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Sunday, 28 September 2008 3:12 PM
Paul Wright shares with us the secrets to the new beginning we can have with Jesus Christ. You may download the message here.
Everyone wants a new beginning. A chance to: start again and not make the same mistakes, a chance to break habits and to change ourselves.
We try all sorts of things to get this. We buy the 3-minute-a-day Ab machine to enable us to reach the trim, taut, terrific physique we desire. We enlist the help of a life coach to motivate and challenge us. Our goals and efforts are often short lived because we try in our own strength. Most people only persevere with what is quick and easy.
However, true change must first occur spiritually. Change happens internally and then manifests itself externally. The resurrection of Lazarus, in John 11, is a great example of the new beginning that God can give us.
Some parallels we can draw about our new beginnings, through the resurrection of Lazarus, are:
- A new beginning is only possible because Jesus loves us.
Jesus was willing to return to a place of persecution in order to raise Lazarus from the dead. Likewise he loves us too in order to go to the place that no one else can go. We are like a naughty footballer who keeps making the same mistakes - Jesus has given us the chance for a fresh start.
- We must die - Just as Lazarus died.
We must lay to rest our 'good intentions' and striving. We need to put it all in God's hands.
- We know God's power and are filled with Hope
Martha knew the power of Christ. (v21) She knew what he stood for, and what he could do, she had hope in the resurrection. We must possess the same hope - not a hope to be ashamed of, but a hope that rests in the knowledge of the power of Jesus Christ.
- We speak words of Faith
"You are the Christ" Martha said (v27). Do we believe the position and power that Jesus has in our life? Unless we believe we cannot make permanent changes, everything we change will be superficial and temporary.
- Jesus weeps for us (v34)
Jesus loves us. He wants us to be set free, and to experience the change and freedom that only he can offer.
- We let go of the feelings/things that surround us - the stench of death (v38).
As we hold onto things a stench accumulates around us. Some things that we can unknowingly hold onto include bitterness, fear, anxiety, depression. These things surround us and can overcome us.
- We lift up our eyes and look to Jesus.
This is where Jesus steps in, he looses our bonds and sets us free (v43). We take on the fragrance of Christ (II Corin 2:15) and walk as a new man (Eph 4:21) , with a new beginning.
If you would like to browse other talks delivered at Chandler St Church, or order copies on CD, please click here.
Filed Under: Chandler St Talks
Wednesday, 24 September 2008 10:29 AM
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You're Invited
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This year we're celebrating 50 years since our fellowship in Canberra started. Coincidentally we have also been 30 years in our Chandler St Church and 10 years at Southside, so we'd love to welcome back all those who came to the Lord in Canberra and have since moved away to our assemblies elsewhere. Come and help us celebrate and remember the good times and the blessings we've shared along the way.
The weekend will also coincide with our bi-annual Council meeting which is being held in Canberra on Friday 31 October and followed by a Council/NSW pastors meeting on Saturday during the day (both meetings at our Chandler St Hall).
On Saturday there will be outreaching around the Belconnen Town Centre, to invite visitors to our Sunday Celebration meeting and lunch. We will be letterboxing roundabout in the week preceding for those who would like to come early and help out.
On Saturday Night we will be getting together for a BBQ & Nostalgia Night at our Southside Hall. The night will feature displays and presentations showcasing some interesting pics, retro items, hits from the 50's - 80's, reminiscences and (who knows?) maybe afros, caftans and flares - we expect to laugh a lot!
On Sunday both Canberra assemblies will be joining together at our Chandler St Hall for our celebration meeting. The meeting starts at 10:30 and will be followed by Lunch provided.
Please let us know your intention to come by quickly filling in our registration form below.
See you in November!
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Sunday, 7 September 2008 10:14 PM
Pastor Michael Nagy
Sunday Communion Meeting
Listen to the talk here.
I Tim 6:6 - But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I Tim 6:8 - And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Today we were encouraged to not seek our happiness and contentment in material possessions or financial wealth.
God knows those things we need and will supply these things if we spend our time laying up ourselves treasure in heaven. For we know that where our treasure is, there our heart is also.
God remembers everything we do for him - our labour in the Lord is not in vain.
Phil 4:11-12 - Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Today is the day of your salvation - trust God that he will provide all your needs today. Chasing wealth will only draw you away from your relationship with him.
True contentment is being Godly and following after righteousness, because it gives you purpose and a deep satisfaction in serving Him.
You may browse other talks, delivered recently at Southside Revival Fellowship here.
Filed Under: Southside Talks
Thursday, 4 September 2008 10:47 AM
Discovering Yourself: Having Christ-like Charity
You may download the talk
here.
Pastor Chris spoke about possessing christ-like charity, and making sure that our actions effect our environment.
The journey of a Christian life is continually challenging. When you really listen to the scriptures you are constantly challenged. You will learn things about yourself. Opportunities will arise in your life for us to practise the scriptures. The Holy Spirit is constantly changing and moulding us into the nature of Jesus Christ, putting on the mind of Christ.
Grace and Mercy are Godly attributes. Question: Am I a gracious and merciful person? Real life experiences and situations will challenge us to see if we are gracious and merciful. We are Christians - Christ's Sons - react instinctively as how Christ would react. The scriptures are there for us to learn how to become Christ like.
2 Tim 2:3-4 - We are chosen to be soldiers of Christ - a soldier is disciplined.
To act and react like Jesus is not a natural action it is a disciplined choice and then it will become your natural reaction.
Read: Luke 6:27- 39
Love your enemies. Christ thinks - forgive and love. Put on the mind of Christ.
Jesus Christ knew we are not a product of our environment. Our behaviour also creates our environment. Our behaviour can create a Christian environment. You can create the Christian environment you want to live in. React like Jesus. React like you are sitting on the other side - like you are the receiver - how you want to be treated. Question: Would you offer your coat and cloak?
Read the words of Jesus Christ every day and have them settle in your heart, pray about them.
Be ready to create the environment you want to live in. Be the Christian influence in your environment.
Filed Under: Chandler St Talks