Jesus...what did he come to do again??

Luke 19:10 says it so clearly in Jesus own words; "The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost..."
The task is very clear, uncluttered...even simple! 

Matt 28:19-20 "Jesus last words are 'GO... MAKE DISCIPLES of the Nations...BAPTIZE in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit...TEACH new disciples to obey ALL the commands I have given you. Be sure of this I AM with you always...'"

WHERE and HOW does this work best? In communities of faith...CHURCH! The most effective way to fulfill this in our lifetime is to start new Churches. I am really going out on the edge here, but I believe it is consistent with Biblical discipleship - Jesus' last command - the commission he gave His disciples which includes us, is to plant, start new communities of faith...churches of different sizes and styles. God is soooo creative! 

Anyway that's what I believe Jesus told us to do!!!!  What do you think?

www.visionchurches.com       www.booksbynick.com

Title: "How to have a successful harvest"

'The following I have found to be keys in the process of seeing His Kingdom extended.

Before I share these keys, there are some foundational understandings:

1. Harvest is not an event it's a process. 

2. The further evangelism is removed from the local church the less effective it will be.

3. In my view, and I believe it has been proven time and time again, friendship evangelism is the BEST way to proceed. 75-90% of people become Christians through a friend or a relative. Most people will have 2-3 people who are either relatives or friends or work colleagues who are open to the gospel in some way. These are the ones to specifically pray for and ask along to a special small group, church event, concert or guest speaker.

The keys...

1. SOW seed. Keep sowing seed. There is no tree without the sowing of seed.

2. You receive in the harvest the KIND of seed you sowed. Plant apple seeds, you will get an apple tree. 

3. You receive in the harvest MORE than what you sowed. If you sow one apple seed, you receive not only another tree, but lots of apples and countless MORE seeds. That's what happens in the natural, imagine… the supernatural!!

4. You reap in ANOTHER SEASON to when you sowed. Sometimes it takes months, even years for the harvest to show itself. Keep sowing!!

5. There is NOTHING you can do about the harvest of yesterday...but you can EFFECT THE HARVEST OF TOMORROW!!

Keep sowing Gospel seeds - lives depend on it!! 

Until next time...

Passions & Talents - How do we find them?

Title: Passion & Talents - how do we find them?

How can we find our Passions and Talents? 

What were we created to do? 

We are so uniquely and wonderfully created; how can we maximize what God has given to us for His Glory?

Each one of us has been given abilities and gifts. It seems that many don't know what they are. Before God we will not be responsible for what talents or gifts we don't have, but we are responsible for those we do have. (There are many free 'Gift analysis' questionnaires on line...this will certainly add to the picture you can build of your passions). Our gifts and talents are locked within what we are passionate about. 

Answering these questions below will empower you and lead you towards the following:  1. You will know how you are wired up and what to do with the one life God has given you.  2. You will know what to focus on and what NOT to. You will know what to say YES to and what to say NO to. For example, if you are passionate about public speaking or hospitality, you'll be more motivated to study this subject in depth and become even more skilled. 3. You will be able to pray specifically for the talents God has given you, finding creative ways to use them.  4. Finding your passions will lead you to better understand your gifts & talents. 5. You will better understand yourself, which is always helpful. 6. Answering the questions below will enable you to become more productive. 7. If you work in your passions you will enjoy what you are doing much more. Even the difficult things will be OK for you can see the end result. 

4 easy Steps in answering these questions. 

Step 1. Begin to pray specifically about what God might be saying to you through this process. 

Step 2. Take time to think and answer the questions. This is not a one day thing...take a couple of months over it.

Step 3. It helps to write answers in a small notebook that you go to every day or two and add to what you have written. A picture will begin to form of your passions and even your talents.

Step 4. Ask respected peers and those in leadership over you "what do you see me passionate about?", and "What do you see are my talents or gifts?" Again note the answers down. Writing clarifies and un-clutters thoughts.

Here are the questions:

1. If you could mobilize the masses, what would you do?

2. If someone gave you unlimited finances and resources, what would you do?

3. What do think about all the time?

4. What do you care deeply about? (Your treasures / your values).

5. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

6. What do you believe God wants you to do?

7. If you could snap your fingers to get something done, what would happen?

8. What absorbs you and captures your attention?

9. What things are you committed to?

10. Slogans and Creeds?

11. What have you achieved with competence or success?

12. Where do you belong? (A large city, small town, medium sized City, the country...?)

13. Are there any should's that have trailed you?

14. What is ministry for you? 

15. What are the events and situations of the past that have ignited good feelings in you?  

Enjoy...remember it's a journey. God has wired you up a certain way. May this serve you so you are able to find your passions and envision His dreams for your life...so all Glory goes to Him.

Enjoy...remember it's a journey. God has wired you up a certain way. May this serve you so you are able to find your passions and envision His dreams for your life...so all Glory goes to Him.

Do we realize how much God has given us?

Flying back from London this year, I was reading the daily mail. There was sad but fascinating article about a homeless man who was found frozen to death in Wyoming. He died from hypothermia under a railway overpass. Authorites found few uncashed cheques in his wallet. The story doesn't end there. His name was Tim Gray who was an adopted son of the wider Clark family when he was five by Dr Gerald Gray. At the time of his death Tim was due to inherit 12 million pounds!!

A very sad story indeed. But maybe as disciples of Christ we live not realizing how much God has given us? Let's go back in time and look at the story Jesus told of the lost son. (They are 3 stories making the same point - but that's another story). Luke 15:1-32.
The younger son comes home ashamed & repentant and even after the Father gives him the
'finest robe' - signifing, honour,
a 'ring' - this gave the son power of attorney (authority),
'sandals' - which stands for freedom, the father gives the younger son a huge party!!

The older son enters the story and is angry and will not enter the party... 'I've slaved for you all these years never once refused to do a single thing you told me to do. You have never given me a party so I could celebrate with my friends...now this son of your's...'

The father replies, 'you are always with me & EVERYTHING I have is YOUR'S'.

Two powerful supernatural basic truths that run through the New Testiment: He is with us! And EVERYTHING I have is your's! 

Tim was adopted. Did he realize what he had? Maybe he did, but didn't walk in what was his. We are adopted. Do you realize what you have in Christ? 

The inheritance is being contested by family and friends...there's a terrible fight going on!! Our fight has already been fought & won...by JESUS!!