Hi Church,
It’s such a joy to be back with you for 2025 after a good holiday. Amanda and I have been encouraging our staff team to be refreshed and ready for a great year. I know they are keen to love and serve you as all the ministries begin this coming weekend. So please be ready to participate and encourage each other in your faith journey for 2025. Please call your ministry leader for starting details.
My message from last Sunday was built around the following points.
The overarching theme for the year is "Alive in 2025," based on Colossians 2:12-14, which speaks about being made alive with Christ after being forgiven for sins. The message emphasizes the importance of living fully for Jesus and showing the world that they are alive in Him. It also highlights the significance of humility, staying low to be lifted high by God, and being alive in Scripture and worship.
Prophetic Insights for 2025
During a prophetic session with Ps Paul Zanardo and our Staff, it was declared that 2025 would be a year of completion, fruitfulness, increased prayer, and greater impact in the community. The year is seen as a year of God's double favour and blessing, with a focus on reaping in areas not sown and experiencing unexpected increases in people attendance.
Place no confidence in the flesh but live by the Spirit
The message encourages placing confidence in the Holy Spirit rather than relying on fleshly efforts. It emphasizes the importance of encountering God's presence through the Holy Spirit and being empowered by His grace. The relationship with God should be one of sonship, where believers cry out "Abba Father" and are filled with life and peace.
Come Alive in Worship and Scripture
The message calls for a deeper engagement with Scripture and worship. It stresses the need to be disciples of God's word, letting it dwell richly within, and to worship in spirit and truth. Worship is not just about singing songs but about having hearts totally devoted to God.
Remember to stay low to our foundation so that God can lift us.
The Humility of Christ is our example and attitude to maintain life. This will help us to remember we walk on Holy Ground in our worship times together as we stand in awe of Jesus the author and giver of life.
The story of Lazarus is used to illustrate the power of Jesus over death and the importance of living a life that reflects His resurrection power. I will address these points this coming weekend.
This week has seen the challenge to pray into what will bring life into Grace Church and us personally. Every day from Monday to Thursday we have been meeting between 5 and 6 PM Worshipping, declaring Scripture, seeking Gods face and praying over each other life. In these meetings we have felt the beautiful presence of the Lord. I encourage you its not too late to join the many other people who are participating.
Exciting days ahead Church.
God bless you as you experience the fullness of God’s life in 2025.
Greg and Amanda