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.
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.
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