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Life Anglican Church -Riverstone

Our Mission

The majority of people in our world have no idea about their need for God or how to deal with the sin that separates them from God.

In our world today people live and die without hope.

It is estimated that 95 percent of the current Australian population is lost without Christ.

“All authority has been given to Me
in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Two important promises:

We will have His power.

We will have His presence.

Moving Toward Spiritual Dialogue

Jesus was intentional in His approach.

Look for Opportunities

Make Opportunities

Search for common areas of interest.

Listen for what the person already knows about spiritual matters.

Discover details about a person’s church background.

Let your friend talk.

Ask open-ended questions.

Let people tell their stories.

When Making a Home Visit

Look for clues about the family when you arrive.

Identify yourself as being from your church.

Make sure you know the full name of the person.

Express interest in the things important to the person.

As often as possible and appropriate, call persons by name.

USE Your Testimony of Conversion

Your evangelistic Preconversion experience:

Select a time in your life that illustrates what it was like without the assurance of heaven.

Be as specific as possible.
Keep this part of the story to one minute or less.

Your Conversion experience:

You may want to use the statement “I had a life-changing experience” to describe your conversion.

The purpose is to create a desire in the person to know how to have heaven.

Ask A Key Question

You are seeking to find a way to introduce discussion about Jesus.

The Key Question

In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven and have eternal life?

Could one reason we have difficulty sharing Jesus with others be that we have lost our love for Him?

F Is for Forgiveness
Everyone has sinned and needs God’s forgiveness.

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

God’s forgiveness is in Jesus only.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

Ephesians 1:7

All humanity was created to be in relationship with God.
We are separated from God by sin.

By using the word forgiveness for the letter F, you have the opportunity to remind people of their need for forgiveness and to establish the fact that only God can provide it.

No one can obtain that standard and is therefore already a condemned person.

Sin results in broken fellowship with God.
Anything that disturbs, distorts, or breaks this fellowship is sin.

God’s Forgiveness Is in Jesus Only

Forgiveness is based on the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for our sins when He died on the cross.

A Is for Available

God’s forgiveness is available for all.

“God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s Forgiveness Is Not Automatic

God’s forgiveness is available but not automatic.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 7:21

I Is for Impossible

According to the Bible, it is impossible to get to heaven on our own.

“By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Because of who God is
Because of who we are

T Is for Turn

Question: If you were going down the road and someone asked you to turn, what would he or she be asking you to do?

Turn means repent. Turn away from sin and self.

“Unless you repent, you will all perish as well!” Luke 13:3

Turn to Jesus alone as your Savior and Lord.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Our choice is a simple one: we can keep trusting ourselves and living the way we are living, or we can give our lives to Christ and begin to follow Him.

H Is for Heaven

Heaven is a place where we will live with God forever.

“If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.”

John 14:3

Heaven is the epitome of beauty, glory, and joy.
It is best understood as the place where God’s holy presence dwells.

Heaven is the future home of believers.

The Reality of Hell

Hell is a literal place. It is described as a place of constant fire and torment.

Enjoying a Bit of Heaven Now

Eternal life begins now with Jesus.

“I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10

How? Making the Transition

The letter H can also stand for how—how God took the initiative to save us through the death of His Son, Jesus, and how a person can have God’s forgiveness and eternal life in heaven.

How can a person have God’s forgiveness, eternal life, and heaven?
ASK

Understanding what we have shared, would you like to receive this forgiveness by trusting in Christ as your personal Savior and Lord?

With this question the conversation moves into the Invitation—when someone has the opportunity to receive personally the truth you have shared.

The Invitation

Inquire

Understanding what we have shared, would you like to receive this forgiveness by trusting in Christ as your personal Savior and Lord?

Invite
Insure

Leading to a Response

“Is that something you would like to do?”

“Have you ever thought about making this kind of commitment?”

Let the person respond.
Ask God to help you know what to do next.

Do not rush them or appear pushy.
At times it may be necessary to continue the conversation on another day.

Continue to depend on the Holy Spirit, listening to Him every step of the way as you share.

Leading someone to pray a prayer of salvation becomes a meaningful expression of that person’s decision to accept God’s offer of forgiveness and salvation and to begin following Christ.

Have you considered your place of ministry at Life Anglican Church -Riverstone? (Please circle the items you feel you would like to do)

Magnification

The Magnification Shift - from Self to God

Worship Ministries: Worship leading,

Music, Drama,

Reading , Prayers Other

Ministry

Ministry Shift - from consumers to contributors

Service Ministries: Pastoral care giving

meals Visiting set up, mowing,

cleaning Life group hosting computer

helps caring for the poor and the sick other

Maturity

Maturity Shift - from Disciple to Disciple-Maker

Teaching Ministries: Life group leaders Preaching, teaching

other

Membership

The Membership Shift - from events to relationships

Incorporation Encouragement Ministries: Encouragers who bring people to church etc

advertising Leading Membership classes;

follow up. other

Mission

The Mission shift - from Inreach to Outreach

Evangelistic Ministries: Evangelistic work in scripture, children’s’ work, youth work

other

Administery

Service Ministries: Treasurer, minutes secretary, church warden

other

DISCOVERING YOUR MINISTRY

STEP 1: DEDICATE YOURSELF

"I urge you... to offer yourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- which is your spiritual worship." (vs. 1)

STEP 2: ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (vs. 2)

STEP 3: EVALUATE ACCURATELY

"Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith God has given to you. (vs.3 Ph)

STEP 4: COOPERATE WITH OTHERS

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one Body and each member belongs to all the others." (vs. -5)

* Every member is a minister in Christ's body.

* Every member has a different function.

* Every member's ministry is important.

* Every member belongs to the others.

STEP 5: ACTIVATE GIFTS IN MINISTRY TO OTHERS

"We have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us.. prophesy... serving... teaching... encouraging... contributing... leadership... showing mercy..." Romans 12:6-8

Dear Steve,

I believe God has equipped me to do these ministries in this local body, the church. ________________________________________

I will look for ways that I can help this church grow by serving Him and serving others at Life Anglican Church Riverstone

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Spiritual Gifts I believe I have:

1)

2)

3)

I feel I may have these gifts because:

1)

2)

3)

HEART

1. What I have a heart for, or what motivates me most:

I LOVE TO :

I LOVE TO :

I LOVE TO:

2. Who I love to work with most, and the age or type of people:

3. Church issues, ministries, or possible needs that excite or concern me most:

ABILITIES

1. My current vocation is:

2. Other jobs or skills I have experience in:

3 . I feel my most valuable personal asset is:

PERSONALITY

This is how I see myself: I am mainly (circle one)

Extroverted or Introverted

Routine or Variety

Self-controlled or Self-Expressive

Cooperative or Competitive

EXPERIENCES

MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

This is how and when I became a Christian, and what it has meant to me since:

Times when I have felt closest to God, and meaningful spiritual experiences that stand out in my mind:

MY PAINFUL EXPERIENCES

These are the kind of trials or problems I could relate to and encourage a fellow Christian who is going through them:

MY EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Seminars or training that has been meaningful to me:

MY MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Where I have served in the past (if applicable):

Name of Church, what position of service and how many years involved:

RIVERSTONE

Commit to being a growing member of Life Anglican Church Riverstone

Have you considered your growing your Christian life at Life Anglican Church –Riverstone?

HOW TO BEGIN A DAILY QUIET TIME

1. SELECT A SPECIFIC TIME.

The best time to have a quiet time is when I am ______________________!

Reasons for considering an early morning quiet time:

1. The example of Bible characters.

David -Psalm 55:17 “Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud..”

Daniel -Daniel 6:10 “The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

Jesus -Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed."

2. It seems logical to begin the day with it.

”The best time to tune your instrument is before you play the concert, not after!”

3. It demonstrates that meeting with God is your first priority. You give him the first part of your day!

4. You are likely to be more rested, your mind is less cluttered, and it’s often the

quietest time!

Whatever time you set,

_______________________________.

HOW LONG SHOULD A QUIET TIME BE?

3 Guidelines

Start with 15 minutes and let it grow.

Don't watch the clock!

Emphasize quality, not quantity!

2. CHOOSE A SPECIAL PLACE.

"Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives ... to pray."

Luke 22:39 (GN)

The Important Factor:

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

3. GATHER THE RESOURCES YOU'LL NEED.

1. A Bible - with readable print.

2. A Notebook - to write down what the Lord speaks to you about, and to keep your prayer

list.

3. A Songbook - if you want to sing.

4. BEGIN WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDES

______________________________________

"Be still, and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10

______________________________________

"Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word." Ps. 119:18

______________________________________

“The thing you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants” Matt 6:33

5. FOLLOW A SIMPLE PLAN

"FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH GOD"

(A Plan To Get You Started)

1. ___________________________.

Be still and quiet! Slow down! Prepare your heart. Take a few deep breaths and wait on God.

2. ___________________________.

Begin reading where you left off the day before. Read until you feel God has told you something.

Then stop and think about it.

3. ____________________________.

See the section on "How To Meditate on God's Word".

Think about what the passage means to your life. Write down your thoughts. Part of reflecting is memorizing verses that speak to you in a special way.

4. ____________________________.

Write out a personal application statement that is practical, passable, and measurable.

"Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips."

5. ___________________________.

Conclude our Quiet Time by talking to God about what He has shown you and making your requests from our prayer list.

HOW TO OVERCOME THE

PROBLEMS

WITH YOUR QUIET TIME

1. THE PROBLEM OF DISCIPLINE

Your first problem in establishing a quiet time will face you the moment you wake each morning:

Am I going to get out of bed? ("The Battle of the Blankets")

Suggestions

1. Go to bed ______________________.

2. Get up ________________________.

3. Be aware of quiet time _____________.

4. Fall asleep thinking ______________.

2. THE PROBLEM OF DISTRACTIONS

Satan will try to use anything to get your mind to wander during a quiet time.

Suggestions

Get out of _____________________.

Get thoroughly _________________.

Read and pray __________________.

___________ during your prayer time.

Keep a ________________________.

3. THE PROBLEM OF DRYNESS

Sometimes you will feel like you're not getting anything out of your quiet time. (“The Battle of

the Blahs")

Never judge your quiet time by your

____________________.

Possible Causes of Spiritual Dryness

1. Your physical condition.

2. Disobedience to God.

3. Rushing your quiet time.

4. Getting in a rut.

5. Not sharing insights with others.

4. THE PROBLEM OF DILIGENCE

Your greatest problem will be your struggle to stay consistent. I find Satan fights nothing harder than my quiet time.

Suggestions

1. Make a vow to God.

2. Schedule it on your daily calendar.

3. Be prepared for Satan's excuses.

4. Leave your Bible open at night to the passage for the next day!

RIVERSTONE

Become A Member of Life Anglican Church Riverstone

Why Does Life Anglican Church –Riverstone Exist?

WE EXIST TO CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE

“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Matt. 4:10

“...The Father seeks worshipers...and His worshippers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Jn 4:23-24

Life Anglican Worship Style

“Celebration” Psalm 122:1

“Inspiration” Isaiah 40:31

“Preparation” Eph. 4:11-12

WE EXIST TO COMMUNICATE GOD’S WORD

“His intent was that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known...” Eph. 3:10

“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells him?” Rom. 10:13-14 (LB)

WHY OUR CHURCH MUST NEVER STOP GROWING

1. Because

“The Lord...is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9

2 Cor. 5:14, Luke 15:3-10,

2. Because

“Go out into the country...and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full.”

Luke 14:23 (LB)

“...you will be my witnesses...” Acts 1:8

3. Because

“Under Christ’s control, the whole Body is nourished...and grows as God wants it to grow.” Col. 2:19 (GN)

“(Jesus) I will build my church.” Matt. 16:18

WE EXIST TO EDUCATE GOD’S PEOPLE

“Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity...” Heb. 6:1

“Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“(God has given)...some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all...become mature...like Christ.” Eph. 4:11-13

WE EXIST TO DEMONSTRATE GOD’S LOVE

“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples — that you have love for one another.” John 13:35, 1 John 3:16-17, Matt. 25:34-40, Heb. 13:16, Rom. 12:13

“Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities.. and there are different kinds of service to God(ministry)... All of you together form the one Body of Christ and each of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” 1 Cor. 12:4-5, 27 (LB)

OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

What We Believe

• In essential beliefs — we have unity.

“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” Eph.4:4-6

• In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... So then each of us will give an account of himself to God... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.”

Romans 14:1,4,12,22

• In all our beliefs — we show charity.

“...If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)

THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ,

his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father;

from there he will come to judge

the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

1. Admit THAT GOD HAS NOT BEEN FIRST PLACE IN YOUR LIFE AND ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOUR SINS.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from every wrong.” 1 John 1:9

2. Believe THAT JESUS DIED TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS AND THAT HE ROSE AGAIN ON

EASTER, AND IS ALIVE TODAY.

“If you confess that Jesus is your Lord, and you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

3. Receive GOD’S FREE GIFT OF SALVATION. DON’T TRY TO EARN IT.

“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9

Our relationship to God is not restored by anything we do, but on the basis of what Jesus already did for us!

4. Ask JESUS CHRIST TO COME INTO YOUR LIFE AND BE THE DIRECTOR (“LORD”) OF YOUR LIFE.

“To all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. All we need to do is to trust Him to save us. All those who believe this are reborn! — not a physical rebirth...but from the will of God!” John 1:12-13

YOU CAN TAKE THESE STEPS BY PRAYING A SIMPLE PRAYER OF COMMITMENT TO GOD:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for making me and loving me, even when I’ve ignored you and gone my own way. I realize I need you in my life and I’m sorry for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. Please help me to understand it more. As much as I know how, I want to follow you from now on. Please come into my life and make me a new person inside. I accept your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow now as a Christian.”

“Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

RIVERSTONE

Discovering A Relationship With God