AUGUST 2011
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Northbrook New Community Church |
www.nncchurch.com
The Call Of The Heart MAGAZINE
Community Why We Need Each Other Have you lost your identity and are you being all that you were created to be?
Is this too controversial? hope not, as we’re not trying to make any political point … but was it during the Thatcher years we heard the phrase “Community! What Community?!” It’s about ME! not US!!”
WELCOME
community
At Northbrook New Community Church
Why We Need Each Other Is this too controversial? - hope not, as we’re not trying to make any political point … but was it during the Thatcher years we heard the phrase “Community! What Community?!” It’s about ME! not US!!” Well anyway, what we see today is considerable independence. The world tells us that if we’re financially independent, have our own place, run our own lives (I’ll do it my way) … then we’ll be happy - but we won’t! It’s not independence that brings happiness, it’s inter-dependence! We need each other. Romans 12 Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other and each of us needs all the others. How about turning to the person next to you and saying: “You need me!” That’s good, now say: “I need you!” We cannot effectively fulfil any of God’s five purposes (Worship; Fellowship; Discipleship; Service; Evangelism) on our own! We can only do that together! Allow us to share four reasons why we need each other. I need others to WALK with me Colossians 2:6-7 Just as you receive Christ Jesus as Lord … so walk in Him. The Bible tells us: walk in the light; walk in love, walk obediently - but not to walk alone! Now if you’re single this is not saying get married – marriage is not the answer, Christian community (the church) is the answer! Why? because:
Our Vision for Our Community To help build a caring, sharing community To show God’s love to all To help and support those in need To befriend the lonely To help strengthen families To support people of all ages To help lost people find Christ www.nncchurch.com
Our Vision for Our Members To have the life of Christ in abundance To be set free in Christ To be part of a loving Christian family To grow your faith in God To find and use your gifts To equip you to share your faith To lead fulfilled and fruitful lives
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
GIVE it’s smarter – Prov 26 Only fools trust that what they alone think is right. If you’re walking alone – you may be walking in the wrong direction! it’s safer – would you volunteer to walk through danger alone!! it’s supportive – have you ever seen geese flying in a v-formation, it creates a helpful updraft (it’s supportive) … old saying: “When you run alone you can run fast – but when you run together you run far!” And our Christian journey is not a sprint, but a marathon! In all this see also that Community is God’s answer to LONELINESS I need people to WORK with me Ephesians 2:10 God made us to do good works, which he planned in advance for us to live our lives doing. But do you ever get tired?! Well the reason probably is you’re trying to do it all and you’re trying to do it all by yourself! Eccl 4 Two people are better than one - they get more done by working together. A single snowflake makes little impact – but together they can stop traffic! So understand this, Community is God’s answer to FATIGUE
I need others to WAIT and WEEP with me There’ll be hard times! the Christian is not immune to pain. If you’re like us you’ll need other people in such times. As leaders we so want to be there for you in all your troubles – but there’s only two of us, and only 24 hours in the day … so we need community! God’s safety-net for you is a group of believers who are committed to you. 1st Peter You should be like one family, full of sympathy towards each other. Often you can’t fix people’s problems, but you can be there in them … to listen, comfort, to weep with them. 1 Thess 5 Encourage one another and strengthen one another. Community is God’s answer to DESPAIR
So there we are, WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER ...we all need each other. We need each other to walk with, to work with, to watch-out for, and to wait and weep with. We want you to say with us: I really need my church family. This is your declaration of inter-dependence – wasn’t too hard was it!
I need others to WATCH OUT for me
With our love Steve & Karen
I need people who will defend me, protect me, warn me, keep me on track Phil 2:4 Look out for one another’s interests, not just your own. You’ve seen “Neighbourhood Watch” signs – they mean in your community someone’s looking-out for your stuff – but who’s looking-out for your soul?! You know, just as we want friends to tell me my fly’s unzipped (Steve!), so we want to be in a community where people tell us we’re wandering off a true spiritual path. The devil – though defeated by Christ – remains a dangerous enemy to us. In Ephesians 6 we see the full armour of God, but we also need others to guard our backs!
www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Hidden Rain Verse for The Day www.ktcoth.com
Call of the Heart
WHAT'S ON AT NORTHBROOK
Sunday Celebration we will now start our morning session at 11am and Close with a fellowship lunch from about 1-2pm
Reality Groups Thursday reality groups meet in homes 7pm
PRAYER ENGINE Sat 6th
& Sat
20th
9.30 - 10.30am
at Edd and Di’s - 12 Melville Way. Everyone welcome to this special time of prayer for the Church and our local community.
Reality Cafe Tuesday12.30 - 3pm, at the Northbrook Barn
www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
What Are You Like? Many times in my life I have heard this saying, I wonder where it originated. It seems to ask a question of each one of us. Do we really know who we are or do we as we get older see bits and pieces of our true identity? Are we governed by the way that we are brought up or influenced by others characteristics. I believe that each of us needs to look at this question and ask ourselves are we who we were meant to be or are not living to the full the life we now live. This saying is said of someone who acts out of character to his or her normal way of life. But what if there are glimpses of possibilities in these acts. What if the true identity peeks through and we see glimpses of unfulfilled dreams? How many of us are living with dreams that have never been realised. This piece is here to look at things from four perspectives. We viewed through the lens of the world, the church, self and from the main perspective God's. You see if we look at each part we will see how we have moved from what we were supposed to be to what we have become. And I believe that we are all not living to our full potential. Or as God the creator wants us to live. Let's take a trip, working from the outside and steadily moving towards God's viewpoint.
www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
GOD'S
THE WORLD We enter the world as newborn babies. We have no control at the time; we are dependent on our parents or those that are tied to our new families. People, who have already been branded by others, boxed into boxes of class and culture. Already living what society tells them is acceptable. Telling them how they should live. But is this right, is this how we are to survive? Already in the cradle we have been labelled by what we wear and by what material assets we have. This is no fault of the parents they are caught up in the western world's culture. As we grow and mix with others groups and the political influences of our society influence us. Questions of acceptance becomes more important than who we really are. We start to act in a particular way to get acceptance. But does that make us free? Does that give us opportunity to express how we feel? Or who we want to be? In this system we are always going to say at the end of our lives, "I wish I had done this or that" CHURCH LIFE So is there is a difference between the world and the churches view on who you are? I believe there is, the church has a love for people, it tries all it can to help the needy. But there is a problem still in its outlook. In many cases it still sets boundaries of who is acceptable and who is fit to mix with them. It does not mean to do it, but the church is full of people who have come from worldly thinking, they may have accepted Jesus, but that does not mean that they have let go of all the worldly ways of doing something. The worldly influencing skills of the world still govern a lot of our churches. In other words they go by what they know or by what you do, or by the way that you act. To put you in a group. They and you get caught up in a battle that should have never happened. Both trapped neither giving in. The fear of accepting each other for who we are seems to be unacceptable and uncomfortable, for it may change the system that we have set up. The freedom to move is more important than the system for it is in freedom that God brings us into His understanding and new revelation. His thoughts are not our thoughts.
God's perspective is different to the above list. God accepts you for who you are He loves you without conditions. He only wants to be with you. He is forever holding out His hands to you. He has made you to be creative. The creator wants His creation to be creative. He has sealed in each of us promises that will be fulfilled as long as we stay open and free to His call. In Col 3:1015 it says; Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. It doesn't matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else is. It is what ties everything completely together each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. So each of us is seen through God's eye as a new person. Let God work this new identity into your life. Whether you have just become a Christian or not does not matter the main thing is that we live the new life. That means if we are still holding on to the old ways, let the Holy Spirit guide you and comfort you. Let the new life be exciting and rich. That what the Bible means by living IN CHRIST. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Acts 17:28 "For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'
SELF The next area of this topic is self. We look at what we have achieved. Is it good enough will it reach the right standard. Will it be accepted? We are continually looking to others for companionship. We want to be liked, to be accepted by society; we want to fit in. But should we become what others are or should we be individuals. Would society be more exciting if we were all the same? I don't think so. Just imagine what that would be like. Yet if we kept our individuality and still mixed, accepting each other's differences. Just imagine the diversity of a group of people like that. Individuality does not mean division it means enrichment, vast opportunity. A life filled with adventure.
Ephesians 1:4,10 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him.
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Visit and keep up to date with Northbrook New Community Church www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
Philippians 3:9; Colossians 2:6,7,9,10 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. So by looking at these scriptures you can see that there is a real importance about being in Christ and you and I understanding the term used in scripture. It is by understanding this, which we come into the knowledge and revelation of our inheritance that the Lord has left us. We are in Christ; 1. Chosen 2. Gathered 3. Found 4. Walking 5. Dwelling 6. Complete What a God we serve. God Bless each one of you as you discover through your studies of the word who you are in His sight. Amen
Next Available Meeting
“Look and see� Supper On Wednesday 28 September Please Invite a friend www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
Do not Grieve the Holy Spirit If the Holy Spirit were completely withdrawn from many churches today, 90% of the work of the church would carry on as if nothing had happened! It is so easy for us to imagine we are living in the immediate power of the Holy Spirit, especially if our lives are comfortable and going as we would wish. But the Spirit, like a turtle dove, has a sensitive nature. Unlike a pigeon, a turtledove is difficult to train, seldom quarrels and will not readily just settle in any home. The Spirit will follow His own path and, if we are not prepared to go with Him then He will move on without us. Above all the Holy Spirit will not stay where He is clearly not wanted.
Ways of Offending the Spirit: 1. By not constantly seeking the mind of God Joseph Scriven (1819-96) O what peace we often forfeit. O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer
Do you know people - often fiercely proud - who will never ask for guidance or help? Do you know people who only speak to you when they want something … they are seldom interested in what they might be able to do for you! Many of us sometimes - perhaps all too often - treat God like that. This way of relating - or rather nor relating! - to God, offends the Holy Spirit; it drives Him away; it says “I don’t need You; and/or I don’t want to do things Your Way.” Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Joseph Scriven (1819-96) O what peace we often forfeit O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
Ways of Offending the Spirit: 2. By going by feelings not God’s truth Feelings can be so deceptive! And so up and down, like the weather! Yet so many of us trust our feelings, even when the contradict the truth of God’s word … even when our feelings ignore God’s promises to us in the Bible!! By doing this you are effectively telling the Holy Spirit “I know better than God” We may often feel that a course of action seems right (to us), but it may be contrary to God’s word. For example: we may feel under such financial pressure that we will not tithe, but God’s word makes it clear that if we do so we will forfeit His blessings (Malachi 3:10); we may feel hurt by what happens to us, but God promises to work “all things together for our good” (Romans 8:28). If your feelings govern your thoughts and actions, then the Holy Spirit is pushed out! Ways of Offending the Spirit: 3. By not being accountable How should we use the power of the Holy Spirit - for ourselves, or for God and others? You are accountable for all the gifts God gives you, including the Holy Spirit. www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
It’s no good asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, if you intend to keep His power to/for yourself! We will be accountable, at then end, to God … but in this life it is important to make ourselves accountable to others, so that: we can get independent feedback on our Christian walk; we can have support in our fight against temptation; we can make better decisions through good counsel. The Holy Spirit is not attracted to go-it-alone Christians!
Ways of Offending the Spirit: 4. Through bitterness Ephesians 4:30-32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God …get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger …and every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. When we hold a grudge, act harshly, or live angrily … we scare the Dove away. We may feel in the right, we may (wrongly) think God is with us - but we are not, and He isn’t.! The Lords prayer has made liars out of more people than any other document in history when we pray: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” When we keep a “record of wrongs” (1 Cor 13:15) or point the finger (Isaiah 58:9) the Holy Spirit is grieved - we may not notice it, but He has left our comPany! Ways of Offending the Spirit: 5. By forgetting the thank God How many sins/mistakes/ faults has God forgiven you? How many of your prayers has He answered? Yet, how often do you thank Him?! You may think He knows how you feel but he wants to hear it, and you need to say it “Thank you”!! Taking Him for granted is displeasing to the Holy Spirit - He may depart to remind you of this! Jesus once healed ten lepers in one go, only one came back to thank Him … Jesus asked “Were not all ten cleansed? where are the other nine? That is a strong hint that God cares and notices whether we bother to thank him. Thanking God shows our dependence on Him - and keeps us from assuming credit!
www.nncchurch.com
Summer 2011
Call of the Heart
Northbr ay 11 am- 3.30 pm
Welcome to Northbrook New Community Church Part of reality-christianity registered charity: 1120219 …a fresh-expression church meeting people where they are. No set attendance times — we are open Sundays 10.30— 2.00 come when you like, stay as long as you like. No pews or rows of chairs — just around coffee—tables. Food all day … time to share, get to know one another. No long “sermons” — only short informative “real-life” talks. We sing, contemporary songs — and you can just listen if you’d prefer We’re set in the community of Northbrook & West Durrington to serve that community, through sharing God’s love for all. For our church love is an action, not just words. Our passionate vision for our community includes: helping those in need; befriending the lonely; strengthening families; supporting people of all ages. Our church is not a building, or a club … it is a family. We aim to envision, empower, and encourage our members in their own faith-journey and in serving their community: being set “free-in-Christ”; being a loving family; growing and sharing their faith; finding and using their gifts; leading fulfilled and fruitful lives. In all of this we are equal! In "servant leadership" the leadership team serve you. Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done — you are welcome. You are equally loved, your opinions respected and valued. Our Vision at Northbrook New Community Church seeks to help real people in the real world: to reach out with God's love to our community: to love and support one another as God's family: and to know and follow Christ better. We believe a great commitment to the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) grows a great church!
Northbrook New Community Church