This week I wanted to take a look at what is potentially the most challenging scripture in the Bible, here it is. Luke 14:25-27 NIV [25] Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: [26] “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be …
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The amazing impact of journalling ( hearing the voice of God.)
I have been journalling for the entire 33 years that I have been a Christian. It’s a sure way how someone can hear the voice of God and be led by the plan of God!. If we can get a group of passionate christians all hearing the voice of God, a movement will soon form. These movements long-term can change nations. It has always been …
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Who were the best model of disciplers in the Bible? (Part 1: Elijah)
After discipling for many years I’ve always loved the models of 3 people from the Bible: The prophet Elijah, the apostle Paul, and of course, Jesus. I want to know what they did right and analyse how that would translate into my world of discipling today. As a young christian in charge of a home fellowship group (cell group in the 80’s), I wanted to be …
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10 Years in Japan
10 years of struggle and blessing On the 8th April 2002, we arrived in Japan with a team of 16. This included Viv, my two boys (then aged 9 and 4), Junya and Kimie and 10 young Australians committed to giving a year of service, and me. We arrived without finance and without much of anything. We just had a simple vision from God that …
Heaven’s Applause
‘There’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescue than over 99 good people in no need of rescue.’ (Luke 15:7 Message Bible) Really? Is this really true? Heaven has an applause meter? A celebration meter? Yes – apparently so! One new person coming to know Jesus = Celebration? Joy? Angels jumping and praising God? Why? Because it’s the reason for the cross. Because it’s …
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Disciple With Joy
Discipleship sometimes has a bad name. Or a no name. It’s ignored or disliked. Why? Here are some reasons I’ve heard:- ‘Too much hard work.’ ‘It’s unfruitful in the short term’ ‘There have been some very bad models.’ ‘There’s no joy in it.’ But … Jesus was the best discipler. And he told us all ‘go and make disciples’ (Mat 28:19) And he discipled with …
2 Things
What makes heaven excited? What gets Jesus really rejoicing? 2 things. 1. Seeing people decide to follow Jesus . (Luke 15:7) In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! -All of heaven rejoiced at one person changing and following Jesus -A huge …