For years it has been reported that Christians divorce as much as non-Christians. Apparently the data this was based on has been re-examined and it was discovered that some major flaws in the research led to this conclusion. The major flaw was people calling themselves Christian but not being church attenders. A recent report on new research states ...
"In collecting data, Wilcox and Johnson examined the religious practices of people who called themselves Christians -- something previous studies had not always done. In particular, they checked rates of church attendance. Their findings were striking. Although church attendance is down, those who do attend, especially weekly, are less likely to divorce. Instead they are more likely to report that their marriages are happy. And regular church attenders reported being happier in general than those who did not attend regularly."
(see http://www.pfm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=BreakPoint1&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=17878)
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Thursday, January 19, 2006
the greatest preacher since Paul?
It is better to have self-control than to conquer a city (Proverbs 16:32, NLT).
Dear friends: Some years ago, a young man emerged as a powerful evangelistic preacher. He was handsome, intelligent, and so exceptional that he was even courted by Hollywood. After one eloquent sermon, he was described by the press as "the greatest preacher since the apostle Paul." Ten years later, however, the young man was found dying of cirrhosis of the liver, too weak to continue supporting himself as he had been by selling trucks at a local dealership. Sadly, alcohol and financial irresponsibility were blamed for taking his life just days later. Clifford lacked one essential quality necessary for sustained leadership: self-control. And it is the lack of self-control that frequently renders a disciple of Christ spiritually impotent and fruitless. I once counseled and prayed with a husband and wife who were struggling with a problem of self-control in the area of overeating. Because of their overweight, they had lost self-confidence and were plagued with guilt. As a result, their witness for Christ was greatly hindered. Then one day, while reading the Scriptures, they realized that their bodies were the temple of the Holy Spirit and that they were actually dishonoring the Lord by their lack of self-control. In a spirit of brokenness, they prayed, "O, God, please help us. We have tried and failed again and again. Now you must help us. We invite you to control our appetites. Help us to be more careful in choosing the kind and quantity of food we eat." In answer to their prayers of faith, God enabled them to discipline themselves. In time they slimmed down. Their self-confidence returned, and they again became bold witnesses for our Lord. After counseling with thousands of people through the years, I am convinced that an undisciplined Christian cannot be an effective witness for Christ. Do you lack self-control in some area of your life? You may not have a problem with alcohol or overeating, but you may be struggling with a critical spirit, with lustful thoughts, addiction to pornography, a feeling of defeat, an uncontrollable temper, or something else. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Ask for His help. Believe Him for the answer that you know is His will, according to 1 John 5:14-15: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him" (NIV). God says, "It is better to have self-control than to control an army" (Proverbs 15:32, TLB). Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission each year until our Lord returns, Bill Bright
Dear friends: Some years ago, a young man emerged as a powerful evangelistic preacher. He was handsome, intelligent, and so exceptional that he was even courted by Hollywood. After one eloquent sermon, he was described by the press as "the greatest preacher since the apostle Paul." Ten years later, however, the young man was found dying of cirrhosis of the liver, too weak to continue supporting himself as he had been by selling trucks at a local dealership. Sadly, alcohol and financial irresponsibility were blamed for taking his life just days later. Clifford lacked one essential quality necessary for sustained leadership: self-control. And it is the lack of self-control that frequently renders a disciple of Christ spiritually impotent and fruitless. I once counseled and prayed with a husband and wife who were struggling with a problem of self-control in the area of overeating. Because of their overweight, they had lost self-confidence and were plagued with guilt. As a result, their witness for Christ was greatly hindered. Then one day, while reading the Scriptures, they realized that their bodies were the temple of the Holy Spirit and that they were actually dishonoring the Lord by their lack of self-control. In a spirit of brokenness, they prayed, "O, God, please help us. We have tried and failed again and again. Now you must help us. We invite you to control our appetites. Help us to be more careful in choosing the kind and quantity of food we eat." In answer to their prayers of faith, God enabled them to discipline themselves. In time they slimmed down. Their self-confidence returned, and they again became bold witnesses for our Lord. After counseling with thousands of people through the years, I am convinced that an undisciplined Christian cannot be an effective witness for Christ. Do you lack self-control in some area of your life? You may not have a problem with alcohol or overeating, but you may be struggling with a critical spirit, with lustful thoughts, addiction to pornography, a feeling of defeat, an uncontrollable temper, or something else. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Ask for His help. Believe Him for the answer that you know is His will, according to 1 John 5:14-15: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him" (NIV). God says, "It is better to have self-control than to control an army" (Proverbs 15:32, TLB). Yours for helping to fulfill the Great Commission each year until our Lord returns, Bill Bright
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
what workers want
A Public Agenda Foundation study, coauthored by Daniel Yankelovich, came up with these top ten qualities that today's workers want in a job:
1. Work with people who treat me with respect2. Interesting work3. Recognition for good work4. Chance to develop skills5. Work for people who listen if you have ideas about how to do things better6. A chance to think for myself7. Seeing the end results of my work8. Working for efficient managers9. A job that is not too easy10. Feeling well-informed about what is going on
Ponder that list. Notice what isn't included in the top ten: job security, benefits, vacation time, and high salary. Yet most companies still operate as though they are the big four -- the only ways to motivate and keep their employees. (Dallas Seminary Daily Devotional, 6-23-05)
1. Work with people who treat me with respect2. Interesting work3. Recognition for good work4. Chance to develop skills5. Work for people who listen if you have ideas about how to do things better6. A chance to think for myself7. Seeing the end results of my work8. Working for efficient managers9. A job that is not too easy10. Feeling well-informed about what is going on
Ponder that list. Notice what isn't included in the top ten: job security, benefits, vacation time, and high salary. Yet most companies still operate as though they are the big four -- the only ways to motivate and keep their employees. (Dallas Seminary Daily Devotional, 6-23-05)
worship
There's a story about a man who, leaving church one Sunday, complained about the music. "I didn't like the hymns you chose today," he said. The pastor simply replied, "That's okay; we weren't singing them for you."
The pastor may have been too blunt, but he made a good point. In our consumer-oriented world, we sometimes think church services are just for us. But we aren't spectators attending a show; we're participants in the greatest and most uplifting enterprise in the universe -- worshiping God.
Though we are blessed in doing it, our worship is not for ourselves -- it is for Him. We are praising God for His power, His glory, His majesty, His wisdom, His holiness, His goodness, and His grace.
The late William Temple, archbishop of Canterbury, put it well in his oft-quoted definition of worship: "To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, and to devote the will to the purpose of God." (Turning Point Daily Devotional, 8-12-05)
The pastor may have been too blunt, but he made a good point. In our consumer-oriented world, we sometimes think church services are just for us. But we aren't spectators attending a show; we're participants in the greatest and most uplifting enterprise in the universe -- worshiping God.
Though we are blessed in doing it, our worship is not for ourselves -- it is for Him. We are praising God for His power, His glory, His majesty, His wisdom, His holiness, His goodness, and His grace.
The late William Temple, archbishop of Canterbury, put it well in his oft-quoted definition of worship: "To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, and to devote the will to the purpose of God." (Turning Point Daily Devotional, 8-12-05)
On the Road to Glory: Disney Retells a Texas Legend
Back in 1966, when the Texas Western University basketball team started winning, Don Haskins would be accused of intentionally seeking out black players. But the coach wasn't looking for color; he was looking for talent - raw talent that could be shaped into a winning basketball team. Read the full article here
Monday, January 16, 2006
for workers in the city
Looking for some Christian input during your working week. Check out http://www.citybibleforum.org/
Venues are Sydney CBD North (near Wynyard station), Sydney CBD Phillip St (near Martin Place station), Sydney CBD South (near Town Hall station), Chatswood, North Sydney BD (near North Sydney station), Pyrmont BD, Perth BD (Central Park Theatrette)
Venues are Sydney CBD North (near Wynyard station), Sydney CBD Phillip St (near Martin Place station), Sydney CBD South (near Town Hall station), Chatswood, North Sydney BD (near North Sydney station), Pyrmont BD, Perth BD (Central Park Theatrette)
Sunday, January 15, 2006
memories
I like this advice from a recent John Maxwell email:
2. Take pictures. Don't be in such a rush through life that you fail to create memories along the way. Make time for fun. And then stop every now and then to remember those fun times.
2. Take pictures. Don't be in such a rush through life that you fail to create memories along the way. Make time for fun. And then stop every now and then to remember those fun times.
on the edge ministry
How on the edge can you get, going to a porn convention and ministering to the girls caught up in the porn industry. Following is a blog entry from xxxchurch.com, please pray for their amazing ministry.
- If I had to choose one word to describe this convention… it would be devastating. It’s devastating how so many people at this show are so shocked to hear of God’s love, it’s devastating the way the men here touch and objectify these girls by asking them things like, “Can I pinch your?” It’s devastating how gorgeous these girls are and they don’t realize how precious they are, and that they are daughters of the King. But it makes it all worth being here when we get to see the reactions of the girls when we tell them we are praying for them and that Jesus loves them. They are so excited about the message we are telling because I think it gives them a little bit of hope in a world that seems hopeless where guys only want them for their bodies and the sexual pleasures they provide. On the back of the cards we put the verse, “The King is enthralled by your beauty…” Psalm 45:11 and my hope is that the verse touched the girls’ hearts and brought them a sense of amazing worth. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to God for what He has done for me, for His incredible love, and that I am able to enjoy this love everyday!!! ~Laci
- If I had to choose one word to describe this convention… it would be devastating. It’s devastating how so many people at this show are so shocked to hear of God’s love, it’s devastating the way the men here touch and objectify these girls by asking them things like, “Can I pinch your?” It’s devastating how gorgeous these girls are and they don’t realize how precious they are, and that they are daughters of the King. But it makes it all worth being here when we get to see the reactions of the girls when we tell them we are praying for them and that Jesus loves them. They are so excited about the message we are telling because I think it gives them a little bit of hope in a world that seems hopeless where guys only want them for their bodies and the sexual pleasures they provide. On the back of the cards we put the verse, “The King is enthralled by your beauty…” Psalm 45:11 and my hope is that the verse touched the girls’ hearts and brought them a sense of amazing worth. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to God for what He has done for me, for His incredible love, and that I am able to enjoy this love everyday!!! ~Laci
porn
One of the greatest problems for men in the modern age is the availability of free porn. If you would like to support a brilliant ministry then why not consider some fasting for xxxchurch. Check out the link at http://pure.typepad.com/x3pure/2006/01/anyone_up_for_a.html
worship resources
Looking for inspiration for leading worship. Sign up to http://www.worshipideas.com/signup.htm and get a weekly ideas.
from pastor pete (15 january 2006)
From Pastor Peter
If you had the freedom to do anything you wanted what would you do and where? This is the kind of question I regularly ask others and so I thought I’d share with you how I would answer that question myself.
I can say with all honesty that I cannot imagine anywhere or any job that I’d rather be doing that Pastor of Church in the Market Place and here’s why.
The number one reason is that I believe God wants me at CMP. I’ve been utterly convinced for the last few years, before I was even appointed as Pastor that God wanted me here and I’ve got to say it feels good to be where God wants me.
The second reason is that God is really starting to bless the work we are doing here. One indication of that is what has been happening in the Morning Worship Service. In the last year we’ve gone from an average of around 70 to around 105. To me this indicates that we are creating an environment that is helping people know and grow in God. In addition it’s been really exciting to see people moving forward in their relationship with God by getting baptised, taking on a ministry task or joining a small group.
The third reason is that I’m really excited about the vision that God has been planting in my heart and in the heart of the church leaders. There are three aspects to this vision. The first is the ‘connect@cmp’ aspect. This is a slogan that summarises what I believe is the essence of our church mission statement. (See the website at www.cmponline.net for more details.) What we at CMP are about is connecting people with God, connecting people with others who love God, and connecting people with understanding who they are in God.
The second aspect is the goal we’ve set before ourselves, that by 2010 we will be a congregation of 300 disciples who meet in 30 small groups and 3 congregations. This aspect is really about the belief that we need to make room for others. As one well known author has written, ‘if the love of God means anything at all, it means at least this, that there is room for one more person.’
The third aspect is the biblical description of the early church found in Acts 2:42-47. I believe that God is calling CMP to become a church that could be described like the early church was described.
So what
Being and becoming the church that God wants us to be means that each of us need to make the decision to become servants of God and give at least some of our time and resources towards this end. That means we might need to become a Youth Leader, a Newcomer Greeter, a Prayer Warrior, help out on the Sound Desk, set up chairs and tables, start a new ministry, join a small group, become a Small Group Leader, join the Worship Team as a singer or playing a musical instrument, or any one of a number of other things.
Achieving God’s vision for CMP will not happen is we sit on the sidelines, it will not happen if we grumble or complain, it will not happen if we never get involved. Achieving God’s vision for CMP will only happen as we individually and corporately get involved in doing what God is calling us to do.
Bless ya from Pastor Pete
If you had the freedom to do anything you wanted what would you do and where? This is the kind of question I regularly ask others and so I thought I’d share with you how I would answer that question myself.
I can say with all honesty that I cannot imagine anywhere or any job that I’d rather be doing that Pastor of Church in the Market Place and here’s why.
The number one reason is that I believe God wants me at CMP. I’ve been utterly convinced for the last few years, before I was even appointed as Pastor that God wanted me here and I’ve got to say it feels good to be where God wants me.
The second reason is that God is really starting to bless the work we are doing here. One indication of that is what has been happening in the Morning Worship Service. In the last year we’ve gone from an average of around 70 to around 105. To me this indicates that we are creating an environment that is helping people know and grow in God. In addition it’s been really exciting to see people moving forward in their relationship with God by getting baptised, taking on a ministry task or joining a small group.
The third reason is that I’m really excited about the vision that God has been planting in my heart and in the heart of the church leaders. There are three aspects to this vision. The first is the ‘connect@cmp’ aspect. This is a slogan that summarises what I believe is the essence of our church mission statement. (See the website at www.cmponline.net for more details.) What we at CMP are about is connecting people with God, connecting people with others who love God, and connecting people with understanding who they are in God.
The second aspect is the goal we’ve set before ourselves, that by 2010 we will be a congregation of 300 disciples who meet in 30 small groups and 3 congregations. This aspect is really about the belief that we need to make room for others. As one well known author has written, ‘if the love of God means anything at all, it means at least this, that there is room for one more person.’
The third aspect is the biblical description of the early church found in Acts 2:42-47. I believe that God is calling CMP to become a church that could be described like the early church was described.
So what
Being and becoming the church that God wants us to be means that each of us need to make the decision to become servants of God and give at least some of our time and resources towards this end. That means we might need to become a Youth Leader, a Newcomer Greeter, a Prayer Warrior, help out on the Sound Desk, set up chairs and tables, start a new ministry, join a small group, become a Small Group Leader, join the Worship Team as a singer or playing a musical instrument, or any one of a number of other things.
Achieving God’s vision for CMP will not happen is we sit on the sidelines, it will not happen if we grumble or complain, it will not happen if we never get involved. Achieving God’s vision for CMP will only happen as we individually and corporately get involved in doing what God is calling us to do.
Bless ya from Pastor Pete
Monday, January 09, 2006
some interesting slide shows
Some interesting slide shows at http://www.heartlight.org/prayerforthenation/acalltoprayer.html
more free ebooks and pdf books
More free ebooks and pdf books at http://www.jesus.org.uk/vault/library_ebooks_index.shtml
a beautiful and thought provoking desktop background
Here is a a beautiful and thought provoking desktop background at http://www.heartlight.org/gallery/1869.html
christian growth resources
Looking for Christian Growth or Graphics then check out http://www.heartlight.org/
in my view (15 Jan 2006)
IN MY VIEW by Pastor Pete
In my view here are some of the most important components to growing into a mature follower of Jesus:
(1) A personal devotional time with God. This is time set aside to listen to and talk with God by reading the bible, praying and listening. If you don't do this then I challenge you to make a commitment to every day pick up your bible and spend at least a couple of minutes in the presence of God. (Five minutes every day is a good beginning which you can then build on.)
(2) To weekly be part of a worshipping community. This is time set aside to worship God in community and to hear the bible taught as well as a good opportunity to build relationships with others committed to being disciples of Jesus.
(3) To weekly meet with 3-10 others in a small group where you can really grapple with how to live as a disciple of Jesus.
My personal experience has been that (2) is the easiest, (1) the hardiest and (3) the most helpful and challenging, but until I had all three happening I didn't really move forward.
I encourage you this week to take a step forward and put in place these three important components.
May God bless you this week.
In my view here are some of the most important components to growing into a mature follower of Jesus:
(1) A personal devotional time with God. This is time set aside to listen to and talk with God by reading the bible, praying and listening. If you don't do this then I challenge you to make a commitment to every day pick up your bible and spend at least a couple of minutes in the presence of God. (Five minutes every day is a good beginning which you can then build on.)
(2) To weekly be part of a worshipping community. This is time set aside to worship God in community and to hear the bible taught as well as a good opportunity to build relationships with others committed to being disciples of Jesus.
(3) To weekly meet with 3-10 others in a small group where you can really grapple with how to live as a disciple of Jesus.
My personal experience has been that (2) is the easiest, (1) the hardiest and (3) the most helpful and challenging, but until I had all three happening I didn't really move forward.
I encourage you this week to take a step forward and put in place these three important components.
May God bless you this week.
from AW Tozer
"For centuries the Church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was—a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability. For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she has become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers. So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate "producers" peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it."
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