Manifesting the Power of God

1 Corinthians 2:4, 5

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

The question is not – I don’t know if I’m called to actually do anything?

If you are a Christian you are called!

The question is – what am I going to do with the message of the cross?

1) To Manifest the Power of God – you have got to get out of your natural thinking.

Stop trying to figure God out. Reasoning is the enemy of faith.

Start to see yourself doing mighty things, not just for God but with God.

2) To Manifest the Power of God – you must allow God to change you.

God moves if we are willing.

“Progress is impossible without change & those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” George Bernard Shaw

3) To Manifest the Power of God – is to fully preach the Gospel of Christ.

I don’t really like anything watered down / neither does anyone else. Generally people accept you more when you are real and forward than if you are subversive and concealing.

4) If you want to manifest the Power of God then develop the Fruit of the Spirit.

Gifts come to us – but fruit must be grown.

As much as a plane needs the engines to get off the ground it needs the wings to hold it off the ground and stabilise it to be effective. So also, we need the gifts to be like the engine but without the fruit it will never be sustainable.

As we draw closer to God then I believe that we will not necessarily focus on manifesting the power of God – but that this will be a result (fruit) and evidence of our connection and walk in grace. Focus on the grace giver today and allow what he has done in you to be known and watch what God does.

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

2 Corinthians 4:7 says
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

I can't help but feeling sometimes I can be a bit of a crack pot, or that if you look closely it doesn't take long to see the cracks, the blemishes, the parts of me that are not quite as perfect as one would hope. And I have to tell you .... I like it.

There is something refreshing about being real, allowing the walls to drop, the perceptions to fade, and the expectation to be set to the side. The vessel was never meant to be the point of focus - it has always been about the treasure. Often we get so caught up in the pursuit of improving the vessel that we focus less and less on the treasure. Of course the vessel should be sound, it should be able to hold the treasure, it needs to be as clean as possible - but the focus is the treasure.

Maybe when people see you up close, cracks appear, maybe you haven't got it all sorted out and in order - but you are a vessel. You are His vessel, a vessel of honour that carries His treasure and even though you may have some cracks if He is in you, then what spills out will be more than alright.

I Will Arise

I was thinking this week of the relentless battle we sometimes face as we do life, and what it takes for us to hold the line in our Christian walk. The battle is not won by the proud Generals from their lofty positions but by people like you and me; who are not so much defined by our great victories, but of scars and bruises that life has dealt us. What makes us the winners is that everyday we get up, despite the odds, despite what others have said, despite the fear that nips at our heels. We the children of God arise -

What holds you back, what keeps you in the plains of complacency

Instead of pursuing the mountains unknown and untamed.

When the world is full of voices that proclaim what you can’t

Can you discover the dream that says just maybe?

But you’ve failed before

You don’t deserve the chance again

You’re too young

You’re too old

The time is past, or not yet at hand

You’re too shy, what could one person do

Is it God or is it just me

My shoulders may not be squared; my walk may be a limp,

My voice may be less than bold

But I will arise

Because he called me

I will arise

Because he says to

I will arise

The Other Six Days

The challenge we face is how we live out our Christian walk not just at Church but on the other six days.

The power of these points are not in what I have to say about them but more about what they say to you as you think about how you work them into your everyday. Take up the challenge with me and let's see how we go.

1. WORSHIP – without the band

Worship is more a place than an action.

When life starts to overwhelm, then think about the one is bigger than any challenge you currently face.

Manley Beasley -
"'A glimpse of God will save you. To gaze at Him will sanctify you."

2. Communion – without bread and wine

Communion is all about intimate connection (interchange of thoughts & emotions)

When stress pulls us apart – communion brings us back together.

3. The Word – without the book

Working the Word in the world.

Christ is the Word of God. It is not in certain texts written in the New Testament, valuable as they are; it is not in certain words which Jesus spoke, vast as is their preciousness; it is in the Word, which Jesus is, that the great manifestation of God is made. --Phillips Brooks

Don’t quote the Word; as much as be it! The Word became flesh and so we should be also Gal 2:20 (crucified with Christ)

Spouting scripture has no magic to dispel the devil. Scripture has phenomenal power but unless you submit your mind to its inerrant truth, its power is largely lost to you. --Martha Kilpatrick

4. Relationship without Ritual

God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them. unknown

It’s not about Him it IS HIM.

God is a friend not a reoccurring appointment (He WANTS relationship with us more than anything)

The Lure of the World

Here are some thoughts from part of the series I am currently preaching on ... Goodbye Egypt!

The interesting thing is that when we come out of the world and want to go on for God it isn't like we forget what we came out .... but something is ever lurking to lure us back to our past.

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." ~ George Bernard Shaw

What is it about our past that seems to draw us back?

The stories get bigger each time they are re-told and we find ourselves longing for that which we once despised.

1John 2:15-16 do not love the world (caught up in the present)

Flesh (what you pick up in the sense realm) / Eyes (what you see and want) / Pride (arrogant assumption – but subtle)

The world draws the heart from God; and the more the love of the world prevails, the more the love of God decays. ~ Matthew Henry

Romans 12:2 … and don’t be conformed (constant renovation)

- Prov 4:23 keep your heart / issues of life

James 1:14 (each one – none of us are exempt) drawn away / enticed (the LURE) bait – there is something in us (self desire)

Demas (part of Paul’s ministry team; Philemon 23,24, Col 4:14) If Demas fell, and he was part of Paul's ministry team / and mentioned before Luke who wrote on of the Gospels and the book of Acts; I think we need to pay attention to this.

2Tim 4:10 … has forsaken me, having loved this present world….

Demas loved the PRESENT world / Paul loved the world to COME.

Very rarely is it that we suddenly deny the cross and go back to the world – just a crack / then a foothold / then a stronghold / then he has a hold.

How to avoid the bait (Lure)

- Stay full; have you ever tried to catch a fish that is full?

1. Get connected and build friendships.

2. Tell your story. (this brings you into remembrance)

3. Invite people (We spend too much time trying to find ourselves instead of finding others – as you reach out so does God)

4. Challenge Spiritually.

5. Faithfulness. Regular attendance / disciplines / consistency