Resourses

The Gospel Story

Let’s begin with the big idea… All of scripture points to Jesus death, burial and resurrection. The most important series of events in the history of the world was the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus. By means of His death, Jesus fulfilled prophecy and bought man’s freedom from slavery to sin. By means of His burial, Jesus removed any doubt that He had really died. By means of His resurrection, Jesus proved He had power over death. This assures us that if we truly trust and obey Jesus, He will one day raise us from the dead also. In fact the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest proof that He is indeed “the Christ, the Son of the living God”. The death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord are the very foundation of the Gospel by which we are saved. 13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He [c]expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. 36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. Luke 24:13-37 NKJV| The story of the universe is not about us, it’s about the glory of God The universe teaches us about God’s glory, power, divinity, faithfulness, extravagance, immensity, love, and other attributes. God’s special revelation in scripture is our primary place to learn of God’s character. The universe we are privileged to observe is meant to reveal the God of creation, the God of Abraham, the God of the Bible. It is meant to reveal to us our purpose and place in the plan of God. It is meant to point us to God. It is meant as one of the greatest helps to a relationship with Him. When we release this important truth, we position ourselves better to serve God. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NKJV

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 – Day 5 of 14 Day Fast

Prayer Point: Strengthen US According To His Glorious Might 9-12 Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. Col 1:9-12

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 – Day 4 of 14 Day Fast

Prayer Point: Let us Grasp The Immensity Of His Glorious Ways 15-19 That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 – Day 3 of 14 Day Fast

Prayer Point: Multiply Grace In The Knowledge of God I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God’s straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master. 2 Peter 1:1-2 MSG

Vision Sunday

A year of more 2022 was a year of open doors, for both the church and for us individually. The year of open doors was carried through yielded hearts and yielded minds. For 2023 we believe God is saying that it is the “Year of More.” This year we’re going to be going deep and wide. 2 “Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. 3 You’re going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family. You’re going to take over whole nations; you’re going to resettle abandoned cities. 4 Don’t be afraid – you’re not going to be embarrassed. Don’t hold back – you’re not going to come up short. You’ll forget all about the humiliations of your youth, and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory. Isaiah 54:2-4 MSG Deeper in Him There is always more to experience with God. Words can’t describe how complex and multifaceted He is. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present, but He’s also personal and cares about the smallest details of your life. Only through an ever-growing relationship will get to know the depth of His personality and character. As a church the ways we are going to actively grow deeper in Him is through: The Gospel journey (life in 6 words) Bible challenge (Beginning 30 January) 3 day fasts & Encounter Nights (throughout the year) Wider in influence The Great Commission is about living as followers of Christ so that we get to make disciples—not as a numbers game or obligation, but as a natural byproduct of our relationship with God and others. Yes, the Great Commission is a global task. But it begins at home in our own household, our neighborhood, and our community. In other words, lifestyle evangelism—a lifestyle of revealing Christ in us—can become a beacon of hope for those in our corner of the large world. Destiny Group Faith Risk Challenges Destiny groups are about activating people in their faith and moving people into their next step with God. This means we must challenge ourselves to build our faith. That is why we have faith challenges. These are the activities that will challenge but also build our faith.  In the year of more we need to #StepUp And Jesus said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you cannot have any life in you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood [unless you appropriate His life and the saving merit of His blood]. John 6:53 AMPC 55 For My flesh is true and genuine food, and My blood is true and genuine drink. 56 He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food and is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me. John 6:55-57 AMPC 60 When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?] 61 But Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples were complaining and protesting and grumbling about it, said to them: Is this a stumbling block and an offense to you? [Does this upset and displease and shock and scandalize you?] 62 What then [will be your reaction] if you should see the Son of Man ascending to [the place] where He was before? John 6:60-62 AMPC 66 After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. 67 Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me?] 68 Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. 69 And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God. John 6: 66-69 AMPC The year of more is year of promise, process, and pain. 

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 – Day 2 of 14 Day Fast

Prayer Point: Lord, Teach Us the Unforced Rhythms of Grace 28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. 2 Cor 12:9-10

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 – Day 1 of 14 Day Fast

Prayer Point: Enlarge Our Vision “Clear lots of ground for your tents!  Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big!  Use plenty of rope,  drive the tent pegs deep.  You’re going to need lots of elbow room  for your growing family.  You’re going to take over whole nations;  you’re going to resettle abandoned cities.  Don’t be afraid—you’re not going to be embarrassed.  Don’t hold back—you’re not going to come up short.  You’ll forget all about the humiliations of your youth,  and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory. Is 54:2-4 (MSG)  ‘If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.’ Proverbs 29:18 20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)  

Consecration (Fasting)

Fast 2023 objective God will set the direction of our lives and church to equip and enable us to fulfil the great commission. Consecration means to make or declare sacred (connected to God); dedicate formally to a religious purpose.  What is fasting? Setting one’s self apart from the normal routines of daily life by abstaining from food for a specific period of time for spiritual purpose.  Biblical fasting is abstaining from food. If you’re used to a routine of “three square meals a day,” going without food as a spiritual practice may sound strange. Some Christians use the word “fast” when abstaining from pleasures besides food, like TV, internet etc. You might know people who have gone on a “social media fast” or a “screen fast” for spiritual reasons. Essentially, we are putting aside all the things that are hindering our relationship with God. We are denying our flesh so that we can sow into the spirit. Fasting is a dynamic and powerful spiritual tool that can be used to renew our relationship with God.  Why do we fast? Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:2 NKJV “And when you pray, you shall not be like the [a]hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:5 NKJV “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the [a]hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:16 NKJV Fasting is not… Biblical fasting is not a hunger strike between you and God. It can be easy to think of fasting as a way to add an extra oomph to your prayers. But biblical fasting isn’t so much about how God responds to your prayers: it’s more about how you bring your prayers to Him. Fasting is not to meant to twist God’s arm. There is power in fasting when it is accompanied by prayer.  Preparing for your fast Before you undertake a fast, there are several things to consider and a few you should do to prepare. Decide what type of fast you will do and for how long. Prayerfully make this decision upon God’s leading. As we, New Season Church, begin to prepare for our 14 day consecration, we urge you to be intentional in planning your fast this week. Types of fasts Daniel fast Dry fast Liquid fast Attitude of fasting Joyful No boastful 16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair[a] and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 NLT And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. Daniel 2:22 NLT

The Power Of First Revisited

God wants to go deeper with you and so how do we do that? It’s all about the power of first. We need to understand that there is something very powerful about doing things first and about prioritizing. Matthew 6: 33 NIV| But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  He will give you everything you need, so here’s the power. First, when we put God first, when we seek God first. And living righteous, living according to His precepts, His priorities, His ways of doing things, His principles, He will give us everything we need. We want to encourage you to implement the power of first in your life.  Question: What is first in your life? Make sure that you’re prioritizing God first, and as you do that, you’re going to set yourself up for a great 2023.  Putting God First First of the day: Seek God O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NKJV Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35 NKJV So, the first thing of the day, the first priority of the day, is to seek God to spend time with Him to read His word to pray.  First of the week: Worship Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7 NKJV And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 NLT Ensure that you spend the first day of the week in the House of the Lord, amongst people that are worshipping God. First of the month: Tithe And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30 NKJV Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV Honoring the Lord with your wealth means earning, using and holding wealth in such a way as to show the world that He is the most important factor in reality. First of the year: Fast Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Joel 1:14 NIV Matthew 6:17-18 NIV| 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. The Word encourages us to fast regularly. We need to have some kind of a regular routine of fasting in our lives. And then in addition to that regular routine, whatever that might look like, to periodically set aside a concentrated amount of time, maybe more than your regular routine, to seek the Lord at specific times. First response: Serve I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 NKJV As living sacrifices, God has already set us apart for His purposes and declared us acceptable because He see us in our position in Christ. In other words, we do not have to wait to be better people before we offer our bodies and lives to God. As people in Christ, He will receive the sacrifice of our everyday lives right now. This life of service, then, is the appropriate response to the mercy God has already given to us.

The Power Of First

God wants to go deeper with you and so how do we do that? It’s all about the power of first. We need to understand that there is something very powerful about doing things first and about prioritizing. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6: 33 NIV He will give you everything you need, so here’s the power. First, when we put God first, when we seek God first. And living righteous, living according to His precepts, His priorities, His ways of doing things, His principles, He will give us everything we need. We want to encourage you to implement the power of first in your life.  Question: What is first in your life? Make sure that you’re prioritizing God first, and as you do that, you’re going to set yourself up for a great 2023.  Putting God First First of the day: Seek God O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NKJV Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. Mark 1:35 NKJV So, the first thing of the day, the first priority of the day, is to seek God to spend time with Him to read His word to pray.  First of the week: Worship Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7 NKJV And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 NLT Ensure that you spend the first day of the week in the House of the Lord, amongst people that are worshipping God. First of the month: Tithe And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30 NKJV Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV Honoring the Lord with your wealth means earning, using and holding wealth in such a way as to show the world that He is the most important factor in reality. First of the year: Fast Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Joel 1:14 NIV 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18 NIV The Word encourages us to fast regularly. We need to have some kind of a regular routine of fasting in our lives. And then in addition to that regular routine, whatever that might look like, to periodically set aside a concentrated amount of time, maybe more than your regular routine, to seek the Lord at specific times.