august magazine

AUGUST 2011 | Northbrook New Community Church | www.nncchurch.com

MAGAZINEMAGAZINE

Have you lost your identityand are you being all thatyou were created to be?

The Call Of The Heart

Community

Why We Need EachOther

Is this too controversial? -hope not, as we’re not try-ing to make any politicalpoint … but was it during

the Thatcher years we heardthe phrase “Community!What Community?!” It’s

about ME! not US!!”

WELCOME

Why We Need Each Other

Is this too controversial? - hope not, as we’re not trying to make any political point … but was it during theThatcher years we heard the phrase “Community! What Community?!” It’s about ME! not US!!”Well anyway, what we see today is considerable independence. The world tells us that if we’re financially inde-pendent, have our own place, run our own lives (I’ll do it my way) … then we’ll be happy - but we won’t!It’s not independence that brings happiness, it’s inter-dependence! We need each other. Romans 12

Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other and each of us needs all the others.

How about turning to the person next to you and saying: “You need me!” That’s good, now say: “I need you!”

We cannot effectively fulfil any of God’s five purposes (Worship; Fellowship; Discipleship; Service; Evange-lism) on our own! We can only do that together! Allow us to share four reasons why we need each other.

I need others to WALK with meColossians 2:6-7 Just as you receive Christ Jesus as Lord … so walk in Him. The Bible tells us: walk in thelight; walk in love, walk obediently - but not to walk alone!Now if you’re single this is not saying get married – marriage is not the answer, Christian community (thechurch) is the answer! Why? because:

community At NorthbrookNew Community

Church

Our Vision for Our Community Our Vision for Our MembersTo help build a caring, sharing community To have the life of Christ in abundance

To show God’s love to all To be set free in ChristTo help and support those in need To be part of a loving Christian family

To befriend the lonely To grow your faith in GodTo help strengthen families To find and use your gifts

To support people of all ages To equip you to share your faithTo help lost people find Christ To lead fulfilled and fruitful lives

www.nncchurch.com Summer 2011 Call of the Heart

GIVE


I need others to WAIT and WEEP with meThere’ll be hard times! the Christian is not immune topain. If you’re like us you’ll need other people in suchtimes. As leaders we so want to be there for you in allyour troubles – but there’s only two of us, and only 24hours in the day … so we need community!God’s safety-net for you is a group of believers who arecommitted to you.1st Peter You should be like one family, full of sympa-thy towards each other.Often you can’t fix people’s problems, but you can bethere in them … to listen, comfort, to weep with them. 1Thess 5 Encourage one another and strengthen oneanother.Community is God’s answer to DESPAIR

So there we are, WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER...we all need each other.We need each other to walk with, to work with, towatch-out for, and to wait and weep with. We wantyou to say with us: I really need my church family.

This is your declaration of inter-dependence – wasn’ttoo hard was it!

With our loveSteve & Karen

GIVE

it’s smarter – Prov 26 Only fools trust that what theyalone think is right. If you’re walking alone – you maybe walking in the wrong direction!it’s safer – would you volunteer to walk through dangeralone!!it’s supportive – have you ever seen geese flying in av-formation, it creates a helpful updraft (it’s supportive)… old saying: “When you run alone you can run fast –but when you run together you run far!” And our Chris-tian journey is not a sprint, but a marathon!In all this see also that Community is God’s answer toLONELINESS

I need people to WORK with meEphesians 2:10 God made us to do good works, whichhe planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.But do you ever get tired?! Well the reason probablyis you’re trying to do it all and you’re trying to do it allby yourself!Eccl 4 Two people are better than one - they get moredone by working together.A single snowflake makes little impact – but togetherthey can stop traffic!So understand this, Community is God’s answer toFATIGUE

I need others to WATCH OUT for me

I need people who will defend me, protect me, warn me,keep me on trackPhil 2:4 Look out for one another’s interests, not justyour own.You’ve seen “Neighbourhood Watch” signs – they meanin your community someone’s looking-out for your stuff– but who’s looking-out for your soul?!You know, just as we want friends to tell me my fly’sunzipped (Steve!), so we want to be in a communitywhere people tell us we’re wandering off a true spiritualpath.The devil – though defeated by Christ – remains a dan-gerous enemy to us. In Ephesians 6 we see the full ar-mour of God, but we also need others to guard ourbacks!

Hidden Rain

www.ktcoth.com

Verse for The Day

WHAT'S ON ATNORTHBROOK

Sunday Celebration

Reality Groups

PRAYER ENGINE

Reality Cafe

we will now start our morning sessionat 11am and Close with a fellowship

lunch from about 1-2pm

Thursday -

reality groups meet in homes 7pm

Sat 6th & Sat 20th 9.30 - 10.30am

at Edd and Di’s - 12 Melville Way.

Everyone welcometo this special time of prayer for the Church

and our local community.

Tuesday-

12.30 - 3pm,at the Northbrook Barn


Many times in my life I have heard this saying, I wonder where it originated. It seems to ask a questionof each one of us. Do we really know who we are or do we as we get older see bits and pieces of our trueidentity? Are we governed by the way that we are brought up or influenced by others characteristics.

I believe that each of us needs to look at this question and ask ourselves are we who we were meant to beor are not living to the full the life we now live. This saying is said of someone who acts out of characterto his or her normal way of life. But what if there are glimpses of possibilities in these acts. What if thetrue identity peeks through and we see glimpses of unfulfilled dreams? How many of us are living withdreams that have never been realised. This piece is here to look at things from four perspectives. Weviewed through the lens of the world, the church, self and from the main perspective God's. You see ifwe look at each part we will see how we have moved from what we were supposed to be to what we havebecome. And I believe that we are all not living to our full potential. Or as God the creator wants us tolive. Let's take a trip, working from the outside and steadily moving towards God's viewpoint.

What Are You Like?


THE WORLD

We enter the world as newborn babies. We have nocontrol at the time; we are dependent on our parents orthose that are tied to our new families. People, who havealready been branded by others, boxed into boxes ofclass and culture. Already living what society tells themis acceptable. Telling them how they should live. But isthis right, is this how we are to survive? Already in thecradle we have been labelled by what we wear and bywhat material assets we have. This is no fault of theparents they are caught up in the western world's culture.As we grow and mix with others groups and the politicalinfluences of our society influence us. Questions ofacceptance becomes more important than who we reallyare. We start to act in a particular way to get acceptance.But does that make us free? Does that give usopportunity to express how we feel? Or who we want tobe? In this system we are always going to say at the endof our lives, "I wish I had done this or that"

CHURCH LIFE

So is there is a difference between the world and thechurches view on who you are? I believe there is, thechurch has a love for people, it tries all it can to help theneedy. But there is a problem still in its outlook. In manycases it still sets boundaries of who is acceptable andwho is fit to mix with them. It does not mean to do it,but the church is full of people who have come fromworldly thinking, they may have accepted Jesus, but thatdoes not mean that they have let go of all the worldlyways of doing something. The worldly influencing skillsof the world still govern a lot of our churches. In otherwords they go by what they know or by what you do, orby the way that you act. To put you in a group. They andyou get caught up in a battle that should have neverhappened. Both trapped neither giving in. The fear ofaccepting each other for who we are seems to beunacceptable and uncomfortable, for it may change thesystem that we have set up. The freedom to move ismore important than the system for it is in freedom thatGod brings us into His understanding and newrevelation. His thoughts are not our thoughts.

SELF

The next area of this topic is self. We look at what wehave achieved. Is it good enough will it reach the rightstandard. Will it be accepted? We are continuallylooking to others for companionship. We want to beliked, to be accepted by society; we want to fit in. Butshould we become what others are or should we beindividuals. Would society be more exciting if we wereall the same? I don't think so. Just imagine what thatwould be like. Yet if we kept our individuality and stillmixed, accepting each other's differences. Just imaginethe diversity of a group of people like that. Individualitydoes not mean division it means enrichment, vastopportunity. A life filled with adventure.

GOD'S

God's perspective is different to the above list. Godaccepts you for who you are He loves you withoutconditions. He only wants to be with you. He is foreverholding out His hands to you. He has made you to becreative. The creator wants His creation to be creative.He has sealed in each of us promises that will be fulfilledas long as we stay open and free to His call. In Col 3:10-15 it says;

Each of you is now a new person. You are becomingmore and more like your Creator, and you willunderstand him better. It doesn't matter if you are aGreek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. Youmay even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be aslave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, andhe lives in all of us. God loves you and has chosen youas his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble,meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgiveanyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgivenyou. Love is more important than anything else is. It iswhat ties everything completely together each one of youis part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to livetogether in peace. So let the peace that comes fromChrist control your thoughts. And be grateful.

So each of us is seen through God's eye as a new person.Let God work this new identity into your life. Whetheryou have just become a Christian or not does not matterthe main thing is that we live the new life. That means ifwe are still holding on to the old ways, let the Holy Spiritguide you and comfort you. Let the new life be excitingand rich. That what the Bible means by living INCHRIST.2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;old things have passed away; behold, all things havebecome new.

Acts 17:28

"For in Him we live and move and have our being, asalso some of your own poets have said, 'For we are alsoHis offspring.'

Ephesians 1:4,10

Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of theworld, that we should be holy and without blame beforeHim in love, that in the dispensation of the fullness of thetimes He might gather together in one all things inChrist, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him.

Visit www.nncchurch.comand keep up to date with Northbrook New Community Church


Philippians 3:9; Colossians 2:6,7,9,10And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith inChrist, the righteousness which is from God by faith; As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk inHim, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it withthanksgiving. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the headof all principality and power.

So by looking at these scriptures you can see that there is a real importance about being in Christ and you and Iunderstanding the term used in scripture. It is by understanding this, which we come into the knowledge and revelationof our inheritance that the Lord has left us. We are in Christ;

1. Chosen2. Gathered3. Found4. Walking5. Dwelling6. Complete

What a God we serve.God Bless each one of you as you discover through your studies of the word who you are in His sight.

Amen

Next Available Meeting

“Look and see” SupperOn Wednesday 28 September

Please Invite a friendwww.nncchurch.com Summer 2011 Call of the Heart

Do not Grieve the Holy Spirit

If the Holy Spirit were completely withdrawn from many churches today, 90% ofthe work of the church would carry on as if nothing had happened!

It is so easy for us to imagine we are living in the immediate power of the HolySpirit, especially if our lives are comfortable and going as we would wish.

But the Spirit, like a turtle dove, has a sensitive nature.Unlike a pigeon, a turtledove is difficult to train, seldom quarrels and will not read-ily just settle in any home. The Spirit will follow His own path and, if we are not

prepared to go with Him then He will move on without us.Above all the Holy Spirit will not stay where He is clearly not wanted.

Ways of Offending the Spirit: 1. By not constantly seeking the mind of God

Do you know people - often fiercely proud - who will never ask for guidance orhelp?Do you know people who only speak to you when they want something … theyare seldom interested in what they might be able to do for you!Many of us sometimes - perhaps all too often - treat God like that.This way of relating - or rather nor relating! - to God, offends the Holy Spirit; itdrives Him away; it says “I don’t need You; and/or I don’t want to do things YourWay.”

Proverbs 3:6 Joseph Scriven (1819-96)In all your ways acknowledge Him, O what peace we often forfeitand He will make your paths straight. O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer.

Ways of Offending the Spirit: 2. By going by feelings not God’s truth

Feelings can be so deceptive! And so up and down, like the weather!Yet so many of us trust our feelings, even when the contradict the truth of God’sword … even when our feelings ignore God’s promises to us in the Bible!!By doing this you are effectively telling the Holy Spirit “I know better than God”We may often feel that a course of action seems right (to us), but it may be contra-ry to God’s word. For example: we may feel under such financial pressure that wewill not tithe, but God’s word makes it clear that if we do so we will forfeit Hisblessings (Malachi 3:10); we may feel hurt by what happens to us, but God prom-ises to work “all things together for our good” (Romans 8:28).If your feelings govern your thoughts and actions, then the Holy Spirit is pushedout!

Ways of Offending the Spirit: 3. By not being accountable

How should we use the power of the Holy Spirit - for ourselves, or for God andothers?You are accountable for all the gifts God gives you, including the Holy Spirit.

Joseph Scriven (1819-96)

O what peace we often forfeit.O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer


It’s no good asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, if you intend to keep Hispower to/for yourself!We will be accountable, at then end, to God … but in this life it is important tomake ourselves accountable to others, so that: we can get independent feedbackon our Christian walk; we can have support in our fight against temptation; wecan make better decisions through good counsel.The Holy Spirit is not attracted to go-it-alone Christians!

Ways of Offending the Spirit: 4. Through bitterness

Ephesians 4:30-32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God …get rid of allbitterness, rage and anger …and every form of malice. Be kind and compas-sionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.When we hold a grudge, act harshly, or live angrily … we scare the Dove away.We may feel in the right, we may (wrongly) think God is with us - but we arenot, and He isn’t.!The Lords prayer has made liars out of more people than any other document inhistory when we pray: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin againstus.”When we keep a “record of wrongs” (1 Cor 13:15) or point the finger (Isaiah58:9) the Holy Spirit is grieved - we may not notice it, but He has left our com-Pany!

Ways of Offending the Spirit: 5. By forgetting the thank God

How many sins/mistakes/ faults has God forgiven you? How many of yourprayers has He answered?Yet, how often do you thank Him?! You may think He knows how you feel -but he wants to hear it, and you need to say it “Thank you”!!Taking Him for granted is displeasing to the Holy Spirit - He may depart to re-mind you of this!Jesus once healed ten lepers in one go, only one came back to thank Him …Jesus asked “Were not all ten cleansed? where are the other nine?That is a strong hint that God cares and notices whether we bother to thank him.Thanking God shows our dependence on Him - and keeps us from assumingcredit!


Northbr

ay 11 am- 3.30 pmWelcome to Northbrook New Community Church

Part of reality-christianity registered charity: 1120219

…a fresh-expression church meeting people where they are.No set attendance times — we are open Sundays 10.30— 2.00

come when you like, stay as long as you like.No pews or rows of chairs — just around coffee—tables.Food all day … time to share, get to know one another.

No long “sermons” — only short informative “real-life” talks.We sing, contemporary songs — and you can just listen if you’d prefer

We’re set in the community of Northbrook & West Durringtonto serve that community, through sharing God’s love for all.

For our church love is an action, not just words.Our passionate vision for our community includes:

helping those in need; befriending the lonely;strengthening families; supporting people of all ages.

Our church is not a building, or a club … it is a family.We aim to envision, empower, and encourage our members

in their own faith-journey and in serving their community:being set “free-in-Christ”; being a loving family;

growing and sharing their faith; finding and using their gifts;leading fulfilled and fruitful lives.

In all of this we are equal!In "servant leadership" the leadership team serve you.

Whoever you are, whatever you’ve done — you are welcome.You are equally loved, your opinions respected and valued.

Our Vision at Northbrook New Community Churchseeks to help real people in the real world:

to reach out with God's love to our community:to love and support one another as God's family:

and to know and follow Christ better.

We believe a great commitment to the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-39)and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) grows a great church!

Northbrook New Community Church

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