Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Paul Manwarring

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Monday, January 21, 2008

The Acts of the Ephesians

There was an audio malfunction this week, so only the last 20 minutes of the message were recorded. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

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Illustrating the Importance of Achieving a Kingdom “Tipping Point.”
The Ephesians chose relationship with God above religion.
They chose to BE the Church rather than simply GO to Church.
They chose to transform the world rather than have a truce.

Understanding the Value of Combining Preparation with Power.

Ephesus was transformed by a release of signs and wonders. Acts 19:11
The supernatural was instrumental in transforming Ephesus.
Religion was powerless to dispossess the demons. Vs.12-16
Are we willing to be known in the Gates of Hell as Paul was?

Believers were empowered to share their faith with boldness.
The fame of Jesus reached a “Word of Mouth” tipping point.
Multitudes believed and confessed Jesus as Lord
Are we willing to be known in the Public Square?

The Kingdom of God confronted the other kingdoms. Acts 19:21-41
As people changed, so did their choice of Gods – Sacred Cows
The Believers were brought before the political powers
Are we willing to be known in the Political Market Place?

How to Build the Kind of Church That Can Transform a City

First, We need to develop the right kind of leaders. Acts.20:1,17
Paul was an extraordinary apostle who imparted his DNA.
His leadership team were both friends and followers.

We must develop a devoted and dynamic Large Group Community.vs.20
Paul’s training center galvanized vision, values and identity.
Despite difficulties, the Gospel became virulent and epidemic.

Dynamic Large Community depends on Small Group Community.
Small groups are where each member is loved and activated.
Small groups and large groups work together for transformation.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The Keys of Ephesus - New Year 08

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Illustrating the Importance of Cities in the Purposes of God
We are beginning a six-month study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
There are many similarities between our city and the city of Ephesus.
Let’s lay hold of the Keys of Ephesus so we can bring blessing to SF.

Three Questions Presented by the Work of God in Ephesus. Acts 19

Do you want religion or do you want a relationship? Acts 19:1-7
The baptism of John was great but nothing compared to the Spirit.
We have the presence of the Spirit to change us and guide us.
Our highest priority is to pursue God’s Power and Presence.

Do you want to GO to Church or do you want to BE the Church? Vs.8-10
Many reduce church to a set of obligations or consumer goals.
Paul led the true disciples out to call forth their destinies in Christ.
Our second priority is to mentor people into their ministries.

Do you want a TRUCE or do you want TRANSFORMATION? Vs.9-12
Paul turned church into a Training Center for Transformation.
As a result, everyone in their region heard the Gospel of Jesus.
We are called to bring Transformation through Kingdom Initiatives.

How to Discover and Embrace the Keys of Ephesus.

Gratefulness: We rejoice for who we are in Christ
We feed ourselves on what God is doing in and through us.
We feed on the tree of life, not the knowledge of good and evil.

Faithfulness: We align ourselves with who Christ is in us
Becoming doers, not hearers only. Taking risks, Doing the stuff.
Pray and obey. God has filled us so he can use us for His glory.

Fruitfulness: We align ourselves with the Mission of Christ in the world.
Acts 10:38 – Jesus went about doing good and healing all..
May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.

New Year - New Beginnings

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Illustrating the Importance of New Beginnings: The Restoration of Israel.
In Ezra 3, the first priority of restoration was rebuilding the ALTAR of God.
The next priority was the rebuilding of the HOUSE of God.
Finally, in Nehemiah, the priority shifts to rebuilding the CITY of God.

God is refocusing us: There are three points of focus that God is brining.

Focus on the pursuit of His presence and power. 2 Cor. 3.: 16-18, Acts 1:8
We are seeking to move into a deeper experience of His Presence in worship
we are seeking to move into a deeper expression of His Purpose in Intercession.
We are seeking to move into a deeper expression of His Power in Ministry