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Thought for the Week
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Recent Thought for the Week posts
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Why you should be a member
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 13th May, 2012
Some people are happy to just be Christians and not be linked with any church. While this idea is appealing, it is not the teaching of the New Testament. Joining the church wasn't optional in the book of Acts. The new converts were "added to the church" (Acts 2:41-42, 46-47), that is added to the local group of Christians.... Continue Reading »
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Is God stressful or restful?
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 6th May, 2012
I had an interesting conversation in our car the other day. We discussed whether following the Lord Jesus made life more stressful or less stressful. One thought was having Jesus in your life means there is one more person’s priorities to consider in my behaviour - the classic, “what would Jesus do?” question. This sounds more stressful. More people adds more stress: getting married means there is someone, as does having a child … and another one … and another one … and … !!!... Continue Reading »
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Jesus, friend of sinners...
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 29th Apr, 2012
Welcome to CrossLife! In this current series we are studying the gospel of John to consider Jesus. It is amazing how many different names Jesus is given. Here are some of names of Jesus from the book of John:The Word, the Light of men, Jesus Christ, Messiah, Lamb of God, Rabbi (means teacher), Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph, Son of God, King of Israel, Son of Man.... Continue Reading »
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"Kingly Advice"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 22nd Apr, 2012
I am reading through Deuteronomy devotionally right now. Now, just because I mentioned Deuteronomy don’t avoid this article and skip to the next page as there is actually a great deal of gold to be found in that book. One such piece of gold is the instruction of Moses to the future kings of Israel. Deut 17 reads,... Continue Reading »
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Unity
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 15th Apr, 2012
John Stott, the wise scholar and theologian, writes that self-love impairs or spoils all relationships ... He says, “Personal vanity lies at the root of most dissensions in every local church today.” And James writes in Chapter 4:1, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” There’s nothing wrong with having desires, even strong godly ones, but the trouble seems to start once we go about trying to fulfil them, and how we may choose to respond when they are not being fulfilled. Sometimes, despite our asking, persuading or begging (in subtle and not so subtle ways), others don’t play along or do what we hope for. This often leads to us making demands (whether we articulate them or not!), and then to manipulating (in the nicest possible way, of course), coercing, or even threatening - “For their own good!”, we may say. We can be very creative at getting our message across one way or another.... Continue Reading »
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He is Risen
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 8th Apr, 2012
He is Risen! For me, one of the messages that Matt has brought to us over the last sermon series has been about how this world offers nothing compared to what we get in accepting Jesus as Lord. This world offers so much stuff which when we are presented with it can be luring. Things like chocolate, sex, power, wealth and fame. Each of these things and others are tempting and in our instant, must-have society we can succumb to taking the immediate pleasure for a temporary rush.... Continue Reading »
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Location... Location... Location...
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 4th Apr, 2012
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CrossLife can be confident
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 25th Mar, 2012
Someone once told me, and I can’t for the life of me remember who, arrogance is an opinion built on self, confidence is built on Christ. That is powerful. Now consider this passage from Matthew 16…... Continue Reading »
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Decision Day
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 18th Mar, 2012
Well today’s the big day. Today’s the day we find out what God thinks. Whenever I think about that I am amazed. God’s will is made known to us today through his people (you). This means the business meeting of the church is so much more than that. It is a remarkable revelation that is taking place. These meetings should not be missed! God’s will is made known!... Continue Reading »
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Current Trends in the Western Church
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 11th Mar, 2012
Last Monday Bill Hybels from Willow Creek church in Chicago, US met with about 70 Australian church leaders in Sydney. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it, but John Sweetman, the Principal of Malyon College, and speaker at our HR combined service on 25th March, sent a summary to me which I thought might provoke some reflection and discussion amongst us, particularly with what we are considering before the Lord regarding CrossLife – a baptist church.... Continue Reading »
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"A Freeing thought"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 4th Mar, 2012
Reading through 1 Corinthians recently I came across this liberating passage: 1 Cor 1:26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”[d]... Continue Reading »
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Pray for one another
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 26th Feb, 2012
On Monday morning this week I received an email out of the blue from the vice principal of one of the colleges I attended. He wrote saying that he has been struck by and challenged by Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:11 where Paul expresses his appreciation for those who helped him in his ministry by praying for him. He went on to write that as part of his response to the challenge in this verse, he has begun an intentional plan of praying for colleagues in ministry and this week he would be praying for me by name each morning. Well, I can’t tell you how blessed I was and am! It put a spring in my step on Monday morning.... Continue Reading »
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"Anxiety"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 19th Feb, 2012
This emotion is a companion to most of us. At times it can drag a person to the pits of despair and sometimes it can keep us there. I know that I have to deal with it regularly. While this issue can fill books there are probably two broad types of anxiety. Firstly, there is the anxiety of an unknown situation where you are stepping out into unfamiliar territory such as going onto a stage in front of many people or going on a journey into unknown territory. This anxiety is often linked to our flight or fight instincts. Secondly there is our anxiety about everything else. Our relationships, our job, our ability to survive in this world, our home and so on.... Continue Reading »
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"Selfish Desire"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 12th Feb, 2012
At the dinner table the other day I asked the boys "what is our strongest motivation? What is it that drives our behaviour more than anything else?" "That's easy Dad", said one of them, "selfish desire".... Continue Reading »
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"I need... I want..."
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 5th Feb, 2012
“My God shall supply all your wants according to his riches in Christ Jesus!” Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends. Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends. So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? So, did you notice the misquote? Like many of us, Janis Joplin didn’t and she goes on in her song to ask the Lord for a color TV and a night on the town in addition to the Mercedes Benz.... Continue Reading »
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Growth opportunities not to be missed!
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 22nd Jan, 2012
The beginning of a year offers many occasions to start new opportunities or start afresh old commitments which will help our growth. Here at HBC there are a few options for you when considering the small group element of church life.... Continue Reading »
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Love one another
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 15th Jan, 2012
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. A friend sent us this story about the Seattle Special Olympics. It touched our hearts and we thought we’d share it with all of you.... Continue Reading »
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Being Still
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 18th Dec, 2011
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Ho Ho Ho!!!
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 4th Dec, 2011
Remember sitting on Santa’s knee and pondering the question, “Have you been a good boy/girl?” Of course you do. And, you remember the scrap you had with your conscience over whether to tell a porky or not, oh yeah. It was one thing to be economical with the truth with your parents but to offer a fib to Santa was almost unthinkable at that age. And the consequences... no presents for Christmas if you told the truth; no presents for Christmas if you got found out not telling the truth. Stuck on the horns of a dilemma you were.... Continue Reading »
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It's about a relationship...
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 27th Nov, 2011
Matthew 10:38:39. NIV. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.... Continue Reading »
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One Church. Multiple Locations.
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 20th Nov, 2011
I am always amazed that the Lord Jesus prayed for us. The Son of God prayed for us!! It would be an important prayer wouldn't it? I mean what the Lord Jesus prayed for us might be very significant because his prayer, as prayers always do, would reflect his heart for what's really important for us. Think about it, he was asking God to 'do something for us' - what was the top of his list?... Continue Reading »
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"Inside Out"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 6th Nov, 2011
Every Wednesday at 11am Ben, one of our Malyon College students here at HBC, and I are going through a set of studies by John Piper called “Gravity and Gladness” on corporate worship. They have been exceptionally stimulating and we are looking forward to sharing them with the church in early 2012. One of the key thoughts Piper raises is that the NT radically reorientates worship from the OT, turning it around to become from the inside out (Ezekiel 36:24, John 4:23).... Continue Reading »
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Jesus & the early hours
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 23rd Oct, 2011
In Mark’s gospel we read that Jesus had very full days while he was on earth. Healing, preaching, casting out of demons, more healings, teachings and perhaps much more which was not recorded and that is just the first chapter!... Continue Reading »
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Highly revering our God…
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 16th Oct, 2011
Fearing God (as in highly revering Him) is not something we talk about much these days, yet the scriptures speak about it over and over. For example, God says: ‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord’ (Lev 19:14); ‘Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God’ (Lev 25:17); ‘And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?’ (Deut 10:12-13)... Continue Reading »
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Quiet before God
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 9th Oct, 2011
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself; like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. PSALM 131:1-2... Continue Reading »
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The "Hound of Heaven"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 2nd Oct, 2011
Ever tried to run away from God? It didn’t work, did it?... Continue Reading »
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Letting God Choose
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 25th Sep, 2011
We may have secret longings too deep to utter to others—perhaps a desire for marriage, or a work or ministry we’d like to perform, or a special place to serve. We must put each desire in God’s hands and pray, “Lord, You must choose for me. I will not choose for myself.”... Continue Reading »
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Pursue Jesus
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 18th Sep, 2011
Last week I preached on Philippians 3:12-4:1 and the main point was that, while God is doing a work in us (2:13) and He will carry it onto completion at the day of Christ (1:6) we too have to pursue with all our effort(3:12-14) Jesus; to know him, the power of his resurrection, sharing in his sufferings become like him in his death and therefore attain the resurrection from the dead (3:10-11). We do this because we are not yet perfect.... Continue Reading »
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Where was God on September 11th?
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 11th Sep, 2011
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Inviting LIFE groups to gather
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 4th Sep, 2011
There are few things in life that rival the joy and satisfaction experienced in seeing someone become a follower of Jesus. Perhaps that is why Paul writes to Philemon, “I pray you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (Phil v6).... Continue Reading »
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What's stopping you?
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 28th Aug, 2011
I wonder if you, like me, sometimes feel overwhelmed by things that have happened in the past, the demands of the present and the uncertainty of the future? When I’m feeling this way, I have noticed that I bunker down, almost as one would for an approaching cyclone, probably in an effort to take control over that which I can. So I tend to focus on the basics, like doing some shopping, cooking a good meal or a pot of soup, cleaning the bathroom, or throwing out some clutter. Then I feel better, somehow. Nothing has changed, but I feel better… for a while. How does that work?... Continue Reading »
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Being heard in today's world
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 22nd Aug, 2011
Have you ever followed a blog trail for an on-line newspaper article? It is worth the trouble just to get a feel for how people respond to news and views these days. If you are like me you will be shocked and then disappointed by the vitriol that is present. We live in destructive times. This vitriol has been a feature of the London Riots in the Twitter discussions and the on-line media blogs that have been circulating. And this vitriol is right in your face in Australia.... Continue Reading »
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Playing the Ball
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 14th Aug, 2011
"That’s just not cricket” used to be the cry whenever someone played the man instead of the ball. Unfortunately we can’t use this phrase any more as the “Gentlemen’s Sportsmen’s” game of cricket has long ago become infected with the “win any which way you can” virus. Hence the old timer’s stories of the visiting team’s baggage getting somehow “lost” in transit, their bus being directed to the desert instead of the practice field and mysterious outbreaks of ”Deli-belly” after eating in the host’s hotel. And then, of course, there was “Bodyline Bowling”.... Continue Reading »
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"Pointing the way..."
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 7th Aug, 2011
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Being thankful for the power of partnership
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 31st Jul, 2011
With the commencement of our series in Philippians last week Matt drew our attention to the need for partnerships in life. I have seen God use partnerships to impact my life profoundly and the lives of others too. For some reason, God although he has the power and ability to bypass the use of humans in others’ lives, chooses to use other humans significantly to help us on our journey with him.... Continue Reading »
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God will finish what He starts...
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 24th Jul, 2011
Confidence: we all need a growing confidence. The Bible speaks about confidence numerous times. One of the most well-known is in today’s reading, Philippians 1:6, “… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Paul is confident God will complete what He has begun in the Philippians. How do we develop a deeper confidence in God’s work? There are two foundations for a growing spiritual confidence. First, the gospel itself. We must continually remember what God the Father has done in and through the Lord Jesus’ death and resurrection. We mightn’t feel it, but death is defeated!! Sin has been conquered! Selfishness, evil, lack of fulfilment and frustration will end. It is certain. God has acted through the Lord Jesus and He will complete it.... Continue Reading »
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"Carbon Tax"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 17th Jul, 2011
Carbon Tax … What is your response to that term? No doubt there are many of us who are opposed to the carbon tax. No doubt there are many of us who support the carbon tax. Where do you sit and are you willing to change your mind?... Continue Reading »
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"First Love"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 10th Jul, 2011
Life-group is the place we can get to know others and ourselves be known, loved and accepted. We laugh, cry, banter, wrestle and pray. We celebrate birthdays, new births and prayer requests granted and we are burdened about those around us who don’t yet know the good news of Jesus. The experience of love, unity and belonging is very good.... Continue Reading »
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Be Prepared...
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 3rd Jul, 2011
When on a recent holiday we were travelling in a taxi. We started to talk to the driver and he got to the part where he asked me what my job was. Apart from having trouble trying to nail a good description he latched onto this question. “What is it that Christians believe?”... Continue Reading »
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God's Building
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 26th Jun, 2011
Having inadvertently become somewhat loosely involved with the construction of Crossroad’s Services Block I have realized afresh the myriads of individual materials that go to make up a complete building. Concrete, steel, timber, glass, aluminum, plastics, nails, screws, adhesives, paint, bolts & nuts, wire, pipes...to say nothing of the skills that designed, engineered, built, plumbed, roofed, painted and co-coordinated the chaos of bits and pieces into one unified structure useful to human beings.... Continue Reading »
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R.O.I.L
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 19th Jun, 2011
Those of us who have completed the LIFE group training will know of the R.O.I.L. exercise that has us reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus and touching them in some way with Christ’s love.... Continue Reading »
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"Touching Loacalities"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 12th Jun, 2011
“Touching Localities with the Lord Jesus” … an interesting phrase. No doubt Matt will or has explained how the Bible shows us that this is one of four ‘landmarks’ of God’s church. But I guess as the bulletin article writer this week I can say my two cents too!... Continue Reading »
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It is finished
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 5th Jun, 2011
How do you feel when you complete a job or a task?... Continue Reading »
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The Influence of Media
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 30th May, 2011
How much time do you spend engaging with media in the week? I use engaging intentionally as media encompasses music, advertising, magazines, anything internet, TV, movies etc.... Continue Reading »
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"What's our Passion?"
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 22nd May, 2011
This week, members of the ministry team staff of HBC and SBC were each given the book, ‘Jesus Manifesto – restoring the supremacy and sovereignty of Jesus Christ’ by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola.... Continue Reading »
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A Corporate Church Journey...
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 15th May, 2011
Most church articles are about our personal journey with Jesus which is the main thing. This article is about a corporate church journey.... Continue Reading »
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In His Image... Genesis 1 & 2
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 8th May, 2011
Have a look inside yourself and you will see something of what God is like...really! For there, inside, is a reflection, a likeness; more that that, an image. Sure, the picture is somewhat muddied and distorted but it is definitely there and recognizable alright.... Continue Reading »
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How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 1st May, 2011
I have recently been challenged by the Lord to examine my heart and in the process I discovered that I can very clearly see the stick in my brother’s eye but am unable to see the log in my own.... Continue Reading »
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Player or Spectator?
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 24th Apr, 2011
Christians have an important decision to make concerning where they position themselves in the life of their church. Consider for example, a game of Rugby football: This game can be experienced from the playing field or from the spectators stand. The experience from these two places is vastly different. Deciding to position yourself on the playing field demands certain expectations from you, but promises rewards.... Continue Reading »
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Thank You
Filed Under: Thought for the Week — 17th Apr, 2011
Last Sunday was a monumental day in the history of God’s people at Helensvale & District Baptist church, indeed in a long line of monumental days over the last 28 years. And no doubt there will be more to come.... Continue Reading »
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News & Announcements
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21/05/2012
The next "Shed Night" is scheduled for Monday May 21st...... Continue Reading »
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22/04/2011
The CrossLife - Helensvale Family regularly donate non-perishable foodstuffs into our "Emergency Relief" cupboard. Helensvale Campus is then able to offer assistance by way of an "Emergency Food Parcel" to those in our community who find themselves unable to provide a meal on the table. Often some "creativity" is required by the recipients but the food is always gratefully received...... Continue Reading »
