30th November 2009 – Unstoppable Church

Matthew 16 v 13-18

 

As we look across Europe it becomes very obvious that the church is in  permanent fight for its place and its voice. The powers that be and others around seem to constantly want to disregard Jesus and his church, very disturbed by the challenge that the gospel presents. The kingdom of heaven has a king and that person is Jesus, history shows us that human nature always seems to want to battle kings and their authority. The difference here is that Jesus is eternal and lives forever, he will never be deposed or over-run. He has no one who will supersede Him and he will never grow old or abdicate. His kingdom and rule is unrelenting and unstoppable. As head of the church that works out its rule through us.

 

The cathedral that dominates the skyline of our city was built over a number of years by men who knew that the project they were involved in was being built not just for now, but for ‘beyond’ the builders life. The Christian church of today is unstoppable and is strengthening as it builds on the foundation that is Jesus. So the church has a founder and foundations.

 

It has been said many times that any building is dictated by its foundations, as is the same with any life, marriage, family and business. BUT here is a great thought coming out of the question and answer that were part of the challenge of what Jesus said in Matthew 16 – we need a revelation of the founder and then God builds on that revelation. (‘Man has not revealed this to you, but my father in heaven’)

 

Let us not ignore the battle because we cannot if we are real about our commitment to the gospel through the church, and continue to stay close to the founder and head who is Christ, hear his voice through his word and allow that to be more than just facts and information but revelation – on that God can build!

 

Wednesday evening we will be together to seek more of that revelation and look for others in this city and beyond to see the same !! see you there!

23rd November 2009 – I will build my church

‘Success is neither magical or mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals’

Matthew 16 – Who do people say I am? Who do you say I am? I will build my church!

Jesus is clearly wanting the disciples to see beyond the obvious and not simply make deductions from their logical understanding. He was the one who stated that ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear’ asking us all to seek more and understand deeper allowing God to reveal himself in our thoughts and responses. And so the disciples disappointed him a little when they stated the obvious, seeing him as John the Baptist or one of the great prophets when they were asked who people thought he was. But Simon Peter saw deeper in stating that Jesus was The Christ who had come from God, to the question who do you say I am?

But the same question can be asked of us today. so here it is

Who do people say WE are? (us here at Emmanuel) Having talked to people the answers are obvious – we are good people, dedicated, the church has a great atmosphere. The answers are good and true, but not want we ultimately want to project. So the question then comes to us – who do you say we are? And having looked to God we realise that we are his representatives, carriers of a message, world changers. A people committed to introducing people to Jesus.

Our answer to that is lived out every day through the way that we behave and speak!

Jesus response to Peter was definite – On that confession I can build my church!

Jesus response to us in our answer is the same – On that confession I can build. We then see ourselves as we should see ourselves and live it out through every action, prayer, and effort.

So here is my question for the week (and beyond) = Who do you say you are? Who do you say we are? Think before answering.

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

16th November 2009 – Vision & Faith

Vision & Faith 2 Kings 6:1-23

We start with the account of the axe head falling into the river. The axe represented everything to the user, it would provide a home, heating, help put food on the table and provide a livelihood. So why were these few verses included, I think it was to help the servant exercise a little faith for what was about to come.

In the next passage we find that the king of Aram was enraged. Every time a trap was set to capture the king of Israel Elisha foiled his plans. No matter how careful he was, every one of his plans had been discovered by the king of Israel. Finally, after he had investigated every possible leak, the king discovered the source of his betrayal. This spy was no ordinary spy, for God was revealing every one of the king’s secrets to His prophet.

The king of Aram sent an army by night to besiege the city of Dothan, where Elisha was staying. He was determined to kill or capture God’s prophet once and for all.

Imagine Elisha’s servant coming out in the morning to milk the cow or collect the water, he was paralyzed with fear. No matter which direction he looked, they were surrounded by the armies of Aram.

But Elisha didn’t seen concerned by the news “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”. At that moment, Elisha simply looked up toward heaven and prayed, “Lord, open the eyes of my servant and let him see what is really there.”

With a blinding flash, everything changed for Elisha’s servant. Where once he could only see the armies of Aram, now he saw around the hillsides and in the tree tops an even larger heavenly army of fiery chariots.

What lessons can we learn from this account nearly 3000 years later?

First of all, no matter how many enemies you face, you will never be outnumbered. Whether or not you see them or even sense their presence, the armies of heaven are surrounding the very enemies who have dared to surround you.

Second, even as God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant, so He wants to open your eyes to the reality of His power to protect you. Whether He does it through Word of God, or revelation coming through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is critical that you begin to see the world around you through the eyes of faith.

This week ask God to help you see His way and exercise a little faith to start overpowering the enemy.

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

9th November 2009 – Strategy

Strategy

 

“Time and the world do not stand still; change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past or present will miss the future” = JFK

 

A recent survey on church growth stated that  ‘Churches who are clear about why they exist and what they are doing are the ones progressing’ – intentionality is the answer

 

John Stott a great theologian wrote this in his book living church.

‘I have a dream of a……’

• Biblical church which is loyal to the revelation of God through the bible.
• Worshiping church whose people come together to meet God.
• Caring church whose numbers are drawn and accepted from all social and racial backgrounds.
• Serving church which has identified Christ’s servant attitude and His call to follow.
• Expectant church keeping the flame of Christian hope burning in a dark world.

 

So many times we declare the future is great and the church is believing for great things. Well! as a church we are not just saying that, but we are setting out a strategy to build towards this. Our target for the year 2012 is that we believe we will be a church of 300 people and that is just the start of our seeing the gospel effective in this place. This has very clear implications for the building, staff, home groups etc, etc. So with that as our next target, under God the strategy is as follows.

 

Mission statement of Emmanuel is ‘Building a strong local church reflecting the glory of God through its people and activities to the city of Lichfield and beyond’ and we now are a church that is committed to the following.

 

Gathering

Growing

Going

 

We believe that God is a God of rhythm and we are seeking to create a rhythm for your life and for this church. In our going we are seeking to gather, and through our gathering we are seeking to grow -  and so the rhythm can be interchangeable and very fluid and now is the pattern of life for us from this moment onwards. We desire that every living thing that enters the doors of Emmanuel will flourish and we want to create an environment in which we can all flourish in every way. Our friendships, faith and lives.

 

So let us all recognise that not only are we saved to make our peace with God, but we are part of God’s Kingdom Project and need to find our contribution to that project.

 

 

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

2nd November 2009 – Heroes

Heroes

 

You know what it’s like, the radio is on and there are some great anthems that we all blast out to when played (or is it just me?) One of those classics is Mariah Carey in full throttle – Then a hero comes along with the strength to carry on….. great song to belt out along to when in the car alone.

 

I seem to be seeing the word hero a lot in these days, in particular because of the battles going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. Young men who sign up to engage with others and in doing so risk losing their own lives for the cause. It is true to say that heroes are only made in  battle  and that doesn’t have to be a war zone. People who fight cancer, others who go through the fiercest of battles in an everyday setting sometimes winning, sometimes losing.

 

But where do heroes start? Is it there life’s goal to be labelled ‘Hero’ or is it more that they are faced with a mission to accomplish? There lies the answer someone who has a mission to face, sometimes not of their own making, and with courage, dignity, and even possible failure they meet it head on and stare at it eye to eye. Many of us heard yesterday about Jesus being our super-hero, and he certainly ticks all the boxes. He was given a big task in very unfamiliar surroundings knowing that it was no holiday visit but eventual death. There was pain and hardship, betrayal and abuse, even moments where the ‘get out’ clause may have been the option of many. But Jesus saw the mission through and although death to many seemed to mark the end of a great journey, the reality was that the journey had only just begun as many then could follow his lead and bring in God’s new day on earth when all could know him.

 

He now calls us to stand and be counted, to carry on the mission and fight the tide of evil and destruction. He came that we might have life because the devil is out to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10) and that life can be passed on through us to him today !!

 

Let the hero who lives in you live his life through you – this week!!

 

 

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

26th October 2009 – Foundations

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH 6

Foundations

You know when it comes to our faith and its operation, does it ever strike you that we might just be missing the point! Our Christian faith is intended to be a lifestyle not an attendance. Church is just the icing on the cake – a gathering of those who lifestyle is centred around Christ. Let us all make sure that we live out our faith on a daily basis not simply do the right things on a Sunday.

Some relationships are temporary like the one with our doctor, boss, bank manager they simply hold a small part of our lives BUT our relationship with Jesus is 24/7 and invades every part of our lives. Our job is not our foundation, neither is our status or title, but Christ is our foundation on which every other part of our life rests and works from.

1 Corinthians 3 v 10-17 Talks of foundations and the materials that we build with. The foundation has already being laid which is Christ – this is the gift of God. But! we then need to choose our materials carefully, Why? Because the test of each material will be with fire. Building with wood, hay and straw, we are all aware will disappear in a second however the Gold, silver and precious metal that is referred to are the things that will stand intense heat. Add to that the fact that the easily burned materials are easily gotten and easily lost, cost very little  and are weak. The Gold, silver and precious metals are not easily found and come at some expense.

The challenge is obvious to us all and is simply asked in the question what is the quality of material you are building your life with. Does God receive the Gold of our time, money, gift, love, service or is it simply a straw offering which is weak and incidental. Today take the chance to have a look at quality and allow the quality control officer (Holy Spirit) to look examine and address. God gave his own son, Jesus – simply the best. Lets us follow him in the same vein.

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

19th October 2009 – Purpose & Pattern

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH 5

PURPOSE & PATTERN

Ephesians 3 v 2-11 Paul writes with reference to the ‘mystery’ of the gospel. He clearly is pointing to the inclusion of the gentiles in the gospel that some had assumed was a Jewish domain. No longer was the gospel of Jesus Christ to be a secret – but out in the open for all to hear and be a part of. TODAY! the same applies in western world living – the gospel is no secret and all are invited to be included, and welcome hope for today; and the future into their world.

So many people have the same misguided idea of church. They simply think of church as a building, or people attending a meeting, or Sunday stuff. You read the new testament and out of over 100 references to church not one of them has the slightest references to a building or a day! There is meant to be so much more and as Christians we have an exciting task in presenting the ‘REAL’ church to the world around. There is a responsibility for all of us to be the church that Jesus died for and to take on board the mandate Jesus left us.

God is not just simply drawing us to himself, but the message of the gospel is that he is drawing us to one another in what we can title as authentic community – coming together with a call to relate to one another, provide support and strength. To stand against superficiality. The emphasis with God all the time is relationship and that theme runs through all that God promotes and does.

Relationship with one another through gathering as church.

Relationship with God through growing in our faith and love for Jesus.

Relationship with the community through going to share the open message.

Let us all realise our purpose and build together for the great name of our God.

12th October 2009 – Mindset

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH 4

Mindset

Over years of being involved in certain areas of life your mind gets set in a certain pattern and becomes rooted in a way that you understand and know. Often you cannot see things done another way and therefore any changes made create possible tension in your life and thinking.

Church can easily come under that banner – we become familiar with ways and routines and then that becomes our mindset for the future. What if! You were given a blank piece of paper and asked to redesign church as though it had never existed. What a big challenge, actually I think many people would not totally revamp but would upgrade what exists now. The bible is slightly helpful as we read in Acts that they devoted themselves to worship, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer, they had a strong social programme – the inclusion and acceptance banner was held high. But our culture and environment are very different and we need to minister where we are and apply the gospel to different pressures and challenges.

So what is the church here for? My understanding is that we are here to reflect Christ who came to show us God. He cared for the poor and disadvantaged, he disciple people in the ways of God and showed all around that there was a better way to live with God central to all that we do.

Therefore if we are here to reflect Christ then let’s have a look at him and what he did!!

Philippians 2 v 5-13

As we read these verses we see that he was humble, committed, and a servant of the God of the gospel – What should the mindset be that we carry? – well simply that we want to serve the God of the gospel and be hope in the world around – The world around gets its image of God through the church so let’s do it the best way we can!

Let me jettison you into this week with the words of JFK in his inaugural speech on 20:01:1960 “The torch has passed to a new generation, my fellow Americans don’t ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. We are in the throes of a new day so as the torch passes ask what you can do for your God and your church!! – HAVE THAT MINDSET !!

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

28th September 2009 – I will build my church 3

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH 3

The unknown god

There is so much mystery tied up with God. The more we get to know him the more we realise that we know very little. And yet as we pursue a Christian pilgrimage we face situations where we need to discover what is, as yet unknown to us about God. In my own experience when we hit a period when the charity I worked for could not pay me anymore and Jane had finished work with the birth of our son we needed to meet the God of provision and we did – he was unknown to us in the area of provision, but now we have met him and know something that many others have not discovered yet. There are others who have met the God who heals and yet many have not yet needed to open that door and that side of God is still mystery – Unknown!
Abraham met the God of promise and dream, Moses met the God of deliverance, Israel meet the God of provision. When God came to earth in the form of Jesus; so much more of God was unveiled to the amazement of those close and following. – some unknown sides of God were being unveiled.

You are going to face situations that you possibly have never met before and need to dig deep into the faith that you have in Christ and discover some new facet of the yet unknown God. As a group of believers called together to be church there is a future for us that God is mapping out and we will certainly be facing challenges that cause us to look for what is as yet unknown, and through that to release something new and fresh into this area that will breathe life and vitality into us together.

So I invite you to put out the welcome mat for the newness of God to breeze in and give you the joy and experience of opening another door in the growing relationship that you have with the God of heaven.

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com

21st September 2009 – History and Destiny

History and Destiny
Jesus took His disciples to the heathen city of Caesarea Philippi, 25 miles from the sea of Galilee. Not a short walk so we are lead to assume that this was done with purpose.

The City Jesus was taking His disciples to was a heathen city fabled to the birth place of the Greek god Pan, the god of nature, fields, forests, mountains, flocks and shepherds. “He is son of Hermes by one or another nymph; his mother was so scared by his appearance that she abandoned him at birth and Hermes introduced him to Olympus. His name is probably related to the same root as Latin pasco, and thus means ’shepherd.’” (Richard Stoneman, Greek Mythology, p. 136).

The city itself was a centre for pagan religions and have been for many years. Named for Caesar Augustus in 2 BC by Herod the Great’s son Phillip, it was a non-Jewish city. The city was on the south-western slope of Mount Hermon and the northernmost extent of Jesus’ ministry. It was heralded as being in a very beautiful area.

This is the place that Jesus chose to ask possibly the most critical question of His ministry…  “who do YOU say I am?” It was a question posed against the backdrop of popular religion and pagan faith. Often we are faced with the same questions, asked to stand up and say “I believe in Jesus” in an environment that is not one that is accepting or encouraging of our faith. This did not deter Jesus, in fact He placed Himself in the middle of this before asking who His disciples thought He was.

What is your picture of Jesus? I heard the other day that the view of Jesus as a baby in the manger is okay. I ask is it? Can you leave your faith in God at the stable where He was born and forget that He lived a life that challenged everyone around Him, friends, family and even enemies. He is calling us to live lives that shout out loud that we are His and He is ours. Your response to this question is crucial because the image of Jesus that you have is what you will build your life and faith on. This applies to church and our collective image of Christ.

Who do YOU say Jesus is?

Steve Speight

Emmanuel Christian Centre

Netherstowe

Lichfield

Staffs

WS13 6TS

01543 254596

www.emmanuellichfield.com