Ephesians 4:7-16 The writer is naming the ministries of the church; not the governance of the church.  We are to particularly love each other.  We are to function first of all as a family. 1 Peter 3:8 Families are not built on regulations; families are built on relationships. Church is to be built on relationships; fellowship; Acts 2:42 is how church is supposed to work. Acts 2:42 Ephesians 4:3 Church is Christ's body.  Ephesians 1:23.  Jesus liked to call his disciples.   There is a way God's people are expected to live. It's important that we understand that what we do even in public either hurts or uplifts our body. Jesus also referred to his people as 'sheep'.  John 10 Church is to be led and cared for by shepherds  (Elders, Pastors) God elects those who are to do ministries.   Ephesians 1-3 Paul spends time about nature of church as conceivedby God. Ephesians ch 1 As God's children as we would like to think of our children; God wants to bless h

Today we were in God's presence with Desert Springs Church.   Ps Bob shared from Philippians 4:8 -think on these things... In our daily lives we all have different experiences; What happens in our day sometimes affects our thoughts. Paul is encouraging us to think on the good things in God. There are times of happiness and times of sadness. Our thoughts can either direct us towards positive or negative thoughts. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Mark 5: 21-43 Ill child and sick lady... We need to press in and get closer to God because we don't know what will happen tomorrow. We need to come and fall at Jesus's feet and say 'Lord, I need you'. Miracles can happen everyday.   Lots of times we don't receive because we don't ask. We need to come and be at Jesus

Luke 6:17-26 (NIV) Jesus called his inner circle and after spending a night in prayer with his father, he called the 12 disciples. Jesus and his disciples were met by a large crowd of people including those who were not jewish but gentiles. Jesus had already a ministry of influence and they came.  Many came out of genuine human need. v 19 Jesus was not a magician, he is Lord.  He spoke with authority which was not like the jewish leaders.  He never came across as a person of authority.   He served with humilty and love. Jesus is our example of how to serve.   He taught with authority and power, grace and love. V20 (c/ref:  Matthew 5:1-12) Jesus has a different thought pattern to the world.  In the first part Jesus begins with 'blessed' (truly happy) not being happy (circumstances).  In the second part he begins with 'woe'  (an expression of sadness and concern).  When we worry we are like the woeful people.  v24 - don't we envy those who have wealth.  We d

Bible Reference:  John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes (faith, trust, this is an action word) in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Timothy 2:1-6  “I urge, then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  That is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesu

Love each other.  Like each other. Ephesians 4:1-6 The first 3 chapters of Ephesians sets out how to live as God's people. Popular belief today is that you can be a Christian and be a loner.  Scripture does not teach this. We are to walk as God's people.   We are no longer our own but we are to walk as one of God's people; in his way.  Important to God and for our salvation.   God wants us to be proud of walking his way but not be proud in it.  Don't think we are far above or we are better. We are not in  competition with each other.  We are to walk life together.  Meek:  I know what's it like to have and not  have but I am content. When strife gets in your life you won't cope unless you are walking life with God. 1 Corinthians 10:13 2 Corinthians   5:10 If you are finding it hard to forgive then you have not looked at yourself and what is going on in your life. You cannot livein unity when you start to think you are better than someone else. But by