NG WORSHIP NIGHT

'DEEPER'

Come for a passionate & intimate night of worship with the Lord.

It's a night to worship, exalt & praise God through music. It's a night to encounter His presence, to be set free from darkness and to see yourself awaken to the purposes He has called you to.

Full address: St Matthews Anglican Church,

889 Logan Road Holland Park

Time: 7:30-9:30pm (followed by refreshments)

Date: 7th May 2010

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR

PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY (PART 4-final)

(taken from here)

Obtaining a study Bible is the place to begin. But as your Bible studies increase, you may want to invest in some more specialized books. Some to explore:

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Bible Handbook. Provides a great deal of information about each book of the Bible, life in Bible times, history of the English Bible, etc.
Bible Dictionary. Brief articles on each significant subject, word, and person in the Old and New Testaments. You'll often find helpful summaries of Bible teaching.
Bible Concordance. While study Bibles provide an abridged concordance, you can find an unabridged concordance that helps you find every occurrence of a particular word in the Bible. The best-known of these is Strong's Concordance (based on the KJV) which identifies each Greek and Hebrew word, and gives it a brief definition and a number. Now concordances are available for the NIV and NASB containing Strong's numbering system.
Bible Commentary. Bible commentaries provide an overview and running explanation of each book of the Bible. A good place to start might be with a fairly recent one-volume commentary on the whole Bible. There are also a number of inexpensive commentary series available that cover each book in the Bible, if you want to study a particular book in greater depth.
Word Study tools include an interlinear New Testament that shows the Greek text on one line and a literal English translation below it. A Greek-English Lexicon provides clear, precise definitions for each Greek word in the New Testament. Some of these are keyed to Strong's numbers so they can be used by students who haven't learned to read Greek letters. Similar resources are available for Hebrew as well.
Topical Bible. A topical Bible will give a great many scripture references listed by topic. Great if you're doing a topical or thematic Bible study.
Bible Atlas. An atlas contains more than detailed maps. It also describes the geography and places of the Bible, usually with fascinating illustrations and archeological details.

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Don't Forget the Most Important Step
It's possible to be so engrossed in Bible study that you forget the most important purpose of Bible study. It's not Bible knowledge for its own sake nor being able to quote verses and recite orthodox doctrine. Ultimately, the purpose of Bible study is to learn exactly what the Bible teaches so that you can apply its teachings to your life.
Perhaps the simplest approach to Bible study is to use the three basic inductive Bible study questions to ask of a Bible passage:
What does it say?
What did it mean to those reading it in Bible times?
What does it mean to me as I seek to apply it to my life?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR

FEBRUARY, MARCH & APRIL BABES
RSVP with Jojo by latest 21st April

source

Let's come together to celebrate our brother's and sisters birthday this week!!

We're going to have yum cha together at Shangrila in Market Sq.

Do come and rejoice and give our best wishes & presents to Su Giin (25th Feb), Carina (15th Mar) and Ronald & Joel (12th Apr).

source

So far we only have 5 people who have RSVPed.

Do come and celebrate with those who celebrate..the more the merrier!

Venue: Shangrila Restaurant,
Level Ground, Shop 1, 309 Mains Road Sunnybank, Queensland 4109
Time: 10:30am
Date: 24th April (Saturday)

SAVED!!

There was another soul saved today as our brothers and sisters went out to share the gospel in the city tonight. The angels rejoice.

If you want to learn more about how to share about Jesus to others and to find the faith and boldness to do it, join them every Monday at 5:30pm at King George Square.

Jesus commanded all of us to share our faith in Matthew 28:18-20:

"18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

For information please contact Leann Loo.

CATCHING UP ....

bbq on Australia Day at Samuel's place

Let's us continue to catch up and encourage each other in NG3, no matter how busy or low we may feel. Spending time with good friends is a great way to help us 'perk up' and share the load and burdens we may have accumulated from just being alive.

Jesus showed us the example in His life here on earth. As much as He spent time with God, He also spent ample time with people. Jesus often hung out with friends at their homes like at Mary & Martha's or at a party at Zacheus'.

breakfast then shed building together at Don's place

Do be the initiators of dinners, movies, fun events or sports events to others in the group so we can continue to grow in our friendship with each other as well as have fun as a family.

dinner at Grace's place

Emergency Telephone Numbers

These are more effective than 911

When - You are sad, phone John 14

You have sinned, phone Psalm 51

You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91

People have failed you, phone Psalm 27

It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139

Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11

You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23

You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34

You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13

You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18

You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39

You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30

It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90

You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30

You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121

You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87

You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1

Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone Mark 10:17-31

You are depressive, phone Psalm 27

Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37

You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13

It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15

You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126

You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19

You want to carry fruit, phone John 15

Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17

With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55

To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

ALTERNATE NUMBERS

For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47

For security, call Psalm 121:3

For assurance, call Mark 8:35

For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.

NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.

ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.

FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

How to Improve Your Personal

Bible Study (Part 3)

Learning to Use a Study Bible

After you've decided what translation to use, I encourage you to purchase a study Bible, since it will contain a number of tools in one volume that can help you dig deeper. Nearly every Bible publisher offers a study Bible. Your local Christian bookstore can help you figure out which one is right for you. Here are some of the features that you'll come to appreciate:
Cross References. In a column next to the text, a study Bible lists several other verses with a similar idea or theme. For example, for "Nicodemus" in John 3:1, my Bible refers me to John 7:50 and 19:39 where he appears again. For "Rabbi" in verse 2, the cross references send me to Matthew 23:7 which has nine more references on this topic that I can explore. These cross references won't be comprehensive, but will point out the main passages that discuss this idea.

Bible Book Introductions

It's important to know something about the author, date, themes, circumstances, and intended audience of the Bible book or letter you're studying. In most study Bibles you'll find one to three pages of introductory comments for each book with a brief outline.

Study Notes or Annotations

Study Bibles have footnotes at the bottom of the page to help explain some of the more obscure ideas you'll run across -- a kind of mini-commentary. Remember, these aren't part of the Bible itself, but can often point you in the right direction in your study. These notes are usually indexed for easy reference.

Concordance

You've had a verse on the tip of your tongue, but don't know exactly where it is. A concordance helps you find a Bible passage if you can think of a key word or two that the verse contains. A concordance can also help you find other verses that teach a concept or use a word found in the passage you're studying.

Topical Index

In addition to a concordance, some study Bibles have a separate topical index that helps you find scripture references on a particular topic.

Maps

Part of understanding what's happening in narrative passages of Scripture is learning the geography, the location of cities, battles, mountains, valleys, enemies, etc.
Other features you may find include articles on various topics, a brief Bible dictionary, outlines of topics and Bible books, index of place names, time lines, and so on.

SHARING BY NEEKEE

Yesterday’s sermon ended with the words “Conviction or Convenience”.Interestingly enough, the very words “conviction vs convenience” has been haunting me on and off for the past 2 weeks. Those past 2 weeks, every decision I made, I started to ask myself - Convenience or Conviction?

“Oh, I’m too tired to head on down to prayer meeting today. It’ll be better if I were to rest tonight and prepare for a long working day tomorrow.” Hmm... Convenience?

“I don’t feel like reading the bible today. I haven’t been getting much lately. Maybe I’ll try again later today when I have time.” Hmmm.... Convenience as well?

“I’ve been busy this week and don’t have much time to meet up with people I’m suppose to catch up with. I’ll cancel now and meet them another week.” Sigh... Convenience?

“Life group/church has been quite ordinary lately and I do have other things I need to finish up here. I suppose I’ll give it a miss this week.” Again... Convenience?

A lot of occasions, I seem to make choices or decisions that needs little persuading. And the reasons I give myself, that seems so harmless starts to take a foothold in my life and “spiritual weeds” start to grow. The thing with “spiritual weeds”, it start taking roots everywhere and it is really hard to get it under control. Before I know it, it has grown into every aspect of my life and I’ve become restless, tire easily, lack a sense of purpose and generally unhappy with life, possibly ministry, work life and even family life. And it all started with making “convenient” decisions.

They are conveniences because it stems from a selfish desire – I am looking out for no. 1 (myself). Make no mistake, I think self care is important and should be an integral part of a healthy Christian. But the issue is when I go past the line of “self care” and it becomes “self indulgent”.

After all that, I now realise that convictions are not based on how I’m feeling at the moment. I now know that convictions should be based upon God’s word and it is knowing and believing in something so strongly that I choose to do it regardless of my physical and especially emotional state. It is saying that “I can’t see any way out of this situation – yet I choose to honor God even when it is really hard to do so.” Conviction is when I say “God I don’t feel like worshipping you just now, please help me to throw myself into your embrace and let me encounter you. I don’t feel or have any reason to praise you yet will I praise Thee. Help me to experience the Joy of the Lord that shall be my strength.”

So I now realise that without convictions, I will find it hard in my walk with Him. I now realise that without convictions, I will always make lousy decisions and take the easy way out. Without the gospel, I will fail to experience what’s mentioned in Thess 1:4 (our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction).

So I need to learn to make up my mind - Who do I serve?These 2 weeks, I’ve learnt to remind myself through the chorus from the song “My Hope” which says that “My hope is found in You. Everything I need is at your feet. My life I lay it down an offering, I’m living for the glory of your name.” What will you choose today? Convenience? Or Conviction?

Blessed be His Name,

Neekee

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR

FEBRUARY, MARCH & APRIL BABES

Let's come together to celebrate our brother's and sisters birthday in 2 weeks time. We're going to have yum cha together at Shangrila in Market Sq. Do come and rejoice and give our best wishes & presents to Su Giin (25th Feb), Carina(15th Mar) and Ronald & Joel (12th Apr).

Venue: Shangrila Restaurant,

Level Ground, Shop 1, 309 Mains Road Sunnybank, Queensland 4109

Time: 10:30am

Date: 24th Arpil (Saturday)

RSVP with Jojo by latest 19th April

JOJO'S BABY SHOWER - CHANGE OF DATE

Date: 8th May

Time: 10am

Venue: Grace's place (64 Nardie St, Eight Mile Plains)

Please RSVP by 18th April to grace_rompies@yahoo.com

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR

PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY? (part 2)

(taken from here)

Learn to Ask Questions
The real key to Bible study is being inquisitive, learning to ask questions of the text. First, read the passage. Then be a detective; look for clues. What's going on? What stands out to you? What don't you understand? Look for anomalies -- things that you might not expect to find here. Consider, for example, the familiar dialog between Jesus and Nicodemus:

1 "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.' 3 In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' 4 'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!' 5 Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again." 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'" (John 3:1-8, NIV)

Several questions occur to me as I read this:

Where does this incident take place?
What did members of the Pharisee party typically believe? How were they viewed in society?
What does it mean that Nicodemus is a member of the "Jewish ruling council" or Sanhedrin? What does this tell me about him?
Why did he come by night?
Why does Jesus respond as he does to Nicodemus' introductory remarks in verse 2? Isn't Jesus a bit abrupt or rude in verse 3?
Is Nicodemus' response in verse 4 mocking or is it a sincere question?
What does "born of water" mean in verse 6? What does "born of the Spirit" mean? What does "born again" mean in verse 3?
What does the wind analogy in verse 8 teach us about the Holy Spirit?

You get the idea. Your questions of this passage might be different than mine, but that's okay. There are no right or wrong questions. But questions are vital, since they provide direction to where you're going in your Bible study. Give yourself freedom to follow some "rabbit trails," to explore one theme and then another as you get acquainted with a passage.
The questions will vary depending on the passage you're studying, but here are some typical questions:

Who wrote or said this?
When was it written or said?
Where did this happen?
To whom was it written or said?
What circumstance or event prompted this incident or teaching?
Why did the person act as he did? Or say what he said?
How can I apply or emulate or obey what I learn in this passage?

You'll be able to think of more questions. The key is to develop a questioning mind, and you'll learn. You won't find answers to all your questions, of course, but over time many will be answered.

(to be continued...)

FIRED UP SERIES

Discover how you can get fire into your heart to be a fired-up Christ-follower through our series from 21st March—23rd April. Be inspired to fan aflame God’s gift in you through the grace of God. Learn how to build deeper convictions and live a life of discipleship

This series starts up again this Sunday...so be ready for more inspiration

OC 2010 - ETHOS

1st day at OC with sumptuous buffet lunch

last day at OC with another good meal

God's presence was very strong during times of worship

Hanging out at Versace Hotel during free time

Easter Sunday with many other NG3s

What a good time we all had at OC 2010! It was a great OC with an intimate time of worship and inspiring teaching as well as a great venue. All of us were refreshed by God's presence and His Word, motivating us to be passionate again about His call upon our lives. We also praise God that our dear sister Cathy was Holy Spirit baptised on the very first night of OC.

Eventhough it was tiring, driving down to the GC everyday, we had good fellowship when we car-pooled. Don being a committee member had to bring breakkie every morning for the OC commitee at 8:30am and stay back till midnight every night before driving home. But praise God we were all kept safe and are now all home safe and sound.

Easter Sunday was fun as we had many others that drove to GC to join us for the Easter service. It was like a family reunion.

For more Convention highlights, please click on links below for video clips:-

http://www.vimeo.com/10690920

http://www.vimeo.com/10691030

http://www.vimeo.com/10691311

Jojo's Baby Shower...ladies only

Hi Ladies, It’s not raining but a shower is predicted! Please join us to celebrate new mother to be JOJO. Let's shower her with gifts and love! Bottles, booties, bibs and more, let's shower the baby with a gifts galore! Are you wondering what to shower our new mom to be with ???

We've spoken to Jojo about some of the baby shower list that she might need. For those who wish to contribute, we will begin money collection on Sunday.The gift includes a baby hamper and "Yummy" Nappy Cake.

Please feel free to email Grace at grace_rompies@yahoo.com the amount you want to contribute by 10th April.

Date: 24th April 2010

Time: TBC

Venue: 64 Nardie St, Eight Mile Plains

How to improve your personal Bible Study?

(Part 1)

(taken from jesuswalk.com)

Every sincere Christian wants to have a more meaningful personal Bible study, to understand the Bible better. While learning the Bible is the joyful task of a lifetime, I'd like to offer several suggestions that can enrich your Bible studies.

Bible Reading vs. Bible Study
First, recognize that Bible reading and Bible study are both important, but different. In order to grow, you need to read the Bible every day as part of your time with God -- your devotions or Quiet Time. During this daily time with God I recommend prayer, wide Bible reading, praise, thanksgiving, confession, and meditation -- these are ways to reach out to God with your spirit. Bible reading is one way of letting God refresh your spirit and speak to your mind.
If you really want to learn the Bible, I recommend that you read broadly rather than narrowly. A one-verse devotional may be quick, but it won't really help you understand the Bible. I try each morning to read one chapter from the Old Testament, one chapter from Psalms or Proverbs, and one chapter from the New Testament. If I'm consistent, this will get me through the Old Testament once each year and the New Testament twice. That's an example of broad reading and takes five to 10 minutes a day -- 15 minutes if the day's chapters are long.
But Bible reading as part of your daily devotions should be separate from your times of Bible study. Let me explain.

Blocks of Time for In-Depth Bible Study
Bible study, as opposed to reading, concentrates on a single topic, Bible character, or book of the Bible for closer study.
For example, right now in the New Testament I'm reading the Epistle to the Hebrews. I'm realizing that though I've read it many times, I need to dig in and figure out what it's really saying. That's where Bible study comes in. Bible study takes a longer block of uninterrupted time. Perhaps you'll set aside 30 to 45 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday nights for in-depth Bible study, or an hour on Saturday mornings before the family is up -- or perhaps longer. Blocks of time are important to Bible study. (to be continued...)