Crestwood Church Blog

Jesus looked around and saw them following. "What do you want?" he asked them. They replied, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?" "Come and see", he said. John 1:37-38 (NLT)

I wonder if Jesus was walking our streets today what our response would be to this question. There were a million questions these disciples could have asked - instead they chose to spend time with Jesus in his environment.

Often today we want the blessings and the latest thing from God, without wanting him. The disciples wanted to get to know more about Jesus, there was no concept of self. How often do we just want to go and see who the Lord is? If only our agendas were God's too.

By calling him Rabbi, they were saying "you teach us what you want". Jesus said "Come and see..." As a result of spending time with Jesus where he wanted them, they we privileged to see healings, miracles and the character of God displayed before their very eyes! They saw amazing events like Jesus walking on water, the transfiguration and Jesus after his resurrection - these would have been beyond their wildest imaginations to ask for.

The Lord wants to bless us and wants to see miracles, but above all these things he wants a relationship with us, where our desire is to know him for who he is.

David was a man after God's own heart and he became perhaps one of the greatest kings of history. He said "The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most — is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in his Temple."

Mary wanted to sit at Jesus' feet - and she was the first to see the resurrected Saviour! Blessings abound when we follow the Lord's agenda. Jesus still says - "What do you want? Come and see..."

Labels: Believers, Jesus, Listening

posted by Andi - Friday, 12 January 2007, 20:21
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Becoming a Christian, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, a follower, someone who is saved (or whichever title you want to use...), doesn't make you just another number in God's kingdom.

Jesus taught that "there is joy in the presence of God's angels when one single sinner repents" (Luke 15:10). Heaven is thrown into a godly party mode every time one of us comes to recognize the Saviour. You aren't a number but a treasured individual, who God wants to pour his grace upon and strengthen you as your new life unfolds.

Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matt 10:29-31

You are one of his very own children who has strayed into grave danger but now has returned, and the Father is delighted to have you back. His eye will be on you, making sure that you stay close. And if you do stray again he will guide you back.

Self worth is something that is yours, because the Almighty God of Heaven has now declared you worthy to be called his son or daughter.

Labels: Believers, Promise, Salvation, Shepherd

posted by Andi - Sunday, 10 September 2006, 22:21
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Some more quotes on mission from around the world, to inspire us and lift us as we go into a week of mission ourselves.

• "We can give without loving, but we cannot love without giving." - Alexander Duff
• "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." - C.T. Studd
• "The reason some folks don't believe in missions is that the brand of religion they have isn't worth propagating." - Anon
• "God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on him." - Hudson Taylor
• "The church that does not evangelize will fossilize." - Oswald J. Smith
• "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply" - Hudson Taylor
• "You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving." - Amy Carmichael

Labels: Believers, Church, Mission

posted by Andi - Sunday, 27 August 2006, 21:32
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As we come towards our mission week, invite and tell others about Jesus and live in the power of God, that all might know and all might see that Jesus is Lord.

Famous Quotes from Christian Missionaries

• "You have one business on Earth - to save souls." - John Wesley
• "Christ alone can save the world, but Christ cannot save the world alone." - David Livingstone
• "God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him" - J. Hudson Taylor
• "Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell." - C.T. Studd
• Lost people matter to God, and so they must matter to us."- Keith Wright
• "The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time" - Carl F. H. Henry

Labels: Believers, Church, Mission

posted by Andi - Sunday, 20 August 2006, 22:08
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If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honoured, all the parts are glad. 1 Cor 12:26 (NLT)

As a body of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to hold each other up through the tough times and the exciting times. We need to share the load in the valleys and rejoice on the mountain tops. Be a comfort or a listening ear, or someone who is prepared to pray for one who is in need.

This week is very much a time when this truth needs to be upheld. As we unite in our joys or sorrows we invite the presence of God to abide in us and work His power through us.

Labels: Believers, Church, Problems, Suffering

posted by Andi - Sunday, 11 June 2006, 22:05
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I'm sure the thought of having to run a marathon terrifies some of us. How well trained are we when it comes to the things of God? 1 Corinthians 8:25 says:

All athletes are disciplined in their training...so I run with a purpose in every step. (NLT)

We are in a spiritual race in direct competition with Satan trying to bring our families, friends and community into a loving relationship with Christ. So we must train, so that we can defeat Satan who has blinded the minds of those who don't believe.

Believers training program

1. Wear the right shoes- Ephesians tells us to put on the shoes of the gospel: "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared". Keep to the truth, don't add or take away, and don't water it down.
2. Eat the right food– Diet is essential when preparing for a race. If you are not feeding on the word of God, don't expect to win. Your own diet will let you down. Luke 4:4: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God".
3. Practice your breathing- Listen to God speaking to you though his word and let the Holy Spirit live through you. Allow God to control your thoughts and your actions. Let him breathe life, purpose and joy through you.
4. Exercise vigorously- Live by example and put into practice what you have learnt. Develop and exercise these in everyday life.

Labels: Believers, Race, Spirit, Training

posted by Andi - Sunday, 30 April 2006, 20:20
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