higher, deeper, wider

Blandford, Dorset ‘82-’94 Auckland, N.Z ‘92 South Woodford, London ’94-’98 Totton ’98 

1956: Hard disks arrived on the scene 1991: English computer scientist Tim Berners Lee created html and a year later introduced the World Wide Web

Beginnings “Testwood Baptist Mission” opened in 1938 …

Phase 1 early ‘90s

Phase 2 Construction began in 2006.

“Rotton Totton” “no heart …” Transformation

Distribution

“For I will pour water on a thirsty land”

higher, deeper, wider

We want to reach people for Jesus and help his followers grow to be like him.

Worship - higher Discipleship & Fellowship - deeper Evangelism & Service - wider

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.“ Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus replied: " `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbour as yourself.‘ Matthew 22:37-39

worship discipleship fellowship evangelism service

Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

“Oaks of righteousness”

Matthew 11:2-5 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor….”

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour and the day of vengeance of our God,

…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour.

God’s design for the church to show His glory to secure our faith to strengthen His family to spread His kingdom to serve the world

How do we live “for the display of His splendour”? “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour.”

“Jesus … looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”” John 17:1

“I will live my whole life for the glory of God.” relying on Jesus

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“I will live my whole life for the glory of God.” relying on Jesus radiating Jesus

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15,16

"I brought glory to you here on the earth, by doing everything you told me to do.” John 17:4 (NLT)