A Beginner’s Course

January 31, 2012 at 1:14 am (Beginner's Course)

Rev. John Willoughby

BEGINNERS DISCIPLESHIP COURSE.

(Unless otherwise stated, Scripture is translated from the New Living Translation.)

GENEROSITY – 15

Jn 3:16. God has put into motion spiritual laws, which govern life – one of these is the law of generosity. It teaches us that, “whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (II Cor 9:6).

1. PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD.

The Bible says, “We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God’s field, God’s building – not ours” (I Cor 3:9). It is important for us to understand where our responsibilities lie.

a) Ownership of all – is with God. I Chron 29:10-12. The Bible says, “The heavens are Yours and the earth is Yours; everything in the world is Yours – You created it all” (Ps 89:11). Everything belongs to God, including all we have – possessions, careers, families. He has given us all of these things to enjoy (I Tim 6:17), however, when we realise that they still belong to Him, we can rest in the assurance that God also has ultimate responsibility for them.

b) Stewardship of what we have – is with us. I Cor 6:19-20. Unlike an owner, a steward manages that which belongs to someone else. Therefore as God’s stewards we have an obligation to be faithful in taking care of all we have for Him and He will hold us responsible for this (Mt 25:14-30). When we understand the Owner-steward relationship it becomes easy to give. Before God, stewardship covers every single thing that belongs to us – our time (Col 4:5), our talents and abilities (I Pet 4:10), our possessions (Mt 6:19-21), our finances (Mt 6:24) and the message of the Gospel (I Cor 9:16-17). Many Christians still struggle to tithe, but the action that releases us into the full blessings of good stewardship is surrender – the unreserved submission of one’s entire life, possessions and plans to God’s will and purpose.

2. GENEROSITY IN THE EARLY CHURCH.

Acts 2:44-45. 4:32. The attitude of the early Christians laid the foundation for every expression of giving that was to come later. It expressed their understanding of stewardship – that everything ultimately belongs to God and the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) became a reality.

a) They supported the needy. Acts 6:1-3. Special men were chosen to serve as deacons, who made it their ministry to channel all the giving to where there was a practical need.

b) They gave sacrificially to one another. II Cor 8:1-4. When some Christians were in need, others supported them.

* They worked to be able to give. Eph 4:28.

* Giving was the proof of their love. I Jn 3:17-18.

c) They supported ministries. Phil 4:15-18. The Apostle Paul, while travelling to establish new churches, sometimes worked with his hands to provide his own support (II Thess 3:7-9). On other occasions the Christians showed the true spirit of giving, which God commends, by supporting him and other ministries.

3/. GOD’S PRINCIPLES OF GENEROSITY.

In I Cor 10:11, we are told to learn fromIsrael’s example and to apply the principles given them by God, avoiding their mistakes and rebellion. In the area of giving, we find some excellent guidelines in the Old Testament that can help us today.

a) God expects us to tithe of our income. Mal 3:8-12. Let us note from these verses that we “rob God”, if we do not tithe (v8) and the result of this is a “curse” (v9). If we “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” (church which we attend), great blessings result (v10-12). Jesus said, “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving – large or small – it will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Lk 6:38).

b) We are to give the first and best to the Lord. Prov 3:9-10. Under the old covenant when offering sacrifices to the Lord, they always needed to give an animal, which was without blemish – the best of their flocks. How much more so do we, who live under a “better covenant” need to give our best. The Bible says, “a generous man devises generous things and by generosity he shall stand” (Is 32:8).

MY COMMITMENT.

I realize the importance of having a generous heart and attitude towards others. Today I commit myself to begin a life of giving, by starting to tithe (a tenth of my income) to the Lord’s work. I will also encourage and teach others to do the same.

 

 

 

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Message by the late David Wilkerson

January 31, 2012 at 1:10 am (David Wilkerson)

Rev. David Wilkerson

GOD’S GREAT CONCERN

In the midst of this worldwide “shaking of all things,” what is God’s great concern in all of this? Is it on the events of the Middle East? No. The Bible tells us God’s vision is trained on his children: “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 33:18).

Our Lord is aware of every move on the earth, by every living thing. And yet his gaze is focused primarily on the well-being of his children. He fixes his eyes on the pains and needs of each member of his spiritual body. Simply put, whatever hurts us concerns him.

To prove this to us, Jesus said, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Even in the midst of great world wars, God’s primary focus isn’t on the tyrants. His focus is on every circumstance in his children’s lives.

Christ says in the very next verse: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father” (Matthew 10:29). In Christ’s day, sparrows were the meat of the poor and sold two for a penny. Yet, Jesus said, “Not one of these small creatures falls to the ground without your Father knowing it.”

Jesus’ use of the word “fall” in this verse signifies more than the bird’s death. The Aramaic meaning is “to light upon the ground.” In other words, “fall” here indicates every little hop a tiny bird makes.

Christ is telling us, “Your Father’s eye is on the sparrow not just when it dies but even when it lights on the ground. As a sparrow learns to fly, it falls from the nest and begins to hop along the ground. And God sees every little struggle it has. He’s concerned over every detail of its life.”

Jesus then adds, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (10:31). Indeed, he says, “The very hairs of your head are numbered” (10:30). Simply put, the One who made and counted all the stars—who monitored every action of theRoman Empire, who keeps the galaxies in their orbits—has his eye fixed on you. And, Jesus asks, “Are you not worth much more to him?”

 

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News and Views

January 31, 2012 at 1:04 am (News and Views)

INSPIRE AWARDS

‘JUST DOING WHAT GOD’S CALLED US TO DO

God’s at work across the UK and around the world, and just a few of the ordinary people being used to do extraordinary things told their stories at Westminster recently at the 2011 Inspire Awards.

UNSUNG Christian heroes from across theUKwere recognised for their community work at the Houses of Parliament on 15 November as the 3011 Inspire Award winners were announced.

The winners were chosen from more than 120 nominations submitted for this year’s awards ceremony, organised by inspire and the Evangelical Alliance, and celebrated at a special ceremony hosted by Christian MPs,

This year’s winners were chosen from three categories: an individual who is an inspirational role model, a church that is making a dynamic impact in its community, and a Christian-run project serving its local area.

Inspire magazine’s editor Russ Bravo said of the 2011 awards: “lt has been a privilege to find out about the way ordinary people are putting their faith in action in extraordinary ways. We’re committed to telling these kinds of inspirational stories of Christians making life better for local communities, and the Inspire Awards is a great showcase for that.”

Paul Slide, chief executive of Inspire’s publisher CPO, said: “Hearing the practical difference Christians are making at grassroots level is a huge encouragement, and genuinely inspirational. These award winners are just the tip of the iceberg – we’re looking forward to seeing a whole lot more local heroes in the future.”

Steve Clifford, general director of the Evangelical Alliance, added: It was truly humbling and inspiring to. meet, all the individuals, and representatives of churches and organisations doing amazing work in their local communities, to hear their stories and to celebrate with them.

“As Christians, we are passionate about community transformation. These fantastic, innovative projects being run up and down the UK are feeding the hungry, housing tte homeless and restoring the broken. They are just some examples of how Christians are doing great things. 

INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL

Christine Depanio

Christine Deponio runs Emmanuel House inGateshead, a free service to those suffering with terminal cancer. Despite being blind and a full-time carer to her husband, who is also blind, she single-handedly fundraises for the project, which she set up in 2003.

The project offers free lunches and physical therapy services such as massages, hair and nail care. Christine also owns three properties in the country that she lets cost-free to cancer patients and their families.

Christine said: “It was a huge surprise, it really was. I’m just doing what God wants me to do. They need someone to be here, to cry with, to laugh with, to share their hope with. That’s where I come in.”

INSPIRING CHURCH

Lifeline Church Essex

Lifeline Church,Essex, run Open Doors, a project for vulnerable and isolated women. The project was set up over 10 years ago and, by providing access to consistent friendship and a caring community, has given hope and freedom to countless women. Healthcare professionals working in the NHS mental health services regularly refer patients to Open Doors, recognising the vital role the project plays. Sally Dixon of Open Doors said: “It’s been a real surprise to get this award. We just feel like we are doing the work that God has given us to do. It’s really exciting to see somebody who’s been isolated come out of their isolation and find a place of belonging in the church family.”

INSPIRING PROJECT

Rev. Peter Cunningham

Green Pastures,Southport, started when Pastor Pete Cunningham and other church members bought a pair of flats to house and care for two homeless couples. In 2005 the local authority recognised the significance of Green Pastures when it announced that there were no longer any long-term rough sleepers inSouthport. Today Green Pastures houses more than 200 formerly homeless people.

Pete Cunningham said: “As well as caring for their physical needs we are sometimes given the privilege of leading our tenants to Jesus. In the last few years, 27 came to faith, 19 were baptised and 32 are attending local churches.”

Runners-up

Ann-Marie Wilson, founder of 28 Too Many Bournemouth Vineyard Church The Ark, Ayr

Highly commended

Kevin Vickers,Mitcham Ebenezer Church, HalifaxYkids, Bootle

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Healing Testimonies

January 31, 2012 at 12:50 am (Healing Testimonies)

Mrs. E. Starkey

HEALED OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

At Principal George Jeffreys’ Birmingham Revival Campaign

I went to Principal George Jef­freys’ Revival Campaign meetings in Steelhouse Lane Congregational Church, and I heard of people who were being healed.

I was suffer­ing with rheumatoid arthritis of over six years’ standing, my knees were locked and I could not kneel. I was very weak, and could not do my own work; I had to have a woman in to do it. The pain was awful. I tried many things— sunray, radiant heat, brine baths. I went out for prayer, and I be­lieved the Lord would heal me.

After being prayed for He com­pletely healed me. On Whit-Sunday I stooped and something gave way under my knee. I was free. I can now kneel, and, also do my own work. I do the Lord for His goodness to me. Hallelujah!

 

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