Light Strengthens

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12 January, 2020Pastor Mark SchultzEveryday Epiphany

It’s called SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s a form of depression common in places with prolonged dark winters, where for days on end you experience little to no natural sunlight. The darkness literally wears you out…drains you…sucks the life right out of you. Prolonged darkness makes you sick. The only cure is more light. But even more than our mental health…intense light also has physical health benefits. Researchers at the University of Colorado have discovered that Intense light amplifies a specific gene that strengthens blood vessels and offers protection against heart attacks. Exposure to the light of Christ also has health benefits that protect from dark times. Prolonged exposure to Christ, through his Word, among his people turns our lives more and more toward him like a plant to the sun. It conforms us to his image and reveals our true identity. It gives us a clear vision for each day and unfailing hope and strength to live out our calling in this world. The Light of Christ strengthens and we will explore how it does that today personally for each one of us.

 

#2 in series: Everyday Epiphany


THEME VERSE:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

    my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

    and he will bring justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1


REMEMBER THIS WEEK

In every moment you are chosen, loved and upheld by God and anointed with his Spirit to fulfil his will and bring his light and blessing to the world.


FAITH TAlK

1.  On a scale of 1-10, how compasionate are you?

   1...I'm a rock you can't squeeze any out of me to 10... when I see someone suffering, I hurt so much for them

2.  In what area of your life do you need God's strength as you step out into 2020? 

Bible Readings

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

    my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

    and he will bring justice to the nations.

He will not shout or cry out,

    or raise his voice in the streets.

A bruised reed he will not break,

    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

 he will not falter or be discouraged

till he establishes justice on earth.

    In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

This is what God the Lord says—

the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,

    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,

    who gives breath to its people,

    and life to those who walk on it:

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;

    I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you and will make you

    to be a covenant for the people

    and a light for the Gentiles,

to open eyes that are blind,

    to free captives from prison

    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

“I am the Lord; that is my name!

    I will not yield my glory to another

    or my praise to idols.

See, the former things have taken place,

    and new things I declare;

before they spring into being

    I announce them to you.”

More from 'Everyday Epiphany'

Light Reigns

26 January, 2020 Pastor Mark Schultz

It's called the Second Coming Type and it's the largest display type used by newspaper editors around the world and saved for headlines of extreme importance; news that is earth-shattering, world changing and life-defining. If Isaiah was a newspaper editor, Isaiah 9 would be written in 'Second Coming Type' for there is no greater news that needs to be told and the world needs to see. It's news that is world changing, life-defining and eternity shaping. To miss this news is to be trapped in darkness and despair. Isaiah goes all out, placing the spotlight on this message so that the whole world can see it, hear it, celebrate it and pass it on. We'll also shine the spotlight on that today as we continue to celebrate the coming of Christ…the light of the world…The Light that Reigns over every darkness and drives out every shadow. Light that reigns now and for all eternity

#4 in series: Everyday Epiphany

THEME VERSE:

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever. Isaiah 9:7

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

Beyond Bethlehem

Beyond Calvary

The light will reign in every heart that opens the door of darkness and allows Christ to break in and break through bringing new hope, endless beginnings and eternal life.

FAITH TAlK

1. What do you love most about Australia and being a part of it?

2. If you could reign over Australia or the Church for a year, what would be the first thing that you would do?

3. Who or what are you allowing to reign in your life at this time? What is the result of that?

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Light Heals

19 January, 2020 Pastor Mark Schultz

It's been said that the longest journey in the world is from the head to the heart. Knowing that something is true is one thing, but believing it and living it when our experienced reality is evidence against that truth, is an entirely different matter. We may have heard the promise, 'Never will I leave you or forsake you,' and deep down know it's true, but how do we live in that promise when we feel abandoned, alone, forsaken and forgotten? How do we let God's truth bring an everyday epiphany; a life-changing, heart affecting transformation whatever we experience in the present? Whatever your current reality, it doesn't have to darken your life, for the light shines and the light heals. We'll explore and experience the truth that connects both the head and the heart today.

#3 in series: Everyday Epiphany

THEME VERSE:

I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:15b-16

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

Every pain, every brokenness, every ruin that litters our lives is known by God and dealt with by God. Jesus himself bore our sicknesses, and he carries our pains, that everyday the balm of his love may bring healing that is effective now and continues for eternity.

FAITH TAlK

1. What's the best remedy for an illness/condition that you have been given?

2. When in your life have you felt abandoned or forgotten by God?

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Light Shines

5 January, 2020 Pastor Mark Schultz

A-ha!...Eureka!...By jove I think she’s got it! However we say it…it’s that moment we finally get it! We finally see our way through a homework problem. We finally see how to put the puzzle together. We finally get that last thing to fit in the suitcase or cupboard. We have that breakthrough moment. It’s called an Epiphany…the light clicks on, the penny drops…We see with clarity & insight…There’s a sudden recognition/realization/revelation…and everything is clear, reoriented & transformed. What if that could happen for you every day? What if you could live 2020 with 20/20 vision? What if you really could live 365 days with sheer purpose…on purpose? What would it take for you to live every moment with intention, as if you just had an epiphany? What would it take for you to be an epiphany…a revelation of the light & life & love of Christ to those around you? It's possible when the light shines. And that's what we’ll explore and experience today as we continue to celebrate the coming of Christ…the light of the world…God’s love for the world…who shines on you today.

#1 in series: "Everyday Epiphany"

THEME VERSE:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

You are called to shine! When the light of Christ emanates brightly from your life, people will come!

That's a divine guarantee.

FAITH TAlK

1. Who has been a light in your life, shining brightly with the love of Jesus?

2. Where in your life do you feel in the dark and needing light?

3. What's one thing you could do to begin intentionally letting Jesus' light shine through more brightly in 2020?

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