Lighthouse Church Durban

We are called to partner with God as salt and light in our communities. God speaks to people through us. Sometimes we make excuses like: -They're the enemy - I'm not speaking to them! -They don't deserve forgiveness and restoration! -It's too risky / dangerous / costly! Today let's hear Jesus' call and be salt and light to our communities. Ezekiel 33:1-7, Matthew 5:13-16, Isaiah 62:6, Isaiah 59:16, Ephesians 6:18, Jonah 4:2, Jonah 3:7-8

Perhaps the most powerful presentation of God's amazing grace and forgiveness is the crucifixion of Jesus. There Jesus cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And he promised paradise to the criminal whoput his faith in him as he was being crucified with him. God offers us a perfect forgiveness that is complete and permanent. He also demands of us that we forgive others as he has forgiven us. Rather than repaying evil with evil, we are to overcome evil with good. Forgiveness is not only very good for us; it may result in the salvation of those we forgive! Luke 23:32-34, Psalm 103:12, Matthew 6:9-12, Luke 17:3-5, Romans 12:17-21, Ephesians 4:26-27, Acts 7:54-8:1, Ephesians 4:30-32

As the people of God, we have been "called up" to active duty. This calling applies to all of us always and everywhere. It is not reserved for Sundays! Jesus did a complete work of atonement for us, but the mission of seeking and saving the lost is NOT yet finished. He is completing it through us. Many Christians have a "church" mindset and are useful on Sundays; we need to rather have a KINGDOM mindset that makes us useful EVERY DAY. Jesus sows us, like seeds, into the field of the world and wants us to be planted, grow and produce fruit. Some of us don't want to lay down our lives, or go out to reach others, but when we say "yes" to Jesus, his kingdom advances! Revelation 5:10, Proverbs 19:18, Acts 1:1-2, Matthew 13:37-38, John 12:24, Acts 4:4, Acts 11:24-26

At Easter, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. And we celebrate the brand-new life that he offers to those who believe and entrust their lives to him. As we look around us, we can see people and communities who seem broken beyond repair. WE may even feel broken beyond repair. Jesus does not offer a self-help or makeover program. He offers us a brand-new life - if we will surrender it to him. A spectacular example of human transformation is the life of the apostle Paul. A spectacular example of national transformation is the Roman Empire. Jesus CAN fix us! Psalm 14:2-3, Ephesians 2:1-9, John 3:1-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17

The apostle Peter listed seven traits that will enable followers of Jesus to live effective and productive lives: - Virtue - Knowledge - Self-control - Perseverance - Godliness - Brotherly kindness - Love He lists them as a journey from a barren life to a life of love and fruitfulness. We would do well to journey through these steps! 2 Peter 1:5-13, Ephesians 2:10, James 1:22, Matthew 22:37-40

In the beginning, God commanded mankind to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth - but they preferred to stay together and build their own city. Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations - but we may prefer to stay together in our buildings. Our meeting venues are intended to be places where we are equipped to do what Jesus commands - let's not get stuck in the building! Genesis 1:28, Genesis 9:1,7, Genesis 11:1-5, Matthew 16:17-18, Ephesians 4:11-13, 16, Matthew 28:18-20

The Bible teaches us that every disciple is on a journey of transformation, becoming more and more like Jesus. Yet we can get "stuck" on our journey - for many reasons. Here are three reasons - and things that we can do to "get unstuck": - If you're being passive, develop your spiritual disciplines and ask God what you must do. - If you're gripped by the past, let God's word define you, stop replaying memories and let the past go. - If you're stuck in self-focus, trust God to take care of your needs and seek his Kingdom and righteousness instead. 2 Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 5:11-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 3:12-14, Mark 4:18-19, Matthew 6:25-33

The exodus journey of Israel teaches many lessons of life and faith: - God hears and answers - but in HIS perfect timing - In "impossible" situations, choose faith over fear - God is theWay-Maker! - God can meet your needs in the toughest times - remember all he has done in the past! - God's commands are not just rules - they draw us close in relationship with him - Rebellion against God leads to delay and detours. - God's plans are bigger than one person (like you & I) Exodus 13:17-18, 3:7-8, 12:40-41, 14:21-22, 15:23-25, 19:16-20, Numbers 13:31-33, Deuteronomy 34:1-4

Jesus often rebuked religious leaders for hypocrisy - their visible and invisible lives were very different. Like them, we also have a "visible you" and an "invisible you". If the "visible you" grows faster than the "invisible you", trouble is surely coming! Jesus taught us to lay foundations that no-one sees - like secret giving, prayer and fasting - and putting his words into practice in daily life. When we build strong foundations, we position ourselves to withstand the storms of life - and to minister effectively to others. Matthew 23:1-7 & 23-28, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Matthew 6:2-6 & 16-18, Matthew 7:24-27

Israel had to leave Egyptian culture behind in order to embrace God's culture - and they had to come under God's rule. Having left Egypt, God took them on a journey that both challenged them and infused courage and hope in them. There, God revealed himself: his love, his power and his holiness. The journey shows that: - God is patient with us, even when we are slow learners! - We need to learn to focus on God's strength rather than our weaknesses. - The church needs to believe in God's redeeming power in order to help the world believe Exodus 3:1-18, Exodus 2:11-15, Exodus 4:1-31

The young nation of Israel was ruled by God - but then they rejected God as their King. They wanted to live their way. We should be careful not to make the same mistake! Wise men recognised the new-born Jesus as a King who should be worshipped. Jesus declared, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near" and later "I have been given all authority". And our statement of faith "Jesus is Lord" means "Jesus has supreme authority"- he is King over all! God rescues those who believe in Jesus from the kingdom of darkness - and brings us into the kingdom of Jesus. So, as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must submit to the rule of our King - Jesus. 1 Samuel 8:1-8, Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21, Colossians 1:13-14

We may sometimes try to "help" or "advise" God regarding what should happen in our lives. We pursue OUR will and ask him to bless OUR plans. We then get frustrated when God works out HIS will instead of ours. The wiser (Biblical) way is to Sometimes God's will may offend us or even frighten us; we need to trust that he sees and understands what we can't. His plans are perfect! James 4:13-15, Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Jonah 1:1-3, Esther 4:7-16, Acts 17:24-28, Psalm 68:5-6, Romans 12:1-2, Proverbs 19:21

In the Bible, fire speaks of many things, including God's presence, approval and power. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost looked like fire. We can carry the "fire of God" wherever we go. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can be led by God and empowered by God. Only God can light the fire, but we need to fan the flames, seeking God's presence, purpose and power! When we die to self, we are good firewood for God to ignite! We don't need a lot of faith, but we need to put our little faith to work. Let's learn to work with God by stepping out in faith! 1 Kings 18:30-38, 2 Kings 6:17, Acts 2:17-19, Acts 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:6, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Acts 2:2

Many people set goals at the beginning of the year. This is a helpful exercise, but we need to ask: "Is this goal ultimately worthwhile?" When we ask this question, we may realise that we need to reconsider our goals. Here is a goal that is eternally worthwhile: TO KNOW JESUS AND BECOME LIKE HIM And here are some things that will help us get there: -Get to know Jesus by being in his presence in prayer and in worship. -Get to know Jesus by learning his words and ways from the Bible. -Put Jesus' words into practice in obedient faith. -Submit to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. -Persist in these things! John 18:38-40, Mark 10:35-45, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Philippians 3:7-11, 2 Corinthians 3:18

Technology and social advances can bring greater convenience into many aspects of our lives. These advances can make us more effective as disciples of Christ, butthey can also make us less effective, even lazy and selfish. Jesus calls us to lay down our lives and follow him - because following Jesus can be very inconvenient at times. Choosing the convenient way can lead us away from God's will and towards sin. Let's choose commitment over convenience! Ephesians 6:11, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Luke 9:23-24, 2 Samuel 11:1-17

God's love is truly awesome! Because it's part of who he is, it's a perfect love. God's love makes him approachable - we can come to him confidently, assured of his great love for us. God's love makes him a redeemer - he gladly paid the price to redeem us - Jesus' blood. God's love gives us security - if he is for us, who can stand against us? God's love is poured into our hearts - we can experience true love personally! And because Gods love is poured into our hearts, we can truly love one another - and love the lost. Ephesians 1:4-5, Exodus 34:6, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 5:7, Hebrews 10:19-22, Exodus 15:13, John 3:16, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 4:16, Romans 8:31-32, Psalms 62:2, Romans 5:5, 1 John 4:7-8, John 13:34, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

In Jeremiah, two types of people are contrasted. Those who trust in themselves and in other people are like shrubs in the desert. Those who trust in God are like well-watered trees. Here are some ways to live like a tree and not a shrub: - Recognise your True Hope - Avoid forsaking God - Live with enduring hope - Stay connected to the Source - Embrace Jesus as the Source of Living Water Let's live like well-watered trees, not desert shrubs! Jeremiah 17:5-13, Psalm 1, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Timothy 3:16 -17, John 7:38

Humble submission is the opposite attitude to pride, independence and arrogance. Pride can be hard to spot; it takes humility to recognise our pride! Sometimes our pride is the obstacle that keeps us from moving forward. We want to see the situation change, but God wants to see US change! Humility is something we develop with practice: -putting others first, instead of chasing our own gains -recognising where others are better than us, instead of boasting about ourselves -serving others, instead of ourselves. Humility even brings freedom from anxieties: as we humble ourselves, confessing our weakness and fears and seeking God's strength. 1 Peter 5:5-7, Philippians 2:3, Mark 9:35, Psalm 25:9, Proverbs 16:18, Psalm 13:1-6

Jesus was born a baby; but before that, he was the Word, the agent of creation, life and light. The Word became human - and made his home among us. This shows us just how much we matter to God! Jesus left his heavenly glory behind for us, he laid down his life for us, dying for our sin, and he rose from the dead, defeating sin & death for us! How will you respond to this greatest love of all? 2 Corinthians 5:16, Acts 9:1-9, Revelation 1:9-17, John 1:1-5, 10-14, John 3:16-17, Luke 2:10-14, Philippians 2:6-11

When we are aware of the devil's schemes, we can defend ourselves against them. We are privileged have a record of how the devil tried to keep Jesus from his mission - and of how Jesus defeated those attacks: Scheme 1: "The end justifies the means." Defence: Always do what is right - just as Jesus did. Scheme 2: "Just do it - God will rescue you." Defence: Act prudently, not recklessly. Scheme 3: Make a false doctrine from one Bible verse. Defence: Seek the whole counsel of God. Scheme 4: Encourage selfish desires. Defence: Learn to be content. Matthew 4:1-10, Romans 12:17, 1 John 3:7-8, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 3:21, Acts 20:27, Philippians 4:12-13