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From the Pastor

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 11:52
It is clear in scripture that we have been called to make a difference in this world for Christ. When we come to Christ and become His follower bold calls are made to us. In Matthew 4:19 Jesus said to Simon and Andrew "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men." In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said to his followers "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” In Matthew 28 just before Jesus departed having finished His work he said "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." I’m sure all of us at times feel overwhelmed with this task. There is so much need and so little resource (humanly speaking) and time to meet the needs that it can feel overwhelming. I’m reminded of a story I heard some time ago. I’m sure you probably have heard this story as well, but it makes such a clear point that it is worth retelling. Write comment (0 Comments)
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From the Pastor

Wednesday, 27 January 2010 16:31
The Bible calls us to be salt and light. What does that mean? Some get fearful when they hear such challenges because it conjures up thoughts of pressuring people to do something they are not interested in doing – namely to become a follower of Christ. I’m sure that Jesus did not have this in mind. If God wanted to pressure people into following him he would not need our help. He is the God of the universe and is not lacking in power and authority. What he needs are people who will demonstrate the goodness and love of God through redeemed lives. I was challenged by the following story shared by Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone University and former president of Moody Bible Institute. I hope it will challenge you as well to daily “Touch People for Christ” by demonstrating His love and grace through your redeemed life. Write comment (0 Comments)
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From the Pastor

Tuesday, 29 December 2009 18:37
I believe that God is calling Cooks Hill to a deeper understanding of the privilege and power available to us through prayer. God has made some shocking promises to us. For example in Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” He goes on to ask if we as earthly parents would deny requests to our earthly children. His point is obvious – of course we wouldn’t. He then asks why we would not expect even more from our perfect heavenly father. Either the promises of scripture are false or we need deeper faith and understanding of the wonderful benefits afforded us through prayer. Write comment (0 Comments)
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Lessons On Leadership

Tuesday, 22 December 2009 16:16

At a recent conference, Chuck Swindoll was given an award recognizing him for nearly 50 years in church leadership.　 He shared 10 key things he’s learned about leadership over that time:

1. It’s lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decision, the lonelier it is.
2. It’s dangerous to succeed. I’m most concerned for those who aren’t even 30 and are very gifted and successful. Sometimes God uses someone right out of youth, but usually he uses leaders who have been crushed
3. It’s hardest at home. No one ever told me this in Seminary.
4. It’s essential to be real. If there’s one realm where phoniness is common, it’s among leaders. Stay real.
5. It’s painful to obey. The Lord will direct you to do some things that won’t be your choice. Invariably you will give up what you want to do for the cross.

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