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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
5 comments:
Great summary of Acts 3 Gemma! :)
"Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you." Profound words from Peter followed by a demonstration of the compassion of Christ and the power of the Spirit. I love it that the ex-cripple did not just walk but he was "jumping". This is mentioned twice. He was walking and jumping and praising God.
In our church leadership meetings it is easy for us to focus on the "silver and gold": finances, resources and the like. Maybe we have it the other way round: "The power to heal we do not have but what we have we give you - a small donation of money from our wealth."
And yet when Jesus sent out the twelve into mission in Luke 9 he instructed them not to take any money. Then again in Luke 10: "do not take a purse". And now in Acts 3 the same story continues even though Jesus is no longer physically present. They come with no resources or programs except the love of Jesus and the authority to heal in his name.
I question the impact that all our resources, buildings and programs are having on our community here in Perth and yet I think one miracle like this could.....
And "all the people...were filled with wonder and amazement". Acts 3:10
I thought it was interesting that Peter and John went to a set place at a set time to pray - 3 in the afternoon.
After the healing, Peter then goes on to explain the two keys as to how this healing happened: 1)faith in the 2)name of Jesus.
When Peter spoke on the day of Pentecost he said that people's response needed to be repentance and now he is saying the same thing, not just so their sins may be wiped out but that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Mmmm Andrew...
I am in complete agreement about the impact of just one miracle like this...
No question! - but I do question some of what you are saying regards the 'silver and gold' finances.
Along this journey I am seeing MANY followers, and 12 Apostles so far. Many people being saved and receiving the Holy Spirit, and His various gifts.
Some of them with teaching and healing gifts, others supporting ministry through the sale of excess property, and through their work and the gift of generosity.
Ministries like the Bakers rely on Gods people responding with generosity to His work.
The learning for me is becoming more and more - (again, as ever) - surrendering to that intimate relationship with God so that I can feel and be His presence. He already has (and will continue to ) equip me for what he wants me to do. I need to be on his wavelength.
Also small thing re Buildings - I agree that idle buildings are a waste of resources. But the problem is not in having a building - it is in those responsible for the use of that building not being open to Gods work for the building! Many are designed to be wonderfully used (and I am thankful for Concordias flexible design). But people in the church are not open to Gods calling for their buildings. Imagine just praying with utter thanksgiving for our building - rededicating it to Gods purposes 7 days a week and listening to Him on the subject?
(Look - already we are using the building more, and hopefully we will be able to be such good stewards of what we have that it is used every night and day of the week!)
Thanks for your comments Rosaleen. My statement was probably a little provocative but the underlying principle I stand by :)
My understanding was that the sale of the property in Acts was actually to re-allocate resources to those in need, not necessarily for "ministry" as we might understand it. I'd be interested in other people's thoughts.
My understanding was also that the Baker's never relied on God's people for resources but on God himself. I think there is a subtle but important difference here. I think there is plenty of "money" out there at God's disposal but what tends to be lacking is totally surrendered lives - which leads into your next point which I totally agree with.
I am definitely not against buildings and agree that if we have them we should use them to God's glory 7 days per week if possible. I do think though that over the years the church may have poured more money, time and energy into buildings than was necessary :)
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