As a church, we believe that we exist primarily to encourage the people around us to follow Jesus. The first commission that Jesus gave to his followers was "Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." His last commission was "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations."
The fact that the church in the west is declining rather than growing in influence tells us that there is a problem. If the Church really is the Body of Christ then, like all living organisms, it should be growing and reproducing.
The traditional model of church life, in which everything happens in an hour or two on Sunday, with an optional Bible Study group for the keen ones is no longer working (if it ever did). Through church history the movements that have grown and been effective have been the cell- based movements which have clustered christians together in small groups (less than 15 people to a group) for edification, encouragement and exhortation.
The Methodists, for example, started as a small group "Holiness" movement. In order to be a Methodist in the early days a person had to be a part of a "class" and/ or a "band." These were both small group discipleship systems which encourages their members to excel at their christian walk.
Cell churches insist that the normal form of christian gathering is in small groups or "cells", usually conducted in members' homes. These cells become focal points for pastoral care and for outreach to neighbours. The expectation is that the experience of christian community engendered by these groups is so powerful that members invite their friends (both believers and unbelievers). When the group gets to about 14 members it multiplies to become two small groups.
Cell groups are not just Bible Study groups, although the Bible is central to their practice. The aim of the groups is to minister the love of God to one another in worship, sharing and prayer. We expect the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be used in these groups to encourage, edify and transform members.
Cell churches differ from home churches in that the cell groups meet together regularly for large group celebration events.
At New Life we have several cell groups operating. Some of these are directed towards children and youth, while others are more open to all ages. You can find more information on the "Cell Groups" tab on the home page.
For more information on cell churches try these great sites:
Internaitonal Cell Church Forum Facebook group
Cell-Church UK A great site for resources, articles and links to cell churches
TOUCH-USA This is Ralph Neighbour's ministry site and is an excellent resource.
Cell Church Solutions Joel Comiskey's ministry site and is another excellent resource with great articles.
Two really excellent books to read are:
"Where Do We Go From Here?" by Ralph Neighbour
"Prepare Your Church For The Future" by Carl George.
While these books present slightly different understandings of the Cell Church, they are both excellent descriptions of the power and possibility of this new way (well it's actually the original way) of being church.
The thing we've discovered, though, is that even the best structure will not cause evangelism. Our hearts have to be filled with compassion for the lost. When we've got that, then the structures help us to reach our city with the Good News.
On this page you will find a number of prophetic words given by people from New Life. This page will be updated from time to time as appropriate.
December 31st 2014- Keith Bates
The Gates of Heaven- Greg Nash
Restoration of the Levitical anointing- Sue Nash
October 22 2011- Margaret Baxter
Prophecy for 2011 December 30th 2010- Keith
May 16th 2010- Sue Nash- Dream
March 20th 2010- Susan Nash- The Army
November 7th 2009- Michael Earle
February 16th 2008- Tania Baxter
February 19, 2006- Robert Holmes
June 22, 2003- Rozina. Reconciliation
June 15 2003- Rozina. Worship & Relationships
May 22, 2001 Cross In The Sky Over Narrabri
Prophecy May 21, 2000. Keith Bates. God's grief for His people
Prophecy May 16 2000. Sue Nash. God's love for His church
Prophecy. February 21, 2000. Sue Nash. Spiritual Strongholds in the Region
Prophecy June 10, 1997. Rozina Mison. Boldness in Activating Gifts
Prophecy 15 October 1999. Rozina. Submitting to God's Vision
Many in the church will be unprepared because they have failed to heed the flood warnings. People will come looking for salvation or healing or forgiveness of sins and the churches will not know what to do.
The flood is coming. Be ready.
Some churches are so tightly tied to their moorings that as the flood levels rise they will not be able to rise with the water and they will sink.
Be flexible and trust me.
While I was looking for Isaiah 60:22 which God gave me in the past as a promise for our church I came across Isaiah 59:10-20
“From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord,
And from the rising of the sun they will revere His glory
For He will come like a pent-up flood
That the breath of the Lord drives along.
The Redeemer will come to Zion
to those in Jacob who repent of their sins” declares the Lord.
January 1st 2013- Rozina
2013 will be a time of special anointing.
Over the years many have lost their way but are now back where I have called them to. Pray very specifically into the vision of 1000. This year will bring growth if you are faithful. Pray for people by name as I show you who is to be a part of the 1000. Ask for the picture to become clearer. Ask for the faces to be shown to you that you would know who you are to pray for.
The 1000 people is not just a number but each is a person who is being called home by me. Do not pray for people to come generally, but pray for the specific people I direct you to. Each person is called to pray for different people. As those people are saved, I will show you more.
Do not be satisfied with where you are, but press in to me, let my Spirit guide you and show you.
Pray for dreams and visions. Pray for revelation. Pray for souls, for salvation.
I have not forgotten my promise; it will come to pass.
The Gates of Heaven- Greg Nash
The gate of heaven are open
The blessings of heaven are available
The people of heaven are waiting, interceding
The voice of heaven is calling
The music of heaven is building
The God of heaven is working, resting, playing, teaching, leading, longing, loving, transforming, speaking
Restoration of the Levitical anointing- Sue Nash
God is restoring the Levitical anointing over the music team, musicians and worship leaders
We are learning to draw near to God as a group, seeking Him as individuals yet as one. God longs to inhabit us and this place with His manifest presence. Let your glory fall on us and on this place Father.
Pray that a cloud of God's favour may hover over us as a group, a cloud that will release the rain that will bring the spiritual harvest.
Proverbs 16:15. When the king smiles there is life; his favour refreshes like a gentle rain.
Let's make God smile! Let's together draw close to God.
A few weeks ago, God showed me a large white bucket over Narrabri, poised as if about to be poured . God told me the bucket was about the cleansing, the pouring out of His Spirit which was coming- just as He has said in the past.
Last week God told me I was to anoint the sign posts of the town, also the mountain and the river. I was to consecrate Narrabri to God and to His purposes- to seal in the physical that which He has said in the spiritual. The apparent recent rise in lawlessness is a precursor to that which is about to happen in the opposite spirit.
Last night at the start of the prayer weekend, I anointed the signs and the river with oil. In the picture Isaw myself anointing the speed signs and that is what I did- the 50 speed limit signs at each entrance to the town and also the sign that says “Welcome to Narrabri- a great place tog row.”
At the time nothing spectacular happened- I was just trying to be obedient.
This morning I was looking at some symbolism for certain things in the Bible and in dreams. The common symbolic meaning of 50 is a symbol for liberty, freedom and Pentecost. These are the signs I anointed!
Sue Nash- Sacrificial Living
Let's not wait for someone else to pray down the grace of God. Let's not just pray for revival and walk away. “We are each our own stimulus package for revival”- Graham Cook.
Father once again I present myself to you as a living sacrifice. I choose to climb on to the altar and surrender myself to you. Father I ask that with your holy consuming fire you will burn away all in me that is not leasing to you. May you burn within me until all that remains is what is a fragrant offering to you, that brings glory to your name.
I thank you for Jesus and for the cross. I thank you Father that you tore the veil. I thank you that we can now approach your throne with confidence, washed and covered in the blood of Jesus our sacrifice. Father I choose not to hide from you, rather I choose to step closer to youieving that real life is only found in you.
My testimony tonight is that the manifest presence of God is in this place. Surrender and ask Him to consume you with His fore. There is plenty of room at the foot of the cross.
Top of Page
October 22 2011- Margaret Baxter
Be not one who shrinks back from the Presence of God Almighty. Draw near to Him with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts cleansed from guilt.
Encourage one another in the difficult times as well as the good.
Persevere in righteousness, humility, grace and acceptance of one another and see what the power of God can do with ordinary people like us. May our worship give and reflect the glory of the mighty God we serve, the one and only Saviour, Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus we lift up this community of Narrabri Shire from the youngest to the oldest, and we pray for your Victory and sovereign hand be released to work miracles of repentance, forgiveness, healing and deliverance in each and every person. May this region be transformed, purified, cleansed and delivered from the powers of darkness and brought into the glorious light of Christ, this generation and every generation that follows until Christ returns.
Church arise, shout His praise
Bring forth glory and honour
To the risen King, our Lord Jesus Christ
For ever and ever. Amen and Amen!
Top of Page
Rozina Mison-The Cross
The cross is my chosen way to salvation. Do not despise the cross or try to ignore it. It is the puniskment that you all deserve but my precious Jesus my only Son took your punishment and suffered on the cross. He died alone even without me because I could not look at the sin on Him- your sin.
But I raised Him up, I raised Him to glory with me. There is no raising up without first lying down. Jesus had to lay down His life nd you must do the same. Give up what you want, what you think are your rights and concentrate on living for me and for others. My Son Jesus came to serve not to be served, and you must try to do the same.
Do not look for payment or repayment as you serve others. Give without any expectation of a return and know that I will repay you in heaven. Do not demand an accounting. I will keep no records unless you demand it. If I keep an account of yur giving I will also have to keep an acount of your taking. Do not seek to justify youself but be continually truly repenting. I will bless a sincere heart. A good attitude is worht its weight in gold.
I love you as I love every person in the world. I see what you do and don't do for each other and I am distressed when you hurt each other. Do not keep a grudge but gve all your hurts to me and I will give you the strength to keep going, the ability to forgive and the capacity to keep loving.
Song
When I am falling
Into despair
I fall into your arms
Into your care
I cannot deny it
That my Saviour is you
I was falling down
But then with you I flew
When everyone laughs
Mocks me and teases
I still stand strong
On my rock Jesus
For you are the one
For us all to lean on
Through the good and the bad
Your light is shone.
Prophecy for 2011 December 30th 2010- Keith
The coming year of 2011 is a year of light.
I am the Lord and I will bring my light to your hearts/
Many see the light and run in fear because they do not want the light to reveal their hearts.
But you are children of the light so let my light into your hearts.
Let my light reveal your heart.
Let my light disinfect your heart.
I am the Lord of the light. I am the Redeemer of your souls.
You will go through many storms in the year ahead but rejoice in these. They are my tools to shake off the shutters from your heart so the light can get in.
Choose my light. Le the light in.
Don't let your hearts remain in the darkness.
Come to me my children. Come walk closely beside me and I will be your light.
May 16th 2010- Sue Nash- Dream
Sometimes I wonder when a dream is from God and when it isn't...Other times it is just so obvious that the Spirit inhabits and directs a dream. This was one of them:
Last night, our church was preparing to meet together. This was just as Keith was due to arrive back from somewhere (?Canada-It seemed in the present). However, we were unable to gather in our usual primary schoolroom for some reason and when I arrived we had started crowding into an infants type room. This room was way too small in 2 ways – first it just wasn't big enough in dimensions – we had lots of people, including a number I didn't know. The other way it was too small was the sizing of the desks. We had grown people trying to squeeze into kindy size seats and trying to fit at kindy size desks. It just didn't work. I sat on the floor and just managed to find a space big enough for me.
Then, I saw Keith entering the back of the room. I raced up to him, gave him a hug, welcomed him back and managed to express in words how it was so good that he was back 'cause he was my Dad and Narrabri is a better place when he was in it. As this happened I could sense the Spirit ministering to me in a really deep way....and that was my dream!
I see an army of men rising. Rising from the dust, from the parched arid ground. I see them brushing the dust from their clothes. It takes a little while for them to rise, for they have been down a long time. Some have been wounded, some were dead, some had been tending the fallen, and some had just been on their knees, arms outstretched, pleading with the Lord of heaven and earth.
But now, all of them are rising in unison. For the commander of the army has given the word. It is time. It is time to stand together – there is strength in numbers, danger in being alone.
It is time to stand as one – no matter why you have been down – whether you were dead, or wounded, or caring for the wounded, or interceding – come together as one, just as you are, for you are the army of the risen Lord. The Lord says it is time to rise. The Lord says it is time to rise as one. The Lord says it is time to raise your swords and shout – for the battle belongs to the Lord. The Lord is calling you to battle. Can you not feel it in your heart, beating through your very being....
'Men, arise and be strong. The victory is mine. The victory is yours to secure. Start marching, swords raised to do battle'.
It doesn't matter if there isn't many of you – so long as each who is called responds – responds to the call of the Lord
And the hand of God is with you always, even to the very ends of the earth. Lawlessness will have no part in you as you follow my ways and paths. Let my breath flow in you as you wall with me. Let me turn you into wine.
Righteousness before religion
Faithfulness before fear
God before people
Then His Presence will be here.
Community is a precious and unique experience. It is a blessing for all my people but few experience it.
There is so much fear- fear of letting go, fear of trusting others. So much hurt exists and people just do not know how to relate. You are so lucky; you have listened to my call and you are walking in my anointing but there is so much more.
Even in all of you there is much fear. How much will I ask you to reveal? How much will others ask of you? How much will they want you to give? The answer is everything- give everything, hold nothing back, hide nothing, it is a scary journey but you will enjoy blessings you cannot even imagine.
Walk slowly. Wait for the ones who are slower than you. Do not run ahead. I desire you to walk together.
Make a commitment to one another that however hard, however scary you will continue to walk in my paths together. There can be nothing that cannot be forgiven, nothing that cannot be talked about. Don't be afraid to ask, to confront each other.
You must learn to love as I love- love without limitations, without expectations. Love in a way that forgives and trusts again, love that gives honour to everyone, that understands all moods, all fear, all worries, but encourages others to overcome. Love that does not run ahead or lag behind, love that does not compare or find fault but is honest and trustworthy. Love that will die for someone else.
Test your love by asking would you give your life for another, until you can truly answer yes for each person that I call to this community. This love takes time; it is developed by going through hard times together. Sundays and cell groups are not enough to develop the sort of community that I desire for you The experience of the big events you have together should be an every day experience. You should be relating on a daily basis. Do not let technology and other forms of communication take over from relating face to face on a daily basis. To grow in love you need to share with me at the centre of all you do.
November 7th 2009- Michael Earle
I address the spirit which controls the government
God's laws are binding just like his covenant
When man lives for man the outcome is destruction
Yet when man lives for God his works are used in construction
I pray against man's alteration of God's foundational laws,
For the God-breathed words are without flaws.
"To have a people after my heart is my desire," says the Lord. "To know its depths and rhythm- to know what brings it joy and gladness- to know what brings it sadness, hurt and grief. It is no stranger to rejection for so many desire that which it is contrary to it.
"Within it springs the well of intimacy yet too few hunger for its touch instead finding satisfaction elsewhere. So many times it has leapt for joy only to become heavy with disappointment as it sees its pursuers muddied by love for themselves and a fallen world,
"O repent confessors of godliness! For I desire a people after my heart!" says the Lord. "A people steadfast in their devotion to me, a people that will not turn to the left or to the right, but in unity of heart and spirit desire me above all others and all things. A people not prone to harlotry and unfaithfulness, for you have been set apart," says the Lord. "A Bride unblemished and without spot, a light tot those in darkness, a hope to those lost in hopelessness."
"O repent confessors of godliness! For it is a people after my own heart that I desire," says the Lord.
February 16th 2008- Tanya Baxter
There is a rising upwards of clouds of colours or smoke or fumes (like fragrance)- I believe prayers and praising- then the sky shines golden and gloriously wrapped presents (gifts) come falling back to the earth all different shapes and sizes.
There is a feeling of overwhelming gladness like you can feel God smiling- we are wrapped in God's smile an amazing warmth.
This church will be a community, it will not just be a doing, it will be community. You will be a people who are one, a people that will fulfil the prayers I made before my death.
A community of 1,000 may seem impossible but with me all things are possible and if I will it, it will happen.
You will begin now. I begin to ask different things of each one. Some of you will find them easy and not understand others' struggles, but each of you is different and you will find difficulty in different things. Do not look down on others as they struggle, but carry them and they will do the same for you. Whatever you value, whatever you prize, be prepared to let go of it and let me replace it with something even better.
I have seen your faithfulness over the years, how you have struggled with the new, how you have struggled to love each other, struggled to forgive, to let go and move forward. Soon you will see the fruit of your struggles. Continue to love, even when it is difficult or when it is rejected. Learn about grace, struggle to understand how much grace I extend to you as individuals. Know that however much grace you are required to extend to others, I have extended much more than that billions of times over to every person who has ever lived and to those billions who will live in the future. Not one of you will ever be expected to be able to forgive as much as I do, and as many times as I do. My grace is so huge that it covers every sin ever committed and that will ever be committed.
Relish this journey I am taking you on through grace. It will mean you need to face your failings, the things in your life that need grace. In facing your own need you will be able to extend grace to one another and to those who do not know me.
Narrabri, O Narrabri,
Home of many true followers of Jesus.
You have been brought into existence for a purpose, a destiny, a place of importance beyond your apparent size.
You say "Who am I, a town of 7000 people to have a destiny?"
I the Lord say to you "I have brought you into existence, placed between mountains and plains."
Many in this age have chosen the way of the "high places" , the places of idolatry rather than true worship. There are many, even in your churches, who claim to follow me, yet prefer the ways of idolatry- the idolatries of wealth and power and success. But I will call them to account.
Even now there is a harvesting taking place. The bushes are being shaken to reveal the true crop. The fibre is being compressed and stretched and cleaned.
My people I am doing this to you also, to rid my church of the sin and shame that has dulled its glory. As cotton is cleaned and spun and bleached until it is pure, so i too will clean and spin and bleach you until you are clean.
Then you will arise in this land and take up your right place.
Robert Holmes February 19th 2006 This promise is for New life Christian Fellowship.
There is a scripture that promises that all the people who have been stolen from us will return to us. I think it's the third well of Abraham and Isaac. Isaac digs these wells and he calls the second one Sitnah and the third one Rehoboth. It says there: "The Lord has brought me to a broad place and He has restored the house of my dwelling place." It says his brothers came and made covenant with him.
You are coming to Rehoboth, coming to a place where relationships that once were broken will be redeemed and restored. People who left will stop accusing you. The Lord is restoring the house of your dwelling place. The scripture goes on to say He has expanded the place of your dwelling- you are in a broad place. [Scripture Reference is Genesis 26:12-31.]
In Isaiah 4:1 it says: "In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, 'We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace."
Part of this phenomena that you will see of restored relationships is that seven people will grab hold of you and say, "Let us be called by your name. We recognise that God is working in you and that God is walking with you. We want to be called by your name. We want to walk with you. We want to be restored to you."
The words fifty in a day came to me. Fifty will be restored to you in a day. Fifty relationships or fifty in a church or something like that will be restored immediately. It may be that a church of 50 will be restored to you and you will be able to work with them again.
The balancing side of this is the word fragmentation I really believe that Narrabri is now and will become more fragmented. I think you will see departments in local government more fragmented You will see housing developments being fragmented. You will see churches unable to speak to one another. That environment will become more and more frustrating for you.
I don't have an answer for this except to say fragmentation is not in the Lord's will- it is not God's desire to divide and plunder- this is of the enemy. I don't know whether humility and repentance will win the day or prayer and intercession- probably both.
My people, I long to come in power but your hearts are not turned to each other. You must love no matter what the cost. It will continue to be difficult if you do not get right with each other. This grace of mine to get right with each other is only for a period and the period is drawing to a close. Others in Narrabri have great need of me and I will not wait for ever. I want to use you but you can choose to ignore my calling.
Relationships are the most important aspect of your call. You have all been called to bring unity to my church in Narrabri and in the nation, but if you cannot have unity amongst yourselves, then you cannot take it to others. Consider others better than yourself. Do not hold onto any bitterness or resentment. Do not think yourself hard done by. I have poured blessing after blessing into your lives and I desire for you to bless others.
Do not hold back; give of yourselves; show each other the places you would rather keep secret. Each of you has secrets you would rather not face, but I am calling you to face them and share them, for it is only in openness that the darkness can be defeated. The more you hide, the longer you hide, the more chance the darkness has to grow. Do not let the darkness grow for I cannot dwell in the darkness.
Be accountable to each other and hold each other accountable. Do not be afraid to bring gentle correction, but make sure there is love in your heart; love for me and love for your brothers and sisters.
Rozina June 15 2003
My children, you are called to be a people of worship, people who worship in many different ways. Do not become set in your ways, but be open to new ways and different ways. If your hearts are open to me and full of praise and adoration then any expression will be good.
Do not be afraid to try different things. As you open different parts of your lives to me, our relationship will develop; and as your relationship with me develops so will your relationships with each other. Your relationships with one another must mirror your relationship with me.
As you build tight and trusting relationships, others will be attracted and revival will begin. While your relationships are no different to others in the world there is nothing to be attracted to. Many of those who are not yet part of my family have relationships that are better than yours, better friendships than yours. This is not my will for your lives.
You must love one another as I love you. You must be prepared to die for one another. Do not hold onto bitterness or resentment. Tonight is a night for forgiveness and reconciliation with each other. The longer you are not right with each other the harder it is to come back. Do not let tonight go by without me bringing peace and harmony into your lives. Do not let the sun go down on your anger but keep short accounts. Don't wait for somebody else to take the first steps towards reconciliation but take the first step yourself.
This is a sort of progressive revelation and developed over several days and through contributions from various people, including members of New Life and members of the IRN Prophecy forum (www.openheaven.com).
Keith wrote:
Hi everyone.
I want to share something and ask for responses and clarification in the Holy Spirit.
This afternoon at a Pastors' prayer meeting at my house, a friend in the middle of praying said "Keith it's time to raise your sail. The wind of the Spirit is blowing and you must raise your sail."
This pastor's church is experiencing a move of God at the moment, and I really believe that what He said is from God.
The picture that I get is not a little sail but a big one- like a kite- surfer, where you have a big parachute propelling someone across the waves on a relatively small board.
I've been seeking the Lord, calling out to Him,"God what does this mean? How do I do this?" I am desperate for God, hungry for His presence in our church... but I need to know what do I have to do to raise my sail.
I'm looking for some prophetic insight here! The Lord's shown me 4 dimensions to this sail:
1. Honour, respect and humility towards God and His anointed leaders
2. Bold obedience- do what He says now and don't make excuses!
3. Spirit men and women not fleshly- directed by the Holy Spirit not by what's comfortable
4. Staking everything on the faithfulness of God- no safety net, plan B, no reservation or qualification.
I am feeling frustrated because I know all this stuff, I preach it and live it... but it doesn't seem to catch on in all my people.
If some of you Spirit- people have some insight to offer from God I would like to hear it! I have the big picture, I just don't know what I am supposed to do next!
Thanks.
IP:
Logged
Shirley Worden wrote:
In times of calm seas when there is no wind the sails are dropped and the vessel is becalmed. The moment you feel a breeze you raise the sails and you start moving forward.
I believe God is saying that His spirit is about to blow through you and unless you raise your sail you shall miss this move of God.
As this wind is spiritual you can not see it in the natural but the Lord is asking you to believe it is coming by faith, and raise your sail.
A sail has one purpose to catch the wind for forward movement. A sail is always attached to a boat to allow it to move but without the wind of the Holy Spirit it is useless.
I believe the Lord is saying you have been in state of becalm and you have dropped your sail and He is saying raise it again because you are about to move, by the wind of my Holy Spirit I shall move you.
Luke 8:22-25
John 6:16-21
[This message has been edited by shirley worden (edited 20 August 2002).]
IP: Logged
Denise wrote:
Hello Pastor-Seems to me you are doing this very thing as we speak.
Besides what Shirley says one other thing comes to mind.
Prayer, you know the kind that is communion with God, hearing and then praying as His Spirit gives it, this is a part of unfurling those sails. It cannot be 'just' you, but the people must also come with you in this.(even just some of them)
I am motivated to pray this for you, us, and the congregation: SS 1:4 'Draw me (us)! We will run after You! The king brings me into His apartments! We will be glad and rejoice in You! We will recall [when we were favoured with] Your love, more fragrant than wine. The upright [are not offended at Your choice, but sincerely] love You.'
I also believe this 'move of God' has already begun, as they all do--within--in the deep places, but will come out and be more visible as well...
Love, DD
IP: Logged
Vicki Camp wrote:
Bless Keith,
As you've stated you already have the 'big picture' here, so I will not add to that, and others here have said good stuff on that too.
Your word received was rather self-explanatory...the Spirit IS blowing, you must simply raise your sails and receive / go with.
I understand your 'wanting to know' what to do next, as this word leaves you with the sense that *you* must *do* something to make this all happen. In reality, God is saying the wind of My Spirit is already blowing mate!
So, might I humbly suggest, as I sense from Lord, that perhaps this sail raising is just and simply that you raise your arms in surrender (really, and spiritually speaking also) to receive HIS' blowing....in Faith, Believing.
In this word you received, Lord is most concerned with Keith; It is *you* this word is for, you see? ...Do not worry about your church, but YOU receive, .... the sheep in your under-care will then follow Jesus as they see HIM in you....yes? But for now, *you* are to receive of HIS' Spirit...yes.
Receive and then REST in what HE gives you. As I understand it there is a lot of work to actually sailing a boat, but the 'picture' to an onlooker is one of sublime joy sailing, when a sailboat or board is seen, that is,-- restful, one of rest as the wind carries, *HIS' Rest* ... Very beautiful to observe in the natural and I'm sure exhilarating to experience.....mmmmm
I am going to post a word from Cheryl McGrath (Australia following this, just recently released - addressed to the shepherds. I haven't even read it all myself yet, and I don't know if it will apply to you or not Keith....so, we shall both see - and perhaps others here will benefit from it, too.
~ Vicki C.
Bill & Vicki C., WA., U.S.A.
"Write the Vision" http://write-the-vision.sonservers.com
IP: Logged
Keith wrote:
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. It's all quite exciting. There is some stuff happening, that suggests that the breeze is blowing. We've had a dream for a long time of using our church building as a kind of drop-in centre where people can come in for coffee and chat. On Monday a fellow literally "dropped in" looking for counsel and after he talked for some kind we prayed and without knowing anything about us he mentioned "signs and wonders" following my wife and me- this was an exact phrase that I got in my first ever prophecy before we were married!
Yesterday, we were able to make some changes to the outside of our building which are necessary for it to be more welcoming. Also some friends have asked if they can use the church for a gathering after the (Catholic) funeral of their mother. So today the building looks like a coffee shop, which is what it's meant to look like.
Also, and this is really "freaky" (in the best God-sense!) yesterday in a computer article there was a report of a new operating system being released in China called (I think) "Lanyang" or something like that which means "Raise the sails"!!!!! Has God got a sense of humour or what?
There's heaps more I will share later but I have to run now. Thanks to all who have shared their insights... it's been really helpful.
Keith
IP: Logged
Keith wrote:
Thanks everyone for the encouragement that you have offered... it's great! Isn't it an awesome privilege to have this tool of the internet to bear one another's burdens. Praise the Lord!
We had a great morning today in church. For the first time in months I felt that the presence of God was there. We've been hit hard by some demonic attack this year and it's been a struggle at times... but this morning was great, the Lord's presence was so sweet. As one visitor said "The anointing came as soon as the singing started." I believe that we are just at the beginning of the runway as far as that is concerned... the manifestations of God's presence will increase in the weeks ahead.
I shared this morning about those four values that I mentioned in my first post, just encouraging people to get their lives in tune with the Spirit. The Lord revealed to me even while I was preaching that revival in my little town (Narrabri, New South Wales Australia- population about 7000, located 500 km north of Sydney), is going to come as individuals live out the power and fruit of the Spirit in the world... it's not about meetings but about salting the world and each individual taking Jesus to their home, school and work.
I think we are starting to catch the wind of the Spirit.
Tonight one of our young fellows in church said that he saw me raising the sail on a boat, but it wasn't attached to the mast at the bottom so instead of being filled by the wind, it flapped. He said to me "I'm not very good at this prophecy stuff, but you've got the sail up and it's ready to go, but the church has to be in place too, otherwise the boat won't go anywhere."
So what have I learned from these very simple few words? Lots!!!
1. My reaction was based on fear of missing out on God's blessing. I'm a choleric personality and that means I'm "driven" by a work ethic... if someone prophesies that I have to do something, I've got to go ahead and do it NOW!!! My earthly father is a perfectionist, and I think that deep down I have this fear that I'm likely to let God down by not getting it perfectly right... something to constantly be aware of, and repented of.
2. All I can do is my part, which is to raise my sail... worshipping Jesus, obeying the Spirit. I can't make others do their part, only God can get the rest of the church on board. My part is to encourage, lead, exhort etc.
3. It's a time of trusting God like no other time in my life.
4. Part of the meaning is a literal meaning to raise a literal sail, meaning a shade structure which will draw people into the ministry that we have here.
So we keep on following Jesus! I do believe that the Holy Spirit is moving in my town, and in my nation. He is doing a "new thing" something which will see this nation transformed, and what a joy it is to be a part of God's purposes.
May 22, 2001 Cross In The Sky Over Narrabri
Today, I felt what could only be called a divine frustration in my heart, a sense that has been growing for some time now, that I need to be doing things differently in my life, bit without seeing what I should be doing.
I felt that the Lord was saying I should walk over to town (a distance of 3 km) and pray as I walked.
As I was walking I saw a cross form in the sky to the north east of Narrabri. This cross was made up of two jet vapour trails. The first (the upright of the cross) had passed several minutes before and the length of the trail was about half the sky. The second making the cross piece was made as I watched.
There was some turbulence in the air, and it seemed that the vapour trail would not last. In fact, behind the plane, it fell away quite quickly, but near the cross it persisted. As the plane made its journey across the sky, I thought, "That vapour trail will cut out when the cross is completed." It did!
The cross was almost perfect in proportion and in the angle of the two lines. Despite the obvious turbulence in the air, the cross lasted for an hour! Vapour trails rarely last that long in this part of the world!
A third plane crossed the foot of the cross about 45 minutes later, but it was quickly blown away, leaving the cross. This third trail represents the deeds of men which we try to add to the cross- they fade quickly but the work of God endures.
This all started at about 10.45 a.m. and the cross was formed and visible at 11 a.m.
During my walk I was led to go down to the Namoi River... this is the river, not the Narrabri Creek which flows through the middle of town. In Narrabri the main flow of the Namoi goes down Narrabri Creek, which is actually an anabranch (i.e. it splits away then joins up downstream of the town). Usually there is very little water in the river bed except when there is a flood.
I was drawn by the stagnant water. There are several small pools in the river bed. The Lord said that these represent the different churches in Narrabri- different sizes, different exposure to the Holy spirit. they also represent the different times when the Holy Spirit flows.
It is dry at this place, yet on the other side of the road there is more water- it dries up just past the Buffalo Lodge.
We need to get to the Source, the Head of the River, the fountain spring. we need to learn to dwell in the presence of God.
The thing about this is that no one can say how to do it for anyone else... we need to learn for ourselves. we think we are rich, yet we are poor in God's eyes. We each need to be rich in the Holy Spirit.
Prophecy May 21, 2000. Keith Bates. God's grief for His people
This message is about the grief of God for His people, and any harshness that may come across in what I say is my inability to express God's grief.
There are people in the Body of Christ today- and there may be people in this building today- who are respected as pillars of the church and who won't be that way in five years time.
There is a fundamental and deep change coming about in the way God deals with His people; and if there is any pretence, any falseness, anything less than 100% surrender to God, then God is going to expose that and He is going to let those people- even people who have been long-standing leaders in the church in Narrabri- He's going to let them fall aside and even fall out of the Kingdom.
There's a new standard that God is bringing in. God says a lot of His people have been on performance enhancing drugs for too long and there's going to be a testing take place. Those that insist on using the drugs to make themselves look good are going to be disqualified from the race. We are not talking about drugs; we are talking about things like putting on a false front and a pious face and false respectability, and knowledge of the Scriptures without a knowledge of the Author of the Scriptures... the sort of games we play with each other to make ourselves look holy.
I hesitate to put a time frame on this because I know that time frames are usually wrong in prophetic words. I get a feeling that there is a twelve month window of opportunity that we have to change our ways, and then that's it, you're locked in after that without major major major repentance.
So what God is asking for us today is to make sure that we are fair dinkum, that we are real with Him, that there is no holding back of anything. We are not talking major obvious sin, not talking necessarily of adultery or theft or that sort of stuff, but just simply lack of surrender to Him that we want to hold onto a part of our life and claim it for our own. God's going to say "No, that's not good enough. You give it up or get out." God's going to stamp on all forms of self-centredness and rebellion and living for ourselves. His plea for us today- for us, and the entire body of Christ- is to get right, to deal with those things and to be completely sold out for Him.
It's not that He's expecting perfection... he's just expecting a singleness, a unity of heart within us so that we stop being double-minded and wanting to have a bet each way, a bit in the world and a bit in the Kingdom. That's what He's opposed to, that's what He's going to pull down, that's what He's going to judge, that's what He's going to cast people out of the Kingdom for.
Prophecy May 16 2000. Sue Nash. God's love for His church
My heart is open to you, eagerly waiting for you to come, for this is my desire. Your church I have set apart to be soaked in my love, totally immersed in me. I do not intend for you to be just another body of believers meeting to hear my word preached. I intend for you to be my bride - vibrant, expectant and in love with me in a way none have experienced in an earthly relationship.
Do you not hear me calling, coaxing, drawing near to you? I just want to be with you, so I can love you. So I can hold you close, dry your tears, whisper words of comfort and encouragement. I want to give of myself to you. Please don't hold back, thinking that it couldn't be so. How I long to touch deeply all the cold, hardened hearts. Hearts that have been affected by tear hurt by words, disillusioned by false teaching and witness. So many reasons, resulting in hearts that just dare not believe that I could or would want to love them. These hearts I long for to water with the soft rain of my spirit, that once more they may know life and love. Hearts that are now shrivelled and dry, I long to swell into fullness, that they may be able to give and receive love as I have always intended.
Can you hear what I am saying? I have so much to give you, but most of all I just want to be with you. Is this the God you want to know and serve? Hear my heart. No amount of time loving me is too much, yet none is too little. As you can and as you are, turn your hearts to me.
Now is the time to fall in love with me. Dare to believe there is so much more of me to know and experience and so much more in you that I can change and establish. My love is limitless. I intend for New Life to be a deep reservoir of my love.
Prophecy. February 21, 2000. Sue Nash. Spiritual Strongholds in the Region
There is a spiritual struggle for this region. This I have told you before. the scale is intensifying as I prepare to move in power. Many people are feeling this battle, including some who have never identified such before and have no idea what is happening. People sense unrest but do not give it correct origin or meaning. It is not just about off days or feeling unwell or being tired. It is about a fight- one in which you are soldiers without choosing to be. Alert my people that they are an army. Teach them and encourage them to fight- even as you are just learning. Be blatant about the truth- this isn't the time for sitting back and waiting, but for rising and stepping forward with my sword and spirit.
As leaders you are in a position to lead. Now is the time to do so. If you sit back and unhappily watch what is happening, so too will your people- whilst the enemy moves in more and more. Stand up and fight. If you see something and sense it is not of me, tell it to flee in my name. If you sense a battle, fight it in my name. Do not fear the reactions of man, but rather be fearful of disobeying my promptings.
Your role in my plans depends partly on the degree to which you fight now. Those who stand in my victory are those who will reap the rewards of that victory. the victory shall be this region- a turning to me as this generation has not seen. you will be amazed and astounded at what you shall witness- but now is the time to rise in unity and fight. Nothing will be achieved without unity- in your church, in your leadership, in your relationships. Do whatever is required to be at peace with each other and with me. Again it is a time to not sit back and wonder, but move forward, believing in the need for restoration. If you are divided in any way, none will stand. Do what needs to be done.
Rebellion must be dealt with. The roots of this are many, including relationships with past churches and leaders. Regardless of what you might think about various authority structures, I call my people to submit and to love. Yes, I called you to leave the Uniting Church, but not with a rebellious attitude. do not think yourselves better than those who chose not to come with you, for that is pride.
Keith:
Man of God, rise up and be strong. I call you to lead your church. Be brave and be willing to stand before the people I have given you, leading them with the power and authority I have given you. I have given you discernment. I am adding to that boldness- to speak, to challenge, to confront, to cast out the evil one, to set people free in my name. Do not stand back being afraid of losing people- if that happens it will only be for a time that is necessary. Any who are lost will be restored. Now is not the time for letting fear of individuals control your words or actions, but it is time for being bold in obedience to me.
Prophecy June 10, 1997. Rozina Mison. Boldness in Activating Gifts
The following prophecy was given to Rozina on June 10, 1997. After she submitted it to Keith, we felt that it was sufficiently important to print it and distribute it to our people. Please pray about this message and ask God what you should be doing.
The weekend was a powerful and releasing time for all of you. I have changed all of you and you cannot go backwards. I will work through you all in new and powerful ways.
Do not be afraid to pray for people. Begin to ask those you have been praying for what they want prayer for. I will answer and they will want to know more about me.
Be afraid no longer. I am calling you to step out in faith. As you step out I will empower you, but not before. I do not give gifts so they can be stored away. They must be used. If you do not use what I give you, I will give it to someone else.
Do not wait for the vision to happen. You must go and act. Do not sit around waiting, I am calling you to be people of action. The time for waiting is no longer. As you act, so will I. You will see mighty things, but only to the extent you are prepared to act.
Do not be afraid to embarrass yourself or to look foolish. In time it will be those who have not been obedient who will continually look foolish.
Continue to look to me, but be sure to walk in my ways and not stand still. I love you and each of you is precious to me.
Prophecy 15 October 1999. Rozina. Submitting to God's Vision
As a church you must desire to live in my presence. Only as you live in my presence can I work with you.
The less concern you have for me and the more for the world the less you will see me doing. I chose to work through you people so you must be ready.
Do not concentrate on what others are doing or what I have done elsewhere. I want to work with you but you must be ready.
Some are resistant to Keith's leadership and this is slowing things down. I have placed Keith and Margaret over you and you must respect them. You must submit to them for this is my will. I will give those who are not submitted time but my work will not be delayed forever. Those who will not submit to my ways will be left behind, just as those who did not come when they were told are left behind. Make sure this does not happen to you.
Submit to Keith and Margaret, live under their vision which is the vision I have given them. Put aside your own visions and I will make sure they come to pass.
The time is coming quickly when I will begin my work. Do not be impatient for I want all to be part of it. All must seek my presence so that you know what I want you to do. The things I ask you you do and the things that will happen will be unusual but do not dismiss them. Listen to my voice and be obedient. I have called you and chosen you and put you together for my purposes. The rewards will be great, but for those who miss out the sorrow will be great. Pray for each other that you will pass the test and be found faithful.
You are all precious to me and I want what is best for you. Trust me.
We have basic strollers starting at $20 right up to the latest popular models. All of our products are clean and in working order. Prams and strollers have a safety check to ensure that harnesses, brakes, wheels and folding mechanisms are safe to use. Because the items are pre-used our selection is constantly changing and we cannot guarantee that we will have any particular item in stock.
New Life Christian Fellowship is in the mainstream of christian belief.
We accept that the Bible is the Word of God and is our final authority in all matters of belief.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that in his death God paid the penalty for our sins. Because Jesus died, all people who receive the gift of salvation may have eternal life.
We differ from some christians in that we believe that God still works miracles and that the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" are still available to believers today.
We also believe that the old church structures are no longer effective in our rapidly changing world. Therefore, we have established ourselves as a cell church in which the main focus is in small groups rather than the traditional "large group" model. For more information see Cell Churches
In practice, we are between traditional and Pentecostal churches. We try to make worship contemporary and relevant to ordinary people without watering down what God has said about his nature
We describe ourselves as:
Mission centred: we believe that people who are not christians are more important than those who are!
Evangelical: we believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God..
Charismatic: we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve God's purposes
All-ages: we believe all of God's people have a role to play in the church, regardless of age, sex, racial origin etc.
Contemporary: we want to use words and music which ordinary people understand and relate to.
If that sounds like you, come along and join us!!.
Water Baptism