1. We see a church that cares – accepting, valuing and creating a place where everyone belongs. We see a church who loves unconditionally and lives the invitation to a healthier, stronger and happier life IN Jesus
2. We see a church whose Kingdom Purpose is the fulfillment of each person’s Kingdom Purpose. We will train and release every individual as a minister and leader, empowered to do “even greater things”.
3. We see a church radiant with joy and resolute in our faith as we live humbly and assured lives, celebrating small beginnings and counting only that which is “faith expressing itself through love” (Gal 5:6) as significant.
4. We see a church who intentionally breaks down all barriers, loving every family and member of our community as we take our rightful kingdom position as a city on a hill, being salt and light and “Just as He is in the world so are we” (John 17).
5. We see a church that is fun and works hard, yet is not hard work, activating the power of sacrifice and surrender.
6. We see a church that attracts, connects, strengthens and releases significance into the lives of others – influencing generations and cultures.
7. We see a church of 500 in 10 years achieved by praying radical, faith filled prayers and living lives of action. We will cross the road to lift and bind the broken. We will love, care and believing the best in everyone.
8. We see a church where salvation, deliverance and healing is a daily occurrence resulting in LIVES FOREVER CHANGED.We will pour out the Gifts of the Spirit, stand on His Word, break chains and open hearts in worship.
9. We see a church easily identifiable to the community as a place of help and hope, demonstrating LOVE’S POWER through children, youth and community outreach.
10. We see a church that empowers leadership, acts of service and love and adorns herself with truth, righteousness and praise.
11. We see a church that serves, gives and lives with the power, passion and purpose of Jesus. We see testimonies of the goodness of God and the love of Jesus released through the Holy Spirit, the power of Gods word and the faith of His people.
12. We see a church that shouts “Welcome Home” to the nations. Who sees miracles, lives restored and every believer living unconditional lives.

We can our whole lives for a church like this

The Greek word for ‘disciple’ is ‘mathetes,’ which means ‘learner.’  In biblical times a disciple would attach himself to a teacher and learn from him.  He would follow him throughout the day, interact with him, work with him and often would go home with him at night.

As a result of this close, personal real-life training, a disciple often took on the characteristics of the one who trained him.  In fact, this is exactly what Jesus said.

The word, “Learner,” does not have a sense of arrival to it.  A disciple is one who is always learning.  He’s not “Learned”, but a “learner.”  Discipleship is a life-long process (Philippians 3:12-14).  We will never fully reflect Jesus Christ in our lifetime.  But disciples keep moving in that direction, learning from Jesus throughout their lives.

The English word “disciple” refers more to a hierarchical position, I am a disciple of…., or he’s a disciple of . . ., whereas the Greek word “disciple” refers more to the activity of a learner.

What are essential characteristics of a learner?

A.       Desires to Learn.

B.       Applies Self to Learning.

C.        Puts Self in a Place Where he Can Learn.

D.       Does What He Learns.

E.       Imitates His Teacher.

What are the key characteristics of a disciple? Key Verses

Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 4:19-21  Luke 14:25-33 Luke 9:23-26, 57-62

Philippians 2:4-9; John 13:3-15  Romans 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 12:28,29

Titus 2:11-14; 3:3-8 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-13

1. Disciples are those with a love for God, their neighbor and Christian brother and show this love in deeds.
2. Disciples put Jesus first in everything and count the cost before they jump in.
3. Disciples are willing to wait on pleasure and comfort, to suffer now for the reward waiting them.
4.  Disciples serve those whom they lead.
5. Disciples seek other’s good before their own.
6. Disciples work out of gratitude and love and are zealous to do good deeds.
7. A disciple of Jesus seeks to impart what he has learned to others, to fulfill the ministry Christ has given to them.
8. Disciples are ready to receive whatever Jesus has to offer — His forgiveness, love, direction and commandments — and to pay the price to get it.

Questions:

A.   Do I have the heart of a learner?  Am I willing to learn?  Have I put myself in a place where I can learn?  Do I apply myself fully in my learning?  Do I fully and readily obey what I learn?  Do I imitate Christ in my life?

B.            Are you growing in your love of God?

C.   Are you actively demonstrating love for my neighbor as well as my brother in Christ?

D.   Is there any area of your life (job, play, thoughts, relationships, entertainment, money) where Christ does not have first place?

E.   How closely are your priorities aligned with God’s?

F.   Do you willingly follow your leaders?  Do you seek to do your best?

G.   Do you willingly serve those who follow you?  Are you seeking their best?

H.   Do you seek the best of others before yourself?

I.   Do you actively seek to do good things in the world around you?

J.   Are you motivated primarily out of gratitude for what God has done for you, or out of the need to have other’s approval?

K.   Are you imparting to others what God has built into you?  Are you using your gifts to build God’s kingdom?

Each and every child is of immense value to you, to us and to God. We involve each little legend from the beginning of each program, and individual care is given to each as we believe these young champions are the carriers of tomorrow. While this is a huge responsibility that needs to be imparted to now –it doesn’t mean that today shouldn’t be huge fun.

Ps. Bec Madden

E: rebecca@abundant.org.au

P: (03) 6248 73717

Sunday 19th  Feb: Ps Matt Preaching “RELEASE”

Please bring your bible, pen and your “Yes”. The last few Sundays have been incredible as people are open to the Word, open to change and bring a positive heart to both

Each week we are looking at “the church we are becoming in 2012″

You can get a copy of each weeks message -just bring a zip drive or ask the sound desk to burn you a copy on CD
BREAK/fast breakfast
This would have to be my favorite meal of the year!
8.45am-9.45am.

Join us for a fully cooked and Continental breakfast. Relax on the deck with friends and family and re-fuel before the service starts. ALL WELCOME

Prayer times
Click here for all our prayer times during 21 days Prayer and Fasting

Testimony Sunday
26^th February is a Testimony morning.
Please note – testimony, not teaching! No directional or correctional words. We want to know what Jesus has spoken to you and done through you.

If we want the presence of God we have to practice it. We know that demons tremble at the power of our testimony – Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Facebook friends
Please join us online and help take back this medium for good. So many great words can be spoken by you “Pastor” so go for it – lets take some ground back! – See you shinning online soon.

Missions Launch 2012 4th March

Keep an eye out for  BOYS BRIGADE 2012.

For more information on any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This Friday  Night SMACKDOWN  $2

7.30pm   490 South Arm Rd Lauderdale

FULL NOISE, FULL FUN, FULL ENERGY

Check out Switch Youth Community on Facebook or @Switchyouthmin on Twitter for all the details

Ps Matt & Karen

E: switchyouth@abundant.org.au

P: (03) 6248 73717

Facebook: SWITCH YOUTH