MathiasGrehn.com

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” (Winston Churchill)

There is a really interesting account in Acts 5:12-15 that talks about the fact that people would be placed on the streets so that Peters shadow would fall on them.   What is my presence doing to people?  Is that fact that  I am a believer, a Christ follower, an ambassador of Christ…. filled with the Holy Spirit making a difference on the people that I am in close proximity to? 

What is your “shadow” or “precence” doing to others?  Are they touched by the presence of God in and through you?  Do they see fruit in your life and are they sensing doubt, or a trust that God is able to do anything?  

Apparently there was something about Peter that made people carry the sick unto the streets so that his shadow might just fall on them.  The question I ask myself today is this “what is my shadow doing to people”?

• Sunday was one of those days when I felt a little bit off but, not really sure if I can pinpoint it? 
• Really glad to see several new faces, keep inviting your friends.  I believe that we have had more visitors the last two months compared with the previous six.  Way to go, keep it up!
• I have had this lingering cold for the last few weeks and it sucks,  I would appreciate your prayers! 
• I love the song “Came to my rescue” by Hillsong.  I will post the video below: 

“The Church becomes a “Tourist Attraction” when she stops BEING the Church and starts DOING Church!  – Christine Caine

So I just answered the door, 2 older women asked handed me a tract and told me in broken English “God bless you”.   Gotta give it to the Jehovah’s Witnesses…. at least they are trying to get the word out…..

Remember you are a WALKING BILLBOARD!  Regardless of what you want to do either people see “JESUS” written all over what you do and who you are or, they see  NOTHING!  What use is a billboard that is blank?  What do you think?

Watch this and enjoy!  FYI most of  the world call this football because it is mainly played with “feet”…just a thought! 

On Monday nights I lead a Growth Group and we are talking about knowing God’s will.  A big part of that is being able to hear God’s voice ad the best way to hear God’s voice in through the Bible.  As promised here are a few great links: 

Here is a link where you can get several great Bible reading plans.

Here is also a link to a chronological Bible reading plan. 

Life Journal – Pastor Wayne Cordieros site

For those of you in the class, remember: 

• S – Scripture
• O – Observation
• A – Application
• P – Prayer

Since we had no power, no screens working and an auditorium that we quite dark it make reading and taking notes quite hard I promised that I would post scripture references ets.

Job 40:10  Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.

Isaiah 61:3 …and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God

Colossians 3:12… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

Genesis 3:9  But the LORD God called to the man, ‘‘Where are you?”

Here is the problem with many ”Christians”,… they are:

1.  Naked

Revelation 3:14-22 
 But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ¹⁸I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness    

Naked Christians – No Fruit

Galatians 5 -  Fruits of the spirit 

Matthew 7:19 
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Fruits are not created – The Are GROWN  

2.  Naked but, wearing only a helmet

Ephesians 6:10-17 
….¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,

Notice that salvation in liked to a helmet. Imagine a person butt naked but wearing only a helmet….not so good!

3.  Cross dressers

A cross dressing Christian wears Jesus ½ and the world ½

What the Bible calls a person that does this is: Hypocrite

Matthew 15:7

⁷ You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ⁸ ”‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Check out Matthew chapter 23 where Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites 7 times

What should we Do?

Romans 13:14 
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Do we sometimes get too dependent on equipment, computers, projectors and all that stuff?  As we showed up to church today everything was dark, a construction crew had cut off a main electrical line that feeds the school and we were told that it would take 6-8 hours to fix. 

Props to everyone for the awesome attitude and spirit that you showed today.  Candles were lit, acoustic guitars was gathered and worship was awesome.  Many people responded to the message and someone prayed to receive Christ for the first time.  What can I say, no power but, with the power of the Holy Spirit……..

Gotta love when people show up, find out that we have no power and the first thing they say it GREAT.  Attitude determines Altitude!