Foundations

The power of a God encounter – when His love brings freedom. The story of the Samaritan woman in John four and how Jesus made a point of meeting her and revealing Himself to her so as to set her free and give her purpose in life.

In this summary of the foundations series Phil looks at what made Paul different so the title for today is… DIFFERENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We will look at how HIS PERSPECTIVE differed from others in that he was called to the Gentile world. HIS METHODS differed from others in that the mystery of the gospel was revealed to him. HIS CONVICTIONS differed from others when it came to the issue with John Mark and also with Peter. HIS VISION differed from others in his call to plant churches. HIS EXPERIENCE differed from others, being whipped, stoned and shipwrecked etc. HIS ATTITUDE differed from others even when a word from prophet Agabus came, warning him of what awaited him in Rome.

Today we continue to look at our conduct towards outsiders. This morning Dave explores the fact that we are more than people who “go”, we are those that are “sent”, and that in the sending, Jesus sends us in power and authority. We finish by exploring that this is practically demonstrated in generosity.

Dave explores some of the teaching given to the early church around the issue of “conduct towards outsiders”. The desire of God is that He would “place the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6) Today we explored the need for people to experience family as they come into our church family, but that primarily this would be experienced in our own homes and through our own families.

Phil looks at the huge subject of accountability. How to be Accountable first and foremost to God; to yourself; to leadership, and in church to each other. To be accountable means that you allow people into your life. We believe that everyone needs levels of support and fellowship. If we are going to be sober and watchful we need this!!!

Unpacking the life of Josiah the fifteenth king of Judah.

Phil shares how prayer influences Heaven, not just a belief in prayer, not just a doctrine but a behaviour of prayer, a passion for prayer; a conviction for prayer; a spirit of prayer. Prayer, Praise and Power in the Word are three keys to releasing us into all God has for us. When these three things are operating in your life you begin to understand and experience the Presence of God in a whole new way!

Phil shares today on the area of submitting to government authority. There are four areas of delegated authority in the New Testament. And what God teaches us is that if we honour these there is hidden treasure and reward.

1. CIVIL AUTHORITY

2. SOCIAL AUTHORITY

3. CHURCH AUTHORITY

4. FAMILY AUTHORITY

Today we will unpack number one and see what Paul taught the early churches and also look to see if there is a line to cross in this area.

Continuing on in our theme Chris asks the question, “What is your Jerusalem?”

Do you have a cause worth dying for? A dream worth fighting for? Chris looks at the story of Nehemiah and his call from a position of comfort, stepping into a place of faith and risk to see his city restored.

When God places a burden on our hearts to see the Kingdom come, He will also give us the vision, skill and resources to see our heaven-sent dreams come to life.

Today Phil looks at the massive subject of Forgiveness. We take a look at the life of Joseph and learn from him how to deal with this issue. If we are bitter and unforgiving, we are not obeying the two great commandments, to love God and to love others. Bitterness not only displeases God… it spreads to others… (Hebrews 12:15) See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

To be alive as a human being with indescribable mysteries at every turn, and to have in front of us an eternal destiny of spectacular glory or inexpressible horror (it is one or the other) is a weight that can either press you down with fear and trembling or bear you up with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Whether it does the one or the other depends in large measure on whether you know the answer to the big basic human questions or not.

Who do you think you are? How did you get that identity? What are you here for?