Prayer Points
No Weapon
Sunday 15th November 2020
It was a real privilege to have Bishop Dr Kelly from Newark New Jersey ministering to and for us on the above topic. As we are in a war, which is not physical but spiritual (that of good versus evil or righteousness over sin), followers of Christ will always be in opposition to the evil one who brings chaos, fear of the future and sinful practices to individual lives and that of the whole world.
The prophet Isaiah recognised that God has a track record of delivering His people (Israel) and now the body of Christ (both Jews and non-Jews). Some countries around the world annually put on a parade where their military soldiers and artillery are on display. The citizens of those countries find reassurance in the belief that their lives are safe in the hands of their leaders. However, there is a more important message which those in authority wish to convey to other countries. They are saying indirectly “Look at us - fear us. Don’t even think or try to come against us, as we are more than capable of defending our ourselves”.
This is just what the enemy tries to do by intimidating the Christian. He devises weapons of isolation, fear, sickness, death, loss of finance, family breakups and more. On one occasion, Israel was being challenged by the King of Syria. He got his army to assemble their artillery, chariots, horsemen and foot soldiers to surround and intimidate them. When Elisha’s servant saw the multitude of soldiers and their artilleries, he started to panic (similar to how we might be at times). Elisha was not in the least concerned for he knew Jehovah was on their side and had His ministering servants at His command. He assured him (rather than rebuke him) just as God does to all believers on a daily basis (“I have your back covered”).
Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” (2 Kings 6:16 NLT).
As Christians, we have God’s mighty weapons at our disposal, these being: PRAYER (for all, at all times, places, and occasions), PRAISE AND WORSHIP, studying and walking in OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD, walking and SERVING OTHERS IN LOVE, and boldness in SHARING THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION. We not only fight this war, but we are victorious through Christ. God has provided the full armour to protect the believers in Galatians 6:10-18 and equip us with His Holy Spirit, word, how to prayer strategically to disarm the evil one and his agents.
We must refute those who use their tongues to make all forms of false accusations, casting of spells, verbal intimidation and trying to stop the preaching of the gospel. God will vindicate the believers and bring into judgement their accusers. The believers can be confident and rely on the promises of God as these are our heritage made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. “We are not victims but victors through the mighty power of God”.
Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ will become victors over sin and its power and receive God’s continuous protection as His Child. Have you placed your faith in Him?
Additional scriptures: 2 Corinthian 10:4; 5:21; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 10:19; Psalm 91:12-14
Prayer points
1 Confidence
Believers will become more confident in the power of the blood of Jesus and use the authority and power that Christ has given to His church to disarm and destroy the work of the enemy.
“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments". (2 Corinthians 10:4)
“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:18 NLT)
2 Accusers
Pray against every tongue which rises up to accuse or silence the church.
"So, they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, 'We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.' " (Acts 6:11)
3 Lives changed
The believers will continually live in the glory of God and see lives changed by the power of the Holy Spirit when the gospel is shared.
"Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?' " (Acts 2:37)
Living Water vs Broken Cisterns
Sunday 8th November 2020
"For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns-- broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13)
Today’s message is relevant and challenging for both those of us who know Christ as our personal Saviour as well as those who are yet to receive God’s free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
God continually reminded His people (Israel) of His enduring love, loving kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and long suffering towards them. Israel had a cycle of sinning, rebellion, and repenting. God gave Jeremiah a message to deliver to His people. It was not one of comfort, reassurance, and praise instead it was one of rebuke. God used the illustration of a fountain of living water (Himself – the complete package needed for life in the here and now and that which is to come). This water is one which is pure, constantly flowing, refreshing, available at all times and to all who desire to drink. In bible times it was not unusual for people to build cisterns and fill them with water during the rainy season for times when water is not so readily available.
Please note two words God used in the above verse of scripture which are, "living" and "broken". God Himself is the fountain of living water which gives life, purifies from sin, and quenches the thirst - our thirst (the God given part within us to worship Him).
Who sees a fountain of clean and available water and chooses not to drink from it but instead builds a cistern and collects and drinks from its water? Like Israel, our world is rejecting the living water God offers and instead building cisterns that are broken. The broken cisterns reflect our setting up and worshiping of all forms of idols (moral living, self-reliance, lovers of pleasures and boastful to name a few) instead of listening to and obeying the voice of God.
Which source of water are you drinking from? Why would you drink from broken cisterns that will either become, stagnated, polluted, contaminated, and make you ill or leaks? The water from the cisterns will never not quench your thirsty soul. God’s offer of living waters is still available for all.
Additional scriptures: Jeremiah 14:1–4 & 20; 16:1–21 Psalm 78:16; 114:7-8 and Revelation 21:6
Prayer points
1 Our leaders
The leaders of the body of Christ, be they bishops, pastors, leadership teams and all those in position of influence, will call and lead their members to repentance from idolatry.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:11 NKJV)
2 Return to the fountain
We will fill in every broken cisterns and return to fountain of living waters, where we will be filled to overflowing.
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38–38 NKJV)
3 Salvation
Pray that those who have not accepted the living waters offered by God will come, drink and receive life eternal.
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters (Isaiah 55:1)
Hold to the Vision
Sunday 18th October 2020
Prayer points
1 Serve in love
To accomplish the vision of our church, all of us need to be willing to work. Pray that our daily surrender to God individually will cause us to willingly serve within our church and wider community. Pray that we would see the importance of actively helping to run with the vision of our church. Pray that our obedience to God will stem from our genuine love for God and His people, making every effort to keep the unity among us.
Bible references: Habakkuk 2:2, Ephesians 4:1-6
2 Resist the devil's ploys
Others are counting on us to stand firm and fulfil the work God's called us to do e.g. our children, younger believers, our community etc. Pray that disappointments and discouragement would not cloud the vision of our church and family. Pray that we would resist these traps of the devil by holding onto God's word - using the scriptures in the Bible to aid us in lifting our faith in God.
Bible references: Ephesians 6:10, 1 Peter 5:8, Galatians 6:9
3 Keep the fire burning
Pray that unbelievers would encounter Jesus, believe in Him and be fired up by the Holy Spirit. Pray that as we wait for the vision, our fire for God would not go out by letting the Holy Spirit guide our lives (rather than doing what our sinful nature craves).
Bible references: Acts 2:1-4, Galatians 5:16
Jesus Our Anchor
Sunday 11th October 2020
Prayer points
1 Know Him
Pray that God would give us wisdom and insight in knowing Him personally, so that we can see exactly what it is He is calling us to do and have a confident hope.
Bible references: Ephesians 1:17:23
2 Focus on Him
Our hearts are owned by whatever we consider our "treasure." Pray that we would focus on building rewards from God in heaven so that rather than being motivated by temporary wealth, we'll emphasise honouring God and His will.
Bible references: Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Corinthians 15:58
3 Abide in Him
Pray that we would not let the winds of doubt overwhelm us. Pray that we would abide in Christ and not let our minds abide in worry, doubt, or fear.
Bible references: Isaiah 26:3
Follow Christ
Sunday 4th October 2020
Prayer points
1 Deny Ourselves
Pray that we would disconnect from distractions e.g. unhealthy relationships, all the things that may hinder our walk with the Lord. Pray that we would give God our full undivided attention by spending more quality time with Him for a stronger connection.
Bible references: Matthew 19:16-24, Hebrews 12:1
2 Follow Him
Pray that we would not hesitate or waver in our commitment to God but instead be obedient in following Christ in our daily living, willing to do whatever He tells us to do or go wherever He leads us to go. Pray that we would inspire others to follow Jesus.
Bible references: Matthew 4:18-20
Grace & Mercy
Sunday 4th October 2020
Prayer points
1 Mercy
Pray that we would not live in condemnation if we fall into sin because we can confess our sins and Jesus will forgive and cleanse us from all sin and unrighteousness.
Other Bible references: Romans 8:1, 1 John 1:9, 1 John2:1-2.
2 Grace
Pray that we would walk in freedom and in the newness of life through Jesus Christ, understanding that God's grace and His word is sufficient for any weakness or struggle.
Bible references: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, John 8:31-32
3 Love
Pray that we would be merciful to others in the same way God has been merciful to us, which is described in Psalm 103:1-13. Pray that we would love others in the way God desires us to in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
Other Bible references: Matthew 5:7, Psalm 103:1-13, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, Matthew 22:37-39, Ephesians 4:1-5