Bethel Elim Church podcast

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The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®

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#676: The consumer is no longer navigating the map—they are the map, with Ken Hughes, the King of CX 36:22

منذ يومين36:22

التشغيل لاحقا

قوائم

إعجاب

احب

36:22

The consumer is no longer navigating the map—they are the map. Welcome to the era of the Blue Dot Consumer: always centered, always scrolling, and always expecting the world to orbit around them. What does that mean for your brand? Everything. From the rise of instant gratification to the evolution of seven—yes, seven—active generations, the customer experience game has changed forever. Today’s guest is Ken Hughes, also known as The King of CX—is a consumer behavioralist, futurist, and one of the world’s leading authorities on customer experience. He’s here to break down how digital evolution, generational shifts, and consumer expectations are reshaping the rules of engagement for brands of all sizes. About Ken Hughes Ken Hughes is one of the World's Leading CX Strategists and Consumer Behavioralists in Customer Experience, Marketing, Branding, Innovation and AI. Known internationally as The King of Customer Experience. Author of the marketing blog ‘The Blue Dot Consumer’, with tens of thousands of readers exploring his content on consumer values, marketing, branding and customer experience every month. His research and work is utilized by global brands, industry associations and universities across all six continents. His client list is a who’s who of global brands, from Google, Starbucks, the NFL, and TikTok, to Walmart, Coca-Cola, IKEA and PayPal) to understand the changing nature of the brand connection across the consumer generations, and prepare for the future. He describes himself as a social science Frankenstein – his interests are part sociology, part anthropology, part consumer psychology and part cyber behaviouralism. Previously CEO of an insight agency, a TED speaker, a university lecturer and actor RESOURCES King of CX: https://www.kenhughes.info/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

Bethel Elim Church

منزل السلاسل•Feed

Messages shared from our weekly Sunday morning service.

9 حلقات

#Religion #From Gods #Bethel Elim Church #Christianity

Bethel Elim Church

updated منذ 11 يومًا

منزل السلاسل•Feed

Messages shared from our weekly Sunday morning service.

9 حلقات

#Religion #From Gods #Bethel Elim Church #Christianity

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Sensitivity, Stillness & The Spirit 040525

منذ 11 يومًا

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Stillness, Sensitivity & The Spirit 040525 The New Testament emphasises the importance of listening to Holy Spirit, as He is the Spirit of Truth. The seven churches in Revelation faced problems due to their neglect of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By listening and obeying the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome challenges and live in accordance with God’s will. In the N. T. Jesus is very clear on teaching us of the need to be listening to the voice of Holy Spirit, because He is the ‘Spirit of Truth’ John 14:15-17 ; John 16:12-15 16 times the words ‘ He that has an ear, let him hear ’ is stated in the N.T. In the Revelation of Jesus the Christ it adds: ‘ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches ’. For a statement to be repeated 16 times in Scripture means it’s extremely important. Our Christian life stands or falls on our ability to recognise how and when God is speaking to us. Easter reminds us that Jesus is alive and speaks to those who are listening. The Bible tells us that God’s true sons and daughters are those who are ‘led by the Spirit of God’ Romans 8:14 Jesus gave clear teaching and instruction to His followers, emphasising the importance of being empowered by Holy Spirit. When Jesus left this earth, He sent the promised Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit came powerfully on the Day of Pentecost, filling the waiting believers with a power they had never experienced before Luke 24:49 Behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high Acts 1:8 ; Acts 2:1-4 Christianity without Holy Spirit is a powerless faith . ‘ He that has an ear, let him hear ’ Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation 3:6, 13, 22 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:3 The word ‘ hear ’ comes from the Greek word “akouo” and means: ‘to hear’, to have the faculty of hearing; to hear, perceive with the ears; to give ear, listen; to learn by hearing, be informed” And Jesus instructed His followers that they must be filled with the Holy Spirit of Truth. He has been sent to ‘ guide us into all truth ’ John 16:13 Every problem in those seven churches was the direct result of their not hearing ~ or not heeding ~ what the Holy Spirit was saying to them! Every one of those problems can be avoided in our lives and churches today if we will listen to, and obey, the voice of the Holy Spirit of Truth! He (Holy Spirit) does not lead us into sin and neglect. How important it is that we know the voice of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives and churches today! Knowing the principles of the Scriptures is vitally important, because Holy Spirit does not contradict the Scriptures. It is also important that we develop a sensitive heart and ear to listening, by taking time to ‘be still and know that He is God’ Psalm 46:10 Jesus’ sheep hear and know His voice John 10 When He speaks our responsibility is to obey; to step out and do what He has spoken to us. That is what faith is: obedience to the voice of the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit of Truth! Romans 10:17 ‘so faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of God.’ Are you listening? Are you hearing? For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10…

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Meaningful Membership 270425

منذ 14 يومًا

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Key Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12 - 31 The Bible teaches that being part of a church is more than just attending services; it’s about being a part of a community of believers. This community helps us grow in our faith, support one another and serve God together. People in society aren’t against the idea of membership. They absolutely love being members of the choirs, women’s institute, rugby clubs, or the gym. Maybe it’s because church membership isn’t always clearly defined. It’s like eating lava bread - when you don’t understand it, it might seem a bit strange, but give it a try and you might just like it! Life’s meant to be shared, not walked through alone. We’re called to be a supportive and loving group of believers and the Bible says so. Membership can be a bit confusing and it’s easy to get it wrong, apply it in the wrong way or not use it at all. We’ve often thought of membership like joining a special club, or like the old American Express commercial where they say ‘ membership has its privileges .’ That however, is not the way the Bible refers to membership. In fact, in 1 Corinthians the apostle Paul doesn’t say the church is ‘ like ’ a body. He says the church ‘ is ’ a body. The phrase he uses to describe the individual connectedness, is we are ‘ members of the body. ’ The word ‘ member ’ in the Bible is more closely related to the medical word ‘ member ’ meaning a body part or organ because language can have a different meaning dependent on the context. As an example, some people have ‘ lost a finger or toe in an accident .’ Were they careless or forgetful? No! we understand it means they were dismembered. Dismemberment literally means a part of your body/member was separated from the rest of the body. Yet today in Western culture, being separated from the body of believers is not tragic. but normal. It is almost a false understanding that Christians and churches should be separated and to be a ‘Lone Ranger’ Christian is normal. Paul’s understanding of holiness is primarily communal. God is not just making individuals holy which He undoubtedly does but He is making a people Holy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Why then do we have membership? Because regardless of how the culture sees it or Christians misunderstand it, membership is not simply an opportunity to say, ‘I’m a part of a club’ , but rather it’s a Biblical expression of covenant connectedness to a body of believing people. 1.Membership Reflects What the Church Is. Membership is a reflection of the organic community that exists in the body. Paul says we are a body. ‘Can one part say to the other, ‘I do not belong to the body’ 16 No, it is already a part. But too often we live as if we are separated. In the spiritual too many churches or Christian gatherings look like a massacres with piles of dismembered body parts, instead of a body knit together as God’s representative, His body, His kingdom at work in the world. To reject the value of membership is to deny the template God has already put in place as a model for Christian community ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’ – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 This scripture showcases the benefit of partnership within the church, highlighting how we support and uplift each other during difficult times. 2.The Bible Teaches Covenant Community. We find in Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth, that they were putting people out of the body. So Scripture teaches that we can be a part of the body and consequently can be separated from the body. It is difficult to get around Scripture. when it clearly talks about being brought into the body and also being put out of it. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (whole chapter) 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of a brother… Yet for some assemblies, there’s no way to put someone out because they were not even in. While there seems to be flexibility between various streams/denominations. There is no such thing in the N.T. as a church without some recognition of belonging, of partnering in community together. ‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ – Hebrews 10:24-25 3.People Need Church Membership. Lastly, we recognise Biblical membership matters because people/we need it. We need commitment to one another, whatever that looks like because we need to be connected to a Christian community. This is not just for the sake of the faith community ( Building the body ) Being part of a church community is instrumental in facilitating our spiritual growth. When we worship together, study together, and support one another, our faith deepens. The church provides a space for learning, teaching, and challenging one another in our belief. We are exposed to various teachings and insights, helping us to grow deeper in our understanding of God. Church membership allows us to engage in activities like small groups and Bible studies, that nurture our faith and strengthen our relationship with Christ and each other. Commitment for the sake of the body but also for the sake of the individual ( serving one another ) We are gifted with unique talents and abilities, and being part of a church helps us discover and use these gifts for God’s work. Serving alongside fellow believers fosters camaraderie and reinforces our bonds as we work towards a common mission. Whether it’s through outreach, teaching, or helping out at church events, we embrace the spirit of service that God calls us to. Together, we can significantly impact our local and global communities. Commitment is necessary above all for Jesus sake. John 13:35 ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ Jesus commissions us to grow and make disciples. In our church, we are equipped and encouraged to fulfil this calling and share our faith with others. ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. ’ Matthew 28:19-20 Individualist Christianity is a myth and a damaging pursuit. At the end of the day we’re redeemed. We’re placed in the body of Christ. ‘The body does not consist of one member but of many’ v.14 We are not brought out of something into nothing: From Orphan into family, Darkness into light, Wrath to peace, Mourning to joy, Lost to found, Guilty to righteous, Sinner to saint, Mystery to revelation, Lost to found, Separated to reconciled, Condemned to forgiven, Slave to free. The Bible specifically says God has redeemed us. He has transferred us, Colossians 1 says, from …the domain of darkness into the kingdom of the Son He loves. 13 A kingdom exists because it has a king who exercises dominion (Kingdom) The king has subjects and His kingdom has a community where together we function as God’s people. Membership Matters because God makes us a part of His larger family when we are born again. But then we need to covenant in a local body and live in community with them, agreeing to live by certain established Godly principles and standards. Membership doesn’t save us. But it enables us to grow and become spiritually mature in Christ.…

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The Unexpected Jesus 200425

منذ 24 يومًا

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Key Text: Luke 24:13-32 The most important prayer in all of Judaism begins with just one word; ‘ Hea r’ known as the Shema. ‘Hear. O Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Hearing God is not a fringe activity, it’s essential to our Christian lives. Hearing God is essential to the very purpose for which you and I were created. Without it everything falls apart. Jesus said: ‘People shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ – Matthew 4:4 Christianity is in its essence a resurrection religion The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. if you remove it, Christianity is destroyed. – John Stott. The gospel message is based on the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 The earthquake and the angel Matthew 28:2-4 opened the tomb, not to let Jesus out but to let us in, so that the early disciples and we can see what God has done. ‘Come and see, Go and tell’ is what the church is supposed to do. Witnessing is not something that we do for Jesus; it is something He does through us when we are filled with Holy Spirit who gives us the power and strength to share His message. …Faith comes by hearing the word and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 Maybe this explains why Jesus opened the word to the two men, as the three of them walked the seven miles to Emmaus. We see in 25 , 32 & 38 that their real problem wasn’t in their heads but in their hearts. What they needed was a fresh revelation of the word of God and Jesus is the one who gave it to them. He opened the scriptures and then opened their eyes to realise that He was not only the living word, alive but right there with them. The covert Christ joins them on their journey and we are reminded that we need to actively, intentionally invite Him into our questions, our relationships, our homes and worlds. Because it’s in these places that our hearts catch fire and the scriptures come alive. In these places he walks and talks with us, patiently answering our questions, realigning our hearts and minds to His. The simple fact is that for every person who encounters Jesus dramatically on the Damascus road with blinding lights and booming voice. Hundreds more meet Him slowly, quietly on the Emmaus road through friendship, scripture and conversation. The problem was that they saw Messiah as a conquering redeemer but they failed to see Him as a suffering servant. ( The Power of God in Unexpected places ) As they read the O.T. they saw the glory but not the grief, the crown but not the cross, the success but not the suffering sacrifice. Isaiah 53 Jesus did not just teach them doctrine and prophecy; He was teaching them things about Himself 2 7 The more we receive the word of God, the more we’ll want fellowship with the God of the word. Having just Bible knowledge can puff us up but receiving Bible truth and walking with the saviour will lead to a burning heart. The best proof that we have understood the Bible, applied it to ourselves and met the living Jesus, is that we have something exciting to share with others. Jesus revealed Himself to them during a common meal and that is often how He works. We need to learn to see Him in the everyday unexpected places of life. The ultimate way God communicates in this account isn’t through the Bible, breaking bread or burning hearts within us. It’s through Jesus Himself. He’s the ultimate and final word of God. Jesus went to great lengths to appear to them personally, taking at least an hour to explain everything He said in the scriptures about Himself. One occasion in John 5:39-40 he made it crystal clear that it’s possible to ‘…search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.’ Elsewhere in Hebrews 1:1-2 the same point is made: ‘Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.’ So what does all this mean for us? Hearing God begins and ends with meeting Jesus. A burning heart doesn’t let us to settle for anything less than ongoing fresh revelations of Jesus as we walk with Him. Nothing can replace and nothing matters more, than a personal encounter with Jesus. It’s Jesus Himself not the Bible, who is the true word of God. Having said this, the Bible is the main way we learn about the purposes and the personality of its subject Jesus. – We meet and experience Jesus in the Bible. The Emmamus Road account, gives us a dynamic picture of the relationship between God’s word in the Bible and His final word in Jesus. God starts with Jesus and leads us right the Bible, which then points us back to Jesus. Any message claiming to be from God but not sounding like Jesus or guiding us deeper into our relationship with Him, isn’t the real deal. It doesn’t matter how supernatural it seems, how deep it sounds or how many Bible verses it wraps around. If it doesn’t smell, taste or look like Jesus it probably isn’t. The good news is that Jesus still appears and speaks to people today the way He did on the Emmaus road Jesus keeps it simple, relational and earthly. ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’ John 10:2 Jesus tells us His friends will be known by just two things: their ability to recognise His voice and their willingness to follow. And here’s the promise from God ‘You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.’ Jeremiah 29:13 So let’s get out there and listen expecting to encounter Jesus in the unexpected places of our ongoing walk with Him.…

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Tragedy In The Triumph 130425

منذ 30 يومًا

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The Tragedy In The Triumph Key Text: Luke 19:28-48 How often do we hear statements such as, ‘ You’ve blown it ,’ or, ‘How could you mess it up like that?’ At other times, when some special opportunity seems to be opening up for us, someone or something comes along to spoil the party! Likewise, many people turn what could be a life-changing moment into a possible negative situation because of bad choices. Palm Sunday, signifies the triumphant entry of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. It was a day of celebration, the celebratory spirit was ringing in the air. In the midst of the joy and celebration however, we are going to look at three tragic situations that occurred. It was Tragic That There Were Some People Unwilling to Praise Jesus Luke 19:39 …some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him ‘Teacher rebuke your disciples.’ This was a day of much celebration and joy. As Jesus rode in, a very large crowd had gathered to give Him a rousing welcome Matthew 21:8 . They were praising Him by shouting, “Hosanna, to the son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest 21:9 . Luke 19:38 records, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Matthew 21:10 adds, ‘the whole city was stirred up!’ We see praise being ifted to Jesus in the following ways: Luke 19:37 ‘The people joyfully praised God in loud voices for the miracles they had seen’ Matthew 21:15-16 The children praised Him in the temple shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ Luke 19:40 Even the stones were waiting to praise Him. However, in the midst of all this praise, it is tragic to note there was a group of people ( religious leaders ) who were callously unwilling to praise the Lord Luke 19:39 ; Matthew 21:15 . Not only were they unwilling to praise Jesus but they also tried to stop the children from doing it ‘Do you hear what they are saying?’ Matthew 21:16 The Bible 61:3 . speaks about receiving, ‘a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair/faint spirit’ So, why don’t you raise your voice and sing ‘Hosanna’ (=Save us/Save now ) right now? It was Tragic That the Temple Had to Be Cleansed Luke 19:45 ‘And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold.’ The temple was the centre of Jewish worship. It would have had a majestic imposing appearance, visible from anywhere in the city. It should have been the most precious place for God’s people. But as Jesus walked in and looked around Mark 11:11 , what He saw sickened Him. His heart would have broken at what He saw. According to Matthew 21:12 and Mark 11:15-16 , the hallowed place of worship had been turned into a marketplace by unscrupulous salesmen and loan sharks He knew that He would have to resort to drastic measures to clean up what He called ‘ My house of prayer ’ Matthew 21:13 . In fact, if we take Mark 11:11 literally, Jesus did not cleanse the temple that day. Instead, He went to Bethany to spend the night there. When He did go into the temple the following day and cleared it out! He compared it to a ‘ den of robbers’ Mark 11:17 While we can use cleansing soaps and creams for our skin, and we can detoxify and cleanse our inner body systems, it’s only the blood of Jesus that can cleanse our sins! ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ 1 John 1:9 It was Tragic That the People Didn’t Recognise God’s Time Luke 19:44 Biblical prophecy was being fulfilled right before their eyes. We can make reference to Isaiah 62:11 which says, ‘Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Saviour comes!’ and to Zechariah 9:9 which says, ‘See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ Compare this with Luke 19:35 , where it says Jesus rode on a colt. Psalm 118:26 also was shouted by the crowd of disciples as recorded in Luke 19:38 . ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.’ Other things about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem pointed to Him being the Messiah King. Some of them were: He rode a donkey which symbolised royalty 1 Kings 1:33 When David summoned Solomon to anoint him king, he sent a donkey to bring Solomon Cloaks were spread out on the ground which was a means of paying homage to royalty 2 Kings 9:13 Palm branches were waved John 12:13 and then spread on the road Matthew 21:8 Revelation 7:9 , where a great multitude in heaven is seen holding palm branches before the Lamb of God. Jesus rode an unused animal Luke 19:30, 1 Samuel 6:7 . ( returning the ark to Israel ) Sadly, with all the signs around them, the people missed it. Romans 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. As a result, in Luke 19:41-44 , Jesus wept over Jerusalem and referred prophetically to its future destruction. He also spoke the painful and prophetic words of Luke 19:42-44 : ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes…because you did not recognise the time of God’s coming to you.” Are we recognising God’s timing in the world today? Are we preparing for His coming? Jeremiah 8:7 tells us: ‘Even the stork in the heavens knows her times and the turtledove, swallow, and crane keep the time of their coming but my people know not the rules/decrees of the Lord.’ Conclusion: Will we give praise to our Messiah King? Will we allow our temples to be cleansed? Will we know, understand and recognise God’s timing in our life today?…

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Spirit Filled; Family – 230325

منذ 8 weeks

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Spirit Filled - Family We have a human family at home & a Church family Am I qualified. Who is? Anyone here lives in a family that is marked for being filled by the Holy Spirit?..........Actually, all joking apart, yes we are, all of us who have been born again in the Holy Spirit carry Him within us, and imperfect as we are, He makes us better than we would be without Him, He is always encouraging us, not only spotlighting when we sin, but encouraging to go again, to be better next time. Derek Prince quotes: It's Quicker to repent,than to apologise. Biblical families: Adam and Eves boys, Cain and Abel, Lot and his daughters in Genesis? Jacob and Esau? Maybe Jacobs’ boys and how they treated their brother Joseph? Even when we look at what little we know about Jesus’ family life at home with His parents, just about the only thing we learn is how He went AWOL for a period of time, at the age of twelve, driving His human parents to distraction with worry! Jesus however is very encouraging when He talks through the pages of scripture about for example the model of paternal love, in the parable of the Prodigal Son, showing us that we are the disobedient children who so easily get it badly wrong and things don’t go well but the Father is waiting for us to return to Him so He can again bless us with His love. What then does a Holy Spirit filled family look like? Give a few suggestions, then say that actually it looks like us, and reflects our relationship with the father. Disobedient children, loving parent. Firm for our own good. Hosea. Unfaithful, but He is. Paul in Ephesians says this: Eph 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “ so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth .” Eph 5:21 – 6:5 Instructions for Christian Households Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Lighthouse analogy: Church family, What unites us is greater than that which divides us. When we jump between churches we are not fully committing to the relationship. We are not all in. When we leave one church for another, we are getting a divorce, we are giving up on that relationship when the Lord Holy Spirit would want to be working through us to restore the fractures and the cracks. We live in a World where we are given multiple choices, it is referred to as the free World, which is an interesting way to describe a situation where we are not actually very good at all at making the right choices, but the Lord Holy Spirit wants to help us with that. God gives Hosea instructions to marry an unfaithful woman and he obeys. His unfaithful wife Gomer leaves him and finds another man. Hosea is faithful; he finds her, redeems her and brings her back home to him. Hosea paid with everything he had to buy back his unfaithful wife, and Father God paid with everything He had to buy back the bride of Christ, the Church. In my own life, I was the Prodigal Son. Even though I was saved by Jesus when He called me through the Holy Spirit when I was in my teens. I made all the bad choices, exercising my so called freedom to make bad choices. Father God is a good, good father, He doesn’t change His mind. The Parable of the Lost Son Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” If today you are that person, if you have played the field, done your own thing for too long, and maybe all your results were bad results, then Father God is saying to you now “Come back”…

1
Spirit Filled; Community – 160325

منذ 9 weeks

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Spirit Filled - Community Acts 5:1-16 Over the last 2 weeks your Spirt-filled preaching series has focussed on: The characteristics of a spirit-filled life The characteristics of a spirit-filled church Today we're looking at a spirit-filled community. What happens what God is doing in you & me > impacts what God is doing in us > impacts what God wants to out there. So to ensure we are all on the same page What would a Spirt-filled Neath & Aberafan look like? Increases: Salvation Healing Kindness Decreases: Loneliness Poverty Crime Divorce Abuse Homelessness Racism That's the Goal, not to fill the church have nice services → God is transforming your communities of this land. Acts 5, show us 3 characteristics of a spirit-filled community. An increased sense of the Holiness of God v13 - No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nether less, more & more Men+ Women beloved in the Lord & were added to their number. Seems like a contradiction: Why were people scared to join the Christians: Death of Jesus, threat of authorities, fear of Jewish leadens, Ananias & Sapphura (fear of the L0rd) Yet people came. → Spirit-filled Community is a community where there is an increased sense of the Holiness/Presence of G0d. Like in Acts 5 - doesn't join, but can't help myself. A story of how revival came to Dowlais in 1904... A village near had a school teacher in Dowlais. A man called T.C heard Evan Roberts relevant preaching. Thomas went into Dowlais and caught fire → Caught the coal miners train home arriving at 9:45pM just as the pubs were closing . So filled with God he couldn't go home. He came out of the train station on a cobbled street, got down on his knees & began to sing praises to God. People came out of the pubs/billard halls. They came to see what was going on. On his knees singing / tears streaming singing of the blood of Jesus. People came around making a crowd. One man with a beer glass in his hand, got on his knees & joined T.C Thomas then another before dozens joined. Soon 100,00 people would be saved in Wales. Pubs closed, magistrates had no cases to hear, Pits didn't have to respond to miners who stopped swearing at them, families were transformed. An increased sense of the Holiness of God. Recently nice Sunny days like today, can create problems: It reveals things you wouldn't see: windows need cleaning shelves need dusting see shafts of light, picking up dust particles Spring cleaning, same in our lives. To have an increased Awareness of Holiness of God. John 3 - 19 - 21 Everyone who does evil hates the light. But everyone who lives by the truth comes into the light. Behaviours that I have tolerated are suddenly exposed Acts 2: 37 → Spirit-filled Community → Exteriorised by an increased Sense of the Holiness of G0đ. 2. An Increased sense of the Hope of God. Romans 15:13 What our world needs now - More than anything else is HOPE. What Neath needs now is HOPE in Jesus. When something Overflows it impacts it's surroundings. 3. An increase in the activity of God There was healings, miracles, salvation seen.…

1
Spirit Filled; Church – 090325

منذ 10 weeks

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Spirit Filled - Church We are the body of Christ The Bride of Christ We are God redeemed We are God’s pride possession We are Saints & children We are The temple To zoom in on the temple, In the old testament we see picture of the temple of the Lord. There we sacrifices, e verything was made holy continuously, there was anointing. Before entering the priest washed their hands and feet. P reston would be tied around his waist just in case. The presence of God was always there In Acts, Jesus prepares them. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you ( Acts 2: 42 -44 ). [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. They devoted themselves to teaching the word. They read scripture , There was knowledge in the teachings. We are to p ut them into practice. They were hungry for the gospel Matthew 4:4 & Hebrews 4:12 Breaking of bread, They declared and celebrated salvation 1 Corinthians 11:26 [26] For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. To fellowship, t hey spend time together. They had many things in common. They shared their possession There was unity they we no needy among them. ( Psalm 133 ) [1] How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! [2] It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. [3] It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Acts 4: 32 [32] All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. To Pray, Prayer is very powerful. Prayer helps us to focus on God Colossians 4:2 [2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 1 T hesolonians 5:16 & 18 [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not treat prophecies with contempt [21] but test them all; hold on to what is good, [22] reject every kind of evil. James 5: 16 [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Acts 4:31 [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Worship T ogether. Let t he filled church is held together by Christ. Led by Christ Col 1:17-20 [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. They live beyond the four walls, t here’s obedience among them. Always come with expectation Witnesses Signs and wonders Act 3 :1-10 [1] One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. [6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 9: 36-42 [36] In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. [37] About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. [38] Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda , they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” [39] Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. [40] Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. [41] He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. [42] This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. [43] Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. They added to their numbers, t hey grew in number. John 17: 11-26 [11] I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. [20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— [25] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. [26] I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Prayer points to be field. Pray for the church, it’s l eaders & Worship teams.…

1
Spirit Filled; Life – 020325

منذ 11 weeks

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Spirit Filled - Life Acts chapter 2, verses 1 to 21 . I remember quite vividly it was a Sunday evening in 2010 after an evening service at my home church in Swansea, where a good friend of mine called me aside. I was a new Christian and he asked me Mark I’ve been praying for you and I wanted to know have you been baptised yet in the Holy Spirit? I was a young new Christian and I had no idea what this meant, so Andy explained it to me. He told me the baptism of the Holy Spirit is basically when God fills you with His power, love and gives you the gift of speaking in tongues – which is a heavenly language you can use to communicate with Him. You won’t know the words necessarily, but it’s a spiritual language where your spirit connects to God in a deeper way. I remember sitting there doing the Church thing, nodding away saying okay when inside I had no idea what he was talking about. Andy then began to pray for me speaking in tongues. I sat there thinking this guy is nuts, then it got even more awkward. At any moment now Mark you will be filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues so just go with it Andy said it was this incredibly uncomfortable situation where he was believing God but nothing happened for me. I didn’t even know how to fake it if I wanted to and when he asked me are you sensing anything I just said I don’t know what I’m meant to do! Nothing happened for me that day – I didn’t experience anything just a huge awkwardness. Fast forward a few months….. Soul Survivor Vicky – I spoke in tongues the first time Didn’t happen straight away, but after that moment I began to see three major changes in my life. I experienced God’s power more, my worship went to a deeper place and I felt the Spirit’s embrace. I want to focus this morning on those three aspects of a Spirit-filled life. A Spirit-filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT A Spirit-filled life is a life of ENCOUNTER A Spirit-filled life is a life of EMBRACE A Spirit-filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT When the Holy Spirit comes and fills an individual’s life the first thing that happens is they begin to move in power. Acts 1:8 Jesus says: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you ; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus commissions His followers after His crucifixion to continue the mission He came to Earth to begin – to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Before they were to go though Jesus tells them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. THEY NEEDED TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT FIRST. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernatural lives and boldly proclaim the Gospel. Before the Holy Spirit was poured out, we see Peter just a few chapters prior denying he ever knew Jesus when confronted by a servant girl out of fear. The disciples afterwards are so afraid of the Jews they are hiding away locked behind a door. But when the Holy Spirit comes all that changes! THEY RECEIVE POWER! The same Peter gets filled with the Spirit and boldly proclaims the Gospel and 3,000 people get added to the church! The Spirit EMPOWERED PETER and gave him the boldness he needed to proclaim Jesus. The Holy Spirit does the same for you and me today. A Spirit-filled life is a TRANSFORMED LIFE. The Spirit of God empowers us to share our faith and gives us boldness in place of fear. When I got prayed for to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be filled with His power by my friend Andy, I felt nothing in the moment. Something did change though. I remember having a greater desire to pray for others and began to see more results when I did. I somehow began to knew things about other people I couldn’t have otherwise known and started to see people get healed. CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY – RUN ON THAT FOOT POWER AND COURAGE TO WITNESS When the Holy Spirit comes – He replaces fear with courage, transforms us and gives us power to be His witnesses! I think it’s important to note as well here that the filling of the Spirit is not a one time experience in the Christian life. Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, That phrase be filled with the Spirit is in the PRESENT CONTINOUS tense in the Greek language which could be read as KEEP ON BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT. A Spirit filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT. A Spirit filled life is a life of ENCOUNTER When the Spirit was poured out in Acts 2 we’re told the people were loudly praising God and declaring His wonder. It led them to worship and just listen to how the first ever sermon in Church history starts: Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! WE’RE NOT DRUNK! We’ve just encountered God and we have this incredible joy! Imagine if that is what our churches became known for – an INEXPRESSIBLE JOY and we need to start our sermons off with we’re really not drunk. Most of the time I feel like we need to begin our messages off by saying we’re really not boring! IN A SOCIETY WHERE THIS IS SO MUCH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND FEAR – THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BE THAT CITY ON A HILL SHINNING OUR LIGHT. We should be the most joyful people on Earth – how do we experience this inexpressible joy that when we lose our jobs we’re still joyful, when we experience loss we still have hope? WE NEED TO BE CONTINOUSLY FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. TORONTO OUTPOURING – JOY AN LAUGHTER WHEN SPIRIT WAS POURED OUT One of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives though when He is poured out is the gift of tongues. Now you may be new to Christianity and be wondering what on earth does that mean? Speaking in tongues? The Greek word translated “tongues” literally means “languages.” Therefore, the gift of tongues is speaking in a language the speaker has never learned in order to minister to someone who does speak that language. To keep it simple, the Biblical definition of speaking in tongues would be the supernatural ability to speak in a language you do not know. ACTS – THEIR LANGUAGE But Paul (a follower of Jesus) teaches that speaking in tongues can also be a heavenly/spiritual language given to us. WE DON’T NECESSARILY UNDERSTAND THE WORDS, BUT WHEN WE SPEAK IN TONGUES WE COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY TO GOD. WHEN I RECEIVED THIS GIFT, I FELT GOD’S PRESENCE MORE AND HAD MORE JOY! Research done – those who speak in tongues are less likely to suffer emotional instability and depression! The Bible says those who speak in tongues edify themselves and get stronger in their spirit. IT CAUSES US TO ENCOUNTER GOD IN DEEPER WAYS! If you don’t speak in tongues, we’ll pray for you to receive this gift at the end of the service today. A Spirit filled life is a life of EMPOWERMENT, ENCOUNTER and finally it’s a life of EMBRACE. A Spirit filled life is a life of EMBRACE William Seymour who is known by many to the father of Pentecostalism writes this about the baptism of the Holy Spirit: “The Pentecostal Power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring more love, it is simply a counterfeit.” IF IT DOES NOT BRING MORE LOVE – IT’S SIMPLY A COUNTERFEIT. This is so powerful to me because it tells me when the Spirit comes upon us it’s so much an act of empowerment, than it is of love. There’s a real interesting word that is used for when the Spirit falls in the NT and in the Greek. We see the word used in Acts 2 when Joel says I will POUR out my Spirit. The word POUR or FALL when it’s used in Acts is the word EPIPIPITO. EPIPIPITO means to fall upon, embrace and hold with affection. Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came (EPIPIPITO) on all who heard the message. Acts 11:15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came (EPIPIPITO) on them as he had come on us at the beginning. It’s the same word used in Luke 15:20 when the prodigal son returns home, the father sees him while he’s a long way off, runs to him, embraces him (EPIPIPITO) and kisses him. When the Spirit of falls upon an individual, it’s an embrace of the Father. Romans 5:5 – Love of God is POURED into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. How do we get filled with the Spirit? It’s simple we ask. Luke 11:9-13 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” The Christian life is not one of striving, but one of being held by the Father. Charles Finney, one of the greatest evangelists to ever lived – led around a million people to Christ, in his autobiography shares his experience of being filled with the Spirit: “I returned to the front office and found that the fire that I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the word mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body, and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through me. Indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love, for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love, and I do not know, but I should say, I bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. These waves came over me, one after the other until I recollect, I cried out, "I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me." I said, "Lord, I cannot bear any more," yet I had no fear of death. When you’re filled with the Spirit you live a life of extravagant worship and the result is an overflowing joy! Oh how we need this joy in the Church and our lives today! Three key features of a Spirit-filled life: We live a life of EMPOWERMENT – we have a gift of boldness to share Jesus with people and a courage. We start seeing God’s power at work in our lives. We live a life of ENCOUNTER – it brings us joy and we experience God’s Presence in new powerful ways. We live a life of EMBRACE – we experience His immense love for us.…

1
A City On A Hill – 230225

منذ 12 weeks

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1 John 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. We have sometimes had a week in Pembrokeshire and have stayed on a lovely site very near the sea. When you look out of the front window there is a beautiful view of a small mountain... In West Wales, it rains sometimes… The first signs of it are when a mist gradually hides the mountain from view – like someone has drawn a grey curtain or a veil across it. You wouldn’t know there is a mountain. But I’ve seen the mountain in the bright sunlight too. I associate it with wonderful holidays, family being together, good things. You can climb to the top and see the beach and the sea. Our chapter begins with John saying, "We’re telling you now: we’ve seen it!" What we’re proclaiming we have seen and heard. We’ve touched it. John wasn’t just writing a good encouraging letter or establishing doctrine. Not just a good sermon. Much more exciting than that. We sing the song “There must be more than this”... In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." He also said Matt 5: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. We just read a minute ago that God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all! But we can veil it, the lamp covered, the city hidden. The mist obscuring the mountain… this light wants to break out in God’s kingdom children, those who wish to be seen as his. The light doesn’t go out. But it can be veiled… When you have had a true encounter with the Father’s love, you are never the same. You can’t help but love him back. You want more. His light is precious to you. When Moses went up the mountain to receive God's commandments, he came down with his face shining. The Lord’s light can make our lives shine. There is something unmistakable about a person who lives in the Lord’s presence. There is enthusiasm, faith, hope and boldness because they have seen the light. They’re not drumming it up. It comes from within. Don’t be veiled like the mountain is when the rain comes. 2 Cor 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Jesus has purchased freedom for all who believe. This freedom is not just freedom in meetings. It is certainly not freedom to do whatever I want. It is the freedom to become more like him, to shine the light out of a heart that is liberated, with no guilt, no fear, and a certainty of where I am going. I talked a few weeks ago about our life being like a play on a big stage – and I asked you whether Jesus had the starring role in your play. Have you given the main role over to him since we talked about it? But also, by the grace of God, we all have a part in God’s play. It’s a walk-on part. Or maybe a "walk-in" part. John says something important about this, we already read from the first chapter of his first letter at the beginning. v6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. There is a call here for our secret life to be the same as our seen life. God sees everything. We know that. But the life we’re talking about does not work with secrets. Part of the meaning of walking in the light is being transparent, having nothing to hide. Yes, we want to shine the light, but we must walk in it ourselves. If we obey and do that, the light will shine ON us. We had a power cut once on holiday and Sarah said, “It’s a good job that we have candles” From being in the pitch black, we could suddenly see again. We could see the room and we could see each other. But we could have stayed in the darkness. Safe from anyone else seeing us. Often, the veil that hides the light or the mist that obscures the mountain is caused by our attitudes or unbelief. Attitudes that put conditions on what God wants to do, such as " it mustn’t be this that or that... Our passage goes on to say- v8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. David confessed his sin to the Lord and then this was his prayer – Ps 51:10 -- "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." A pure heart, full of the grace of God, is a shining light in the darkness of this world. It is something God creates but it is given to those who desire it, and are honest with God, and who go after it. Are you walking in his light today? What’s the best way to be free from the mist? Go up the mountain. Breathe the air! Enjoy the view. Be transformed into his likeness. Let your light shine... LET your light shine. In our country, the mist is sweeping in. Don’t get so you can’t see the mountain. Get right with Jesus and give your life afresh to him. Let the veil be lifted from your face. Let the mist be removed from your mountain. Choose to Walk in the Light! We read the following as a prayer together: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. I agree with your Word – I am the light of the world. I want to walk in the light and shine it out. Restore to me my first love! Let my light shine from this day! Amen…

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