The Rock - Paarl: Recent Episodes
The Rock Church
Over the last few weeks, we learned that Jesus is trustworthy and that we can follow Him. Then we learned that Jesus served and we all follow His legacy. Today we learn how Jesus seeks and how we can carry the message.
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits.
But what do we do when we become trapped by our very own thoughts, unable to escape our negative and unhealthy thinking?
Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive because the battle is won in the mind.
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits.
But what do we do when we become trapped by our very own thoughts, unable to escape our negative and unhealthy thinking?
Let’s learn what it means to take our thoughts captive because the battle is won in the mind.
When it comes to leaving a legacy it takes being counter intuitive. We make a living by what we get yet we leave a legacy by what we give. Jesus taught of this upside down kingdom. It was counter intuitive (Mark 10:42-45). Jesus demonstrated this by how he lived and left a legacy. Though he is a king he came to serve.
Let's learn how we can serve like Jesus did.
This year we are believing for people to live bold lives which, means being confident in God (Heb 10:35-36). God has promises and plans for each of our lives, and he also calls us to be a part of a greater mission.
Q: Have you ever considered that God can use you to change the world around us?
God builds us up to be world changers but the enemy tries to convince us that we can’t be a part of His plans. But never forget that God is the one who calls and qualifies you. Let God define your future.
Here are 4 things we should do to be a part of something greater that God is doing in us and through us:
1️⃣ LET GO & RECEIVE
To move forward we have to let go of some things in our past. Some hurts, anger, lies that have caused us to live small.
Q: What must you let go of to receive the full life that Jesus has for you?
(Eph 4:17-24) We have all made mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to define us. Letting go allows us to receive the new life that Jesus has for us. (Eph 4:21-24) Letting go allows us to be a part of something greater. Community is there to help us to let go and receive all that Jesus has for us.
2️⃣ TAKE HOLD & DISCOVER
We are called to make a difference in this life, and we do that when we take hold of our new life with Jesus and discover our part in the greater work He is doing. Jesus sets the perfect example for us (John 13:3-5 / 12-15). Take hold of what Jesus has done for you and discover all he has set before you.
3️⃣ GROW CLOSER & REACH BEYOND
The church is the hope of the world. We should always be looking to grow closer so that we can reach further into the world to make a difference. (Phil 2:1-5 & 15) We have a great ability to be a blessing to others when we come together as one.
Q: Who are you doing life with? Do you have friends who you can do good with?
4️⃣ BE BOLD & BELIEVE
Jesus is the only one who can lead us into new life where we are a part of something greater (2 Cor 5:17). We need to be bold and believe in the power and person of Jesus. We need to follow him boldly as he leads us into an awesome future!
This year we are believing for people to live bold lives which, means being confident in God (Heb 10:35-36). God has promises and plans for each of our lives, and he also calls us to be a part of a greater mission.
Q: Have you ever considered that God can use you to change the world around us?
God builds us up to be world changers but the enemy tries to convince us that we can’t be a part of His plans. But never forget that God is the one who calls and qualifies you. Let God define your future.
Here are 4 things we should do to be a part of something greater that God is doing in us and through us:
1️⃣ LET GO & RECEIVE
To move forward we have to let go of some things in our past. Some hurts, anger, lies that have caused us to live small.
Q: What must you let go of to receive the full life that Jesus has for you?
(Eph 4:17-24) We have all made mistakes, but those mistakes don’t have to define us. Letting go allows us to receive the new life that Jesus has for us. (Eph 4:21-24) Letting go allows us to be a part of something greater. Community is there to help us to let go and receive all that Jesus has for us.
2️⃣ TAKE HOLD & DISCOVER
We are called to make a difference in this life, and we do that when we take hold of our new life with Jesus and discover our part in the greater work He is doing. Jesus sets the perfect example for us (John 13:3-5 / 12-15). Take hold of what Jesus has done for you and discover all he has set before you.
3️⃣ GROW CLOSER & REACH BEYOND
The church is the hope of the world. We should always be looking to grow closer so that we can reach further into the world to make a difference. (Phil 2:1-5 & 15) We have a great ability to be a blessing to others when we come together as one.
Q: Who are you doing life with? Do you have friends who you can do good with?
4️⃣ BE BOLD & BELIEVE
Jesus is the only one who can lead us into new life where we are a part of something greater (2 Cor 5:17). We need to be bold and believe in the power and person of Jesus. We need to follow him boldly as he leads us into an awesome future!
Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services. So why not join us at 10 am on www.therockchurch.co.za.
We all want to live in financial freedom, but if money controls us then we will never have it. We could have great wealth and still not have financial freedom. The decisions you make today will impact your future so let’s make the right, BOLD financial decisions.
There are 3 areas to work on if we want to find financial freedom.
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Obedience
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Being fruitful
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Managing our finances
Today we will look at obedience. We need to do what God tells us to do if we want God to bless our finances.
Q: [Read Psalm 112] What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it finances only?
We are blessed in many more ways when we live in true financial freedom. But the blessings are a by product of fearing God. God is always the focus of our lives. The bible warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we place God at the centre of our lives, including our finances, the blessing, in all its different shapes and sizes will follow. Don’t chase money, chase after God and follow his commands.
The bible commands us to bring our tithes and our offerings. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 / malachi 3:10). It’s important to know that Tithing is still important in our obedience today. Here are 3 reasons why:
1️⃣ We bring honour to the Lord when we tithe
(Prov 3:9) God is still holy and worthy of our honour. (Malachi 1:6-8) By being faithful with bringing our tithe we honour God and acknowledge him as our provider.
2️⃣ There is provision for ministry when we tithe
(Malachi 3:10) The storehouse is your local church. Our tithe allows the full time ministry to happen that will advance the kingdom of God.
3️⃣ When we tithe, the 90% is redeemed
(Exodus 13:1-2) The first 10% belongs to God and redeems the rest when we bring it to God. No one has the power to bless your finances but God.
Some people mistakenly think that tithing was only for the Old Testament law. Here is why Gods commands are still relevant today:
These 3 reasons below were relevant in the Old Testament and are still relevant today.
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We can’t ignore godly principles because they came through the Old Testament (Matt 5:17-18)
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The bible described tithing long before the Old Testament law was given (Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22).
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Jesus commanded it aswell (Matthew 23:23).
The good news is God’s promises are still applicable today too! We find financial freedom when we live under that blessing. Obedience is how we start to step into that blessing. Chasing after God is the first step in financial freedom.
We all want to live in financial freedom, but if money controls us then we will never have it. We could have great wealth and still not have financial freedom. The decisions you make today will impact your future so let’s make the right, BOLD financial decisions.There are 3 areas to work on if we want to find financial freedom.- Obedience- Being fruitful- Managing our financesToday we will look at obedience. We need to do what God tells us to do if we want God to bless our finances. Q: [Read Psalm 112] What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it finances only?We are blessed in many more ways when we live in true financial freedom. But the blessings are a by product of fearing God. God is always the focus of our lives. The bible warns us against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we place God at the centre of our lives, including our finances, the blessing, in all its different shapes and sizes will follow. Don’t chase money, chase after God and follow his commands.The bible commands us to bring our tithes and our offerings. The tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 / malachi 3:10). It’s important to know that Tithing is still important in our obedience today. Here are 3 reasons why:1️⃣ We bring honour to the Lord when we tithe(Prov 3:9) God is still holy and worthy of our honour. (Malachi 1:6-8) By being faithful with bringing our tithe we honour God and acknowledge him as our provider.2️⃣ There is provision for ministry when we tithe(Malachi 3:10) The storehouse is your local church. Our tithe allows the full time ministry to happen that will advance the kingdom of God.3️⃣ When we tithe, the 90% is redeemed(Exodus 13:1-2) The first 10% belongs to God and redeems the rest when we bring it to God. No one has the power to bless your finances but God.Some people mistakenly think that tithing was only for the Old Testament law. Here is why Gods commands are still relevant today:These 3 reasons below were relevant in the Old Testament and are still relevant today.- We can’t ignore godly principles because they came through the Old Testament (Matt 5:17-18)- The bible described tithing long before the Old Testament law was given (Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22).- Jesus commanded it aswell (Matthew 23:23).The good news is God’s promises are still applicable today too! We find financial freedom when we live under that blessing. Obedience is how we start to step into that blessing. Chasing after God is the first step in financial freedom.
We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations. (John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy.Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy:1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened(Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good.Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening. Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first?2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct(Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up.Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life?3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters(Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice.Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.
We can’t always choose what happens to us but we can control how we will respond. We always have a choice. We have the power to choose joy in difficult situations.
(John 4:4) Although the things we face may be extremely challenging, we still have a God who is able to see us through any situation (Psalm 23:5). There are many things we can choose that lead us to joy. Gratitude, praise, thankfulness, prayer, they all lead to joy.
Here are 3 decisions we can make to choose joy:
1️⃣ I’m going to see beyond what has happened
(Philippians 1:12-18) In our lives there is what is happening and then there is what is ACTUALLY happening. What’s actually happening is not just an event in the natural but in the supernatural too. You don’t always see the “actually” over night, but God is able to work all things together for good.
Every obstacle we face is actually an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in your life. Focus on what is ‘actually’ happening.
Q: Can you remember a challenging time when God was actually doing something good in your life that wasn’t obvious to you at first?
2️⃣ I’m going to choose to look for the re-direct
(Philippians 1:13-14) Sometimes it’s not a setback, it’s just God redirecting us to something greater. And that is what living surrendered is all about. To have joy is also to be flexible when God moves us or changes things up.
Q: Do you think that you are flexible and ready for God to re-direct you in different areas of your life?
3️⃣ I’m going to choose to focus on what really matters
(Philippians 1:15-18) Are we going to let the situations we face rob us of what God has before us? Nothing but bitterness and a lack of joy comes from focusing on the bad. Don’t let your challenges rob you of your peace and joy. Make the choice to rejoice.
Another way to think of rejoicing is to “RE - JOY”. Have joy again. Rehearse Gods goodness in your life. Focus on it and remember what he has done in your life.
Gerrit Van Niekerk shares on how God is the one who is always in control when life's challenges faces us. It is not checkmate for you - if you know God has the final move.
History has been shaped by people who thought ‘what if?’. There is so much power in a thought.
1️⃣ Your thinking determines your living.
(Ecclesiastes 10:2) Our living is a result of our thinking. Everything in life begins with a thought. Every sin and every good action begins with a thought.(Romans 12:2) We need to let God change our thinking through his Word.
2️⃣ Your thinking determines how you feel
(Philippians 4:8) As we set our minds on the right things, God is able to give us peace in our hearts and our minds.
Q: Have you ever experienced how thinking about good things has changed how you felt for the better?
3️⃣ Your thinking determines your destiny
Your thinking drives the direction of your life. (Romans 8:5-6) We can have the peace of God when we set our minds on the things of God. We can’t always control the thoughts that come into our minds but we can capture them. You don’t have to think every thought you think.
🔵 4 ways to capture and change your thoughts
1 - Examine your thoughts.
(Hebrews 4:12)
Judge every thought you have against the Word of God. Is it of God?
Q: Are you often intentional about examining your thought? Or do you find this a difficult thing to do?
2 - Replace your thoughts
(Romans 12:2 NIV)
Replace the thoughts that aren’t from God with God’s Word.
Q: What is one thought that you know is NOT from God? And what does God’s word say about it?
3 - Direct your thoughts
(Isaiah 26:3/Colossians 3:2)
Think about what God says about you. Direct your thoughts to what God says about you.
4 - Grow your thoughts
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
You need to be surrounded by people who will grow the thoughts that will shape your life for the better! People that will cause you to grow with God BOLDLY!
We can learn so much from the story of the Wright brothers who changed the world by revolutionising how we look at flying. Today, because of their bold dreams roughly 6 million people fly daily. Imagine what you might be capable of with God by your side. Being bold is not just what we do, it’s who we are (Proverbs 28:1).
Here are four areas that will help us live boldly:
1️⃣ To be BOLD we need vision
Vision starts on the inside. (Ephesians 4:24) Gods spirit is able to renew us and give us fresh vision for the future. Like the Wright brothers, we must believe that the impossible can be possible. How much more are we, who walk by faith and not by sight, able to achieve with God by our side!
Q - what are the things that you have been or are most passionate about?
We know that God can do what we can’t do (Matthew 19:26). Be bold enough to have an impossibly big vision for your life, and trust God to go before you.
2️⃣ To be BOLD we need to change our lens
When we pursue our dreams we will face opposition.(Numbers 13:33) When we stair at the obstacles in the way of our dreams we may feel like it’s impossible. But when we keep our faith and remember where the promise comes from, we can take bold steps to pursue all God had for us.
Q - Do you have challenges in your world that seem intimidating? Financial, relational, a bad habit, lack of self worth?
It may be time to change your lens and start to focus on what God has promised - what God has said - his purposes for you.
3️⃣ To be BOLD we need to identify the steps ahead
We can’t move when we don’t know where to place our feet.(John 16:33) Your faith will grow when you take steps to grow and trust God. (Romans 5:3-4)
Q - Have you identified your next steps to move closer to God and forward in your vision/dreams? Or is this an area you need to ask God to guide you in?
4️⃣ To be BOLD you need to use what is in your hand
(Exodus 4:2-3) Don’t be fooled into thinking you need more than you have to reach the vision God has given you. Moses felt unprepared, but God showed he can do the extraordinary with what we call ordinary. Start today being bold with what you have and the vision and dreams God has given you.
We can learn so much from the story of the Wright brothers who changed the world by revolutionising how we look at flying. Today, because of their bold dreams roughly 6 million people fly daily. Imagine what you might be capable of with God by your side. Being bold is not just what we do, it’s who we are (Proverbs 28:1).Here are four areas that will help us live boldly:1️⃣ To be BOLD we need visionVision starts on the inside. (Ephesians 4:24) Gods spirit is able to renew us and give us fresh vision for the future. Like the Wright brothers, we must believe that the impossible can be possible. How much more are we, who walk by faith and not by sight, able to achieve with God by our side!Q - what are the things that you have been or are most passionate about?We know that God can do what we can’t do (Matthew 19:26). Be bold enough to have an impossibly big vision for your life, and trust God to go before you.2️⃣ To be BOLD we need to change our lensWhen we pursue our dreams we will face opposition.(Numbers 13:33) When we stair at the obstacles in the way of our dreams we may feel like it’s impossible. But when we keep our faith and remember where the promise comes from, we can take bold steps to pursue all God had for us.Q - Do you have challenges in your world that seem intimidating? Financial, relational, a bad habit, lack of self worth?It may be time to change your lens and start to focus on what God has promised - what God has said - his purposes for you.3️⃣ To be BOLD we need to identify the steps aheadWe can’t move when we don’t know where to place our feet.(John 16:33) Your faith will grow when you take steps to grow and trust God. (Romans 5:3-4)Q - Have you identified your next steps to move closer to God and forward in your vision/dreams? Or is this an area you need to ask God to guide you in?4️⃣ To be BOLD you need to use what is in your hand(Exodus 4:2-3) Don’t be fooled into thinking you need more than you have to reach the vision God has given you. Moses felt unprepared, but God showed he can do the extraordinary with what we call ordinary. Start today being bold with what you have and the vision and dreams God has given you.
We just had our vision Sunday. On vision Sunday every year we have ‘a word’ that sets the direction that we are moving in. Last year it was FORWARD, and it truly did propel our church and so many individuals forward into all God had for them in 2023. But this year our new word is BOLD!
To be bold is to be confident, courageous, fearless, brave, and daring. Proverbs 28:1 NKJ says “…the righteous are as bold as a lion”. We are believing for bold dreams, bold prayers, and bold invitations in the year that lies ahead (read Ephesians 3:12 // Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
Q : Have you thought of some things that you are trusting and believing God for in 2024?
Q: How can you start to be bold before God as you trust him in your life?
Boldness is confidence, it’s knowing that when we pray in faith according to Gods word and live in obedience, that we will receive what we ask for. We have a faithful Father in heaven who is more than able!
Having a vision and a word for the year is about reminding us of our ‘why’. Why we do what we do. Why God has placed us where he has placed us. Why God has chosen us to reach out and impact the world around us. Vision helps us be effective in all we have been called and equipped for (read proverbs 29:18).
We need vision for every area of our life. Vision to give us confidence and direction. Don’t lose vision for your life. When you lose your ‘why’ you lose your way.
Reflect: Do you have an area in your life that needs a fresh vision to help you find your ‘why’ and your way? Consider your family / your church involvement / your social groups / your business / etc. Spend time with God and ask him to give you vision to walk in this year. Then be bold (confident and full of faith) as you step out in faith in 2024 and trust God to lead you in that vision.
Go to https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c0a0-TM8Y04 for the full message.
The world says that it’s normal to live with stress in an ever changing world. But as people of faith we should remember that we are people in the world but of the Kingdom. We need to shift our perspective. We have an unchanging God (Malachi 3:6 / Hebrews 13:8). Let us follow His ways above what the world says.
(Matthew 6:31-34)
God really cares about YOU and he knows what we need, but he still desires us to put Him first even above all our worries. He wants our focus to be on Him.
Q - Do you have things in your life that remind you to shift your focus back to God? (A scripture, song, quote or memory perhaps)
What we behold we become. To behold is to ‘observe and consider’. When we behold Him we become more like Him. When we behold the things of the world we become more stressed and anxious. But looking up - lifts up. When we fix our eyes to look up to God we find it lifts us up out of a place of worry. Focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).
Q - can you think of a difficult experience or situation when God was by your side? Have you known God’s peace, or joy, maybe it was a sense of hope, or comfort, etc?
When we choose to focus on God’s ways we can experience a flourishing and fulfilled life! His promise is to give us dreams and visions for the future when we focus on Him (Joel 2:28). Do you have a dream and a vision for the future? God is ready to do new things in your future. Prophesy about your future - speak the word of God into your life and into your future. Allow the Holy Spirit to make space in your life to give you hope for what is to come. But it all starts with putting our trust and focus in God first. (Psalms 37:3-4)
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
Welcome to 2024! We are excited to start the year with our annual week of prayer and fasting. As a church, fasting collectively has always advanced our lives and advanced the kingdom of God. All of the growth we have seen has been made possible by the power of prayer and fasting.
(Read 2 Kings 13:18-19)
In this passage, Elisha was angry with the king. Perhaps it was because the king had wasted an opportunity for greater victory. Every time God puts things before us we have an opportunity for breakthrough if we will choose to press in and go a little further. God sees so much potential in you, but he needs you to press in and take the opportunities.
We need to be intentional. To be intentional is to be deliberate and to do something on purpose. God wants us to be intentional with him, his word, and with his ways. (Read Ecclesiastes 10:10) When we are intentional prayer and fasting is how we sharpen our spiritual axe. It enables us to do what God is calling us to.
Are you living a healthy spiritual life? Consider how you eat, sleep, and exercise in terms of your spiritual life.
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
We're delighted to have you with us for this week's podcast. We upload a fresh podcast every week, so if you enjoyed this one, we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Additionally, if you're nearby, why not drop by one of our campuses? We'd be thrilled to meet you and enjoy a coffee together.
(Proverbs 4:23) Solomon instructs us to “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Our lives go in the direction of our heart and it’s up to us to protect it.
There are four aspects to the heart that we need to understand in order to be people who guard our hearts.
1️⃣ Our intellectual capacity
How we think about ourselves, our purpose, and even about God will determine the direction we are going to go.
2️⃣ Emotional capacity
Emotions are important, but we can’t let them direct our lives.
Q - in what ways can you protect the emotional capacity of your heart?
3️⃣ Volitional capacity
This is your will. The determination when you set your heart to move in a certain direction. It’s that inner resolve that refuses to quit.
4️⃣ moral capacity
That is the value system you have to determine right from wrong (Mark 7:21). The moral compass is part of what makes up our heart.
When Solomon tells us to guard our heart he is referring to protecting all of these areas and that it should be our top priority to guard our heart. The enemy wants to take you off course. We need to maintain an intensity in protecting our hearts.
Solomon gives us the blueprint to do this.
1️⃣ Control our tongue
(Proverbs 4:24) What we say has the power to bring life or death. Pay attention to what comes from your mouth, because it all comes from the heart. The same is true for our texts and what we say through our messages. Be careful of gossip (Proverbs 11:13).
Be aware of your tone when you speak (Proverbs 15:1). Our words are a reflection of our heart.
2️⃣ Fix our eyes
(Proverbs 4:25) Make sure you are paying attention to what has your attention. There are many things we can do with our eyes. We could be looking back to what has happened. Living in regret and focusing on the mistakes that were made. We could be looking around us and comparing, but comparison is the thief of joy. Instead let’s look forward and fix our eyes on Jesus! Stay focused on what God has called you to.
Q - what are some of the things we can do to help us fix our eyes on Jesus?
3️⃣ Watch our steps
(Proverbs 4:26-27) We need to keep moving in the direction that God is calling us to walk in. Walk into those areas where God moves your heart. Predetermine to submit your steps to Him.
Q - what does it look like for you to submit your steps to God?
In any healthy relationship there needs to be growth, and if we want to grow in our lives and in our faith then we need to prioritise growing in our relationship with God. The way we do that is by paying attention to the areas where He invites us into deeper relationship.God cares for you the way a close friend would. He cares about what’s on your heart and wants to have a relationship with you. Often in the season where we struggle on our own it’s because we have drifted away from Him. But He is still waiting in that place you left Him, ready to move forward with you again!Q - how would you describe your relationship with God to someone who has never had one?Matthew 7:24:-25 reminds us that we can have a relationship with God that can see us through even the toughest of times. And God wants this for each of us. He doesn’t just want us to know of Jesus, but he wants us to experience the life-changing power that a relationship with Jesus brings.So how can we continue to grow with God?1️⃣ Spend time getting to know GodEphesians 3:12 reminds us that we can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. That means you can know God is a very real and personal way. Spend time getting to know the person, the presence, and the power of Jesus (Romans 8:1-4).2️⃣ Listen for His voiceThe power a relationship can have on us is only made real when we learn to listen. Matthew 7:24 says that anyone who “listens”… is wise. God has answers to the questions we live with, so we should listen to hear the heart of God (Romans 10:17).Start each day in conversation with God and in his word ready to listen for when he speaks to you. Q - how has listening for Gods voice grown your relationship with the Father? 3️⃣ Follow Jesus boldlyFollowing is what should come from listening to God. In this world people follow many things, but what we follow matters. The only way to live in the freedom and victory that God offers is to follow Jesus. Romans 5:1-5 tells us what this life looks like when we accept the invitation from Jesus to follow him.4️⃣ Learn to surrender to HimThe change that God brings to our lives is always for the better. It’s always in our best interest. We need to allow God to shape us by surrendering to His will. We can trust in him because he is a good Father (Luke 11:10-13). He truly loves you and is inviting you to move forward in relationship with him!
In any healthy relationship there needs to be growth, and if we want to grow in our lives and in our faith then we need to prioritise growing in our relationship with God. The way we do that is by paying attention to the areas where He invites us into deeper relationship.
God cares for you the way a close friend would. He cares about what’s on your heart and wants to have a relationship with you. Often in the season where we struggle on our own it’s because we have drifted away from Him. But He is still waiting in that place you left Him, ready to move forward with you again!
Q - how would you describe your relationship with God to someone who has never had one?
Matthew 7:24:-25 reminds us that we can have a relationship with God that can see us through even the toughest of times. And God wants this for each of us. He doesn’t just want us to know of Jesus, but he wants us to experience the life-changing power that a relationship with Jesus brings.
So how can we continue to grow with God?
1️⃣ Spend time getting to know God
Ephesians 3:12 reminds us that we can come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. That means you can know God is a very real and personal way. Spend time getting to know the person, the presence, and the power of Jesus (Romans 8:1-4).
2️⃣ Listen for His voice
The power a relationship can have on us is only made real when we learn to listen. Matthew 7:24 says that anyone who “listens”… is wise. God has answers to the questions we live with, so we should listen to hear the heart of God (Romans 10:17).
Start each day in conversation with God and in his word ready to listen for when he speaks to you.
Q - how has listening for Gods voice grown your relationship with the Father?
3️⃣ Follow Jesus boldly
Following is what should come from listening to God. In this world people follow many things, but what we follow matters. The only way to live in the freedom and victory that God offers is to follow Jesus. Romans 5:1-5 tells us what this life looks like when we accept the invitation from Jesus to follow him.
4️⃣ Learn to surrender to Him
The change that God brings to our lives is always for the better. It’s always in our best interest. We need to allow God to shape us by surrendering to His will. We can trust in him because he is a good Father (Luke 11:10-13). He truly loves you and is inviting you to move forward in relationship with him!
When God can trust us to be faithful in the ordinary then he can take us into the extraordinary. When we are faithful in the routine, something is happening that we can’t see. Spiritual muscles are being strengthen and we are being prepared for what is ahead. And the routines of life are not always exciting but they are necessary to become all God has created us to be. Remember that God will always put bigger things in your spirit before they come to pass. David was anointed to be king at an early age but he still had to be faithful in the shepherds fields. David had to pass the test of being faithful in the ordinary even when he knew he had a greater anointing. Q: what are some of the day to day things God is calling you to be faithful in?Are you being faithful and excellent where you are now? You won’t move forward unless you learn to give your best where God has you right now. It’s not the big things that hold most people back but it’s the small things.The bible tells many great stories of the heroes of faith in the bible, but the truth is those events account for just a few days in their lives. Most of their days were ordinary. We can’t live for the big events alone. Instead we must learn to enjoy where God has us now. Psalm 118:24 says this is the day the Lord has made! Q: What do you do to remain faithful and enjoy where God has you now?The bible tells us how God is the potter and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:6) and shaping us means going around in circles. If we choose to step away from that because it’s too ordinary or boring, we miss the opportunity to be shaped into something great.Q: Discuss how we might discover what God is trying to teach us in the ordinary seasons of life.The Israelites were told by God to march around the walls of Jericho, which may have seemed pointless, but when you are faithful in the routine, God can make things happen that you could never make happen on your own (Psalm 18:29). Marching around the city was their test.(Psalms 110:1) No person can keep you from the destiny God has for you. Don’t speak negatively or turn away from Him. Trust Him to take you into your future (Romans 8:28). Guard your heart and stay encouraged. God is faithful to the end!
(Read Jeremiah 12:1-6) The same God who spoke to Jeremiah is speaking to us today. And He is challenging us saying, “don’t get stuck”. (Jeremiah 29:11) We know God wants us to keep moving forward!
The Israelites prayed to God to save them from Egypt and he heard them and saved them. When they were faced with a sea in front of them and an army behind them (Exodus 14:13-20) God made a way for them to cross over safely. And when they were in the desert, God provided for his people everyday and yet they still complained and wanted to go back to being slaves.
They wanted everything to go back to the way it was but for everything to have changed. But it is impossible for everything to change while also having everything stay the same.
God went on to show them the promised land, yet there were many who doubted because they knew that is was impossible in their own strength. Actually it never had anything to do with their ability but only about God’s ability.
Q: In our everyday lives, what does it look like to trust in God’s ability and not your own?
But for the Israelites, even after seeing all the miracles they had seen, they still got stuck between where they had come from and the promise that was ahead of them. God doesn’t want us to get stuck the same way again. He wants you to move forward.
Q: What are some things in your life or from your past that you refuse to allow to hold you back from the plans and purposes God has for you?
Here are a few points to keep ourselves from getting stuck and keep moving forward with God:
1️⃣ Ask the question: What do you want?
(Read John 5:1-9) In this story of Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda, we are reminded that we have to want to change. We have to verbalise and understand what we want to change in our lives.
2️⃣ Your world will change.
Often we don’t want the change, but just like the man who Jesus healed we have to want the change and then move forward in that change.
3️⃣ You need to trust God in the process.
We can only get the end result if we follow the instructions. We cannot bypass the the confrontation that comes with change.
4️⃣ We need to believe it
We need to believe that God is able to do what he has promised to do! He was faithful then and he is faithful now.
The kingdom of God needs built people. People who spend intentional time building their lives to walk with God through challenges and pressures of life. We aren’t supposed to be shaped by media, trends, or popular opinions. God wants to build us to have a greater impact in this world. There is an inner and an outer anointing on your life. The outer represents your talents, skills, gifts and abilities. But the inner anointing is character and integrity. Those spiritual disciplines and habits that shape our lives. Those things you do beyond a Sunday service.Q: Do you spend time building your life in Christ outside of a Sunday? How?We don’t need spiritual ‘highs’ alone. We also need spiritual consistency. Being built Christian’s means having some spiritual consistency in our everyday life.God is building you for the many years ahead of you, not just today! So how is God wanting us to be built:1️⃣ Be built differentWhen we are built different we aren’t built by this culture norms. What builds us is the faithfulness of God. It’s his Word that shapes us and his Spirit that leads our lives. In Mark 14:3 we see that Mary pours our a very expensive perfume on Jesus. She was fully invested in giving her life to Jesus. She took the step to do what no one in the room was willing to do.[Reflect and consider the last time you changed your schedule or inconvenienced your own plans for God. ]2️⃣ Be built devotedWe need to have an eternal longing to remain devoted to God and his call on our lives. Devotion is proven when no one is watching. In Mark 14:3 we see the devotion of Mary that brought her into the presence of Jesus. Her faithfulness wasn’t limited by the customs of the day. She was fully devoted to bringing her best to Jesus. It’s never a waste to be excessive in our devotion to God! Q: Why do you think it is so important that we live with a greater devotion to God in this day and age?3️⃣ Be built dangerousThere is too much working against the Kingdom of God for us to be timid. We need to be ‘dangerous’ and effective for the kingdom of God! Mary broke the jar of perfume in the house of Simon the Leper, which would have brought a new smell into the house. [ Ask yourself what your “breaking” is bringing. Do your decisions bring you closer to Jesus?]When we live dangerously there is an aroma of power to our lives and our decisions. The love of God is a fragrance that can bring new life to each of us! Let’s be built Christian’s.
Are you still holding onto the promises that God has given you and stepping into the dreams and desire God has planted in your heart? This week Caelan shared how we need to intentionally push forward and above all “don’t stop believing.”
God can still move in 2023! Here are 4 things that can help us finish this year strong and see the breakthrough that we are trusting God for:1️⃣ Words shape our worlds(Prov 18:21) What we speak about matters. Our words lead to actions and reactions. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) It’s up to us to speak into the things that God has set before us (Psalms 118:24).Q: Have you experienced how speaking with a positive expectation rooted in faith invites God move in your life?2️⃣ Input creates outputIt’s the small consistent things we do that bring the results we are looking for.Q: Do you consciously think about the things you watch, listen to, and read, and do you consider how they influence your actions?(1 Peter 5:8) We need to make sure that we aren’t leaving a back door open for the enemy to come into our lives by the things that we allow in our lives.3️⃣ It’s not owedThe world does not owe us anything but by God’s grace it is given to us. (Prov 14:23) God, in fact rewards hard work and he provides for the needs of the godly (prov 10:3-5).Q: How can we work and live in such a way that we show thankfulness to God for his grace and provision? (Col 3:23-24)4️⃣ Tired is a target(1 Kings 19:4-8) A tired mind is an easy target and can lead to an unhealthy perspective of life. Resting in God will renew your strength. Make sure you have moments when you stop, pause and rest in God’s presence.If we walk with Jesus then we will walk into the amazing future he has for us! Don’t stop believing.
Every week, Church on the Rock streams the in person message on podcast. This week is about the importance of remaining in Jesus from our senior pastor.
You can’t please everyone - even Jesus who was perfect couldn’t make everyone happy. If you want to please someone, please God and choose purpose over popularity! Living for the approval of people keeps you from the purposes of God. If you don’t know the purpose of your life, you’ll misuse it - ask your creator about your purpose - then live in it. We please God when we live according to his purposes!
Q - In your own words, what is purpose? And do you know what your purpose is?
3 thoughts about the power of purpose
1️⃣ Purpose diminishes distractions
A big distraction is ‘comparison’. Like Nehemiah, we need to recognise the daily good work God has called us to and not live for the approval of people.
2️⃣ Purpose pushes us through the pain.
We all face pain at some point when opposition comes against us, but we can’t let that process pull us away from our walk with God.
3️⃣ Purpose empowers you to please God
Moses walked faithfully in his purpose and in so doing pleased God. (Acts 5:29) When we choose to obey and follow God rather than people we live a life that pleases God.
Q - When in your life have you chosen calling over comfort?
You can’t please everyone - even Jesus who was perfect couldn’t make everyone happy. If you want to please someone, please God and choose purpose over popularity! Living for the approval of people keeps you from the purposes of God. If you don’t know the purpose of your life, you’ll misuse it - ask your creator about your purpose - then live in it. We please God when we live according to his purposes! Q - In your own words, what is purpose? And do you know what your purpose is?3 thoughts about the power of purpose1️⃣ Purpose diminishes distractionsA big distraction is ‘comparison’. Like Nehemiah, we need to recognize the daily good work God has called us to and not live for the approval of people. 2️⃣ Purpose pushes us through the pain.We all face pain at some point when opposition comes against us, but we can’t let that process pull us away from our walk with God.3️⃣ Purpose empowers you to please GodMoses walked faithfully in his purpose and in so doing pleased God. (Acts 5:29) When we choose to obey and follow God rather than people we live a life that pleases God.Q - When in your life have you chosen calling over comfort?
The difference between those who are fulfilled in life (great meaningful relationships, strong finances, enjoying ministry & life) and those who aren’t is not talent, intelligence or even appearance. The direction of our lives is due to the decisions we make. If your life is moving in the direction of your decisions, do you like the direction your decisions are taking you? The decisions we make in a moment can impact us for a life time - so how do we make better decisions? We PRE-DECIDE!
Discussion:
🚩What would you say is your weakness in some of your bad decision making - decision fatigue, being scared of making the wrong choice or letting emotions overrule your logic?
🚩 One of the best ways to live a forward-looking, people-loving, God-glorifying life is to decide BEFORE what you will do later. What strong pre-decisions would you like to make? Decide like this:
When faced with _____ (this situation), I have pre-decided to ____ (take this action). Now pray and ask God to help you stay faithful to the decisions you have made.
This past Sunday was our birthday and Heart for the House service, where we got together to sow into our future as a church! We came together to believe for God to do more than we could ever hope or imagine as he builds his church through US collectively.
God doesn’t want any of us to go through life and miss the point of why we are here. We are all here to play a unique role in building His church and glorifying His name. As we truly start to understand God’s heart we find the joy and peace that this life can bring us.
Q - Have you ever experienced the joy and peace that comes from putting God first in your life?
(John 12:24 / 26) A seed has no purpose unless it is planted. The potential for growth and harvest lives inside the seed, that is inside of the harvest. And so each of us are the product of seeds that have been sown into our lives. The problem comes when we choose to either store or consume everything that has been invested into us. We should always seek to be a blessing first, and then we can reap the benefits second. (Prov 3:27)
Q - Can you a think of time when your generosity (whether it be with time, energy, or finances) made a difference in someone else’s life?
Just like the pressure it take to make olive oil or wine, there is a lot of pressure that comes against us when we do good things for others, but the end product is always worth it. Jesus knew that pressure. He died for his Church, and so if it matters that much to God then there is nothing more worthy of our seed. (Gal 6:10) We are all called to sow seeds of time, seeds of talent, and seeds of treasure to glorify God and so others may live. (John 12:26)
Thank you for all you have sown faithfully and believed God for! It’s because of the equal sacrifice of many that we are able to praise God for all He has done through us. Have an expectation for the future! Because the best is yet to come.
Imagine approaching a new group of people to ask to sit with them and they just answer, “sorry, this seat is taken”.
We can also live a life that does not have room for new people, or we can choose to make space for new people at our table.
The one way of living is self-serving with a small impact. The other way invites new people in and has a great impact on the lives of others! That is a life of legacy and the life God wants us to live.
(Read 2 Samuel 9:1-2)
Our default setting is to think of ourselves. But like David we need to be looking for ways to show God’s kindness to others, even when there is no benefit for us. We need to enter each day being a blessing first. Not seeking benefit first.
Q - How can we become more outward focused and blessing minded to others in our daily walk with God?
David brought Mephibosheth from Lo Debar ( which means “No Thing”) and gave him a seat in the palace. David brought him from nothing (a place of no hope and no vision) and restored his honour and hope for the future.
Q - Who do you have in your world that God is calling you to invite to his table? Maybe spend some time this week and ask God who you need to invite in.
We are a Church that is committed to reaching people who have yet to be reached! Heart for the House Sunday is a chance to come together and give to the vision that is working to reach people beyond ourselves. It’s about moving forward because God has more for us to do!
Q - Have you spent time asking God how he wants you to be a blessing to others in this Heart for The House season?
We have all been in that place of Lo Debar (the place of nothing). But thank God that we received that invitation to the Kings table. Now we have a hope and a future. But now it’s our opportunity and responsibility to make room for others at the table.
God’s grace and his mission for his church to reach the lost and lonely should never end with us. It’s all so others may live!
Without faith it is impossible to please God. If we want to step out to take new ground then we need to take faith steps to move into our future!The passage Ps. Jan shared with us this Sunday is out of 2 kings 3:7-20. It is a story of moving forward in faith! Here we find that king Jehoshaphat travels with 2 other kings to overcome their enemy, only to later realise they had no water for their men or animals in the desert. As a result Jehoshaphat insists that they turn to the prophet of God Elisha to ask God to intervene. Because of king Jehoshaphat’s presence, who was a godly man, Elisha was willing to help them. Verse 15-20 tells us how God was able to miraculously provide them with water. 1️⃣ Your challenge is faith’s opportunityThe need is necessary to produce faith and for us to grow. God doesn’t want us to be the same, and the challenges we face invite us to have faith!Q - In this season what challenges are you facing or have you faced that called you to have greater faith in God?We need to be strong and very courageous to see the plans and purposes of God come to pass in our lives (Joshua 1:9). Having faith is not a once off event but it is a lifestyle of pressing into God and trusting Him.2️⃣ The Word is faith’s foundationBecause the 3 kings now had a word from God they had hope that God could save them. In moments and seasons like this where God stretches us, we know that pushback comes and it can be hard and uncomfortable. But do we let the Word of God direct our lives? Even if it means God’s way is harder than our own way. Because faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. Is his Word your foundation?Q - how does God’s Word direct your life, even through the tough seasons?3️⃣ Moving forward is faiths testIf we do not move then faith cannot be tested. The 3 kings didn’t have to respond to the Word from the Prophet. It was their choice to trust God, and thankfully doing it God’s way has nothing to do with our ability.Q - Do you know what God is telling you to trust him in and are you ready to start moving in faith?Spend some time in prayer and the Word and discover what God is calling you to trust him in.
This week Ps. Mark tackled the question; how do we know if it is God speaking to us? Just as we would recognise the voice of a loved one, we can also recognise God’s voice in a world with a lot of noise. But responding to the voice of God is a faith exercise. (John 10:3-5) We can’t only step out on our opinions or best efforts. We need to step out in faith.5 ways to test if something is from God:1️⃣ Does it line up with the word of God?We need to know what scripture has already said on the matter. (Psalms 19:7-8) His word helps us navigate our lives.Q - Has scripture helped you understand God’s will for you life in the past? Share some examples.2️⃣ Does it make me more like Christ?God will not lead us down a path that doesn’t make us more like Jesus. (Philippians 2:5) Our desires need to be taken captive and made obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). 3️⃣ Does godly counsel agree?These people show the fruit of the Spirit in their lives without pretending to be overly religious. They have a good track record following God. (Proverbs 12:15)Q - Who do you have in your life that you can turn to for godly council?A common mistake is asking for advice when you have already made up your mind. Or only asking people who you know will tell you what you want to hear. (Proverbs 19:20-21)4️⃣ Do I have peace?Only once we have reflected on Gods word, considered if it is making us more like Christ, and sought godly counsel, then we can ask ourselves whether we have peace in our hearts. (Philippians 4:6-7) Remember that that faith is what brings peace, even when we feel afraid to step out into new territory. So, fear is expected.5️⃣ Does it stretch me?God will never leave you where you are. He is always growing us to more like Jesus. We always have another faith step to take in our lives. (Hebrews 11:16)_Q - what are the next faiths steps that God is calling up to take? _Spend some time prayerfully considering where God’s voice is calling you to step out in faith.
One area most people struggle to move forward in faith is generosity. Jesus himself speaks on money frequently in the gospels.
This Sunday Ps. Mark taught on 3 dimensions of giving that will change our lives if we move forward in all of them.
Moving Forward is a posture, but importantly it is also an action. It is observable in your life.
It is the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Abraham acted in faith when God called on him to be obedient. He showed us faith in action.
Q: Can you recall a time in your life when you stepped out in faith and God was faithful?
3 DIMENSIONS OF GIVING
1️⃣ Spontaneous giving
This is giving often driven by compassion. We see a need and our heart is moved to give. It is spontaneous.
2️⃣ Strategic giving
This is when you have predetermined your generosity. This is value-based giving. When something is important to you, you plan for it.
Our tithe is how we give strategically. (Leviticus 27:30) Our tithe is simply a tenth of all our income that belongs to God, and we return it to God. (Proverbs 3:9-10) It is holy (set apart) to God and is the first 10 percent of all our income. Tithing teaches our hearts to honour and trust God.
Q: in what ways have you experienced God’s continued faithfulness after tithing faithfully? Share some testimonies from the group.
(Read Malachi 3:6-12) Tithing says to God that we truly and fully trust Him with every area of our lives. Remember you don’t tithe because God is after your money, but rather because God is after your heart. (Matthew 6:21)
3️⃣ Sacrificial giving
This is when we give generously at a level that costs us. (2 Samuel 24:24). It’s when we can be generous above our spontaneous giving and after we have bring the tithe. It’s at that point that sacrificial giving starts to become an expression of the grace we have received from God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) The Macedonian churches were in this place of giving beyond! And through this building into the Kingdom of God and into the lives of others.
Q: Do you believe God can use you to build His Kingdom and impact the lives of others through your FAITHFUL GENEROSITY?
One area most people struggle to move forward in faith is generosity. Jesus himself speaks on money frequently in the gospels.
This Sunday Ps. Mark taught on 3 dimensions of giving that will change our lives if we move forward in all of them.
Moving Forward is a posture, but importantly it is also an action. It is observable in your life.
It is the evidence of things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Abraham acted in faith when God called on him to be obedient. He showed us faith in action.
Q: Can you recall a time in your life when you stepped out in faith and God was faithful?
3 DIMENSIONS OF GIVING
1️⃣ Spontaneous giving
This is giving often driven by compassion. We see a need and our heart is moved to give. It is spontaneous.
2️⃣ Strategic giving
This is when you have predetermined your generosity. This is value-based giving. When something is important to you, you plan for it.
Our tithe is how we give strategically. (Leviticus 27:30) Our tithe is simply a tenth of all our income that belongs to God, and we return it to God. (Proverbs 3:9-10) It is holy (set apart) to God and is the first 10 percent of all our income. Tithing teaches our hearts to honour and trust God.
Q: in what ways have you experienced God’s continued faithfulness after tithing faithfully? Share some testimonies from the group.
(Read Malachi 3:6-12) Tithing says to God that we truly and fully trust Him with every area of our lives. Remember you don’t tithe because God is after your money, but rather because God is after your heart. (Matthew 6:21)
3️⃣ Sacrificial giving
This is when we give generously at a level that costs us. (2 Samuel 24:24). It’s when we can be generous above our spontaneous giving and after we have bring the tithe. It’s at that point that sacrificial giving starts to become an expression of the grace we have received from God. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) The Macedonian churches were in this place of giving beyond! And through this building into the Kingdom of God and into the lives of others.
Q: Do you believe God can use you to build His Kingdom and impact the lives of others through your FAITHFUL GENEROSITY?
Have you ever built a very large puzzle with many small pieces? If you have, you would have found that looking at one piece without the full picture doesn’t make much sense. James teaches us likewise, that seeing the bigger picture can help us to make sense of the pieces that make up our lives. (James 5:8)
We need to live for Gods greater eternal plan, not only for today or for ourselves here on earth. There is a bigger picture at work.
Q - How do you think we can practically live our lives with an eternal perspective?
James helps us by sharing 4 things to help us live with an eternal perspective:
1️⃣ Our time is short (James 4:13-14) There is no promise of a future that favors our own plans. But what is true is Gods eternal plan for each of our lives.
Q: How would you live life and what choices would you make if you knew you would be face to face with God in few days time?
2️⃣ Our pursuit is God’s purpose (James 4:15-17) All we do and all we aim to pursue in our lives should be submitted to the will and purposes of God.
Q - How can we go about our careers and family life, still living in submission to God’s will and greater purposes?
3️⃣ Our blessings are meant to bless (James 5:1-6) James is reminding us that God has blessed us, but also warns us to not think that it was a blessing given only for self indulgence. We are blessed to be a blessing, so others may live!
4️⃣ Our lives here are temporary (James 5:7-8) Don’t set your heart on things of this life. Set your heart on things above and keep your eyes on the bigger picture. God’s greater plan for all of His children.
Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services on podcast. This week we are continuing our series on Why God, Why? Part 4 by Ps. Jared Cerfonteyn.
Every Sunday, The Rock streams their church services. So why not join us at 10 am.
// WHY GOD, WHY? PART 3? //
We all face battles that we have to trust God with, today we find out how we can grow to trust God.
This week in our WHY GOD, WHY? message series we answer the question “Why should I trust God?”
// WHY GOD, WHY? PART 2 //
// WHY DIDN’T GOD ANSWER IT? //
Prayer can be both powerful, and confusing. Elijah prayed and brought down fire from heaven, Daniel prayed and was protected from lions. Amazing, right? So why are some prayers answered and some not? This Sunday we learned it comes down to the purpose of prayer; God doesn’t exist to serve us, we exist to serve Him and do HIS will. Prayer exists to help US KNOW GOD BETTER; so we always should consider our relationships, motivations and God’s will when we ask, “Why God, didn’t you answer it?”
• What initial thoughts do you have when you think about prayer?
• Read Mark 11:24-25. Talk about a time when you learned how your relationships with others can impact your relationship with God. Why do you think God cares about our relationships with others?
• On a scale of 1-10, where would your rate your faith in the power of prayer? Why did you give yourself that rating? How can you move your answer closer to 10?
• Share about a time when God didn’t answer a prayer the way you thought He should. What did you learn through that experience?
// WHY GOD, WHY? PART 1 //
“God is good, all the time.” We love to say it, but here is a question: have you ever doubted that God IS good? There has always been and will always be suffering, pain and tragedy in the world and in our lives. If God is loving, why would he allow suffering? The answer is this: If love is a choice, suffering is a possibility. If it is possible to love, it is possible to hurt. We have all been given the power of free will, the ability to choose right or wrong, love or hate, and it is our access to free will that makes suffering and evil in this world possible. God gives us our free will because He loves us and He wants us to choose Him & love Him back. He isn’t a dictator, He is your Father. So why then do bad things happen to good people? This question is near impossible to answer. Even Jesus who never ever sinned faced the suffering of the cross. It’s not that God doesn’t love people, He loved His son ever so greatly. But even His son had to face suffering so that greater things could come. So what we do know is this: Suffering is never easy, but out of suffering we find: Blessing—Forgiveness—Freedom—Victory! That’s how good our God is, He can find good in the the bad and set you up for blessing. Something better is coming. It might not seem fair right now and at the moment you might doubt His goodness, but over a lifetime, we always see his faithfulness - we see God is good. All the time.
This week we received a word that shared on “The Father heart of God”. It was a message that reminds us of the incredible love God has for each of us.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uRtM9OXE7_U
(Read Ephesians 1:3-6 TPT) The more we get to know God the more we understand how much we have to be thankful for. How much we can praise him for being a good Father. Consider praise as gratitude towards God for who He is. We should approach God with thanksgiving and gratitude in our hearts.
Question: How do you approach God? How do you show God gratitude?
We don’t need to try win God’s approval by our performance. Jesus was enough for us to receive the amazing grace of God. (Read John 1:11) Through Jesus we are born again into His family! We are adopted into the family of God. You were chosen.
Question: What are some of the things that you can be thankful to God for?
You may not have had a perfect earthly father, but Psalm 68:5-6 teaches us that God is “A Father of the fatherless”. Romans 8:15 reminds us we are adopted into his family and we now can call him “Abba Father” (a dad 🤗).
Discussion: Discuss and share how you have come to know and experience the Father heart of God in your life.
1️⃣ My debt is paid in full. Romans 8:1
Question: Can you identify areas in your life where you have tried to get closer to God through performance?
We can only understand grace when we understand the depth of sin and the great price that Jesus alone was able to pay.
2️⃣ I have been set free. Romans 8:2-4
Question: Just like a mirror only reveals things to us but cannot change them, we in our own might cannot remove sin from our lives by our works. Jesus is the ONLY one who can meet the penalty and remove the power of sin. Have you experienced this truth of freedom in Christ in your life?
We are now free from sin. We should not accept that sin rules us, but rather be compelled by God’s love to change by the power of the new spirit at work in us through a process of transformation.
3️⃣ I can govern my mind Romans 8:5-8
Question: Think about those times you are not at church. How often do you find that you intentionally govern your mind and thoughts to think on the things of the Spirit? Or do you tend to go into autopilot mode?
4️⃣ I have new power. Romans 8:9-11
The Holy Spirit is our seal of salvation and gives us new power to live this Christian life (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead)!
Question: How can we as Christian’s access this new power we have and walk in it daily?
This week we heard a message on part 2 of moving forward financially, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DcjrSVxz8Ts
Observation: Pastor Mark raises the question; what does it look like to be rich to God? And we discover that it looks like generosity. Generosity will bring you closer to God and make your world larger. But what is generosity all about?
Discuss the following points from the message and then spend some time on the reflective questions.
- It’s about order
Read exodus 13:1-2
Q: Is God first in your life and your heart?
- it’s about value
Read exodus 13:11-13
Q: am I giving God my best? (Exodus 23:19).
- It’s about obedience
Read Leviticus 27:30 // Malachi 3:8-11
Q: Have I been stewarding my resources in obedience to Gods principles?
- It’s about legacy
Read Exodus 13:14
Q: is my life a testimony of God’s faithfulness to the next generation?
As you reflect and apply God’s principles, ask God to guide you onto your next step. As you draw near to God he will draw near to you, and you will continue to move forward in your finances.
Constant financial stress is so common today. You can’t fully pursue the purposes God has for you if you are always under financial pressures; and if you don’t live by His principles you will end up living by the worlds pressure.
(Read Luke 12:13-21 NIV) Here are some principles we can apply to our lives:
1️⃣ God does not measure success the way we measure success.
You are more than what you make. Everything we have, God has given us and we are simply stewards of what we have been given. (Read Ecclesiastes 2:11)
2️⃣ God is your source.
Everything we have is a result of the blessings God has given us.
Yes we have to do the work, but we do not do it all by our own ability and strength - it is God. So don’t just quit, life requires hard work from you, but God is the one who brings the increase. (Read Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
3️⃣ Do you have a plan?
Would you trust an investor with your money, if that investor did not have a plan? In the same way God wants to trust us with more, so we need a plan and we need margins. (Read Proverbs 21:20)
3 practical tips to take in our lives:
- Face the facts
(Read Psalm 51:5-6) Only then can we press forward into the best God has for us!
- Create a plan
(Read Proverbs 16:3) Take steps to create margins and make the adjustments that are needed to move forward.
- Start today
(Read James 1:22-25) Put God first today and commit to his principles.
It will take courage and consistency, but God will take you from strength to strength as you put Him first.
In the book of Ruth we are taught a beautiful story of redemption and how God is able to restore lives when hearts are turned to him. When we look at Naomi’s life, we see how God was able to use her faithfulness to bless and restore others.(Ruth 1:6) Here we find Naomi making a choice to move back towards God, after having drifted from Him through a series of bad life choices. This is what we can learn from her life:1️⃣ She was genuine.Her love for her daughters-in-law was genuine (Ruth 1:14) and Ruth stayed with her because of that. We need to build strong relationships with those close to us. 2️⃣ She shared her faith(Ruth 1:15-16) Ruth only knew about Naomi’s God because she would have shared her faith. We have the same opportunities and responsibility to share our faith with others.3️⃣ She was a protector(Ruth 2:22) Naomi instructed Ruth in ways to protect herself. Her heart was to help Ruth and see her safe and prosperous.4️⃣ She was a coach(Ruth 3:1) She wanted to set Ruth up for success and went to great lengths to provide for her. She wanted God’s blessing on Ruth.5️⃣ She received a kingdom blessing(Ruth 4:14) The blessings on Ruth and her family influenced generations! Naomi’s nurturing heart blessed so many people beyond herself. And God’s love for each person is even greater than we could ever comprehend.
God is the best gift giver! He gives us the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). He also gives us the gift of spiritual gifts. Jesus came to pour out the Spirit on all people to be used in this life. Not just a select few religious leaders, but all of us who are open to receive it. This is the priesthood of all believers! (Ephesians 4:11-12).
A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability that God gives each of us so that together we can advance his purposes in the world.
How do you start moving forward in your spiritual gifting?
1️⃣ You must discover the gift God has for you.
(Romans 12:6)
What is your divine purpose?
To answer that we must look in our design (psalm 139). You are uniquely made. When we don’t operate in our gift then we don’t feel fulfilled. And when we don’t feel fulfilled we don’t live on purpose.
2️⃣ You must develop your gift.
How? Trial and error. Serve where there is a need and then move into the area you are called to.
Try - step out - and then fan it into flame what God has put inside you (2 Timothy 1:6).
3️⃣ You must use your gift.
(1 Peter 4:10) Are we using and managing our gift well? Because the gift isn’t for you, it’s for God’s generosity to flow through you!
And as we serve God & others with our gifts we receive the “well done” of heaven.
Moving forward with God requires being actively involved in our own lives, as we put our faith in Him daily. Jesus teaches us (Matthew 21:28-32) that doing God’s will means changing our hearts and minds and putting action to our faith. This faith is accomplished by remembering:1. Faith that works is more important than faith with works. Trust God to do what only he can do and put him at the centre of your life.2. God’s mission is the foundation for our daily decisions. (Ephesians 1:18-19) We are ultimately a part of a greater mission that God has called us to.3. Our vision needs God’s greater provision. Have a greater expectation for God to move in your life!God goes before us, and he gives us what we need to walk forward into that future.1. He give you protection(Psalms 118:5-7) Jesus is with us in every situation. He is in the boat with us and he is able to calm the storms in our life.2. He gives you wisdom(James 1:5-6) Wisdom will help us guide our way through tough seasons and brings confidence and happiness (Proverbs 3:18).3. He gives you ability Act and move with confidence in the gifts and abilities God has given you (Ephesians 2:10).4. He gives you favour(Proverbs 3:33) Our future is good. Be expectant for God to move. Be ready to run through the door when God opens it!
Eternity is a reality for each of us (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Jesus himself taught his disciples about what the Kingdom of heaven is like, and how we should be prepared for eternity.
Like on a GPS, God has a route planned out for your life, with a destination in mind. How can we move forward in our lives in the natural and the supernatural with God? Jonathan teaches us to:1. Sharpen our tools:(1 Samuel 13:19-22)The enemy will try take away your spiritual weapons to convince you that you have no hope. This is when we need to sharpen our tools and press on to see victory.2. Start moving:(1 Samuel 14:6-7)Moving forward requires steps of faith, but remaining where you are will limit your future.3. Trust in God:(1 Samuel 14:8-15)Trust that God will guide your steps and that he is faithful to take care of the results.But, like with the driver in Fast & Furious: Tokyo drift (who was seen crashing in the beginning of the movie) you can’t react to what God is doing in your life without traction. So how do we manage the move of God in our life?1. Don’t loose traction:We need traction because God is the God of “and suddenly”. Pressing into God’s word will give us the peace we need when God moves. (Psalm 16:8-9)2. Look where you are going, not where you have been:God is taking us into our future, so don’t get distracted by your past; but keep your eyes on God.3.Know what waits for you at the end:Because of Jesus we have a hope and a future, so let’s embrace the unknown and leap into what God has for us!SCRIPTUREPsalm 16:8-9“I keep my eyes always on the Lord.With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,“
Like on a GPS, God has a route planned out for your life, with a destination in mind. But unlike a GPS we cannot see the entire route overview before hand. Instead we must have faith and trust God to lead us each step of the way. (Psalm 119:105) A lamp implies that you have just enough light to see ahead of you, and not all the way to the end of the route.(Hebrews 11:8) Abraham had to trust God to lead him even though no final destination was given. But he understood that not having all the answers didn’t mean we should never step out. Peter walked on water not knowing how far he would make it. But he also understood that faith is spelt R.I.S.K. What are you trying to talk yourself out of thatGod wants you to step into?
In life we can get to a place where we are drifting, in our faith, in our marriage, even in our commitment to our God-given dreams, but God can call us back from that drift in our hearts. We need to understand that God is faithful - He is loyal, firm, loving - and He is standing at the shore calling you back to safety. Let His word be like a life guard’s whistle pulling you back. When we drift in life it’s not because we don’t know that our God is faithful or good, or even because we want to be uncommitted to Him. Most often we drift because of our forgetfulness. We forget about God’s devotion to us, His love for us. God wants us to remember He is faithful over our LIVES. God is faithful to HIS WORD, HIS NAME, HIS PROMISES, HIS CHURCH and HIS PEOPLE. So go back to your family, your workplace, your marriage and declare God’s word, name and promises over it. When you’re a long way off from the beach and you’ve drifted, and the life guard is calling your name come back to where you need to be and take His hand! He is FAITHFUL TO YOU.
When we step into life we need to be ready to fight against the enemy. So what do we do when life throws punches at us? How do we respond when we get hit? The option to quit always seems like an easy out, but don’t quit when the hard times come. Instead we need to be refueled for the fight ahead. Our fight is so that our coming days will be better than our former days! So we need fuel for the plans and purposes God had for us (Isaiah 41:10) 1️⃣ God will fuel you with his presence: (Duet 31:6) God goes with you! We need to know God can keep his promises. You are not too far away for Him to meet you right where you are. (Psalm 139:7-11) 2️⃣ God fuels you with his identity: We discover who we are in whose we are. Our identity is found in who our Creator is. So who or what holds our identity? Does God or does the world / our jobs / e.t.c.? 3️⃣ God fuels us with his power: We can often feel so weak in the middle of our fights, but God is saying that He is our strength! (2 Cor 12:9) Our father will uphold and restore us to overcome every obstacle. Don’t quit! It’s always to soon to quit.
Our lives are the results of patterns and routines. We may even find that we have patterns in our lives that are keeping us from moving forward. Such as patterns of offence. What is your default pattern when you are offended? You are not able to live life without being offended. So we need to know how we will react when we are (Luke 17:1). Here are 3 patterns to avoid and 4 patterns to help you work through offences: 🔴 THE 3 DO NOT’S: 1. Do not blow up. (Romans 12:19) Leave room for God to take care of it. 2. Do not gossip. (Matt 18:15 & Prov 6:16-19) When we spread gossip we are doing something that God says in His word He hates! 3. Do not ignore it. (Jer 6:14 & Heb 12:15) We need to acknowledge how hurt we have been but then deal with it in the right way. 🟢 THE DO’S: 1. Acknowledge that it affects my relationship with God. (Luke 6:37-39) we should ask ourselves, “what are we measuring out?” God will deal with us as we deal with others 2. Acknowledge your hurts. (Ps 39:2-3 & James 5:16) When we don’t deal with our hurts, we ruminate and let them fester in our minds. We need healing from those offences. 3. Just pray. (Matt 5:43-44 & Eph 4:26-27) It’s hard to stay offended when we are praying for those who offend us. It helps you more than it helps them. 4. Deal with the root (Heb 12:15) More often than not, the root is rejection, and if left , will hurt the relationship between you and God.
Have you ever felt at times when you have attempted to move forward in life that you were limited by something? One of the biggest things that can hold us back is our thinking. And so we need to have forward thinking.(Rom 12:2) If we want to start to move forward in areas where we are not seeing progress then we need to change our thinking. We can’t simply default to old patterns of thinking. Our journey with Jesus starts with salvation but he wants so much more for each of us. He wants us to have life to the fullest.(2 Cor 10:3-5) A stronghold is “a house of wrong thinking”, and the enemy wants to sell us lies to limit our lives. We should not live out of this stronghold, but we should live from a place of truth! Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (Luke 11:21-22)
This Sunday we got into the Valentine spirit and heard a message centered on love. Love is not simply about romance, but it is always about the “doing” and the choices we make (Matt 22:37-40). In 1 Cor 13:2 we see that if we have all things but we don’t have love, we have nothing.
We need to have love in our hearts. In Prov 4:23 we learn how everything flows from the heart, and we need to know that even with all the knowledge in the world, if it does not change how we respond to God then it counts for nothing. Jesus knew all the Old Testament scriptures, yet he preached about how we should be living and loving. Yes, we should study to show ourselves approved, but after we have studied Gods word for ourselves we should ‘live it’.
Remember that Jesus is concerned with the condition of your heart (Isaiah 61:1-2). Let’s learn to love the way God demonstrates it to us (1 Cor 13:4-7).
This past Sunday was our vision Sunday where we looked at the year ahead and put a word to it. To give us direction for where we want to go with God!
In 2023 let’s move out of a place of languishing and let’s start MOVING FORWARD with renewed sense of hope and purpose! So others may live (Philippians 3:12-15). Let’s start pressing forward to the call that God has on our lives.
In 2023 let’s have a forward focus. Don’t get pulled to the left or right or back to the past, but keep your eyes on what Jesus is doing in your future (Prov 4:25-27). Then we also need to have a forward pursuit. Lean into everything God has for you this year.
In 2023 we also need a forward faith! Believing for something more and going forward (Ex 14:15).
And for your life in 2023, have a forward vision. A vision for what you want to do and become in Christ this year. God wants to build you! And the last point is forward connect. Let’s get in line with the vision and grow our connections in the house.
Let’s join the vision that we have collectively as God’s Church this year through PRAYER, CONNECTING, and by joining our DREAM TEAM to see this vision fulfilled in the life of church.
This week we hear from our Lead Pastor Jared Cerfonteyn on how we can all live our lives intentionally in 2023! Have your notebooks and pen ready for this week's message.
In this weeks inspiring message we learnt that if we are going to take new ground in 2023, then we need to walk with the wise, seek wisdom and apply God’s word in our lives (Prov 13:20). When we read Proverbs 26:1-28 and break it down we find the wisdom we need to use in our day to day lives in order to move into all God has for us.
Let's listen to the importance of using our weapons of prayer and fasting and how God can shift our lives due to pressing into Him.
Merry Christmas! Today our Senior Pastor Mark will be sharing on the Christmas story, and the importance of keeping Jesus in the center of your life.
Today we hear from our Lead Pastor of Wellington, Camille Cerfonteyn, as she shares the importance of rest.
Christmas is around the corner and we have asked three of our staff members what Christmas means to them! Today we will hear from Dylan Lombard, Liz McCormick and Caelan Cerfonteyn as they share on CHRISTmas.
God used parables in the Bible to teach ordinary people like us about Kingdom principles. In Matthew 25:14-30, we read about the parable of the talents and how each servant was given different amounts from their master according to their ability. Two of the servants went and doubled what was given to them and one simply buried theirs. The master was pleased with the two but furious with the one who did nothing with his. God wants us to steward every area of our life, not just our finances, and to be a blessing to others through our stewardship. With our stewarding God wants us to be trustworthy with all He gives us (1 Corinthians 4:2). It is God who owns all things and we have a responsibility to steward it well. We also need to have respect for the King and the Kingdom of God (proverbs 9:10). We need to be accountable for what we do with what we’ve been given. We need to commit ourselves to having initiative and trust in God’s goodness (psalm 31:19). We also need wisdom in stewarding what God has given us (Ephesians 5:15-16). And when we ask God for wisdom he gives it to us abundantly. We need to be thankful for all we have been given (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God has called us to steward many things including: all creation, our property, our spiritual gifts and our finances. Let us learn to steward well all what God has given us.
God wants us all to be cheerful givers. Generosity has little to do with what’s in our bank account but rather everything to do with our heart. In Mark 14:3-10, we read about a woman who gave an extravagant gift to Jesus. Some of the people around Jesus were shocked at the gift and rebuked her for it, saying she should have rather sold it and given the money to the poor. But Jesus told them to leave her alone and declared that what she had done was a beautiful thing. We can see from this story she knew that giving extravagantly to Jesus was worth more than any amount of money in the world - through her gift she was anointing Jesus. She planned her giving and did everything SHE COULD to make sure it was given to Jesus. We need to plan and listen to the Holy Spirit in our generosity. It’s a conscious decision we need to make on a daily basis. God never asks us to do and give what we can’t, but He expects us to give and do what we can to be a blessing. She did what she could and gave to Jesus from a place of generosity and cheerfulness which lead to her legacy we still speak of today. Let’s be challenged to live a life like this and give to God all he deserves from a place of worship.
The blessed life is not a matter about money, but rather a matter of the heart. And following God’s principles are not there to get something FROM you but rather to get something FOR you. Jesus says in Luke 16:13, “You cannot serve both God, and money(mammon).”Mammon is a spirit that promises us false security and significance. A substitution to God. But peace and purpose are supplied exclusively by God. In Matthew 6:22-25 Jesus teaches us that “The eye is the lamp of the body”, and where we fix our eyes is where we set our hearts. We all have to choose between serving God or serving money (mammon). And this choice is an issue of worship and of trust. Who will you choose to serve? Money in itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil. When we are willing to trust God with our treasures then we are saying with our hearts that God is at the centre of our lives and that he is our unfailing provider. Jesus cares about the hold money has on our life, because he wants our hearts full devotion and for us to live in the fullness God has for us.
We need to put God first in all areas of our live, including our finances because putting God first changes our entire lives. It says in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we make the choice to put God first in our finances it demonstrates where our priorities are - living in line with God principles. In the next few weeks we will be doing a series on, Money Matters. So in order to ensure that we don’t worship money we need to know Gods principles on finances and His principle of First.
Malachi 3:10 challenges us to bring our tithe into Gods storehouse (the local church). So what is tithing?
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Tithing is a test.
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Tithing is biblical.
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Tithing is a benefit.
Tithing isn’t just something made up and given to the Church. Tithing is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, old and New Testament. What was right under the law in the Old Testament is still right under grace in the New Testament. A tithe is given through the local church to God. In fact we “BRING” our tithe, because it is not ours, it’s Gods (Leviticus 27:30 / Deuteronomy 26:2 / Matthew 23:23).
Here are three principles to live the blessed life God calls us all to.
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The first born must be sacrificed or redeemed - the first portion given redeems the rest, it is the redemptive portion. Our tithe redeems the other 90% (Romans 11:16).
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The first fruit must be offered, we don’t give them, we bring them back. It’s not ours (Exodus 23:19 / 2 Chronicles 31:5). God’s portion is consecrated to him, and the rest is then redeemed to us (blessed)!
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The tithe must be first.
(Leviticus 27:30) When we put God first we are saying yes to God being Lord of our lives. We are putting God above worldly philosophies. Trust in God even when it’s difficult and he will see you through(Proverbs 3:5-6).The first portion redeems the rest when we return it to God, and then our blessings are not only for ourselves, but to make a difference in the lives of others.
Have you every asked God for more faith, but it feels like you asked for some more patience instead? We can’t build our faith unless we are put into situations where our faith is tested. When Abraham was given the promise he would be a father he was already too old, when Noah was told there would be a flood, there had never been rain, but he knew he needed to build the ark and trust what God said. Moses had a sea in front of him, and an army behind him, but he knew what God had promised and the seas were parted. Faith is having a picture and a promise from God and having the assurance that God will come through. However a lack of faith clouds our vision and limits the potential of Gods plans for us. If we take our eyes off the promises of God and look at our natural abilities we will not be able to step out into faith. We don’t need a lot of faith but we need some, it says in Matthew 17:20, “…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” When David faced Goliath he didn’t look to his own abilities but the strength of God. We need to get our heads around defeating our giants by turning our eyes to God and His power. What are some questions we need to ask when we want to build our faith. 1 - Who do you really believe your God is? He is the living God, the Great I am, the victor and the King of kings. He is our father. 2 - How do you speak? What do you say over yourself? Do you speak words of defeat or words victory. 3 - How have you handled your tests so far? We need to know the word and believe the word. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 it says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” There is more! Your test is not the end. There is still a whole life in God ahead of you. Stand in faith and believe in the almighty God.
When you give your life to Jesus, God claims you as His. You have a new and amazing life ahead of you that God planned and purposed. But this also puts you at risk from attack from the enemy. He can see things in you that you can’t see in yourself - the potential you have - that’s why he wants to come against you, preventing you from becoming the giant killer that you are. In Mark chapter 5 we read about a man who was possessed, so those around him put him on an island over the sea of Gallilee and chained him up. Jesus and his disciples were on their way to that same island, when a storm broke out over the sea. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus calmed the storm with a simple command. When He got to the island the man fell down at his feet and Jesus cast the demonic spirits out of him. The man came to his senses and was healed. God never gives up on you! There is NO storm too big for Him! He loves you and He goes before you. God’s purpose for you is more powerful than the enemy’s plans against you. Moses was found by Pharaohs daughter along the Nile. She knew he was Hebrew, and she knew that her father had ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, but still she felt something in her to keep the baby. God had plans for Moses and nothing could stop His plans. We may go through many challenges in life - good times, bad times and things that try knock us down - but God has us. He is our victor and he will never let the enemy triumph over us! When you can’t fight for yourself, God is fighting for you.
As we walk with God we will find that he will bring people and opportunities across our path so that we can be a blessing. And when we take time to serve it allows God to take us to new levels of favour. We don’t have to bully our way to the top, instead we should realize that we can serve our way into favour and promotion. Something powerful happens when you take your eyes off of yourself and onto the lives of others. Are you serving anyone besides yourself?
We live in a world where everybody is waiting for someone else to do it. But we can make a huge difference when we live to serve, when we are looking for ways to be a blessing! We would live with more joy and feel more fulfilled if we would stop living only for ourselves and start to consider others.
It’s not healthy to only have you on your mind all the time. (Read Isaiah 58:7-8) Have we started by being a blessing to others. Make it your business to serve and then see how God opens doors in your life. It’s God who sees everything. (Matthew 6:4) Don’t worry about who gets the credit but serve others selflessly.
It’s so easy to fall in the trap of thinking when I reach a new level then I will give my best, but instead God wants to use you where you are now. It may seem small but it’s a key to what God will use to raise you higher. Success is not an elevator, but rather a set of stairs. So what’s your next step? David trusted God through every small step, from simply serving his brother to slaying Goliath. Perhaps a new level is waiting for us in what seems insignificant. You may have bigger things in your heart but start with the small next steps of service. (Read Psalm 75:6-7) Promotion comes from the Lord. And we may not be able to see how this may come about, but God is faithful to see doors open in our lives. Serve without an agenda and have pure motives. That’s when you serve God and bring honour to God. Remember that you have to carry a crown before you can wear one. Psalm 100:2 reminds us to serve the Lord with gladness! Don’t miss the blessing because you are serving with the wrong attitude. Serve with joy and don’t overlook the small things as you believe God for all he has in your future.
We know from God’s word that God didn’t call us to just be AT church, but actually to BE the church. If you want a title for today’s message it’s this: Body get up and walk! You see in Luke 5 in the Bible about the awesome friends who literally ripped through a roof in order to get their paralyzed friend to the feet of Jesus, because they wanted to see him healed. And I encourage you we all need some friends who would be willing to tear the roof open to get us to the feet of Jesus. It’s so important to surround yourself with Christian friends who will be there for you in the tough times to carry you through. Today we ask this question: If we all want friends who would rip through a roof for us - are you willing to be that friend for someone else? Would you stand up and move to make sure that someone else get to the feet of Jesus? Because tearing a hole through a roof isn’t always convenient – but it will put someone else in a room to get healed and whole and up on their feet again and that’s worth everything.
Did you know you can amaze Jesus? In Matthew 8:5-13 we read about a Roman solider who amazed Jesus with his faith and belief in Jesus’ ability to heal. Jesus, our savior, was amazed by a man. And this man was blessed because of that. Jesus has also been amazed by peoples unbelief. In Mark 6:1-6 we read about the unbelief of a town, and because of this Jesus wasn’t able to do any miracles except heal a few sick people. Their unbelief limited the possibility of miracles in their lives. So will Jesus be amazed by our unbelief or by our amazing faith. Sometimes we can be in Church, around other Christians but we might not be believing in Him and all He can do. We become too comfortable and forget the power of Jesus. In Matthew 8:5-13 we see how the Roman solider understood authority and what it holds, he believed if Jesus said his servant would be healed, he would. The soldier also believed in the word of God. He believed it and didn’t question the power of it. He believed and it happened. If God said it, it was yes and Amen. In Mark 9:24 it says, Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; but help me overcome my unbelief!” We need to ask God to help us with this, to help us when we get these moments of unbelief in Gods power and authority. We need to spread the word of God and share our amazing praise reports, because our faith and our thanks can stir up others and set them on a new path.
We all can go through difficult seasons where we might even stop going to church, and we pull into isolation because we are struggling. But we also have those moments when we are reminded that God is calling us to more in this life, and we can’t ignore that call forever. God often uses other Christians and the Church to brings us through those seasons of difficultly or isolation in our lives. When we are connected to the people of God we start to walk in our God given purpose. Wealth, promotion and position can never bring the fulfilment and peace that we desire; only God’s purpose for our lives can fulfil our lives. The bible teaches us that we need to be in biblical fellowship and community with other righteous people, because this is what changes lives. We live in a world where people lack accountability to one another and have lost the value of the local church. But this belief system takes us deeper into isolation. The truth is we all need accountability and fellowship with others. And that calls for us to live with humility. The humiliation principle states that “the degree to which you are willing to humiliate yourself is the degree God’s grace is poured out or given to you. Read Luke 5:17-25. Do you have friends that would rip through a roof for you? Because sometimes we need borrowed faith in those tough seasons. How connected are you really with the body of Christ? More than any spiritual discipline, intimate Christian relationships leads to spiritual growth in people! At some point we need a biblical perspective of the value of fellowship with other Christ followers. We can’t miss the power and authority of being an active part of the Church of God. We need those who are lost in the world to be found in the house of God, and so we need Christian’s who are willing to rip open roofs to get them into the presence of God. God wants us to be a part of a community that will see us move into our wholeness!
God designed us to want live a life bigger than ourselves. That’s how He wired us. It’s easy to live as Christians on a Sunday, when we walk into a loving Church, with good coffee and happy faces greeting us. But the challenge comes when the storms of day to day life confront us. That is when we need to become ambassadors of Christ in our everyday lives. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” There are 3 things that make an ambassadors. The first is that ambassadors know why they are in a foreign land, they believe in living a life for Christ every day. People can see there is something different in them. Secondly, ambassadors know what they represent, they know whose they are and their purpose in Christ. And ambassadors are ready to make a difference. They live lives that make them approachable, they live lives looking for how they can reach more people and change situations. They live so that others may live.
Ambassadors mindsets are different to others, they have a royal mindset. How can we develop this royal mindset? 1. Before you catch a feeling you have a thought. Thoughts lead to emotions, Emotions lead to actions, and actions lead to an outcome. 2. Emotions are caught not taught. Read Nehemiah 8:10. Some of us don’t have emotions, emotions have us. Don’t catch what the world often put’s out. 3. Action shows off our faith. Its all about what God can do through us. We need to put our trust in Gods ability and not our stability. 4. The outcome is worth it. Expanding the kingdom is worth it, helping others is worth it. Living the blessed life is worth it!
In Hebrews 11:6 it says, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” As a church we truly believe in living by faith and not by sight. We believe it is so important to live in faith, but also to speak faith filled words over our lives. It’s is easy to wake up in the morning and think about all the “bad” things in our lives and to speak into these negative situations. Work is hard, my boss doesn’t like me, I’m never going to have a happy marriage. In Joel 3:10 is says, “let the weak say I am strong.” It doesn’t say let the weak say I’m weaker, NO! It says let them say they are STRONG. Our words have power. We can CHOOSE to speak words of life or words of death over ourselves and our situations. We need to declare Gods goodness always, no matter the situation or circumstance; God is ALWAYS good and ALWAYS worthy. We need to speak what we want in our lives, we need to declare what we want to see come to pass in our lives. In psalm 107:2 it says, “ Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”. God is our provider, God is our healer, God is our redeemer and God is our victory. We need to always be speaking to God and asking for His favour, even though His favour is always available it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ask. We are blessed and because of God we can speak that over our lives!
We all have on average about 70 to 80 years on this earth, but that is nothing compared to eternity! So why should we not spend this time we have filling up eternity by helping others coming to know Jesus as their personal Lord and saviour. In the times that we live in we have to know that all of our lives are making a statement, either for bad or for good. This past Sunday we made a statement in our generosity to God! And there are three statements that our generosity should make.
The first is a statement of remembrance (Read Exodus 13:11-14). God was telling the Israelites to bring an offering in remembrance of Him and how he saved them from a life of slavery. When people ask us about our generosity and faithfulness to God we need to share with them God’s goodness, grace and faithfulness in our lives. Our generosity is a reminder of God’s mighty hand that delivered us. Jesus doesn’t just save us, but delivers us and sets us free. The second statement we make is a statement of faith. The bible tells us in exodus that they gave their first born livestock to God. That means they gave not knowing if that animal would produce any more livestock there after. It took faith, but it’s a statement saying “God I trust you!” When we are generous it means we understand where everything we have comes from (James 1:17). The third statement we are making is a statement of significance. In our lives we can be successful without having significance. Generosity says we are choosing significance because generosity to others will outlast us and that is powerful (2 Corinthians 9:12-15). Others will praise God when our generosity and our actions accompany our confessions of Gods goodness in our lives.
When you’re driving your car and happen to be in the wrong gear your car will probably start shaking and making some funny sounds and it could possibly cause some damage. In our lives if we fail to shift our mindset when change is needed it can cause damage too. In this weeks series on Overflow, we looked at shifting our lives from greed to generosity. In 2 Corinthians vs 8 we see the Macedonian Church had richly given, even in their poverty they needed no convincing to give generously. Grace is the divine enablement for your salvation and sanctification and we need this grace to move us from a place of greed to generosity. There are 4 shifts we need to take to enter this place of generosity. The first shift is from lack to abundance. Some of us see life from a glass half empty mentality; that there is always a lack. We need to shift our mindset and see our lives through eyes of abundance. The second shift is from not now to right now. The church of Macedonia didn’t wait to give, even when they were in poverty, they were right now people! We need to adopt this mindset and be ready to step out NOW in faith and be generous. The third shift is from ’have to’ to ‘get to’. We need to remember how good God has been to us, how blessed we are because of Him. When we remember all of this we shift our behavior and realize how blessed we are to give. And the last shift is from existing to excelling. We need to give excellently. Our heart for the house is coming up and it’s a time of giving over and above our tithes and offerings. It’s a time of giving in faith and trusting God to move in our lives and the lives of others. We serve an amazing God who is worthy of everything we have.
Living in overflow is always life giving. In this weeks series on Overflow we looked at Caleb in Joshua 14:6-12. Here we find Caleb ready to take the land God had given to him over 45 years ago in a promise. And even though Caleb is 85 years old he is still on fire for God and has never forgotten the promises of God. There are 4 lessons we can learn from these verses and Caleb’s faith. The first lesson is that we need to know who we belong to. Caleb never forgot about God and the promise. We need to remind ourselves constantly of whose we are and that God is always on our side. The second lesson we can learn from Caleb is to commit to God wholeheartedly. Caleb went all in for God and because of this he got the all in reward. We need to live and step into what God has for us with our whole-hearts. The third lesson is to hold onto the promises of God. Caleb held onto the promise of God and didn’t settle for anything less than that. Remind yourself of what God has promised you and declared over your life. And finally, we can learn to determine that Gods goodness will be our inheritance. His word is Yes and Amen and the everlasting truth. Step into all God has for you and watch how this can overflow into the lives of others.
We often find it hard to be patient in a world where we expect everything now. But good things can take time. In this weeks series on Overflow, we are looking at the principles of seed time and harvest. SEED+TIME=HARVEST. We need a seed, the seed needs time to grow into a plant and then a harvest is reaped. The whole harvest is in the seed. We often ask God for a plant, but he gives us a seed, and we can be disappointed at this, but should learn to realize the power of the seed. God has called us all to be sowers, and not holders of our seeds. Good sowers realize the value of sowing every day, not knowing when they might see the harvest of the daily seeds they sow. Just as God calls us to be cheerful givers, he also calls us to SOW cheerfully and willingly. Those are the ones who receive more seeds to sow. It is when we sow what God has given to us back into the lives others, that God is able to fill our seed packets to keep on sowing! And lastly good sowers have more fun. We are here to overflow with the goodness, generosity and kindness of God into the lives of others, and that’s always fun!
The definition of overflow is to go beyond your limits. When an inflatable pool bursts, the water overflows onto the grass and saturates everything in its path. In life we need to stop seeing ourselves as the pool, that limits the water, but rather as the overflow that spills over. We often live a “limited” life because we focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can. But when we bring God into the equation the limited becomes the limitless and we get to enter into a kingdom that cannot be shaken. In part 1 of our Overflow series we look at overflowing with gratitude. As Christians giving thanks is at our core, we need to remember to give thanks to God in ALL circumstances, not just the good but also the bad. When we look at our circumstances through a lens of gratitude it changes how we view the situation and helps us focus on what we do have instead of what we don’t have. In Philippians 4:4 it says, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” Being grateful involves taking action, giving thanks and praising God for ALL he has done, and this allows us to be whole in Him and invites the presence of God into our lives. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding comes with living a life of gratitude.
In Corinthians 5:7 it says, "We live by faith and not by sight." As a church we have adopted this as our verse for the year, along with the statement, Believe for it! Living by faith at times is a lot easier said than done, it's hard to believe and keep believing for something when you can't see any sign of it. But God is always working, you just need to keep believing. When God called the Israelites to walk around the walls of Jericho for 7 days they saw nothing change in the beginning; the walls didn't shake, a brick didn't fall, nothing seemed to move, but they kept marching. It was not until the 7th day, after the 7th time and after they gave a big shout, that the walls fell down and they took over Jericho. God had given them a promise and they kept doing the right thing and believing the promise! Your season of harvest is closer than you think, don't give up, pray often and praise God!
We all have scars. Some are physical, some are internal, others are self inflicted or happen to us. But as we learn to live with these scars we need to see them in a new light; as a reminder of the goodness and grace God has shown to us through all of our challenges. Let your scars remind you of the faithfulness of God, not the pain you had, or the bitterness of what you went through. Be encouraged by them, and let your scars minister to others. Let them tell the story of God's great love for you!
If you had to give your year a title, what would it be?
As a church we have titled 2022 as the year we "Believe for it!", but what is your IT, what is it that you're believing for? God has a special and unique plan just for you. But the plan requires more than just trusting for it, it requires making a decision and taking action. Esther made a brave and bold decision to save her people and she took action. God wants to take you from your pit to palace He has planned for you.
But that requires faith in an almighty and powerful God and believing for it!
God's power is not limited to the mountain tops in your life. God is with you in your mountain tops AND in your valleys. Without the valleys, we won't have a story of God's love and mercy. Set your heart on the journey.
How often do you empty the negativity, offenses and bitterness in your life? As important as having a daily quiet time is, emptying yesterdays negativity, offenses and bitterness is just as important! God promises good things for all of us! But we need to make room for it! Don't let your life become smaller and smaller hoarding onto negativity, offenses and bitterness.
It's time to change our mind. We have to intentionally work on our thought patterns if we want to renew our minds and train our brains to think in faith! Think about what you are thinking about. Is it healthy and Godly, or is it holding you back? We need to shift from a concerned mindset to a confident mindset, from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset (Pslam 23:1), from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Do you know what kind of father God is? In John 14:8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us". Jesus responded "Anyone who has seen me, has seen the Father". Philip wanted a revelation of the Father, BUT JESUS WAS IT! Look at Jesus; He is who the Father is. Jesus' life expressed the POWER of God, the PERSONALITY of the Father and He was the PLAN of the Father for us!
Are you facing opposition? Even though God is on your side, that doesn't mean you won't face opposition. 1 Corinthians 16:9 AMPC says "For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries." You don't have to be moved by the things that don't work out in your life. Often the set back is a set up! Opposition is a sign that promotion is coming! David was anointed as king, but it wasn't smooth sailing - he first had to go back to the field, then face Goliath and after that face conflict with King Saul himself before he became king. Sometimes the giant is there to establish you and to show you & others you are favored by God.
'Believe for it' is our word for the year. It encourages us to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). God's promises for us don't have an expiry date. God has mercy for every mistake, a comeback for every set back and what he has promised you is still underway. Just because it's delayed, and maybe you caused that delay, doesn't mean God has changed His mind. Don't live in the mistakes you've made. God has moved on. There is still the future He has promised for you. You may have failed but you are not a failure.
There are secrets to being a servant & serving God well in His House and beyond. A good servant knows that the time is now to begin serving Him because we don't know what tomorrow will bring, they know who their own are and part of a spiritual family (John 13:1), they don't stop serving because they know that the enemy is always present but we have authority over him (Luke 10:19 NKJV), they are secure in their worth, they know that serving creates covenant connection (John 13:8 NIV), and they know that serving completes a born-again life - that those who are saved are complete and now only need to save & serve others to live in the fullness of life God has created. We are all called to bring HOPE and LIFE and to serve as Jesus served. It's our gratitude to Jesus for his servant-hood, that humbles us to serve others.
We make a difference when we build the House. God is the God of miracles, the God of the impossible, but in order to make a difference, we have to make a difference, we have to make a decision to choose to do so. We get to be co-workers with Jesus. Church is not just something you just go to, but that you are helping build. Use the tools God has given you to build his house: LOVE (1 Peter 4:8), HOSPITALITY (1 Peter 4:9), SERVING (1 Peter 4:10), PRAYER (1 Timothy 2:1-2 TLB), WORSHIP (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV), UNITY (Matt 18:15 MSG), GIVING (Proverbs 3:9) & INVITATION (Isaiah 54:2-3 MSG). The impact we can make collectively using tools is MASSIVE! Let's make room for God's growing family.
When the dust settles, God's kingdom is advancing, it will advance with you or without you. Every opportunity is an opportunity to serve God better. Church is about to look different, but better doesn't always mean easier and building back better requires your cooperation. It requires YOU. Will you say, "God you can count me in!".
TO OUR MOMS: To want to be a mother is a powerful thing. The role you play shapes human minds! You are unique and God should be the ultimate guide in the making of life's major decisions so don't judge yourself on anything else but the assignment God has given you. Mary was given the job of raising Jesus and God wired her a certain way to do so. Don't you see God has made you special to mother only the way you can?
And don't underestimate the power of prayer (Matthew 18:18).
Pray often! Pray all the time!
Preparing a child for a life of service to God is the highest calling possible for a mom.
You can teach them to walk with a mom. You can teach them to walk with God so they will live a blessed and flourishing life. Your role is so valuable.
We can flourish where we are planted in God's house and in our lives when we put down roots. Don't allow the challenges of life to deter you from flourishing. God removed all the uncomfortable things in our lives right now, maybe we would not be ready for what He is trying to bless us with next. it's time to be planted WHERE YOU ARE and GROW!
This generation is always in a hurry. Are you open to a new perspective? When you stop and pause, you notice the world that you have been missing. It's time to wake up and look around. Elevate your vision. God is calling us to look at the world differently. Jesus did things differently. Jesus did things differently. He didn't have a mindset of delay. Jesus said the time is now! (John 4:35-36 NKJV) We are active participants, we play a role in our own breakthrough! There are opportunities in the NOW if you'll use the potential inside of you RIGHT NOW.
Jesus is alive! When Jesus first was resurrected, Mary Magdalene saw him. Others walking in the country also saw him (Luke 24:34), but disciples that He didn't appear to didn't believe it! It sounded too good to be true! When you're living on Fridays and Saturdays all you feel is the pain and the disappointments - but Sunday changes everything. Friday represents the day of pain. Saturday represents the day of no hope. BUT Sunday is the day of new life and freedom.
Jesus is alive! When Jesus first was resurrected, Mary Magdalene saw him. Others walking in the country also saw him (Luke 24:34), but disciples that He didn't appear to didn't believe it! It sounded too good to be true! When you're living on Fridays and Saturdays all you feel is the pain and the disappointments - but Sunday changes everything. Friday represents the day of pain. Saturday represents the day of no hope. BUT Sunday is the day of new life and freedom.
We are all trusting God for miracles, but what miracle is waiting on you to move, what dream is dead because you refuse to take a step of obedience?
How often does God ask us to do something and we don't? Don't live by default, live by design. Overcome your unbelief. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Your miracle is waiting for you! God believes in you! You can do it!
Fear can grip you when life feels unstable, so how do you keep a courageous faith in that?
The wind and the waves may feel like they are against you, but they are building something in you. There are certain levels of faith that are only built in the storm. When it comes to fear, stability comes from having a word. Jesus told Peter: "Come" and the fear he felt was overcome by the faith that word brought. He stood on the word and walked on water! You can have fear and faith at the same time and still move forward.
The church is alive and active and we get to be a part of what God is doing. Do we have a hunger for what He can do in our world? Or are the conditions of life clouding our vision? Can you believe for God to do something new in your life TODAY? When you know WHO He is, you will have a great faith to believe for it!
Matthew 8:1-3 declares "He is willing!".
Acts 3:12-13 declares "He is working!".
John 14:5-6 declares "He is the way!".
Pslams 145:3 declares "He is worthy!".
As followers of Jesus Christ we were born for the storm! God has not designed us to carry a spirit of fear so we have to develop our own personal ability to deal with fear. Fear and faith are both asking us to believe in something we cannot see. The key is to decide what we will think on (Job 3:25). Are you using your energy to believe or are you using your energy to fear?
We are living in a world paralyzed by fear. It's true - we aren't in control, but we can end the power of fear over our lives.
We have to figure out how to navigate through fear because so much good can come out of a crisis. "Do not be afraid!" It's a command, not a recommendation, and actually even in courage, you will still feel fear. We are all the source of our own fear because it is an emotion created through our sense of inadequacy, but the love of God can conquer it.
We are called to have a life of relational intimacy with our God. Relationships flourish when we know how much someone loves us. Do you realize how much God loves you?
James 4:8 says "Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come closer and closer to you". There are barriers that stop us from moving closer to God, but there are also God's solutions to those barriers and ways we can respond. Will you identify your barriers so that you can move closer and closer to God so he can come closer to you?
There is real power in the right relationships. So we need to choose our relationships (friends, spouses) carefully.
You attract who you are. What voices are you allowing into your life?
My friends reveal who I am. You also need to nurture your important relationships. A great marriage doesn't just happen. Great friendships don't just happen (Proverbs 18:24 KJV). Work hard & don't give up so easily on your relationships!
Make a commitment to restore your broken relationships (Romans 12:17-18 NIV). It depends on you to go as far as you can to restore peace in relationships. At the same time, sever any harmful relationships and initiate some new meaningful ones.
This will help you stay on SOLID GROUND.
Worship is right when we do it God's way and He gets all of our heart's affection. So how should I worship and why should I worship? The Bible uses different Hebrew words to describe the praise God likes. It's not about what we get out of it, but about what it gives to God. God likes us to HALLAH (to rave, boast about Him), to YADAH (to acknowledge him in public with extended hands), to BARAK (to bless by kneeling or bowing down), ZAMAR (making music by plucking the strings of an instrument), to SHABACH (to shout, to address in a loud tone), and to TEHILAH (exuberant singing). These are expressions of love to God. So will you choose to praise Him the way He asks you to?
Our relationships should and do make a difference. Romantic, family, business or otherwise - our relationship matter.
Relationship foundations are so important to create healthy, long-lasting relationships and a healthy, happy, flourishing life.
Everyone should have a vision for their own life - so you need a vision for what you will do & who you will become. A vision is simply a picture of your preferred future. In Nehemiah 1:17-18, Nehemiah saw that the walls had been torn down, but he had a vision of his preferred future. What's your vision? Will you BELIEVE FOR IT?
Life is in constant flux and change can steal our peace. John 16:33 reminds us that in this world we will have trouble, but that just like Jesus, we can overcome.
We can stay on solid ground in the middle of change. In order to stay grounded the Word of God must be central in your life. If you work God's word into your life you are like a smart carpenter building his house on solid rock. The storms of life are coming and we need the Word to keep us stable.
To keep moving forward in life, change has to happen.
It is not always our favorite thing, so how do we stay on solid ground in the middle of it all?
Prayer is the most powerful connection we have with God and it needs to be ongoing and consistent - a conversation with Him. Not just something we only do when under pressure, as a last resort.
Did you know fasting is not just a religious ritual?
It's not about skipping a meal but rather a spiritual exercise of 'not eating' FOR THE PURPOSE OF seeking God.
It's not forced, but it is something Jesus said we should do. It's putting aside all else, to seek God and His favor, direction & anointing. Not only that but when you fast properly your eyes move from yourself and begin to see those and the circumstances around you.
If you can't find peace in the pasture, you'll never find peace in the palace.
As God is working in you, He is also preparing a place for you.
Tune into this message about going from a shepherd to King.
Happy New Year Rock Family!
Are you already in the mindset of "New Year, New Me"?
Looking at the year ahead is not in the "New" but in the right "Same".
What is your "Same"?
Get your notebooks ready for this eye-opening message.
Merry Christmas to everyone from The Rock Family!
In this message, we learn that the presence of success does not mean an absence of struggle. There is no victory without the struggle and this message shares how the Christmas story came to be.
God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, Jesus.
Having Jesus in our lives is essential for our everyday living and it is not enough to only include Him on Christmas.
Tune in and hear our Christmas Celebration message.
As we have our annual blessing Sunday, we are reminded that we shouldn't want to live a life without God's anointing.
God's anointing allows us to do the difficult with ease. Ps Mark shares 3 types of anointing, do not miss out!
Sometimes we clutter our minds by hoarding thoughts that aren't good for us.
God wants to help you clear out the worry and uncertainty, the offense and anger, the bitterness and doubt.
It's time to clear out the clutter and walk in God's peace and all the plans He has for you!
Join us for an encouraging message from Jared Cerfonteyn, the lead pastor of our Wellington Campus as he shares how we can be more productive in the busiest season of our lives!
Don't miss out on learning how we can put God first in all areas of our lives in order to see our lives flourish!
Unshakeable hope means that there is hope for you today as well as tomorrow.
Jesus has gone before us and puts down unshakeable truths, so find your hope in Him. Controlling our families, our households, our jobs, etc is not where our hope is found. Control is not a substitute for Jesus in our lives. Build your faith through praise in the tough times, find your hope in Him!
Praise Him with an expectation of what is to come (Romans 15:13).
Worship is an encounter with God - It's any time you see God for who He is and respond accordingly!
If God encounters us in His presence, how do we live a life of authentic worship that is continually open to the voice of God?
God invites us into these places:
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A place of seeing - Seeing who God really only happens when He has our ATTENTION. Look at God!
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A place of sacrifice - Worship and sacrifice are shown in the scriptures to be one and the same. When we offer ourselves and our lives as a living sacrifice that's when God speaks the loudest (Romans 12:1 / Exodus 25:22 NIV).
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A place of meeting - (Exodus 3:7-11 NIV) In a place of meetings God can talk to you face to face as one speaks to a friend. This is in our time spent alone with God, in His Bible, in prayer. This kind of encounter with God affects and inspires others to worship. We have a unique advantage! God is within us! We are the meeting place! Will you silence yourself enough to speak with Him and meet Him face to face?
God still speaks, if we have ears to hear Him.
Are you struggling to hear His voice?
You need to have a look at the soil of your heart. Luke 8:4-10 speaks about four different ways we can receive the word (the voice) of God in our lives. Which heart do you have?
Do you have a cheated heart?
(Luke 8:11,12) Your heart is cheated whenever God drops a word into your heart and the devil comes and steals it from you. This can happen because of our sin (Bad choices) or because we hold onto things that we should have let go of long ago (judgment, anger). This can rob us of God's Words over and to us because as we hold onto these things, the word cannot establish a root in our hearts. It's best we confess these things and move forward (1 John 1:9).
Do you have a tempted heart?
(Luke 8:4 NIV) It could be that we are unsettled that we can't hear the voice of God because we are TOO BUSY? Fight the temptation to stay too busy. Prioritized locking into the voice of God and putting all else aside (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). The Bible says to throw off the hindrances!
Do you have an immature heart?
Are you willing to do things that lead to maturity? (Luke 8:14 NIV) Are you willing to make changes to grow in God as He speaks to you to do so? (Colossians 2:6 NIV).
Or do you have a willing heart?
(Luke 8:15 NIV) This is a heart with good soil. It's willing to hear from God and to act on what is said. This is the heart God wants us to have.
To be a lion tamer like Daniel, our God walk needs to be a lifestyle, not a moment. We need to bring our OWN prayer and devotion to God and be of an excellent spirit. Lion tamers remind themselves and those around them of the power of God (Daniel 6:20) (Do those around you know the amazing things God has done for you?) They know their lives are on display and that everything says something about them. They also don't live in the past, because to that point, Daniel had been used by God to deliver prophetic words with a supernatural understanding, but God needed to do something new when it came to the lion den. And lastly, when lion tamers are around, OTHERS praise God (Daniel 2:47).
Everyday faith is what we need because even in challenges you are facing day to day, God is doing something! But some unhealthy patterns will derail your faith. The issue with your faith is not that we don't believe enough, but that we have some unhealthy patterns that are running our life. We need some new thinking!
Everyday faith is what we need because even in the challenges you are facing day to day, God is doing something! There is faith on fire!
It's faith-full of passion! there comes a time in every test where you have to apply what you know. Our faith journey is like a test - can we apply what we know? God hasn't set you up for a fail, but if you want a faith that is on fire for God you are going to have to face some tests and walk through some fire.
It's in the test that our faith gets strengthened.
'Everyday Faith' is what we need because every day we face challenges that we need to trust God to move in!
We need to grow our faith muscle memory because those challenges can be very frustrating. Faith is not magic fairy dust - it doesn't hit you out of anywhere taking away all your daily obstacles. Even Jesus confirmed "In this world, you will have trouble", so don't be surprised by them, but rather learn how to respond the right way like Proverbs 18:21 tells us to.
Get ready to level up in your faith journey and press play.
Everyday faith is what we need because even in the challenges you are facing day to day, God is doing something! We grow up, but our dreams often can grow down. Settling down doesn't mean settling for less. We can still dream! We believe we are difference makers! We believe life doesn't just happen to us, we happen to life! We believe in the God of abundance and miracles! So how do we get this kind of everyday faith?
Stay tuned and find out from our Senior Pastor Mark.
There is something about being vocal, there is power in a shout!
It's the shout that will you push you over to victory and allows God to be victorious in your life, your shout is announcing to the enemy that you are going to a higher level. Faith is shouting before the victory! Get your notebook and ready and have your perspective changed towards any circumstance as our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn shares about the power of our shout.
Divine Acceleration requires a divine bigger-than-life strategy. What if God amid a pandemic challenges you in this season to do something bigger than you ever thought possible? God is God that can move as fast as you want Him to if you would ever dare to ask it of God. This is just a small fraction of Micheal Amey's Powerful message!
Are you ready to take on the audacity of BIGGER?
It matters what you see, so LOOK UP!
Ephesians 6:12 says our struggle is not against the supernatural. You will live in victory when you realize the battle you are facing is not against this country, your boss, your spouse, or anything else on this earth, but rather against the powers of hell.
Get your eyes off what is behind you and fix your eyes on what is in front of you. You don't have to be controlled by fear, shame, condemnation, offenses, insecurities, or addictions.
Ps Mark shares 4 ways to overcome what has overcome you. No matter what you are facing now, it matters what you are focusing on!
Don't miss out on these life-changing tips on finding freedom in your situation.
This year as we celebrate our 25th birthday, we at The Rock Church also have our annual Heart for the House Miracle Offering where we as a church trust God for miracles to happen in the life of the church and in others' personal lives.
Just as the generation before us has sown their seed for us to be able to sow today, your sacrifice will make an eternal impact for generations to come! No matter how you participate, just know it's about reaching others and changing their lives locally, nationally, and internationally. Last year during the pandemic we made a huge impact and were able to provide food packages to approximately 400 families on a consistent basis, we were able to put an additional 4 water wells with the already 6 wells in the villages of Zambia that has changed the lives of 20 000 people with fresh running water. In 2021 we were also able to hold 'The Stand', our annual youth and young adult camp that changed hundreds of teenagers' lives, so much more happened, all because of people's generosity! The best is yet to come.
The church is moving forward and Pastor Mark, the leadership team, and The Rock would like to give a huge thank you to each person that contributed to the journey of growing Church on The Rock and that carried the vision of Connecting People to God, People to Purpose, and People to People!
SO OTHERS MAY LIVE.
We are in an exciting season where we get to give and invest in a purpose bigger than ourselves. Let your actions be the message of your talk in the next week. Ps Mark tells us a story that practically teaches us how to step out and receive the miracle that you are trusting for in your life.
You will have to make great sacrifices to build great in your life. Don't just hear this life-transforming message, let it sink deep into and live it out.
Did you know that a critical spirit will follow you everywhere you go? Are you having the same problem over and over in your life?
Do you have a critical spirit? Are you quick to take an offence? Has gossip become the norm around you?
Did you know that when you are critical, it does not hurt the other person, it hurts you in the end.
Tune in to hear Ps Mark gives you 3 valuable solutions to overcome a critical spirit.
When you choose to magnify the good rather than the bad, God will overflow your life with His peace.
Don't miss out on this timely message as Ps Mark explains simply but powerfully what this world needs right now is people with a different spirit.
Why not share this with your world, you could help change a life forever.
You are working harder and seeing fewer results? or Do you see an obligation where you used to find joy? or Does the lack of life no longer alarm you? or perhaps Are you not present when you've shown up?
This week our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn brings the fire to the message as he shares what happens when you have lost your edge. Your notebooks should be ready, as you'll need to write down the important ways to know if you have lost your edge, what causes you to lose your edge and how to get back on track!
Don't miss out on this one, and take a bold step this week and share this message to whoever might need it.
Have you spent time reflecting on what has been happening in the world in the last year? Or even in the last month? Well, did you know, that you can still rejoice regardless of all that is happening today?
How? By realizing that your identity does not come from it!
We can't live confidently or successfully if we allow labels from the outside to define us on the inside, and our Lead Pastor Jared Cerfinteyn shares 3 inspiring reasons why and how we should find our true identity.
You have not been forgotten in this season, o get your notepad and en ready to find your identity.
This is your year, and it's time to take back everything that the enemy has stolen from you. Yes, when life happens life can cause our peace or our finances or even relationships to be robbed from us, and today is the day to take it all back, as our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn shares 3 life-changing principles that will help you achieve your goals. There might be some areas in your life where you feel stuck, or having too much pressure on you, or you are experiencing some anxiety, but if you are willing to do the work you can have the blessing!
Your life does not start when you say I do, in fact it's happening right now and has already started. No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, there has always been a plan and purpose for you.
As we are finalising the series, 'Is Love The Issue?', 5 areas will be focused on that you will need to live life to the full. Having a personal vision of who you are becoming and where you will be going will contribute to living your life the best you can!
The reality is, that you attract who you are, who you are becoming and not what you want. Open your heart and life and allow our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn's message to impact your world.
How often in relationships do we wish to change the other person? When in fact the change that needs to happen is inside of us?
If you are wanting to get a different result in your life, you need to look at your past experiences and our Senior Pastor Jan Cerfonteyn shares how to stay rooted to good roots, to continue to live our lives with healthy fruit, and on how to stay anchored for all our relationships to flourish. As this series is coming to its second last life-changing episode, Part 4 of Is Love The Issue will not only enhance the quality of your relationships once it's applied but will also impact the lives around you. Get ready and tune in, you do not want to miss it!
The greatest sabotage in your relationships is insecurity, did you know that the enemy of your life wants to keep you insecure, Why? because insecurity creates instability. Part 3 will teach you how to tap into your best self in all your relationships and how to live out the healthiest version of yourself in any relationship. Let this inspirational episode by our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn change you from the inside out, get your notepads, pens, and bible's ready to write down the four secrets to healthy relationships, you don't want to miss this!
If you have good fruit, you will have good roots. When you deal with the root you will produce good fruit. Part 2 of Is Love The Issue, is focused on promises. A promise is a commitment that you are sending into the future. The promise goes to where it will matter, later in your marriage when life is not all rainbows and sunshine. This episode given by our Senior Pastor Mark will transform your perspective on your marriage, friendships, and relationships in general. Don't miss out on an opportunity to impact your life!
How many of you know that relationships can be some of the most powerful connections in our lives? Good relationships are the ones that level you up in life, open doors that you could not open yourself, and that speak positivity into your life. Bad relationships do the opposite.
Our series "Is Love the issue?", will transform your life from the inside out, regarding relationships. Tune in to listen to our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn and have your notepads and pens ready to be impacted.
Fathers are special people in our lives and many times they are our heroes. Other people sometimes play a father role in our lives but, no matter who the father roles are in our lives, they are valuable to us and our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn shares an honoring message to all fathers in your life. If you are a father, stepfather, granddad, uncle, father-to-be, tune into this empowering, yet encouraging message about a father's blessing.
Life has many seasons and lessons, but how our mindsets are during these times are vital. Will you go beyond six? This episode will level you up in life and will encourage you to see pass your mental limit. Get ready and listen to this life-altering podcast by our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn.
Let's get secured in living a beyond blessed life with this podcast that will change your life! Robert Morris finalizes this series with the ten financial commandment. Listen and apply part 4 of Beyond Blessed.
"You can live a life with no financial stress, it comes from whether in your heart if you're a steward or an owner." - Part 3 of Beyond Blessed by Robert Morris. Tune in for this life changing podcast, giving you the perfect plan to your finances!
Part two of Beyond Blessed is here! Are you ready to have your life changed? Get your notebooks ready, as Pastor Robert Morris teaches you about Stewardship and how to live a blessed life that goes beyond blessed.
Do you want to live a beyond blessed life from today onward? Join us for a life-changing message from the Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, Robert Morris. As he will be teaching you principles of Stewardship that will ultimately put your life in order to live a constant blessed life.
As we celebrate the mother figures in our world on Mother's Day, listen to this inspiring message from our Senior Pastor Jan Cerfonteyn, as she honours and shares love to our mothers whole unpacking all the different kinds of amazing mothers we have in our world.
Tune in to hear how to stay grounded while changing direction through the different seasons life has to offer, find out what your heart behind your why is to live your daily life! Our Wellington Lead Pastor Jared Cerfonteyn will inspire you to focus on anchoring the Why and not the Whats of life.
Get your mind ready, open your heart and get inspired to worship through the challenges of life. Our senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn shares on 3 ways we get to do this, press play and live it out daily.
Give this motivating episode a listen with your notebook, because our senior Pastor Jan Cerfonteyn has 7 life changing hints to getting your brave on when life gets tough.
Don't miss out on this nurturing message that will enlighten you to not waste your little, but to use it to create an impact in your life and those around you. Little does not mean less, it is valuable. So get ready to change your perspective and start living your best life ever imagined!
Mark your history with our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn, by listening to this exciting new message that will impact your life immeasurably more during these uncertain times, you will not be the same again! Because your suddenly is on it’s way!
Tune into this inspiring podcast for a divine acceleration from this Good Friday Word, get ready to have a life-changing impact by our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn.
Hear about principles that will help you win favor in life to reach a higher potential, so get your heart, mind and notebooks ready and press play.
If you feel that you need to anchor your life to Jesus, listen to this inspiring message by our Lead Pastor of the Wellington Campus, Jared Cerfonteyn.
Here is how you can strengthen your Faith in God, through strengthening your Faith muscle. Tune into this life-changing message about building your Faith muscle by our Senior Pastor Mark Cerfonteyn.
Give this powerful and practical message a listen with your notebook to hear from our Senior Pastor Mark on how you can evaluate your faith, which will impact your life!
Open your hearts for Mark Burchell, all the way from Champions Church in the UK, sharing a life-changing message that will impact your future.
Tune in for the unpacking of our word, Divine Acceleration from our Senior Pastor Mark and get inspired by what God will be Divinely Accelerating in your life.
Join us for an amazing message by our Senior Pastor Mark about love, especially God's Love and how we can grow our love towards others.
Join us for an amazing message by our Senior Pastor Mark that will not only accelerate, but Divinely Accelerate what God will do in your life.
Pastor Mark shares with us the power of "Prayer and Fasting" and encourages you to pray into your future. It is a great message of hope and the ability to trust God.
An amazing message from our senior pastor, Mark Cerfonteyn to give you hope and encourage you.
Life happens and we feel like we are going through a storm, Mark Cerfonteyn shares about the Peace in the storm. It is a message that will motivate you and get you ready to face what's next with a peace.
If you feel like stopping or giving up, listen to this message that Jared shares with us. Brought to you by The Rock.
You are a Kingdom Citizen, In this Part 2 Mark Shares with us more hope and inspiration.
We are in this world, but we are Kingdom Citizens. What does that mean? Listen to an amazing message from Mark Cerfonteyn about Kingdom Culture and being a Kingdom Citizen.
Listen to an amazing message about how we must not let fear run our lives, but rather have faith.
All you need is a heart after God, Listen to another amazing message from the heart of Mark Cerfonteyn as he shares with us about God's heart.
Listen to another amazing From The Rock as Jared shares with us how we need to be willing to carry.
Listen to another amazing message of hope from Mark Cerfonteyn. For More info visit www.therockchurch.co.za
In the month our, The Rocks, Birthday, Listen to an amazing Message from Mark about Increasing our Faith.
The Power of reaping a harvest in your life. Something we can all learn from. Shared by Mark Cerfonteyn
When all looks Dark and Lost, know that there is hope, we live in hope, Jesus brought hope. Listen to this amazing message from one of our campus pastors, Jared Cerfonteyn.
Sometimes in life, the wait can be hard. What if I told you that you can win in the wait. Listen to another amazing message from Mark Cerfonteyn about winning in the wait.
Listen to this amazing message of Overcoming as Mark Cerfonteyn shares a motivational message with us.
The Bible tells us to love our neighbour, but who is our neighbour. Why not listen to a motivational message from Mark Cerfonteyn about Love and one's neighbour.
In such a time we live in, we need to be strong and courageous. Mark Cerfonteyn talks about being strong and courageous with the Lord. A real motivational message that will place strength in your heart.
And if you have decided at the end to accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, please message (+27) 0792336381 with the words Decided and we will get some amazing content to you.
Sometimes in life, we need to shift our perspective. Join us as Jan shares an amazing message about A Different Perspective.
We all have giants in our lives, but we are conquerors who are made to overcome. Listen to an amazing message from Mark Cerfonteyn about a powerful God who reigns over your giants.
If you didn't know, your words have power. Hear another amazing message from Mark Cerfonteyn.
An amazing message brought to you by Jared Cerfonteyn, bringing you hope and motivation. Open your heart and get ready to have God move.
There is Opportunity in the midst of a crisis. all you need to know is how to turn that Crisis into Opportunity. Mark Cerfonteyn shares with us another amazing message about that opportunity. Let's get our hearts open, minds ready, and know we won't be the same again after this message.
Be still and know that God is Lord and is in control, surrender fully to Him, and watch what he does. Yet another amazing message by Mark Cerfonteyn
There is Power in Jesus, Learn about it as Mark Cerfonteyn shares another amazing message of hope.
Be encouraged and motivated through another amazing message from Mark Cerfonteyn. This message will bring hope to you through this time.
Don't be fooled, there is power in the blood of Jesus. Hear about the amazing power we have over us through Jesus as Mark Cerfonteyn delivers another amazing message.
During this time that we face it is so easy to forget who is in control and who is with us. listen to this amazing message of hope and get in your spirit that God is with us through it all.
An amazing message of hope during this time of uncertainty. God is greater than anything that you may be up against.
Even When.. God is Lord of all. Learn to have an unwavering faith that trusts in God, and hear about our amazing God that loves us.
Hear about the power of fasting and how it will release an increase in your life. There is more in store for your life. Open the flood gates and let it in through fasting.
We can be blessed and we can have more. Mark shared with us how God has more install for us. Get ready for another amazing message that will bless you.
Life is full of domino effect moment, learn how to navigate them and embrace the goodness God has in store for you.
We all have them, but Gerrit sheds light on our "but God" moments in our life in this amazing message. Impacting, dynamic and life-changing.
When we dont see God working, sometimes our miracles are hidden as hard work. Jared reminds us that God is a good God with this amazing message.
In Part Two of 'Good Things' we continue learning about the origin of favour and how we need to be finders of good.
'Good things' is a three part series that looks at Gods goodness in our lives, every day.
Every good thing comes from God, and in this series Pastor Mark encourages us to see the good in all things and experience Gods favour at a new level.