PASSION

In the WEC International publication called GO INTO I am reading (Summer: 2012/13):

“God is passionate about communities and culture … are you?”

IMG 0228 150x150“No grand enterprise is ever achieved without passion. Passion breathes life into it, passion protects it, and passion sustains it. And even when it’s finished, passion hangs around unwilling to leave, eyes wide, saying “Wow!” over and over again.” – Mem Fox

This is the Method to get a Message across!

This is the Method to get a Message across.

“E Tu Whanau!” (“Stand up, Family!”)

That is the message and I find the message today almost everywhere. Why?

(I joined the White Ribbon  Event in Kaitaia, 25 November. It is all about to stop violence towards women. There is a post on this blog!)

P1230413The message “E Tu Whanau!” (“Stand up Family!”) is all about “The Strength and Power of the Whanau” and “We’re taking action to make the Whanau stronger”.

“E Tu” is written on two pens I received, on a fan, (to be operated by hand) on a writing pad, and on  small and big posters. 

One poster says:

“BECOMING A FATHER IS EASY BEING A DAD IS’NT”

 Another poster says:

“LEAVE BIG FOOTPRINTS FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO FOLLOW”

That is the way to get a Message across. We find the same method in the Bible, the Word of the Living God.

The message of the Bible are the commands of God. “Love the LORD your God  with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)P1230399

We are told to write the commands on the doorframes of our houses and on our gates. We are told to tie the commands as symbols on our hands and to bind them on our foreheads. We are also told in the Bible to talk about the commands. When are we supposed to do that? The answer is when we sit at home, when we are walking along the street, when we lie down on our beds and when we get up. We are also to impress the commands of God on our kids. The commands of the Lord are to be upon our hearts. Please read Deuteronomy 6:4-9!

Do we have Family Violence because we do not write the commands of the Lord on the doorframes of our houses and on our gates?

Sermon Outline – NT – NIV

P1060838 150x150“I write to you, …”

First John 2:12-14

Intr.:

children, fathers, young men

Chapter ONE

1.  “I write  to you, dear children,

because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

Do you know that your sins are forgiven?

2.  I write to you, fathers,

because you have known him who is from the beginning.

Do you know him who is from the beginning?

3.   I write to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

Have you overcome the evil one?

CHAPTER TWO

1.  I write to you, dear children,

because you have known the Father.

Do you know the Father?

2.  I write to you, fathers,

because you have known him who is from the beginning.

Do you know him who is from the beginning?

3.  I write to you, young men,

a.  because you are strong, and

Are you strong?

b.  the word of God lives in you, and

Does the word of God live in you?

c.  you have overcome the evil one.”

Have you overcome the evil one?

End:

What is your answer to those  questions?

COME WITH ME AND EXPLORE THE GREATEST FOOD BANK

Come with me and explore the greatest Food Bank.

It says in Deuteronomy 8:3

” …, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

The greatest food bank is divided into two main sections. They are called the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament has  39 books and the New Testament has 27 books. There are altogether 66 books.

THE GREATEST FOOD BANK IS A LIBRARY OF 66 BOOKS.

The key to understanding the greatest food bank is the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is also the cardinal theme of the food bank. Originally the Old Testament was written in Hebrew (parts of Daniel and Ezra being written in Aramaic). The New Testament was written in Greek.

The greatest food bank is the BIBLE, the word of the Living God!

P1230334

Leaders and Shepherds

In a letter from The Conservative Party received not long ago I am reading about Democracy.

“DEMOCRACY IN TROUBLE: Where have the true leaders gone?”

I sometimes ask myself the following question:

THE CHURCH IN TROUBLE: Where have the true shepherds gone?

What does the Bible say about shepherds of God’s flock?IMG 0197

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care,

First Peter 5:2-4

Intr.:

serving as overseers –

1.  not because you must,

but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;

2.  not greedy for money,

but eager to serve;

3.  not lording it over those entrusted to you,

but being examples to the flock.

End:

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Thank the Lord for the shepherds of God’s flock!

SERMON OUTLINE – NT – NIV

P1060838 150x150“But the wisdom

James 3:17

Intr.:

that comes from heaven is

1.  first of all pure; then

2.  peace-loving,

3.  considerate,

4.  submissive,

5.  full of mercy and

6.  good fruit,

7.  impartial and

8.  sincere.

End:

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”