Aberfoyle Park Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
Aberfoyle Park Baptist Church
This week Beth continued our 'Growing Wisdom' series, exploring Wisdom as being both Spirit drawn and Spirit led.
As we walked through the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3, we reflected on the importance of Moses noticing the work of God and being drawn into His presence, and then his decision to pivot from being drawn to being led through his response of fear and humility as he realised the one who had drawn him.
Beth leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon this week:
- Where is your 'burning bush' today, what is God placing around you to draw you into wisdom?
- Are you prepared to turn your head and notice God's drawing presence?
- When you are drawn, do you have the humility to pivot from being drawn to being led, and follow Him deeper into wisdom?
This week as we continued our Growing Wisdom series, Llewelyn explored the question, 'What is wisdom and how do I get it?'
He introduced a new facet of wisdom, "know-how", and how in biblical thought, wisdom is related to skill and to the question of 'how?'.
Wisdom at its broadest and most profound sense is about how to be human. Reading from Genesis 1-3, we looked at how to be human is to be the image of God and that God is the source of all wisdom.
Llewelyn has left us with the following questions to reflect on this week:
- What do you think it means to be the image of God?
- What does it mean for you to be the image of God in your community?
- What do you do to take God’s wisdom into yourself? What could you do/try?
- What metaphor have Llewelyn and Beth used that have you found helpful and why? How could that help you become wise?
This week Beth launched our new sermon series ‘Growing Wisdom’.
Reading from the parable of the wise man and the foolish man in Matthew 7, we leaned into the analogy of a tree with strong roots. Wisdom is like having deep spiritual roots. It allows us to internalise the good things of God and be formed and grown by it, this is how we produce spiritual fruit.
In this upcoming series we will be exploring the ‘what, why and how’ of biblical wisdom, and seeking to develop the skill of internalising the things of God so that we might be formed and transformed as we grow in wisdom.
MAY MISSION MONTH 2024
This week Bee brought us a message focusing on our local mission.
What does it mean for you to be a light?
Reading from Matt 5:14-16 we looked at how God is calling each of us to be a light in the community. You do not have to be an evangelist or an extrovert or anything other that what God has made you to be to serve Him and be a light in the community.
Do you feel confident to share a testimony?
How would you explain the gospel in conversation?
How can the church better support you in what God is calling you to do?
Being a light is important, it is biblical and has the potential to be powerful. Being a light is a journey, let's journey this together.
MAY MISSION MONTH 2024
This week we received a message from Mal Good. Mal and his wife Chris lead Casuarina Baptist Church in Darwin, and are also serving as part of Baptist Mission Australia's Outback team.
This week as we continue through May Mission Month, we were joined by Steve Woods from Baptist World Aid.
This week we were joined by Anthony from Baptist Mission Australia.
Reading from Acts 18, Anthony shared with us about his own Corinthian moment serving amongst the B People of South-East Asia.
This week we were joined by Mark Sanders, Church Development Facilitator for Baptist Churches SA & NT.
He brought us a message from 1 Peter 2:4-7 around building the church.
This week Llewelyn brought us a message from Psalm 8:1-2, and Matthew 21:15-16.
He left us with the following questions to reflect;
- What can you learn from the children in your life?
- How often do you (let yourself) feel powerless, vulnerable or dependent?
- How do you normally respond when those moments arise?
- What can you do to embrace those moments as an act of praise?
This week Beth brings us a message from Jeremiah 17:7-8 on the importance of establishing strong roots.
This week Llewelyn concluded our series through Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Mark 16:6-7
On Good Friday, reading from Mark 15:33-39, Beth continues our series through Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'.
This week Bee continued our series, Who do you say I am?, reading from Mark 14:53-65.
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:62
This week Beth continued our series through Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'.
Reading from Mark 11:27-33, Beth leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon this week;
- Do you think you have a healthy fear of God?
- Do you struggle with people pleasing? How can you keep perspective in the face of that?
- Do you struggle with valuing your image, status, influence too highly? How can you keep healthy perspective?
This week Jaimee continued our series through Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?', reading from Mark 10-11.
This week Llewelyn continued our series through Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?', reading from Mark 9:1-13.
He leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon this week;
- What does this passage reveal about the identity of Jesus? Who do you say that He is?
- What have you done in the past and how have you felt when you have come across bizarre passages in scripture (like the transfiguration)? What might you do now when reading these passages?
- What does it look like for you to allow the Word of God to speak in and through the words of scripture?
- Where do you find time in your week to stop and listen? How could you enter into a posture of listening?
This week John continued our series through Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
This week Alisha continued our series through the Gospel of Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'
Reading from Mark 4:35-41 and 6:45-52, these two stories give insight into the journey the disciples go on as they wrestle with the question, Who do you say I am?
Alisha leaves us with the following questions to reflect on from the message;
- Are you living like Jesus is the Author of Creation, or do you let the storms of life (the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a financial crisis, or sickness) fill you mind with worry, disappointment or confusion?
- Does the way you live your life show your faith in Jesus and your trust that he cares for you? Or would Jesus ask you the same question he asked his disciples “why do you have so little faith?”
- Do you expect Jesus to act in ways that demonstrate his authority over the whole of creation, or have you allowed your heart to become hardened to his power?
- Who do you believe Jesus is, that even the wind and the waves obey him?
This week Llewelyn continued our series into the Gospel of Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'
Beginning with a dramatic reading of The Parable of the Sower, we explore the first 4 chapters of Mark.
Llewelyn leaves us with the following questions to reflect on from his message;
- What does Mark reveal about the nature and identity of Jesus in this passage?
- How will you respond to Jesus’ Challenge in the parable of the sower? Do you want to know more?
- How can you avoid being one of the first 3 soils (the path, the rocks, the thorny ground)?
- Do you feel connected to Jesus like family? How can you become more connected?
This week Beth launched our new series into the gospel of Mark, titled 'Who do you say I am?'
“The beginning of the good news about Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God.”
This is the only time in the whole Gospel that Mark will tell you what he thinks is the answer to our question. He then proceeds to show a story connecting this story with its ancient Jewish past.
Beth leaves us with the following questions to reflect on:
- What is your answer to this question?
- What does that mean for your life?
- Does your life reflect your answer?
This month we are re-visiting some of our church values.
This week Brayden brought us a message on Transformation by the Spirit.
This month we are re-visiting some of our church values which were first presented in 2022.
This week Bee brought us a message on Restoration from the book of Ruth.
This month we are re-visiting some of our church values which were first presented in 2022.
This week Andries brought us a message on Empowerment.
This week we were blessed by a service led by our kids. Beth continued our Advent series, focusing on Good News for Change.
This week Beth brought us the final message in our 'New Human Practices' series, titled Walk Together.
Shared life is part of what it means to be the people of God. How do we foster and grow concern and love for each other on a personal level?
Beth left us with the following questions to reflect upon this week;
- Are you walking with those around you?
- Is your walk craving companionship, safety and shared story?
This week Llewelyn brought us the next message in our 'New Human Practices' series, titled Eat Together. This series follows on from our series in Ephesians, and focuses on how we practice the principles and values of Paul's letter on a corporate level.
Shared life is part of what it means to be the people of God. How do we foster and grow concern and love for each other on a personal level?
During the message Llewelyn had us discuss the following questions:
- What experiences have shaped the way that you see the ministry of food?
- How might the way that Jesus engaged with food inform the way that we live as the New Humanity?
- What is it about food that encourages ministry?
- How do you think you could engage in the ministry of food?
This week Beth continued our 'New Human Practices' series with a message titled 'Pray Together'.
Corporate prayer is a practice that is often instructed to the church by the early apostles. Individual prayer is good, but praying together strengthens relationships, spiritual presence, communication, and unity.
This week we launched into our new series 'New Human Practices'. This series follows on from our series in Ephesians, and will focus on how we practice the principles and values of Paul's letter on a corporate level.
Llewelyn brought us a message called 'Meet Together'.
The physical gathering of God’s people is central to growing in unity and maturity. The gathered worship should be a joy. Aspects of life can threaten the practice of meeting together. How do we overcome these challenges so that our gathering can stand witness to the Kingdom of God?
He has left us with the following questions to reflect upon this week:
- Do you think the gathering of believers is important? Why/Why not?
- Do you find it easier to meet with Jesus alone or in the gathering? Why do you think that is?
- What barriers do you find stop you from regularly meeting with God’s people?
- How could you further contribute to seeking the mind of Christ as a community?
This week Beth brought us the final message in our 'New Humanity' series, reading from Ephesians 6:10-20.
She has left us with the following questions to reflect upon this week:
- Do you find strength and power in God? What places in life are you tempted to try and search for strength and power other than God?
- Are you guilty of demonising a fellow sister or brother-in christ? Is this something you need to repent of? Have you ever prayed the armour of God over that person?
- Which item of the armour do you feel you utilise well?
- Which item of the armour do you feel you could utilise better?
This week we were joined by Rebecca Tamas from Tabor College. Bec continued our 'New Humanity' series with a message from Ephesians 6:1-9.
Bec has left us with the following questions to reflect on this week:
- Does your household or your workplace require a new mindset regarding relationships?
- What is in your power to change?
- How is your heart determining your responses to family/work situations?
- Is there anyone that you need to forgive? Is there anyone that you need to stop provoking?
- How would your circumstances change if you decided to do everything as if you were serving God?
This week Beth & Llewelyn teamed up to bring us the next message in our series, reading from Ephesians 5:21-33.
They have left us with the following questions to reflect on during the week:
- How have you understood this passage in the past? Has that changed, been challenged or been reinforced by the perspective brought today?
- Reflect on your own marriage or key relationships where do you hold power in those relationships?
- Reflect on a time when you felt disempowered? What would it have meant to you if someone had empowered you at that time? What would that have looked like?
- How aware are you of your own power? How could we be better at recognising power, humbling ourselves, and empowering others in our community here at APBC?
This week we were joined by Leor Sarkar from Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship (BBCF), and Steve Woods from Baptist World Aid. They shared with us about BBCF's ministry in Bangladesh, and how we can partner with Baptist World Aid through their child sponsorship program.
This week John Rutherford continued our series, reading from Ephesians 4:17-5:2. He gave us the following questions to reflect upon this week:
- Imitating God sounds like an impossible task (see also Matthew 5:48). In what ways am I expected to imitate God?
- Do I try to ‘run’ for God and give up after a while out of tiredness or exhaustion? Is my walk such that I am in it for the long haul? Why should I bother walking at all?
- In my daily walking, do I see myself expressing the love of God demonstrated to me in Jesus Christ? Or how much am I influenced by the world around me?
This week Beth continued our series, reading from Ephesians 4:1-16.
She left us with the following questions to reflect upon this week:
- When you hear the gospel truth, that God loves you and has adopted you; where do you land on the spectrum of “So, what?” to “So, plenty!” how much impact is that truth having in your life and in our church?
- Are we as APBC making every effort to keep our unity in the bond of peace?
- Reflect on a time where you have spoken the truth in love, or someone has spoken it to you. How did that go? How can we grow in this as a church?
This week Llewelyn concluded the first part of our New Humanity series, reading from Ephesians 3:14-21. Leading us through a time of reflection and prayer as we explored Paul's prayer for the church.
This week Beth continued our 'New Humanity' series with a message from Ephesians 3:1-13.
Paul proudly owns his identity as a prisoner for the benefit of the Gentiles. Being a prisoner is surly a bad thing...so why is this suffering a point of pride for Paul? The answer is in his perspective. What can we learn from the attitude Paul models in this passage as we seek to be servants of the gospel?
Beth has left us with the following questions to reflect upon during the week;
- Can you see God at work in your present suffering? If so, are you thanking Him for that?
- If not, do you have the faith to praise him for it anyway, trusting in his future? Can you pray that God might give you that faith?
- Do you consider it a gift and a grace to serve Him and the gospel?
- Does understanding God’s plan for the church in the spiritual realms change the way you participate in church?
This week Llewelyn continued our 'New Humanity' series, reading from Ephesians 2:19-22. The New Temple is the climactic moment in the first half of Paul's letter.
Llewelyn explores what this monument of victory and unity actually looks like and what it means for us as a church. He challenges us to think about how we welcome people and how we become a church that is built up and grows together in Christ. Are we a community where God is at home in our midst?
..in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. // Ephesians 2:21-22
This week we were joined by Chris Good from Casuarina Baptist Church. Continuing our series in Ephesians, Chris brought us a message from Ephesians 2:11-18.
She explores what it can feel like to be excluded, and what it means to be truly included. Through God's grace and mercy, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross we can be free of the barriers that once excluded us.
…His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ~ Ephesians 2:15b-16
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ~ Ephesians 2:13
This week John Rutherford continues our series with a message from Ephesians 2:1-10, looking at 'How God made it possible'.
John left us with the following questions to reflect upon during the week;
- How much have I ever thought that my position in Christ has come about because of my own achievements?
- How does it make me feel when I consider that my position in Christ is purely a result of God’s work (grace) alone?
- We may not be saved by our own achievements (works), but God has saved us FOR good works which He has prepared beforehand. Being part of the New Humanity under God, how should I be living my life day by day?
This week Llewelyn continued our 'New Humanity' series with a message from Ephesians 1:15-23, titled The New Power.
Llewelyn left us with the following questions to reflect upon during the week;
- What does this prayer of Paul’s make you think about your own prayer life? Is there something that you can learn and adopt?
- Do you feel God’s limitless power at work in your life? Why/Why not? Have you prayed for God’s apocalypse to open your eyes to this reality?
- What are the areas of brokenness in your life that you are unwilling to let God into? What would it take for that to change?
This week Beth brings us the next message in our 'The New Humanity' series. Speaking on Ephesians 1:3-14, Beth shared with us what it means to be included in God's family, in His plan, in His will and in his blessing.
Beth left us with the following questions to reflect upon during the week;
- Do you desire to be ‘in’ this New Humanity, the people of God?
- If Jesus is the Chosen vehicle of blessing and salvation, are you on board?
- Are you surrendered to the will of Jesus in your life?
- Are you trying to make your own way into God’s favour? What does that look like?
- Is there a need to let go of your own control and efforts to do what only Jesus can do?
This week Llewelyn introduced our new sermon series, The New Humanity.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus retells the Gospel message and how that message is the catalyst for transformation into the New Humanity. In this series we will explore what it means to be a part of God’s new covenant family unified in Christ, and how life in this new family works and connects us to God’s bigger story.
Each week throughout this series we will see how God’s Kingdom mission in Jesus, forms the new pattern of life as the New Humanity, as both individuals and as a church.
Llewelyn gave us with the following questions to reflect upon this week;
- Have you experienced the apocalypse? What was that like for you?
- What does it mean for you to look apocalyptically at your life? Where are the areas in your life that are fractured? Where is there disunity? How can you bring unity into those spaces?
- How can we as a church community be brought together apocalyptically in Jesus along with the unification of heaven and earth?
This week Llewelyn & Beth teamed up to bring us the next message in our 'Blessing' series. Sharing with us on this weeks theme of 'Be the Blessing', our mantle to bless others.
They have left us with the following questions to reflect upon this week;
- Do you need to pray that God’s blessing would flow afresh today?
- What are the spaces in your life where God might be prompting you to be more intentional with your blessing?
- What practice might you develop to be reminded of your anointing?
This week Beth brings us the next message in our Blessing series, The 'Blessed'.
Beth leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon during the week;
1. Is your heart in a place to receive God’s blessing?
2. Do you care about the things God cares about, or are you being called to let some things go?
3. Do you long to praise God no matter what your circumstances?
This week Llewelyn introduces our next 4 week series called ‘Blessing’. Looking at the “Blesser”, we explore Gods heart for abundance and life through Genesis.
Llewelyn leaves us with the following questions to consider this week;
- How do you feel? Do you feel blessed by God? Or is something blocking your connection to God’s blessing?
- How would you describe God’s blessing to others?
- How do you think you can “mediate” God’s blessing to others?
- Are you willing to bend your knee to God?
God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” ~ Genesis 1:22
MAY MISSIONS MONTH 2023
This week we were joined by Dave Garland, Associate Pastor at Knightsbridge Baptist Church and SA State Leader for Red Frogs Australia.
Aiming to partner with and empower the local church to safe guard a generation for good and for God, Red Frogs focuses on serving and connecting with
university students.
Dave shares on the work that Red Frogs is doing here in SA, and how we can use the same principles in connecting with our own local communities.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ~ Acts 1:8
MAY MISSIONS MONTH 2023
This week we were joined by Steve Woods from Baptist World Aid. Sharing from Mark 2:1-12, Steve highlights how the scriptures are filled with stories of people who brought what they had, no matter how small, and generously gave with a joyful heart.
"As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." ~ John 20:21
MAY MISSIONS MONTH 2023
This week we were joined by Mike Waskiel from Flinders University Evangelical Students. Speaking on the topic of peace, Mike looks at how as a church family we are called to be people of peace. We seek peace, bring peace and humbly share the source of our peace.
Acts 10 shows how we will find peace not by looking inside ourselves, but by looking to the God of peace and seeing what he has done for us in the message of peace sent through his son Jesus.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. ~ Acts 10 44:48
MAY MISSIONS MONTH 2023
This week we were joined by Lisa Cornish from Baptist Mission Australia. Speaking on the topic of prayer Lisa explores what prayer is, why we pray, who/what we pray for & how we pray.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. ~ Mark 1:35-39
This week we were joined by another guest speaker, Amy Chesser. Amy has spent time studying her Masters of Divinity at Tabor College – focusing her capstone project on the poetry of medieval mystics.
Exploring the spiritual practice of poetry, Amy shares with us about how we can chase after and be intimate with God. Looking at what the bible says about our hearts, what shapes our heart, and how our hearts can better line up with God.
Amy introduces us to a practice that the church has been doing for 1,600 years, that can help us draw nearer to God, Lectio divina. Meaning ‘sacred reading’, this is a deliberate practice of reading the bible – taking the time to let God’s word sink that little bit deeper and allowing our hearts, our inner most self, to take in the words in a different way.
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19
This week we were joined by guest speaker, Matt Gray, lecturer from Tabor College. He shares with us about the practice of confession, something that goes hand in hand with forgiveness.
Sometimes we try to hide our mess, close the door, turn off the lights and walk away. God doesn't look at our mess and leave us to deal with it ourselves. He sent his son Jesus to take on the mess of the world. (John 3:16-21)
Do you try to hide from the things in your life that you would rather just avoid and ignore?
Do you trust that God can take on your mess, or do you think it is too big even for him?
Confession is hard, not confessing is hard - choose your hard. It takes courage to let Christ shine a light on all that is happening in our lives.
“The Christ in his own heart is weaker than the Christ in the word of his brother; his own heart is uncertain, his brother’s is sure.”― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
As we celebrate resurrection Sunday, Beth bring us the final message in our Intimate God series - God our All.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. // Colossians 1:17
This Good Friday Llewelyn brings us the story of God our Judge, reflecting on Jesus' death.
The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. - Wilhelm Stekel
This Palm Sunday, Beth bring us the next message in our Intimate God series, Our Saviour God.
This week Llewelyn bring us the next message in our intimate God series, Our Healer God.
He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
This week Beth bring us the next message in our Intimate God series, God our Father.
Reading Luke 15:11-32, Beth looks at God our Father who.....
- is more patient and more gracious than we can ever imagine
- waits for us, always hopeful, and filled with compassion
- runs to us and showers us with affection
- not only forgives, but honours us in His Kingdom
This week Llewelyn bring us a message of God as our intimate friend. He explores what it means to truly be friends with God through Moses' journey of friendship with Him.
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him” – Psalm 25:14
This week Beth bring us the next message in our intimate God series, God our protector.
Psalm 91 describes a God with a heart to protect us and provide a safe place for our mind and soul.
Do we know our intimate God this way? How well do we trust in his power to protect us body, mind and soul?
This week Llewelyn bring us the next message in our Intimate God series, titled Our Lover God.
"Do you love me?"
These are the words that Jesus said to Peter on the beach after his resurrection. How would you answer that question?
This week Beth launches our new series, Our Intimate God.
This week we look at God, our intimate creator. He created us in his own image and declared us to be very good. He lovingly formed us and breathed his own spirit of life into us.
This week Judith brings us a message from Philippians 4:4-9, and a reflection on Psalm 33.
- Reread Psalm 33, or perhaps listen to it sung (see links below). What truth about God stands out to you?
- What is God’s perspective on your value and your identity, and how does that influence your relationship with Him?
- How can you anchor your thoughts in His Truth this week?
Psalm 33 by the Psalms Project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjFIm_513t4
Psalm 33 Song by Jason SIlver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOFgFj7xoZo
This week Beth concludes our Cultivating Kingdom Culture series by exploring what it means to practice our values. She leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon;
- Do you love the church? If not, why not? How does Roman’s 12:1-2 inform that?
- Do you possess a God-controlled perspective of yourself?
- Is there something of your individual attitude you need to repent of to serve the church?
- Does our practice at APBC reflect the picture Paul paints for us in vs 9-21? Are we moving towards it or away from it?
- Are our values people or program oriented? Do we as a church care about our relationships more than our rituals?
This week Llewelyn continues our short series, Cultivating Kingdom Culture. Exploring our belief in our values he leaves us with the following questions;
- Which approach are you tempted by: practice without belief (walking dead), Values without belief (The yes man/woman) or belief without values (atomic bomb)?
- Do you believe Jesus and the Kingdom mission is worth the sacrifice?
- How do you/can you “set your mind on the Spirit”?
- Do you feel that the Holy Spirit can use the APBC values to cultivate a Kingdom Culture?
This week Beth brings us the first message in our 3 week series called Cultivating Kingdom Culture based in Romans 12.
Revisiting our vision statement, we start by looking at how we form our values. Exploring how the Kingdom of God is a stark contrast to the world we live in, and if we want to form Kingdom values we need to be immersed in the things of God.
This week John brings us a message from 1 Peter 1.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. // 1 Peter 1: 3-5
Welcome to 2023!
This week Sam joins us to bring a message from the book of Romans.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [Romans 12:9]
This week as we continue our Advent series we were joined by Alisha Dutschke. Reading through Luke 1:26-56 she leaves us with the following questions; Do we believe that God can only work through people who we expect, or do we trust that God can work through those who seem unexpected?Are there areas in your life where God is challenging your expectations?Are you, like Mary, willing to have your worldview flipped upside down, and voluntarily participate in how God is working, even if it is different to how you think he should act?Video reference from the LUMO Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INgCwqWgUik
This week Llewelyn brings us the first message in our Advent series as we read the story of Christmas as told in the gospel of Luke.
Starting in Luke 1:5-25 he asks us the following question;
Will you allow God’s story to pass you by or will you allow it to reshape your view of the world and join him in his story, in his Kingdom mission?
This week Llewelyn brings us a message from the book of Ruth.
please forgive the audio - we ran an acoustic service following the storm that left us with no power
This week Beth brings our series through the book of Acts to a close, looking at Acts 28:11-31.
Beth leaves us with the following question as we reflect on what becoming church means for us;
- Who is God calling our church to become right now, in this season?
This week we were joined by Mike Bartholomaeus, teacher of theology at Tabor. He continues our series in Acts with a message on Acts 27.
This week we as we take a break from our sermon series Llewelyn takes a different approach to the message. Exploring the biblical theme of the Divine Name Yahweh, he leads us on a story of how this Name is told throughout scripture and how it is important for us.
He asks us to reflect on the following questions;
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What stood out to you in the story?
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What do you think it means to bear the Name?
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How well do you think you bear the Name?
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What do you think it means for Jesus to bear the Name?
This week Beth continues our series with a message from Acts 26.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
{1 Corinthians 15:57-58}
This week we spent time throughout our service honouring our kids and were joined by Steve Stokes from OAC Ministries.
This week Llewelyn continues our series with a message from Acts 21 - 22, looking at Paul's arrival in Jerusalem.
Llewelyn leaves us with the following questions as we are encouraged to reflect on our own journey;
- What emotions are evoked when you think about the person you used to be?
- How do you think Jesus saw you then? How do you think he sees you now? What about your past has God redeemed or transformed that can be helpful to who you are now?
- Are you someone inspired by grace? How can you become inspired by grace?
- What does it look like for you to look upon people in your lives or in our community through the eyes of grace?
During the message we heard testimony from one of our church members on his journey before and after coming to faith - this part of the message has intentionally been removed from the recording
For this month's mission spot Llewelyn shares about his recent trip to Vanuatu. His connection with the country dates back to his childhood and continued when he combined his passion for cricket with his love for the people of Vanuatu. After not being able to travel for a number of years, he finally had the chance to go back during the sub-qualifiers for the T20 Cricket World Cup. In addition to sharing about cricket, Llewelyn also talks about the impact that the pandemic has had on a country where tourism is one of their main economic sectors.
This week Beth brings us the first message in our final movement through the book of Acts. Looking at Paul's farewell to Ephesus in Acts 20 she asks us to reflect on the following questions;
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What does it look like for us to keep being church, and becoming church no matter what the season?
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What season do you think APBC might be in? What kind of attitude do we need to adopt to remain faithful to our Kingdom calling in this season?
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Do our leaders set a Christ-like example? How do we go at encouraging them or lovingly holding them accountable?
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How are we going at being a people defined by grace?
This week as we take a break from our series on Acts, we are joined by Jakob Millard from Rostrevor Baptist Church. He shares with us a reminder of the importance of silence and solitude in a world where there are so many demands on our time and distractions within arms reach.
'A little bit of everything all of the time....' Bo Burnham
This week Llewelyn continues our series with a message from Acts 17. He leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon;
- Are you distressed by what you see in the world around you? Why/Why not?
- Do you have a “natural” response to these distresses? How do you “normally” respond? (The offensive, the prover, the bubble, the contexualiser)
- Do you believe that the gospel is relevant? Why/Why not?
- How can you contextualise the gospel and relate it to those around you?
This week Beth continues our series in Acts through the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41.
Beth explores the topic of conflict and addresses some myths that surround it. Churches are both conflict prone and conflict adverse - we are going to have conflict but how are we going to handle it in a way that makes us stronger and draws us together so that we can be Christ honouring and effective for the gospel?
"Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means."{Ronald Reagan}
This week Dean brings us the message from Acts 15:1-35. He highlights two things from Peters address to the apostles and elders following their discussions around whether the Gentiles should be required to follow the Jewish customs that were in place before.
1. God makes no distinction between his people.
Acts 15.9 - “. . . and in cleansing their hearts by faith, he makes no distinction between them and us.”
2.We will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 15:11 - “We believe we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus just as they will.
This week Beth brings us the first message in our next movement through the book of Acts. Looking at Acts 14:8-20 she asks us the following questions;
Are you established in environments where Jesus is not Lord?
Is God placing a conviction on your heart to represent his gospel?
This week Llewelyn continues our series with a message from Acts 12.
He leaves us with the following questions to reflect upon;
Are you someone humble enough to not care what people think of you because you care more what God thinks of you?
Are you someone who tries to please people rather than God?
Are you humble enough to pray fervently because you know that our Lord hears and that he has all the power in the world to create change?
Do you believe that the Word of God is stronger than anything in this world? What fears hold you back from sharing that Word with the people around you?
This week we were joined by Andrew Turner, Director of Crossover for Australian Baptist Ministries. He brings us the story of Peter's visit to the house of Cornelius in Acts 10:23-48.
Acts 10 was the beginning of what is known as the Gentile Pentecost - when the Spirit was being given to all people, including the Gentiles. God shows them that there is no longer this separation between Jew and Gentile, they are all God's people.
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 10:15
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. Acts 10:42
Today Rod brings us a message of transformation from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, focusing on chapter 36.
Most of the Old Testament is about the story of God's calling for His people and His relationship with them. Like all relationships it is a story of His love for them, His frustration/disappointment with them, and His plan for their restoration.
Do you want to be the 'transformee' transformed by the Holy Transformer?
This week Llewelyn brings us the story of the conversion of Paul in Acts 9.
He has given us the following questions to ponder from this message;
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What could it mean for you and for our community to become blind in order to see?
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Reflect on your own story of encountering Jesus. Is there someone that you need to share this with?
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Are you still fighting against God? Do you need to be humbled? Where are your blindspots? Could you ask someone to help you find these?
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What does this mean for us as a church? What agendas do we need to lay aside? Are there ways that we fighting against Jesus Kingdom Movement?
This week Beth continues our series through the book of Acts. This 2nd movement in the series is titled Becoming Diverse and Inclusive.
Reading Acts 8:26-40 we hear about Philip and the Ethiopian.
This week as we take a break from our Becoming Church sermon series, Llewelyn speaks to us about displaced people and we look at the difference between equality, equity and justice.
Consider the following questions as you reflect on today's message;
• How does this biblical perspective help us to understand privilege?
• How does living as a displaced person affect the way that we view and interact with refugees?
• How can we bring a bless the nations philosophy to our community?
This week Beth leads us through Acts 6-8 and asks the question - are we wanting to be like God (Jesus), or are we trying to be God?
This week Llewelyn shares with us from Acts 2:42 - 6:7. Looking at the battle between those whose faith was built on the foundation of the old temple, and those whose faith now stands in the new temple.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 2:8
This week Beth shared with us about Pentecost in Acts 2. A time when, as promised, the Holy Spirit came upon all those who believe in Him - ultimately creating the new temple within the people of the church.
Who are we becoming?
In a small upper room in first century Palestine a group of disenfranchised Messianic Jews were asking much the same question. The book of Acts is the story of how this persecuted religious minority in ancient Jerusalem became a massive, diverse, complex, multiethnic, multicultural, global movement that would change the world.
The book of Acts is the story of how God continues the reign of Jesus and His Kingdom movement through His Holy Spirit in the lives of this community of believers.
As we reflect on the story of Acts and how the church came to be, let's think about what kind of church we are becoming.