This Sunday we will continue our series as we look at the Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit in our lives which includes His work to set us free from the bondages that keep us from serving our Lord Jesus Christ. But more than that, the freedom that the Spirit provides is a freedom to join our Lord Jesus Christ in the Mission of God. Galatians 5:23, 24 reveals to us the goal of sanctification, to exhibit the character of Jesus.

This Sunday we will be looking at 1 Corinthians 12 and the role of the manifestation gifts in the ministry of the church. Although chapter 12 will be the focus, 1 Corinthians 12 through 14 gives us a holistic perspective on these gifts. So, what is the source of these gifts, purpose of these gifts, the context for these gifts and the outcome of using these gifts?

by Oliver Magnus

Luke 18: 9-14

James 2: 14-26

Luke 6: 32-35

At the end of Ephesians chapter 2, Paul, writing to Gentiles, tells them how in Christ their status has changed from being outsiders to becoming insiders. We become citizens, family and ultimately a temple where God, by his Spirit, lives. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul goes on to talk about the specific gifts Jesus gave to the church to make this transition from outsider to insider a reality in each of our lives. Read and reflect on Ephesians 2:14 - 4:16

Last Sunday we started a new series focused on the Work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed his disciples to wait for the promise of the Father. The promise of the Father is found in Joel 2 where the Lord said, I will pour out my Spirit on all people (vs. 28) Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are enabled to represent God the Father and God the Son. This Sunday we will be considering one aspect of the image of God found in all of humanity and how this guides us in our ministries. We will be considering Romans 12, particularly looking at verses 6 - 8.

The Time of Transition: Resurrection to Ascension

This past Sunday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and considered its significance in our lives. This Sunday we will be looking at Acts 1:1-8 and reflecting on the forty days between Jesus resurrection and his ascension. What happened during those days and are they significant and what can we learn from them that might apply to today.

We have reached the High Point of the Christian Calendar - HE IS RISEN!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!

We gather this Sunday to celebrate His - RESURRECTION!!!

In preparation please read I Corinthians 15.

John 12: 12-16

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel! Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkeys colt. At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

Luke 191-10 Story of Zacchaeus - His Longing to belong.

John 1718-23 - Jesus Prayer Passion of the Christ

Colossians 312-17 - Pauls exhortation 12 Therefore as Gods chosen people holy and dearly loved clothe yourselves with compassion kindness humility gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the Spirit singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do whether in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Other scripture to note Ephesians 41-4 519-21 1Corinthians 1212-27

Galatians 525-26 Philippians 21-11

Jesus was passionate about restoring us to Gods original created purpose and intention. The fall in Genesis 3 brought separation from God a broken and marred creation and death.

We see Jesus restorative passion in the following ways

His declared missionLuke 4 18-21 Luke 1831-34

What He wept over

--the lostness of a cityLuke 1941-42

--the heart-rending experience of deathJohn 1133-35

What He got angry aboutLuke 1945-46

--God not being honoured as He should

--the nations not having access to God

His compassionate meeting of a personal needLuke 1835-43

Today Jesus is asking you What do you want me to do for you?

How will YOU respond?