Today's theme is JESUS CHRIST. Read Colossians 2. * Pray for a fresh revelation of Christ in your own life (Col.2:1-10). Pray that you would know Him better and more intimately - that you would know his heart and mind. Jesus calls us to be his friends. * Pray that God would expose any idols in your life - things that have come between you and God as your ultimate priority in life. Pray that your heart would love God more than anything else and that you would find your deepest joy and meaning in Him. * Pray that Jesus’... Read more →

Jesus ministry had three major components (Luke 4:14-5:26): Teaching, healing and setting people free from spiritual bondage. Jesus confronted demonic powers and freed people from their influence (Luke 4:31-37, 41). The early church carried on the ministry of Jesus as the apostles focused on these same three areas of ministry (Acts 5:12-16). We should do the same – go about doing good, teaching, healing, and helping people find freedom from the work of the enemy. The result will be many people being set free and added to the kingdom of God. Christians cannot be “demon possessed”, as God owns us.... Read more →

Our mission as a church is to “raise up fervent followers of Jesus Christ who will reach out and impact communities, cities and nations for the kingdom of God.” A “fervent follower” is someone who experiences God, engages with others, equips themselves and others, and expresses their life purpose. This is all about being and making disciples – something that God is doing all around the world. As we continue to rally together around this focus and align our efforts toward it, God will bless us beyond our expectation. Experiencing God Whenever Paul communicated with the churches he oversaw, one... Read more →

The Gospel of John records many of Jesus’ last words spoken not long before his and crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. During this time, Jesus spoke frequently about the fact that he would be leaving his disciples but that another One just like him, the Holy Spirit, would come in his place (see John 14:15-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Instead of simply being with them, the Holy Spirit would live within them, filling them and empowering them to live as disciples of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is a person, not just a force, power or influence. God has revealed himself as one... Read more →

This weekend at CityLife, we spoke on the subject of healing and then took time to pray for people. We were encouraged by the many testimonies of healing that took place in each of our church gatherings and we pray for God to continue to work in the lives of everyone needing healing. When it comes to healing, we must begin with an accurate understanding of God’s character and nature. The Bible teaches us that, when it comes to our need, God knows (Prov.15:11. Ps.139:1-10), God cares (Ex.34:6-7. 1 Pet.5:7), God is able to help (Jer.32:17, 27. Mt.19:26) and God... Read more →

One of my favourite Bible verses of late is from the prophet Isaiah: Isaiah 30:15-18. This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will get our help from Egypt. They will give us swift horses for riding into battle.’ But the only swiftness you are going to see is the swiftness of your enemies chasing you! One of them will chase a thousand of you.... Read more →

During my sabbatical last year, I saw an eagle on at least five different occasions. The first time was a huge wedge-tailed eagle that flew near the tree tops not far from our house while we were on a walk. The others I saw while travelling in various places. Eagles are so beautiful and majestic to watch, flying in an almost effortless fashion. To me the eagle represents God calling me to a higher life, resting in him, soaring on the wings of the Spirit, seeing life from his perspective, and riding far above the winds of adversity. What are... Read more →

Rob Bell's latest book is called What We Talk About When we Talk About God. Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today, has recently reviewed the book and offers these insightful thoughts ... As far as I can tell, any classic, middle-of-the-road Christian can offer a hearty "Amen" to a great deal of Rob Bell's theology. The former pastor of Mars Hill Church believes God exists and can be experienced and yet cannot be contained by rational explanations. He affirms the divinity and humanity of Christ, as well as the Resurrection. He believes the Spirit is active in our lives and... Read more →