Knowing who you are

A message shared at Empower Christian Church on 8 November 2009 by Pastor Simone Womersley

As Pastor Nicholas mentioned last week, Jesus worked according to the
guidelines that He and the Father established before He came to Earth.
He understood His assignment. The people of His day were surprised by
His authority and felt threatened - especially by how normal He was as
a man among others. He remained strongly connected to the Father.

In Luke 9:1, Biblical authority is a personal right to use God's
power. Jesus had His Father's authority, full authority to exercise
within the guidelines set. He knew He had to maintain intimacy with
His Father.

• SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: Do you know who you are as a
Christian? How does that knowledge affect your ability to ask God for
His power in your life?

Adam handed over his authority. Satan does not want us to retain our
authority. He also does nt want us to know who we are, or to remember
it.

WHO ARE WE?

1 We are created only a little lower than God.

2 Jesus restored our place with God. See 1 Cor 15:45-47.

3 See 1 John 3:1. We are children of God.

4 God gives us the Holy Spirit to live inside us, as family members.
See John 16:7, Afts 1:8, Gal 5:22-23.

5 Jesus, as God's Son, has united with us for eternity. See John
7:16-18.

6 We are children of the King, with special rights and privileges. See
Hebrews 4:16. We are always welcome, and able to approach with
confidence. We are to say no to expecting negativity. We are NOT UNDER
MURPHY'S LAW!

7 With His grace, God actually trusts us. See John 8, John 21:15-19.

8 Spiritual authority is part of who we are. It is recognised as
flowing from our beings. We have no choice as to whether or not we
have it.

• SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: Read Matthew 28. Now discuss what our
authority is meant for. How should our prayers line up with that
Scripture?

We have the power of God living inside us and the full authority to
use it.

A Passionate Mission

ECC Sermon Notes, 11 Oct 09, AM, Pastor Simone Womersley:

There are some things that need to he revisited. Take our congregation's Mission Statement, that talks about extending the Kingdom of God by raising strong, passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

Reading God's Word, for example, feeds us. There are other things that make us grow. One is to recognise our weaknesses.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: See 2 Corinthians 12:8-9. How does this type of 'thorn' actually help us? What does it do to your relationship with God?

Self-respect is a key to a whole life - seeing ourselves just as God sees us. It actually helps us to not be self-focused and demand honour.

We need to honour those around us. Kind words mean so much; even when it is hard to give.

Honour those whose care you've been entrusted with.

When we show honour, something shifts in our hearts. Something dies in our attitude and something lifts up. It certainly takes the focus off us. (See 1 Peter 1:15.)

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: What happens to your ability to give to others when you are feeling low yourself? What should we do to help us resemble Christ more and build ourselves up.

When something prophetic is said over ourselves, it sounds more like what we will become in the future.

Another way to stay strong and passionate is to forgive. See Proverbs 18:19, and Matthew 6:14.

Being passionate is so important, about His Word, about His family...

And look at how 'passion' is more than a feeling. It is about laying everything down, making Jesus your first love.

Staying focused, staying in the race

Ps Rachel Hanna shared a timely message on staying focused in our race...

Speaking truth and wisdom into someone's life is both possible and worth aspiring to. God will blow your mind with how incredible He is.

And yet we often do just enough, going through the motions. 1 Cor 4:20 tells us the Kingdom of God is more than words, but power available to us.

Let's first realise we are in a race.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: Think about a race you have watched or been in. What are the stages of that race that lead to a finishing line? What are the attitudes needed in each stage?

Secondly, you will not win if you don't run.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: What are the differences between spectators and racers? How does that relate to our lives as Christians. (See also 1 Cor 9:24.)

Thirdly, if we don't focus, we will not reach our goal.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: What does it cost for an athlete to win? What are the costs you face to accomplish your Kingdom life? (See also Hebrews 12:2.)

To run well, be focused on the goal; fixed on Jesus. Feed well. Stay fixed on Him.

And when running, pace yourself. Take the time to enjoy God and soak up His peace, His desire, His joy.

Empowering, inspiring time in Malaysia

Special thanks to Tony Salisbury and Luke Martin for the video presentation following a recent trek to Malaysia. Enjoy!

'Spiritual Breakthrough'

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis

Overcoming obstacles means shifting from one mode of thought to another. That is, by definition, a paradigm shift. And it is as much relevant to small matters as to large ones.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. What are the weapons that we OFTEN use to deal with problems in our lives? Now... what are the weapons that are available to us, as suggested by this section of Scripture?

There are keys we can use to help us overcome challenges in life:

1 Desparation - There are times when we must be desparate with our passion for change and increase.

2 Humility - Don't let pride get in the way of our path and breakthrough.

3 Obedience - Jesus told the crippled man to get up. The breakthrough for that man happened when he was obedient, not when Jesus told him to get up.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: What is something that you need breakthrough in? Share your need now with each other so we can pray for you.

Happy Father's Day 2009

Christian Backgrounds Wallpaper - Father God, originally uploaded by crossmap backgrounds.

A Father's Day message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis

We need to really embrace the goodness in blended families. Many children now have fathers because of such marriages and unions.

Fathers and men deserve honour and belonging. In fact, a key origin of Father's Day goes back to a woman in a church in 1910, recognising the need for such an occasion.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: Read Psalm 68:5-6. Talk about the qualities you read about God here, and how you see those behaviours in your heavenly Father and an earthly father you love or know.

God is the Father of the fatherless. And that is so encouraging in this world of both broken and blended families.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: What is it you need most in your father, past or present? And what do you most respond to that your Heavenly Father provides?

we have liftoff!

Great album launch today, with the public release of Lord God Almighty!

Inspiring songs set to go way beyond Melbourne... watch out Asia and UK. Maybe the US of A next?

Photo credit: Patricia Johnson.

who said that?

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis, speaking on 23 August, during our special album launch of Lord God Almighty.

Sure, we have challenges and difficulties. But God's call and gifts are irrevocable.

'Who said that?' - that you wouldn't make it, or see the fulfilment of the promises over your life?

God's love does not change toward us, even though we listen to voices and opinions of others.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: What are the promises that God has given you? What limits that promise in your life right now? And what are the voices you need to hear to see the promises come about?

God's promise is still upon us. Just say to God, 'Here I am!'

In Joshua 14:6, we start reading a section about Caleb and the fears that surrounded promises of God. Caleb stuck with the dream he had.

The promises were alive and well even though the people were wandering in the desert.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TOPIC: Our circumstances do not change the promises of God. Let's share what we're going through and support each other.

Read Numbers 23:19-20 and think about how God does not change. He CANNOT be altered.

time for a great new album!

Just hours away from launch time!

Sunday 23 August, 10am

36 Molan Street,

Ringwood, Victoria

Romans 12:1-2 - 'Hear, Believe, Obey'

Image source credit: R122, originally uploaded by Ptujec.

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis drew on the work of William E Barclay acknowledged from Expository Files.

It's true that we need to do some things in our lives that set our course right. But the transformation is done by God Himself.

See Romans 12:1-2 and recognise the word, 'therefore' used in that passage. It shows that a foundation has been laid down in chapters 1 to 11. From 12 to 15, we see how such a life is lived out, practically.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read 12:1-2 again. Where does your mind take you? Discuss what happens with your mind's outlook that differs from a faithful life. Read Romans 8:5 and note the power of inputs and outputs to and from your mind. How do we get 'renewed' in our mind.

The renewal of the mind is a living sacrifice and a process. See Romans 6:12-14. Grace covers you, and it empowers you.

Every part of our being should be offered as a living sacrifice. Be aware that our eyes are a part of our body - they, too, need to be protected from impure and unhelpful inputs.

We are actually strangers here, adopted into the Kingdom of God. So let's focus on that position, above and beyond where we are now, physically.

Even in a wilderness place, God's mercies cover and empower us.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: See in verses 1 and 2 how we are called to serve and change. What is the one thing that will best fill our mind? How do we see change in our lives follow from what goes into our mind?

Our minds must change. See Ephesians 4:17-21... and see how we are urged to put on the new self. The way we live can change the way we think. It can be expressed in the reverse but think about how a change of behaviour can affect our thinking.

Our thinking can be shaped by someone outside of ourselves. Take media and advertising, for example. We need to be shaped by the Word of God.

What are the alternatives? Either be transformed or conform. The latter means to be changeable and unstable. But to be transformed, it to have a complete change; from a crawling to a flying creature!

Hear the Word.
Believe what you read.
And be successful by obeying.

Thinking of God's 'beloved'

beloved pendant , originally uploaded by tambo012966.

Pastor Simone is truly 'beloved'... this isn't the actual pendant but a lovely thought as shared by Nicola during the ordination today.

Doing church together... outward focused, with gladness

'Acts - The Church in Action' - some notes from 'Week 4' of a month-long series on the book of Acts... today's message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis...

The same power, message and authority that Jesus brought was present in the disciples, through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was so important to what we read in Acts.

We cannot deny that Jesus lived. Many people were touched and changed by His ministry. But He made it clear He would need to leave their physical presence.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: How would you have felt if you lived in Jesus' time and were faced with Him leaving you? Who came to guide and comfort the believers in Jesus' place? How did the Holy Spirit make the early believers form into a great church?

The power of God is still as relevant and real as ever. And the Holy Spirit is, importantly, not subordinate to Jesus - but 'another of the same kind'.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read Acts 2:38-47. Talk about what it meant for the early believers to be 'together'. How do we develop, nurture and maintain togetherness in our own small groups and in our church?

The church worked well together in meekness and love, not weakness and arrogance. They shared an exciting sense of wonder and anticipation.

We, too, can enjoy a God-centred life within a warm sense of community and belonging.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Talk about how an effective church had an outward focus. How do we, practically, have such an outward focus, with gladness?

Moving beyond the Upper Room

obscure street in Jerusalem near upper room
Originally uploaded by wendyscott

'Acts - The Church in Action' - some notes from 'Week 3' of a month-long series on the book of Acts... today's message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis...

Acts 2 - by way of recap, the disciples were led by the Holy Spirit during those early days of the Church. There was faith and there were outcomes to prayer.

In thinking further on what makes a great church, we read Acts as a bridge in the Bible between the teachings of Jesus and the outworking of His message to the world.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: How does the book of Acts help you navigate your daily life? What inspires you when thinking about the early church believers? How do we apply the lessons of their lives to ours today?

The Church, in its fundamental sense, was built on Jesus Christ. And it was growing daily as the believers were together.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: How does unity make a practical difference to the success of any church congregation?

The preaching of the Gospel in Acts was followed by miracles. There was clearly a declaration of God's power and authority that led to acts of the Holy Spirit.

What followed after the miracles? The challenges came. The problems surfaced.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: What's the value of a problem, a process of change or a challenge? How did the persecution actually benefit the church? How does persecution occur nowadays and how does it help you?

Two central figures in 'Acts' were Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, we read of power and witness. There are, at least, 45 mentions of the Holy Spirit or Spirit in Acts. That's clearly an indication of the importance of our comforter and guide.

The Holy Spirit is 'another of the same kind', provided for our needs and guidance.

He is a gift, for us.

✔ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read Acts 4:15 and see how the Holy Spirit gave the people boldness, courage and strength. Think about where you need those benefits in your life right now. What makes you tired and weak? What can we, as your fellow believers, pray for you right now?

Wanna go deeper and read more? See also Acts 4:31, 9:22, 9:31, 13:52... Not just the single verses but the context they are in.

Characteristics of a healthy, dynamic church

'Acts - The Church in Action' - some notes from 'Week 2' of a month-long series on the book of Acts... today's message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis...

Photo above: Acts 2:42, originally uploaded by solaspix.

There was great opposition to the church in its early days, challenges and attacks. It did, however, grow. Why? How?

One of the key features we notice from reading Acts is how early church members had a hunger for the Word of God, a continued commitment that we read about. In effect, they stayed connected with God. They were, together, maintaining and nurturing a relationship with God.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: Read Acts 2:42 and talk about what the early church looked like on a weekly basis. How practical is that style of church to today in a big, busy city? What can we learn from and adapt from that style of congregation?

The early church clearly had disciplines they followed. They prayed, they ate together, they were - most importantly - hungry for the Word of God.

Anticipation was uniform. As they honoured God across their personal and collective lives, they were excited that God would work. They saw Him as being right with them.

✰ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION POINT: See Acts 2:43. In a God-centred church, 'God things' were happening. What are the things that can happen in your church and in your life when you centre on God? Share some examples.

There was a sense of community and belonging. From Acts 2:44 on, the church had a sense of family - together in so many ways.

They supported one another, experienced life together and immersed themselves in God's Word. And they grew, as individuals and as a congregation.

Together, in a community of faith, life is not without difficulties and frustrations. True Biblical community is not the absence of difficulties but the presence of a reconciling spirit.

Don't go it alone. Resist the tendency to separate.

Together, we can follow the Biblical model of a great church. We can grow, together. We can connect, together. And we can be expectant that God will remain together with us as we follow and honour Him.

Move over Masterchef

Who said cooking isn't a great ingredient in a church service?

Joshua Hanna showed us all how to really cook soup when he headed on stage at Empower Christian Church this morning.

The message was simple, yet profound... 'A genius only needs 3 minutes... not the 45 they waste on that other TV show!'

Image shown - by Patricia Johnson.

getting active... Acts that changed lives

'Acts - The Church in Action' - some notes from 'Week 1' of a month-long series on the book of Acts

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis got us thinking today, posing a big question from the book of the Bible that kicked off the 'Acts' of the first congregations...

'What makes a great church?'

It's a question worth asking, something to ponder every week. Even more importantly, determine in yourself that answer in the light of what the Bible sets as the qualities of a great, functional church. Rewind to the first days of church history. Even the Emperor converted at the end of those first days. It was formed in the accounts we read in Acts, especially in the second chapter. The first impact of the Church did not come from eloquence and smooth speech, but from the power of the Holy Spirit. What the people saw was a glad and sincere heart, empowering and engaging words inspired and led by God. That inspiration has meaning to us now, in our daily lives.

Acts provides a bridge

The power of God, through Peter, touched lives, recorded for us in Acts over the first 30 years of the Church. One scripture - Acts 1:8 - outlines the content of the book. The book set the scene for an apostolic pattern of the spreading of the Gospels.

Provides an account for the role of the Holy Spirit

There were conversions, throughout the week - not just on Sundays. So, back to the opening question... what makes a great church, when we start reading and studying Acts? In answering, get the map out first to determine the right way to go. Visualise the goal and keep the map - the picture - in sight as you walk towards the target.

✰ In coming weeks, we'll look at the characteristics of a dynamic church.

Image shown above - Free Stock Photos for websites - FreeDigitalPhotos.net

overcoming... let's WALK the walk... March 09

We’ve been talking a lot in church about an overcoming life. It’s part of a series we’ve been hearing about called ‘Spiritual Walk of an Overcomer’.

Pastor Anne talked one recent week about how suffering does not separate us from God. She agreed that it is sometimes hard to live as an overcomer but that God strengthens us during those times.

THINKING OUT LOUD… Read Romans 8:18-39 as a group. Then focus in on verse 26… what do you think those ‘groans’ are that the Bible is talking about? Share about a time when you’ve been speechless and yet felt like all you could say was ‘God…’ and not much else.

Liam Swaine shared from Romans 8 as well. During his message on this theme, Liam asked us what we focus on in a situation. He shared about the spiritual dimension of our lives as being the most important. He encouraged us to look to Jesus and set our minds on the Spirit.

THINKING OUT LOUD… We know the trials of life come. Have another look at verses 35 to 39 and think about the intensity of the language used there. There is no doubt, nor question to it. How, then, do we make those words sink into our inner self, especially for times of trouble? Share your experiences and how you have learned to rely on words like these.

Pastor Luke shared some great principles about relying on God. (You really ought to get a copy of the CD from this whole series!) He made the point during a recent message to allow God to carry us. We are not perfect, Luke reminded us. Do not work yourself to Heaven. We just need a heart of surrender.

THINKING OUT LOUD… What do you need to surrender, right now, to allow God to carry you through a trouble or trial? How can your small group help you? What do you need prayer for, very specifically?

THE MIRACLE… Write down one area or circumstance in your life where you need God to carry you, helping you through a trial.

Image shown above - Free Stock Photos for websites - FreeDigitalPhotos.net

a rod that sprouts... February 09

Pastor Vicky shared some great principles when she visited us recently. Here’s a quick summary of some great message points and then a few thought-starters to follow up on…

In Numbers 17:1-8, we read about the rod that blossomed. It was an impressive sight to see a dead stick blossom.

It was connected to a life source that couldn't be seen in the Tabernacle. What’s interesting there is that the miracle took place in stages — not big, instant and sudden.

The rod sprouted, budded, blossomed, and bore fruit of ripe almonds.

THINKING OUT LOUD… discuss how we think miracles work in our lives. What’s an example in your life when God has sprouted before you even saw the fruit?

Sometimes, we wonder if God is at work when we do not see instant and radical change. Every day, God is working and we disregard the miracle of sprouts.

THINKING OUT LOUD… what’s a good example of an instant change you’ve seen in your life? How do you cope when there’s a delay? Why the delay?

God works by process. In the creation story, it followed a process of six days. Some of us can get frustrated with being at Day 1.

Mark 8 - Jesus prayed for a blind man. The man saw a measure of healing and yet it was Jesus praying. The man had been blind and he received his sprouts. The sprouts were evident. Jesus prayed again and he got his buds. Give God the glory for sprouts and small beginnings.

THINKING OUT LOUD… what are the issues you need prayer for in your life right now? How is God already at work? What can you be thankful for? What can the group pray for with you?

We can get frustrated by the beginning of a miracle.

Give thanks for the sprouts and don't assume it's a coincidence.

The greatest miracles of God start on the inside. God works in processes. Creation is in stages.

THINKING OUT LOUD… a curly one… how do we protect ourselves from feeling disappointed by a process rather than an instant fix?