You've Gotta Have Friends - AN EDITOR

Who's Your Barnabas?

          You need an encourager.

•  The Good Samaritan Barnabas.

Psalm 42:7

•  The Onesimus Barnabas.

Philemon 1

3. The Epaphras Barnabas.

Colossians 1: 7; 4:12

4. The Sarah Barnabas.

Genesis 18:10-15

•  The Ruth Barnabas.

Ruth 1:16

Conclusion

Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticise. -Unknown

You've Gotta Have Friends - AN EDITOR

2 Samuel 12: 1-8

Who's Your Nathan?

You Need an Editor.

A Nathan will..

1. Get Under Your Skin .

2. Ask Questions .

3. Tell The Truth .

Conclusion

The deep truth about us is that we are morally flimsy, covertly will to sell out at some terrible price. Does that mean we fail the course without the possibility of a re-write? God our Creator is our Re-Creator, healing, repairing, confronting, consoling, forgiving, sending us out with the power to strengthen one another, right now, immediately."

- Marilyn McCord Adams.

2. Then will I hear from Heaven and Forgive their sin

3. and heal their land.

It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when youcelebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
Nelson Mandela

1. If my people…

2. Called by my name…

3. Humble themselves…

4. Pray and seek my face...

"If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal.
Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."
- Nelson Mandela

What do we see in this passage? First, we see;
I. An invitation too generous to refuse.
John 1:39
Matthew 8:20
Mark 1:17
Matthew 11:28
John 6:37
Luke 19:5
John 11:43
Revelations3:20

Look at what we so often give -
II. An excuse too foolish to be true

a) The excuse of our  possessions.
b) The excuse of profession.
c) The excuse of people.

Now, let's look at the response of the host -
III. A love to strong to resist. strong to resist.
John 3:16

Conclusion
"Sooner or later, everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences." - Unknown

KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE BALL!

The Marks of a Growing Christian

A. Spiritual maturity is not a matter of AGE.

Luke 2:52

B. Spiritual maturity is not a matter of APPEARANCE.

C. Spiritual maturity is not a matter of ACHIEVEMENT.

Spiritual maturity is a matter of ATTITUDE and CHARACTER.

1. A spiritual mature person is positive under PRESSURE.

James 1:2-4

2. A spiritual mature person is sensitive to the needs of PEOPLE.

James 2:8

3. A spiritual mature person is master of their MOUTH.

James 3:2

Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)

4. A spiritual mature person is a peacemaker not a TROUBLEMAKER.

James 4:1 (MSG)

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NASV)

5. A spiritual mature person is PATIENT.

James 5:7-8 (ESV)

6. A spiritual mature person is PRAYERFUL.

James 5:16 (NKJV)

Conclusion

God loves us the way we are but He loves us too much to leave us that way.

1. To Remember

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

2. To Rejoice

Matthew 24 & 25

3. To Repent

1 Corinthians 11:27-28

4. To Reconcile

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Conclusion

You'll never realise Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you've got.

THE KEYS TO CONTENTMENT

1. Humility

Exodus 10:3 Numbers 12:3 Deuteronomy 8:2

2. Simplicity

Psalm 116:6

3. Self - Control

1 Peter 5:8 Galatians 5: 22- 24

Conclusion

I am always content with what happens; for I know that what God chooses is better than what I choose. - Epictetus

 GOD, ARE YOU OUT THERE?

1. He's CONSCIOUS.

Matthew 6:8

2. He's CONCERNED.

1 Peter 5:7

3. He's CONSISTENT.

1 Corinthians 1:9

4.He's CAPABLE.

Ephesians 3:20

Conclusion

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

 INTEGRITY OR IDIOCY
Sue Pretorius
17 August 2008

Genesis 45 vs 1-14

"Do not be distressed.for it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you"
Genesis 45 vs 5

1.  If anyone loves me, they will obey my teaching.
John 14 vs 23

2. Do not be afraid for I will rescue you.
Jeremiah 1 vs 8

3. If you hold onto my teaching. you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8 vs 31

4. How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity.
Psalm 133 vs 1

Living From the Inside Out

1. What is the REALITY of our Hearts

2. What is the REVELATION of our Hearts

3. What is the RESPONSE of our Hearts

Conclusion: "We can be a Christian forever without becoming a disciple"-Dallas Willard

 Is Invisible for Real?

1. Existence of GOD'S SPIRIT
 John 16:13-15, Acts 2:1-4, Gal 5:22,23

2. Existence of the HUMAN SPIRIT
Gen 1:26-27 Heb 4:12 Rom 8:16

3. Existence of OTHER SPIRIT BEINGS
Gen 3:24, Is 6:2, Eph 6:12, Matt 10:1, Col 2:15

The Biggest Loser Gets In

Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14 RSV

Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do.
Matthew 7:13 MSG

Today I am giving you a choice between good and evil, between life and death.
Deuteronomy 30:15 GNB

Then the LORD told me to say to the people, "Listen! I, the LORD, am giving you a choice between the way that leads to life and the way that leads to death.
Jeremiah 21:8 GNB

1. FOLLOWING JESUS NEEDS EFFORT

Brothers and sisters, I don't consider that I have taken hold of it yet. But here is the one thing I do. I forget what is behind me. I push hard toward what is ahead of me. I move on toward the goal to win the prize. God has appointed me to win it. The heavenly prize is Christ Jesus himself.
Philippians 3:13-14 NIrV

.throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
Hebrews 12:1 TNIV

The broad way is easy but the narrow way is hard

2. FOLLOWING CHRIST TAKES DISCIPLINE

Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:25 GNB

Living abundantly takes discipline

3. FOLLOWING JESUS REQUIRES CLARITY OF THOUGHT

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.
Romans 12:2 MSG

.the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil.
 John 3:19 GNB

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
Psalm 14:1 RSV

Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 RSV

Thoughtlessness blinds us to things that are perfectly obvious

Let there be Light!
Matthew. 5:13-16

The Benefits of light;

1. It ILLUMINATES.
Matthew 4:16
Luke 11:36

2. It Provides SAFETY.
Psalm 91

3. It BEAMS TO THE MOST REMOTE AREAS.
Luke 15

Conclusion
"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
St. Francis of Assisi

Salt - Shakers
Matthew. 5:13-16

Benefits of Salt:

1. PRESERVES
Genesis 45:7
Luke 17:33

2. PURIFIES
Numbers 19:20
2 Corinthians 7:1

3. FLAVORS
Revelation 3:15-16 NIV

4. PENETRATES
Hebrews 4:12

5. CREATES THIRST
John 4:14
Revelations 21:6

Conclusion:

When truth and love are combined in an individual or a church, then we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth".

David H. Johnson.

 People of the Holy Spirit
13 July 2008

Ezekiel 37 vs 1-14
"I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD."

1. We are CALLED THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
Joel 2 vs 28-29

History
Prophecy
Plan
Purpose
Provision
Identity
Ezekiel 37 vs 1-14

2. Building SPIRITUAL LIVES.
1 Peter vs 2-5

Royal priesthood
Ephesians 4 vs 1-6
Micah 4 vs 12
1 Peter 2 vs 5
Jude vs 20
Revelation 1 vs 8, 2 vs 29

3. Jesus said, "YOU BELIEVE BECAUSE I LOVE YOU"
John 1 vs 55.

 The Provision of the Holy Spirit

 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1. The GIFTS that keep on GIVING.

* Wisdom

* Knowledge

* Faith

* Healing

* Miracles

* Prophecy

* Discernment

* Speaking in tongues

* Interpretation of tongues

* Helps

* Administration

* Exhortation.

* Contributions.

* Mercy

2.What is my GIFT?

1 Corinthians 12:7

 3. AVOIDING Confusion.

Galatians 5:22-23

Conclusion

"What God chooses, He cleanses. What God cleanses, He molds. What God molds, He fills. What God fills, He uses."

J.S. Baxter

The Holy Spirit - The Purpose
Isaiah 63: 9 - 11

The Holy Spirit;

1. Took Part in CREATION

Genesis 1:1-3

2. Featured in the OLD TESTAMENT

a. JOSEPH

Gen 41:38

b. SAMSON

Judges 13:24, 25

Judges 14:6

c. BEZALEL

Exodus 31:2-5

d. JOSHUA

Numbers 27:18

3. Features Permanently In The NEW TESTAMENT

Joel 2:28-32

i) The Coming of the HOLY SPIRIT

John 14:13-17

Luke 11:13

a. Brings SALVATION

Matthew 1:18

John 3:5,6

Ephesians 1:13

Titus 3:5

b. EMPOWERS His people

Matthew 3:11

Luke 24:49

Acts 1:5

Acts 1:8

c. Comes to STRENGTHEN and EMPOWER the Church

Acts 2:2-4

d. Distributes His GIFTS

1 Corinthians 12:3-6,11

e. Gives us special ABILITIES

John 14:12

Isaiah  61:1

Matthew 12:28

Mark 13:11

f. Brings DIRECTION, 'PROVING' AND PROTECTION

Matthew 4:1:

Acts 16:6,7

g. Identifies those called to SERVE

Acts 13:2

Luke 7:8,9

h. Brings JUDGEMENT

Acts 5:3-11

CONCLUSION

 "Holy Spirit-think through me, till Your ideas are my ideas."

Amy Carmichael - prayer.

 1. The PERSON Of The Holy Spirit
John 14:16,
Luke 12:10-12
John 14:26
John 16:7
Acts 1:16
Acts 5:3

2. TEACHINGS About The Holy Spirit

a. The Holy Spirit couldn't come WHILE JESUS WAS ON EARTH.

John 7:39
John 16:7

b. The Holy Spirit is our HELP, ADVOCATE & COMFORTER, now that Jesus is not physically on the Earth.

John 14:16,17

c. The Holy Spirit is our TEACHER, revealing Jesus to us

John 14:26
John 16:4

d. He is our source of power to fulfil the Great COMMISSION

Acts 1:4,8

e. When Jesus ascended He sent the GIFTS of the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:4
Eph 4:8

3. When does the Holy Spirit COME IN POWER?

John 20:22
Acts 1:8

a. AFTER salvation

Acts 8:12,14-17
Acts 19:1-7

b. AT salvation

Acts 10:42-48

c. Conclusion

Can you fathom this? The God of the universe, who holds all things together by the word of His power, who fills all things and is bigger than the universe; bigger than time, literally lives in you. Calls you His dwelling place. What a magnificent creation you are! What high and wonderful privilege we have been given, to house the Holy Spirit of God!

- Clark E. Tanner "The Dwelling of God"

 ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

1. By PRAISING Him.

2. By PRAYING to Him.

3. By GIVING to Him.

4. By SHARING MY TESTIMONY about Him.

 BUILDING A LIFE OF SACRIFICE

1. Values mentioned most in the Bible: HOPE, FAITH, LOVE, GIVING

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
1. Giving makes me MORE LIKE GOD.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
2. Giving draws me CLOSER TO GOD.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
3. Giving breaks the grip of MATERIALISM.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
4. Giving strengthens MY FAITH.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
5. Giving is a test of my MATURITY.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
6. Giving is an investment FOR ETERNITY.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
7. Giving blesses me IN RETURN.

HOW GIVING BENEFITS MY OWN LIFE
8. Giving makes me HAPPY.

 BUILDING A LIFE OF COMMITMENT

1. THE POWER OF COMMITMENT

 My COMMITMENTS.
   Show my VALUES.

1. THE POWER OF COMMITMENT
 
 My COMMITMENTS.
   Shape my LIFE.

1. THE POWER OF COMMITMENT

 My COMMITMENTS.
   Determine my DESTINY.

2. THE PRICE OF COMMITMENT

 I give Christ.
   The first DAY of every week.

2. THE PRICE OF COMMITMENT

 I give Christ.
   The first THOUGHT of each day.

2. THE PRICE OF COMMITMENT

 I give Christ.
   The first TEN PERCENT of my income.

2. THE PRICE OF COMMITMENT

 I give Christ.
   The first CONSIDERATION of every decision.

3. THE PITFALLS OF COMMITMENT

 We get DISTRACTED.

3. THE PITFALLS OF COMMITMENT

 We get COMPLACENT.

4. THE PAYOFF FOR TOTAL COMMITMENT

 BUILDING FOR PURPOSE

1. If I don't understand the purpose of my life... Life seems USELESS.

Life seems TIRESOME.
Life seems UNFULFILLING.
Life seems INSIGNIFICANT.
Life seems UNCONTROLLABLE.

2. What is the purpose of life?  Life is DESTINED for eternity!

3. How do I prepare for eternity? 

     i.  Get to know JESUS CHRIST. 
 
    ii.  Use my TIME in view of eternity.

    iii. Use my TALENTS in view of eternity.
 
    iv. Use my TREASURE in view of eternity.

 BUILDING TO SERVE

1. I was CREATED for service. Ephesians 2:10

2. I am SAVED for service. 2 Timothy 1:9

3. I've been CALLED BY GOD to service. Galatians 1:15, Ephesians 4:1

4. I've been GIFTED for service. 1 Peter 4:10

 BUILDING A LIFE OF FAITH

1. FAITH IS FIRST BELEIVING when I don't see it. Hebrews 11:1

2. FAITH IS OBEYING when I don't understand it. Hebrews 11:7, Hebrews 11:8

3. FAITH IS GIVING when I don't have it. Hebrews 11:4, 2 Corinthians 8:2-3,

2 Corinthians 9:6,8

4. FAITH IS PERSISTING when I don't feel like it.  Hebrews 11:27

5. FAITH IS THANKING GOD before I receive it.  Hebrews 11:30, Mark 11:24

6. FAITH IS TRUSTING if I don't get it. Hebrews 11:39-40