Every Nation Brisbane

Strengthen The Net

Pastor Neli compares the church to a net that is strengthened. There are similarities to the strands and joining of a fisherman's net to that of the people that make up the body of Christ and the relationship we hold with each other. The greatest nets in the spirit has an eternal focus so how much of our time is spent on eternal things?

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal"

- 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Past Forward

In today's message, Norman Asaua refers to the book of Philippians when comparing our actions in the past to that of the future.  It is the remembrance of the past that prevents you from moving forward so let us not reflect on the past, but press on and move forward to what lies ahead of us, Christ Jesus.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Spot The Star

The children and youth of Every Nation Brisbane perform their Christmas production based on Max Lucado's "I am Special" called Spot The Star.  Continuing on with Pastor Neli who speaks of the three wise men who spotted the star in the west which lead them to the birth of Jesus Christ.  

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace

- 2 Peter 3:14 (ESV)

Multiplying the Harvest by Multiplying Disciples

Join us as Michael Paderes (Every Nation World Missions Executive Director) delivers an update on the great movements Every Nation is making globally.  Continue with Jun Escosar (Every Nation Asia Director for Missions) as a powerful and passionate message is told.  To multiply disciples by first looking at Jesus' role and then our own.  The great legacies are the lives you touch with God.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved

- Acts 2:47 (NIV)

The Greatest Gift Of All

Pastor Neli walks through Isaiah 9:6 and shows us the importance of the greatest gift we have and every will receive - Jesus Christ.  He is the one that empowers us to our destiny so we lack nothing.  The all-mighty God, wonderful counsellor, everlasting father and Prince of peace.  We have everything we need in Jesus Christ.  Are you thankful for this gift that has been given to you?

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Pastor Neli uses the Book of Jude to highlight the importance of staying out of the lake (with reference to the lake of fire and sulphur - hell).  There will be many times we will go the extra mile for our loved ones. Jesus had jumped in the lake for us so we could be saved so why shouldn't we do the same for the lost? Let us not stand back and pass judgement.  Let us instead look out for the signs and respond with love and mercy.

Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

- Jude 1:23 (ESV)

Mission Possible

Pastor Neli breaks down Exodus 3 so we are able to better understand and compare our own calling to that of Moses.  Before we go to the mission field we need to allow ourselves to be the mission field. You will be attracted to your calling.  You will be astonished and you will accept God's plan for you because you will be assured. It's ok to be nervous but don't be scared.  When you're nervous it causes you to rely on God.  When you are scared it cripples you from doing anything at all.  

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you...

- Exodus 3:11-12 (ESV)

Strength is for Service, not Status

Pastor Neli dissects Romans 15 to outline the plan God has for our strengths.  The strengths are the gifts we have to serve other people not to prop us up on a platform.  God wants to utilize our gifts, but we must step out and serve.  God wants us to have the strength to tear the roof off for others, to celebrate other's success, and to make others welcome.

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

- Romans 15:5-7 (ESV)

Pray and Go

Guest speaker Pastor Jonathan Mok brings us together to discuss our purpose.  To pray and Go.  We have been called now.  Now is time to react to God's calling.  It's going to take sacrifice but when we begin to move in our gift, we begin to bless others. Not only should we be present in God but be available for Him too.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

- Ephesians 4:2-6 (NIV)

Helping Others

In this week's service we had the opportunity to share in the story of Norm and Easter and the lives which had been impacted on the mission trip to the Philippines.  The lives of the children and students of Real Life as well as those travelling there.  God may not be calling you overseas but He is calling for a change in you.  Lets be shocked back to a life with passion and purpose.  Get back to basics and love God for who He is.  Humble ourselves to the calling God has for us.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

- 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)