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In November 2020 we prepared a book study on the book, “Next Generation Leader” for our Leadership Team. Here are the videos from that study.

Part 1 - Competence

How do I develop priorities?

Part 2 - Courage

What is stopping me from moving forward with what needs to be done?

Part 3 - Clarity

How do I make decisions and manage uncertainty?

Part 4 - Coaching

Who do you go to, to help you grow?

Part 5 - Character

“Who do I want to BE?” before “What do I want to DO?”

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What is communion all about?

The most famous story of communion in the Bible is the story of The Last Supper. It was Jesus’ last dinner with His disciples before He was killed. You can read the story (and if you’re going to host communion you’ll definitely want to) in Matthew 26, Luke 22, and Mark 14. It happened as part of the celebration of Passover which was actually a festival that began in the Old Testament period. Jewish people would have celebrated Passover as a way to remember how God brought them out of Egypt and spared their lives in so many ways. The eating of the bread and drinking of the wine that led to what we call communion is still a regular part of celebrating Passover that Jewish people and some Christians celebrate each year.

With Passover as the setting, Jesus took the bread, broke it, yet didn’t follow the typical Passover tradition. He said, “Eat. This is My body.” Then, with the cup of wine, He explained further.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.” Matthew 26:27-28 NLT

In Luke’s Gospel, he included a few more of Jesus’ words from that evening, “do this in remembrance of me.” Those six words, and the Apostle Paul’s reminder in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, are the motivation for why we take communion together as Jesus followers. Jesus asked us to carry out this simple tradition to remember that He gave His life for our lives. That He was poured out to wash away our sins. Like baptism, communion is a spiritual symbol and reminder of what Jesus has done. But it holds power not only as a symbol, it also reminds us to invite the Holy Spirit to examine our lives and to continue to do His work of washing us by the grace of Jesus.

After taking communion, Jesus and His followers walked to the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed His famous prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane only hours before He was arrested and eventually died so that we could truly live.

Taking Communion At Home

Jesus and His followers used wine and unleavened bread, but it’s simplest to use grape juice and whatever bread or crackers you have available. If you really want to use unleavened bread, a matzo cracker is a great option. If you can’t find grape juice, another juice will do. What’s important is focusing on the meaning of this spiritual symbol.

Ask one person to pray for the bread and lead the group in this first part of communion. Here’s an example.

Hold the bread, a symbol of Jesus’ body. Jesus asked us to eat this to remember that He gave His body for us. Let’s pray. God, thank You for sending Jesus who not only lived for us, but died for us. The Son of God, who came in the body of a man, gave Himself up so we could live! Thank You that His body was raised back to life. Thank You that because of the grace of Jesus we have real life, and we can live forever in You. Amen. Okay, go ahead and eat the bread.

Next pray for the cup in this second part of communion. Here’s an example.

Hold the cup, a symbol of Jesus’ blood. Jesus asked us to drink this cup to remember that our sins are washed by the powerful new covenant Jesus made possible between us and God. Let’s pray. God, what an incredible picture this is of Your love for us. You allowed Your only Son to literally be poured out so that we could be in a fully restored relationship with You. Thank You, Jesus, for giving your blood. Amen. Go ahead and drink the cup.

Remembering what Jesus did while taking communion can feel like a somber moment, and that’s okay. But don’t forget, this is an incredible reason to celebrate. Ask some people in your group to come ready to share a story of something that Jesus has restored in their life. Encourage your group to not just experience the symbol of communion but to live in its truth. We are set free because Jesus is alive and giving us life to the full.

Reflect and share anything they felt like God might have been helping them to see or remember while they were taking communion.

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We recently completed a sermon series titled “How to Pray” at Life Church in Portlaoise. The final sermon included practical ways to help you pray which we would like to review here.

We know that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, yet many of us don’t have regular times of prayer. The reason is not so much that we don’t want to pray but that we don’t plan to pray. We have not chosen a place for prayer. We don’t have a set time for prayer. We don’t have a procedure for prayer.

Prayer will change your life, your family, your community, and the world. We must pray, so let’s commit to a plan for prayer that is not just a boring ritual, but the spark to a living relationship with our Heavenly Father.

What is your PLACE for prayer?

In Matthew 6:6 Jesus encourages us to, “go into your room and shut the door” for prayer. The principle being that it is important to minimize distractions and connect with God.

Some people love to pray in their room, others enjoy praying outdoors. In this season of my life I pray when I go on walks outdoors. Maybe you like to pray kneeling at a specific chair, or pray while having a cup of tea. Years ago I had a cliff face that I would sit at for my time of prayer. I always found it interesting that John Wesley’s mother found a place of prayer in the midst of her busy life as a mother by covering her head with her apron.

We are creatures of habit, the only questions is: “Will you have good habits?” Choose a place for prayer and stick with it.

What is your TIME for prayer?

Choose a time every day for prayer. For most people the best time will be in the morning. Prayer first thing in the morning is a great way to commit your day to God.

Make enough time every day for prayer. There is no rule on how long your prayer time should be, but it should be long enough to be meaningful.

What is your biggest BLOCK for prayer?

We have an enemy that does not want us to pray. He will tempt us with sleep, with distraction and anything else to discourage us from entering into this vital aspect of our relationship with God.

Use God’s Word to fight this battle.

If sleep blocks you from prayer memorize and speak the Scripture from Isaiah 40, “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”

If distraction blocks you from prayer memorize and speak these Scriptures:

• Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
• And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

What is your PROCEDURE for prayer?

Prayer is more than just ASKING. If you read Jesus “Master Prayer” in Matthew 6:9-13 where he taught his disciples about prayer you will find that he includes praise of God, thanksgiving, confession of sin, along with asking.

Most of us know how to throw up prayers that ask God for things. This is not a bad thing, but if it is the only thing then we are missing out on the pattern of prayer that Jesus teaches us.

I would encourage us to take time and really emphasize times of prayer that include Praise of God. When God is bigger our prayers will become bigger in faith.

SAMPLE PROCEDURE (30 MINUTES FOR PRAYER)

PRAISE (5 minutes)

Spend time reminding yourself who God is. Some are encouraged in this by singing songs or praise, others lift their vision to God the Creator by being inspired by spending time out in nature and viewing creation.

THANKSGIVING (5 minutes)

Psalm 100 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” What are the things you can be truly thankful for in the last 24 hours?

BRING THE LIST (5 minutes)

Bring your heart-level needs and requests to God in prayer. Give God the list of things on your mind and ask for his help that you will not be anxious or distracted.

RESPOND TO GOD (10 minutes)

Open God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to read the Scripture. Consider following a bible reading plan so that you do not need to search for what to read.

As you read mark what stands out to you and respond to it.

For example: If you are reading about an aspect of God this may lead you to more praise, or asking the Lord to reveal this aspect of Himself more to you or others you know. If you are reading about a form of sin this may lead you to a time of confessing sin to God. If you are reading about a promise of God this may lead you to thank God, or ask Him to give you faith to believe this particular promise. If you are reading an exhortation to action (ie “seek to show hospitality”) you may pray for strength, courage or an opportunity to respond.

COMMIT YOUR DAY TO GOD (5 minutes)

Example: “Father, I belong to you. Make this day what you want it to be. Help me to do what You want me to do.”

May this post be a spark to encourage you in your walk with the Living God. Prayer is powerful. Prayer will change your world. Prayer can undoubtedly be a delight, but it usually must begin as a discipline. Bless you as you commit to a new venture with God in prayer.

The post How to Pray appeared first on Life Church Portlaoise.

1. Don’t give unrestricted access of the internet to a child or teenager.

Some question, “Should we not show our teenagers that we trust them?” This is not an issue of trusting our teens, but, “Do you trust the world and your teens peers to make healthy decisions for your teen?” Sites like YouTube, not only give access to sexual images, but people put them in unexpected places to draw people in, especially young boys. One solution is to have all “open” internet access on a central computer in a family room, living room, or dining room. In our family, sites like Youtube are for viewing in this type of setting, and not on our teens personal phone.

2. Be aware.

Technology is constantly changing, and while as parents, we cannot keep current with it all, know what your children have access to. Restrict where you feel necessary, and let your child/teen know that you are the parent, and can and will spot-check their phones, tablets, or personal computers.

3. Provide substitutes.

Growing up, my parents had some strict rules when it came to what I watched and what I listened to, but they also provided substitutes. They took me to Christian rock concerts, that I am sure they did not love at the time, but they did it because they did not always want to be just saying, “No.” We regularly sit as a family and watch music videos and discuss styles of music as a family. It can be a difficult balance between not wanting our kids/teens to feel like “outsiders” and with what Jesus tells us, that if we follow Him, the world will hate us. They key to providing substitutes is, be involved in your kids/teens lives, and don’t just leave them to figure it all out on their own. They will have other influences, but you want to be the primary!

4. Love your kids/teens.

When they struggle and fall, love them. They will dabble and come across things that you may not be pleased with, but walk with them. The gospel message is that of love and redemption, and yet, because of fear in our own lives, we can model the exact opposite of God’s nature when our children stray off the “straight and narrow.” If we only get angry when they do wrong, we are subtly teaching our children that God is an angry judge that only loves us when we do good. It is amazing how many of us adults struggle to some degree or another with an underlining dread of God when we do wrong. God is holy, but even in His holiness, Scriptures tells us time and again that He desires that mercy triumphs over judgment. When we do lose our tempers…apologize…and ask God to help you deal with your own issues. Let your children see that you need God and that you are growing in your relationship with Him. We all screw up as parents. Allow God’s grace and forgiveness in your own life, but also ask the Holy Spirit to help you change!

5. All kids/teens are different.

Everyone is different and everyone is on a journey. God gives us our children for 18 years for a reason. My wife often encourages herself when there is a consistent issue that one of our children is struggling with, “They are just working on their testimony.” There is an incredible pressure in society today to have children that perform at a high standard in every area of life (education, sports, recreation, socially), and yet, it is not a reality, nor how God designed us. We will always be stronger in some areas and weaker in others. Even the apostle Paul told us that it was his weaknesses that led him to rely on God’s strength. Above all else, our ultimate goal as parents should be to lead our kids to their own personal relationship with God.

6. Encourage.

We want to be our children’s biggest fans. They may not seem to always appreciate it or even want it, but God wants us to be secure in who we are and not let the challenges of parenting cause us to shrink back with worry that perhaps our children don’t like us. Ultimately, we must remind ourselves in the midst of everything that comes against our children, God is greater! Let us pray and fight for our children…and see a generation raised up that will stand for Him!

By James Krechnyak

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Fasting can be described as set time to voluntarily separate oneself from some aspect of one’s normal activities to make room for God. Typically, this is a time of separation from certain foods and liquids in one’s diet and it is normally accompanied by prayer.

Biblical Prayer & Fasting

Fasting was an expected discipline in both Old and New Testament times.  Jesus taught his disciples and the crowds in his ‘Sermon on the Mount’ with the words, “when you fast,” not if you fast. Many, if not most fasts in the Bible were for 1 day, usually during the hours between sunrise and sunset. (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 14:24; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35)  Other fasts were 3 days and nights (Esther 4:16) and 7 days (2 Samuel 12:16-18; 1 Chronicles 10:12). The longest fasts in Scripture were the 40 day fasts by Moses, Elijah and Jesus.

• Seek change (Nehemiah 1:4)
• Repentance (1 Samuel 7:6; Nehemiah 9:1; Jonah 3:5)
• Guidance (Ezra 8:21)
• Help in Crisis (2 Chronicles 20:3; Esther 4:16; Daniel 9:3)
• Spiritual Authority (Acts 13:2; 14:23)
• Fresh Anointing (Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:3)
• Divine Direction (Judges 20:26; Acts 13:2-3)
• New Level of the Holy Spirit Power (Luke 4:14)
• Answered Prayer (Nehemiah 1:4; Esther 4:16)
• Intervention of God (2 Chronicles 20:3)

Emphasize the Positive Purpose

When thinking about fasting it is often the case that many of us immediately focus on and emphasize what we will be giving up for the time of the fast. Instead of focusing on the negative, it can be helpful to emphasize what you will add to your life and what you will gain from the fast. Fasting with prayer should always be with a positive purpose in mind. For example, fasting with prayer is intended to heighten your spiritual focus, intensify your passion for God and the things of God, and allow you to gain self-control over your fleshly cravings and human will.

Examples of circumstances that may move you to fast: sensing a desire for God to move in your community, family, or personal life; you are deeply convicted by the sinfulness of the people of God or a people group you identify with; when desiring to specially separate yourself from the things of the world to be closer to God; when desiring a stronger faith to take hold of the promises of God; when anticipating a new opportunity for ministry.

A Plan of Action:

1. Decide on the Purpose.
   

   2 Chronicles 7:14 gives an excellent outline for priorities in your fast. You may want to choose a purpose from an example given in the notes above.

2. Make the Commitment.
   

   How long will your fast be? What type of fast (water only, water and juices, etc.)? What activities will your restrict? How much time each day will you devote to prayer and God’s word?

3. Prepare Spiritually.
   

   (The foundation of fasting is humility and repentance)
   Confess your sin to God and accept His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Seek forgiveness from those you’ve offended and forgive those who’ve hurt you (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:3; 17:3, 4). Ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 5:14-15). Surrender your life to Jesus (Romans 12:1-2). Be aware of and don’t underestimate spiritual opposition (Galatians 5:16-17). Begin your fast with an expectant heart (Hebrews 11:6).

4. Prepare Physically
   

   (Take reasonable precautions.)
   Consult your GP (physician) first, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. Some people should not fast without professional supervision.
   To make the drastic change to your eating habits a little easier so that you can focus your attention on the Lord: a) Do not rush into your fast. b) Avoid sugar, caffeine and high-fat foods and eat smaller meals before starting the fast. c) Eat raw fruit and veg for a couple of days before starting a fast.

5. Begin your Fast

A final few thoughts on Fasting:

• The goal of fasting is not to manipulate God to do what we want. Instead we fast to draw us into closer alignment with God’s nature and God’s will. (Isaiah 58:2-6)
• Fasting should never be used to show-off spiritually. Instead it is something to be done in secret, only before God. (Matthew 6:16)
• Fasting reminds us of the genuine source of our sustenance for life. (Matthew 4:1-4)
• Fasting is an opportunity to welcome God into more of your life, your family, your church, your community and this world. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
• Fasting is a “normal” part of life for followers of Jesus. (Matthew 6:16-18)
• “Fasting without Prayer is just Going Hungry.”

The post Prayer & Fasting appeared first on Life Church Portlaoise.

To make the best of the Christian life you have to know how the Christian life work. When we know how the Christian life works it will be better, easier, more enjoyable and teachable to others.

In Romans 12:3-8 we are given an outline of how the Christian life works.

I would like to outline this text with 5 words that I feel summarizes how the Christian life works.

Word 1 is Grace

“For I say, through the grace given to me…”(3)

God’s work in every believer is done through Grace. It’s interesting that in every one of the 13 books of the N.T. written by Paul he always says in their introduction “Grace to you.”
Grace is God’s unmerited favor it is something that is freely given to us and never something that is earned or deserved.

There are different graces available for different needs and situations. For those who need salvation there is a saving grace (Eph 2:8) for those needing strength there is a strengthening grace.(2Cor. 12:9) and for times of straying there is a grace to bring us back. (Heb 12:28)

Word 2 is Growth

For I say through the grace given to me to everyone who is among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (3)

When the Christian life is working you will grow. Growth is not meant to be optional or for a select few but instead is for everyone who is among you.
In verse 3 Paul gives is a clue to what area we should target for growth. It is the area of thinking. If we can change our thinking we can change our life. (See Romans 12:2) We grow in changing our thinking through the measure of faith God has given each one of us. Our Faith fights the enemy who is trying to stop us growing. And remember this measure of faith that God has given us can be increased by meditating on the Word of God. Meditating on the Word of God will challenge, correct and change our thinking in order that we can grow.

Word 3 is Group

For as we have many members in one body but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

The Christian life works in cooperation with a local body of believers. What Eve was to Adam the local church is to each believer. It is not good to be alone and the Christian life is not going to work with out a local church to belong to. In the bible there are one another commands that needs a local church to help put them into practice.

Word 4 is Gifts

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: If prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry let him us it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Every believer who has received the grace of God has also received at least one spiritual gift from God. Every believer does not have the same gift but instead we have different gifts. Romans 12:7-8 are not an exhaustive list of the spiritual gifts as others are mentioned in such scriptures as 1Cor 12. The purposes of the spiritual gifts are to glorify God, strengthen the local church and to bear fruit in others. If we don’t yet know our spiritual gifts one practical way to discover them is by trying different ministries. We will soon discover if we have the spiritual gift for that ministry. Another way we can discover our spiritual gifts is by asking other believers for their honest evaluation.

Word 5 is Go

We are told to use our spiritual gifts and in order for the Christian life to work we have to go into the world with the grace and the gifts God has given us. It can only work if we put our Christian life into practice.

Here is a video of the full message:

The post How The Christian Life Works appeared first on Life Church Portlaoise.

There is a huge amount that can be said about “The Lord’s Supper” after all it is one of the only traditions that Jesus instructed his disciples to practice. In the last two thousand years this meal has been taken by billions of people worldwide and is a meal that virtually every Christian denomination continues to perform among its people. In this article we certainly won’t touch on everything that can be said about the Lord’s Supper, however we would like to take some time to look at a few key questions.

1. What is “The Lord’s Supper?”
2. How should we take “The Lord’s Supper?”
3. How can we teach our kids about “The Lord’s supper?”

1. What is “The Lord’s Supper?”

A simple definition of the Lord’s Supper is, “A tradition that Jesus himself established for the church to practice as a commemoration of his death.” If you would like to directly read several of the main New Testament Scriptures that refer to the Lord’s Supper check out these passages

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