And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. NKJV Matt 16:18

This is one of the most famous verses for the church in the bible and yet we often miss its meaning.
The first observation is that Jesus is not saying that Peter himself is the Rock on which he is building his church to elevate Peter, but to simply say that Peter has been proved to be right and trustworthy for the task. The Roman Catholic church have used this verse to elevate Peter above all the apostles and build a doctrine on it, this was never Christ’s intention or thinking.
The next part of the verse gives the reason why, it is Christ himself who will build his church, not Peter, Paul or anyone else.
Peter was certainly the one to be used to lay the first foundation as he preached faithfully in Jerusalem, but everything about the church was from God. Jesus himself, the Holy Spirit, the doctrine and teaching and last but not least salvation can only come through these gifts from heaven.
This leads to the second observation, it is Christ who builds his church and not us. As much as we plan programs, events and services, we have to remember that without prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, true growth will never occur. As we prepare for a season of evangelism, whether is be Crestwood or the work on Lakeside, let us remember what our role is. Ours is to be the workforce, the Lord is the one to make it happen and ultimately to receive the glory. Remember because it is his Church, he loves her with everything he has, and has no intention of damaging or destroying that which he has built.
The last observation is simply to look at the action of the church, here the church is seen not in a defensive mode as often portrayed but in an offensive, attacking formation. The gates of hell will not prevail. In other words, the power of the church will be stronger than the power of hell. The gates are its defence and the church that is built by Christ has the authority and power to break down the gates of hell and rescue those that are been drawn towards it. This is a fresh way of thinking, but it is a biblical way, the church instead of loosing lives to Satan, is storming the gates of hell and dragging people away from the pit of hell. No wonder Paul goes on to say that we are in a spiritual battle. How often are we storming hell, or are we just defending our castle.

Labels: Battle, Build, Church, Hell

The aim of Fusion is to unite local, like minded churches to serve the Kingdom of God more effectively.

As we have been so blessed over the past year, Andy H has been burdened to find leaders of other churches with similar beliefs and aspirations. Over the past few months several leaders from local churches have got together to pray and look to the future for ways in which they can complement and assist each other.

At present Crestwood, Wall Heath Evangelical Free Church, Cradley Baptist, St Paul's Gornal and Tipton Family Church have all made a commitment to each other to see Fusion come into being.

We already have strong links with Wall Heath and we've worked with St Paul’s in various events. The aim is to further this in the future. We are at the planning stage of holding regular youth events at each others churches, as well as many more events.

Other Possibilities

• A regular conference
• A combined outreach and schools team
• A get together of similar groups– eg Crestwood Break
• Fun inter-church activities
• Training and resourcing each other
• Weekend for youth and kids
• Prayer and worship
• Mission opportunities
• Church planting

Labels: Church, Crestwood, Fusion

Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or travelled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.
Numbers 9:22-23 (NLT)

Today is another new day in the life of Crestwood Church - this is our second move. We started in the Crestwood School library, then the dining room and now a new location in the Dingle Community Centre.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were nomads in the desert, moving camp at God’s command by following his cloud of presence. If the cloud moved, so did the people. They soon learnt that location was secondary to God, it was obedience that was key. As they obeyed, God’s presence abided with them and blessings abounded. Protection and prosperity surrounded them along with many other spiritual blessings.

As we settle into our new home, it is obedience to God that is the most crucial. Jesus said "When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love". The reason that obedience is key is highlighted in this verse. When we as a church obey, we remain in his love, he abides with us and we can experience all the wonder of knowing God, up close and personal!

The Israelites never saw God in the cloud, nor could they, because he was too glorious. But they knew he was there, they felt his warmth, his care and saw the work of his hands. Our church doesn’t have a cloud - we have the person of the Holy Spirit residing within our lives. We may not see him, but we know he's there and we can see his out workings.

The cloud was always above the Israelites in their camp reminding them God was with them. Let’s keep our spiritual eyes open to see that God is still with us, and wherever he moves, let's follow, so that we remain in the presence of the Lord, wherever we may be.

Labels: Church, Clouds, Crestwood, Obedience

At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them.
Isaiah 49:8-10

God is always willing to bless us, he is forever wanting to touch us with his goodness and gives us what we ask for. Sometimes what we ask for is of God, but the timing is not right. Other times we may ask for something but in reality we are not ready for it. In both situations, God in his sovereignty chooses not to give at that time. But at just the right time when our heart comes into line with the Father's, blessing occurs.

Now we know this is true as individuals, but we rarely apply this to the body of the church. What if we, as a church, were to say "Lord, we are ready, whatever it takes, we are available!" We are giving God the permission to have his way with us. God doesn't need our permission, because he is Almighty, but he chooses to wait for our response.

In the church in Laodicea, Jesus stands at the door of their hearts, knocking and waiting for a response, waiting for permission to allow him to enter. This verse from Isaiah 49 is to the entire assembly of Israel, therefore it's not only for us as individuals. In this verse the Lord is promising us his protection, but also giving us the authority to take our community into the blessing of God.

Through you I will re-establish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. I will say to the prisoners, 'Come out in freedom,' and to those in darkness, 'Come into the light.' They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare. They will neither hunger nor thirst. The searing sun will not reach them anymore. For the Lord in his mercy will lead them; he will lead them beside cool waters.

Let's declare to him as one people "we are ready". Let's invite the Lord to do whatever he wants to do!

Labels: Church, Crestwood, Growth, Mission

After prayer and careful thought, the Elders have decided that the church will move into the Dingle Community Centre for our Sunday morning service. The 4th of February will be our last at the Crestwood School.

Labels: Church, Community, Crestwood, Dingle

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

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

Today is Mission Sunday, a day when we look at a part of the wider church around the world.

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.Matt 16:18 (NLT)

The church in the UK may be weak, and in other nations may be facing tribulations of many sorts. But it is here to stay. There is nothing that can stop it from being built. Satan may have mobilised his angels to wear it down and try and prevent it from growing. But across the world the church is growing at a wonderful rate, especially in Asia.

The power of the gospel is still changing countless lives and the blood of Christ that was shed at Calvary still has the power to remove our every sin. There are still many who don't know Jesus, but the kingdom of God is winning over the powers of this age. The resurrection of Jesus has conquered the curse of death and freed us from hell. Nothing shall pluck us from his hands.

Labels: Church, Mission, World

Today is Kids Sunday at Crestwood Church, a day to celebrate the gift of our children. It is so easy sometimes to forget that the kids are as big a part of Crestwood Church as anyone else. How we bring them up will play a massive part in determining their future.

Can I encourage you to join with the Psalmist and declare: "We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders."

In their youth let's teach them the truth about our Saviour, that they may grow up to know him and serve him. Whether they end up at university, become successful businessmen or go onto become famous in their own particular field, the greatest desire for our children has to be that they might know Jesus as Lord.

Labels: Children, Church, Teaching

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