Tony Scown

2010-01-27T11:47:00.003+10:00

The Word of God

There is an incredible scripture in Hebrews that tells us that the Word of God is “Living” and also “Active.”

Hebrews 4:12 (New International Version)

¹²For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

What an amazing thought! How is it alive and how is it active?

Let’s look at the difference between how a Hebrew reads the Word compared to how you may read it.

A Hebrew would read the Word for “identity”. They would try to put themselves in the story and become part of the story line. The words of the parables, psalms & prophets would then become so alive and active to them in their own personal circumstances and they would find the answers to guide them through their circumstances. God was talking to them and providing answers and solutions.

Another way that they would hear God through the Word was to identify the function of an object and place them self and their situation in or around the object and its function. Again the Word of God would become alive and active and God would speak to them in all matters with object lessons.

Look at this as an example involving a tent.

Isaiah 54:2 (New International Version)

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”

The Hebrew families were prone to get larger and larger. Therefore their tents had to be enlarged. That literally meant that they had to continually make larger pieces and add them to the tent. Why? Because they had to cater for tomorrow’s growth!

Once they made the tents they then had to stretch the tents out. The tighter they stretched them the more they felt the presence of God. Let me explain that last statement. Inside the goat hair tent of the Hebrews the roof is black but the gaps between some of the fibers of the material allow for pinholes of light to penetrate through giving the appearance of stars in the black sky. For this reason, the Hebrews saw the beams of like God’s presence was over them and beaming down around them. Stretching therefore was seen as a good thing. The more they stretched the more the three dimensional beams of light coming through the holes reminded them that God was not only over them but was actually there with them.

So the Hebrew reading about the tent being enlarged and stretched would see the benefits of this. They would then place them self and their situation into the “functionality” of the tent and identify the benefits.

They would say I am going to enlarge myself (I will face this situation and become a bigger person). I will be stretched (I may be uncomfortable until I get through this but the benefit is a blessing).

Just as the tent was stretched and the light came through as beams reminding the Hebrew of God’s presence, he would say “I will benefit by being stretched. As I’m being stretched, I will be reminded He is with me.”

What difficult situations are you experiencing this week? Are they to do with sickness; are they financial, or relational? Well become the tent. Decide to enlarge by telling yourself that “you can do this. Then decide to be stretched and face the situation knowing God is with you.

Now the Word of God is “Alive and Active”.

Place yourself in the “Word of God” and let Him teach you new and wonderful things.

Ps T

2010-01-19T11:39:00.012+10:00

A resolution to many people is just a cliché statement that has no substance or determination attached to it! So many people have made their mandatory New Year’s Resolution; or as I prefer to call them “New Year’s Lie.” How many people actually intend to keep to their word? How many people actually know what a resolution is?

res·o·lu·tion (rěz'ə-lōō'shən)
n. A course of action determined or decided on.

To me a resolution is all about Character.

The Greek word for Character is dikome (dik-oom-ay). Dikome or Character means to be Test Proof!

As Christians are we “Test Proof” in our resolutions?

Are we resolute with what we do?

res·o·lute (rěz'ə-lōōt)
adj. Firm or determined; unwavering.

Are you firm, determined and unwavering when it comes to backing up your words with action?

Matthew 5:37 (NIV)

Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'……..

James 5:12 (NIV)

....... Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

Don’t set yourself up for a fall. When you say you are going to do something—make sure you are able to achieve it. People will not believe what you say, but they will believe what you do.

This year be resolute with your resolutions.

Ps T

Family; your future; your legacy

2009-05-16T11:36:00.006+10:00

The divorce rate in Australia is incredible. The children from broken marriages only have their parents’ example as their model. My question to you is how much time have you deliberately set aside for your family? I don't just mean the family as a whole but also individually. Do you devote time to each family member individually? How will you ever know them intimately if you do not dedicate them their own special time; just you and them? Dedicate time to each child and do activities that they want to do. Show them that they are special to you. Make a date with them at the same time every week. Spend quality time with your spouse and plan to be spontaneous. What I mean by that is that even though you have a date at the same time each week do not be boring during that time. When it comes to your spouse ask this question; “when was the last time we did something for the first time?” If you make the effort with your family, not only are you producing memories for everyone but you are also leaving a legacy. You are teaching your children how to not just be a good parent but a good leader. Show your family that they are the highest priority to you. It all begins at home.

Be blessed.

Pastor T

Citipointe Church West

2009-04-15T19:13:00.004+10:00

Our vision is "To unmistakably influence our world for good and for God". You may think that it is a vague or light weight vision statement, however it is the most powerful and relevant and extremely versatile vision I have known. Let me explain it to you this way:

• Unmistakably means that it is obvious.
• Influence is a power that is exerted
• Our world is the people in our environment
• For good means it is beneficial
• For God means people see His glory

So to “unmistakably influence our world for good and for God” translates into:

“Is it obvious that the power you exert into that persons life beneficial for them in a way that they can see Gods love?”

It is a vision that fits every situation and all circumstances. It is a vision that is simple and achievable. It is a vision that is easy to adapt. It is a vision that will change lives. It is the most empowering vision.....it is our vision, and we will achieve it together.

CITIPOINTE CHURCH WEST

Caring for Brisbane's West

Intimate worship
Inspirational messages
Relationship with God and others

Service Time: 8:30am Sunday

Address: 26 Rosemary Street Durack