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?