anointed set apart to get the job done. The Church is a vibrant, organic living organism of imperfect, redeemed people From God’s perspective there is only ONE church and we at Bethel and Aberafan are LOCAL EXPRESSIONS of His ONE Church. EKKLESIA IS GREEK WORD FOR CHURCH IN NEW TESTAMENT WHICH MEANS THOSE WHO ARE CALLED OUT Ed Sil Voso in His Book Ecclesia reminds us that - The Church is God’s instrument for global transformation. He describes The Church is ‘people movement’’ That really excites me because it takes our attention away from structures, as important as they are! Let’s cherish our times together as a family. As we gather together its our chance to bring our dwelling experiences that we enjoy on a personal level to a corporate setting. We all have something to contribute, we have acts of service, but we also have spiritual gifts, we have our time, our financial resources and more than anything else we have OUR STORY. OUR STORY - OPEN MIKE Never underestimate what God has done, or is doing in your life. Even the small things! My Prayer My prayer for this house is that in greater measure that when we gather together, at every setting we will come with expectant hearts and minds, come with a heart to worship, heart to pray heart to serve, heart to love, heat to exercise spiritual gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that collectively we move from a place of collective consumption , to a place of individual sharing, praying , prophesying, believing God for the impossible, as we believe God to see signs and wonders But, more than anything else be a gather where the banner over us is LOVE, love to be, love to share, love to show. RECAP WE ARE A PEOPLE MOVEMENT WHO ARE IN LOVE WITH JESUS AND ENJOY INTIMACY WITH THE LIVING GOD AND ANOINTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT’S PRETTY SPECIAL IN ANY MAN’S BOOK. WE ARE NOT CALLED TO LIVE IN SOME KIND OF HOLY HUDDLE A HAPPY SPIRITUAL BUBBLE, BUT WE ARE ALL CALLED TO GO – WE HAVE TO… WE HAVE TO LIVE OUR LIFE ONE MISSION Go into all the world. To make Jesus Known, to be the hands, eyes, feet of Jesus. We are the carriers of life and Hope, we are the carriers of the word the fire of God, the amazing love. God is not willing that any should perish but all have life in Jesus Christ Micah 6.8 MSG He has already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple, do what is fair and just to your neighbour be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously’ THE GREAT COMMISSION – NO SURPRISE ITS RECORDED IN ALL FOUR GOSPELS Mark 16:15 MSG Jesus speaking to the 11 said Go into the world (your world). Go everywhere and announce the message of God’s good news to one and all We are the messengers, we are the light carriers, the beacons of hope, WE ARE LIVING IN TURBULANT TIMES AND THE NEED TO RESPOND TO GO IS AS URGENT AS EVER. ONE LIFE In the book of Genesis, In week ONE – God created man and woman and said it was good God Created YOU – for this ONE life, you are not a mistak e. Your arrival on this planet was on point! In this ONE life we have met thousands of people in a life time. It could be as many as 80,000. But ONE day we met ONE person – Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. Suddenly in ONE moment our ONE life changed forever . In fact it changed for eternity So, here we are in the middle of week ONE of 2025 God by his Holy Spirit is wrapping his very strong arms around you and is saying what one thing are we going to do together. What one thing that will take us closer deeper. What ONE thing can we do to make this One life count What ONE thing can I do that will help me to be Jesus in my family, in my workplace, in my street, What ONE thing can I do to help someone come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ What ONE thing will put a smile on the face of our ONE Lord During our ONE life I am sure of ONE thing there are ‘negative voices’ going through your head Those voices come to seek and steal all what God has invested and is doing in your life Stopping you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life and mine The battling that we are all in has been won. WON 1 John 3:8 – The reason why the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the evil one, the devil As the Ekklesia Church of God, our spiritual warfare is not against flesh and blood , but against spiritual beings in high places. THIS MORNING I AM EXCITED ABOUT WHAT THE LORD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU. CHURCH we are standing in the victory of the cross. The lord has already fought the battle and the victory has already been won As a church we stand to maintain Christ’s victory, we guard it, we maintain it We trust in the Lord, we stand in victory, we don’t hope to win, we have won. We stand in it and we proclaim it WRAP Time to come to some conclusion around our Journey around some ‘ ONESEES’. SO ON WEEK ONE OF 2025 I BELIEVE THE LORD WANTS TO SET SOME PRIORITIES IN YOUR LIFE ANE MINE THAT WILL NOT ONLY TAKE US CLOSER IN OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS BUT IT WILL TAKE US OUT OF THESE FOUR WALLS ON A MISSION TO SHARE JESUS. BUT TO STEP INTO THE NEW WE MAY HAVE TO SHAKE OFF SOME OF THE OLD SHAKE THINGS OFF! I HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED ABOUT THIS UNBLIEF, DISSAPPOINTMENTS, CONDEMNATION, A WHOLE ARRAY OF NEGATIVE VOICES…

Bethel Elim Church

1
Restoration 291224

לפני 9 weeks

—

Restoration – God’s Plan For You Key Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18 Is it possible to serve God full on, see personal revival and be healthy? God has a deeper and greater plan for our wellbeing. When there is the presence of God’s kingdom, there is going to be an increase in ‘ Shalom ’ or wellbeing in every area of our lives. ‘ Shalom ’ means? – Peace & wholesomeness. Judges 6:24 Gideon built an alter in Ophrah and named it ‘ Ye-hova Shalom’ -‘ Yahweh our peace ’ Literally means: ‘ to destroy the authority attached to chaos ’ Wellbeing wasn’t man’s idea it was God’s and we need to build in patterns or rhythms of replenishment for our wellbeing. Elijah was physically exhausted, emotionally depleted, spiritually intimidated, relationally isolated. Developing a Wellbeing Mindset The whole issue of mindset matters. The key to most issues that we face is due to our mindset or perspective. Usually we are focused on an ungodly lie. But by changing our perspective and focusing on a Bible based truth we can overcome the issue. Know who you are. Know where you’re at.Know that you can change. Some people say ‘ I am nowhere’ well we can put a break in it and at the same time change our perspective. Instead of saying I am ‘ Nowhere ’ You can say ‘I am Now Here’ ‘Elijah’ Eli-yah means ‘ The Lord is My God ’ – personal relationship. Keep topping up and find out what replenishes you. Physical Strength In spiritual terms the spirit is most important but in terms of replenishment terms, God starts from the outside. 1 Kings 19:5b-8 Sleep matters, The right amount of the right kind of food. Don’t worship diet, just be wise. God is the author of the physical body. Exercise - people like Elijah walked everywhere. Paul said 1 Timothy 4:8 that physical exercise/training is of some benefit. Emotional Health In 1 Kings 17 God feeds Elijah by Ravens Sabbath - Means to stop/ rest. 24 hours every week without failure switch off. Jewish people would prepare for sabbath. Spiritual God calls Elijah to go on a 40-day journey to mount Horeb. 1 Kings 19:8 N.T. we do not have to go to a special mountain because we have the Spirit of God living in us. But we still need to have times that we set apart times away from people but toward God. Silence and solitude. Learn what drawing away looks like daily, weekly or seasonally. Presence of God satisfies like never before. Spiritual vitality. Relationships - Connectivity Elijah has done ministry but in his worst moment he dismissed his servant. 1 Kings 19:10,14 Intentional solitude is good but isolation is bad. God sent Elisha so that Elijah did not have to do ministry alone. Even Jesus in His time of despair in the garden did not want to be alone but called His close disciples to Himself. Vocational Fruitfulness Don’t make a decision to pack it all in on a Sunday afternoon. 1 Kings 19:15 Elijah you thought you were done/ finished but you are not. I called you there and I am still calling you to that. God is more than able to take care of our ministry future, so don’t waste time worrying about it. Rather than thinking ‘ I am nowhere’ , put a pause in and say ‘ I am now here .’ We can only deal with the moment. Conclusion The more we develop our relationship with our Father through the Spirit, the more we experience the positive ‘fruit’ of His presence in our lives: ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control’…

ברוכים הבאים אל Player FM!

Player FM סורק את האינטרנט עבור פודקאסטים באיכות גבוהה בשבילכם כדי שתהנו מהם כרגע. זה יישום הפודקאסט הטוב ביותר והוא עובד על אנדרואיד, iPhone ואינטרנט. הירשמו לסנכרון מנויים במכשירים שונים.