Maturity and Vision, hand-in-hand

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 28 November 2010.

We've talked about the future possibilities that are ahead of us in 2011. It's not just words but realities to be seen in our lives, our church and in our community. Importantly, those promises and possibilities are not the domain of only one person. Rather, our future rests with each other.

So what is our purpose and vision as we stand with each other? The answer is in Matthew 28:19-20, where we read about the spread of the Gospel across the globe. As we reflected recently, we are Holy Spirit led, helping to empowering people's lives. We do that by raising strong, passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

In raising those strong, passionate followers, let’s answer the call to be mature believers towards connecting, growing and serving in 2011.

We connect in places like local schools Scripture education. That builds relationships, just like with our local nursing home seniors who we meet regularly.

We connect with maturity, as individuals and as a church. That's what being the Body of Christ is all about. In a practical way, priority setting means being organised to sacrifice for the goals we have. That's a good thought process that mature believers have.

And as we mature, let's recognise that we have the mind of Christ. He has the answers, the discernment between good and evil, the ability to control our words and tongue.

Vision is intimately linked with this thinking around maturity.

Maturity in our action and in our relationships is what will matter in our vision for 2011.

The Most Excellent Way

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 21 November 2010.

In Matthew 28:19-20, we are called to take the Gospel beyond our immediate borders.

So where do we see that scripture in activity in our church ministries? At Empower, in line with Matthew 28, we are called to be a large church, transforming nations. In fact, right now, we are positioned and ready for numerical growth.

An example of God's reach is how our music ministry is already drawing on the praise and worship resources that God has blessed us with.

In our preaching ministry, we release our preaching to go beyond the borders of our centre in Ringwood. We've seen how God is extending His reach through us into Malaysia and we're so encouraged by that.

In missions, we give to workers each year. We have the potential to give more, growing and excelling in generosity.

With a forward focus into 2011, and beyond, we remain committed to be God-centred, Holy Spirit led and people empowering. And it's not something that's just the domain of the ministry leaders. In essence, we are - as expressed in our mission statement - extending the Kingdom of God by raising strong, passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

Other words we've centred on this year have been that 'God is able', as inspired by Ephesians 3:20. Beyond this year's end, 'connect, grow and serve' are the three imperative words we'll be focusing on in the coming year.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, we read about the most excellent way for us to follow. Notice how it's rooted in love? Whatever we do, however we grow, we must recognise it happens through Christ, founded in His love.

See also Romans 12:3-9, where we see how gifts are needed for the health of the body. It's a unity within diversity. Only in Jesus Christ is any unity in the church possible. In other words, true unity is spiritually based.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, we read about the gifts and they interconnect.

Let's connect together and minister to each other. Faithfully, we're going to see our families excel, our children worship God and see His Word championed in our lives. That is, as verse 31 says, the more excellent way. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that our achievements will not be by might nor power. Our victory is by His Spirit.

Let's connect, grow and serve today and right throughout 2011. We'll do that by exercising His gifts in our lives, in love.

Being God’s deliverer, the One who recycles better than anyone!

Pastor Rachel Hanna shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 31 October 2010.

Junk mail can actually be a welcome addition to our letterboxes! Despite a lot of people thinking it's annoying, it's actually a lot of fun for some of us - reading of bargains coming up, comparing sales.

Shopping online can be exciting, too! You plan for something, purchase it and wait for the delivery driver to arrive.

That wait for delivery is particularly cool. We keenly wait for the driver to visit, knowing our parcel is ours alone.

What about the deliverer? Luke 4:18-19 tells us Jesus was the ultimate deliverer and we're called to follow in His footsteps. If Jesus did it, then why can't we expect to do likewise - delivering something of value to those in need.

Characteristics of a deliverer are worth looking at:

• God will make a way for a deliverer. For example, Moses was used by God as a deliverer for a desperate people. See Exodus 2:1-9 and note how Moses should have died as a baby. Circumstances would not prevent Moses from being the chosen deliverer for God's people. You, like Moses, are called to bring freedom to others. We have a purposeful life. God won't let the past hold you back. Freedom is coming to those you come into contact with!

• The enemy will try to stop a deliverer. Our enemy wants to frustrate and limit us. The enemy knows our potential and that we have a destiny. What matters is that God has won our victory. God has defeated everything thrown at us.

• God will reveal Himself to a deliverer. Moses spent 40 years training to be a leader, a prince. The next 40 years comprised shepherd training. Really, God is the ultimate recycler! He never wastes anything. God planned for Moses' life, training, and tying together of circumstances and path that fashioned his preparation for being a deliverer. See Exodus 3.

• God will work supernaturally through a deliverer. He will work with what's in your hands. He has prepared you for what you need. Whatever your calling is, you will be equipped.

God can do amazing things through you. Moses used the staff in his hand, and God did something incredible, delivering the people in need.

Be God's deliverer. You are qualified, in His hands.

Miracles will happen. Lives will change. In God's hands, anything is possible.

Most importantly, there are people now waiting for your delivery. You've got the words they need, the delivery they are waiting for.