C3 Church Indooroopilly Blog

The Common Sense Guy - Honesty

2012-02-13T19:11:00.001-08:00

Get Connected

2012-01-19T14:59:00.001-08:00

Acts 2:41-42

Then those who gladly received his word were baptised; and that day
about three thousand souls were added to them.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.

This was the early church- a church that was on fire and expanding
rapidly! One of the key attributes of this lively church as noted in
the book of acts was fellowship. This involved people getting
together, having meals together in their homes and doing so with the
common purpose of building God's kingdom.

We all need connection in our lives it is something every person has
been designed for and it is vital for us as Christians if we want to
grow in our relationship with God.

God has uniquely gifted each of us but the gifts we have been given
differ from others, which means we are co- dependent on the other
people God places in our lives. In short, we need each other!

As we connect with others it will help build our lives and strengthen
our relationship with God.

We can connect in many ways. In our church we can connect via:

Meeting together face to face with others. Invite someone over for a
meal or take them out for a coffee.

Connect in our small groups we call connect groups. This is a great
way to meet people and expand our understanding of Christianity as we
pray and discuss the bible with other believers.

Join a team at church either at Indro or our new Ipswich campus. As
we connect to Gods vision in this place we will find ourselves having
a sense of connection and purpose.

God has incredible things in store for C3 Indooroopilly and Ipswich
in 2012! Lets continue to connect and build Gods house together.

Be blessed!
Andrew and Shara McLennan

Let's Fight

2012-01-09T22:31:00.001-08:00

In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul is giving instructions on how to fight the good fight of faith. Paul’s number one piece of advice for Timothy was to first of all, pray for all men.

We believe this is a Word in season for our Church. As we start this New Year, and set the vision and pace for 2012, it’s important that we do this. Paul insisted it; the bible said he urged Timothy to do this, before he did anything else.

As we recommence services in Ipswich, as connect groups start back up, as we make plans for the year, let us be praying and seeking God first and foremost in our own lives, and corporately as a Church.

If you don’t know how to pray or you feel uninspired and dry, I encourage you to come to the prayer meetings. They happen every week and they are a great way to get fired up and to learn how to pray. Come and stand with us in prayer this year, and let us fight the good fight of faith.

Live your best life,
Andrew and Shara McLennan

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

2011-12-21T19:12:00.001-08:00

“What woman, having ten silver coins,if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10)

This Christmas and New Year let's remember again the reason God sent His Son into the world...to save people from their sins. It wasn't just to do good things and tell nice stories it was to rescue people of a life without God and an eternity in hell.

The above scripture reminds us that when one person finds Jesus, there is actually more joy flowing in Heaven. And of course joy also comes to the life of a person when they get saved and between the joy in Heaven and the joy of a new convert, Christians who are in an environment where people are being saved will also get affected by all this joy!

During these holidays and as we enter into 2012 lets always seek to be a part of God's divine plan for planet earth, to seek and save that which was lost.

God bless you Church, have a great Christmas and New Year, safe driving and happy eating!

Andrew & Shara McLennan

The Common Sense Guy - The Christmas Story

2011-12-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

Walk in the Spirit

2011-12-08T21:57:00.001-08:00

Acts 2:14-21 says 'Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

People were surprised at what they saw as the Holy Spirit was being poured out - people were experiencing genuine freedom. Signs and wonders followed. This is why they thought "are these people drunk?" In this Christmas season many people will likely be getting a little bit merry but we have something so much greater than a natural high that can be experienced. The book of Acts shows us how we are to live our life today. We are people of the Holy Spirit. Every single one of us as New Testament believers have access to God Himself by His Spirit. When we are truly filled with The Holy Spirit (which is sometimes symbolized by wine in the bible) we will experience true exhilaration and liberation. This is such good news!!

We also find out in Acts that the Holy Spirit is not just for us but He also empowers us to show who God is to others. The bible declares He will tell us things to come, He will give us words when we don't know what to say and healing and salvation will flow to others as we reach out to them.

As a church we value the Holy Spirit. This means we give Him room to work and do what He is wanting to do. This is why we place a large emphasis on worship and spending time in God's presence. As we spend time in God's presence we are truly changed.

Let's continue to be people who value the Spirit of God and let Him move in and through our lives. He's the best!

Have a great weekend,
Andrew & Shara McLennan

The Common Sense Guy - Is the bible true?

2011-11-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

Vision for 2012

2011-11-23T17:49:00.001-08:00

Sunday was a great day and for the first time, in the AM service all
of the praise and worship songs were written by people from C3 Indro.
It's so encouraging to see an anointing and culture of worship that's
peculiar to our Church grow and develop within our music team. Well
done to Tim and the whole team whose dedication and commitment to
Jesus is being expressed and communicated through some amazing tunes -
we believe they will continue to write and create songs that will
touch Heaven and bring God's Presence and blessing to our city and
beyond - go Indrosound!!

Tonight will be a super night too as we pray together and share about
vision and direction for the church in 2012. It's the final leaders
and workers night of the year but even if you are not yet a leader or
worker in or Church you are also welcome to come and stand with us in
faith as we believe for greater breakthrough, outpouring and increase
over everyones lives in 2012.

Also this weekend we have the Clancy's at Ipswich and both services on
Sunday - it will be another great weekend at Church!

Have a great day and hope to see you tonight,
Andrew & Shara McLennan.

The Common Sense Guy - How to overcome fear.

2011-11-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

Conferences in the Bible!

2011-10-13T16:20:00.001-07:00

"Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles." (Deuteronomy 16:16)

The Old Testament Jews were commanded by God to attend different festivals three times each year to remember and celebrate different truths and aspects of their relationship with the Lord. It was a time when they would physically travel away from their homes and daily routines and allow their hearts and minds to be re-focused and tuned into spiritual realities and also re-connect with their fellow believers from all over Israel.

Hannah and her husband made such a pilgrimage each year and it was during one such trip that Hannah wrestled with God & obtained an answer to her longstanding prayer to have children. As a result of this her son Samuel was born who went on to become one of the greatest men of God in Ancient Israel. Even the family of Jesus participated in this practice, the book of Luke says it was during their annual trip to the Passover Feast that the twelve year old Jesus was accidently left in Jerusalem, but is here that he is first noticed by the religious leaders and scholars of his day who marvel at his wisdom.

As Christians we are not commanded to appear in specific festivals, but the principle of appearing before God for a certain period of time to refresh and re-focus our hearts on the things of God and spend time with His people is definitely something we can choose to do to keep our spiritual lives strong and vibrant.

Our upcoming Church conference is a time such as this and we believe God will meet with us, speak to us and work among us as we gather together with faith and expectancy. We encourage you to block this time out and come and appear before the Lord with us - we believe our lives and churches will be touched and changed at this great event!

Andrew McLennan

You Are A Prayer Warrior

2011-10-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

‘…The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.’ James 5:16

Isn’t it interesting how the bible speaks of an effective prayer? Does that mean that there is ineffective prayer?

John G. Lake says, ‘There is a mighty lot of difference between saying prayers and praying.’

The Word of God shows us how we can be effective prayers. Let’s not make praying a religious tradition, let’s make it a powerful time where we have quality time with our living God and see Him move in our midst.

Bible based prayers are always a good start. ‘If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you can ask for anything you want and you will receive it.’ John 15:7

Declaring the Word in your prayers is not only a good way to start, but it will also build your faith.

Start to be specific in what you pray for. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Philippians 4:6

God is so willing to give you the desires of your heart, so be specific when you pray to him, let Him know about that family member you want healed or that friend you need saved.

Get passionate! ‘And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.’ Luke 22:44

Just be honest with God. He knows you better then you know yourself, so don’t be superficial – go deep, open up and get passionate.

Ignite that fire church! Get that spirit of prayer and let’s all become effective prayers. This world needs us! Let’s make quality time with our God and see his Kingdom come in our lives daily.

Ps Andrew & Shara McLennan

2020 Vision | C3 Church

2011-10-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

2020 Vision | C3 Church

SOUL WINNER!

2011-09-29T20:49:00.001-07:00

‘The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose.’ C. S. Lewis

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Matt 28:19

You don’t need to be a Pastor or a preacher to reach the lost, all you need is a relationship with Jesus and the boldness to put your faith into action. How can you keep what you have a secret! It’s to be made public, to be made known to the world.

There is no set way to lead people to Christ, but here are a few steps to get you started.

Pray for your connect 5 card, that the people written on that card would come to know Jesus and the amazing life he has for them.

Make strategic relationships, don’t just connect to your church family…but reach out amongst lost, the people that don’t know Jesus.

Do something! Step out of the boat. Lay hands on your neighbor or pray for the sick. God will always meet you where you’re at.

Stepping out with you,

Andrew and Shara McLennan

Our True North

2011-09-22T17:57:00.001-07:00

It is good to remind ourselves that as a church and the movement we are a part of our true north is and will continue to be the salvation of souls.

The bible says there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than ninety-nine just persons that need no repentance. That means bringing people into God's kingdom is our number one priority. We often encourage building relationships in order to win people over and this is definitely important in our culture. Something we may forget though is another aspect of reaching people are those one-off encounters we have. There are times when the person is ready there and then to hear the gospel message.

The bible says sometimes we will reap where others have already sown. That means there are people ready to hear now and respond now! Lift up your eyes church as the harvest is ready there are people ready now.

Let's be ready for those opportunities and whether it's a kind word, a good deed or speaking the gospel directly, hearts in this city are ready.

God bless and have a brilliant week!

Love
Andrew and Shara McLennan

A Life Of Sacrifice

2011-09-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

Living a life of sacrifice is something that pleases God and draws us
closer to Him. The relationship we have with God only happened
because Jesus sacrificed His life for us and so when we respond to Him
with our own sacrifices it connects us to Him in a powerful way.

A sacrifice is basically giving something up that we would or could
use for own purposes or pleasure. In the Old Testament Jewish
believers would sacrifice animals, crops, time and their treasure to
God as part of their relationship or covenant they had with Him.

We in the New Testament or covenant are not commanded to give certain
things or commodities but rather our very hearts and lives. This will
often find expression in physical actions or things we give away or
sacrifice but essentially it's our hearts Jesus wants us to surrender
to Him and He will lead us and guide into the outward expression of
this sacrifice.

Let's be worshipping people in a worshipping Church who always seek to
yield and surrender our lives to Jesus. This is the highest call and
greatest path we can walk on this life - let's go for it and live for
Jesus!

Andrew & Shara

Going There!

2011-09-07T23:40:00.001-07:00

"When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to." (Acts 16:7)

This story illustrates that The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide our steps in life. But it's interesting that before Jesus led them, Paul and Silas had already decided to go! God has blessed movement and activity - from the very beginning He ask Adam to tend and keep the garden of Eden.

Sometimes it can feel like God isn't directing or leading us - but maybe we just need to do the last thing He told us to do, even if it was several years ago! Paul and Silas had felt called to missions and so they just started going! And as a result of that movement they put themselves in a zone where God was talking and leading them and their steps were blessed!

We felt God called us to start a campus of C3 Church in Ipswich and so far our steps have been blessed...This Saturday we have our community event which has received good media coverage and not only is the mayor coming but he has donated $1,000 to help pay for it - there is blessing when we step out for God! It will be a great day and we encourage everyone to come and support the birthing of a house of God in the great city of Ipswich.

Andrew and Shara

Gateways

2011-08-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

The house of God needs many gateways for people to enter!

In Jerusalem the temple has 12 gates. Each of the gates are an entry
point for a wide range of people from a wide range of backgrounds. For
the house of God in Indooroopilly and Ipswich, we too must have a wide
range of entry points.

Hobbies and interests can be gateways into the house of God.
Connecting, encouraging and witnessing with people where they are at,
opens up a gateway where they can come into Gods house. Whatever
you're passion, soccer, reading, music, kids or even scrapbooking can
be an avenue to open up the gateway to Gods amazing love and grace
that every human needs!

At C3 Conference Malaysia, people from all over the globe are
gathering together, worshiping God in unity. Gods love knows no
boundaries when it comes to people. As we open up a wide range of
gates to the people of our city, we too will see a vast range of
people from all walks of life worshiping God together!

God bless you church!

Tim

Shining A Light In Our City And Beyond

2011-08-11T02:20:00.001-07:00

What a great day at Church last weekend. The international food day lunch was amazing and many thanks to Chantelle and the baking team for making this happen. We will be doing another combined church lunch in the cafe on Sunday September 18th too, more details to follow.

Also Sunday night in the pub was amazing with around 30 people present who don't normally attend church, including the band, who played the music! It was very touching to hear one lady from the Fig Tree Pocket area who cried as she said thank you to C3 Church for helping so many people in her area who were affected by the floods. C3 Church has now given over twenty $1,200 Good Guys vouchers in that area as well as the working bees we have done.

Well done Church together we are shining light in our city and beyond!

God bless!!

Andrew & Shara

Keep Our Chaplains In School

2011-08-05T02:19:00.000-07:00

The High Court Challenge hearing starts 9th August, and that morning I'll be in Canberra telling the politicians how important chaplains are to school communities like yours.

This is the last time we'll be able to make our case for school chaplaincy before the case begins on 9th of August. That's why I'm asking you to help us double our support. Here's what you can do to help before 5pm, 8th August:

Watch Tim's message -

http://saveourchaplains.com.au/?utm_source=SUQLD+-Save+Our+Chaplains&utm_campaign=4897798197-2011_08_03_Save_Our_Chaplains_A_B_8_2_2011&utm_medium=email

1. Forward this to a friend and help us reach our target of 50,000 signatures.

2. If you haven't already, sign the Statement of Support at SaveOurChaplains.com.au.

If the High Court Challenge is successful it could mean the cessation of federal funding for school chaplains... meaning many schools will lose their chaplains.

So please - tell your friends and family to sign our online Statement of Support today.

I look forward to returning from Canberra with good news to share - but only if we stand together at this crucial hour. Because our kids are worth it!

Tim Mander

SU QLD, CEO

Huge Footprints in the Sand

2011-07-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

In 1965 a young couple moved to PNG from Sydney to work as missionaries. Graham had been a successful builder and his wife Irene, a nurse. They began to live and work among the Highland (mountain) people, many of whom were so primitive cannibalism had only been outlawed in the 1950's.

Graham built buildings and Irene started to care for the sick, they built a hospital in "Fore" which to date have treated over 1 million patients and seen 5,000 babies successfully delivered. All the while they taught the Bible to the local people and encouraged people to know Jesus through the local Church they pastored.

In 1973 they felt the Lord calling them to "Madang", a coastal town of 20,000 people. Their first service was under a coconut tree but the church grew through supernatural healings (including the blind, deaf and lame), angelic visitations and even the dead being raised back to life.

The church eventually grew to over 2,000 people and also started a Bible College which has trained 1,250 full-time students. From these students over 300 local churches have been birthed in several nations.

TL Osborn, a pre-eminent Pentecostal evangelist of the 20th Century described this couple as "two of the greatest missionaries who ever lived" and this Sunday morning we are so blessed to have Graham and Irene Baker as our guest speakers. We encourage you to come and hear these amazing people.

Regards,

Andrew & Shara

Report From Missionary in Mexico

2011-07-13T22:11:00.001-07:00

As many of you know C3 Indro gives 10% of our tithes/offerings to missions and some of this goes to Dr Rob Carmen. Below is his recent report of trip to Mexico. Thanks again for all those who support our Church financially, by supporting people like Dr Rob we are touching lives in different parts of the world, just like Jesus said to do!

"Andrew, We just returned from a great conference in Monterrey Mexico, it was organized by Ps. Alfredo Ferrara. On Sunday we had over 4,000 in attendance between all three services. At the end of each service hundreds poured into the alter to receive more of God's Passion. From Sunday night until Wednesday morning we had over 100 Pastors from all over Mexico for a conference.
What really gripped our hearts were the stories of kidnappings and killings going on all over Mexico, some have had family members kidnapped by the drug cartels. We had to change our location just to avoid any danger. When we arrived we saw that the police had found a dead body on the side of the road from a cartel killing.
The hearts of the Pastors were so open and responsive. In our last service there was no one in their seats all were at the alter crying out to God to do more! What a sight!
Thank you for all you do through us for World Missions, we will be in Peru soon, then back in Mexico, then off to Africa.

God bless,
Rob and Ginger

Supernatural

2011-07-08T04:02:00.001-07:00

"Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me, We are for signs and wonders...From the LORD of hosts." (Isaiah 8:18)

Jesus and the early Christians communicated their message about God not just with nice words and good deeds, but by miracles that demonstrated God's love and power in very practical ways.

Jesus said "But...even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father." (John 10:38)

Paul said "My speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Sadly today in Western culture Christianity has been so "naturalized" if people desire to experience something supernatural they will rarely consider going to a Church. Churches are perceived as places with nice sermons, nice songs and perhaps kind people doing good deeds...but they are supposed to think - that's the place where God answers prayers and miracles happen! This is the way the Bible portrays Christianity and Church!

Let's not let our hearts and faith be so naturalized that everything can be explained away in human terms or our faith reduced to certain principles and values that we live by. No, let's experience God in a Biblical way and believe Him for signs, wonders and miracles that show our community and city that Jesus is still alive and cares for people today!

We are for signs and wonders!!

Andrew & Shara

Restoration

2011-07-01T17:40:00.001-07:00

"But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float." (2 Kings 6:5-6)
This story from the life of Elisha is about men who decided to build a gathering place for Elisha's trainee prophets and whilst engaged in this task one of them suffered a loss. Sometimes in life we can be doing good things like providing for our families, helping others or growing God's kingdom through our local Church and we also can suffer loss.
But through the presence of God on Elisha's life he was able to supernaturally restore what the trainee prophet had lost. One of the great messages of the Bible is that even if we suffer loss in our lives, God is a God of RESTORATION! Through the presence of God on our lives we can seek God for answers, strategies and ideas that can cause what we have lost in our life journey to be supernaturally restored through our faith in Jesus. If you have lost something and want it back, we encourage you to start seeking God today for His path to restoration.
God is a good God!
God Bless,
Andrew & Shara

Let Your Light Shine

2011-06-25T03:18:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday's working bee was a huge success and the fun has just begun!

We're going there again this Saturday to make a difference in people's lives and encourage you to come and lend a hand for an hour or two starting at 9am.
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
The Bible speaks alot about showing practical love and this is an oppurtunity he has given to our church. It's great to pray for people but its also good to translate that prayer into tangible action and let people see the light shining from our lives.
"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (James 2:15-16)
Let's rise Church and shine the light of Christ in our city, this is what we have been praying for!!

Andrew & Shara

Practical Love

2011-06-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

The famous story of the Good Samaritan is found in Luke 10:25-37. The priest and the Levite did not help the victim. Levites were a tribe of Israel dedicated to God's service and priests performed many duties associated with God's temple and teaching His Word. Both these groups were very focused on God and spiritual things.

Historically we also know that the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was known as "Way of blood" because robbers often ambushed travelers on it. So perhaps the priest and Levite did not stop because of a fear they would also be ambushed, or that the injured man was pretending so that he could attack them also?? But regardless of their motives, their actions did not win any praise from Jesus despite the fact that spiritually, they had it all going on.

But the hero is the Samaritan who stopped, risked his safety and provided very practical help to a stranger. This story reveals God's heart for mankind and as Christians we should seek opportunities to reveal the love of God to our world.

This Saturday our Church is starting a series of working bees in the Fig Tree Pocket area to assist people in very practical ways whose lives, families and homes have been affected by the January floods. There are many heartbreaking stories in this area and we have the opportunity to shine the light of Jesus with mops, brooms, shovels and smiles. if you have an hour or two to spare please come along and lets show some practical love to people.

Have a great weekend!
Andrew & Shara

His Will Is Good!

2011-06-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)

The Bible is quite clear that God has a specific will or plan for our lives. If this was general and the same for everyone Paul would have just said "read your Bible and discover God's will for you." But he didn't go down that path, he said he prayed for the Christians in Colossae (what a funny name for a city!) that they would personally know God's personal will and desire for their lives.

What a gem of truth this is! An infinite, eternal all powerful God has a specific plan and desire for every individual on the planet today! We are not just robots designed to do the same things, but we are uniquely created and deisgned by a loving God with a specific purpose in mind - wow!!
So a key to this is to press into God and seek Him for his will to be revealed in our hearts - and continue to live according to His general will (contained in the written Word) while we are on this journey. When Jesus taught us to pray "your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" the first place this has to happen is in our own life!!

Allowing God to do His will in our lives puts us on a path that will always lead to the greatest joy and satisfaction that life can bring. To look back on a life and say "I have done God's will with the years He gave me" must be the greatest way to depart from this life and prepare for eternity...

Lets keep seeking, desiring and doing God's will with our lives!!

We love you,

Andrew & Shara

New Life Is On It's Way

2011-06-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Recently in our services we have been singing a new song with some great words "Stand in your presence, I lay it all down." Jesus said in order to live for Him and be a true disciple of Christ it would take the laying down of our own lives. As we do that, new life from God springs forth, and the power of God is able to move in and through us to others. It is not necessarily a natural thing for us to do this, yet this is where true power lies.

William Booth said" The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender." This man greatly impacted his generation and society with the power of God like few others in his time, yet he realised it wasn't in and of himself. It was God's greatness working through him, he understood the power that comes from yielding. Even Jesus Himself had to yield to His Father by giving up His life on the cross in an ultimate act of surrendering. He felt the same emotions we do and even cried out to God to let Him out of it, yet in the end He submitted His will to God's and died on that cross. As a result of this decision He has since been raised to life and given the highest Name and authority of anyone. Multitudes are finding freedom in His name.

Let's remember the source of our lives today - Our mighty God. When we yield every part of our lives to Him we are giving Him access to work in our lives and do what He needs to do and that plan is to do us good! Let's keep yielding to God and His ways. As we do that we are allowing God to bring His Kingdom to this earth!

Have a fantastic week!

Shara McLennan

God's Weight Loss Program

2011-05-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we are starting a 3 day Church fast and invite you to join in!

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6)

We are believing for breakthrough and the release of God's blessing upon our individual lives & corporately as a Church.
If there is a specific area of your life or world you need a breakthrough we encourage you to fast and pray and we will believe together!

"(Jesus said) but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast." (Matthew 9:15)

The fast will culminate in the prayer meeting 7.30pm Tuesday night where we will gather together and declare breakthrough over every person's life.

"While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said..." (Acts 13:2)

Fasting does not have to be only from food, we can fast other things like TV, internet, coffee, junk food, even sex...(that's what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:5!) and as you abstain from physical things you dedicate the time to prayer and the pursuit of God. By focusing more time and energy on spiritual things we create a spiritual momentum in our lives that often brings the breakthrough we are desiring.

"He told them, This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:28)

Let's go there Church and believe for a huge release of God's best in all of our lives and Church!
We love you and are standing with you,

Andrew & Shara

PS You don't really lose weight either, the weight you lose is quickly gained again because you are so hungry afterwards!!

A Prophecy About C3 Indro & C3 Ipswich

2011-05-19T23:00:00.001-07:00

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it." (Isaiah 2:2) (Micah 4:1)

This prophecy given by both Isaiah and Micah shows God's plan for His Church.
A study of Church history though reveals that not every local Church walks in the reality of this prophecy.
A lot of what happens in and through a local Church is actually determined by the people in it! So people can actually help decide how good (or bad) a Church can be. Human things we do like our words, actions, attitudes, prayer, outreach, learning the Bible, giving etc all affect the life and culture of a church.
So what's the key?
The key is our faith!!
If we believe God wants C3 Indro & Ipswich to be established, exalted and for unbelievers to flow into it for salvation, and we work towards this because of our faith, Jesus will work with us and build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!
Lets believe that Isaiah & Micah's prophecies were actually for us and together keep going there Church!
Our vision is "To build a church that influences our city."

Andrew & Shara

All Night Long

2011-05-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

Not sure what Lionel Ritchie had in mind when he sang that song...but this Friday night we are singing, praying, hearing the Bible and waiting on God like it's the year 2000!

Something very powerful occurs when God's people gather together for an extended period of time and seek Him with all their hearts.
"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7)
Let's believe God together for an amazing time of prayer that touches the Kingdom of Heaven and shakes Hell's gates!

Talk soon!
Andrew and Shara

You Shall Be Filled

2011-05-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Exodus 16: 11-15 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” So it was that quails came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What

is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat”.

The Israelites had been grumbling because they were hungry. They had been travelling through the desert with little to no food or water for days at a time. Their complaints, their discomfort, their aching and hunger had all been heard by God. So God calls on his faithful servants, Mosses and Aaron to tell the hungry people “you shall be filled...”

In our wealthy and established country, it is rare that a person would have NO access to food or water for days. But still, much of our population is grumbling, complaining, aching and hungry in their spirits. They too have been heard by God, so God calls on us, His faithful servants, to tell the people “you shall be filled.”

Mosses and Aaron trusted in God, they had faith, so they told the people that their discomfort, their aching and hunger would all be filled TONIGHT! We too must trust in God and have enough faith to tell our families, friends, co-workers “You shall be filled.” Believe that God himself will provide ALL that would satisfy a hungry spirit right there and then.

Jesus is the bread of life, He came to us from heaven and said “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14) His grace is sufficient and His word is enough to fulfil the hunger of the emptiest heart. Faithful servants, lets believe and tell our city “You shall be filled.”

Tim Iveson.

PROPHECY!

2011-04-30T03:49:00.001-07:00

One of the highlights for us of Ps Fergus recent visit, was his workshop on moving in the Holy Spirit. He asked everyone to pair up and after a short time of prayer, publicly prophesy over each other. It was an amazing time and everyone gave and received an accurate, encouraging word. It would be great to inorporate this into our normal lifestyles and not just during organised church meetings.

The Bible speaks alot about prophesy and Paul certainly believed we should all do it!
"I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification." (1 Corinthians 14:5)

The word "edification" in the original Greek is the same word they would have used when discussing building a house or structure. Prophecy builds people up and increases what God is doing in their lives. A true prophesy will always leave people feeling encouraged and built up and will usually be a confirmation of something God has previously said.

"But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3)
We should desire to prophesy to each other in our everyday lives and we can do this from Monday to Sunday! Let's stir up this gift in our hearts so that when we connect we bring life, love, joy and hope to others....

Prophesy Church!
Andrew & Shara

Easter Climate Changing?

2011-04-21T20:44:00.001-07:00

Recently someone wrote in a popular Australian publication that the meaning behind Easter was diminishing in today's world. because most "educated Christians" believe the resurrection is only a metaphor and that we now live in a post Christian world.

However I personally have met and spoken to scores of "educated Christians" from PhD level right down to Grade 10 high school from all over the world - and not a single one believes the resurrection of Jesus is a metaphor! Our theology is very simple - without the resurrection there is no Christianity, Jesus would be just another nice person who suffered a cruel and unjust fate. But through His resurrection He proves His divinity and brings with Him from the gave new life, faith and hope to everyone who believe in Him.

To people who think His resurrection was only a metaphor, can they explain why the tomb of Jesus is still empty...did 12 uneducated, fearful civilians pluck up the courage and skill to steal His body from the world's most powerful and efficient military machine, straight after they executed him? Jesus predicted He would rise again so surely it would have been prudent to keep his body buried in the tomb along with His potentially damaging ideas?? The Romans were not famous for overlooking important details like this. Convicted criminals who rise from the dead can place a real strain on society...

Also with approximately 2 billion Christians in the world today, we may not actually be in a post Christian world...In the past 100 years Christianity has expanded rapidly in places such as Africa, Asia & South America. Some examples are the underground churches of China which today are experiencing faster increase than any church movements in the past 2,000 years. South Korea went from a 4% Christian population in 1900 to over 40% today and boasts the largest single church congregation in the world (Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul). Not to mention Africa that had 9 million Christians in 1900 but now has 380 million and the number continues to grow.

So let's celebrate Easter together this year, despite what Western media mockers would say, because HE IS RISEN!

Regards,

Andrew & Shara

The Throneroom Of Heaven

2011-04-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

What a priviledge it has been to come to Presence Conference. Thank you to my very special husband for holding up the fort at home enabling me to be here in Sydney.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Praise and Worship sessions, like being in the throneroom of heaven, in the holy of Holies. Every Pastor that has spoken has delivered powerful messages! But more importantly these pastors are humble, honest, humorous and share from personal experiences about their own encounters and walk with the Living God.

I have been encouraged to see the quality of character and generosity of the Leaders and Pastors. A culture of giving. One couple got engaged at Presence, as it was announced Ps Phil Pringle jumped up and called the couple to the front... Then gave them one of his paintings as a wedding gift. How awesome is that?

I have been challenged by two verses in particular: John 20:19-23 - Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” and 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

If I could summarize what God has laid on my heart, it would be this:

Cultivate a hunger for the presence of God and be a platform on which the Holy Spirit rests.
We owe everyone an opportunity to encounter the presence of God.

God bless you all, never forget your first love for the Father.
See you soon in the beautiful city of Brisbane.

Love
Tracy Spalding

What Is Life

2011-04-09T00:43:00.000-07:00

Jesus said "I came to give life and life more abundantly" (John 10:10)

The Greek word that has been translated as life is Zoe, and this word actually means "life in the absolute sense; life as God has it; the life of God" Wow!
Jesus came to give us the life of God inside of us!! As we walk with and obey Him this life manifests and expresses itself in every area of our being.
That's enough to put a smile on our face, a spring in our step and a reason to get out of bed in the morning!!!
The people of this world grope and stumble through their existence hoping relationships, recreation, success, fame, partying or whatever will bring a full and satisfying life. But the annals of time are
littered with stories of people who put their faith and energy into these things and found they brought no lasting satisfaction. Like the Rolling Stones sang..."I can't get no satisfaction!"
But Jesus says "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Let's continue to love Jesus, live for Jesus and tell people about Jesus because He holds the keys to eternal life - for here on Earth and when we reach eternity.

God bless you Church

Andrew and Shara

The Righteousness of God

2011-04-05T16:28:00.001-07:00

What a great weekend we just had with Pastor Fergus. As well as the leaders day and regular Sunday services (with 2 un-churched people responding to God in the pub) we had 60 adults plus kids at our first C3 Church Ipswich meeting, God will build a great house for Himself at Ipswich!

Two subjects Fergus talked about on Sunday were the righteousness of God and to set our affections on Christ.
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
This is the great triumph of the cross, that failed & flawed humans like you and I become righteous in the sight of God...from the moment we believe in Jesus! This truth brings such freedom to our lives and draws us nearer to God. We don't deserve righteousness but we get it as a gift, because Jesus paid the total price for our failings. We have to remind ourselves of this truth regularly because our minds, the devil (and sometimes people) try and convince us that we are much less than perfect.
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2)
Jesus didn't come looking to start formal business relationship with people, He came to make friends! To draw near to God we must give Him our hearts, minds, souls and even bodies. I believe because God is totally committed to us its only as we totally commit to Him we catch His heart and know Him in a deeply personal relationship. God loves you and I so much that when we love Him back we bring joy to His heart and our hearts connect to Him in a supernatural way...
Lets go there Church, forget any failings from our past and reach forward to the great things God has in store for all of us!

Have a great weekend.

Andrew & Shara

The World Is Not Ending!

2011-03-16T23:01:00.001-07:00

Pastor Andrew was asked to write an article for a Brisbane newspaper this week. Please feel free to forward it on...

THE WORLD IS NOT ENDING!

Recent events in Japan, Christchurch & QLD, (not to mention Haiti, Boxing Day 2004 & 9/11) and the apocalyptic images on TV can cause people to ask, "is this the end?" It's a normal reaction to such large scale tragedy, particularly when it strikes with such random and terrifying brutality. And there will be some from religious and non religious fields that will make us feel bad by concluding we have offended God, the environment or someone and therefore judgement is here.
Jesus, (he's kind of a big deal, the dating system revolves around him, we get holidays every year to remember his birth, life and death) spoke about the end of the world. His disciples asked him, "when does the world end?" Isn't it interesting, people have been fascinated by this subject for thousands of years!
He answered:
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Don't be alarmed! These things must happen, but they don't mean that the end has come. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places..." (St Matthew's Chapter 24, verses 6-7)
Besides being an amazingly accurate prediction of today's world, these words shut down the doomsday prophets who use significant natural and man made disasters to justify their message of destruction. Today social media sites, street corners and our front doorsteps are crowded with people spruiking the well worn cliche "the end is near." Throughout history such people have even tried (and failed) to give an exact date.
In the early 90's in Sydney a religious leader predicted the time of the world's end and his faithful followed him to await it. Because the media had reported it, people also gathered outside the building (many drinking alcohol and enjoying the occasion) to see what would happen. After the exact time had passed (which the crowd counted down) and the believers all sheepishly exited the building, they were all cheered by the waiting crowd. Yes its a tough gig predicting the end...
Jesus said plainly:
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven...but only the Father." (St Matthew chapter 24, verse 36) So if the angels don't know the date, what chance does some clown like you and me have, (especially if they lived before the internet)...zero!!
So kiddies don't sell the house, quit your job, cancel uni or blow the nest egg at the casino. Despite what some will say, this world has got some legs left in it.
But recent events do remind us of the uncertainty of life. We can use these times to reflect and re-examine the faith that helped shape the values that built Western society, (and make it such a desirable place to live). Ideas such as the value of life, freedom, equality, justice and compassion have strong links to Christianity. So why not blow the dust off the Bible you were given in primary school, trot along to a church and check out the guy whose predictions actually come true, He might just give some faith and hope to your life!

God Bless!!

Ps Andrew & Shara McLennan

When We Love One Another, Heaven Comes to Earth

2011-03-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

When Christians and Churches obey the Word of God and love one another with the love He placed within us, Heaven comes to Earth!
Many people think that to touch Heaven they have to reach upwards, but Heaven has made a deposit inside all of us and as we love one another we release God and His presence into the Earth...WOW!!
The Christian Church should display to the world how God designed people to live. Many in Australia are currently discussing the positives and negatives of multiculturalism. Christian churches walking in obedience to God demonstrate how multiculturalism actually can work. In a Church people from different nationalities, cultures, religions and languages can all decide to overlook each others differences and weaknesses and love one another as He first loved us...and suddenly the world around us becomes a better place. We live in harmony and unity and it is in this place God commands His blessing, life forevermore!
"Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
Of course the devil will seek to stop this flow of Heaven in our lives and Churches by trying to bring offences & division etc, but mature Christianity is recognizing these schemes, resisting the devil from our thoughts and emotions and loving one another with the love God placed in our hearts.
Lets go there Church and see Heaven come to Earth in our lives!
Love from

Andrew & Shara

What Do You See?

2011-03-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

When Jesus saw crowds of people, He saw people who needed to be saved, healed and transformed. These are some of the things He said:

"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." (John 4:36)
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matt 9:36-38)
It's easy to look at people with our natural eyes and forget that although outwardly they may seem fine, even sometimes happy, inwardly they are spiritually dead and without Jesus will be lost for eternity.
That's why Jesus said "lift up your eyes". We need to look beyond the obvious and natural state of people and see them through God's perspective.
And of course when we see how lost people are this can motivate us to pray and believe God for salvation to flow in our lives, church and city and for people to meet Jesus for the first time.
Let's see this world like God does Church and continue to fight in prayer for their souls and also take positive steps to bring God's best to their lives by helping them to understand and know Jesus.
Walking with you on this one!

Andrew & Shara

For All These Things Must Come To Pass

2011-02-25T12:58:00.001-08:00

Recent terrible events in Christchurch, Queensland, Victoria and overseas can easily make people wonder if the world is changing or even about to end. The answers to these questions are found in the Bible and words that Jesus spoke 2,000 years ago are very relevant to today's world.

"And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:6)
So we know from this that the world isn't about to end. The last great sign to the earth before Jesus returns is not a famine, war or natural disaster but a time when the Christian Church arises and tells the whole world the amazing story of Christ's salvation.
"And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
So as Christians let's pray for the people affected by these disasters and offer all the assistance, love and comfort we can. And even beyond that we must continue to pray for a worldwide outpouring of God's Spirit so that His Church touches every nation with the gospel.

Also in our own local church lets continue to pray for God's will to be done and keep doing what we do to strengthen and build His House so that together, as a Church we can effectively preach the gospel in our communities, city, nation and the nations He sends us too.

We love you Church,
Andrew & Shara

And Isaac Dug Again The Wells of Water

2011-02-22T16:42:00.001-08:00

"And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up." (Genesis 26:17-22)

This passage of scripture details the hard work, perseverance and conflict it required for Abraham's family (God's people) to dig and maintain wells in their times. Obviously water gave life, health and prosperity to their family and extensive agricultural business interests, which was the purpose God had for their family.
In the New Testament individual Christians and Churches are designed to be spiritual wells of water. If the waters of the Holy Spirit are freely flowing out of our hearts we bring life, health and prosperity to the purpose of God and people's lives in our world. Jesus said if we believe in Him, out of our bellies will flow rivers of living water! (John 7:38)
In practical terms this means we display supernatural love and care to the world around us, (love that people may not deserve), we have joy and peace that's noticeable to others, salvation flows through us to a darkened world, healing and deliverance sets people free from sickness and oppression, we live and communicate God's Word for this hour!
So how do we ensure our wells are deep and flowing with fresh, clean waters from Heaven?

FAITH - believing God and His Word helps us breakthrough dry, barren ground and connects us to springs of living water
PERSEVERANCE - digging a well in ancient times was hard work and we also must keep seeking God in our lives and Church & never give up!
WARFARE - the Philistines tried to stop Abrahams family having wells and the devil will also try and stop us connecting to God in a real way. We need to resist him and recognise and overcome his distractions in the name of Jesus!

Have a great weekend!
Andrew & Shara

Be Strong in the Lord

2011-02-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesiand 6:10).

Delta Goodrem sang a song called "Be Strong" and there are many other songs and cliches in modern society about this subject. We all know that we should be strong as people, but how can we actually "be strong"? I studied the lyrics of Delta's song for some ideas but all the song says is "hang on and be strong." That's a good message but there were no tips on how to actually find strength
But the Bible teaches us how to find strength to help us survive and thrive in life! Rather than look within ourselves (which is another popular modern cliche) for strength, we can find strength in God and if we ask, He will replace our weakness with His strength, wow!!
Here's 3 keys to finding strength in Him:

Pray in the Holy Spirit - "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit," (Jude 1:20) As we pray and wait on God in prayer, His Spirit fills us and empowers us afresh
Spend time in God's Word - "I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." (1 John 2:14) The Word of God is also an external source of strength and power we can draw on
Spend time with committed Christians - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) Fellowship is like drinking the spirit of others, if they are strong in God we receive their strength, making time with mature, strong Christians can bring blessing and strength also.

Be strong Church!

Andrew & Shara

Announcements:

Des Bowman will be speaking at our 5:00pm service this Sunday. Great opportunity to bring a friend.
Bible College “Hearing God's Voice” commences Monday 21^st February. Sign up at church this week.
Real Men Conference at C3 Capalaba is on and we are sending a team of men on Friday night, 4^th March with dinner as a group before the meeting. Sign up at church this week.
Fergus McIntyre will be speaking at both our services on Sundy 20^th March with a leaders/workers meeting on Saturday 19^th March. Put these dates in your diary, you don't want to miss this!!

Greet The Church That Meets At His House

2011-02-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

"Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia." (Romans 16:5)

Here we see that God sometimes starts Churches in houses...and this week we witnessed such an event in Ipswich!!
We have officially launched C3 Church Ipswich and the first meeting had 18 adults (2 pregnant) & 4 kids. C3 Church Indooroopilly in comparison had 8 adults (1 pregnant) & 1 kid at its first meeting so Ipswich is off to a flying start!
But in the above verse Paul also mentions a convert after greeting the church that met in the house and this is our desire for the Church at Ipswich, that through it people come to know Jesus for the first time. Let's believe together that God uses C3 Ipswich to gather many people into His love and Kingdom so that light shines and transforms the lives of people currently living in the darkness of a life of sin. Obviously God will also gather Christians to us from overseas, interstate or even those seeking a Church culture like C3 but we will always contend through prayer, faith and action for souls to be saved in Ipswich.
Please continue to pray for our new Church and let's watch and see what God does through all of us in the months and years ahead!
Have a great weekend.

Andrew & Shara

Announcements:

Des Bowman will be speaking at our 5pm service next Sunday, 13^th February.
Bible College “Hearing God's Voice” commences Monday 21^st February.
Real Men Conference @ C3 Bayside – Friday 4
Pastor Fergus McIntyre will be speaking at both our services on 20^th March. There will also be a leaders/workers day on the Saturday, 19^th March.

Your Kingdom Is An Everlasting Kingdom

2011-01-27T22:26:00.000-08:00

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." (Psalm 145:13)

The great truth about God's Kingdom is its longevity and consistency throughout time and history.
Regardless of what happens to our world, in our time or lifetime God's Kingdom remains as it is...unshakable!
That's why Jesus said to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33) because he came to connect us to His Kingdom that outlasts our lifetime and world.
Let's continue to be Kingdom people who build our lives on His design and plans and see God's hand carry us through the most difficult situations. But greatest of all is the promise from God that eternal rewards await His people that can never be lost or taken away.
God bless you this week!!

Andrew & Shara

Announcements:

Anthony Josephs will be preaching at both our services this Sunday.
C3 Church Ipswich will launch with a Connect Group on Wednesday 2^nd February. Contact the office on 3161 1688 for more information.
Des Bowman will be speaking at our PM service on 13^th February. Des will be speaking on the subject of “I was a victim of sexual abuse”.