When we started this whole adventure of merging two churches, one of the key issues was leadership. This was actually solved rather rapidly when Pastor Colin decided that his call was to plant churches and resource leaders in India with CRM ministries.

It has been an absolute joy, and an unexpected strength to work with Colin these past 8 or 9 months. It will be tough to say goodbye, a large part of me wishes that he could stay on. But God has called Craggs family to another nation.

What a joy it will be to hear and see what God does through them. I think Colin is gifted for this type of ministry, teaching, coaching, discipling, enabling others to plant churches. He will be a great resource for them. Their gain, is our loss.

If you know Colin and Carolyn, and are at a loose end on Sunday, it would be great to come and wish them well.

but what comes out of your heart….Jesus (Mark 7.15)

Continuing my reading from the gospel of Mark.

So much of what we consider to be ‘wrong’ is not ‘wrong’ but tradition.
The Pharisees has built up all these religious rules and regulations.
The Puritans did the same.

With freedom and grace comes responsibility, to our fellow Christians, and to those on a journey.
But either way, I know that I often judge and am restricted by my upbringing…and can be quick to judge, or even dissalow myself from things, which have nothing to do with Christianity, and far more to do with my religion.

I don’t want to ‘shove’ my freedom in anyones face, but I also don’t want to judge myself and others…when God is not judging me.

0-3

I think this inglorious start to the season, with the fired up and skilfull St Kilda (away game) next week….pretty much spells the end of our season 2009.

Barring a miracle comeback…..thats it for us this year.

Sundays effort was actually commendable in one sense. After the second quarter, I gave us no hope. To claw back in front during the fourth quarter was a good gusty effort. The Dockers did not give in….so well done.

But….if someone does not teach them how to kick straight, and quickly, thats it.

My wife knows me well….no Bunny with chocolate ears for me bought from Red Dot….

this is what I am enjoying tonight…

It is smooth, rich, obviously with chocolatey undertones, but unmistakably a Stout.

Right now, along with some Lindt Chocolate, it is making my evening very enjoyable. (Link)

Melinda and I looked at each other and sighed a big tired sigh today.
We are both emotionally and physically stuffed after an incredible Easter Weekend.
At Inglewood Church we had two huge crowds in….Sunday was even more packed than Friday…but Friday was a big service.

What was sooooo good was that we had friends, Jam Central parents, contacts, relatives…people we care about deeply…at church…remembering Jesus…many of whom have not found themselves in church for many years…if ever.

I chose to really step up to the plate for the services, and just put the message out there.
Friday I was particularly passionate about Jesus not being some namby pamby wimp….but a tough warrior, who went to fight….and took far more than any Hollywood action hero ever did…on His quest to save the world.

Sunday I focused on why we have nothing to fear an Atheist publicity campaign…because we have the truth…but what we do need to focus on is where we will spend eternity.
A very talented singer at our church, and the very talented Eliot just absolutely brought the message home with the U2 Song…’where the streets have no name”. I shared with the crowd this songs deeper application, and asked them to ask the obvious question, where are they going to spend eternity. I dont apologise for a confrontantional message on such a day…you know…some of these people may not hear the gospel…or see it in someones life for years…if ever. I want them to know the truth. Dont get me wrong, there is a real balance between not being some ‘fire and brimstone’ fundamentalist loony….or being some limp wristed liberal….

If I offend anyone…I want it to be for good reason…because in their heart they know they need to respond to God…as indeed, we all do.

Blessings to all who read this blog..I have you had an awesome, enjoyable and great Easter Time…and enjoyed spending time with those you love.

and that is all I have to say about that!

Today we had a great service…for many reasons.

The Choir did an awesome rendition of “Pride, in the name of love”
Tracey did a fantastic closing song about how we need to choose Jesus
It was moving, inspiring, time to meditate and contemplate….

We had a huuuuge crowd in…which is fantastic, but more than that, some people who we have been praying for..for a long time…came along, and enjoyed it.

The worship team really led us so well in worship, so professional yet warm.