Grosey's Messages

Call To Worship  Romans 5:6-11

Law and Grace reading  Psalm 103:1-13

Bible reading  Ephesians 3:11-21

Benediction: Ephesians 3:20,21

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith---that you, being rooted and grounded in love,¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

1. Your Evidence Of The Love Of Christ

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them. because they fainted, and were scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd." The Lord understood the predicament; they were tired, and the children were restless. Jesus appreciated the difficulty. and His love overflowed "He was moved with compassion."

See Compassion Caring

But when he [Christ] saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd (Matt. 9:36).

See Compassion Curing

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick (Matt. 14:14). Matthew explained that Jesus was filled with compassion because the people were as sheep without a shepherd. They had no leader to provide sustenance for their souls. 

See Compassion Considering

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way (Matt. 15:32).

The crowd was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. The people had followed Jesus for three days. They were hungry, but no one complained. Their patience had been rewarded when the Savior healed all types of diseases. Matthew said "great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them." Language could not express the extent of the people's enthusiasm. They had witnessed sights at which angels would rejoice. Even the need for food was temporarily forgotten as they watched the miracles of Jesus. Nevertheless, the Lord was greatly concerned. Children were hungry, mothers were becoming anxious, and even men ran the risk of collapsing as they journeyed homeward.

See Compassion Cooperating

And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by. cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, thou Son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, thou Son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes might be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him (Matt. 20:30-34).

See Compassion Cleansing

And Jesus, moved with compassion. put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will: be thou clean (Mark 1:41).

Lepers were the most pitiable beggars in Palestine. Their disease separated them from family and friends, robbed them of employment, and made them forfeit everything of value. Banished to a life of despair and loneliness, they were dependent on relatives to bring food and could only hope a premature death would terminate their sufferings. It was never revealed where this leper lived nor how he heard of the approach of Jesus. But evidently he had been stirred by the possibility of cleansing. He left wherever he was and, drawing near to the Lord, begged for assistance. His faith in the ability of Christ never wavered, but he was not sure Jesus would be willing to grant the favour. He said. "If thou wilt  thou canst make me clean." Defying the teachings and beliefs of the nation, the Lord touched the leper, which was forbidden by law. Jesus was filled with compassion when He saw a person who was waiting to die, a derelict without a friend, a pauper without money, and when He saw the extent of the tragedy before Him, he was "moved with compassion."

He touched me, 0, He touched me,                And 0, the joy that floods my soul:

Something happened, and now I know,            He touched me and made me whole.

See Compassion Conquering

Jesus . . . saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and bath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).

The Lord travelled across the Sea of Galilee to an inhospitable Gentile place, and there he saw a demon possessed man.  What the leper was physically the demon possessed was spiritually.  Just as He touched someone who felt unworthy to be healed, so He touched someone VERY unworthy to be healed. He delivered a soul from the bondage of Satan. Jesus deliberately made the journey to meet the demoniac who lived among the tombs. Elsewhere the Lord ministered to multitudes of people. In the cemetery at Gadara. he spoke to one, or two demoniacs (see Matt. 8:28). but that fact teaches how He evaluated the worth of a man. It is interesting that Jesus made that journey to meet the need of a demoniac, and one in a foreign inhospitable land. If people cannot come to Him, He will go to them. He loved those unfortunate men, and His amazing power liberated them from the bondage of evil.

See Compassion Comforting

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not (Luke 7:11-13). This poor woman probably wished she were dead! Her husband had died leaving her to care for her child, and now her son had died. Why had God permitted this to happen? Why had He not completed His work by taking her? She was beyond words and tears. The time for the hastily arranged funeral had arrived. She was expected to follow her boy to his last resting place. The sad event had aroused the sympathy of the entire city. and while funerals were generally attended by only family and neighbors. this one was different "Much people of the city was with her."

Sadly, with bowed head and aching heart, she followed the procession as they carried his body down the narrow street.

Who was this Man, and by what authority had He halted the funeral march? The distressed mother looked up and saw the Stranger gazing intently at her, and then a mystical warmth began to remove the chill from her soul. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier, and they that bare him the corpse stood still. And he said. Young man. I say unto thee. Arise. And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak. And he [Jesus] delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying. That a great prophet is risen up among us; that God hath visited his people (Luke 7:13-16).

See Compassion Crucifying

 Samuel Rutherford, The Trial and Triumph of Faith "Oh, what love! Christ would not intrust our redemption to angels, to millions of angels; but he would come himself, and in person suffer; he would not give a low and a base price for us clay. He would buy us with a great ransom, so as he might over-buy us, and none could over-bid him in his market for souls. If there had been millions of more believers, and many heavens, without any new bargain his blood should have bought them all, and all these many heavens should have smelled one rose of life; Christ should have been one and the same tree of life in them all. Oh, we under-bid, and undervalue that Prince of love, who did overvalue us; we will not sell all we have to buy him; he sold all he had, and himself too, to buy us."

The Apostle Paul knew the evidence. He knew that the Lord Jesus was compassionate.

Just like the leper or the demon possessed man, Paul knew he was unworthy of the love of Christ.

1 Timothy 1: 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

And Paul entered into an experience of the love of Christ.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38-39).

David was apparently overwhelmed with the universality of that love when he wrote:

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me (Ps. 139:8-9).

2. Your Experience Of The Love Of Christ

Robert Harkness wrote:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained       Too deeply for mirth or song?

As the burdens press, and cares distress,    And the way seems weary and long?

But can you enter into this deeper experience of the love of Christ? That is a very real question, and one that often troubles us deep down to the root of our hearts.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained       Too deeply for mirth or song?

As the burdens press, and cares distress,    And the way seems weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares; I know He cares;            His heart is touched with my grief:

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,      I know my Saviour cares.

Many hymn writers and puritan and reformed writers have talked about their deepening experience of the love of Christ.

One of the greatest attempts to express the love of God was made by Frederick Lehman who lived from 1868 until 1953. He wrote:

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade.

To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

O Love of God, how rich and pure; How measureless and strong.

It shall for evermore endure, The saints' and angels' song.

John Newton knew this too.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds     In a believer's ear!

Bernard of Clairvaux says:

Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills my breast.

Jesus, Thou Joy of loving hearts,    Thou Fount of life, Thou Light of men,

From the best bliss that earth imparts     We turn unfilled to Thee again.

Is He that to you? Is that true of you? It is possible to believe in His work for you. You can be a Christian and can be saved by Him without being able to say quite honestly that He is 'the joy of your heart'. The people who wrote these hymns meant what they said; they were being honest and were relating their experiences, It is not mere poetry. 

Bernard of Clairvaux which says:

O Hope of every contrite heart,        O Joy of all the meek,

To those who fall how kind Thou art,         How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah, this      Nor tongue nor pen can show;

The love of Jesus, what it is          None but His loved ones know.

'His loved ones know'. They cannot tell us much about it in an exact or logical manner, but they know it, they are rejoicing in it. 

Charles Wesley's hymns:

Thou hidden Source of calm repose: Thou all-sufficient Love divine;

My help and refuge from my foes, Secure I am if Thou art mine:

And lo! from sin and grief and shame I hide me, Jesus, in Thy Name.

Thy mighty Name salvation is, And keeps my happy soul above;

Comfort it brings, and power, and peace, And joy and everlasting love:

To me, with Thy dear Name are given Pardon, and holiness, and heaven.

Jesus, my All in all Thou art, My rest in toil, mine ease in pain;

The medicine of my broken heart; In war my peace, in loss my gain;

My smile beneath the tyrant's frown; In shame, my glory and my crown:

In what, my plentiful supply; In weakness, mine almighty power;

In bonds, my perfect liberty; My light in Satan's darkest hour;

My help and stay whene'er I call; My life in death, my heaven, my All!

He had not only seen it as an intellectual possibility, it had become a spiritual reality to him.

'Tis mercy all, that Thou hast brought  My mind to seek her peace in Thee;

Yet, while I seek but find Thee not, No peace my wandering soul shall see;

O when shall all my wanderings end, And all my steps to Thee-ward tend?

It is Soul Strengthening

John 3:16. A child recently said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only forgotten Son." It's not "forgotten." The word is "begotten." What does it mean? It is the Greek word "monogene." It's a combination of two words. "Mono" meaning "one" and "genes" is where we get our word "generation." It means birth. It means it's a "one and only kind of birth." Jesus Christ was born different than any other man. You were born the same way I was born. You had an earthly father and an earthly mother. 5 None of us are monogene. The only person who could ever say their birth was unlike any other birth is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He had a heavenly Father and an earthly mother.

Anna Waring: 

In heavenly love abiding,    No change my heart shall fear;

And safe is such confiding,      For nothing changes here;

The storm may roar without me, My heart may low be laid;

But God is round about me, And can I be dismayed?

Nothing but a deep love to God can stand up to the trials and the stresses, the hazards and the strains of life. Belief alone is not enough. Belief is essential, and it can take you a long way. But when the real storms come, belief alone is not enough. Love alone enables us to stand up to the storms. Another hymn-writer, Edward Mote, was able to say with certainty and assurance,

When all around my soul gives way,  He then is all my hope and stay.

Samuel Rutherford "If your Lord calls you to suffering, do not be dismayed, for He will provide a deeper portion of Christ in your suffering. The softest pillow will be placed under your head though you must set your bare feet among thorns. Do not be afraid at suffering for Christ, for He has a sweet peace for a sufferer. "

It is Soul Sustaining

I ask a simple and obvious question, Is this your experience?

Gerhard Tersteegen, a saintly eighteenth-century Prussian (though with Dutch associations), who had himself experienced these things. He had not only 'seen' this, he was persuaded of it, and he embraced it.

Thou hidden Love of God, whose height,   Whose depth unfathomed, no man knows,

I see from far Thy beauteous light,      Inly I sigh for Thy repose;

My heart is pained, nor can it be       At rest, till it finds rest in Thee.

It is Soul Sanctifying

Samuel Rutherford  "The greatest temptation out of hell is to live without trials. A pool of standing water will turn stagnant. Faith grows more with the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. You cannot sneak quietly into heaven without a cross. Crosses form us into His image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption. Lord cut, carve, wound; Lord do anything to perfect Your image in us and make us fit for glory! We need winnowing before we enter the kingdom of God. O what I owe to the file, hammer, and furnace! Why should I be surprised at the plough that makes such deep furrows in my soul? Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord. His hand will direct us safely to the heavenly shore to find the weight of eternal glory. As we look back to our pains and suffering, we shall see that suffering is not worthy to be compared to our first night's welcome home in heaven. If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us. Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let Him bear all. He can, He does, and He will bear you. Whether God comes with a rod or a crown, He comes with Himself. "Have courage, I am your salvation!" Welcome, welcome Jesus!"

Theodore Monod: 

O the bitter shame and sorrow,      That a time could ever be,

When I let the Saviour's pity     Plead in vain, and proudly answered: 'All of self, and none of Thee!' 

Yet He found me: I beheld Him Bleeding on the accursèd tree, Heard Him pray: 'Forgive them, Father!' And my wistful heart said faintly: 'Some of self, and some of Thee!' 

Day by day, His tender mercy, Healing, helping, full and free, Sweet and strong, and ah! so patient,

Brought me lower, while I whispered: 'Less of self, and more of Thee!' 

Higher than the highest heaven, Deeper than the deepest sea,

Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered; Grant me now my supplication: 'None of self, and all of Thee!' 

'Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God'. The Spirit is already strengthening us with might by His power in the inner man, and it is because He does so that we have got to do these things. If you truly desire Christ in your heart then you have to put this exhortation into practice. There is no other way. 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me' (Matt 16:24). 'They that are Christ's', says Paul, 'have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts' (Gal 5:24). 

Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow;

Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him.

Though my steps are, oh, so slow; With my hand in His I'll go;

On through life; let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way.

When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song,

Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear for I am near."

When my work on earth is done; And life's victories have been won;

He will take me home above; To the fullness of His love.

When I was part of the Jesus movement in the 1970s one of my favorite singers was Andraé Crouch. He wrote many great worship songs. You may recognize the title of this message based on a song he wrote in 1972. I love the simple, but powerful lyrics: Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him, there's no other. Jesus is the way! The second verse speaks to us in a powerful way: I know you've got mountains, That you think you cannot climb, I know your skies are dark, You think the sun won't shine, But in case you don't know, That the word of God is true, Everything He's promised, He will do it for you. Jesus is the answer for the world today; Above Him there's no other, Jesus is the way! Jesus is the answer for the world today; Above Him there's no other, Jesus is the way!" When it comes to life's most important questions, Jesus not only HAS the answers, He IS the answer

Growth group Questions 

that you, being rooted and grounded in love,¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,

What evidences of Christ's love most deeply touch your heart?

When have you particularly felt Christ's love for you as more than an intellectual fact?

In what ways can we more deeply know His love for us?

Why is this so important?

Which hymns do you personally find most moving and reassuring?

Which Bible verses have you committed to memory ot remind you of the Lord's love for you?

Prayer points

Pray for Zwingly and Margie's family in the loss of Zwingly's older brother this week.

Please uphold Corrie and Saya in hospital at this time.

Pray for Rob as he continues his recovery.

Pray for little Lina, Lena's grand daughter who has an operation coming very soon.

²²              After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.²³ John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized²⁴ (for John had not yet been put in prison).

²⁵              Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification.²⁶ And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness---look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him."²⁷ John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.²⁸ You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'²⁹ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.³⁰ He must increase, but I must decrease."

³¹              He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.³² He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.³³ Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.³⁴ For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

How Steve Grose found "Contentment in the Ministry," or, if we turn it around, what to do about discouragement in the ministry.

Steve had accumulated some degrees. He was the first in his dad's family line to go to University, first teachers college at Wollongong 9they liked him so much they invited him to repeat first year.  Then a Bachelors of Theology and Diploma of Ministry at the Baptist Theological College (now Morling College) in 1984. And then a PhD in Education and Theology at the University of Newcastle (2017). He counted it a real privilege to be guided by Dr. Ron Laura.   

He had an interesting life. Steve planted the Kiama Baptist Church in 1984-1986, then he served as pastor of Glen Innes Baptist Church (1987-1990) where his great great grandfather had been a pioneer surveyor, flour mill owner presbyterian scripture teacher to convicts). Called to East Hills Baptist Church in 1991-1996, Steve became a friend to several Southern Baptist Convention Presidents (Tom Elliff, Bobby Welch, Bart Barber) and then served at the Newcastle Baptist Tabernacle from 1997-2010). Steve then worked for Generate and Youthworks developing Scripture and Chaplaincy in the schools of the Western Suburbs of Sydney.  He served as an Anglican pastor at Glossodia and Riverstone from 2010-2016. 

His greatest blessings and encouragement came from his family: Lorelle, his long patient wife and encourager, Eleisha Jami, Fletcher and Spencer,  Amy And Andy, Olivia, Micah and Norah, and Bethany and John, and little Ella and ….

But He delighted in most that through the Lord Jesus Christ he was a friend of God.

In fact, in the later part of his life he was convinced above all that:

I.               There Is No Greater Place Than God's Will

The highest place is not the biggest place. The highest place is not the smallest place. The highest place is not the easiest place or the hardest place. The highest place is simply doing what God tells you to do. "A man [has] nothing, except it be given him [of God]." (John 3:27)

I've seen young preachers, David, try to present themselves and oversell themselves to a congregation. And, in a sense, he paints himself into a corner. If he tries to act like God, people will blame him when he doesn't perform like God. We have what we have. Whoever we are and whatever we are is a gift of God. "A man [has] nothing, except it be given him [of God]." (John 3:27) Therefore, we need to understand what we can expect of ourselves. Others need to know what to expect and what not to expect. And there's absolutely no room for jealousy or envy in the ministry or in any other area of life. "No man has anything except what's given him of God." (John 3:27)

II.             There Is No Greater Purpose Than Presenting Christ

John is still answering; he says, "Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom"—he's talking about Jesus and the Church. The Church is the Bride, and Christ is the Bridegroom—"but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." (John 3:28–29)

John had an awareness of his call, and his call was that he was to present the Lord

Jesus Christ. John saw himself as a friend of the Bridegroom. Now, what does that mean? Well, a friend of the bridegroom is kind of like the best man of our day, except he did more in that day. He prepared for the wedding feast, the friend of the bridegroom did. The friend of the bridegroom would send out invitations. The friend of the bridegroom would prepare the bridal chamber. He would take the bride and escort her to the wedding. He would deliver her to the bridal chamber. He would be the protector.

And when he brought her to the bridal chamber and heard the bridegroom's voice, he would greatly rejoice that he had presented the bride to the bridegroom. John said, "That's what I'm here to do. I am a friend of the Groom."

In the ministry, you'd better find your joy in presenting people to Jesus Christ, not in budgets, not in buildings, not in organizations, not in numbers, not in honors, because if you do, sooner or later you're going to be disappointed or discouraged.

One of the things that I love about John the Baptist is this: he was a Jesus man. For he said, "He must increase, [and] I must decrease." (John 3:30) As a matter of fact, they were talking about John the Baptist over there in the Gospel of John, in the tenth chapter. And they said of John the Baptist that "John did no miracle." (John 10:41) You know, John never performed a miracle. Yet Jesus said of John, "There was not a greater born of woman than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11:11;; Luke 7:28) That's a pretty good compliment when you consider who said it—"not a greater born of woman than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28) But in John chapter 10, it says that John never did a miracle. (John 10:41) John never opened blind eyes and unstopped deaf ears. He never straightened withered limbs. He never multiplied loaves. He didn't raise the dead. John never did a miracle. But that verse goes on to say, "But all things…John [spoke] of [Jesus] were true. And many believed on [Jesus]" (John 10:41– 42) because of John's words. I'd rather have that said at my graveside than to say, one day, "I raised the dead," "I healed the lame," or "I fed the multitudes."

And if you ever get discouraged, just go out and win somebody to Jesus. If you ever get down, just get the focus again and say that "He must increase." And keep your focus upon Jesus. If you get your focus upon people, if you get your focus upon buildings, if you get your focus upon programs, sooner or later you're going to be dragging bottom. There is no higher place than the will of God. There is no greater purpose than presenting the Lord Jesus

III. There Is No Greater Peace Than Seeing Christ Magnified

"[I] rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:29–30) Jealousy and discomfort and discouragement come when we get our fulfillment from achievements and possessions rather than Jesus. And not everybody's going to appreciate you. Not everybody appreciates me.

There was a violinist who did a great concert. And the people stood and cheered, but the violinist stood aside with his head down. One of the stage managers said, "Go out and take a bow. You did wonderful. The people are so pleased." He said, "Not all of them. You see that man sitting down there with his head down? He's my teacher. If he's not pleased, I'm not pleased."

National Church Life Survey and Natural Church Development Reviews (2021 2022)

It was noted that over this period there had been an emphasis on reviewing our central core values as a church and how we implement these core values.

Our Core values are:

1. Jesus & the gospel - Heart of all ministry.
2. Commitment to corporate Prayer - Prayer must be a priority.
3. Service - How people are able to serve in the Church.
4. Need to review all ministries we run - as to effectiveness.
5. Joy - Tone of the Church, Celebration of God's salvation.
6. Affirmation - encourage one another.
7. Training - Discover / use gifts.
8. Vision , Mission & Purpose - Promote

Since the beginning of 2023 we have endeavoured to work these core emphases from the Session to the congregation through:

1. Preaching   We have preached several series from Ephesians, including:  the Heidelberg catechism series, Focus On The family, The Seven 'I Am' Sayings of John's gospel, Armed For Battle (from Ephesians 6), Paul's Prayers (Ephesians 1-3).   

Teaching   Our Church Membership class has incorporated material concerning the Ephesians 1, 2 (on Salvation)  and Ephesians 4 (on giftedness and ministries).  We have also circulated the sign up sheet to all attenders to find where they can fir into the membership of the church.  The church has added nearly 40 new members this year.

2. Worship. Our Worship team (s) have developed some focus on reformed methods of worship.
3. Growth groups.  There is opportunity for Growth Groups to utilise questions for Growth Groups associated to the sermon materials each week through the Church Newsletter
4. Youth & Childrens ministries

Children's and Youth ministries are early in their development and we need to begin some training for new teachers and leaders. All have done their Safe Ministry training either through the denomination or through the local church.

Some things that should be able to be improved.

Vision , Mission & Purpose -  We need to regularly (perhaps quarterly) reintroduce new attenders and established members in our core values through appropriate messages and materials.

Training - Faith Sharing & Discover / use gifts.   We need to hold further training sessions after church each week in each of these core areas perhaps twice a year.

Belonging - New growth groups, Membership course, Enquiry class for new believers.  We need to more carefully move folks from the new Members classes into new Growth Groups in order to retain our new members.

Subjugative Transformation vs  Servant-like Transformation

3 John 9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.¹⁰ So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. ¹¹ Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

Affected by  Culture:  Pluralism         Individualism       Rights based    Power      Pride

Servant-like Transformation Gracious Modelling

Affected by Grace:     Hospitality ⁵ Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,⁶ who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.⁷ For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.⁸ Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Humility   ¹² Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. ¹³ I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.¹⁴ I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, every one of them.

Call To Worship Psalm 103:7-22

Law and Grace Reading Jeremiah 31:31-37, Luke 22:14-20

Bible Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13  The Glorious Mystery of The Church

Induction of Elders Phillip and Marinus

Benediction  Hebrews 13:20,21

Ephesians 3:1-13 

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles---2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Last Sunday we left Paul's prayer with the power of God in the resurrection of Jesus having a lazer focus on His power being for His people the Church!

the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Here is the first mention of the Church!  And all of God's power in this age is focused on the benefits to the Church!            God cares about the Church!!  Not the Building!  Not the organization!! The People.  But wait! ( I feel like the guy selling stuff on the Telly!) There's more!!

The Church is … a Mystery!!

9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

1. The MYSTERY of the Church.

The Church! Is a mystery!!  Most pastors realize that the Church is a mystery!

The word "mystery" occurs in verses 3, 4 and 9. It does not mean that which is obscure or unintelligible, but it means a divine secret which is known only to those to whom it is revealed – note verse 3, and compare 1 Corinthians 2: 7-12. The special revelation of the truth of the Church was first made to Paul, but he would not have understood the dispensational significance of the "mystery" of the Church apart from the revelation given to him by God; and likewise we cannot understand the significance of the "mystery" without the help and illumination of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:9 In all wisdom and insight9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

NKJV 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth

The issue is the phase. Some call it the administration. Other translations call it the dispensation.

9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things ESV

KJV NKJV 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation  οἰκονομίαν of the grace of God.

NASB  2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you 9 and to bring to light what is the administration οἰκονομία of the mystery NASB

God's secret plan --- a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.NET

⁶ τῆς ἐπαγγελίαςPromise  Covenant   it is the New Covenant blessing poured out on

This was according to the eternal purpose 11  ESV NET

(Eph 3:11 [SBLGNT]) κατὰ πρόθεσιν τῶν αἰώνων ἣν ἐποίησεν ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν,

the mystery of Christ,5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs συγκληρονόμα, members of the same body σύσσωμα, and partakers συμμέτοχα   of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Basically it is all saying the same thing.  In God's purpose of the ages, the mystery of the church Jews and Gentiles are vs 6 fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  it is the New Covenant blessing poured out on Jews and Gentiles.  And this is the mystery.

Through the inexhaustible riches in the gospel of Christ, anyone may be a partaker of the covenant promised blessings, and are made part of the church.

Paul claimed a unique privilege: God had made known to him the mystery (v. 3 ); it had come through revelation.

Revelation comes through Scripture.  But the revelation of it is made personal TO EACH ONE OF US WHO KNOW Him.  Just as Paul had the gospel made known to Him, so do you and I. But what is the mystery Paul is talking about? The mystery is not Christ's secret, but the secret which is Christ . Paul is talking here about one significant phase of God's secret, which is Christ in whom all things are to be united. That particular phase is the calling of the Gentiles to share equally with the Jews the promise which hitherto had been seen as only a gift to Israel: 'that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel' ( Eph. 3:6 ).

"God's all inclusive purpose which has as its ultimate goal the uniting of all things in heaven and earth in Christ. Here, a more limited dimension to the mystery focusses on Gentiles, along with Jews, being incorporated into the body of Christ and thus participating in the divine salvation." PT O'Brien.

The unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ belong to all who belong to Christ.

As a recipient of the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ, Paul refers to himself in verses 4 and 5 he makes a bold claim: he possesses a knowledge of the mystery of Christ which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men.

2. The MEANS of this Mystery being conveyed to the Church

6 the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

8 this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,⁹ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,

Verse 6 tells us that the Church, which is the Body of Christ, is composed of Jews and Gentiles. This is the "mystery" – that Jew and Gentile were to be united in one body was an entirely new thing. But how is the "Body", the Church, formed? It is formed "through the gospel" (verse 6); that is, by the preaching of the gospel. When the gospel is preached the Holy Spirit convicts and converts, souls are born again – Jews and Gentiles – and are baptised into the Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12: 13. This is what the Holy Spirit is doing today (Acts 15: 13-14), and only those who have been born again and washed in the precious blood of Christ are true members of the Church, which is His Body.

3. The MISSION of the Church.

8 this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,⁹ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,

What is the function of the Church in the world? It is a two-fold function, as verses 8 and 10 make clear. The mission of the Church is not just to gather people together for "religious" purposes; it is not to compete with the world in worldly things, nor is it to convert the world. The mission of the Church is to evangelise the world.  Matthew 28:18–20:  Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Joyfully following Jesus and sharing his love

• WIN …..  EVANGELISE
• BUILD….. ESTABLISH
• SEND….. EQUIP AND EXTEND

The purpose and ministry of the Church in the world is that men may hear the gospel, and that to the angels and unseen hosts may be made known "the manifold wisdom of God."

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Note the Church's message – "the unsearchable riches of Christ", and "the manifold wisdom of God" – not merely ethics, morality, philosophy or politics.

4. The MINISTERS of the Church.

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9 and to bring to light for everyone

Verse 7 tells us that Paul was a minister, or servant, of the Church, and therefore of the gospel, but the word here is not used in any official sense. All true members of the Church are ministers of the Church and are responsible to take their share in proclaiming the gospel. Notice how we become ministers or servants. Paul writes, "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace" (verse 7). If the question is asked, "How are ministers made?", the answer is that God makes them!

5. The MARKS of the Church.

συγκληρονόμα and fellow members of the body σύσσωμα, and fellow partakers συμμέτοχα  

This portion of scripture tells us also some of the characteristics of those men and women, Jews and Gentiles, who are members of the Church.

 'fellow heirs and partakers of the promise.' 'members of the same body.'

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers

W       Worship

I         Instruction

F         Fellowship

E        Evangelism

Happier people make better team members. Yet he reports that fewer than one in five people consider their boss to be a close friend. But when a team member is close to the boss, she is two and a half times more likely to be satisfied on the job The team with it loves each other. Not only do they minister together, they do life together. What they have is more than friendship. It's something that God gives — more of a partnership of people with deep love committed to a single mission. You're more than friends. You're a team.

Have you heard of the book with the memorable title Refrigerator Rights? In it, authors Will Miller and Glenn Sparks talk about how few people today have these rights in each other's lives. You're probably wondering,

What are refrigerator rights? a person who is so trusted that they can walk into your home, open your refrigerator, and help  themselves to a sandwich and a drink. They don't have to ask.

By contrast, teams with it are so connected and committed to each other, they almost always have refrigerator rights. When someone else sees it, they look on with envy. Why don't we hug like that? Why can't I open your refrigerator and make myself a sandwich with Dijon mustard and cheese? Why can't I borrow a pair of your boxers? But just as the jerk agent in Jerry Maguire couldn't fake a hug, you can't fake this kind of bond. Not every ministry team has it. Most don't. And its absence is as obvious as its presence in a team. Instead of humming with a relational buzz, a room of it-less people is mostly silent. When they do talk, it's all business. Little laughter, little joy, little life. They work together, but they don't share it together.

Aussies are very Independent. We don't need to depend on anyone for money. They want to be professionally independent — I don't report to anyone. And they want to be relationally independent — I don't need anyone or answer to anyone.

A business woman wants to believe she's a self-made woman. Many athletes are more concerned with their own performance than with the results of their teams. Even in marriages, people are often more concerned with what they can get instead of what they can give.

It's not surprising that many twenty-first-century people are afraid. With as much relational pain as they endure, especially those who have served in ministry and leadership roles, it's no wonder they're gun shy.

Betrayed confidences, dragging us through awkward seasons of pain and fear. For a while, we didn't ever want to trust again. Maybe you can relate. Perhaps there was a time when you opened up to someone about your personal hurt only to have them belittle your pain. Or you trusted someone who ended up betraying you. Or you gave your heart to someone who walked away and rejected you. Unconsciously, you decided you'd make it on your own. You'd be independent, not needing anyone. Like Simon and Garfunkel, you might sing the classic folk song, "I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It's laughter and it's loving I disdain. I am a rock. I am an island."

I can't tell you how many ministers I've talked to who are terrified to open up. They're paralyzed with fear, certain that if they let someone in, they'll get hurt — again. Maybe that's you.

After being burned, now you live like so many others as a rock or an island. You're independent but acutely aware that something isn't quite right. You might have a constant low-grade frustration.

Maybe you're plagued with a nagging sense of melancholy. You live in a persistent state of mild depression. You know something is missing, but you can't put your finger on what it is.

As long as you're afraid of intimacy and spiritual partnership, you won't likely experience it. To have it, you have to share it with each other. Just as there's no I in team, there's no it in independence.

When it walks alone, vultures circle and obituaries are written.

God told Adam that it isn't good to be alone. Solomon said that two are better than one. Jesus even said that God is present when two or three gather in his name. Those who have it experience it best together.

Ephesians 2:19 – 21 says, "You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord" (NLT, emphasis mine).

God wants you to be active members of his family. You are to be joined together. Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping it together is progress. Working together is success."

You can't experience it alone. God wants you to share it. And yet for so many, the goal is to be independent. These well-intentioned people fail to realize that to be independent is to be distinctly non-Christian. Did you get that? Many people pursue a goal that is opposed to God's plan. God designed you to be interdependent. He wants you depending on him and on his people.

If you want it, you'll experience it best when you live in authentic community with God's people.

Blame the  mobile phone. Blame the internet, we can now stream whatever we want to the Boob tube.

The TV makes boobs of us.

What's more, technology has relieved us of the need to talk face to face. We can text or email instead, avoiding unpleasant topics and saving the time that deep conversations require. We can bank online, buy shoes online, do all of our Christmas shopping online, use self-service checkout lines, and never have to talk to anyone. We might be dependent on technology, but we no longer seem to be dependent on people.

Have you recognized this independent mindset bleeding into the church? Many people want to come to church services anonymously. Some want to work independently of the team. Yet the New Testament is peppered with "one another" reminders. While Scripture says to love one another, encourage one another, offer hospitality to one another, be kind to one another, many people are content tolerating one another, if not ignoring one another. 

Testimony. (verse 8); 

Acceptance. (verses 11 – l2). 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him

Underline the words "approach", "freedom", "confidence" and "in Him".

We, Jew or Gentile, bond or free all have access to God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

6. The MIGHT of the Church.

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

There are those who think that because the witness of the Church today is often weak and ineffective, and many Christians are half-hearted, the Church will decline until she fades away altogether! – but the Church will never fail, because the Lord Jesus Christ is her Founder, her Foundation, her Builder, and He has guaranteed that no power on earth or in Hell will prevail against His Church.

12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

1. Understand the Big Picture

To be a strong team, every player on a football team must understand the mission of the team, and their part on that mission. This is where vision and camaraderie overlap and enhance each other. If a church member doesn't see how her role fits into the big picture, she will wake up and feel like she is just doing a job. She'll feel undervalued, unappreciated, and unimportant. Her purpose must be expressed explicitly, not just assumed. Everyone needs his or her deserved share of the credit. When a person understands and embraces the mission, they'll enjoy and appreciate the camaraderie of sacrificing together. They willingly "give up" some things they love for something they love even more — reaching people for Christ. Without regular reminders of why we do what we do, of how our part contributes to something wonderful, a team will lose it and simply be a bunch of people doing their own gig.

Our Mission, like Paul's is to proclaim the inexhaustible riches of Christ, so that others may know Him too and become part of the Mystery, the Church!

2. Have Fun Together

Enjoy fellowship with each other in the Mission God has given us. Laugh together, often. Appreciate One another.

Instead of avoiding relationships and striving for independence, I'm asking God to make me interdependent, like the believers of the early church. Remember when Peter preached in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and three thousand people met Christ? These new believers had it in a special way. Without coffee in the lobby, without four-color mailers, and without an awesome website to rely on, these believers depended on God's presence and his people. They had it, and it spread rapidly. Scripture shows:

• The believers were devoted to God's Word, to spending time together, and to each other (Acts 2:42).

• Because of their commitment, everyone was blown away by what God was doing (Acts 2:43).

• They were so committed to each other that if someone had a need, someone else would sell something and give the money to them. They were so generous that eventually no one had a need (Acts 2:44 – 45; 4:34).

• They spent time together in their homes. They had refrigerator rights (Acts 2:46).

• God gave them great favour with people, who begged to be a part. Others saw it and wanted it. People were being saved every day (Acts 2:47).