We've got such a great new-look website, which is where you can find future posts for this Empower blog:
Go straight here for blog entries.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Waiting for His face, and everything's in its right place
Pastor Luke Martin shared with us on Sunday 15 May 2011, starting with Psalm 27.
In Psalm 27, David was having a painful experience. In fact, it is headed as a psalm of fearless trust in God (NIV version). It means knowing God will come through for us.
So what order of thinking did David follow in this Psalm?
• DECLARE WHO GOD IS. We see that in the first verse, where David begins by recognising God's presence. We can say that of our lives, rather than focusing on our smallness or inabilities. Start with God's abilities rather than our lacks. And recognise how much more powerful God is than anything else. Like in a wrestling match, ‘tag’ God in! Think also how a document may be truthful, but it has no power until you ‘declare’ it with a signature.
• MAKE YOUR PRIORITY HIS PRESENCE: See verse 4 and 5, in which David is ‘set high upon the Rock’. God's presence will never disappoint you. In Psalm 16:11, we see how God takes away hopelessness. His presence replaces hopelessness with joy.
• SEEK HIS FACE: See verse 8 in which David seeks more than presence when he looks for God's face. Getting close to someone's face enables you to hear more intimately. Right now, seek after Him and go beyond the feeling. And when He speaks, He speaks with love and acceptance.
He is everything that we need, so why not get close to Him and say God, what is it that you want to say?
And while you wait, know that He will show you His goodness. He wants to speak with you... Now wait...
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
In Psalm 27, David was having a painful experience. In fact, it is headed as a psalm of fearless trust in God (NIV version). It means knowing God will come through for us.
So what order of thinking did David follow in this Psalm?
• DECLARE WHO GOD IS. We see that in the first verse, where David begins by recognising God's presence. We can say that of our lives, rather than focusing on our smallness or inabilities. Start with God's abilities rather than our lacks. And recognise how much more powerful God is than anything else. Like in a wrestling match, ‘tag’ God in! Think also how a document may be truthful, but it has no power until you ‘declare’ it with a signature.
• MAKE YOUR PRIORITY HIS PRESENCE: See verse 4 and 5, in which David is ‘set high upon the Rock’. God's presence will never disappoint you. In Psalm 16:11, we see how God takes away hopelessness. His presence replaces hopelessness with joy.
• SEEK HIS FACE: See verse 8 in which David seeks more than presence when he looks for God's face. Getting close to someone's face enables you to hear more intimately. Right now, seek after Him and go beyond the feeling. And when He speaks, He speaks with love and acceptance.
He is everything that we need, so why not get close to Him and say God, what is it that you want to say?
And while you wait, know that He will show you His goodness. He wants to speak with you... Now wait...
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Location:Molan St, Ringwood, Australia
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Relationship that leads to your best hope
Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us at Empower Christian Church today, Sunday 8 May 2011.
God had a plan in mind for you before you were even conceived or born. It's only by the grace of God you have reached where you are.
Most importantly, He created you for a personal relationship. You can see that in the story of the first people created - Adam and Eve. Their dominion was sinless, and God had a relationship with them from the beginning. He wanted them to remain in that relationship, just as He wants with us as well. Their relationship with God was an intimate one, typified by God walking with them in the cool of the day. There was one particular day in which God came and they realized they were naked. Their Creator came looking for them, asking where they were. He seeks us, to bring us into a right relationship with Him.
In seeking His people, Jesus asked His disciples to follow Him. He wanted to be with them, as He wants to be with us now.
From Psalms 139:13, we read how we are fearfully and wonderfully made - with a plan in mind before we breathed any air! Jeremiah 1:4 assures us the same loving plan is in place for us.
The Church is the Body of Christ and although we are not perfect, we are complete in Him.
That relationship that we need to have is not the end of the story. We go beyond the start of a relationship to a place of calling.
He has a calling and purpose for your life.
And he will give you the confidence to move into the calling. He believes in you. You can make it through life, in Him.
In fact, your greatest hope is in Jesus Christ.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Renewing your mind
Pastor Rick Brouwer shared with us on Sunday 1 May 2011 about renewing our minds.
The first thing you need to think and believe in, prayerfully, is that you can be WELL.
Let's first acknowledge that your mind is magnificent. You have an amazing number of joins being formed that actually outnumber the stars in the universe. In fact, it is no happy accident but a wonderful miracle.
To be able to think like God, we should look at what Romans 12:2 tells us - 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind'. We are already patterned by the world.
In not conforming to the pattern we have, reecognise that everybody wants a piece of your mind, such as advertising and media. From our Christian faith, we see that two major players are Christ and Satan (see Matt 12:24-30). Satan wants to park thoughts in your brain illegally. Jesus has every right to control your thinking (as Creator and Redeemer; having 'paid the ticket').
Those illegal parking thoughts that Satan wants to place are actually strongholds. They are negative, false and destructive. They have a regularity to them, cropping up over and over again. They often go unnoticed because they a so familiar to us, seeming like normal thinking.
So how do we expose strongholds? Well, to identify them, they will have problem behavior associated with them, such as emotions and symptoms around them.
And how do strongholds affect other people? Well, they always seek to involve other people (see Matthew 16; Peter had Godly revelation one moment and then faces a 'get behind me Satan' comment).
To overcome strongholds as life sentences, do two things:
1) Identify the stumbling block or life sentence
2) Step over it and put it behind you as quick as possible
Common stumbling blocks are thoughts like 'I am not good enough' or 'God is condemning me'.
To disarm strongholds, read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. The key is to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
A good script is to say my mind is telling me... (eg. I am not good enough). Or say Satan is tempting to think... (eg. I am not good enough). Say then, but Jesus... (eg. Is for me, or does not condemn me).
So in summary, REPLACE the thought with TRUTH.
Most importantly, this all works only if you put it into practice.
(Pastor Rick Brouwer will be talking more about this at Empower Christian Church in coming weeks for night module lessons.)
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
The first thing you need to think and believe in, prayerfully, is that you can be WELL.
Let's first acknowledge that your mind is magnificent. You have an amazing number of joins being formed that actually outnumber the stars in the universe. In fact, it is no happy accident but a wonderful miracle.
To be able to think like God, we should look at what Romans 12:2 tells us - 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind'. We are already patterned by the world.
In not conforming to the pattern we have, reecognise that everybody wants a piece of your mind, such as advertising and media. From our Christian faith, we see that two major players are Christ and Satan (see Matt 12:24-30). Satan wants to park thoughts in your brain illegally. Jesus has every right to control your thinking (as Creator and Redeemer; having 'paid the ticket').
Those illegal parking thoughts that Satan wants to place are actually strongholds. They are negative, false and destructive. They have a regularity to them, cropping up over and over again. They often go unnoticed because they a so familiar to us, seeming like normal thinking.
So how do we expose strongholds? Well, to identify them, they will have problem behavior associated with them, such as emotions and symptoms around them.
And how do strongholds affect other people? Well, they always seek to involve other people (see Matthew 16; Peter had Godly revelation one moment and then faces a 'get behind me Satan' comment).
To overcome strongholds as life sentences, do two things:
1) Identify the stumbling block or life sentence
2) Step over it and put it behind you as quick as possible
Common stumbling blocks are thoughts like 'I am not good enough' or 'God is condemning me'.
To disarm strongholds, read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. The key is to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
A good script is to say my mind is telling me... (eg. I am not good enough). Or say Satan is tempting to think... (eg. I am not good enough). Say then, but Jesus... (eg. Is for me, or does not condemn me).
So in summary, REPLACE the thought with TRUTH.
Most importantly, this all works only if you put it into practice.
(Pastor Rick Brouwer will be talking more about this at Empower Christian Church in coming weeks for night module lessons.)
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Reacting to the Resurrection
Pastor Luke Martin shared with us for Resurrection Sunday, 24 April 2011.
In John 20:1-10, we read how the disciples discovered Jesus was no longer in a tomb. Why did He come back? Was there something more He was trying to tell us?
First up, let's look at the reaction of people to what happened. Specifically, we'll look at four reactions.
• 1 MEETING WHERE YOU ARE: In Mary's reaction, we see how Jesus met her where she was. He is interested in where you are, interested in your heart. Out of that, you will experience His love. He called her by name, being the first person He met after resurrection, as He calls you by name too. And He does that because you are important to Him. Jesus had freed Mary before and given her freedom. Notice, also, how she called Him teacher, implying something was being taught to her. In conclusion, we can see how this first reaction showed Mary, and us, that death is not the end. (See Revelation 1:17-18, where Jesus has eternal life.)
• 2 LEAVING AN IMPRESSION: In Luke 24:13-16, 28-35, we read how the disciples felt something, and didn't keep it to themselves. You, too, have news to share. Matthew 28:16-20 shows how He commissioned them. And it was out of love they would share the truth, not compulsion.
• 3 REVELATION OF GOD: In John 20:24-28, Thomas heard about Jesus secondhand. He doubted, but Jesus appeared to Him. And he was then the first to refer to Jesus as his Lord and his God. What a major 180 degree turnaround! In this one moment, Thomas ascribed Jesus' name as God, giving us the person to worship. (See also Acts 4:12.)
• 4 YOUR REACTION: This reaction isn't found in Scripture. It is your reaction, your choice to His resurrection...
So how will you react?
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
In John 20:1-10, we read how the disciples discovered Jesus was no longer in a tomb. Why did He come back? Was there something more He was trying to tell us?
First up, let's look at the reaction of people to what happened. Specifically, we'll look at four reactions.
• 1 MEETING WHERE YOU ARE: In Mary's reaction, we see how Jesus met her where she was. He is interested in where you are, interested in your heart. Out of that, you will experience His love. He called her by name, being the first person He met after resurrection, as He calls you by name too. And He does that because you are important to Him. Jesus had freed Mary before and given her freedom. Notice, also, how she called Him teacher, implying something was being taught to her. In conclusion, we can see how this first reaction showed Mary, and us, that death is not the end. (See Revelation 1:17-18, where Jesus has eternal life.)
• 2 LEAVING AN IMPRESSION: In Luke 24:13-16, 28-35, we read how the disciples felt something, and didn't keep it to themselves. You, too, have news to share. Matthew 28:16-20 shows how He commissioned them. And it was out of love they would share the truth, not compulsion.
• 3 REVELATION OF GOD: In John 20:24-28, Thomas heard about Jesus secondhand. He doubted, but Jesus appeared to Him. And he was then the first to refer to Jesus as his Lord and his God. What a major 180 degree turnaround! In this one moment, Thomas ascribed Jesus' name as God, giving us the person to worship. (See also Acts 4:12.)
• 4 YOUR REACTION: This reaction isn't found in Scripture. It is your reaction, your choice to His resurrection...
So how will you react?
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The King arrives - Palm Sunday
Pastor Simone Womersley talked to us on Sunday 17 April 2011 about Palm Sunday.
In Matthew 21, we read about the pilgrimage that people were making towards Jerusalem. Jericho was the origin for Jesus' trip, walking with many others up the dry and dusty road. They passed through Bethany and Bethphage.
Bethany was a place where Jesus found great comfort. He would spend the night in Bethany after visiting Jerusalem during this period of time. So it was a place of refreshing and rest.
Jesus knew why He was headed to Jerusalem. He had a lot of opposition too. Many others saw the unridden colt for what it clearly was - a sign of royalty.
The cloaks laid out for Jesus demonstrated His royalty. We only throw cloaks down for a monarch. It is an uncommon act that is clearly special for a king.
The branches spoke of kingship as well. And they received Him into Jerusalem like a King, much like Maccabeus had been received.
The songs of 'Hosanna' they cried out meant 'Save, we pray'! They had been oppressed and the crowd was seeing Him as the son of David. 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'
By this point, the old guard leaders were furious. They feared a ripple effect and actually wanted Jesus to quieten the crowd. He simply replied that the stones would cry out if the people did not.
Even today, we get told it's not cool to follow Jesus, or cry out in praise of Him.
Will we be strong enough to follow Him even when it's not popular?
The crowd wanted a messiah, but this Messiah would hang from a cross.
The crowd wanted to be rescued from evil oppression, but Jesus would rescue them from evil itself.
Jesus came to meet the people's deepest desires.
He came for the commoners, the rich and the poor.
He came to save the lost, and we are to declare to everyone about Him, even when it is not popular.
From Revelation 7:9, we read about a great multitude that no-one could count, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were carrying palms in their hands, declaring His saving grace.
In eternity, we will praise God and declare His glory.
Just like that first Palm Sunday. Just so, forever.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Judge not
Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 3 April 2011.
In Matthew 6 and 7, we readable about keys to living well, or healthily, in God. What we also see is talk about judging.
Judging is like carrying weights. It might be unforgiveness, or offence, disappointment. God wants us to live lightly, restored and faithful.
One of the weights is that of wrong judgement, or judging others wrongly.
See Matthew 7:1-6 instructs us to not judge. Wrong judgement will put a weight on us that is restrictive to our freedom.
We can try to illuminate others' sins to make us feel better. Gossip is an example, in which we judge wrongly.
Judgement, as Pastor Paul de Jong explains, is negatively looking down upon others. It gives licence to the enemy to load our lives with weights. It means looking for faults, and leading to a 'holier-than-thou' approach. Even jumping to conclusions is an example of judging wrongly.
Verse 3 talks about a plank in someone's eye. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter, knowing timber well. And picture how a person would look, having a piece of timber in your eye while criticizing others. A bit like us when we watch footy as well from a couch!
Jesus was looking at the religious leaders and pointing out how they were being hypocritical. Galatians 6:1 reminds us to restore another from sin, gently. Clean up our act, He was saying, before tampering in the lives of others.
• Focus judgment on yourself first.
• Don't judge, lest you be judged. (See 1 Corinthians 11:31 and Romans 14:1-5, 10.)
• Don't judge beyond your sphere of responsibility.
• When you judge rightly, judge in the shadow of Calvary (Luke 6:37, Matthew 6:14).
So from today on, spend more time building your life rather than putting energy into judging things external to you - as Pastor de Jong encourages.
See Jesus as your greatest mentor, who forced the mob to consider their sin when faced with a woman to be stoned. He didn't look down on her, neither did He justify her behaviour.
Be released, too, by not judging wrongly.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
In Matthew 6 and 7, we readable about keys to living well, or healthily, in God. What we also see is talk about judging.
Judging is like carrying weights. It might be unforgiveness, or offence, disappointment. God wants us to live lightly, restored and faithful.
One of the weights is that of wrong judgement, or judging others wrongly.
See Matthew 7:1-6 instructs us to not judge. Wrong judgement will put a weight on us that is restrictive to our freedom.
We can try to illuminate others' sins to make us feel better. Gossip is an example, in which we judge wrongly.
Judgement, as Pastor Paul de Jong explains, is negatively looking down upon others. It gives licence to the enemy to load our lives with weights. It means looking for faults, and leading to a 'holier-than-thou' approach. Even jumping to conclusions is an example of judging wrongly.
Verse 3 talks about a plank in someone's eye. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter, knowing timber well. And picture how a person would look, having a piece of timber in your eye while criticizing others. A bit like us when we watch footy as well from a couch!
Jesus was looking at the religious leaders and pointing out how they were being hypocritical. Galatians 6:1 reminds us to restore another from sin, gently. Clean up our act, He was saying, before tampering in the lives of others.
• Focus judgment on yourself first.
• Don't judge, lest you be judged. (See 1 Corinthians 11:31 and Romans 14:1-5, 10.)
• Don't judge beyond your sphere of responsibility.
• When you judge rightly, judge in the shadow of Calvary (Luke 6:37, Matthew 6:14).
So from today on, spend more time building your life rather than putting energy into judging things external to you - as Pastor de Jong encourages.
See Jesus as your greatest mentor, who forced the mob to consider their sin when faced with a woman to be stoned. He didn't look down on her, neither did He justify her behaviour.
Be released, too, by not judging wrongly.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia
Sunday, March 27, 2011
NOTHING fills, answers and saves like God
Pastor Luke Martin shared with us at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 27 March 2011.
He began by reminding us to praise, and to receive the blessings and good things that God has promised for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
In Psalm 51:16-19, we read about sacrificing, and then not sacrificing. What happens in between is a process for King David. He reaches a point where an internal work makes the outward heart flow. In simple terms, let God deal with you inside first. The rest will flow.
God wants us in a relationship with Him. The rest follows.
And while He works in us, He is definitely answering prayer. All the while, in the background, God is closing wrong doors and opening right ones. God has a preferred future that is best for us. That is because God remains faithful for us.
Back in Psalm 51, it's important that David had been in an adulterous relationship. David asked for forgiveness while being responsible for a kingdom. He couldn't be the king while there was something he had not set right.
It's hard to believe and hope for something you pray for when there is a waiting time. That waiting also stretches us and we can start to try to bargain with God.
God's main interest is not in what you can bring and do. His main interest is in your heart. Everything else comes out of that. As in verse 17, we see how God does not despise a broken heart.
The word 'contrite' means to be repentant and remorseful. It is actually a specific picture that it draws from. Imagine working away at a food with a mortar and pestle. It either becomes mush or powder. At that point, it is completely unrepairable, except for a Saviour, except for Jesus.
We are in need of a Saviour.
David needed a miracle.
We need a miracle. We need God.
It's not about being smashed up and beyond repair. It's about seeing God fill that spot in our heart that only He can fill.
We serve a God who still works miracles, Who is active and real.
He is real for you today, for your needs, and for your family. Let's allow Jesus to rule in our lives, and see how nothing fills and saves like He does.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
He began by reminding us to praise, and to receive the blessings and good things that God has promised for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
In Psalm 51:16-19, we read about sacrificing, and then not sacrificing. What happens in between is a process for King David. He reaches a point where an internal work makes the outward heart flow. In simple terms, let God deal with you inside first. The rest will flow.
God wants us in a relationship with Him. The rest follows.
And while He works in us, He is definitely answering prayer. All the while, in the background, God is closing wrong doors and opening right ones. God has a preferred future that is best for us. That is because God remains faithful for us.
Back in Psalm 51, it's important that David had been in an adulterous relationship. David asked for forgiveness while being responsible for a kingdom. He couldn't be the king while there was something he had not set right.
It's hard to believe and hope for something you pray for when there is a waiting time. That waiting also stretches us and we can start to try to bargain with God.
God's main interest is not in what you can bring and do. His main interest is in your heart. Everything else comes out of that. As in verse 17, we see how God does not despise a broken heart.
The word 'contrite' means to be repentant and remorseful. It is actually a specific picture that it draws from. Imagine working away at a food with a mortar and pestle. It either becomes mush or powder. At that point, it is completely unrepairable, except for a Saviour, except for Jesus.
We are in need of a Saviour.
David needed a miracle.
We need a miracle. We need God.
It's not about being smashed up and beyond repair. It's about seeing God fill that spot in our heart that only He can fill.
We serve a God who still works miracles, Who is active and real.
He is real for you today, for your needs, and for your family. Let's allow Jesus to rule in our lives, and see how nothing fills and saves like He does.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Fervent, joyful and prayerful
Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us on Sunday 20 March from Romans 12:11-12.
Think how one experience that is negative can change the zeal and passion of an individual. It's true that we can lose - or have robbed - our passion when we have a negative experience.
From Romans, we learn firstly to be fervent in spirit. Being fervent means to be zealous and passionate. Take note how the key person in this passage from Romans is the Holy Spirit. So don't just rely on your strength, because self-confidence is limited compared with what the Holy Spirit gives in Christ. In summary, we need the Holy Spirit to empower our lives.
We learn, secondly, to be joyful in hope. Joy comes from certainty rather than experience. It's a certainty that you know God is God, and that our life can be anchored in Christ. You can be certain that God is with us and this church. Our assurance is not because of the experience, but because God has everything in control. There is a joy, for instance, when God says everything is going to be okay. See also Hebrews 11:1 and don't give up as faith gives substance to our hopes. And be encouraged by Romans 5:5, which tells us that hope in Christ does not disappoint. It is NOT unfounded optimism.
Thirdly, be faithful in prayer. Don't just pray when things are going well, as Paul Mountney shared so well earlier in our service. Sometimes, we only pray for the now. Let's pray at all times and take no shortcuts.
In verse 11, from The Message, we read about not burning out. Keep yourselves fueled and take note of the warnings that come our way.
We're supposed to be fueled and aflamed with the power of the Holy Spirit.
You can be, with the power of the Holy Spirit. This week, read and meditate on the Word of God. And when the arrows come, you can reject the enemy from your children, your family, your life.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Think how one experience that is negative can change the zeal and passion of an individual. It's true that we can lose - or have robbed - our passion when we have a negative experience.
From Romans, we learn firstly to be fervent in spirit. Being fervent means to be zealous and passionate. Take note how the key person in this passage from Romans is the Holy Spirit. So don't just rely on your strength, because self-confidence is limited compared with what the Holy Spirit gives in Christ. In summary, we need the Holy Spirit to empower our lives.
We learn, secondly, to be joyful in hope. Joy comes from certainty rather than experience. It's a certainty that you know God is God, and that our life can be anchored in Christ. You can be certain that God is with us and this church. Our assurance is not because of the experience, but because God has everything in control. There is a joy, for instance, when God says everything is going to be okay. See also Hebrews 11:1 and don't give up as faith gives substance to our hopes. And be encouraged by Romans 5:5, which tells us that hope in Christ does not disappoint. It is NOT unfounded optimism.
Thirdly, be faithful in prayer. Don't just pray when things are going well, as Paul Mountney shared so well earlier in our service. Sometimes, we only pray for the now. Let's pray at all times and take no shortcuts.
In verse 11, from The Message, we read about not burning out. Keep yourselves fueled and take note of the warnings that come our way.
We're supposed to be fueled and aflamed with the power of the Holy Spirit.
You can be, with the power of the Holy Spirit. This week, read and meditate on the Word of God. And when the arrows come, you can reject the enemy from your children, your family, your life.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Running to reconnect
Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us today, Sunday 6 March 2011, from Luke 15:11-24.
Notice first that the father did not hesitate to give his son his inheritance. And even at the return, the father does not hesitate to embrace his son. At the core of this story is a father who wants to establish a connection with his son.
The father, much like our heavenly Father, loves us and desires a connection with us.
What did the son do? He made two decisions:
• He wanted to be INDEPENDENT
• He wanted to do things HIS OWN WAY
Those two decisions drew him away from a connection with his father. Our relationship with our God will face challenges, but we must stay in that place of connection with Him.
What made the son return?
• He came to his SENSES - admission of condition
• He said 'I'M NOT GOING TO STAY WHERE I AM' - change of will
Do not stay where you are. Turn from where you are, just as we see in the word 'repent'.
And when you change your place, do not return with arrogance. Do as the son did, and return humbly. Turn from the 'my way' life and return to a loving, welcoming home.
Dad saw his son from afar off. God is looking for us, and is ready to forgive - looking from a distance for his son's return. He was waiting for the son.
What's more, the father RAN to his son, kissing him on the neck.
A banquet followed, and they partied in celebration.
The family was restored, the son had reconnected and God's ownership was reestablished. A robe, ring and sandals were the symbols of royalty, ownership, position and acceptance.
Your Father is so merciful and embracing, watching afar off for you if you're far away. He is ready to reconnect with you.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Notice first that the father did not hesitate to give his son his inheritance. And even at the return, the father does not hesitate to embrace his son. At the core of this story is a father who wants to establish a connection with his son.
The father, much like our heavenly Father, loves us and desires a connection with us.
What did the son do? He made two decisions:
• He wanted to be INDEPENDENT
• He wanted to do things HIS OWN WAY
Those two decisions drew him away from a connection with his father. Our relationship with our God will face challenges, but we must stay in that place of connection with Him.
What made the son return?
• He came to his SENSES - admission of condition
• He said 'I'M NOT GOING TO STAY WHERE I AM' - change of will
Do not stay where you are. Turn from where you are, just as we see in the word 'repent'.
And when you change your place, do not return with arrogance. Do as the son did, and return humbly. Turn from the 'my way' life and return to a loving, welcoming home.
Dad saw his son from afar off. God is looking for us, and is ready to forgive - looking from a distance for his son's return. He was waiting for the son.
What's more, the father RAN to his son, kissing him on the neck.
A banquet followed, and they partied in celebration.
The family was restored, the son had reconnected and God's ownership was reestablished. A robe, ring and sandals were the symbols of royalty, ownership, position and acceptance.
Your Father is so merciful and embracing, watching afar off for you if you're far away. He is ready to reconnect with you.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Freed by His loving words
Pastor Luke Martin shared with us at Empower Christian Church today, Sunday 27 February.
The secret of success is a topic that was covered recently by Pastor Nicholas Tsakis. He preached from Joshua 1:6-7, where we are encouraged to be strong and courageous. God actually emphasised further to be 'very' courageous. In the land he faced, there were giants and kingdoms who would fight for the territory. People could die to reach and occupy the Promised Land.
He emphasised being 'very courageous' when it comes to God's Word and obedience.
It takes courage to step out in faith. In reading God's Word, we're dealing with an internal battle. That's where the main game is, the most strategic battlefront. For example, Joshua could have imagined himself defeated before moving into the Promised Land. Such a thought would have held him back and guaranteed defeat. For us, we need to do the same thing - trust in, and be obedient to, His Word.
The key battle is internal, in our thoughts and minds. Use the Word, therefore, and realise that everywhere we step, we have His victory.
This is serious. This is your life. You need a relationship with God, and it is within His Word that you find Him.
Are you looking for direction? Find it in His Word.
Are you looking for a relationship with your maker? Find Him in His Word.
So don't take God's Word for granted. The Bible is not just a piece of literature. In fact, people have died so that the Bible can sit on your shelf. It deserves a better place than we sometimes give it.
Charles Spurgeon reminded us that the Bible is a blood-stained book, bearing the stains of sacrifice by translators and martyrs.
Psalm 119: 41-48 reads like a roadmap of learning to love the Word of God.
• LOVE: Loving His Word begins with the revelation that God loves you. It always put you in the right attitude for the words to seemingly jump off the page.
• TRUST and HOPE: A relationship that forms from love develops hope and trust. We can truly trust God, because He has already come through.
• FREEDOM: As in verse 45, we gain freedom right in our situation. Love flows from us in that sense of freedom.
You can have it today.
The Bible is a book of freedom. So be freed by the loving words it contains.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
The secret of success is a topic that was covered recently by Pastor Nicholas Tsakis. He preached from Joshua 1:6-7, where we are encouraged to be strong and courageous. God actually emphasised further to be 'very' courageous. In the land he faced, there were giants and kingdoms who would fight for the territory. People could die to reach and occupy the Promised Land.
He emphasised being 'very courageous' when it comes to God's Word and obedience.
It takes courage to step out in faith. In reading God's Word, we're dealing with an internal battle. That's where the main game is, the most strategic battlefront. For example, Joshua could have imagined himself defeated before moving into the Promised Land. Such a thought would have held him back and guaranteed defeat. For us, we need to do the same thing - trust in, and be obedient to, His Word.
The key battle is internal, in our thoughts and minds. Use the Word, therefore, and realise that everywhere we step, we have His victory.
This is serious. This is your life. You need a relationship with God, and it is within His Word that you find Him.
Are you looking for direction? Find it in His Word.
Are you looking for a relationship with your maker? Find Him in His Word.
So don't take God's Word for granted. The Bible is not just a piece of literature. In fact, people have died so that the Bible can sit on your shelf. It deserves a better place than we sometimes give it.
Charles Spurgeon reminded us that the Bible is a blood-stained book, bearing the stains of sacrifice by translators and martyrs.
Psalm 119: 41-48 reads like a roadmap of learning to love the Word of God.
• LOVE: Loving His Word begins with the revelation that God loves you. It always put you in the right attitude for the words to seemingly jump off the page.
• TRUST and HOPE: A relationship that forms from love develops hope and trust. We can truly trust God, because He has already come through.
• FREEDOM: As in verse 45, we gain freedom right in our situation. Love flows from us in that sense of freedom.
You can have it today.
The Bible is a book of freedom. So be freed by the loving words it contains.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Expect new possibilities
Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us on Sunday 20 February about new possibilities that are ahead of us.
There is a shift going on in churches and the Kingdom of God. There are many churches that are experiencing a freshness, others struggling. At a global and spiritual level, this is the season and decade of the Lord's favour.
Who would like to step into a new season? If that is you, He wants to reveal that name of His that brings about His favour.
Let's first look at what God says in His Word. For example, in Isaiah 43:18-19, God talks about making a new way. See also Isaiah 54:2, that talks about enlarging the place of your tent, not holding back.
With those words in our mind and heart, we can be encouraged that this is a good season in 2011.
It is time to get the basket ready, preparing for new possibilities. The bread is in the oven, as explained in a recent prophecy emailed to us. The Holy Spirit is getting our new possibilities ready - salvation, restoration, increase, provision.
It's a time for new possibilities and a time to prepare. Looking back for a moment, we've had the pruning. That has preceded the preparation now underway.
Let's say, 'God, I am willing and ready!'.
Christ is the builder of His house, who just needs us to say we are willing and ready.
In essence, we are in a time of position - prepared for God's new possibilities (see Joshua 3). We are learning which way to go, since we have never been this way before.
Be encouraged that He has placed dreams and prayers in your hearts right now. Those new things ahead of us are not limited by our age, nor by our circumstances. We are not in captivity or the wilderness, but in the promised land - faithfully, prophetically.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
There is a shift going on in churches and the Kingdom of God. There are many churches that are experiencing a freshness, others struggling. At a global and spiritual level, this is the season and decade of the Lord's favour.
Who would like to step into a new season? If that is you, He wants to reveal that name of His that brings about His favour.
Let's first look at what God says in His Word. For example, in Isaiah 43:18-19, God talks about making a new way. See also Isaiah 54:2, that talks about enlarging the place of your tent, not holding back.
With those words in our mind and heart, we can be encouraged that this is a good season in 2011.
It is time to get the basket ready, preparing for new possibilities. The bread is in the oven, as explained in a recent prophecy emailed to us. The Holy Spirit is getting our new possibilities ready - salvation, restoration, increase, provision.
It's a time for new possibilities and a time to prepare. Looking back for a moment, we've had the pruning. That has preceded the preparation now underway.
Let's say, 'God, I am willing and ready!'.
Christ is the builder of His house, who just needs us to say we are willing and ready.
In essence, we are in a time of position - prepared for God's new possibilities (see Joshua 3). We are learning which way to go, since we have never been this way before.
Be encouraged that He has placed dreams and prayers in your hearts right now. Those new things ahead of us are not limited by our age, nor by our circumstances. We are not in captivity or the wilderness, but in the promised land - faithfully, prophetically.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The secrets of success
Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us on Sunday 13 February 2011 from Joshua 1:6. The Scripture there encourages us to be strong and very courageous. We're urged to obey God and meditate in His Word day and night, to be careful to do everything written in it.
We were born for success, inherent with a desire to be better than what we are. True success and prosperity comes from the knowledge of knowing God is with us.
• WITH YOU: You can be strong and courageous because I am with you, God told Joshua. In fact, true courage comes out when your back is against the wall.
• OBEDIENCE: Notice, also, how we are called to be obedient in Joshua. That didn't mean picking and choosing what Joshua wanted, but being obedient to God. Neither could Joshua just rely on his moods to set his course and actions.
• WORD: The wisdom you need is in the Word of God. Meditate on it, absorb it and be obedient to it,
Success was not guaranteed unconditionally. It comes with personal responsibility, to be the very reflection of Jesus Christ.
So be encouraged that obedience and saturating yourself with the Word of God leads to true and lasting success, with confidence in Him.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
We were born for success, inherent with a desire to be better than what we are. True success and prosperity comes from the knowledge of knowing God is with us.
• WITH YOU: You can be strong and courageous because I am with you, God told Joshua. In fact, true courage comes out when your back is against the wall.
• OBEDIENCE: Notice, also, how we are called to be obedient in Joshua. That didn't mean picking and choosing what Joshua wanted, but being obedient to God. Neither could Joshua just rely on his moods to set his course and actions.
• WORD: The wisdom you need is in the Word of God. Meditate on it, absorb it and be obedient to it,
Success was not guaranteed unconditionally. It comes with personal responsibility, to be the very reflection of Jesus Christ.
So be encouraged that obedience and saturating yourself with the Word of God leads to true and lasting success, with confidence in Him.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Confidence and hope
Pastor Nick Resce shared with us at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 6 February 2011.
We all struggle with confidence, whether it be personal, in work, in business. Surely, the Queenslanders could be forgiven for losing confidence in the face of their recent disaster. And yet, you can see someone interviewed by a news reporter who says, 'I'll build again!'.
We've all face situations and crises that can affect and hinder our confidence.
The film, 'The King's Speech', is about a man who came to the throne without being a natural leader. George VI would freeze in front of people when speaking publicly. Standing in front of crowds, he would begin to stutter and slur his words. His wife would feel his pain, as would the audiences.
An Aussie is found, who helps him get through his incredible fear of public speaking.
Confidence is about having faith, having trust, having belief.
You can have great talent and tufting. But confidence is the vehicle to release the talent. Have you noticed a sports star in a slump? He/she might have all the ability but unable to perform on the sporting field.
In Hebrews, we read how we must hold on to our confidence. In fact, we often throw our confidence away rather than just lose it.
Many times, we throw away our confidence. Worse... we throw away hope.
• Don't give up your hope, your confidence. Hold on to your marriage; hold on and don't give up.
• Don't give up on your kids.
• Don't give up on your self.
Many things can take your confidence away:
• Negative words
• Actions that happen to us, with the potential to scar us
God sees value in your life, way more than earthly materials can measure. He sees purpose and direction, people you will touch and reach.
In a world of so much change, when people are losing confidence and hope... don't mistake self-confidence for arrogance. We all have times when we want to give up. And you do need self-confidence. David, facing Goliath, stood up and declared himself able. He had practised, used his experience.
Self-confidence has its limitations. Things will happen that your self cannot control.
In the face of a giant, David declared his confidence in God. He said God would deliver the enemy to him.
Godly confidence is different to self-confidence.
Let us put our confidence in Jesus Christ and see our lives change.
Yes, you have limitations, but confidence to get through life will be based on who Jesus Christ is.
Why can you out your confidence in Jesus Christ?
• IMMOVABLE: Isaiah 26:4 tells us we can trust in Him as a rock.
• UNCHANGEABLE: So many things will change in your life, but the Bible tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the middle of the storm (Mark 4), Jesus showed how there is a peace that passes all understanding.
We all find that we need a Saviour, our Father in Heaven who is a rock, unshakeable.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
We all struggle with confidence, whether it be personal, in work, in business. Surely, the Queenslanders could be forgiven for losing confidence in the face of their recent disaster. And yet, you can see someone interviewed by a news reporter who says, 'I'll build again!'.
We've all face situations and crises that can affect and hinder our confidence.
The film, 'The King's Speech', is about a man who came to the throne without being a natural leader. George VI would freeze in front of people when speaking publicly. Standing in front of crowds, he would begin to stutter and slur his words. His wife would feel his pain, as would the audiences.
An Aussie is found, who helps him get through his incredible fear of public speaking.
Confidence is about having faith, having trust, having belief.
You can have great talent and tufting. But confidence is the vehicle to release the talent. Have you noticed a sports star in a slump? He/she might have all the ability but unable to perform on the sporting field.
In Hebrews, we read how we must hold on to our confidence. In fact, we often throw our confidence away rather than just lose it.
Many times, we throw away our confidence. Worse... we throw away hope.
• Don't give up your hope, your confidence. Hold on to your marriage; hold on and don't give up.
• Don't give up on your kids.
• Don't give up on your self.
Many things can take your confidence away:
• Negative words
• Actions that happen to us, with the potential to scar us
God sees value in your life, way more than earthly materials can measure. He sees purpose and direction, people you will touch and reach.
In a world of so much change, when people are losing confidence and hope... don't mistake self-confidence for arrogance. We all have times when we want to give up. And you do need self-confidence. David, facing Goliath, stood up and declared himself able. He had practised, used his experience.
Self-confidence has its limitations. Things will happen that your self cannot control.
In the face of a giant, David declared his confidence in God. He said God would deliver the enemy to him.
Godly confidence is different to self-confidence.
Let us put our confidence in Jesus Christ and see our lives change.
Yes, you have limitations, but confidence to get through life will be based on who Jesus Christ is.
Why can you out your confidence in Jesus Christ?
• IMMOVABLE: Isaiah 26:4 tells us we can trust in Him as a rock.
• UNCHANGEABLE: So many things will change in your life, but the Bible tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the middle of the storm (Mark 4), Jesus showed how there is a peace that passes all understanding.
We all find that we need a Saviour, our Father in Heaven who is a rock, unshakeable.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Faith, patience, provision and trust
Amy Womersley shared with us on Sunday 30 January 2011 how she has seen our church grow and develop over ten years.
There have been opportunities for personal growth, development and leadership.
So what is next? What about the future ahead, personally especially.
Things learnt along the way:
• FAITH: Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of the plans He has, unique and centered on our personalities, our talents, and our worlds.
• PATIENCE: God sometimes wants us to wait ON God and FOR God. Isaiah 40:28-31 reminds us He knows everything and energises us. It can be tiring, but we must wait for Him to show us what is next, to give us vision and fresh strength.
• PROVISION: Looking ahead, there is so much to be thankful for - with faith and hope. Justice and love, human rights and global poverty are words to help me move forward.
• TRUST: Knowing I have a big God encourages and prepares me for the future.
- Posted using an Apple iPad.
There have been opportunities for personal growth, development and leadership.
So what is next? What about the future ahead, personally especially.
Things learnt along the way:
• FAITH: Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of the plans He has, unique and centered on our personalities, our talents, and our worlds.
• PATIENCE: God sometimes wants us to wait ON God and FOR God. Isaiah 40:28-31 reminds us He knows everything and energises us. It can be tiring, but we must wait for Him to show us what is next, to give us vision and fresh strength.
• PROVISION: Looking ahead, there is so much to be thankful for - with faith and hope. Justice and love, human rights and global poverty are words to help me move forward.
• TRUST: Knowing I have a big God encourages and prepares me for the future.
- Posted using an Apple iPad.
Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Happy Australia Day 2011
Pastor Luke Martin and Paul Gallagher shared Australia Day messages on Sunday 23 January.
Paul began talking about what attributes of Australian culture are positive and negative.
Paul began talking about what attributes of Australian culture are positive and negative.
On the positive side:
- Compassion
- Generosity
- Equality
On the negative side, we need to overcome:
- Tall poppy syndrome
- Judgementalism
- Superiority
Let's embrace the good and Godly attributes that we have and not the negative ones, inspired by the true red rock of Christ in our lives.
Pastor Luke reminded us that the story of the Good Samaritan tells us about people's reactions in the face of need.
In the story told, Jesus challenged a religious expert of that time. But there was something about the Samaritan's behaviour that was different.
Why was the Samaritan different?
• STANCE: He slowed down to stop.
• SIGHT: He looked with his heart at the heart of the man in need. Everyone had looked, but the Samaritan looked with his heart.
• SELFLESSNESS: He asked himself the question, ‘What if that were me?’
So... let us love, and show His love. Let us change a life this week by seeing beyond ourselves.
In the story told, Jesus challenged a religious expert of that time. But there was something about the Samaritan's behaviour that was different.
Why was the Samaritan different?
• STANCE: He slowed down to stop.
• SIGHT: He looked with his heart at the heart of the man in need. Everyone had looked, but the Samaritan looked with his heart.
• SELFLESSNESS: He asked himself the question, ‘What if that were me?’
So... let us love, and show His love. Let us change a life this week by seeing beyond ourselves.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Identifying who (and whose) you are
Pastor Liam Swaine shared the following message on Sunday 9 January 2011:
Jesus ministered out of who He was, and who He belonged to. Let's also think about our identity, how we live from it, not for it.
Identity comes, in its purest form, from God Himself. In fact, read 1 Samuel 10:6, where we learn how we can be changed into the person we are created to be.
That idea of identity is something we also read about in Genesis 1:26, where man was created like God. In Genesis 3, the devil tempted them to perform something to be like God. The truth was, they were already created in God's likeness. They believed the liar and empowered the lie. From that point on, sin entered the world. Jesus came to restore our identity.
So what opposes us now? That's simple - the devil comes to steal our identity, kill our hope and future, and destroy our lives. But Jesus has come to give us life to the full.
God's own Son knew who He was. We can see that in the story of our Saviour going into the wilderness. You see, Jesus needed to have a private victory in the wilderness before He had a public one. Speaking of private victories before the public ones, Moses, too, needed to be first out of his home so he could learn the ways of royalty. Public victory then followed.
Today, we who believe in Him get what Jesus deserved. Looking back, Adam went from a saint to a sinner. And now, we go from sinners to saints as Christians.
Do you know that we have what the devil wanted. He wanted to be like God and sit in heavenly places.
So, believers, you are called to go into the world so people will see the Father in us. In reality, we live in the world we are most aware of. So live from Heaven towards earth.
The story of two sons - often referred to as the Prodigal Son story - is about identity and the inheritance that flows from that. The wayward son had asked for inheritance and only got wealth. When he returned, he was given a robe for identity, a ring for authority and sandals that represented purity. When we come home to God, we receive an identity and inheritance. We often do not claim it. I'm fact, the other son was counseled that he always had those kingdom privileges.
Today is the day to claim your rightful identity. Let's extend the Kingdom of God that we own right now.
Jesus ministered out of who He was, and who He belonged to. Let's also think about our identity, how we live from it, not for it.
Identity comes, in its purest form, from God Himself. In fact, read 1 Samuel 10:6, where we learn how we can be changed into the person we are created to be.
That idea of identity is something we also read about in Genesis 1:26, where man was created like God. In Genesis 3, the devil tempted them to perform something to be like God. The truth was, they were already created in God's likeness. They believed the liar and empowered the lie. From that point on, sin entered the world. Jesus came to restore our identity.
So what opposes us now? That's simple - the devil comes to steal our identity, kill our hope and future, and destroy our lives. But Jesus has come to give us life to the full.
God's own Son knew who He was. We can see that in the story of our Saviour going into the wilderness. You see, Jesus needed to have a private victory in the wilderness before He had a public one. Speaking of private victories before the public ones, Moses, too, needed to be first out of his home so he could learn the ways of royalty. Public victory then followed.
Today, we who believe in Him get what Jesus deserved. Looking back, Adam went from a saint to a sinner. And now, we go from sinners to saints as Christians.
Do you know that we have what the devil wanted. He wanted to be like God and sit in heavenly places.
So, believers, you are called to go into the world so people will see the Father in us. In reality, we live in the world we are most aware of. So live from Heaven towards earth.
The story of two sons - often referred to as the Prodigal Son story - is about identity and the inheritance that flows from that. The wayward son had asked for inheritance and only got wealth. When he returned, he was given a robe for identity, a ring for authority and sandals that represented purity. When we come home to God, we receive an identity and inheritance. We often do not claim it. I'm fact, the other son was counseled that he always had those kingdom privileges.
Today is the day to claim your rightful identity. Let's extend the Kingdom of God that we own right now.
Unblocking your life
Pastor Luke Martin shared the following message on 2 January 2011:
If you take on disappointments, it can become a blockage. It's the same when you repeatedly sin and it becomes a habit. Similarly, we find blockages in the form of financial hardship or unforgiveness.
We wrongly assume those blockages are a part of our lives, that it is our lot. All we need do is speak to those blockages and they must go. Our authority does not require labour and burden to banish them.
Now is the season to tell those blockages they must go. In Mark 11:23, we read how we must merely speak to a mountain to see its removal granted.
To walk in God's favour means believing such blockages and mountains can be told to go away.
Clearing the blockages
• Speak to it. Talk to the mountain about God, saying what authority you have in Jesus' name. Tell it to be gone.
• Pray for it. Pray AND speak to the blockage. (See Mark 11:24.)
• Expect it. Be ready. James 2:12 tells us to act as if we expect freedom. Remove smaller things so that God can work out your victory.
• Act on it. Think of Peter being called out of the boat. The miracle wasn't inside the boat, but only once Peter's foot hit the water. Peter allowed himself to be encouraged and then he acted.
• Share it. There is strength in unity.
God wants you to experience and act on breakthrough.
What can you do to exercise your faith and step out into God's victory and release.
If you take on disappointments, it can become a blockage. It's the same when you repeatedly sin and it becomes a habit. Similarly, we find blockages in the form of financial hardship or unforgiveness.
We wrongly assume those blockages are a part of our lives, that it is our lot. All we need do is speak to those blockages and they must go. Our authority does not require labour and burden to banish them.
Now is the season to tell those blockages they must go. In Mark 11:23, we read how we must merely speak to a mountain to see its removal granted.
To walk in God's favour means believing such blockages and mountains can be told to go away.
Clearing the blockages
• Speak to it. Talk to the mountain about God, saying what authority you have in Jesus' name. Tell it to be gone.
• Pray for it. Pray AND speak to the blockage. (See Mark 11:24.)
• Expect it. Be ready. James 2:12 tells us to act as if we expect freedom. Remove smaller things so that God can work out your victory.
• Act on it. Think of Peter being called out of the boat. The miracle wasn't inside the boat, but only once Peter's foot hit the water. Peter allowed himself to be encouraged and then he acted.
• Share it. There is strength in unity.
God wants you to experience and act on breakthrough.
What can you do to exercise your faith and step out into God's victory and release.
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