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2011-06-05T11:24:00.002+10:00

We've got such a great new-look website, which is where you can find future posts for this Empower blog:

Go straight here for blog entries.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Waiting for His face, and everything's in its right place

2011-05-15T11:34:00.001+10:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared with us on Sunday 15 May 2011, starting with Psalm 27.

In Psalm 27, David was having a painful experience. In fact, it is headed as a psalm of fearless trust in God (NIV version). It means knowing God will come through for us.

So what order of thinking did David follow in this Psalm?

• DECLARE WHO GOD IS. We see that in the first verse, where David begins by recognising God's presence. We can say that of our lives, rather than focusing on our smallness or inabilities. Start with God's abilities rather than our lacks. And recognise how much more powerful God is than anything else. Like in a wrestling match, ‘tag’ God in! Think also how a document may be truthful, but it has no power until you ‘declare’ it with a signature.

• MAKE YOUR PRIORITY HIS PRESENCE: See verse 4 and 5, in which David is ‘set high upon the Rock’. God's presence will never disappoint you. In Psalm 16:11, we see how God takes away hopelessness. His presence replaces hopelessness with joy.

• SEEK HIS FACE: See verse 8 in which David seeks more than presence when he looks for God's face. Getting close to someone's face enables you to hear more intimately. Right now, seek after Him and go beyond the feeling. And when He speaks, He speaks with love and acceptance.

He is everything that we need, so why not get close to Him and say God, what is it that you want to say?

And while you wait, know that He will show you His goodness. He wants to speak with you... Now wait...

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Location:Molan St, Ringwood, Australia

Relationship that leads to your best hope

2011-05-08T11:32:00.001+10:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us at Empower Christian Church today, Sunday 8 May 2011.

God had a plan in mind for you before you were even conceived or born. It's only by the grace of God you have reached where you are.

Most importantly, He created you for a personal relationship. You can see that in the story of the first people created - Adam and Eve. Their dominion was sinless, and God had a relationship with them from the beginning. He wanted them to remain in that relationship, just as He wants with us as well. Their relationship with God was an intimate one, typified by God walking with them in the cool of the day. There was one particular day in which God came and they realized they were naked. Their Creator came looking for them, asking where they were. He seeks us, to bring us into a right relationship with Him.

In seeking His people, Jesus asked His disciples to follow Him. He wanted to be with them, as He wants to be with us now.

From Psalms 139:13, we read how we are fearfully and wonderfully made - with a plan in mind before we breathed any air! Jeremiah 1:4 assures us the same loving plan is in place for us.

The Church is the Body of Christ and although we are not perfect, we are complete in Him.

That relationship that we need to have is not the end of the story. We go beyond the start of a relationship to a place of calling.

He has a calling and purpose for your life.

And he will give you the confidence to move into the calling. He believes in you. You can make it through life, in Him.

In fact, your greatest hope is in Jesus Christ.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Renewing your mind

2011-05-01T11:30:00.001+10:00

Pastor Rick Brouwer shared with us on Sunday 1 May 2011 about renewing our minds.

The first thing you need to think and believe in, prayerfully, is that you can be WELL.

Let's first acknowledge that your mind is magnificent. You have an amazing number of joins being formed that actually outnumber the stars in the universe. In fact, it is no happy accident but a wonderful miracle.

To be able to think like God, we should look at what Romans 12:2 tells us - 'be transformed by the renewing of your mind'. We are already patterned by the world.

In not conforming to the pattern we have, reecognise that everybody wants a piece of your mind, such as advertising and media. From our Christian faith, we see that two major players are Christ and Satan (see Matt 12:24-30). Satan wants to park thoughts in your brain illegally. Jesus has every right to control your thinking (as Creator and Redeemer; having 'paid the ticket').

Those illegal parking thoughts that Satan wants to place are actually strongholds. They are negative, false and destructive. They have a regularity to them, cropping up over and over again. They often go unnoticed because they a so familiar to us, seeming like normal thinking.

So how do we expose strongholds? Well, to identify them, they will have problem behavior associated with them, such as emotions and symptoms around them.

And how do strongholds affect other people? Well, they always seek to involve other people (see Matthew 16; Peter had Godly revelation one moment and then faces a 'get behind me Satan' comment).

To overcome strongholds as life sentences, do two things:

1) Identify the stumbling block or life sentence

2) Step over it and put it behind you as quick as possible

Common stumbling blocks are thoughts like 'I am not good enough' or 'God is condemning me'.

To disarm strongholds, read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. The key is to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.

A good script is to say my mind is telling me... (eg. I am not good enough). Or say Satan is tempting to think... (eg. I am not good enough). Say then, but Jesus... (eg. Is for me, or does not condemn me).

So in summary, REPLACE the thought with TRUTH.

Most importantly, this all works only if you put it into practice.

(Pastor Rick Brouwer will be talking more about this at Empower Christian Church in coming weeks for night module lessons.)

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Reacting to the Resurrection

2011-04-24T11:23:00.001+10:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared with us for Resurrection Sunday, 24 April 2011.

In John 20:1-10, we read how the disciples discovered Jesus was no longer in a tomb. Why did He come back? Was there something more He was trying to tell us?

First up, let's look at the reaction of people to what happened. Specifically, we'll look at four reactions.

• 1 MEETING WHERE YOU ARE: In Mary's reaction, we see how Jesus met her where she was. He is interested in where you are, interested in your heart. Out of that, you will experience His love. He called her by name, being the first person He met after resurrection, as He calls you by name too. And He does that because you are important to Him. Jesus had freed Mary before and given her freedom. Notice, also, how she called Him teacher, implying something was being taught to her. In conclusion, we can see how this first reaction showed Mary, and us, that death is not the end. (See Revelation 1:17-18, where Jesus has eternal life.)

• 2 LEAVING AN IMPRESSION: In Luke 24:13-16, 28-35, we read how the disciples felt something, and didn't keep it to themselves. You, too, have news to share. Matthew 28:16-20 shows how He commissioned them. And it was out of love they would share the truth, not compulsion.

• 3 REVELATION OF GOD: In John 20:24-28, Thomas heard about Jesus secondhand. He doubted, but Jesus appeared to Him. And he was then the first to refer to Jesus as his Lord and his God. What a major 180 degree turnaround! In this one moment, Thomas ascribed Jesus' name as God, giving us the person to worship. (See also Acts 4:12.)

• 4 YOUR REACTION: This reaction isn't found in Scripture. It is your reaction, your choice to His resurrection...

So how will you react?

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

The King arrives - Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T11:14:00.001+10:00

Pastor Simone Womersley talked to us on Sunday 17 April 2011 about Palm Sunday.

In Matthew 21, we read about the pilgrimage that people were making towards Jerusalem. Jericho was the origin for Jesus' trip, walking with many others up the dry and dusty road. They passed through Bethany and Bethphage.

Bethany was a place where Jesus found great comfort. He would spend the night in Bethany after visiting Jerusalem during this period of time. So it was a place of refreshing and rest.

Jesus knew why He was headed to Jerusalem. He had a lot of opposition too. Many others saw the unridden colt for what it clearly was - a sign of royalty.

The cloaks laid out for Jesus demonstrated His royalty. We only throw cloaks down for a monarch. It is an uncommon act that is clearly special for a king.

The branches spoke of kingship as well. And they received Him into Jerusalem like a King, much like Maccabeus had been received.

The songs of 'Hosanna' they cried out meant 'Save, we pray'! They had been oppressed and the crowd was seeing Him as the son of David. 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'

By this point, the old guard leaders were furious. They feared a ripple effect and actually wanted Jesus to quieten the crowd. He simply replied that the stones would cry out if the people did not.

Even today, we get told it's not cool to follow Jesus, or cry out in praise of Him.

Will we be strong enough to follow Him even when it's not popular?

The crowd wanted a messiah, but this Messiah would hang from a cross.

The crowd wanted to be rescued from evil oppression, but Jesus would rescue them from evil itself.

Jesus came to meet the people's deepest desires.

He came for the commoners, the rich and the poor.

He came to save the lost, and we are to declare to everyone about Him, even when it is not popular.

From Revelation 7:9, we read about a great multitude that no-one could count, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were carrying palms in their hands, declaring His saving grace.

In eternity, we will praise God and declare His glory.

Just like that first Palm Sunday. Just so, forever.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Judge not

2011-04-03T11:22:00.001+10:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 3 April 2011.

In Matthew 6 and 7, we readable about keys to living well, or healthily, in God. What we also see is talk about judging.

Judging is like carrying weights. It might be unforgiveness, or offence, disappointment. God wants us to live lightly, restored and faithful.

One of the weights is that of wrong judgement, or judging others wrongly.

See Matthew 7:1-6 instructs us to not judge. Wrong judgement will put a weight on us that is restrictive to our freedom.

We can try to illuminate others' sins to make us feel better. Gossip is an example, in which we judge wrongly.

Judgement, as Pastor Paul de Jong explains, is negatively looking down upon others. It gives licence to the enemy to load our lives with weights. It means looking for faults, and leading to a 'holier-than-thou' approach. Even jumping to conclusions is an example of judging wrongly.

Verse 3 talks about a plank in someone's eye. Remember that Jesus was a carpenter, knowing timber well. And picture how a person would look, having a piece of timber in your eye while criticizing others. A bit like us when we watch footy as well from a couch!

Jesus was looking at the religious leaders and pointing out how they were being hypocritical. Galatians 6:1 reminds us to restore another from sin, gently. Clean up our act, He was saying, before tampering in the lives of others.

• Focus judgment on yourself first.

• Don't judge, lest you be judged. (See 1 Corinthians 11:31 and Romans 14:1-5, 10.)

• Don't judge beyond your sphere of responsibility.

• When you judge rightly, judge in the shadow of Calvary (Luke 6:37, Matthew 6:14).

So from today on, spend more time building your life rather than putting energy into judging things external to you - as Pastor de Jong encourages.

See Jesus as your greatest mentor, who forced the mob to consider their sin when faced with a woman to be stoned. He didn't look down on her, neither did He justify her behaviour.

Be released, too, by not judging wrongly.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia

NOTHING fills, answers and saves like God

2011-03-27T11:27:00.001+11:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared with us at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 27 March 2011.

He began by reminding us to praise, and to receive the blessings and good things that God has promised for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).

In Psalm 51:16-19, we read about sacrificing, and then not sacrificing. What happens in between is a process for King David. He reaches a point where an internal work makes the outward heart flow. In simple terms, let God deal with you inside first. The rest will flow.

God wants us in a relationship with Him. The rest follows.

And while He works in us, He is definitely answering prayer. All the while, in the background, God is closing wrong doors and opening right ones. God has a preferred future that is best for us. That is because God remains faithful for us.

Back in Psalm 51, it's important that David had been in an adulterous relationship. David asked for forgiveness while being responsible for a kingdom. He couldn't be the king while there was something he had not set right.

It's hard to believe and hope for something you pray for when there is a waiting time. That waiting also stretches us and we can start to try to bargain with God.

God's main interest is not in what you can bring and do. His main interest is in your heart. Everything else comes out of that. As in verse 17, we see how God does not despise a broken heart.

The word 'contrite' means to be repentant and remorseful. It is actually a specific picture that it draws from. Imagine working away at a food with a mortar and pestle. It either becomes mush or powder. At that point, it is completely unrepairable, except for a Saviour, except for Jesus.

We are in need of a Saviour.

David needed a miracle.

We need a miracle. We need God.

It's not about being smashed up and beyond repair. It's about seeing God fill that spot in our heart that only He can fill.

We serve a God who still works miracles, Who is active and real.

He is real for you today, for your needs, and for your family. Let's allow Jesus to rule in our lives, and see how nothing fills and saves like He does.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia

Fervent, joyful and prayerful

2011-03-20T11:28:00.001+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us on Sunday 20 March from Romans 12:11-12.

Think how one experience that is negative can change the zeal and passion of an individual. It's true that we can lose - or have robbed - our passion when we have a negative experience.

From Romans, we learn firstly to be fervent in spirit. Being fervent means to be zealous and passionate. Take note how the key person in this passage from Romans is the Holy Spirit. So don't just rely on your strength, because self-confidence is limited compared with what the Holy Spirit gives in Christ. In summary, we need the Holy Spirit to empower our lives.

We learn, secondly, to be joyful in hope. Joy comes from certainty rather than experience. It's a certainty that you know God is God, and that our life can be anchored in Christ. You can be certain that God is with us and this church. Our assurance is not because of the experience, but because God has everything in control. There is a joy, for instance, when God says everything is going to be okay. See also Hebrews 11:1 and don't give up as faith gives substance to our hopes. And be encouraged by Romans 5:5, which tells us that hope in Christ does not disappoint. It is NOT unfounded optimism.

Thirdly, be faithful in prayer. Don't just pray when things are going well, as Paul Mountney shared so well earlier in our service. Sometimes, we only pray for the now. Let's pray at all times and take no shortcuts.

In verse 11, from The Message, we read about not burning out. Keep yourselves fueled and take note of the warnings that come our way.

We're supposed to be fueled and aflamed with the power of the Holy Spirit.

You can be, with the power of the Holy Spirit. This week, read and meditate on the Word of God. And when the arrows come, you can reject the enemy from your children, your family, your life.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Running to reconnect

2011-03-06T11:19:00.001+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us today, Sunday 6 March 2011, from Luke 15:11-24.

Notice first that the father did not hesitate to give his son his inheritance. And even at the return, the father does not hesitate to embrace his son. At the core of this story is a father who wants to establish a connection with his son.

The father, much like our heavenly Father, loves us and desires a connection with us.

What did the son do? He made two decisions:

• He wanted to be INDEPENDENT
• He wanted to do things HIS OWN WAY

Those two decisions drew him away from a connection with his father. Our relationship with our God will face challenges, but we must stay in that place of connection with Him.

What made the son return?

• He came to his SENSES - admission of condition
• He said 'I'M NOT GOING TO STAY WHERE I AM' - change of will

Do not stay where you are. Turn from where you are, just as we see in the word 'repent'.

And when you change your place, do not return with arrogance. Do as the son did, and return humbly. Turn from the 'my way' life and return to a loving, welcoming home.

Dad saw his son from afar off. God is looking for us, and is ready to forgive - looking from a distance for his son's return. He was waiting for the son.

What's more, the father RAN to his son, kissing him on the neck.

A banquet followed, and they partied in celebration.

The family was restored, the son had reconnected and God's ownership was reestablished. A robe, ring and sandals were the symbols of royalty, ownership, position and acceptance.

Your Father is so merciful and embracing, watching afar off for you if you're far away. He is ready to reconnect with you.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Freed by His loving words

2011-02-27T11:22:00.001+11:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared with us at Empower Christian Church today, Sunday 27 February.

The secret of success is a topic that was covered recently by Pastor Nicholas Tsakis. He preached from Joshua 1:6-7, where we are encouraged to be strong and courageous. God actually emphasised further to be 'very' courageous. In the land he faced, there were giants and kingdoms who would fight for the territory. People could die to reach and occupy the Promised Land.

He emphasised being 'very courageous' when it comes to God's Word and obedience.

It takes courage to step out in faith. In reading God's Word, we're dealing with an internal battle. That's where the main game is, the most strategic battlefront. For example, Joshua could have imagined himself defeated before moving into the Promised Land. Such a thought would have held him back and guaranteed defeat. For us, we need to do the same thing - trust in, and be obedient to, His Word.

The key battle is internal, in our thoughts and minds. Use the Word, therefore, and realise that everywhere we step, we have His victory.

This is serious. This is your life. You need a relationship with God, and it is within His Word that you find Him.

Are you looking for direction? Find it in His Word.

Are you looking for a relationship with your maker? Find Him in His Word.

So don't take God's Word for granted. The Bible is not just a piece of literature. In fact, people have died so that the Bible can sit on your shelf. It deserves a better place than we sometimes give it.

Charles Spurgeon reminded us that the Bible is a blood-stained book, bearing the stains of sacrifice by translators and martyrs.

Psalm 119: 41-48 reads like a roadmap of learning to love the Word of God.

• LOVE: Loving His Word begins with the revelation that God loves you. It always put you in the right attitude for the words to seemingly jump off the page.

• TRUST and HOPE: A relationship that forms from love develops hope and trust. We can truly trust God, because He has already come through.

• FREEDOM: As in verse 45, we gain freedom right in our situation. Love flows from us in that sense of freedom.

You can have it today.

The Bible is a book of freedom. So be freed by the loving words it contains.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia

Expect new possibilities

2011-02-20T11:21:00.002+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us on Sunday 20 February about new possibilities that are ahead of us.

There is a shift going on in churches and the Kingdom of God. There are many churches that are experiencing a freshness, others struggling. At a global and spiritual level, this is the season and decade of the Lord's favour.

Who would like to step into a new season? If that is you, He wants to reveal that name of His that brings about His favour.

Let's first look at what God says in His Word. For example, in Isaiah 43:18-19, God talks about making a new way. See also Isaiah 54:2, that talks about enlarging the place of your tent, not holding back.

With those words in our mind and heart, we can be encouraged that this is a good season in 2011.

It is time to get the basket ready, preparing for new possibilities. The bread is in the oven, as explained in a recent prophecy emailed to us. The Holy Spirit is getting our new possibilities ready - salvation, restoration, increase, provision.

It's a time for new possibilities and a time to prepare. Looking back for a moment, we've had the pruning. That has preceded the preparation now underway.

Let's say, 'God, I am willing and ready!'.

Christ is the builder of His house, who just needs us to say we are willing and ready.

In essence, we are in a time of position - prepared for God's new possibilities (see Joshua 3). We are learning which way to go, since we have never been this way before.

Be encouraged that He has placed dreams and prayers in your hearts right now. Those new things ahead of us are not limited by our age, nor by our circumstances. We are not in captivity or the wilderness, but in the promised land - faithfully, prophetically.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia

The secrets of success

2011-02-13T11:40:00.001+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared with us on Sunday 13 February 2011 from Joshua 1:6. The Scripture there encourages us to be strong and very courageous. We're urged to obey God and meditate in His Word day and night, to be careful to do everything written in it.

We were born for success, inherent with a desire to be better than what we are. True success and prosperity comes from the knowledge of knowing God is with us.

• WITH YOU: You can be strong and courageous because I am with you, God told Joshua. In fact, true courage comes out when your back is against the wall.

• OBEDIENCE: Notice, also, how we are called to be obedient in Joshua. That didn't mean picking and choosing what Joshua wanted, but being obedient to God. Neither could Joshua just rely on his moods to set his course and actions.

• WORD: The wisdom you need is in the Word of God. Meditate on it, absorb it and be obedient to it,

Success was not guaranteed unconditionally. It comes with personal responsibility, to be the very reflection of Jesus Christ.

So be encouraged that obedience and saturating yourself with the Word of God leads to true and lasting success, with confidence in Him.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Confidence and hope

2011-02-06T11:39:00.001+11:00

Pastor Nick Resce shared with us at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 6 February 2011.

We all struggle with confidence, whether it be personal, in work, in business. Surely, the Queenslanders could be forgiven for losing confidence in the face of their recent disaster. And yet, you can see someone interviewed by a news reporter who says, 'I'll build again!'.

We've all face situations and crises that can affect and hinder our confidence.

The film, 'The King's Speech', is about a man who came to the throne without being a natural leader. George VI would freeze in front of people when speaking publicly. Standing in front of crowds, he would begin to stutter and slur his words. His wife would feel his pain, as would the audiences.

An Aussie is found, who helps him get through his incredible fear of public speaking.

Confidence is about having faith, having trust, having belief.

You can have great talent and tufting. But confidence is the vehicle to release the talent. Have you noticed a sports star in a slump? He/she might have all the ability but unable to perform on the sporting field.

In Hebrews, we read how we must hold on to our confidence. In fact, we often throw our confidence away rather than just lose it.

Many times, we throw away our confidence. Worse... we throw away hope.

• Don't give up your hope, your confidence. Hold on to your marriage; hold on and don't give up.
• Don't give up on your kids.
• Don't give up on your self.

Many things can take your confidence away:
• Negative words
• Actions that happen to us, with the potential to scar us

God sees value in your life, way more than earthly materials can measure. He sees purpose and direction, people you will touch and reach.

In a world of so much change, when people are losing confidence and hope... don't mistake self-confidence for arrogance. We all have times when we want to give up. And you do need self-confidence. David, facing Goliath, stood up and declared himself able. He had practised, used his experience.

Self-confidence has its limitations. Things will happen that your self cannot control.

In the face of a giant, David declared his confidence in God. He said God would deliver the enemy to him.

Godly confidence is different to self-confidence.

Let us put our confidence in Jesus Christ and see our lives change.

Yes, you have limitations, but confidence to get through life will be based on who Jesus Christ is.

Why can you out your confidence in Jesus Christ?

• IMMOVABLE: Isaiah 26:4 tells us we can trust in Him as a rock.

• UNCHANGEABLE: So many things will change in your life, but the Bible tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the middle of the storm (Mark 4), Jesus showed how there is a peace that passes all understanding.

We all find that we need a Saviour, our Father in Heaven who is a rock, unshakeable.

- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia

Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia

Faith, patience, provision and trust

2011-01-30T13:03:00.001+11:00

Amy Womersley shared with us on Sunday 30 January 2011 how she has seen our church grow and develop over ten years.

There have been opportunities for personal growth, development and leadership.

So what is next? What about the future ahead, personally especially.

Things learnt along the way:

• FAITH: Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of the plans He has, unique and centered on our personalities, our talents, and our worlds.

• PATIENCE: God sometimes wants us to wait ON God and FOR God. Isaiah 40:28-31 reminds us He knows everything and energises us. It can be tiring, but we must wait for Him to show us what is next, to give us vision and fresh strength.

• PROVISION: Looking ahead, there is so much to be thankful for - with faith and hope. Justice and love, human rights and global poverty are words to help me move forward.

• TRUST: Knowing I have a big God encourages and prepares me for the future.

- Posted using an Apple iPad.

Location:Molan St,Ringwood,Australia

Happy Australia Day 2011

2011-01-23T15:52:00.003+11:00

Pastor Luke Martin and Paul Gallagher shared Australia Day messages on Sunday 23 January.

Paul began talking about what attributes of Australian culture are positive and negative.

On the positive side:

Compassion
Generosity
Equality

On the negative side, we need to overcome:

Tall poppy syndrome
Judgementalism
Superiority

Let's embrace the good and Godly attributes that we have and not the negative ones, inspired by the true red rock of Christ in our lives.

Pastor Luke reminded us that the story of the Good Samaritan tells us about people's reactions in the face of need.

In the story told, Jesus challenged a religious expert of that time. But there was something about the Samaritan's behaviour that was different.

Why was the Samaritan different?

• STANCE: He slowed down to stop.

• SIGHT: He looked with his heart at the heart of the man in need. Everyone had looked, but the Samaritan looked with his heart.

• SELFLESSNESS: He asked himself the question, ‘What if that were me?’

So... let us love, and show His love. Let us change a life this week by seeing beyond ourselves.

Identifying who (and whose) you are

2011-01-09T15:37:00.001+11:00

Pastor Liam Swaine shared the following message on Sunday 9 January 2011:

Jesus ministered out of who He was, and who He belonged to. Let's also think about our identity, how we live from it, not for it.

Identity comes, in its purest form, from God Himself. In fact, read 1 Samuel 10:6, where we learn how we can be changed into the person we are created to be.

That idea of identity is something we also read about in Genesis 1:26, where man was created like God. In Genesis 3, the devil tempted them to perform something to be like God. The truth was, they were already created in God's likeness. They believed the liar and empowered the lie. From that point on, sin entered the world. Jesus came to restore our identity.

So what opposes us now? That's simple - the devil comes to steal our identity, kill our hope and future, and destroy our lives. But Jesus has come to give us life to the full.

God's own Son knew who He was. We can see that in the story of our Saviour going into the wilderness. You see, Jesus needed to have a private victory in the wilderness before He had a public one. Speaking of private victories before the public ones, Moses, too, needed to be first out of his home so he could learn the ways of royalty. Public victory then followed.

Today, we who believe in Him get what Jesus deserved. Looking back, Adam went from a saint to a sinner. And now, we go from sinners to saints as Christians.

Do you know that we have what the devil wanted. He wanted to be like God and sit in heavenly places.

So, believers, you are called to go into the world so people will see the Father in us. In reality, we live in the world we are most aware of. So live from Heaven towards earth.

The story of two sons - often referred to as the Prodigal Son story - is about identity and the inheritance that flows from that. The wayward son had asked for inheritance and only got wealth. When he returned, he was given a robe for identity, a ring for authority and sandals that represented purity. When we come home to God, we receive an identity and inheritance. We often do not claim it. I'm fact, the other son was counseled that he always had those kingdom privileges.

Today is the day to claim your rightful identity. Let's extend the Kingdom of God that we own right now.

Unblocking your life

2011-01-09T15:36:00.001+11:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared the following message on 2 January 2011:

If you take on disappointments, it can become a blockage. It's the same when you repeatedly sin and it becomes a habit. Similarly, we find blockages in the form of financial hardship or unforgiveness.

We wrongly assume those blockages are a part of our lives, that it is our lot. All we need do is speak to those blockages and they must go. Our authority does not require labour and burden to banish them.

Now is the season to tell those blockages they must go. In Mark 11:23, we read how we must merely speak to a mountain to see its removal granted.

To walk in God's favour means believing such blockages and mountains can be told to go away.

Clearing the blockages

• Speak to it. Talk to the mountain about God, saying what authority you have in Jesus' name. Tell it to be gone.

• Pray for it. Pray AND speak to the blockage. (See Mark 11:24.)

• Expect it. Be ready. James 2:12 tells us to act as if we expect freedom. Remove smaller things so that God can work out your victory.

• Act on it. Think of Peter being called out of the boat. The miracle wasn't inside the boat, but only once Peter's foot hit the water. Peter allowed himself to be encouraged and then he acted.

• Share it. There is strength in unity.

God wants you to experience and act on breakthrough.

What can you do to exercise your faith and step out into God's victory and release.

Being transformed in our mind, and applying that in our lives

2010-12-19T15:07:00.002+11:00

Pastors Liam Swaine and Nicholas Tsakis shared messages at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 19 December 2010.

Pastor Liam Swaine began by reminding us that we all have promises for our lives. Our destination is a 'palace'. But there is definitely a process between the promise and the palace.

So let's get our foundations right as we look forward to the fulfillment of the promises ahead of us.

One of the processes we need to get right is the transforming of the mind.

In Romans 12:1-2, we read about the renewing of the mind. We need to paint a target on ourselves so God can renew our minds by His grace. The location does not matter. He presenting of ourselves is our responsibility. What's important is that we present ourselves, anadromous do not go back to the kingdom of darkness.

Our hearts get something before our minds haven't yet got. Deeper intimacy and knowledge of God comes with the renewing of the mind.

Three outcomes of a transformed mind:

• FORWARD FOCUS: A transformed mind keeps us going back to old ways.
• CHANGE: It completely transforms a person.
• CERTAINTY OF WILL: It proves the will of God, that which is good, acceptable and perfect.

Think about how the transformed mind differs for a believer. In the world, performance brings identity. In the Kingdom, your identity in Christ enables you to perform. We shift from 'I have to do this' to 'I want to do this'.

Regarding that identity we have with a transformed mind, see how in John 15:14-15, we move from slavery to friendship. The mentality is one of intimacy and knowledge, not ignorance and blindness.

Friendship behaviour means wanting to act rather than feeling obliged. The parent - in that sort of relationship - wants to give more. It also then breeds a sense of attraction to such a family, in which the parent blesses openly. People on the outside see that special blessing and want to be a part of such a family.

A transformed mind changes us. And it changes what people see in and through us.

In 2 Peter 1, we read how we gain in the knowledge of God. In Daniel 12:3, we shine brightly with insight. Ephesians 4:23 reminds us to be renewed in the spirit of our mind.

Be renewed in your mind, as we position ourselves to be transformed by God.

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis continued by emphasising how much we need the mind of Christ. Faith with wisdom is important, always. But in your conversations, prayer time and decision-making, apply the Word of Hod and get the mind of Christ.

Pray for your needs, your questions, your corners ahead.

Looking forward to a year of the Lord's favour

2010-12-12T21:18:00.005+11:00

A message by Pastor Nicholas Tsakis, shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 12 December 2010.

We can all look back on the past decade and recall the excitement and challenges of years past. Even in that decade of highs and lows, God has been, and is, with us.

As we near 2011, it's good to think about what the new year and decade will bring. Like Joshua was told to look forward, we don't want to just live in the old ways. We can look forward to God's promises being fulfilled and evident as grace covers and protects our lives.

Let's position ourselves for the year, and decade, of the Lord's favour.

And most importantly, be encouraged that type favour of God is on our, and your, lives.

Numbers 23:19 reminds us that God does not lie. See also Leviticus 5:10-14, where all debts are cancelled during the Year of Jubilee. People would be released and God would give them rest. If Israel had followed this principle, they would have had no poverty. The Year of Jubilee occurred once in a person's lifetime.

In Luke 4:18, we read about liberation and freedom. Sure, many of us have had challenges and disappointments, but we are still here right now. 2011 and the decade to come will be a time of great favour. In verse 19, we see the proclaiming of the Lord's favour.

Many of us need that sense of release, liberty and freedom. Many just hope for rest, and that can be a very Godly desire.

What does it mean to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour? We need to welcome the year of the Lord's favour. The invitation is already there. With welcoming comes acceptance in God's Kingdom, and then a receiving, and an embracing.

What we can look forward to in 2011 and beyond:

• Welcoming
• Accepting
• Receiving
• Embracing

Promises for a relationship with God

2010-12-05T16:25:00.002+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 5 December 2010, with credit to Andy Stanley for his inspiring thoughts behind this topic.

We can have misunderstandings about law and grace. It's easy, in fact, to focus on what we should not do, rather than the positives. Take the Ten Commandments, for example. How many of us think of the 'nots' first when recounting those commands?

Of course, rules tell you a lot about a person, a culture, a country. They reveal something about the person who sets them. God's nature, for example, is exemplified by His rules that He set us. The Children of Israel saw the ability of God by the tablets of stone that detailed commandments. What they didn't see in those rules alone was the nature of God. Grace, on the other hand, revealed the nature of God. And it is by grace that we are saved!

What, then, do we do? Focus more on law? Focus more on grace? Neither - let's have a healthy balance of the two.

Beyond law and grace, there's actually a third word that we must be mindful of: PROMISE. We discover His promises through the Word of God. Think of Abraham, as in Exodus 20:2, where he was clearly granted access and presence with God. He was IN God's Kingdom.

Those rules that God set up are nothing without relationship. Rules alone breed rebellion. Abraham heard God say He was Abraham's God.

In fact, rules FOLLOWED relationship in the chronology of life. God spent time in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve, well before rules came about. The God of relationship is the God of promise. And every promise comes out of relationship with God.

In Numbers 23:19, we read the integrity of God's Word and how trustworthy He is. Don't evaluate God's reliability like a human's because your viewpoint will be unreliable. He, however, is reliable.

2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us His promises are 'yes' and 'amen'. He will save us, rescue us, heal and provide. The faithfulness of God is not based on anything about us, but rather on Him.

Maturity and Vision, hand-in-hand

2010-11-28T15:42:00.000+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 28 November 2010.

We've talked about the future possibilities that are ahead of us in 2011. It's not just words but realities to be seen in our lives, our church and in our community. Importantly, those promises and possibilities are not the domain of only one person. Rather, our future rests with each other.

So what is our purpose and vision as we stand with each other? The answer is in Matthew 28:19-20, where we read about the spread of the Gospel across the globe. As we reflected recently, we are Holy Spirit led, helping to empowering people's lives. We do that by raising strong, passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

In raising those strong, passionate followers, let’s answer the call to be mature believers towards connecting, growing and serving in 2011.

We connect in places like local schools Scripture education. That builds relationships, just like with our local nursing home seniors who we meet regularly.

We connect with maturity, as individuals and as a church. That's what being the Body of Christ is all about. In a practical way, priority setting means being organised to sacrifice for the goals we have. That's a good thought process that mature believers have.

And as we mature, let's recognise that we have the mind of Christ. He has the answers, the discernment between good and evil, the ability to control our words and tongue.

Vision is intimately linked with this thinking around maturity.

Maturity in our action and in our relationships is what will matter in our vision for 2011.

The Most Excellent Way

2010-11-21T15:57:00.000+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 21 November 2010.

In Matthew 28:19-20, we are called to take the Gospel beyond our immediate borders.

So where do we see that scripture in activity in our church ministries? At Empower, in line with Matthew 28, we are called to be a large church, transforming nations. In fact, right now, we are positioned and ready for numerical growth.

An example of God's reach is how our music ministry is already drawing on the praise and worship resources that God has blessed us with.

In our preaching ministry, we release our preaching to go beyond the borders of our centre in Ringwood. We've seen how God is extending His reach through us into Malaysia and we're so encouraged by that.

In missions, we give to workers each year. We have the potential to give more, growing and excelling in generosity.

With a forward focus into 2011, and beyond, we remain committed to be God-centred, Holy Spirit led and people empowering. And it's not something that's just the domain of the ministry leaders. In essence, we are - as expressed in our mission statement - extending the Kingdom of God by raising strong, passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

Other words we've centred on this year have been that 'God is able', as inspired by Ephesians 3:20. Beyond this year's end, 'connect, grow and serve' are the three imperative words we'll be focusing on in the coming year.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, we read about the most excellent way for us to follow. Notice how it's rooted in love? Whatever we do, however we grow, we must recognise it happens through Christ, founded in His love.

See also Romans 12:3-9, where we see how gifts are needed for the health of the body. It's a unity within diversity. Only in Jesus Christ is any unity in the church possible. In other words, true unity is spiritually based.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, we read about the gifts and they interconnect.

Let's connect together and minister to each other. Faithfully, we're going to see our families excel, our children worship God and see His Word championed in our lives. That is, as verse 31 says, the more excellent way. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that our achievements will not be by might nor power. Our victory is by His Spirit.

Let's connect, grow and serve today and right throughout 2011. We'll do that by exercising His gifts in our lives, in love.

Being God’s deliverer, the One who recycles better than anyone!

2010-11-14T15:14:00.000+11:00

Pastor Rachel Hanna shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 31 October 2010.

Junk mail can actually be a welcome addition to our letterboxes! Despite a lot of people thinking it's annoying, it's actually a lot of fun for some of us - reading of bargains coming up, comparing sales.

Shopping online can be exciting, too! You plan for something, purchase it and wait for the delivery driver to arrive.

That wait for delivery is particularly cool. We keenly wait for the driver to visit, knowing our parcel is ours alone.

What about the deliverer? Luke 4:18-19 tells us Jesus was the ultimate deliverer and we're called to follow in His footsteps. If Jesus did it, then why can't we expect to do likewise - delivering something of value to those in need.

Characteristics of a deliverer are worth looking at:

God will make a way for a deliverer. For example, Moses was used by God as a deliverer for a desperate people. See Exodus 2:1-9 and note how Moses should have died as a baby. Circumstances would not prevent Moses from being the chosen deliverer for God's people. You, like Moses, are called to bring freedom to others. We have a purposeful life. God won't let the past hold you back. Freedom is coming to those you come into contact with!

The enemy will try to stop a deliverer. Our enemy wants to frustrate and limit us. The enemy knows our potential and that we have a destiny. What matters is that God has won our victory. God has defeated everything thrown at us.

God will reveal Himself to a deliverer. Moses spent 40 years training to be a leader, a prince. The next 40 years comprised shepherd training. Really, God is the ultimate recycler! He never wastes anything. God planned for Moses' life, training, and tying together of circumstances and path that fashioned his preparation for being a deliverer. See Exodus 3.

God will work supernaturally through a deliverer. He will work with what's in your hands. He has prepared you for what you need. Whatever your calling is, you will be equipped.

God can do amazing things through you. Moses used the staff in his hand, and God did something incredible, delivering the people in need.

Be God's deliverer. You are qualified, in His hands.

Miracles will happen. Lives will change. In God's hands, anything is possible.

Most importantly, there are people now waiting for your delivery. You've got the words they need, the delivery they are waiting for.

Let love flow

2010-10-31T14:49:00.002+11:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 31 October 2010.

In John 7:38, we read how believers would experience the flow of living water from God.

Think for a moment how we fill our vehicles with fuel to use. Once filled, there's no giving back some of that fuel after filling. So too we should consider the filling of the Holy Spirit. It's not for returning unused.

In essence, the filling is for a purpose.

Remember that word 'flow' in verse 38? It's a filling for walking in life, not just for static, single use.

The flow is for healing, wholeness, and so much more. It's for USE. We are blessed, furthermore, to be a blessing.

That car we talked about... The fuel is for USE, DRIVING, OPERATING, ACTIVITY.

Being filled, therefore, is about OUTPUT as much as it's INPUT.

Have you ever seen someone serving God and yet still find a sense of satisfaction and joy? That happiness is a fruit of the Spirit: JOY!

Obedience and love make the difference in transforming our output into a joyful activity, not a chore. Are you struggling to see the joy in what God has planned for your life everyday? Don't worry. God will provide His love to help you experience and know that joy.

On that matter of love, consider now what love is. His love is perfect, casting out all fear. And while normal love is a reaction to a reason. God's love ('agape') is action without reason. He IS love. Just accept it, whether it is reasonable in your head or not.

How should we live then, with love as our filling and overflowing?

Make love your motive. The heart and intention is so important - not just actions. You can read about that in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Know that He loves you. And let your actions be from a heart of love.
Be filled with God's love. Read in John 17:26, how inviting Christ into your life brings the very love we all need.
Let love flow.

Today, you may feel unworthy and not up to a life of loving and being loved. In truth, God only needs a heart, a prayer of welcoming, an acceptance.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

'The Holy Spirit' - no more dry river beds

2010-10-24T15:17:00.003+11:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 24 October 2010.

It's easy to detach 'the' Holy Spirit as a thing rather than a Person. In John 7:37-39, we read how He is an essential part of and presence in our lives. The Bible talks even more about the Holy Spirit. We believe in so much that is in the Bible. So too we should read the words about Him and believe them too.

The scene from John 7 is centred on the Feast of Tabernacles. It's a time of celebrating leaving Egypt. The celebration comprised making shelters or tents from branches. They even left enough gap to see the stars at night and allowed a bit of rain to fall through during the eight days of celebration.

Jesus refers to water in His words from John 7. The Feast also comprises a ceremony involving water on that final eighth day. The priest actually pours precious water, during a dry time, across the altar. In a state of dryness, Jesus tells the people to come to Him and drink. Right at that time, the people are very thirsty. The parallel of His sacrifice and that which the people enact during the feast is profound.

Jesus shows HE is the sacrifice. The picture He paints is for the people to be filled to overflowing, pouring out.

Go for something that will last forever, He shows.

So who is the Holy Spirit? Comforter. Inspirer. With us. Giver of life. Breath of life. Represented by fire and water.

There's the water - fulfilled through God's Holy Spirit. When you feel His presence, that's Holy Spirit.

Do you feel like you're dry? Like a river that's dry on top? Dig down and you may find water. But that's not how God wants you to be. He wants you to flow with His life and living water.

God's Holy Spirit filling is here today, just a prayer away. He will satisfy your thirst.

Why would you be dry and thirsty?

Maybe you're not drinking. So... Drink.

Maybe you're drinking the wrong fluid! So... Put the right water into your body.

Maybe it's just been a dry season. So... Make His Holy Spirit the most important thing in your life.

Today is a day if abundance and opportunity. Just ask for His filling.

Luke 11:11-13 tells us how much He gives Holy Spirit - a good gift, promised to you. Today.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Managing our lives to live better

2010-10-17T16:15:00.000+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 17 October 2010.

Christians agree that Jesus has delivered us from sin and slavery to negativity. But we still can find ourselves victims to, and slaves even, to very real issues and battles everyday. How does that happen?

Finances is one common example - either finances rule our lives or we rule the finance. We don't see breakthrough and yet really don't feel free in such areas.

The simple reality is we have to do some things to see a difference. In the Parable of the Talents, we see that the master did not provide a strategy but waited to see what the servants would do. He wanted them to take faith and apply wisdom and 'go for it'.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read of having a calm and balanced mind. We can be courageous people even in the face of attack. The spirit produces fruit in our life that does not make us weak. See also Romans 8:13 where we learn that we are to lead a disciplined life.

Having a disciplined life should have the goal of glorifying God. We are to be overcomers because of Christ within us, to glorify Him and love others. Because when we are complete, we are in a better position to love Him and help others.

Discipline is far more than an alarm clock. We need to set up our lives for success in Him. Set your life up so God can bring miracles. Order your life rather than living in the moment. That way, we move forward, even in the face of adversity.

Let's be honest about 'discipline'. It's often used as a negative term and yet it is actually just exercising the order in our lives. In that way, it's a positive for Christians. You cannot be disciplined without being organised and you cannot be organised without having a priority.

Discipline basically means ordered exercise.

Getting priorities sorted

In simple terms, our priority should be God. You will then organise your life accordingly. You will take the opportunity to spend time with God. You will spend time with others in the Kingdom. If you're going to be a Christian, be a Christian.

Church is a priority. Sure, there are lots of things to distract us and draw us away from connecting with the brethren. Take time out to connect with God's church. And when church is over on Sunday, keep connecting during the week.

Ministry is a priority. Take what God has given you and serve in that for your community. Be mobilised and empowered to serve with passion.

Family is a priority. It's very important to God. Make your marriage and parenting a priority. If you're single, put time into your friendships and relationships.

Work is a priority. Don't complain about what God has given you. Have a priority to work. Be honourable and punctual.

Health is a priority. Have a healthy lifestyle. Go to the doctors when you should. Exercise. Relax. Eat well. Have a break. Go on holidays. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 tells us not to be mastered by anything.

We will all face problems but appreciate the growth we experience during them.

Do not allow discipline to become your god. And be willing to accept the changes that come your way, which God wants you to adapt to.

Holy living is for the glory of God. Disciplined living can lead to the glory of self, so be careful. Being more disciplined doesn't necessarily make you more holy. Discipline cannot create a clean heart. See John 8:32.

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Who am I?

2010-10-10T16:40:00.002+11:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 10 October 2010.

Who are you? It's a question we ask ourselves sometimes. We find ourselves at key points of life where we must answer it.

The problem is how we arrive at a place of value and self-worth. We can define ourselves by what we do or have done. But circumstances change and skew the ways we judge ourselves.

Many people judge by appearances, and yet even the Hollywood visage is not reality. There's only so much a facelift can do!

We may even try to win self-worth from objects and material things. But where does it take us?

The best person to ask 'Who am I?' is Jesus.

Psalm 139:13-16 tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our lives and days are in the creative hand of God - lives sovereignly determined.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

In Christ, you are a child of God (John 1:12).

You are not a mistake.

God gave the right for you to be a child of God, by grace alone. Our reception is by receiving and believing. See also 1 Peter 2:9.

You are loved by God (Romans 8:35-39). In fact, we are so loved that suffering does not separate us from God. If anything, suffering actually leads us closer to Him.

You are chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4-6).

You are forgiven and your debt of sin is cancelled (Col 2:13-14).

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

The things we CAN do... even when we’re vulnerable

2010-10-03T15:04:00.002+11:00

Pastors Simone Womersley and Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 3 October 2010.

We are very human, with limited understanding. So that means we have to press in sometimes to know God's peace.

Pressing in can be a different exercise for types of people. Some people are amazingly faithful. Others are so grounded that they have a lack of spiritual perspective. The balance is what we need.

When pressing in, remember the following affirmations:

We CAN renew our minds. See Ephesians 4:7-18.
We CAN gain Godly wisdom.
We CAN gain helpful skills, such as discernment.
We CAN grow and pray.
We CAN forgive and repent.
We CAN work hard when necessary.
We CAN fellowship and worship together.
We CAN understand our enemy, his origin and tactics (ie. deception, feelings of unworthiness). God has not left us at the mercy of the enemy.
We CAN wear and apply spiritual armour and weapons.
We CAN praise in all circumstances.
We CAN stop the enemy getting a foothold.
We CAN rid ourselves of anger.
We CAN avoid occult practices.
We CAN avoid being rebellious.
We CAN avoid being deliberately disobedient.
We CAN be self-controlled.
We CAN avoid the habit of spiritual lethargy.

These 'we CAN' affirmations are not out of our grasp. With God's help, we are equipped. The armies of God are on our side.

What do you want to see changed in your life?

With God, pressing in to Him, you CAN see changes in your life. See Romans 8:38-39.

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis then shared, beginning with Matthew 4, where we read a typology of the Israelites going into the wilderness compared with the life of Christ. Jesus was tempted, but remained sinless.

The tempter tried to turn Christ from His Father's love and path. The enemy wanted Jesus to distort the truth of God's Word. Jesus resisted and, in verse 11, we see how an angel came and attended to Him.

Faced with challenges, we dig deep into the Word of God and do not respond just by emotions. The enemy is typically wanting to diver us after a mountaintop experience. In fact, our convictions will be challenged when we are under pressure.

There are no short cuts. Jesus did not cut corners even when in a vulnerable place.

Temptation is not a sin but we sin when we succumb to it.

Jesus said no to the enemy, despite being vulnerable.

Dig deep and get into the Word of God.

You are an overcomer because of God in you.

Hebrews 4:15-16 gives us confidence to get the help we need in time of need.

Jesus was led into the wilderness to fast, not eat. He was hungry but was there to abstain from food and sustenance. If you think of your life, notice how we may be tempted to take normal desires and use them in the wrong way at the wrong time.

From Ephesians 6:17, we read about staying close to God.

All of us face challenges and temptations, but be aware of the source of that.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Relationship - connecting you with God’s plan

2010-09-26T16:20:00.002+10:00

Pastor Luke Martin shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 26 September 2010.

Witnesses make a document, or event, official. It proves that a person on his/her own needs to have others around them. In fact, it underlines the very fact of relationship that God intends for our lives.

Think, for a moment, how the cross comprises an outstretched gesture from Christ. He's wanting relationship, just as He's wanting us to embrace others.

In 1 Corinthians 12, we read about just how connected we are - with Christ as the head of the Church. Most especially, in verses 21 and 22, we see how relationship is God's plan.

Relationship gives us the full picture. Alone and apart, we do not get the entire perspective and revelation.

Relationship produces fruit. Read Ezekiel 37:16-17, where we learn how God wanted to bring His people together. Judah and Ephraim were interesting tribes to be brought together when you consider the meaning of their names. When you connect them, you get a stretching out of hands to God towards double fruit with each other. Back in 1 Corinthians 12:25, we read how interlinked the people of God are. In relationship, good times are that much better.

Let's connect. We, together, have a lot to do with each others' futures.

And let's connect closer, love bigger, and give that love to the world.

When we connect, God will make a join - just like a carpenter would. God can also fuse together people into one.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Favour starts with dedication

2010-09-19T16:51:00.003+10:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 19 September 2010.

In 1 Samuel, we read about favour on Hannah and Samuel.

By way of background, being barren was a dishonour for Hannah. Nonetheless, she remained committed and faithful to God.

Fast forward into our day, their lives are very similar to ours - and we should have the same focus and favour. God's love, just with Hannah and Samuel, is for all people.

Hannah, for example, prayed that if God gave her a child, she would commit him to the Lord. Read from 1 Samuel 1:26.

Hannah did, at times, struggle with feelings of self doubt and fears about self worth. But our feelings of unhappiness do not stop God's favour.

Hannah was consistent and effective in prayer. And when he was born, she fulfilled her commitment. From 1 Samuel 3:19, we read how he was favoured by God - revealed through His Word. That direct relationship with God that he had made the accomplishments possible.

Psalm 119:24 encourages us that He is in control.

^17-24 Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
I've been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors! (Psalm 119:24, The Message)

For Samuel, that control and favour began with dedication to God.

God's promises never return void. Continue on being faithful, worshipping and praying. He is committed to you.

Stay faithful to His purposes and His promises will come about.

He loves you.

Stay dedicated and He will bring about favour.

Image source: By Phil Ware, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Life's two big elements - Family and Covenant

2010-09-12T13:09:00.002+10:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 12 September 2010.

'Life's not all about money!' according to Pastor Nicholas's young son. ‘So what is it about?’ the Pastor asked...

• Family - for those with and without parents, partners and siblings. See Psalm 68:5-6. Our family in Christ has such diversity, with our children being unique and precious to God. Those with generations serving God are honoured by the choice made to serve under other family members.

• Life - it's true that arrows are thrown at us. But we are to enjoy life as a gift from Him (see John 10:10). We're meant to enjoy life, even with the highs and lows that we face. You can create a better future, no matter where we come from.

• Love - John 15:12 tells us to love others; and that's even when it hurts. In verse 17, it's a command. There has to be a difference in our lives compared to others. We can love people without loving the world.

• Forgiveness - it is very hard for many people to forgive. Christ took the sins of the world on Himself and still forgave. Treating others the same as ourselves is important.

• Jesus - we're not the boss! Jesus is. Seeing Jesus as Lord is a childlike purity. Be who you are, but rely on Him, no matter what.

• Church - Jesus loves the church, with all disappointments and hurts. He loves you.

At the end of these thoughts, we're left with a conviction that God is emphasising family and covenant.

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Words that'll change your life!

2010-08-15T13:51:00.001+10:00

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 15 August 2010.

Words and language are very important. They are powerful, bringing life and death.

Words affect our every day. A word of encouragement is something we need in some circumstances. In fact, we know to go to an encourager when we feel flat.

What sort of words should you use today? Words of hope, friendliness, love.

It is God's desire to be with and among us. But what are some of the words that honour and usher in God's presence?

Words to use...

PRAISE: The Bible commands us to praise. The best way to deal with the devil is to praise God, no matter what. That's not to say we should ignore our feelings. It's about what we do with the feelings that's important. Psalm 34:1 shows how praise is an action, even though we may not naturally express such words.

When we praise...

• It elevates us into His presence and power.
• It transports us into the realm of the Spirit.
• It unlocks and releases things over our life.
• It is a vehicle for faith to move us beyond our flat or doubtful place.
• It opens doors - Psalm 89:15.

^5-18 God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways,
the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways!
Search high and low, scan skies and land,
you'll find nothing and no one quite like God.
The holy angels are in awe before him;
he looms immense and august over everyone around him.
God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who is like you,
powerful and faithful from every angle?
You put the arrogant ocean in its place
and calm its waves when they turn unruly.
You gave that old hag Egypt the back of your hand,
you brushed off your enemies with a flick of your wrist.
You own the cosmos—you made everything in it,
everything from atom to archangel.
You positioned the North and South Poles;
the mountains Tabor and Hermon sing duets to you.
With your well-muscled arm and your grip of steel—
nobody trifles with you!
The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule;
Love and Truth are its fruits.
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise,
who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.
Delighted, they dance all day long; they know
who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—
you've been so good to us! We're walking on air!
All we are and have we owe to God,
Holy God of Israel, our King! (Psalm 89:15, The Message)

• God inhabits your praise, as we see in Psalm 22:3. He dwells in the place of His praise.
• God takes pleasure. He delights in praise. See Psalm 149:4, 147:1 and 147:11.

Create an attitude of praise and worship in your life - and He is with you, whether in or out of the box you are in. See Psalm 147:11 and note how dependable He is.

Depend on God, on His answers and provision. He is strong and able and wanting to dwell with you, THIS DAY and FOREVER MORE.

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Joy in His presence

2010-08-08T14:41:00.001+10:00

Pastor Steve Mazey, from Hills Church at Ferntree Gully, shared about joy at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 8 August 2010.

Joy and happiness are such important parts of being Christians. God wants to bring joy into our lives and show that to others. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we learn how we are His ambassadors who represent Christ.

In Psalm 84, we read an experiential psalm that was for the descendants of Korah. He had been mentioned in the rebellion of Numbers 16. And yet, despite the family's rebellion, God had something still for them. They were shown mercy, though undeserving, just like us.

To find joy, find yourself in the house of God. The Psalmist had a longing for the house and presence of God. What is your attitude to the place of God?

• SECURE HOME: In His presence, you are accepted and valued. Even the lowly-valued swallow, mentioned in Psalm 84:3, builds a home in God's place. It may be a fragile home anywhere else, but secure near and in Him.

• NATURAL FLOW: Joy and praise naturally flow from your mouth in God's presence.

• REFRESHING: There is a valley mentioned in Psalm 84, where weeping and hurt exist. The people in that place make a pilgrimage, and the weeping place becomes transformed into refreshing. It happens when we exchange our strength for His.

Make the choice today to exchange your strength for His.

Trust Him to bring you out of the place you may be in. You will come out stronger for it.

As the Psalmist tells us, there is joy for those who trust in God.

God has great plans in store for you. Trust Him.

You have reason for joy because you are accepted in the presence of God.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Loving... YOU

2010-08-01T15:21:00.000+10:00

Pastors Luke Martin and Joshua Hanna shared with us about love at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 1 August 2010.

Pastor Luke Martin began by reading 1 John 4:7-12, where we see how much God loves us. It's His great goal that characterises His behaviour forever.

In our Australian election time right now, it's fitting to ask for a candidate's agenda. We too, as individuals, have agendas. God also has an agenda - a list that outlines the future direction towards a goal.

Is your agenda giving or taking? And what makes God's agenda so perfect?

Simply put, God's agenda is love. And in its parts, He is focused on showing us love. It is irrational for our minds, and very squarely centres on the reality of His love for us, rather ours for Him.

Importantly, we cannot be separated from God's love. Stop now and know how real it is despite our failings, sin and imperfections.

Be filled with His love today.

Pastor Joshua Hanna began by noting how we go to specialists for particular needs. A lawyer for legal needs, a doctor for medical ones.

From Galatians 5:22, we read about the fruit of the Spirit. Of all the fruit, it's good to think of 'passion' as at the top of the cake. A marriage must have love and passion.

In fact, Christ's death was known as 'The 'Passion'. It's what gets noticed: Passion.

Living a life of passion will change those around you, and it will change you.

People who need faith look for where the passion is. They look for it in you!

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Getting Close and Personal

2010-07-25T17:25:00.002+10:00

The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 25 July:

In 2 Kings 2:1-17, we read how Elisha stayed close to Elijah.

Elisha wanted to keep an active and single-minded relationship with Elijah, seeking a double portion of what was on his mentor and predecessor.

Think now about your life, and the proximity of your key relationships. When we live full and busy lives, God may not have first place. We may not even intend it. Not spending quality time with God, however, at the start of the day will show up in our behaviour and attitudes.

Are you wanting more of God? Elisha did. In fact, he craved a double blessing over his life. It wasn't selfish. It was right.

Three keys in seeking double blessing:

• PROXIMITY (v7): You've got to stay close enough. There were 50 people in 2 Kings 2 but Elisha was up 'close and personal' with Elijah. He knew relationships are hard to maintain from a distance. He knew he needed to stay close.

• EXTENSION (v6): Go a little further. Elisha was just one step behind Elijah. Be where God is, in His place. And as you do, be aware that many will try to distract you. Other prophets, and even Elijah, suggested he not stay as close.

• WANT MORE (v9-10) Desire, and want, more. Elisha took Elijah's cloak, seeing God was with him.

Staying close to God protects us and gives us direction.

Elisha made a commitment to go all the way with Elijah. Will you go all the way with God?

If you don't have a strong relationship with God, you can. And in accepting salvation and a life with Him, stay 'close and personal'.

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Calm in the storm

2010-07-18T12:51:00.002+10:00

The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Simone Womersley at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 18 July:

We've all been through storms in life. They’re often unexpected, and powerful encounters with forces that we cannot control.

There’s a storm written about in Mark 4:35-41. In this story, Jesus had been away from the crowd, having left them behind. You may find yourself in a similar place, alone but not lonely because God is always with us.

Predictably unpredictable

Take a moment to consider where this storm occurred. In the Sea of Galilee, the water is surrounded by mountains that can cause sudden storms - furious and actually predictably unpredictable. Our lives can be just like that. But God gives us warning signs, just like in the modern day carparks of Galilee - telling visitors they must be careful of sudden inundation.

Preparing during the calm times

Navigating through wild weather is difficult. A 'red alert' day is hard to navigate through. In those times, a sailor must concentrate on staying afloat. It's where we get the expression to 'batten down the hatches'. When we walk with God, we'll need to have been prepared with the right nourishment and planning during calmer times.

Are you feasting on God's Word now rather than waiting for the sudden storm? Are you malnourished from lack of intake of God's words of life? You can be susceptible to further harm and illness when you do not prepare your mind and body.

The disciples in the storm of Mark's Gospel were naturally afraid. It was a ferocious and unrelenting time. They were tossed about and rattled.

In all of this, where was Jesus? In verse 38, we read how He was sleeping on a cushion at the back of the boat. Mark often shows the human side of Jesus, though He was still fully God. Mark was, here, showing us that human side of Jesus. Our Saviour actually understands an everyday life.

Right with us, in the storm

The disciples woke Him. They asked if Jesus cared whether they drowned. God is always right there, while we thrash about. Jesus commanded the waves and wind to calm. Right there, it became calm. Totally still and calm.

What is that like, to be in the eye of a storm where complete stillness exists. The air pressure in the middle zone is at its lowest. He restored the stillness and calm. Like the low pressure of a storm centre, He can drop the pressure on our lives.

In Isaiah 9:6, we read of how the Saviour is the Prince of Peace.

In John 14:27, we read about not needing to be afraid.

Words to hang onto

Back in Mark's account, Jesus had said they should go to the other side. It was not a question, but a strong statement of confidence to go across. They provided words to hang onto during the storm. If Jesus says you are going somewhere, then you are going somewhere.

Everything stops for Jesus' words.

He brings peace. He is powerful to get you through obstacles.

What has God told you? He has the power to bring that to reality!

Image source: By John Bell, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Elijah... not so different after all!

2010-07-11T15:35:00.002+10:00

The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 11 July:

From 1 Kings 18, and from 19:1, we read about Elijah. He was a key prophet who - like Moses - witnessed God's power on Mount Carmel. During Elijah's time, he was used to confront King Ahab and his wife, Jezebel. She was especially keen to murder God's prophets and worship other gods.

Elijah had a lot of highs, but also a lot of lows.

He was afraid when Jezebel threatened him. He even ran for his life, despairing and fearful. Elijah was depressed, fatigued and wanting to die. He had had enough.

Single-minded

Take notice of something very characteristic of Elijah, namely his single-mindedness towards God. It both shocks and challenges us. It came from a personal relationship with God.

Sitting alone and depressed, God provided refreshment, even via an unclean raven. God was with him in both the peaks and troughs.

Great victories to recall

Thinking of the amazing 'highs', God also used a widow with little food to supply miraculous needs. When her son died, Elijah cried out to God and the boy was risen from the dead. On Mount Carmel, he hosted a showdown of pagan devotees against God. He even saturated the sacrifice with water on and around it. God burnt it!

In James 5:17, we are comforted and refreshed by how Elijah was just like us. The God of Heaven was there with Him, and with us. Elijah even, like us, felt alone and sorry for himself. The truth was, there were many Godly people that he just could not see.

Overcoming fear

His fear was in conflict with faith. Fear is powerful, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace who can remove that fear. God confronted his emotions during his time of despondency. That, too, is a common experience for many of us.

Be careful to not make wrong decisions when you are fearful, depressed and feeling alone. Get before God and listen to His voice. Get around the right people to encourage your spirit.

You are not alone!

In 1 Kings 19:4, God first fed and rested Elijah.

God always provided, whether in highs or lows.

And God will provide through some surprising places.

God is always there for you. A great saying is that faith is the step between promise and assurance.

What matters most is having a personal relationship with Christ. What's yours today?

Turning around tomorrow TODAY

2010-07-04T15:45:00.002+10:00

The following is an edited summary of a message from Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 4 July:

Today is just as important as tomorrow. In fact, you cannot reclaim it tomorrow. Face it, TODAY.

In Back to the Future, we see a series of films that deal with the past, present and future. One of the key themes is how today's decisions will have consequences.

It's important to note that some people are in situations that are not of their making. But for many of us, the decisions we take today will affect tomorrow.

We make wrong decisions but as with Psalm 37:4, God makes a way for us to see our desires fulfilled.

In Philippians 3:12-14, we read about forgetting past sin and moving forward. See also 1 Corinthians 9:24.

Paul, when earlier known as Saul, had the conviction that Christianity should end. He completely changed focus when God arrested his course. His attention turned away from the past, making decisions that radically changed his future, by God’s grace.

What are you wanting? What are you planning for?

Focus on what might be. Focus on full hope in Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, we read how competitors enter strict training. Do not run aimlessly, and stay on track. Aimless running is boring, with no direction.

David was one of the great kings of God's people who still made mistakes. David had run around aimlessly at one point, forgetting about the importance of 'now'. David lost focus on today, making a poor decision that affected his 'tomorrow'.

Your decisions today will impact your future.

God has much planned for your life, as you'll read in Ephesians 2:10.

In considering LIFE...

Learn from the past
Be Involved
Be Focused
Expect great things

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

GET BACK to Move Forward

2010-06-27T14:01:00.005+10:00

Pastor Vicki Simpson preached an inspiring message on 'getting back' to what's most important this morning.

We don't put full sermons in our blog posts when visiting speakers come, instead encouraging you to see their websites. For Vicki, go here for more details: www.vickisimpson.com

But by way of quick summary, take up Vicki's challenge to get back to your first works of love for Jesus. In simple terms, you've got to get back and recover your most important things before being able to move on. In eternal terms, that means getting back to God.

Vision... and why it's more successful than 'Opposite George'

2010-06-20T19:49:00.000+10:00

A message shared by Pastor Luke Martin at Empower Christian Church, Sunday 20 June, 2010:

Moving forward means aiming for a goal. That means getting fixed on the goal and taking attention off the 'now'. In fact, focusing on your position right now won't work. It leads to being uncomfortable with where you are at.

See in Exodus 16:1-3, how the Israelites wondered why they couldn't have just stayed in their previous state and died. We can become familiar with safe but negative things in our lives. The Israelites had something more and better ahead but they were stuck in the strangely comfortable mindset of their slavery.

The other downside to being fixated on current location is wanting to escape. Aiming for the mere opposite of what you're doing is just as static as doing nothing. It's because you are so focused on what your current place is.

George from Seinfeld didn't succeed in changing his life by being 'opposite' because he was still focused on what was 'currently' wrong.

So what's missing?

See Proverbs 29:18 and how vision is essential.

The Israelites failed to make the transition from 'moving away’ from' to 'moving into'.

Take note that vision is not just for church leaders.

There is a vision for your life that is specifically meant for you. Write it down and seek the support of others in prayer and personal support.

Whatever you dream for, God can accomplish great things that take you forward, away from where you are now.

Vision means the redemptive revelation of God. Being redeemed means walking in your vision. It's important to operate in your calling, to walk in your vision and redemption. God wants us to walk in purpose, do something more than just sitting.

It's also a revelation of the person of God, not just a place. God wants you to go after your vision but with a focus on Him.

So keep your eyes on Him and walk forward with and by God.

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thought-starters for the non-Rhythm of Life

2010-06-19T22:25:00.003+10:00

Following our recent coffee morning and service at Empower Christian Church on 13 June, here are some simple summary thoughts for you to think about as you approach the coming week:

You are not a failure because a plan or goal you had doesn't seem to have worked out. You could be exactly where you need to be.
Life is not wrong just because you feel you're on the wrong side of your plans.
In fact, God is not absent when you feel like there's a turn you didn't expect.

This coming Sunday 20 June, we're looking forward to hearing from Pastor Luke Martin.

And the following weekend, it's time to hear from Pastor Vicki Simpson.

Inspired navigation for life

2010-06-06T16:23:00.002+10:00

Dr Robi Sonderegger visited Empower Christian Church for a special conference this past weekend: 4 to 6 June. We were blessed and encouraged with great teaching and motivational encouragement in our personal lives and families.

We also heard about Dr Robi's work in places across the world that are affected by trauma. An example was in Haiti, from where the linked video was produced and sourced.

Find out more by visiting http://www.drrobi.com/ or connect via Twitter @ http://twitter.com/drrobi_s or on Facebook via http://www.facebook.com/DrRobi

Significant life - service and sacrifice

2010-05-23T17:44:00.002+10:00

A message shared by Pastor Luke Martin and Joshua Hanna at Empower Christian Church, Sunday 23 May, 2010:

Part 5 - Following God's heart of service to be like Him (Pastor Luke Martin)

God welcomes you to a genuine 'heart exchange' when we go to church. And in that place is abundance, blessing - all from God.

His life, His heart, makes us see and do extraordinary things. Look at Jesus and see how gifted He is. With His perfect heart, we need not strain to be what God wants for us.

In Matthew 20:28, we read about the mother's petition, wanting her boys to be on either side of Jesus. He answers with a simple but powerful statement of ministry by 'serving'. His heart was to serve, meaning to be an attendant or someone who waits. The original Greek word gives us the modern term, 'deacon'.

We can all serve, with a heart to do so. Jesus, Himself, served even though He had created all life. Jesus had a heart to serve, and had a heart for the people He served.

In essence, to MINISTER is to SERVE.

A servant merely says, 'what do you want me to do?'.

In being a servant, there are two types of following - to be 'near' and to 'do alike'.

In Luke 9:49-50, we encounter the incident of the disciples not being able to cast out a demonic possession. Jesus pointed out that service - by following to be ALIKE - was most important. Be LIKE me, is what Jesus emphasised. Jesus knew what was in people's hearts, as shown in the earlier verses: 46-48.

So take on His heart when you follow to be LIKE Jesus.

Life is so much more than acts of ministry. Don't minister in spurts but in everything.

Part 6 - Sacrifice (Joshua Hanna)

Crucifixion was used in history as a shameful death. It could take hours or days, cruelly executing the victim.

Bodies were not buried, left for vultures and wild dogs. It was even illegal to mourn a crucified person.

Christ was different. For Him, it was the only way to show His immense love.

He gave His body, His life, His love.

His death purchased healing salvation and strength for all of us - such a contrast to the sale of nails as healing mementos.

His tomb was a place of honour, not shame.

Today, we can celebrate an incredible death that was just the start of our lives.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org