How has the Hope For The Illawarra event left you feeling about God and how he works in the world?

Maybe you went along on Saturday night and are feeling really encouraged, because the people you invited came, were interested in knowing more about Jesus, and are keen to come to church with you.

Maybe you brought a friend or two, but there really wasn’t a whole lot of good conversation with them following the event, and they still seem to be apathetic towards Jesus.

Maybe everyone you invited said no to coming. And you’re wondering if you said something wrong, or whether God has other priorities than making himself known to your friends.

Regardless of your experience in the lead up to and at the HFTI event, there is one next step everyone in our church should be taking right now: pray.

It might seem obvious. It might seem useless, particularly if your friends weren’t enthusiastic to follow Jesus.

If your friend made a commitment to Jesus, it might even be tempting to ‘leave it to God’ and not pray about it.

But the command from 1 Thessalonians 5 is to ‘pray unceasingly, giving thanks in all circumstances.’

Why? Certainly not because God needs us to. He’s capable of saving people without our prayers. Indeed he has done all throughout history.

The reason why we pray persistently is because God invites us to be a part of his mission.

It shapes our hearts to be like God, and to want what he wants – namely that everyone would find life in Jesus’ name.

Please keep persistently praying for your unbelieving friends. Pray for opportunities to lead them to Jesus, and take them. We don’t know God’s timing, but we do know his heart – that no one should perish, but come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). May our prayers and our lives reflect that.

Strong Families.

A Christian family recognizes the significance of a healthy and thriving marriage. The husband and wife strive to love and serve each other selflessly, creating a stable and nurturing environment for their children. They work together to resolve conflicts and grow in their relationship together and with Jesus.

Parental leadership involves the responsibility of leading and guiding their children spiritually. They teach biblical truths, help children develop a personal relationship with Jesus, which encourages their spiritual growth.

They also set appropriate boundaries, discipline with love, provide a nurturing environment for their children to flourish and pray for them to grow in the Lord.

When a child is born, it cannot look after itself. The parents provide food, protection, care & nurture over the months and years.

The Bible speaks of new Christians in terms of being dependent children. Some examples to reflect on are:

You have taught children and infants
    to tell of your strength (Ps 8:2).

… it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish (Matt 18:14).

12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognise the difference between right and wrong (Heb 5:12-14).

So get rid of all evil behaviour. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness (1 Pet 2:1-3).

Here are my observations about following up new Christians. Firstly, follow up is the nurturing of a new believer- like a baby. Secondly, initial follow up is for at least 6 weeks, preferably 1:1. After this initial phase, follow up becomes “discipling”. This is a lifelong Biblical, faith-in-action process that every healthy Christian is committed to receiving- & even providing. That is the purpose of our Growth Groups and our Sunday congregations (2 Tim 3:16, Heb 10:24-25). 

Our church is actively part of the Hope for the Illawarra mission- involving children, youth & adults. We are praying for them, getting alongside them, even telling them the good news of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ. This gospel is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). Expect that our HFTI mission will result in children, youth & adults becoming new-born baby Christians. As individual members, & as the whole church membership- the body of Christ- may we welcome, provide for- and play our part in- following up these “little ones”.

Dealing with anger in a Christian manner involves a process of growth and surrendering your emotions to God. It requires continuous self-reflection, reliance on God’s grace, and a commitment to aligning your actions with the teachings of Christ.

Here are 7 ideas in handling your Anger

1. Be honest you are angry. Recognize that anger is a natural emotion, but it needs to be controlled and channelled appropriately.

2. Avoid sinful responses: Aggression, verbal abuse, or harbouring resentment will lead to greater anger.

3. Pray for self-control. Remember, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you.

4. Practice forgiveness: Anger can be fuelled by unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment.

5. Communicate with love and respect: When addressing the issue that triggered your anger, approach the person involved with love, kindness, and respect (Ephesians 4:29).

6. Seek to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and constructive manner, focusing on reconciliation rather than revenge. If need be, seek counsel.

7. Meditate on Scripture: Fill your mind with God’s Word. Bible Study and Church are spiritual disciplines we should always adhere to grow in our Faith.

Tony.