Resonate @ ICC

Guest Blogger: Second Hand Experience

2009-10-06T13:58:00.001+13:00

Yo, here's an email I received from one of our youth guys - man I love it when passion is poured out like this. Kudos to you man. - Ray out.

I've been thinking about what you wrote in your blog; when you implied Jesus was our best friend.
He is isn't he?

My best friend is the creator of the universe.

He's our best friend, father, teacher, counselor and God at the exact same time; something purely sensational. But he isn't in the way you view your peers as your best friend, he's more of a "best friend - celebrity". We have heard all about Him, the way he can raise the dead, cure the blind, and we've even been so far as to see him work in others. I've seen people healed, it's awesome. But when i say that people say; "yeah, I know people who know people who have seen legs grow longer in front of their eyes."

I know people who know people.

Now, I think it's fair to say that 90% of people at our church have devoted their life to God. I think it's fair to presume that of that 90%, 50% are completely immersed in their faith; they pray nightly and have no inhibitions in the way of their faith. But there's still that other 50%. The problem this 50% have, is that when they are worshipping, they feel his presence, but they don't feel it directed at them. They are merely in the room. Just witnesses. Bystanders. A friend of a friend of a great auntie's daughter will tell them that God has the ability to make people, in our day and age, with no medicine, drugs or hidden contraption be healed of cancer. We believe it, but we aren't 100% influenced by it.

God is great. 2 Corinthians 1:21 says "now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. he anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come."

He put his Spirit in our hearts.

Think about that for a moment.

His holy spirit can resurrect the dead, heal the blind, the sick and heck, make the universe. His spirit is in us. It doesn't take Stephen Hawking to realize that the spirit of God, through us, combined with our faith, our will and our love for one another gives us the power to move mountains.

This email doesn't really have a point, it just annoys me when people say ; "I can't." because they can.
When Jesus healed that blind woman (finding the verse will take 5 minutes and I'm lazy) he said "your faith has healed you."
Faith plus Holy spirit are both in everybody. With it we can move mountains, so we won't have to rely on "second hand experiences".

We spend to much time focusing on how much we have sinned. worrying, that our heart is bad. God is good, he is in our heart, therefore our heart is good. "I will give you a new heart and out a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone.." Ezek 36.26.
The heart is central. It matters - deeply. And our heart is good, as we have a new heart now, of God. There is a widespread belief among Christians today that the heart is desperately wicked - even after a person comes to Christ.
it is a crippling belief.
and it is untrue.

We have given our heart to God, we have a good heart. We now need to devote our life, our time and our praise to him, so we no longer have second hand experiences.

Cheers, Ben

Umbrella - eh eh eh?

2009-09-22T12:23:00.001+12:00

Shout out to James Macpherson who I stole the link from. Great youth leader in our continent - check him out.

Why am I nostalgic?

2009-07-08T16:03:00.001+12:00

Branded Take Over

2009-05-27T11:50:00.003+12:00

Branded was an absolutely phenomenal weekend just held at Southlife Church, Dunedin. For those of you who have never been or heard of it, Branded is the Acts Churches NZ South Island youth conference.

One of the things that came through strongly was a new focus towards young adults, 18-30 year olds, recognising that often we find they enter into this stage of life only to become old and boring. Hope no one is offended by that!!!

But really its true and its one of the frustrating things I have seen happen continuously over the past 7 years I have done Resonate. People are all excited and passionate about making a difference for God and living a life of significance but only until they graduate. Once that happens its time for them to "grow up, get a haircut and get a real job." Their new focus finding a spouse, getting a good job, and having babies. Don't get me wrong, these are all good things (and I have them too), but suddenly they are too old for being involved in youth or jumping up and down a little. I don't know about you but I think that sucks!!! I so don't want to live a boring life where I do what society says I should be doing at this stage of my life.

In fact I want to be living a passionate life, be significant for God in reaching a generation and be able to look back at the end of my life and have no regrets, no "what if " moments.

We often look at youth and talk about how alcohol, drugs and sex are such a distraction for them, pulling them away from their Purpose in God, but in realilty the white picket fence can be just as distracting for us young adults.

My challenge to you is to don't become so focused about the things this world says are important that you forget about the call and purpose God has placed within you.

Something to consider

2009-05-19T14:16:00.005+12:00

Well so it's been a little while since I have posted - sorry for being so slack!!

Life for the average Reson8r has been pretty busy, and I have been no exception. Between work, study, family and church it's difficult at times to take a few moments for myself let alone jump on the computer and write about how busy we are!! But it has got me thinking.

How often do we actually take the times to appreciate the little things? Sounds cliched I know but in all honesty I find that sometimes I get so busy doing the work for God that I forget to actually spend time with God. Which is crazy because when you love someone and are in relationship with them then you should actually want to spend time with them.

Imagine being best friends with somebody but you don't actually talk to them, hang out them or even answer the phone each time they call you.

In fact you ignore them completely - except maybe when your world falls apart and then you need a shoulder to cry on. But you still consider yourselves to be best friends and believe you have an amazing, understanding, loving relationship because you just happen to do things on behalf of that person.

Lets be honest , real relationships don't actally work that way. But yet how often are we like that with God?

We spend so much time doing stuff in His name, and for the church, but in essence we are so far removed from God it's not funny. We don't hang out with Him, we don't talk to Him unless we want something and we certainly don't listen when He has something to say. Would we even recognise His voice at the other end of the line if he called?

There is a saying my old youth leader used to have - "If the devil can't make you bad he'll make you busy." Often we allow our busyness get in the way of whats really important - RELATIONSHIP.

I don't know about you but when it comes my turn to go hang with Jesus in eternity I want to know that I am going to be hanging with my best friend, not a random accquaintance. I don't want to get so hung up on serving Him that I forget to know Him.

What about you? Do your priorities lie in the doing of Jesus or your relationship with Him?

Revival Pics

2009-04-08T09:33:00.011+12:00

OK guys so as promised here are a few shots from when we had Roy and Melanie Fields here the other week. It was a phenomenal time of worship and God really switched something in the Spirit. It was like taking a 60 watt light bulb and then shoving 2000 volts of electricity through it to see what would happen - things will never be the same again!!!!

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE

Singers Band in Worship
Worship led by Roy Fields. You can't really see but Church

was PACKED out.

Pastor Ian (with Dayle in background) deep in worship

SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE

Love this shot!!!! Resonator Lulu and members of the ministry team during the evening service.

Southern River pastor Danny Steel (centre) responding to a call for healing while Melanie Fields (right) prays.

Melanie Fields praying for people during an altar call.

Associate pastor Grant hanging with his kids after the evening service. (It was 11.5pm and they just got their second wind!!)

Revival Weekend

2009-04-01T09:50:00.004+13:00

Wow what an amazing weekend we just had with the amazing Roy andMelanie Fields. If you ever doubted Revival was in the air then those doubts should be well and truely gone now!!!

For those of you who aren't aware, Roy and Melanie led the worship at the Lakeland Outpouring and are a phenomenal couple who carry an incredible passion to see God move in miraculous ways transforming lives and seeing Revival break out across the globe. These are just a couple of pics from the weekend and we will have testimonies and stuff coming soone:)

Shan

Grant Barraclough - 10 Thoughts to Servanthood

2009-03-25T15:19:00.001+13:00

Grant's given a sensational message on servanthood which was birthed on our Resonate blog, so here it is in it's entirity. Enjoy.

Listen to this episode
Download this episode (right click and save)

In other technology news, Christian Centre is now podcasting their services on Podbean! Check them out. Alternatively, you could search and subscribe on ITunes by looking for ICCNZ in the ITunes store.

2009-03-18T18:37:00.001+13:00

Conversation with Charlie #1

Charlie: Do you know where you can get a bargain?
Me: No, where?
Charlie: The warehouse!
Me: Oh, okay... Do you know what a bargain is Charlie?
Charlie: I don't know...

LOL, so there you have it, the warehouse has an assortment of bargains, whatever they are...

Let us feed u!!!!!

2009-03-18T11:50:00.005+13:00

Hey Guys,

Yep its here again! The Resonate $2 Student feed. If you haven't worked it out by now it gonna be a regular occurance - like real regular, like every 2 weeks, fornightly or bi-monthly (however you want to look at it!)

So get involved!! Tell your class mates, your workmates, your neighbour, your nana, WHOEVER!! Bring them along and enjoy our scrumptious, yummy (and may I add healthy - who would a thought it was possible to taste good and not make you rot?)

Just make sure you let us know you are coming - we would hate for you to miss out!!

Welcome to the future of Music...

2009-03-13T10:06:00.001+13:00

Original link from Slashdot.

Resonate rules!!!

2009-03-10T19:41:00.001+13:00

Look at the awesome supper that Sara brought to Tuesday connect. You don't get these kind of quality baked goods at that Wednesday connect. Heck u can't even get a coffee there at the moment!

Uploaded by www.cellspin.net

$2 Feed - March 6 Edition

2009-03-05T13:49:00.002+13:00

You know its all good! Meal for the night is King Hamburgers... mmm mmm MMM. Give us a call or text if you are keen to come (regular reson8rs as well). Rocking service to follow.

I wondered how that was done...

2009-03-03T13:20:00.002+13:00

From our illustrious leader, Ian Wright...

Reson8r of the week 25/02/09

2009-02-25T11:43:00.004+13:00

Our Reson8r for the week is Michael. He's an absolute legend, and willing to go to great lengths for the cause (delivering to any and all people who came to buy garage sale stuff, and even a couple of places that didn't buy stuff...). Hats off to ya man.

Love the reson8 team (double love from Kate)

O Week Highlight

2009-02-23T19:17:00.016+13:00

Well so Orientation Week is over and now it's into the everyday grind of study, work and of course plenty of play. We have had an awesome, if not crazy, hectic, random, and most all fun time hanging with you guys. Big thanks to everyone who has helped out over the last few days.

We have some pics to give you a bit of a taste of some of the fun - this is the first time I have tried to upload multiple images so just bear with me if it looks a bit rough!!!

- The 3rd Annual Ninja Parade was a HIT!!!! Ninjas turned out in droves to celebrate their heritage while a small crowd eagerly awaited their appearance. Video footage still to be uploaded complete with exclusive interview with someone who has actually seen a ninja - once.

Apparently they spotted a ninja. Turns out was a false alarm - someone shot a seagull.....

Jai hanging on campus........

Resonate freshers Richard, Tiwa and Josh ->

mmmmm coffee........

So there are some of the highlights from O Week. But don't fear thats not the end of it for the year. We have heaps of stuff in the pipeline for 2009, plus of course connect groups are up and running. Come along and join us for a coffee.

Oh and if you see any of us around campus, come say hi:)

Shan

Mmm, coffee...

2009-02-18T14:31:00.006+13:00

Hope you enjoyed your coffee today... if you've found yourself here, you might be wondering who we are. If you need the short and skinny... we're a group of committed 18-20something Christians from Invercargill Christian Centre who are just wanting to serve our local student and young worker community. Here's some of the stuff we've got coming up:

This is going to be a great chance to connect and kit out your flat. Also we've got the $2 feed coming up tomorrow night:We've got a rocking Friday Service to follow. If you are currently looking for a new church home while you are down here in the south, check us out!

Finally for all the gamers in the house, we're running an XBox Lan on Saturday Night @ Hawthorndale Christian Centre. It's from 5-10, and it's at 32 Freeview Avenue. Click here for more info (video).

Anyways, if you are new... welcome to the Ends of the Earth!

Reson8 BBQ

2009-02-17T14:27:00.003+13:00

Just a reminder - BBQ @ our place tonight 7pm. Bring food... We got the grill...

Ok, so not THIS particularly BBQ, but one that will cook stuff, so that's ok, right?

BTW ninja parade was awesome, photos and video to follow when we get time (meaning maybe never).

Catch us for Free Coffee @ SIT during morning break tomorrow.

Bring on the ninjas.

2009-02-17T09:11:00.004+13:00

Sounds like the ninja parade is a goer lol... also it seems the journalism students have got wind of it, and will be covering the big event...

As an aside, if you've found yourself here due to your interest in ninjas, you are probably a geek (I hope this isn't a new revelation for you...). Fortunately, Resonate as a ministry has an active geek ministry, and we cater for a variety of interests, including lan gaming, board gaming, and nerf wars. Watch this space for more info or contact us.

What's a reson8r?

2007-09-28T09:59:00.001+12:00

Who Are We?

[last updated 12 February 2009]

Resonate is the tertiary student/young workers (approx 18-25) ministry at the Invercargill Christian Centre. We are full of crazy, off the wall but totally cool people on fire for Jesus, wanting to serve the young adults in our city and ignite a generation for Christ.

We have a number of life groups that meet in homes & flats around our city, as well as outreaches into the S.I.T.

If you are new to Invercargill, the Christian Centre or searching to find out more about God, then we are here for YOU!!! Just leave a message and we will be in touch!

Where Are We?

The Christian Centre is located @ 165 Leet Street, Invercargill. Here's a map if you were wanting to find us:

We have a number of cell groups running each week. They are:

Ray and Shannon's
Tuesday 7.30pm
1 Lowe Street
Invercargill
Home: (03) 214 1344
Shannon: (021) 130 1177
Ray: (021) 284 6149

Hannah Robb and Kate Cochrane
Wednesday 7.30 from Tuesday 24 February 09
45 Venus Street
Invercargill
Home: (03) 216 2561
Hannah: (027) 412 8686
Kate: (027) 479 9865

Contact Us!

There are a number of ways to get a hold of us.

Email Ray
Resonate on Bebo

Phone us @ church : 03 214 4562
Youth Cell Phones:
Telecom -027 710 8274
Vodafone -021 0225 7145

Address:
165 Leet Street
P O Box 713
Invercargill
New Zealand

XBox Game Night - 21 February

2009-02-11T15:08:00.002+13:00

Be good to me Richard and Shannon, or I'll post the outtakes!!!

Resonate Garage Sale

2009-02-10T11:10:00.000+13:00

Wait for it, wait for it... there it is!

We should have an SIT ninja parade...

2009-02-04T15:14:00.000+13:00

O Week activity anybody?

Church news 11 January

2009-01-11T22:28:00.002+13:00

Well, some huge news this week. The India team is now off and away! If you could pray for them over the next couple of weeks it would be hugely appreciated.

Stephen and Jamie got married yesterday! Great day had by all, and the lucky devils are off to Oz tomorrow... all the best for the future.

Speaking of Oz, Shazz Wright is over for the week hanging. Word on the street is she tore it up @ church this morning...

Finally, our resident rock star Dave Francis is heading out again on Thursday to record a new Red Rain album (rock on). In the meantime, he'll be geeking it up reson8 styles, so make sure you say g'day.

Anyways, it's been a big weekend (still a bit jaded from the wedding reception), so I'll sign off.

Ray out.

Way to stay relevant...

2009-01-08T20:44:00.003+13:00

Oh well, the best laid plans of mice and men...

Reson8 is going strong (not that the blog reflects it...) with our summer programme crazy, chaotic, and pretty fun as always. Connect starts up again in the new year next Tuesday, same bat time, same bat channel...

Oh, and I'm thinking Bebo is now officially dead...