Power at Pentecost
On one occasion one of my co-students claimed that I would be “cheating” if I prayed for help in my exams. “That is getting help from outside”, he said. However he also admitted that he did not believe in my “source of power”, so did not see how it could help anyhow! So if he did not believe in God, and accepted that I obtained this “help” without any physical contact or exchange, then it must be acceptable. Was it really just something of myself from within me, or was it “outside help” as I had suggested?
Many people talk about the ability of the mind to release power from within one’s self. However, the Christian understanding is not that we can develop ourselves from within, but that a Power from without can help us to develop. Jesus, the founder of Christianity, said, “I can of myself do nothing”, and acknowledged that it was The Father (God) that did the works (miracles etc.) that were done, in Him.
After the first Easter, when the risen Jesus was again with His disciples, He told them that they would receive “Power from on high” which would sustain their faith after He had been taken to Heaven. In the Bible account, this happened on the Day of Pentecost (better known by many now as Whitsuntide), which is 50 days after His resurrection – or after Easter. The day recorded as Ascension Day (when Jesus was taken up to Heaven) was 40 days after Easter, so in the Church calendar Whitsuntide is 10 days after Ascension Day.
It was at Pentecost (Whitsuntide), just following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, that the Bible records the Disciples did receive that Power from on High, and whilst each spoke in their own native tongue, others listening heard in their own native tongue. This event is often referred to as the beginning of the Christian Church, and Whitsuntide as the Birthday of the Church.
We believe that the Power that came on the first “Whitsunday” is still at work today, and is demonstrated outwardly in the workings of the Church in society, as well as inwardly in the hearts and lives of believers.
As Christians we believe that this Power is available to believers, and whether one thinks it is cheating or not to get outside help, it can help those who do believe in the “examinations of life”, as we go through the ups and downs of everyday living, and can bring purpose and meaning to this sometimes often perplexing World in which we live. The Power comes from outside, but shows itself through the impact that it has on the thoughts and consequent actions that people do. In Jesus’ words, “My peace I leave with you”. (John 14:27)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Outline of Service 8th May 2011
From Passover to Pentecost
Ye shall receive power
Acts 1:8
Hymn 123: An Inward Preparation
Psalm 139:1-11, 23-24 – Checking What’s Inside
Bible Readings:
Ready and Waiting – Exodus 12:1-11, 30-36
The Promised Power – Acts 2:1-32
What Is This Power – John 14:8-21
Hymn 100: An Example for All
• At Passover (Easter) we think of repentance through Grace
• At Pentecost (Whitsuntide) we think of obedience through Power
• On Mothers Day we recognise God’s Spirit the Heavenly Mother
• The Promise is waiting for us to receive
Hymn 51: The Promise Continues
From Passover to Pentecost
Ye shall receive power
Acts 1:8
Hymn 123: An Inward Preparation
Psalm 139:1-11, 23-24 – Checking What’s Inside
Bible Readings:
Ready and Waiting – Exodus 12:1-11, 30-36
The Promised Power – Acts 2:1-32
What Is This Power – John 14:8-21
Hymn 100: An Example for All
• At Passover (Easter) we think of repentance through Grace
• At Pentecost (Whitsuntide) we think of obedience through Power
• On Mothers Day we recognise God’s Spirit the Heavenly Mother
• The Promise is waiting for us to receive
Hymn 51: The Promise Continues
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Service Sydney Church 10th April 2011
Outline of Service 10th April 2011
Is Everything Packed?
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
I Tim 6:7
Hymn 123: An Inward Preparation
Psalm 139:1-11, 23-24 – Checking What’s Inside
Bible Readings:
Ready and Waiting – Exodus 12:1-11, 30-36
What is Really Important? – Matt 15:8-20
Godliness with Contentment – 1 Tim 6:1-12
Hymn 3: Ready to Go!
What to Take:
• What is inside is more important than what is outside
• Godliness with contentment is great gain!
• God has promised to provide all we need
• Prepare yourself and God will do the rest.
Hymn 49: Everyone Has An Equal chance
Doxology
Is Everything Packed?
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
I Tim 6:7
Hymn 123: An Inward Preparation
Psalm 139:1-11, 23-24 – Checking What’s Inside
Bible Readings:
Ready and Waiting – Exodus 12:1-11, 30-36
What is Really Important? – Matt 15:8-20
Godliness with Contentment – 1 Tim 6:1-12
Hymn 3: Ready to Go!
What to Take:
• What is inside is more important than what is outside
• Godliness with contentment is great gain!
• God has promised to provide all we need
• Prepare yourself and God will do the rest.
Hymn 49: Everyone Has An Equal chance
Doxology
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sydney Service 27th March 2011
Outline of Service 27th March 2011
Road Blocks
What wilt Thou have me to do?
Acts 9:6
Hymn 102: Keep On Keeping On!
Psalm 1:1-6 – The Broad Options
Bible Readings:
A Questionable Journey – Numbers 22:10-35
Am I On the Right Road? – Acts 9:1-18
The Enemy within – Romans 7:14-25
Hymn 122 (Tune 123): The Real Obstacle
Road Blocks:
• God does use Road Blocks if we are on the wrong Road
• However most Road Blocks are because we don’t choose to be on the Right Road
• The Enemy within is the inherent evil
• Stan attracts the evil and causes us to sin!
• Don’t let the Enemy send us down the Wrong Road.
Hymn 30: The Goal Ahead
Doxology
Road Blocks
What wilt Thou have me to do?
Acts 9:6
Hymn 102: Keep On Keeping On!
Psalm 1:1-6 – The Broad Options
Bible Readings:
A Questionable Journey – Numbers 22:10-35
Am I On the Right Road? – Acts 9:1-18
The Enemy within – Romans 7:14-25
Hymn 122 (Tune 123): The Real Obstacle
Road Blocks:
• God does use Road Blocks if we are on the wrong Road
• However most Road Blocks are because we don’t choose to be on the Right Road
• The Enemy within is the inherent evil
• Stan attracts the evil and causes us to sin!
• Don’t let the Enemy send us down the Wrong Road.
Hymn 30: The Goal Ahead
Doxology
Friday, March 4, 2011
Service Sydney Church 13th March 2011
Outline of Service 13th March 2011
Last Service we looked at Where will the Journey End? – this time we consider:
Choosing the Route
We will serve the Lord
Joshua 24:15
Hymn 129: A Perfect Example
Psalm 1:1-6 – The Broad Options
Bible Readings:
An Offering in Righteousness – Malachi 3:1-7, 16-18
Sanctification - The Special Route – Joshua 24:1-2, 13-24
Care, Concern and Commitment – Matthew 7:13-29
Hymn 47: Faith and Obedience
Choosing the Route:
• God has offered life to all
• There is a route through forgiveness and one through obedience
• The forgiveness route is based on faith and life in the resurrection
• The sacrifice of righteousness can lead to life without death
• Choose you this day whom ye will serve – God will do the rest!
Hymn 79: The Light of Life
Doxology
Last Service we looked at Where will the Journey End? – this time we consider:
Choosing the Route
We will serve the Lord
Joshua 24:15
Hymn 129: A Perfect Example
Psalm 1:1-6 – The Broad Options
Bible Readings:
An Offering in Righteousness – Malachi 3:1-7, 16-18
Sanctification - The Special Route – Joshua 24:1-2, 13-24
Care, Concern and Commitment – Matthew 7:13-29
Hymn 47: Faith and Obedience
Choosing the Route:
• God has offered life to all
• There is a route through forgiveness and one through obedience
• The forgiveness route is based on faith and life in the resurrection
• The sacrifice of righteousness can lead to life without death
• Choose you this day whom ye will serve – God will do the rest!
Hymn 79: The Light of Life
Doxology
Friday, February 25, 2011
Service 27th February 2011
Outline of Service 27th February 2011
Where Will The Journey End?In My Father’s House are many mansions
John 14:2
Hymn 26: A Good Ending Planned
Psalm 16:1-3 7-11 – The Path of Life
Bible Readings:
The Path Taken leads to the Destination – 1 Samuel 15:1-26
The Options – 1 Cor 15:35-58
The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:1-7
Hymn 125: A Personal Realisation
The Path and the Destinations:
• God has showed us the Path that leads to Life
• We must stay on that Path if we want to arrive at that destination
• There is a Life Path that leads to assurance of the resurrection
• There is a Life Path that leads to preservation of spirit and soul and body
• God’s Plan ultimately leads to life for all
Hymn 132: The Final Destination
Doxology
Where Will The Journey End?In My Father’s House are many mansions
John 14:2
Hymn 26: A Good Ending Planned
Psalm 16:1-3 7-11 – The Path of Life
Bible Readings:
The Path Taken leads to the Destination – 1 Samuel 15:1-26
The Options – 1 Cor 15:35-58
The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:1-7
Hymn 125: A Personal Realisation
The Path and the Destinations:
• God has showed us the Path that leads to Life
• We must stay on that Path if we want to arrive at that destination
• There is a Life Path that leads to assurance of the resurrection
• There is a Life Path that leads to preservation of spirit and soul and body
• God’s Plan ultimately leads to life for all
Hymn 132: The Final Destination
Doxology
Friday, February 11, 2011
Service Outline 13th Feb 2011
Outline of Service 13th February 2011
The Map
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; There is n new thing under the sun.
Proverbs 1:9
Hymn 106: God - The Beginning and the End
Psalm 19:1-6; Eccles 1:4,9 – The Work of God
Bible Readings:
Mapped From the Beginning – Job 38:1-18
The Invisible Map can be Clearly Seen – Romans 1:16-32
The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:1-7
Hymn 99: The Map in the Sky
A Map:
• Shows us a road to follow – can zoom from eternity to present
• Gives comfort we are going in the right direction
• Does not highlight all the details
• Following the Map is unique for each traveller
• Encourages us to experience a walk with God
Hymn 81: Highlights on the Map
Doxology
The Map
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; There is n new thing under the sun.
Proverbs 1:9
Hymn 106: God - The Beginning and the End
Psalm 19:1-6; Eccles 1:4,9 – The Work of God
Bible Readings:
Mapped From the Beginning – Job 38:1-18
The Invisible Map can be Clearly Seen – Romans 1:16-32
The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:1-7
Hymn 99: The Map in the Sky
A Map:
• Shows us a road to follow – can zoom from eternity to present
• Gives comfort we are going in the right direction
• Does not highlight all the details
• Following the Map is unique for each traveller
• Encourages us to experience a walk with God
Hymn 81: Highlights on the Map
Doxology
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