September 22, 2024 • 50 mins
We are glad you have joined us on our podcast channel. We have Pastor Rob Urban sermon on Preparing for a move of God. Hope you enjoy and have a blessed week!
Logan City Christian Church is a vibrant growing church committed to serving and meeting the needs of our community and beyond through the various ministries within. We as a church welcome you to come visit this Sunday and be part of an active, excited team reaching the world one day at a time. Sunday Service | 9:30am Friday Youth Service | 6:30pm Thursday Prayer Meeting | 7pm Address | 13 Watland Street, Springwood Qld 4127 Church Website | www.logancitychristianchurch.com United World Ministries | www.unitedworldministries.com Instagram | @logancitychristianchurch Facebook | @logancitychristianchurch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to Logan City Christian Church podcast where we bring God's Word to you weekly.
(00:07):
We pray what you hear will bring clarity to your situation and open doors in your life.
Enjoy the message.
Here we are today again and I just want to let a cat out of the bag what's going on.
You would probably have noticed that for some time now the content of the messages have
(00:32):
all been around relationships.
Have you noticed?
Yep.
And so there's been a reason for this.
We all know that at some time in God's time there is going to be a great outpouring of
the Holy Spirit on this land.
(00:56):
And we see the Church of Philadelphia, if you read carefully through and study what
is written in that chapter, you will see that that church is a church marked with revival,
an end time move of God that is coming.
(01:17):
The Church of Philadelphia is not restricted to just one congregation.
It's a kind of a fellowship that resemble the Church of Philadelphia.
They were marked with love.
They loved each other.
They fellowshiped with each other.
There was such a depth of unity amongst them.
(01:41):
And this is the church, that is the one that Jesus is coming back for, a church that is
truly honoring Jesus Himself, but not only the vertical relationship, because I believe
to me that can be the easier one to get right.
(02:04):
We also need to have our horizontal relationships in order as well, to the best that we can.
And so in these last few months, there have been, you know, I spoke about racism, how
it's not in God's Word, you know, how we treat one another, the absence of enmity, resolving
(02:26):
conflict without revenge being present, forgiveness, loving people.
You see, we can be praying and staying up through the nights, praying and believing
God for a move of the Spirit, and what a great thing it's going to be when this nation of
(02:46):
Australia is set alight by the Spirit of God, and there's going to be a day that this will
come.
But there's a lot more to it than praying.
God is looking for a people who will come together and believe together, to be in agreement
(03:08):
together, and the word in the Greek for agreement is symphony, that a symphony, every instrument
is different from the other.
And some people, you know, playing those instruments, they're playing in a different chord, but
that chord is in unison with what else someone else is playing.
(03:30):
And so within an orchestra, there is a harmony.
There are many sounds and many different kinds of instruments that are all coming together
and making one unified sound.
And I believe that when the body of Christ, it doesn't need to be a great number, but
(03:55):
they come together all making one sound, one sound before the Lord, and that sound is love,
it's unity, it's that oneness, it's the agreement, and it's the ability to resolve conflict because
conflict is going to arise at times.
(04:17):
The Book of Acts, if you were to read carefully, you will notice that the Book of Acts was
in revival, the churches, they were in revival, and within that, they had conflict.
You know, conflict was not absent in revival, but something that they had was so important
(04:39):
that they established before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
And the thing was this, is that, you know, the Bible makes it very clear, stages that
we get right for God to move.
So, one of the things that they did, they were all assembled together in the upper room
(05:01):
in one accord.
They had first established, reestablished the leadership structure in the upper room.
They needed to find who was going to be the replacement for Judas, that came first.
In the process, as the leaders in the upper room took charge, took authority and started
(05:25):
leading, then the others that were there, they just came together because, you know,
where there is leadership, there is direction.
And you know, leadership today, I believe, in many areas and walks of life is being attacked
and despised, I'm not saying here, but you know, over and about in a terrible way, an
(05:52):
authority, that people in authority are being disrespected terribly.
But they didn't have that problem in the upper room.
They had things established.
They had the government established for the church to come, and then they had the people
together in one accord, and the Bible says that, and when they were in one accord, suddenly,
(06:20):
suddenly, there came a sound of a rushing mighty wind.
There we read where there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The question that is always asked is that, but God would have, or the statement, regardless
whether they did or didn't, God was going to pour out at Pentecost anyway.
(06:42):
Do we know that for sure?
You see, God needs people.
He needs us to do our bit.
He needs us to lay a foundation.
When we speak about the glory of God, the Hebrew word for the glory is kabod, and it
(07:03):
means the weightiness of God, and we are believing churches around the world for a visitation
of this weightiness of God, His glory, to come into houses of worship, and that we be
satellite and we go out into the marketplace, the highways and the byways, and begin to
(07:26):
spread this fire of the Holy Spirit as we go.
But do you know that there are biblical preparations before the kabod, the glory of God settles
in a place, if you were to read with Solomon the length that he went through, the detail
he went through in the temple, and when he had finished everything that the word had
(07:51):
shown him to do, then they had the priests and the worship, and then God must have looked
from heaven and go, you know what, these people are honoring my word, they're honoring those
that I've placed in authority, and they're loving each other, and they've come together,
and the glory of God rested in the temple, and it says that even the priests could not
(08:14):
stand while they were trying to minister.
What I'm saying is this, is that yes, what a wonderful thing to believe God for an outpouring
of His Spirit to see this land change, to see Christ be honored and glorified in Logan,
(08:34):
in Brisbane, Australia, and around the world, and to see people come to Christ, the people
that are broken and need healing receive what they need from God.
I think that that is a wonderful thing, but I believe God is also at the same time with
prayer, believing and praying for revival, God saying, you know, I need my people to
(08:56):
get a foundation built here.
And that's where we've been, whether you've realized it or not, for months now, and that
is to build a culture of honor and respect for each other, to build this what we call
(09:20):
love, biblical love that we put each other, prefer others before ourself.
This is a very important thing, and this morning I'm going to pick up Romans chapter 12 from
verse 9, and I know some of you guys have been saying, can you please continue along
(09:45):
these lines, turning the other cheek and all that sort of thing, and how important that
is.
It really, really is.
But as I read through these passages of Scripture, we will find that whether it's Apostle Paul,
Apostle Peter, or any of the others, they all keep this same thread throughout their
(10:07):
epistles, each and every one of them, and it is about each and every one of us doing
our part to build unity, to build an atmosphere of God in a congregation, wherever it may
be, in a home.
And it doesn't happen automatically, we need to be determined to see it happen and build
(10:34):
it in our lives.
And what we are seeing today, if you were to watch what is most popular on YouTube today,
not that I spend a lot of time there at all, but if you have a look at what is popular,
it is this, is that how you can be better, you can have more, you can be greater, that
(11:00):
you are like a God yourself, and you this and you that, and what is happening today
in the modern preaching, in the modern church, is the opposite of what the apostles were
preaching.
You see, when they came and planted churches, their message was simply salvation and establishing
(11:24):
the church, the structure of the church, but one thing that was common through all of them
was this, is that number one, the flesh, our old nature must die, so that the new nature
in us, Christ himself can live, and then as we have laid down and in the process of laying
(11:45):
down our old ways, our old attitudes, all of those old things, and start to discover
who lives inside of us and allow that new nature to start living, what happens there
is that, is why they were so successful, is from that new creation, there is a new way
(12:07):
of living, a way of love, forgiveness, of kindness, and all these things that we need
today because the devil does not need another move of God, let me tell you, and he is going
to do anything that he can to stop it, and I see one of the strategies that he has today
(12:29):
is to create friction in marriages, break marriages, to break families up, this is what
he is doing, to cause division in houses of God, and so if you reverse what he is doing,
we then see what the apostles preached, and that was that everyone lived from our new
nature and not from our old, is that making sense?
(12:54):
And so, you know, there is such a pursuit today, I will read this, I just feel to say
this, a modern day pursuit to want to be a prophet or an apostle, or a modern day pursuit
to want to move in all the gifts of the Spirit and to move in the power of God, and I want
(13:18):
to see miracles, and I want to experience this, and I want to travel the world and preach,
and I want to, I want to, I want to, you see it is no longer I that lives, but it is Christ
that lives in me, and unless we get what I am about to teach today, unless we get this
in biblical order, none of the other things are going to happen, and so God does not then
(13:43):
ordain things past our disobedience, in other words what I am saying, we can say well I
am not going to do that, I just want to go for the glory, I want to go for the power,
I want to go through, you know, I want to be a star in lights and all these sort of
things around the world, and what good is it to anybody, even if they did climb their
(14:06):
own way up that ladder, to one day discover that it was worth nothing?
It's this here what I have been on and will be on today is one of the most powerful lessons
we can ever, ever digest and learn and take in and live is simply this, let me read from
(14:30):
Romans chapter 12 from verse 9, are you with me this morning?
Amen.
Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, and so
he says let love be without hypocrisy, you know the word hypocrisy was a word that they
(14:51):
used in the Greek language that was a play actor, so if a person, I mean I won't say
any names but just think of a very popular actor in the movies today, you got that person?
Well we call them an actor, in the time when this was written they would have been called
a hypocrite, and I'll tell you why, because a hypocrite was a person that play acted a
(15:19):
role that they really were not, and that same word is used now on the flip side as it's
saying don't, let love be without play acting, don't have an exterior to play act something
that you're really not yet inside, does that make sense?
(15:41):
And this is a very important part of this passage of scripture, you know you could imagine
at the Logie Awards and they call this person up and they say to the, this award goes to
the best hypocrite and come on and get your Logie, but it's saying let love be without
(16:02):
hypocrisy, abhor, despise what is evil, cling to what is good, be kindly affectionate to
one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another, not lagging
in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient, patient,
(16:32):
patient, patient, is anyone here at times struggle with patience?
In tribulation, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the
needs of the saints given to hospitality, bless those who persecute, you bless and do
(17:01):
not curse, it looks like we've done a circle and we're back again, so this word is bless
those who persecute, you ever been persecuted?
And we can push rewind right now and rewind to that time and just think how did I manage
(17:21):
that?
Did I bless them and what's this word bless?
It actually means to speak well of, it doesn't say to agree with them, it doesn't say that
you have to ignore what they're doing, it's saying that we got to be careful not to fall
(17:42):
into the trap of insult for insult, slander for slander and if we cannot say or think
of anything good to say, it's best to say nothing at all.
I remember reading in a book from Kenneth E. Hagen and he was speaking on about our
(18:04):
words and he was at a funeral service and he was asked to share or he was there and
somebody shared something about the eulogy and apparently the person that had passed
away, nobody liked him.
Apparently he was a mean, mean-spirited person that really caused grief into so many people's
(18:29):
lives and when this minister got up to say something, he thought, I wonder what he is
going to say and you know what he said?
I always liked his smile and he had nice teeth.
Now I bet you that many people were sitting there, I know what I really would like to
(18:53):
say.
Many times when you've done funeral services you'll know what I'm saying is true that leading
up to it, it's just like, oh dad, he was, and family just like, oh, I'm glad that I
won't have to put up with him and some horrible things that are being said and those same
(19:17):
people stand up on the podium to give their eulogy about the same person I heard two days
before and say, he was such a wonderful man.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
(19:41):
Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion.
This one to me is one of the big ones, one of the main players in what I believe they're
(20:06):
trying to bring out here, are bringing out in this scripture, being wise in one's own
opinion.
The short answer to explain that is idolatry, that a person can be so wrapped in their opinion
that against what the word of God might say, they will stick to their opinion and it causes
(20:31):
a lot of trouble.
I heard it said once and I've said it from this pulpit before, opinions are like armpits,
they all stink.
What is true is that our opinions need to be laid down at the cross of Calvary and we
(20:55):
pick up the truth of God's word, God's heart and God's mind.
You see, the word of God is so central to unity and if there are a husband and a wife
or two people that are in disagreement, disagreeing over something, one will bring their case
(21:17):
and say this, that and the other and the other will bring their case and this, that and the
other.
See, it's not about what their story is and what they want, it's like okay, are you guys
prepared to come to the centre of God's word and this is what God's word says.
(21:38):
It's not what the left and the right are wanting, it's like can we come into agreement with
God's word and if we can come into agreement with God's word, that means that both parties
have to give something, have to come to the table and go okay, yes, I can surrender that,
I can see where I'm wrong and the other one can say, yeah, I didn't realise that and come
(22:00):
together because opinions can be some of the greatest strongholds formed in the minds of
people and they can be so damaging and so the word of God is so central to unity.
It says in verse 17, repay no one evil for evil.
(22:21):
Have we ever done that before?
You don't need to say anything or raise your hand, probably wise not to but repay no one
evil for evil, in other words, if someone did you wrong, we don't devise a plan to pay
them back, turn the other cheek is to get on with life without revenge and so repay
(22:47):
no one evil for evil and that verse there is actually meaning that a person sits down
and literally devises a plan of response to get them back, it's premeditated and nobody
wins.
If there is an argument or if there is division say in a marriage and nobody wants to shift,
(23:10):
how is that going to be resolved?
How is it going to be resolved?
The only way it can be resolved is to find what is central to unity and that is God's
word.
God, usually you find that at least one party has shifted from God's ways, sometimes both
(23:34):
and you get them back to that central point, that's when we see things happen.
He says have regard for good things in the sight of all men, in other words, let them
see your character.
Now this verse 18 is a deep verse of scripture, deep passage, it says if it is possible as
(23:59):
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Now I've seen it happen and I've thought it myself in the middle of a crisis and used
this as an exit clause for being accountable to do my part to see something resolved.
(24:22):
So this is how this can be played out.
Well this is too tough and the Bible says if it is possible, it's not possible, so adios
amigo.
And that's not what this scripture is saying.
Have a listen to this because the power word here is the word depends.
If it is possible as much as depends on who?
(24:46):
No, you.
Don't blame me.
You, us, it's not speaking about the person who may be persecuting you.
God's saying this depends on you, this depends on me.
(25:07):
But what does that word depend actually mean?
It is very poorly translated in my opinion, but that word depends means this, out from
and to.
So out from and to.
(25:28):
But it goes deeper.
It means out of the depths of the source and extending to impact its object.
Let me say that again.
As much as, sorry, if it is possible, as much as depends upon you, live peaceably with all
(25:52):
men, depends, that word depends, out from and to.
I'm going to explain it.
It means out of the depths of the source and extending to its impact on the object.
Here it is.
So what it's saying out from, where is it coming out from?
Well it's actually saying out from the depths of the source.
(26:17):
This here is connected to Romans 12 chapter 1 where it says, I beseech you therefore brethren
by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable
to God which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
(26:40):
that you may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.
In other words, Apostle Paul is saying this is the transformation that took place in your
life and now that you have Christ in you, your hope of glory, you have something that
resides inside of you that when you and I come into a place of conflict from that source
(27:08):
that lives within us, that resource if you like, from that person, it needs to come out
from us and to impact the target that is persecuting you.
That's what that word means.
That's why it's saying, you know, I get their interpretation as much as depends upon you
and what it is saying is simply this, our responsibility is to know that when we are
(27:34):
being persecuted or being mistreated that we need to stop looking at us, I'm hurt, I'm
offended, I'm this, I'm sad, no, it's look at who is within you.
(27:56):
Greater is he that is in you than he that is of the world and that greatness extends
further than probably what we think.
There is an inner ability if you are truly saved, true Christian, that inner ability
that lives in you has an ability to transform relationships and we carry this around with
(28:19):
us every day.
So what happens is if somebody is giving you a hard time, it's decision time to say am
I going to respond to this from my old nature or am I going to respond from within because
this depends upon me because I'm aware, we are aware that there is a source, there is
(28:43):
a person who lives in us that needs to impact the other party that is causing this problem.
Is that making sense?
Very, very important.
Beloved, do not avenge yourself.
Who's ever thought, oh man, I'll get them back, I'll give them a knuckle sandwich.
Have you ever thought of that?
(29:11):
I see some women shaking their heads and going whoa.
Go ladies, husbands, behave yourself.
Do not avenge yourself.
(29:35):
That is a work of the flesh to avenge ourself.
Have I ever experienced that?
I'm not going to tell you but I think you can work it out.
(29:56):
But it says, but rather give place to wrath.
Now this doesn't mean that you lay yourself in harm's way.
That we don't, in an environment of abuse, it doesn't mean that you have to stay there.
That you have to, because you're a Christian that you have to cop it and because you know
(30:20):
you're suffering for Jesus that means that you have to stay and continually be abused
over and over.
That is not turning the other cheek.
That's not what it is.
It says here but rather give place to wrath.
That is actually meaning that don't avenge yourself.
(30:45):
But it doesn't mean that we can't position ourself to be able to handle it from the person
who lives within and not from the one that lives from without, the old nature.
For it is written, vengeance is mine and I will repay says the Lord.
(31:05):
So who is the one that is saying that he will take care of it?
God himself.
Have you ever noticed that I, as a mechanic and I did mobile work for quite a number of
years and some of the hardest jobs to fix were jobs that people tried to do themselves
(31:28):
and you've got to go and fix what they didn't fix or broke or whatever.
And I tell you what happens a lot is that you start to fix it and they're giving you
all the commentaries as to what you were doing wrong.
And I would tell them, look I didn't call you, you called me to fix your car.
(31:54):
So they'd lean over the bonnet and go, oh look, would you just, just don't touch it.
Just give me some space to move and I'll fix it.
But I can't have you sticking your hand in there and as I'm doing things telling me that
doesn't belong there, that should be there and you know, I'm the tradesman.
(32:20):
I remember one guy, I upset him.
He'd be leaning over the bonnet because he eventually just thought, okay I'll keep out
of your way.
And every time I did something he'd be going like this.
And I put this tools down, I said listen Skippy, if you don't get away from here.
(32:49):
I mean they can really annoy you.
You're just trying to do the job and you're kind of like doing a mate's rates because
well, he's not my mate, but you know, they, everyone wants everything for nothing.
Not everyone, but most.
So always sticking their hands in and interfering with what the tradesperson is trying to do.
(33:12):
The same as with us when we're trying to avenge ourself.
Leave it to the tradesperson that knows how to fix it.
Take your hands off it and don't avenge yourself.
Just go, okay, I've tried, it's not working, step back and say God, I can't fix this, but
(33:34):
you can.
I'm not going to avenge myself, but I'm going to leave it to you.
I'm going to leave it to the tradesman to fix this thing.
I'm not going to stick my hands in and try and help God in the process.
I'm not going to stall the restoration process by engaging myself in the middle between the
(33:56):
person and God trying to tell God how we think he should do it.
You see, when we give something to God, we give it to him.
And you know, you give it to God and you step back and say, wow, that's a relief because
now it's in the hands of someone that knows what they're doing.
(34:20):
But if we're going in and fiddling with what God's doing, it'll never work.
And you know what, you want to know what a problem can be with that is that I, and I
speak out of experience, unfortunately, is that we can prolong the process.
And then in our prayer, say God, why are you taking so long?
(34:44):
It's like he's saying, well, get out of my way.
Go fishing or something.
That's not a bad idea.
But there are times that we have to do some things.
There are times when we give it to God, we've got to give it to him and give him space,
let him know, let him do what he knows to do.
(35:07):
And if he needs your help, I'm sure he knows where to find you or me.
But we've got to give God that space.
In times of prayer, Lord, you've got to do something.
You've got to fix this.
You know, God doesn't have to do anything.
(35:29):
See, as much as depends upon us, sometimes human nature can go from being, you know,
loving people and being diligent, fervent in prayer and someone steps in our toes and
next thing you know, straight to the avenging.
Have I ever done that?
(35:50):
Yes, I have.
And most of us would probably say me too.
There is a process.
We've got to deal with opinions, idolatry of what we've established, how we expect things
to be, how I expect my life to be and handing it all over to God and let him orchestrate
(36:14):
our future and not tell him how we want our future to be.
And then it's talking about as much as depends upon you, the inner source that we have, the
mightiness of God, we are expected to like to diffuse this in the atmosphere that we
(36:36):
are in.
And that's it.
That's where it stops because God says, vengeance is mine.
And listen to this as we come to a close.
The Lord says, I will repay, says the Lord.
Therefore because of this, if your enemy is hungry, feed him.
(37:00):
Now that is a test.
When it says your enemy, we need to make sure that that person, our enemy, is not a good
person that we've offended because you ever notice some people create crisis and then
(37:21):
they place themselves as the victim in their own crisis and they say you're the enemy
and you didn't do anything.
And then they use scripture to try and nail you down and we need to be careful we don't
do that.
Very, very careful.
Where it says your enemy, it's in the context that a person is coming against you, not you
(37:44):
against them.
So the enemy there is, let's say, a person that is causing tribulation in your life,
tests and trials in your life.
So in other words, as hard as they can make it for you, if you see that they are lacking
food, feed them.
(38:08):
I remember sharing a story about this years ago when we did quite a few food parcels at
one time and some people just so appreciate the help that you give and this one person
was on the phone demanding in the office of the other church building we were in and I
(38:31):
want this and I want that and I want it now and so we went around and delivered this food
parcel.
They opened it and looked through it, don't like that, don't like that, don't like that,
don't like that.
I don't know, is there anyone here that was with me that day?
(38:51):
You saw a side of me that I don't think I sinned but I was very clear on what I was
doing.
I picked up the box.
I saw I got the box, I said that's okay and I put it all back in and I walked out.
(39:12):
He said where are you going?
I said I'm going to give it to somebody who appreciates this.
Uh huh, you with me?
And guess what?
I get into the car and the Lord says give it back to them.
You got to be kidding me.
(39:37):
And I thought yep, I'll just go to the hardware and get a packet of rat sack and mix it in
there and just.
Yeah they were really mean, really, really mean.
And the Lord said no I want you to go back and give them that food.
(39:58):
That food is not a conditional gift.
They're hungry, feed them.
That's what was happening inside of here.
Very different to what was happening up here about 12 inches higher.
(40:20):
About a week or two later, I can't be sure on the time that same person rang back and
asked for another food parcel.
So we delivered it.
Totally different person and apologized.
I'm really sorry for my behavior.
(40:42):
Will you pray for me?
Now I can't remember if that person got saved that day but they did later down the track.
How are we ever going to change the world when we have this entitlement to avenge ourselves?
Because that's what I was doing.
This person needed to see something different.
(41:06):
Something different to what they were used to.
And I showed him the old me and God was saying I want you to draw from within you and diffuse
to them the greatest source that lives in you and that is the kindness of God.
The love of God.
Okay you can say whatever you like about me but I've come here, this is what I see now,
(41:28):
is to give you a gift from God.
He loves you.
What you do with it, what you like and don't like in there is totally up to you but here's
your gift.
See you later.
Now wouldn't that leave a better impression than the first?
Oh I'm just, I learned so much out of this.
(41:51):
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
This is the test to see that there's no enmity left in us.
No revenge.
No bitterness.
No like, you know what?
Whatever this person may have done to me is totally irrelevant because restoration is
(42:12):
the primary objective here between them and me and whatever means God is going to use
to accomplish this, I'm going to be open to it in Jesus name.
So if they're thirsty, you know, avenging themselves, well I hope your tongue swells
up and you almost choke.
(42:32):
Well that's a good Christian.
I'm avenging myself.
I'll give them some water.
Now you may meet some people that are not hungry and are not thirsty but you may know
that they have a need.
(42:53):
I know a person very well that their ex-wife, it wasn't a good separation.
She was in need and who was the first person to help her?
The ex-husband.
(43:15):
And bestowed gifts upon her so lavishly.
And it wasn't to get back together again.
It was a statement to say, you know what?
It didn't work.
But I don't hate you.
I have no revenge towards you.
(43:37):
I just want to bless you.
How many of us can do that?
You see that is a true test of forgiveness.
A true test.
And it finishes, do not be overcome by evil.
(43:58):
But overcome evil with good.
How are we ever going to change this world if we don't do this?
How are we ever going to do it?
Like that guy at the food parcel, he must have had a couple of weeks just thinking,
I shouldn't have done that.
(44:20):
I believe God was on his case.
And he turned around.
We've seen many cases like that just through the food distribution alone.
People go through things, they go through hardship.
(44:40):
Sometimes you will be the only Jesus that they'll ever see in their life.
We've got to make sure that they see clearly who Jesus is in us.
No judgment.
No criticism.
A hand up and a hand out.
(45:03):
We dig into our own pockets and help those that are in need.
Person said to me one day, I've never had God ask me to do that.
I said, he shouldn't have to.
I said, how do you know that?
Because I was in your position once too.
About being generous, God is extremely generous.
(45:26):
Folks, can you see it?
When we develop this culture, the kingdom culture of God in an assembly, it becomes
so tight, the devil can't get in anywhere.
(45:47):
Because one would think to the other, brother, you must be having a hard day.
I'm not going to take offense.
In fact, come on, let's go out for lunch.
It's bothering you rather than taking offense.
How good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity.
(46:08):
It is like it talks about the oil that runs down the beard of Aaron over the clothing.
And it says it is like the dew at Mount Hermon.
You know, Mount Hermon, where they grew these grapes, it didn't rain much there at all.
Yet they produced such a bumper crop.
So where did the water come from?
(46:29):
It was the dew fall.
The dew fall was that heavy, it kept the plants going in such arid country.
So why is unity like dew fall?
What's the connection?
Unity being together, building an atmosphere, a culture of unity.
(46:49):
Why is that like dew fall and why is it so important?
Do you know that dew, if you have a stormy night or a windy night or the weather is not
settled, you'll go to your car in the morning and there won't be any dew on your car.
(47:11):
Have you ever noticed that?
But when the elements are right and it's a calm night, a clear night, there'll be heavy
dew on your car.
And the same thing is, this is what this is saying.
It is like the dew of hermony, unity, dwelling together.
(47:33):
When we get this, this calmness, this, the absence of strife and the absence of turmoil,
the dew from heaven will fall on a people.
And the Holy Spirit knows what to do, but He wants us to cultivate an atmosphere of
(47:56):
peace and unity in every marriage, in every relationship, in every gathering that we go
to.
And as much as depends upon us, knowing what we do have, we need to diffuse that source
from within to where it needs to go.
(48:19):
In Jesus' name, amen.
Now if you're here today and you have not yet truly made Christ as your personal Lord
and Savior, or you had at some time and you've wandered away, I want to give you an opportunity
this morning to make your peace with God again.
(48:40):
Is there anybody here this morning that you know that this is what I need?
It's what you need.
Can we all just stand as I close?
If you're able, if you're not able to stand, please just feel comfortable to sit.
So I'm going to lead you in a prayer of salvation.
(49:02):
And I ask that you would truly consider what I'm saying now, and that is to surrender your
life to Jesus.
Give your life to Him today and live for Him.
If you are going through crisis and relationship problems and you know, Jesus is a good way
(49:25):
in your life to get the first steps rolling.
I tell you, it's where it all starts, with Him.
And so I'm going to pray a prayer, a short prayer, that if you really, I'm going to say
want this, it's what we all need.
Would you follow me in prayer?
In Jesus' name.
(49:46):
Are you ready?
If we can bow our heads and close our eyes before the Lord, would you repeat after me,
Father God, I come to you in the name of Jesus.
I believe in my heart and I confess with my mouth that you, Jesus, are the Son of God
(50:10):
and you died for me.
I ask you to forgive me all of the things I've done wrong in my life and receive me
into your family.
Amen.
(50:32):
Thank you for joining us.
We pray God's richest blessing on your life.
If you haven't already, make sure to join us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
You can also find us at LoganCityChristianChurch.com.
See you next week.
Welcome to Logan City Christian Church podcast where we bring God's Word to you weekly.
(00:07):
We pray what you hear will bring clarity to your situation and open doors in your life.
Enjoy the message.
Here we are today again and I just want to let a cat out of the bag what's going on.
You would probably have noticed that for some time now the content of the messages have
(00:32):
all been around relationships.
Have you noticed?
Yep.
And so there's been a reason for this.
We all know that at some time in God's time there is going to be a great outpouring of
the Holy Spirit on this land.
(00:56):
And we see the Church of Philadelphia, if you read carefully through and study what
is written in that chapter, you will see that that church is a church marked with revival,
an end time move of God that is coming.
(01:17):
The Church of Philadelphia is not restricted to just one congregation.
It's a kind of a fellowship that resemble the Church of Philadelphia.
They were marked with love.
They loved each other.
They fellowshiped with each other.
There was such a depth of unity amongst them.
(01:41):
And this is the church, that is the one that Jesus is coming back for, a church that is
truly honoring Jesus Himself, but not only the vertical relationship, because I believe
to me that can be the easier one to get right.
(02:04):
We also need to have our horizontal relationships in order as well, to the best that we can.
And so in these last few months, there have been, you know, I spoke about racism, how
it's not in God's Word, you know, how we treat one another, the absence of enmity, resolving
(02:26):
conflict without revenge being present, forgiveness, loving people.
You see, we can be praying and staying up through the nights, praying and believing
God for a move of the Spirit, and what a great thing it's going to be when this nation of
(02:46):
Australia is set alight by the Spirit of God, and there's going to be a day that this will
come.
But there's a lot more to it than praying.
God is looking for a people who will come together and believe together, to be in agreement
(03:08):
together, and the word in the Greek for agreement is symphony, that a symphony, every instrument
is different from the other.
And some people, you know, playing those instruments, they're playing in a different chord, but
that chord is in unison with what else someone else is playing.
(03:30):
And so within an orchestra, there is a harmony.
There are many sounds and many different kinds of instruments that are all coming together
and making one unified sound.
And I believe that when the body of Christ, it doesn't need to be a great number, but
(03:55):
they come together all making one sound, one sound before the Lord, and that sound is love,
it's unity, it's that oneness, it's the agreement, and it's the ability to resolve conflict because
conflict is going to arise at times.
(04:17):
The Book of Acts, if you were to read carefully, you will notice that the Book of Acts was
in revival, the churches, they were in revival, and within that, they had conflict.
You know, conflict was not absent in revival, but something that they had was so important
(04:39):
that they established before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
And the thing was this, is that, you know, the Bible makes it very clear, stages that
we get right for God to move.
So, one of the things that they did, they were all assembled together in the upper room
(05:01):
in one accord.
They had first established, reestablished the leadership structure in the upper room.
They needed to find who was going to be the replacement for Judas, that came first.
In the process, as the leaders in the upper room took charge, took authority and started
(05:25):
leading, then the others that were there, they just came together because, you know,
where there is leadership, there is direction.
And you know, leadership today, I believe, in many areas and walks of life is being attacked
and despised, I'm not saying here, but you know, over and about in a terrible way, an
(05:52):
authority, that people in authority are being disrespected terribly.
But they didn't have that problem in the upper room.
They had things established.
They had the government established for the church to come, and then they had the people
together in one accord, and the Bible says that, and when they were in one accord, suddenly,
(06:20):
suddenly, there came a sound of a rushing mighty wind.
There we read where there was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The question that is always asked is that, but God would have, or the statement, regardless
whether they did or didn't, God was going to pour out at Pentecost anyway.
(06:42):
Do we know that for sure?
You see, God needs people.
He needs us to do our bit.
He needs us to lay a foundation.
When we speak about the glory of God, the Hebrew word for the glory is kabod, and it
(07:03):
means the weightiness of God, and we are believing churches around the world for a visitation
of this weightiness of God, His glory, to come into houses of worship, and that we be
satellite and we go out into the marketplace, the highways and the byways, and begin to
(07:26):
spread this fire of the Holy Spirit as we go.
But do you know that there are biblical preparations before the kabod, the glory of God settles
in a place, if you were to read with Solomon the length that he went through, the detail
he went through in the temple, and when he had finished everything that the word had
(07:51):
shown him to do, then they had the priests and the worship, and then God must have looked
from heaven and go, you know what, these people are honoring my word, they're honoring those
that I've placed in authority, and they're loving each other, and they've come together,
and the glory of God rested in the temple, and it says that even the priests could not
(08:14):
stand while they were trying to minister.
What I'm saying is this, is that yes, what a wonderful thing to believe God for an outpouring
of His Spirit to see this land change, to see Christ be honored and glorified in Logan,
(08:34):
in Brisbane, Australia, and around the world, and to see people come to Christ, the people
that are broken and need healing receive what they need from God.
I think that that is a wonderful thing, but I believe God is also at the same time with
prayer, believing and praying for revival, God saying, you know, I need my people to
(08:56):
get a foundation built here.
And that's where we've been, whether you've realized it or not, for months now, and that
is to build a culture of honor and respect for each other, to build this what we call
(09:20):
love, biblical love that we put each other, prefer others before ourself.
This is a very important thing, and this morning I'm going to pick up Romans chapter 12 from
verse 9, and I know some of you guys have been saying, can you please continue along
(09:45):
these lines, turning the other cheek and all that sort of thing, and how important that
is.
It really, really is.
But as I read through these passages of Scripture, we will find that whether it's Apostle Paul,
Apostle Peter, or any of the others, they all keep this same thread throughout their
(10:07):
epistles, each and every one of them, and it is about each and every one of us doing
our part to build unity, to build an atmosphere of God in a congregation, wherever it may
be, in a home.
And it doesn't happen automatically, we need to be determined to see it happen and build
(10:34):
it in our lives.
And what we are seeing today, if you were to watch what is most popular on YouTube today,
not that I spend a lot of time there at all, but if you have a look at what is popular,
it is this, is that how you can be better, you can have more, you can be greater, that
(11:00):
you are like a God yourself, and you this and you that, and what is happening today
in the modern preaching, in the modern church, is the opposite of what the apostles were
preaching.
You see, when they came and planted churches, their message was simply salvation and establishing
(11:24):
the church, the structure of the church, but one thing that was common through all of them
was this, is that number one, the flesh, our old nature must die, so that the new nature
in us, Christ himself can live, and then as we have laid down and in the process of laying
(11:45):
down our old ways, our old attitudes, all of those old things, and start to discover
who lives inside of us and allow that new nature to start living, what happens there
is that, is why they were so successful, is from that new creation, there is a new way
(12:07):
of living, a way of love, forgiveness, of kindness, and all these things that we need
today because the devil does not need another move of God, let me tell you, and he is going
to do anything that he can to stop it, and I see one of the strategies that he has today
(12:29):
is to create friction in marriages, break marriages, to break families up, this is what
he is doing, to cause division in houses of God, and so if you reverse what he is doing,
we then see what the apostles preached, and that was that everyone lived from our new
nature and not from our old, is that making sense?
(12:54):
And so, you know, there is such a pursuit today, I will read this, I just feel to say
this, a modern day pursuit to want to be a prophet or an apostle, or a modern day pursuit
to want to move in all the gifts of the Spirit and to move in the power of God, and I want
(13:18):
to see miracles, and I want to experience this, and I want to travel the world and preach,
and I want to, I want to, I want to, you see it is no longer I that lives, but it is Christ
that lives in me, and unless we get what I am about to teach today, unless we get this
in biblical order, none of the other things are going to happen, and so God does not then
(13:43):
ordain things past our disobedience, in other words what I am saying, we can say well I
am not going to do that, I just want to go for the glory, I want to go for the power,
I want to go through, you know, I want to be a star in lights and all these sort of
things around the world, and what good is it to anybody, even if they did climb their
(14:06):
own way up that ladder, to one day discover that it was worth nothing?
It's this here what I have been on and will be on today is one of the most powerful lessons
we can ever, ever digest and learn and take in and live is simply this, let me read from
(14:30):
Romans chapter 12 from verse 9, are you with me this morning?
Amen.
Let love be without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, and so
he says let love be without hypocrisy, you know the word hypocrisy was a word that they
(14:51):
used in the Greek language that was a play actor, so if a person, I mean I won't say
any names but just think of a very popular actor in the movies today, you got that person?
Well we call them an actor, in the time when this was written they would have been called
a hypocrite, and I'll tell you why, because a hypocrite was a person that play acted a
(15:19):
role that they really were not, and that same word is used now on the flip side as it's
saying don't, let love be without play acting, don't have an exterior to play act something
that you're really not yet inside, does that make sense?
(15:41):
And this is a very important part of this passage of scripture, you know you could imagine
at the Logie Awards and they call this person up and they say to the, this award goes to
the best hypocrite and come on and get your Logie, but it's saying let love be without
(16:02):
hypocrisy, abhor, despise what is evil, cling to what is good, be kindly affectionate to
one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another, not lagging
in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient, patient,
(16:32):
patient, patient, is anyone here at times struggle with patience?
In tribulation, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the
needs of the saints given to hospitality, bless those who persecute, you bless and do
(17:01):
not curse, it looks like we've done a circle and we're back again, so this word is bless
those who persecute, you ever been persecuted?
And we can push rewind right now and rewind to that time and just think how did I manage
(17:21):
that?
Did I bless them and what's this word bless?
It actually means to speak well of, it doesn't say to agree with them, it doesn't say that
you have to ignore what they're doing, it's saying that we got to be careful not to fall
(17:42):
into the trap of insult for insult, slander for slander and if we cannot say or think
of anything good to say, it's best to say nothing at all.
I remember reading in a book from Kenneth E. Hagen and he was speaking on about our
(18:04):
words and he was at a funeral service and he was asked to share or he was there and
somebody shared something about the eulogy and apparently the person that had passed
away, nobody liked him.
Apparently he was a mean, mean-spirited person that really caused grief into so many people's
(18:29):
lives and when this minister got up to say something, he thought, I wonder what he is
going to say and you know what he said?
I always liked his smile and he had nice teeth.
Now I bet you that many people were sitting there, I know what I really would like to
(18:53):
say.
Many times when you've done funeral services you'll know what I'm saying is true that leading
up to it, it's just like, oh dad, he was, and family just like, oh, I'm glad that I
won't have to put up with him and some horrible things that are being said and those same
(19:17):
people stand up on the podium to give their eulogy about the same person I heard two days
before and say, he was such a wonderful man.
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
(19:41):
Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind toward one another.
Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion.
This one to me is one of the big ones, one of the main players in what I believe they're
(20:06):
trying to bring out here, are bringing out in this scripture, being wise in one's own
opinion.
The short answer to explain that is idolatry, that a person can be so wrapped in their opinion
that against what the word of God might say, they will stick to their opinion and it causes
(20:31):
a lot of trouble.
I heard it said once and I've said it from this pulpit before, opinions are like armpits,
they all stink.
What is true is that our opinions need to be laid down at the cross of Calvary and we
(20:55):
pick up the truth of God's word, God's heart and God's mind.
You see, the word of God is so central to unity and if there are a husband and a wife
or two people that are in disagreement, disagreeing over something, one will bring their case
(21:17):
and say this, that and the other and the other will bring their case and this, that and the
other.
See, it's not about what their story is and what they want, it's like okay, are you guys
prepared to come to the centre of God's word and this is what God's word says.
(21:38):
It's not what the left and the right are wanting, it's like can we come into agreement with
God's word and if we can come into agreement with God's word, that means that both parties
have to give something, have to come to the table and go okay, yes, I can surrender that,
I can see where I'm wrong and the other one can say, yeah, I didn't realise that and come
(22:00):
together because opinions can be some of the greatest strongholds formed in the minds of
people and they can be so damaging and so the word of God is so central to unity.
It says in verse 17, repay no one evil for evil.
(22:21):
Have we ever done that before?
You don't need to say anything or raise your hand, probably wise not to but repay no one
evil for evil, in other words, if someone did you wrong, we don't devise a plan to pay
them back, turn the other cheek is to get on with life without revenge and so repay
(22:47):
no one evil for evil and that verse there is actually meaning that a person sits down
and literally devises a plan of response to get them back, it's premeditated and nobody
wins.
If there is an argument or if there is division say in a marriage and nobody wants to shift,
(23:10):
how is that going to be resolved?
How is it going to be resolved?
The only way it can be resolved is to find what is central to unity and that is God's
word.
God, usually you find that at least one party has shifted from God's ways, sometimes both
(23:34):
and you get them back to that central point, that's when we see things happen.
He says have regard for good things in the sight of all men, in other words, let them
see your character.
Now this verse 18 is a deep verse of scripture, deep passage, it says if it is possible as
(23:59):
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Now I've seen it happen and I've thought it myself in the middle of a crisis and used
this as an exit clause for being accountable to do my part to see something resolved.
(24:22):
So this is how this can be played out.
Well this is too tough and the Bible says if it is possible, it's not possible, so adios
amigo.
And that's not what this scripture is saying.
Have a listen to this because the power word here is the word depends.
If it is possible as much as depends on who?
(24:46):
No, you.
Don't blame me.
You, us, it's not speaking about the person who may be persecuting you.
God's saying this depends on you, this depends on me.
(25:07):
But what does that word depend actually mean?
It is very poorly translated in my opinion, but that word depends means this, out from
and to.
So out from and to.
(25:28):
But it goes deeper.
It means out of the depths of the source and extending to impact its object.
Let me say that again.
As much as, sorry, if it is possible, as much as depends upon you, live peaceably with all
(25:52):
men, depends, that word depends, out from and to.
I'm going to explain it.
It means out of the depths of the source and extending to its impact on the object.
Here it is.
So what it's saying out from, where is it coming out from?
Well it's actually saying out from the depths of the source.
(26:17):
This here is connected to Romans 12 chapter 1 where it says, I beseech you therefore brethren
by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable
to God which is your reasonable service.
And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
(26:40):
that you may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.
In other words, Apostle Paul is saying this is the transformation that took place in your
life and now that you have Christ in you, your hope of glory, you have something that
resides inside of you that when you and I come into a place of conflict from that source
(27:08):
that lives within us, that resource if you like, from that person, it needs to come out
from us and to impact the target that is persecuting you.
That's what that word means.
That's why it's saying, you know, I get their interpretation as much as depends upon you
and what it is saying is simply this, our responsibility is to know that when we are
(27:34):
being persecuted or being mistreated that we need to stop looking at us, I'm hurt, I'm
offended, I'm this, I'm sad, no, it's look at who is within you.
(27:56):
Greater is he that is in you than he that is of the world and that greatness extends
further than probably what we think.
There is an inner ability if you are truly saved, true Christian, that inner ability
that lives in you has an ability to transform relationships and we carry this around with
(28:19):
us every day.
So what happens is if somebody is giving you a hard time, it's decision time to say am
I going to respond to this from my old nature or am I going to respond from within because
this depends upon me because I'm aware, we are aware that there is a source, there is
(28:43):
a person who lives in us that needs to impact the other party that is causing this problem.
Is that making sense?
Very, very important.
Beloved, do not avenge yourself.
Who's ever thought, oh man, I'll get them back, I'll give them a knuckle sandwich.
Have you ever thought of that?
(29:11):
I see some women shaking their heads and going whoa.
Go ladies, husbands, behave yourself.
Do not avenge yourself.
(29:35):
That is a work of the flesh to avenge ourself.
Have I ever experienced that?
I'm not going to tell you but I think you can work it out.
(29:56):
But it says, but rather give place to wrath.
Now this doesn't mean that you lay yourself in harm's way.
That we don't, in an environment of abuse, it doesn't mean that you have to stay there.
That you have to, because you're a Christian that you have to cop it and because you know
(30:20):
you're suffering for Jesus that means that you have to stay and continually be abused
over and over.
That is not turning the other cheek.
That's not what it is.
It says here but rather give place to wrath.
That is actually meaning that don't avenge yourself.
(30:45):
But it doesn't mean that we can't position ourself to be able to handle it from the person
who lives within and not from the one that lives from without, the old nature.
For it is written, vengeance is mine and I will repay says the Lord.
(31:05):
So who is the one that is saying that he will take care of it?
God himself.
Have you ever noticed that I, as a mechanic and I did mobile work for quite a number of
years and some of the hardest jobs to fix were jobs that people tried to do themselves
(31:28):
and you've got to go and fix what they didn't fix or broke or whatever.
And I tell you what happens a lot is that you start to fix it and they're giving you
all the commentaries as to what you were doing wrong.
And I would tell them, look I didn't call you, you called me to fix your car.
(31:54):
So they'd lean over the bonnet and go, oh look, would you just, just don't touch it.
Just give me some space to move and I'll fix it.
But I can't have you sticking your hand in there and as I'm doing things telling me that
doesn't belong there, that should be there and you know, I'm the tradesman.
(32:20):
I remember one guy, I upset him.
He'd be leaning over the bonnet because he eventually just thought, okay I'll keep out
of your way.
And every time I did something he'd be going like this.
And I put this tools down, I said listen Skippy, if you don't get away from here.
(32:49):
I mean they can really annoy you.
You're just trying to do the job and you're kind of like doing a mate's rates because
well, he's not my mate, but you know, they, everyone wants everything for nothing.
Not everyone, but most.
So always sticking their hands in and interfering with what the tradesperson is trying to do.
(33:12):
The same as with us when we're trying to avenge ourself.
Leave it to the tradesperson that knows how to fix it.
Take your hands off it and don't avenge yourself.
Just go, okay, I've tried, it's not working, step back and say God, I can't fix this, but
(33:34):
you can.
I'm not going to avenge myself, but I'm going to leave it to you.
I'm going to leave it to the tradesman to fix this thing.
I'm not going to stick my hands in and try and help God in the process.
I'm not going to stall the restoration process by engaging myself in the middle between the
(33:56):
person and God trying to tell God how we think he should do it.
You see, when we give something to God, we give it to him.
And you know, you give it to God and you step back and say, wow, that's a relief because
now it's in the hands of someone that knows what they're doing.
(34:20):
But if we're going in and fiddling with what God's doing, it'll never work.
And you know what, you want to know what a problem can be with that is that I, and I
speak out of experience, unfortunately, is that we can prolong the process.
And then in our prayer, say God, why are you taking so long?
(34:44):
It's like he's saying, well, get out of my way.
Go fishing or something.
That's not a bad idea.
But there are times that we have to do some things.
There are times when we give it to God, we've got to give it to him and give him space,
let him know, let him do what he knows to do.
(35:07):
And if he needs your help, I'm sure he knows where to find you or me.
But we've got to give God that space.
In times of prayer, Lord, you've got to do something.
You've got to fix this.
You know, God doesn't have to do anything.
(35:29):
See, as much as depends upon us, sometimes human nature can go from being, you know,
loving people and being diligent, fervent in prayer and someone steps in our toes and
next thing you know, straight to the avenging.
Have I ever done that?
(35:50):
Yes, I have.
And most of us would probably say me too.
There is a process.
We've got to deal with opinions, idolatry of what we've established, how we expect things
to be, how I expect my life to be and handing it all over to God and let him orchestrate
(36:14):
our future and not tell him how we want our future to be.
And then it's talking about as much as depends upon you, the inner source that we have, the
mightiness of God, we are expected to like to diffuse this in the atmosphere that we
(36:36):
are in.
And that's it.
That's where it stops because God says, vengeance is mine.
And listen to this as we come to a close.
The Lord says, I will repay, says the Lord.
Therefore because of this, if your enemy is hungry, feed him.
(37:00):
Now that is a test.
When it says your enemy, we need to make sure that that person, our enemy, is not a good
person that we've offended because you ever notice some people create crisis and then
(37:21):
they place themselves as the victim in their own crisis and they say you're the enemy
and you didn't do anything.
And then they use scripture to try and nail you down and we need to be careful we don't
do that.
Very, very careful.
Where it says your enemy, it's in the context that a person is coming against you, not you
(37:44):
against them.
So the enemy there is, let's say, a person that is causing tribulation in your life,
tests and trials in your life.
So in other words, as hard as they can make it for you, if you see that they are lacking
food, feed them.
(38:08):
I remember sharing a story about this years ago when we did quite a few food parcels at
one time and some people just so appreciate the help that you give and this one person
was on the phone demanding in the office of the other church building we were in and I
(38:31):
want this and I want that and I want it now and so we went around and delivered this food
parcel.
They opened it and looked through it, don't like that, don't like that, don't like that,
don't like that.
I don't know, is there anyone here that was with me that day?
(38:51):
You saw a side of me that I don't think I sinned but I was very clear on what I was
doing.
I picked up the box.
I saw I got the box, I said that's okay and I put it all back in and I walked out.
(39:12):
He said where are you going?
I said I'm going to give it to somebody who appreciates this.
Uh huh, you with me?
And guess what?
I get into the car and the Lord says give it back to them.
You got to be kidding me.
(39:37):
And I thought yep, I'll just go to the hardware and get a packet of rat sack and mix it in
there and just.
Yeah they were really mean, really, really mean.
And the Lord said no I want you to go back and give them that food.
(39:58):
That food is not a conditional gift.
They're hungry, feed them.
That's what was happening inside of here.
Very different to what was happening up here about 12 inches higher.
(40:20):
About a week or two later, I can't be sure on the time that same person rang back and
asked for another food parcel.
So we delivered it.
Totally different person and apologized.
I'm really sorry for my behavior.
(40:42):
Will you pray for me?
Now I can't remember if that person got saved that day but they did later down the track.
How are we ever going to change the world when we have this entitlement to avenge ourselves?
Because that's what I was doing.
This person needed to see something different.
(41:06):
Something different to what they were used to.
And I showed him the old me and God was saying I want you to draw from within you and diffuse
to them the greatest source that lives in you and that is the kindness of God.
The love of God.
Okay you can say whatever you like about me but I've come here, this is what I see now,
(41:28):
is to give you a gift from God.
He loves you.
What you do with it, what you like and don't like in there is totally up to you but here's
your gift.
See you later.
Now wouldn't that leave a better impression than the first?
Oh I'm just, I learned so much out of this.
(41:51):
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
This is the test to see that there's no enmity left in us.
No revenge.
No bitterness.
No like, you know what?
Whatever this person may have done to me is totally irrelevant because restoration is
(42:12):
the primary objective here between them and me and whatever means God is going to use
to accomplish this, I'm going to be open to it in Jesus name.
So if they're thirsty, you know, avenging themselves, well I hope your tongue swells
up and you almost choke.
(42:32):
Well that's a good Christian.
I'm avenging myself.
I'll give them some water.
Now you may meet some people that are not hungry and are not thirsty but you may know
that they have a need.
(42:53):
I know a person very well that their ex-wife, it wasn't a good separation.
She was in need and who was the first person to help her?
The ex-husband.
(43:15):
And bestowed gifts upon her so lavishly.
And it wasn't to get back together again.
It was a statement to say, you know what?
It didn't work.
But I don't hate you.
I have no revenge towards you.
(43:37):
I just want to bless you.
How many of us can do that?
You see that is a true test of forgiveness.
A true test.
And it finishes, do not be overcome by evil.
(43:58):
But overcome evil with good.
How are we ever going to change this world if we don't do this?
How are we ever going to do it?
Like that guy at the food parcel, he must have had a couple of weeks just thinking,
I shouldn't have done that.
(44:20):
I believe God was on his case.
And he turned around.
We've seen many cases like that just through the food distribution alone.
People go through things, they go through hardship.
(44:40):
Sometimes you will be the only Jesus that they'll ever see in their life.
We've got to make sure that they see clearly who Jesus is in us.
No judgment.
No criticism.
A hand up and a hand out.
(45:03):
We dig into our own pockets and help those that are in need.
Person said to me one day, I've never had God ask me to do that.
I said, he shouldn't have to.
I said, how do you know that?
Because I was in your position once too.
About being generous, God is extremely generous.
(45:26):
Folks, can you see it?
When we develop this culture, the kingdom culture of God in an assembly, it becomes
so tight, the devil can't get in anywhere.
(45:47):
Because one would think to the other, brother, you must be having a hard day.
I'm not going to take offense.
In fact, come on, let's go out for lunch.
It's bothering you rather than taking offense.
How good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity.
(46:08):
It is like it talks about the oil that runs down the beard of Aaron over the clothing.
And it says it is like the dew at Mount Hermon.
You know, Mount Hermon, where they grew these grapes, it didn't rain much there at all.
Yet they produced such a bumper crop.
So where did the water come from?
(46:29):
It was the dew fall.
The dew fall was that heavy, it kept the plants going in such arid country.
So why is unity like dew fall?
What's the connection?
Unity being together, building an atmosphere, a culture of unity.
(46:49):
Why is that like dew fall and why is it so important?
Do you know that dew, if you have a stormy night or a windy night or the weather is not
settled, you'll go to your car in the morning and there won't be any dew on your car.
(47:11):
Have you ever noticed that?
But when the elements are right and it's a calm night, a clear night, there'll be heavy
dew on your car.
And the same thing is, this is what this is saying.
It is like the dew of hermony, unity, dwelling together.
(47:33):
When we get this, this calmness, this, the absence of strife and the absence of turmoil,
the dew from heaven will fall on a people.
And the Holy Spirit knows what to do, but He wants us to cultivate an atmosphere of
(47:56):
peace and unity in every marriage, in every relationship, in every gathering that we go
to.
And as much as depends upon us, knowing what we do have, we need to diffuse that source
from within to where it needs to go.
(48:19):
In Jesus' name, amen.
Now if you're here today and you have not yet truly made Christ as your personal Lord
and Savior, or you had at some time and you've wandered away, I want to give you an opportunity
this morning to make your peace with God again.
(48:40):
Is there anybody here this morning that you know that this is what I need?
It's what you need.
Can we all just stand as I close?
If you're able, if you're not able to stand, please just feel comfortable to sit.
So I'm going to lead you in a prayer of salvation.
(49:02):
And I ask that you would truly consider what I'm saying now, and that is to surrender your
life to Jesus.
Give your life to Him today and live for Him.
If you are going through crisis and relationship problems and you know, Jesus is a good way
(49:25):
in your life to get the first steps rolling.
I tell you, it's where it all starts, with Him.
And so I'm going to pray a prayer, a short prayer, that if you really, I'm going to say
want this, it's what we all need.
Would you follow me in prayer?
In Jesus' name.
(49:46):
Are you ready?
If we can bow our heads and close our eyes before the Lord, would you repeat after me,
Father God, I come to you in the name of Jesus.
I believe in my heart and I confess with my mouth that you, Jesus, are the Son of God
(50:10):
and you died for me.
I ask you to forgive me all of the things I've done wrong in my life and receive me
into your family.
Amen.
(50:32):
Thank you for joining us.
We pray God's richest blessing on your life.
If you haven't already, make sure to join us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
You can also find us at LoganCityChristianChurch.com.
See you next week.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.