OUR VISION Reaching our World + Building His People + Transforming the City A Message From Our Pastors It has been a humbling experience to be called by God to lead the church here in Sale. Over the years we have seen the growth & development of an amazing team that have a mandate to share a life changing message with this generation. It is very difficult to condense what we believe God has called to do in these few sentences... But lets’ give it a try. We are committed to build a church that reaches our world by demonstrating the Kingdom of God, builds His people through the process of discipleship and transforms our City through the impact of changed lives. City Builders Church is a training and equipping centre! Our strong desire is to be a church for the city, a church that is tuned to God’s voice. We are also to be true ambassadors of Him in our world. We are to be representatives of His Kingdom and agents of change. We are part of the wider Body of Christ and we know that God has a plan for us in this city and region. Perhaps God is calling you to co-labour us here to build a great church that makes a difference in this part of the world. If we are going to see the standard raised in our nation, there is so much that we need to do together..!! Hopefully we will get to have a coffee with you sometime to share whats on our hearts. Pastors Brian and Lynne Heath FOCUS 1 “A Church With a Clear Message” Our mandate is to clearly communicate to our world that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is the reason for our existance. When we have a revelation of who Jesus really is, it cannot help but change the way we live. Our desire is to live with integrity the message that we preach. Where is this in the Bible? Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus and believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” “A Church of Vibrant Praise and Worship” Knowing God and being free to worship Him with our body, soul and spirit is a central theme of City Builders Church. True Worship is an act backed by a transformed lifestyle. We bring our lives to God in worship because we were created for it. John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” FOCUS 2 Where is this in the Bible? Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed this word but be transformed by the renewing of the mind that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. “ FOCUS 3 “A Church That is Strong in the Word” Every believer is encouraged to become strong in the Word of God. The Word of God transforms our lives and is taught and preached without compromise. God’s power is released in our lives when we respond to it the way God intends. Where is this in the Bible? Joshua 1:8 “The Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night that you may observe all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.” James 1: 21-24 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness and recieve with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror for he observes himself and does away immediately forgetting what kind of a man he was.” Colossians 3:16 “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Psalm 119:9-11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By taking heed according to your Word. With my whole heart I have sought you. Let me not wander from your commandments. Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you. “A Church That is a Voice” In a generation where there are many voices, our lives need to be tuned to hear and accurately respond to His voice. FOCUS 4 He is the Word, but we are to be His voice. If we are to represent Him well, we not only need to have His heart but we are to learn to hear, to heed and to say what He is saying. Where is this in the Bible? John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 “...of the sons of Isschar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred and all their brethren were at their command.” “A Church That Reaches People” Jesus came into the world to reach lost people. God’s Word makes it clear that we should do likewise in every possible way. God’s call on us is to reach our city, which is reflected in our name “City Builders Church.” Where is this in the Bible? FOCUS 5 We believe that the city belongs to the Lord. It is our mission to reclaim it for Him. Psalm 2:8 “Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your inheritance.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” FOCUS 6 “A Church That Prays” Right from the foundation of our church, there has been a strong focus on prayer. We are committed to see the church established and become strong in the Spirit through a strong prayer life. Every member is encouraged to possess a heart to pray. Where is this in the Bible? Mark 11:23-26 ‘For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain ‘be removed and be cast into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that those things which he says will be cone, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” I Timothy 2:1-2 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among my witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” “A Church That is Honourable and Caring in its Relationships” One of the ways that we are able to prove the reality of God to our community is through the honourable, caring and real way that we relate to one another. God has made available a blueprint for marriage, family and community in His word. One of the key passwords to relational success is honour. FOCUS 7 Where is this in the Bible? Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honourable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, but by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Romans 9:21 “Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honour and another for dishonour?” 1 Corinthians chapter 13 ‘A Church That is Generous’ God has been so generous and gracious to us (Ephesians 2:4). That is how we should be in our world. One of the best ways that we can demonstrate our spirituality is by our generosity. The Word says that God has given us the ability to gain wealth so that His Covenant should be established. FOCUS 8 Where is this in the Bible? Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God who is rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. (By grace you have been saved.” Deuteronomy 8:18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” A Church That Carries Spiritual Life God has invested His life into us. He has made us a new creation and He now He lives in us. As we respond to Him by allowing His nature to be formed on the inside of us, we become carriers of His life and His Presence to all that we meet. Where is this in the Bible? FOCUS 9 I Corinthians 3: 16 “Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?” Acts 2: 39 “The promise is for you and your children and all those who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” FOCUS 10 “A Church That Raises the Standard” We are called to raise and set a new standard for a society that has lost its way. The church is be the Pillar of Truth and Righteousness in Society. Our discipleship culture helps people rediscover God’s blueprints for excellence in all we do. Where is this in the Bible? Isaiah 59: 19 “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” ‘A Church That Empowers People’ Our church provides a healthy discipleship culture that empowers believers to become everything that God has called them to be. As we answer the call to discipleship in our own life, we are empowered to fulfil the Great Commission of Discipling the Nations. Where is this in the Bible? Matthew 28: 18-20 “And Jesus came & spoke to them saying “All authority has been given to me in Heaven & on earth. Go therefore & make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all thigns that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Ephesians 4: 11-16 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and some teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ, til we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ. From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Philippians 3: 13-14 FOCUS 11 Our church is called to be a discipling, training, equipping and sending centre. ‘A Church That Leaves a Legacy’ If the spiritual foundations of our church are built well, we become co-labourers with the Lord to leave a legacy for generations to come. FOCUS 12 Where is this in the Bible? Psalm 127: 1-2 “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain.” Isaiah 59: 21 “As for Me, “says the Lord, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the Lord, “from this time and forevermore.” COMMUNITY OUTREACH “Reaching our world, building His people, transforming the city” Church is more than just a Sunday service. We believe that every church has a mandate from God and ours has been laid out in this booklet and in the catch-cry written above. How do we do it though? We keep tuned in with our community through a number of programs - and we have a lot of fun doing it! Here are some examples: Marriage Gym for Women: Is your relationship working out? This program gives women the keys to strengthening and improving their marriages. And its fun too! Sale City Youth: Our Friday night youth program combines games & entertainment with inspirational speakers and the opportunity to create positive relationships. Blokes Only Barbeque (BOB) Nights: Well its for blokes only! So all we can really tell is that there aren’t many salads at this BBQ! And that it helps men connect and become all God is calling them to be. Sale City Seniors: We love our seniors! Under the leadership of Val Hall, they are among the most vibrant and inspiring people we know. School Programs: City Builders Church supports chaplains in schools and runs a number of in school programs in partnership with local primary and secondary schools. TESTIMONY Dissatisfied with what I saw as the “norm” and having a deep sense of justice made me the perfect candidate for the peace movement. I wanted more in life and searched this arena for 18 years. I lived an alternative lifestyle with my partner Michael & our children. We had built a bark hut in the bush in Wombat & on the river flat below grew all sorts of organic vegetables, herbs & flowers. We kept goats, sheep & poultry & did all our cultivating with a draught horse, believing that saving the environment was the most important thing in our lives. We thought living this lifestyle in an unspoiled environment would make us happy. This proved to be wrong. While externally things looked great, internally they were a mess.We exchanged the traditional values of marriage for the new age values of communal living & individual freedom. The result was a damaged relationship & a daunting future. Thankfully, Michael made a life-changing decision to invite Jesus into his life in 1987. As expected, I was in staunch opposition. Due to have our fourth child, I had been on crutches with a torn ligament for two weeks, had a respiratory illness & could hardly breathe. Added to this was the memory of my last difficult delivery two years earlier. This all equated to equal immense fear. So I decided to talk to God. Although I professed to be an atheist, in a crisis a bet each way doesn’t hurt. I said: “Help. If You’re real prove to me that You exist by getting me through this birth and I’ll go along with Michael to church and join him in his faith.” God certainly did His part. Ryan’s delivery was free of complications. There was no anxiousness, little pain and a real sense that another source of strength was helping me. Just in case I would forget after my need had passed, God reminded me for several months. Every time I held the baby a presence and love I had never before experienced would fill the room. So when Michael asked if we could have the baby and our other children dedicated to God at his church, I agreed. I kept my end of the bargain. During the service at City Builders Church, I felt a mixture of emotion; magnetism & a feeling of “get me out of here”. But when the Pastor invited people to come forward & receive Jesus, I found myself limping towards the front, unsuccessfully fighting back tears & all the arguments raging in my mind about why I shouldn’t be doing this. Making may way to the front was as if I had come to the end of a long and weary journey. In the quest for meaning I had practised transcendental meditation, yoga and explored Zen Buddhism and many other spiritualities. It was not until I met my Father in Heaven that day that I found what I had been looking for. Life changed radically. Previously, we had subscribed to the strange morality that accompanies the conservation movement. Value placed on the environment outweighed the value placed on the creation of human life. Whilst fighting to save the planet we were endorsing the destruction of tens of thousands of human babies every year in the name of civilisation & freedom of choice. We worshipped creation but rejected the Creator. In fulfilling our own desires we ignored the respect of others & God’s guidelines for healthy relationships & societies. One of the first things to change when God entered our lives was that we were able to move on from the guilt of our past. I held a lot of regrets & disappointment but that day I felt I could leave that behind & build a wonderful future together. Although Michael & I had lived together for 12 years, we had never made the commitment of marriage. Six weeks later, we entered into a lifetime covenant with each other & with God. To this day, that promise has caused our marriage to flourish & has continued to provide security & happiness for our children. We are not perfect and never will be. However, throughout the 18 years I have been a Christian, God has not stopped delighting and amazing me with His incredible love and power. The restoration in our relationships, health & family can only be the result of God working in our lives. Yvonne Coffey Modern life can be so busy and stressful. On a daily basis we deal with the demands of work, family, children, mortgage, bills… blah blah blah. The list goes on. No matter whether we are newbies at this Christianity thing or whether we have been walking in relationship with Jesus Christ for years, we need to often revisit the work of the Cross and remember what Christ did for us. This is where true victory comes from. In this article, David Braithwaite talks about the Victory we have in Jesus Christ… VICTORY IN JESUS CHRIST ARTICLE “It’s a basic principle that when you do something wrong, you pay the price. For centuries people have paid the price through a suspension, fines, even death. But there is a level beyond that. In the garden of Eden, humanity had separated itself from God after Adam and Eve were tricked by the serpent. Since then sin and its penalty, death, had a grip over man. Man was created in God’s image and walked in fellowship with Him before falling into sin, but when the spiritual umbilical cord was cut as man began dying spiritually. After man fell into sin, the fear of death came immediately, this fear then ruled mankind. To rectify that separation and bring man out of fear, a price had to be paid. During the days of the Old Testament, to atone for sin, man would sacrifice an unblemished animal. This was symbolic as these animals were something of value to them. But it came to a point when God wanted to defeat death once and for all. As it said in the book of Hebrews, “for it was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins”. Rather than making humanity pay, God was willing sacrifice His Son, Jesus, to die on our place. Jesus was sent to earth to destroy the works of the devil. Despite having authority over creation and power of sickness and death, Jesus was willing to go to the cross and follow His Father’s plan. Jesus was wounded for humanity’s transgressions and bruised for its iniquities, sickness and sorrows. He took it upon Himself to be sin, which has been and will be, for mankind. Jesus’ resurrection meant death and sin were defeated. Anyone who knows and believes that the devil is defeated will also enjoy this victory. Jesus was willing to set aside all that was rightfully His in heaven to spill His blood as a sign of the covenant God has with mankind. Jesus put aside His riches and became poor, so mankind would become rich spiritually. Compared to contracts and other agreements, covenants are more permanent and stronger. An agreement signed in blood, affectively what a covenant is, is the highest form of agreement and shows the importance a party has placed on it being made. God showed how much He loves us by being willing to spill the blood of His only begotten Son. God proves His love by the price He was willing to pay for our salvation. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:8-9). It is that blood which covers His people and washes away their sins. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). David Braithwaite OUR DETAILS: Sunday Services 10am 10 Wade Court Sale VIC 3850 Website - www.citybuilderschurch.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/citybuilderschurch YouTube - www.youtube.com/salecitychurch contactus@salecitychurch.com Phone: 0439 660 846
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