Grace Community Church NI: Recent Episodes
Grace Community Church
We are ordinary people, of all ages and backgrounds, inviting you to meet with us on Sunday at 11am. Come as you are!
Have you ever found yourself in a season where the fear of the unknown completely overshadows your next step? When life throws unexpected challenges your way, it is easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed by the dark days.In this conversation, we sit down with Rebecca to explore her recent journey through a painful accident, surgery, and recovery. We look at a powerful question: what does it truly mean to lean on a community when you cannot carry the weight yourself? Rebecca shares how a simple, timely text message from a friend brought light into a heavy moment and how her experience redefined church as so much more than just a Sunday building.Discover why asking for help is often the bravest first step toward healing, and how faith is built not by avoiding the struggle, but by walking through it together.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/it-takes-a-village-rebecca
Have you ever felt the subtle, exhausting pressure to change who you are just to fit into a community? It is a remarkably common feeling and this underlying expectation to conform, to speak a certain way, or to look a certain part just to feel like you truly belong.But what if real church family isn't about uniformity at all? In this moving conversation, Judith shares her beautiful personal journey through faith, fostering, and adoption, introducing a profound concept: permanency. When you are adopted into God's family, it is an official, secure base that allows you to drop the act and simply be yourself. Yet, so many of us still struggle to feel secure, or we say our prayers and wait around for things to change without ever moving our own feet.We lean into a deeply challenging question: what are you doing after amen? This message is a warm invitation to stop hiding and start grounding yourself in the constant, unchanging love of God. Discover how a simple, childlike trust and the consistency of just showing up can transform your perspective and help you build a safe haven where others can find their home too.
It’s incredibly easy to surround ourselves with people who think, act, and speak exactly like we do, isn’t it? We build our comfortable little bubbles and call it community. But what happens when you’re forced to engage with someone you completely disagree with—or worse, a genuine opponent?In this conversation, we sit down with William to explore three deeply challenging questions that get right to the core of our faith. We start with the most personal: what do you truly think about Jesus in the quiet sanctuary of your own heart? But the tension really builds when we turn that lens outward. It’s one thing to love the people who sing the same songs as you on a Sunday morning, but are you prepared to love your adversaries with that same irrational, sacrificial love?We look closely at Matthew 22 to understand what it actually means to be sent out as sheep among wolves. If you want to move beyond a surface-level faith and allow God to fundamentally change how you view the difficult people in your life, this conversation is for you. Lean into the discomfort—that’s exactly where the growth happens.
We can message someone on the other side of the world in mere seconds, yet it's entirely possible to sit in a crowded room and feel completely isolated. Loneliness is silently creeping into so many of our lives, leaving us wondering where we actually fit in.But what if finding your place isn't just a magical feeling you wait for? As we kick off our new 'It Takes a Village' series, we are challenging the idea that you should just turn up and wait for belonging to happen to you. True connection is often messy. It involves different personalities, awkward moments, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.We dive into Ephesians 2 to uncover a beautiful, challenging truth: belonging is an active, everyday choice. God has already chosen you for His family, but now you get to choose to invest in it. If you've been sitting on the sidelines or waiting for an invitation, this conversation will empower you to take ownership of your place. Discover how practicing belonging not only changes your own life but helps build a community where everyone finds their home.
Have you ever looked around your community and wondered how people with such different opinions and backgrounds can ever truly walk as one? It is easy to look at the discord in the world and feel that true unity is an impossible ideal.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/practicing-the-art-of-harmonyIn this reflection, we dive into the closing verses of Romans 12 to unpack what it really means to live in harmony with one another. What if real harmony doesn't mean thinking the exact same way on every single matter, but rather sharing a unified orientation of purpose? We explore the challenging call to lower ourselves, abandon our pride, and actively associate with those on the margins. True harmony doesn't just happen overnight; it requires intentionality, grace, and a willingness to wrestle through our differences together.If you are looking for encouragement to step deeper into authentic community and discover how serving the least brings us closer to the heart of Jesus, this is a beautiful invitation to reset your focus. Tune in as we learn what it means to be a witness to God's peace.
Have you ever found yourself reaching for a quick fix or a hollow platitude when someone you love is hurting? We often rush to cheer others up because their pain makes us uncomfortable, but what if your job isn’t to “fix” them at all? In this message, we explore the profound, often challenging call to “weep with those who weep.”Drawing from the story of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, we uncover a beautiful truth: even though Jesus knew he was about to perform a miracle, he didn’t skip the sorrow. He didn’t offer empty promises; he offered his presence. We discuss why “withness” — the act of incarnational, sacrificial presence — is the missing ingredient in so many of our relationships today.What if the most spiritual thing you could do for a friend isn’t to provide an answer, but simply to sit in the mess with them? Discover why embracing the “agonizing space” between pain and hope is exactly how we show the world the love of God. It is time to move past complacency and learn how to truly walk together.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/withness
15-year-old Daniel shares his journey of growing up in the church after moving from England to Northern Ireland. Daniel opens up about a powerful season of reflection, tackling the heavy question of why a loving God allows us to experience stress and anxiety.
Jonny shares the heart behind Reach Mentoring and how adults can positively impact the lives of children.Have you ever looked around your local community and wondered how the next generation is genuinely coping? With anxiety on the rise and heavy emotional burdens weighing down so many young lives, it is easy to feel completely overwhelmed by the scale of the need.In this thoughtful reflection, we explore a deeply moving, accidental ministry that grew from a single classroom into a vital lifeline across forty-six schools. What if transforming a life doesn’t require a complex, rigid set of rules or a flawless master plan? We dive into the profound example set by Jesus on the shore of Galilee, where he offered his exhausted disciples a simple invitation: come and have breakfast.By shifting our focus from the words we say to the way we simply choose to be present, we can begin to see the incredible value of holding a safe space for others. This conversation is a warm, encouraging reminder that your everyday circles of influence are ripe for unexpected breakthrough. Will you pull up a chair, sit in the mess, and learn how to champion someone who needs it most?Reach Mentoring: https://www.reachmentoring.co.uk/Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/pulling-up-a-chair
Amy AndersonHave you ever found yourself completely paralyzed by the pressure to figure out the ‘big plan’ for your life? It is so easy to get caught up in trying to make the perfect choice or finding the right path that we completely miss what is happening right in front of us.In this thoughtful conversation, we sit down with Anastasia and Amy as they share their deeply personal stories of moving across countries, stepping far outside their comfort zones, and navigating the unknown. Together, we explore a liberating truth: what if faith isn’t about knowing the exact destination, but about trusting God in the quiet, ordinary moments?By diving into the practice of slowing down and reflecting on our day, this discussion invites you to breathe and give yourself a little more grace. If you are facing a major transition or simply trying to find joy in the daily routine, this message is a gentle reminder to focus less on the ‘what’ of your life, and more on the ‘who’.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a place of fear, quietly wondering what comes next? It is a common feeling, one that even the earliest disciples shared as they hid away, waiting for a promise they could barely comprehend. We often treat the birth of the church as an ancient history lesson, but what if we are missing the very power designed to move us from anxiety to total fearlessness?The core tension we face isn’t a lack of theological knowledge, but a gap in our actual experience. We know the stories in our heads, but when was the last time you simply sat down and asked the Holy Spirit to fill you?In this talk, we reflect on Pentecost Sunday and the radical reality that God’s presence is available to everyone, shattering every barrier of class, race, and tradition. By looking at Peter’s dramatic transformation and Jesus’ unanswered prayer for unity, you are invited to rethink everything. It is a warm reminder to step out of your own strength, dismantle the walls, and experience a tangible encounter with Jesus.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-experience-of-pentecost
Have you ever experienced a moment where someone mistreated you, and everything inside you screamed for retaliation? It’s completely natural to want to defend yourself or hold a grudge when you’ve been deeply wronged. But what if we are being called to a way of living that completely defies our human instincts?In this talk, we dive into the radical tension between our defensive human nature and a transformed heart. We examine the jaw-dropping, real-life stories of Jim Elliot, Corrie ten Boom, and Sabina Wurmbrand — individuals who faced severe persecution, loss, and violence, yet chose to return goodness for evil. From the jungles of Ecuador to the horrors of war-torn Europe, their lives show us what actually happens when we choose to actively pray for the people who cause us pain.Resisting the divisive patterns of our world isn’t about being stoic; it’s about cultivating a character that pushes back with grace. By genuinely commending your enemies to God’s care, you might just find your own posture radically transformed. Are you ready to choose a love that goes beyond common sense?
that keeps our doors locked. Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ simple breakfast on the shore of Galilee, this conversation is an invitation to create margin in your life and steward your resources for the sake of others. It’s a reminder that the most powerful thing you can offer someone isn't a clean house—it’s the feeling of being truly seen, heard, and loved.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/12-barriers-to-hospitality
Have you ever felt like your prayers are just hitting the ceiling? Or perhaps you only find yourself reaching out to God when life starts to crack under pressure? It is easy to get caught up in the “instant gratification” of our modern world, leaving our spiritual lives feeling a bit stimulated but ultimately shallow.In this reflection on Romans 12:12, we explore the idea that prayer isn’t just a spiritual add-on — it’s the hinge upon which our entire life swings. What if the secret to a resilient faith isn’t found in a new technique or a mountain-top experience, but in the simple, gritty ritual of showing up regularly?We dive into what it means to “push out into the deep,” moving beyond surface-level requests to build a well that won’t run dry when trials inevitably come. Whether you’re feeling joyful, frustrated, or completely empty of words, you are invited to bring your honest self before a Father who longs for connection. Let’s discover together how prioritizing our time for prayer makes the presence of God a constant reality rather than a fleeting feeling.Episode link: grace-community.church/lesson/pushin…into-the-deep
or simply impatient with the slow pace of change, this is an invitation to find room to breathe again. We’re reminded that we don’t have to stand alone; the life of Jesus is most beautifully displayed when we bear these burdens together as a community.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/weight-of-the-wait
Have you ever felt like your spiritual fire has dwindled to nothing more than a smouldering wick? We often hear that we should be “never lacking in zeal,” but what happens when life leaves you feeling like a bruised reed rather than a burning torch?In this reflection, we move away from the pressure of high-energy performance and sit instead with the profound tenderness of Jesus. We explore the “theology for the wounded,” looking at how Christ doesn’t meet our exhaustion with frustration, but with a gentle invitation. What if the moments where we feel most broken are actually the places where we can most intimately know God?By looking at the promise in Isaiah and the honest plea of a father in Mark — “I believe, help my unbelief” — we discover a Savior who isn’t interested in showy parades or social media perfection. This is a quiet, hopeful invitation for anyone carrying a heavy burden or a wounded spirit. Why does it matter? Because healing doesn’t begin when we find our strength; it begins when we bring our flickering faith to the wounded hands of Jesus.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/just-a-faint-flame
Have you ever felt like you’re trying to carry the weight of your world entirely on your own? We often treat our faith as a solo trek, yet the scriptures point us toward a much richer, communal reality. In this reflection on Romans 12, we dive into the “intensely practical” challenge of what it means to be a family that goes beyond mere friendship.What if we took the call to “outdo one another in showing honour” seriously? We explore the unique Greek concept of philostorgos—a specific kind of love reserved for those we cherish as kin — and how that bond allows us to call out the unique giftings in one another. From the mentorship between Moses and Jethro to the unlikely duo of Woody and Buzz, we look at why connecting different generations is vital for our spiritual health. This isn’t about being “nice”; it’s about a costly, intentional choice to value others above ourselves. Join us as we discuss how to “gossip well” behind people’s backs and embrace the beautiful, upside-down competition of the Kingdom.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/friends-who-love-like-family
Have you ever felt the weight of your own mistakes pressing down on you, wondering if you’ve finally messed up once too often? It’s a heavy burden to carry, especially when that inner voice — the accuser — refuses to let you forget your failings. We’ve all been there, feeling caught in the crosshairs of judgment, whether from others or from within ourselves.In this reflection, we dive into the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery and her life-changing encounter with Jesus. We explore the beautiful image of a “God who stoops” — a Saviour who doesn’t just look down on us from a distance but bends low to meet us in our shame. What if the significance of the Easter season isn’t just about a historical event, but about a present reality where Jesus stands between you and your accusers? We look at how Christ silences the voices of condemnation and invites us to a place of self-reflection and transformation. Whether you are feeling the sting of accusation or the temptation to hold a stone of your own, this is a warm invitation to experience the mercy that stands in your defence.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-god-who-stoops
Speaker: Amy AndersonHave you ever found yourself clinging to a “concept” of Jesus rather than the reality of who He is? It’s often more comfortable to view Him as a distant, polished miracle worker than as a man who got tired, felt frustrated, and wept openly in a crowd. We often rush toward the power of the Resurrection, but this week, we are invited to pause and sit with the profound mystery of Jesus’ humanity.On Palm Sunday, the city of Jerusalem was in an uproar, welcoming a victorious king with palm branches and cloaks. Yet, in the middle of the cheers, Jesus was riding a donkey, challenging every expectation of what power should look like. We explore the “Core Tension” of Holy Week: a King who is celebrated but deeply misunderstood. Why did Jesus overturn the tables in the temple? Why did He weep over a city that was currently praising Him? Join us as we reflect on why Jesus’ human experience matters for your life today. If He stepped into our limitations and our grief, then there is no part of your story that is unfamiliar to Him. You don’t have to save yourself from a distance; He is right there in the middle of it with you.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-human-king
Have you ever found yourself so consumed by the darkness in the world, or even the frustrations in your own life, that you struggle to find anything worth holding onto? It’s easy to recognize what is wrong, but it is far harder to find a glimmer of hope to “glue” ourselves to.In this reflection, we dive back into Romans 12:9 to explore what it truly means to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. We move beyond the obvious definitions of “evil” to look at the Greek concept of poneros: the worthless, the harmful, and the things that leave us oppressed by toil. Are we becoming immune to the gossip, the anger, and the distractions that fracture our relationships with God and others?Drawing on a moving story of global unity during a time of conflict, we discuss the desperate need for community in the journey of faith. This isn’t about passive observation; it’s about a continuous, intentional pursuit of goodness. Whether it’s finding a mentor in hospitality or simply clinging to Jesus when He is the only good you can see, this conversation is an invitation to live with a more active, intentional heart.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/hate-evil-cling-to-good
this conversation is an invitation to a different way. We look at how knowing the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love isn't just a nice sentiment, but the actual fuel that allows sincere love to flow through us naturally. Join us as we consider what it would look like for a community to be truly rooted in a love that changes the world.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/love-without-the-mask
Have you ever felt like your faith is a strictly private journey, just between you and God? We often focus so much on our “personal” relationship with Jesus that we accidentally overlook the very thing He called us to be: a body. In this reflection, we dive into Romans 12 to challenge the modern habit of individualising our faith at the expense of the community.What if your unique gifts aren’t just for your own fulfilment, but are the essential “ligaments” that keep the church standing? Using the surprising wisdom of an ant colony, we explore how every single role — no matter how mundane it feels — is vital for the whole. We tackle the “curse of comparison” and the dangerous “that’s not my gift” cop-out that keeps us from serving where we are needed most. This isn’t about inducing guilt; it’s a warm invitation to see yourself as God sees you: a necessary co-worker in His kingdom. Are you ready to stop letting grace go to waste and start building something that lasts?Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/beyond-the-individual
to make an impact. Instead, we’re invited to start exactly where we are, with the shoes that fit us, and see how one small act of faithfulness can create ripples further than we could ever imagine.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-billy-bookcase-church
Have you ever felt like a spare part in a machine that’s already running fine without you? It’s a common feeling, especially in large communities, but what if the very thing that makes you different is exactly what the “body” is missing?In this talk, we dive into the beautiful, messy reality of being “many parts but one body.” We explore how Jesus intentionally called a group of political and social opposites — people who likely wouldn’t have shared a meal, let alone a mission — to show the world something radical. We tackle the tough questions: What actually blocks us from belonging? Is it our view of God, our low self-esteem, or perhaps the scars from past experiences where the “body” let us down?We’re invited to reconsider our contribution, not as a burden, but as a vital function that only we can fulfill. This isn’t about theory; it’s about how our unity in diversity actually increases the credibility of Jesus’ message to the world. If you’ve been keeping yourself at a distance, this is a warm invitation to take the risk of belonging again. Why settle for being a spectator when you were designed to be an essential part of the whole?
Have you ever felt like you’re just another face in the crowd, wondering if what you have to offer actually matters? It’s a common feeling to think we’re either too unimportant to make a difference or so self-sufficient that we don’t need anyone else. But what if your specific “function” is the very thing keeping the people around you healthy?In this conversation, we dive into Romans 12 to explore the beautiful, messy reality of being the “Body of Christ.” Using a simple analogy of baking ingredients, we look at how flour, eggs, and sugar are limited on their own, but become something wonderful when brought together by a Creator with a plan. We tackle the “alien” concept of isolated Christianity and remind ourselves that belonging to one another isn’t just a nice sentiment — it’s a vital necessity. Whether you feel like a small part or a prominent one, this is a warm invitation to stop thinking too lowly of yourself and start seeing how your unique gift completes the whole. Why settle for being a lone ingredient when we could be something great together?Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/vital-parts-one-whole
Have you ever looked around your community and felt like a small, perhaps even replaceable, cog in a massive machine? It is easy to fall into the “comparison trap,” measuring your faith against those who seem to have it all worked out or who operate on a global scale. But what if your unique function is the very thing the people around you are missing?In this reflection on Romans 12, we explore the delicate balance of “sober judgment.” While we are often warned not to think too highly of ourselves, there is an equal danger in thinking too lowly. We dive into the idea of having a “sane estimate” of our capabilities — one that acknowledges we are nothing without grace, yet recognizes that the same grace has uniquely placed something within us that no one else can provide.Why does your presence matter more than you think? What happens to the “body” when your specific gift is absent? We move past the guilt of showing up and move toward the freedom of being who you are within the whole. If you’ve been feeling sidelined or overshadowed, this conversation is an invitation to recognise your absolute importance in the family of faith.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-end-of-comparison
to what is already clear?Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-secret-vs-the-revealed-will
It is a challenging image, isn't it? Especially when, as we discuss, living sacrifices have a funny habit of trying to crawl off the altar the moment things get uncomfortable!Whether it’s how we treat our physical health, how we show up in our workplaces, or how we bridge the divides within our churches, this conversation is an invitation to move beyond an intellectual faith. How can we become an authentic, credible witness in a fractured world? Join us as we reflect on how being fully accepted by God sets us free to live a life that is truly pleasing to Him—not to earn His love, but because we already have it.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/what-its-there-for
Fran, Wendy and Amy share their reflections on 2025 and their dreams for 2026.Have you ever felt like your faith is becoming a bit… hollow? Like you’re going through the motions of “being a Christian” but feeling increasingly disconnected from the world around you? It’s a subtle drift, often moving us away from the messy, beautiful reality of people and into a sterile, private version of spirituality.In this gathering, we explore a provocative idea: the danger of “excarnation” — the de-fleshing of our faith.While religious professionals often seek holiness through distance, Jesus modelled “incarnate holiness” by moving into the neighbourhood and sitting with the very people others deemed unworthy. We hear moving, vulnerable reflections from members of our community on the challenges of forgiveness, the power of being truly known by God, and the simple desire to be the “friend in the ditch” rather than the bystander.What if the church isn’t just a symbol of Christ, but a literal extension of His earthly body? Join us as we dive into Romans 12 to discover how your everyday, ordinary life — your eating, sleeping, and walking-around life — can become a primary expression of God’s presence in a polarised world. It’s an invitation to stop faking it and start living from the centre of who you are. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/known-and-found
Ronnie, Puma and William share their reflections on 2025 and their dreams for 2026.Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, passing the ball back and forth in a routine that has become all too familiar? It’s easy to live life on autopilot, but what if in our hustle to get things done, we are suffering from a kind of “inattentive blindness” to the very things God is doing? In this gathering of voices, we reflect on the year gone by and lean into the invitation of a new one.We explore a challenging but beautiful tension: that truly loving God requires us to pay attention, and truly loving our neighbour requires us to actually see them. From the front lines of mission trips in Spain and Egypt to the quiet, “remarkable ordinary” moments of hospitality at home, this conversation is a call to refocus. How can we rediscover the small, precious gems in our lives that the enemy wants us to overlook?We dive into why persistence in mission matters and how shifting our gaze can transform our relationships. This isn’t just about New Year’s resolutions; it’s a warm invitation to become “ambassadors of hope” by discovering beauty in everyone you meet. Will you stop long enough to see what’s right in front of you?Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/small-gems-big-dreams
when we least expect Him, and why his message is always one of peace rather than panic. If you’ve been feeling a bit apprehensive about the future, join us for a reminder that your fear doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
Have you ever felt like just another face in the crowd, or perhaps just another name on a long list of people God is supposed to care about? It’s easy to hear that “God so loved the world” and feel like His love is a thin layer spread across billions of people — watered down and diluted just to make it reach everyone. But what if His love for the world doesn’t actually come at the expense of His love for you?In this reflection, we dive into the heart of the Christmas story to move from the general to the specific. We look at the disciple John, who had the audacity to call himself “the one Jesus loved.” Was that arrogance, or was it a profound revelation of how God truly sees us? We explore the beautiful reality that as you sit where you are right now, you aren’t receiving a fraction of God’s affection — you are receiving all of it. Why does this matter for your holiday season? Because when the familiar becomes fascinating again, everything changes. Join us as we explore what it means to be uniquely, specifically, and fully loved by the One who took on flesh just for you.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-one-he-loved
Have you ever felt like you’re supposed to be “happy” because of your faith, yet life just feels heavy? We often use the words joy and happiness interchangeably, but what if they are actually worlds apart? While happiness is a fleeting reaction to our external circumstances, joy is a steady state of the soul that doesn’t rely on things going “right.”In this reflection, we explore the unique nature of joy through the imagery of a bell — something that serves a purpose, impacts everyone around it, and, most importantly, resonates from the inside out. Using key insights from James, Nehemiah, and the life of Jesus, we look at how joy can actually coexist with grief and act as a form of spiritual resilience. What if the trials you are facing right now aren’t meant to steal your joy, but are actually the soil where the Holy Spirit is growing a deeper, more enduring strength? Join us as we discuss how to reconnect with the vine, recalibrate our perspective, and experience the “joy of our salvation” regardless of what the week brings.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-sound-of-joy
Have you ever looked at the state of the world—or the state of your own life—and wondered where the peace is? We often define peace as the absence of conflict or the end of our problems. But if that’s the standard, hope can feel impossible to find.In this talk, we challenge that definition. We explore the Hebrew concept of Shalom, discovering that it isn't about everything being quiet; it’s about everything being made whole. We look at how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, didn't arrive in a vacuum of safety but entered a world of political turmoil and personal danger. He didn't come to simply stop the noise; He came to be present within it.Drawing from the trenches of 1914 and the prophecies of Isaiah, we offer practical steps to access this peace today. Whether it is through the act of singing, the hard work of forgiveness, or the discipline of prayer, you will find a path to a peace that doesn't just survive the chaos—it transcends it. Come and take a breath.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/finding-shalom
—separating our faith from our daily reality—and a life where the Kingdom permeates everything. If you are feeling discouraged by the slow pace of change, this message is a reminder that the Kingdom is steady, unseen, and unstoppable. Just because you don't see it yet, doesn't mean it isn't growing.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-yeast-factor
on others and instead listen well enough to bring out the beauty God has already placed within them. It is a call to move beyond judgment and into a life of restorative love.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/salt-light-and-the-upside-down-kingdom
Have you ever felt a deep tension between the God of love you read about and the terrifying wrathful God you were taught to fear? For many of us, the idea of an “eternal conscious torment” has been a foundational, yet deeply troubling, part of our Christian upbringing. It creates a picture of God that seems impossible to reconcile with the one who calls us to love our enemies. What if the primary reason Jesus spoke in parables wasn’t to give us black-and-white answers, but to provoke more questions and call us to wrestle with the truth in community?In this conversation, we’re diving into the challenging parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25 to question our assumptions about afterlife judgment. We’ll look at the historical context of the word Jesus used—Gehenna—which was a literal, infamous place, not just a metaphor for an eternal fire. More importantly, we’ll ask: what was the core message of the early church? When the apostles preached the gospel, they weren’t leading with a threat of hell. They were declaring a new King and a new Kingdom established here and now. Join the discussion as we suggest that the path to life isn’t found in a ‘sinner’s prayer,’ but in a committed life of co-suffering love and mercy for “the least of these.”Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-sheep-and-the-goats
Have you ever found yourself, if you’re truly honest, dismissing someone? Maybe because of their reputation, what they’ve done, or the label the world has given them. It’s easy to categorize people as “outsiders” or “misfits.” We see in the gospels that the Pharisees did this all the time, but Jesus… he sat and ate with them, “treating them as old friends.”In this talk, we are diving into the parable of the lost coin from Luke 15. It’s about a woman searching for a coin of “almost insignificant value.” And yet, to her, it was worth lighting a lamp, sweeping the whole house, and searching every dark corner to find. This isn’t just a story about being lost and found. It’s a powerful challenge for us. Who have we stopped searching for? Who have we allowed to “remain in darkness” because we’ve decided they aren’t worth the effort? This is a beautiful and simple reminder that everyone, no matter their story, is of supreme importance to God — and they are valued, simply because they are valuable.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-lost-coin
Have you ever read a parable you thought you knew, only to discover you might have been missing the point? We all know the story of the lost sheep — a shepherd leaves 99 to find the one. But what if that story is teaching two very different lessons? We jump into both Matthew 18 and Luke 15, and it turns out why the sheep is lost, and who Jesus is talking to, changes everything. One version is a warning about being led astray, but the other is a defiant celebration in the face of harsh judgment.We explore the tense moment when Jesus is eating with “tax collectors and sinners,” and the Pharisees, who had perfect theology, are furious. Their problem wasn’t with Jesus’s doctrine; it was with his heart. Jesus’s response wasn’t just to defend his actions, but to declare that his party with the “misfits” was a mirror of the celebration happening in heaven. It leaves us with a challenging question: How good are we at celebrating? Are we known for being right, or are we known for welcoming people home?Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/leaving-the-ninety-nine
Have you been praying for a breakthrough? That feeling like you’re in a situation — addiction, depression, finances, just stuck—and you need God to move? We kick things off with a powerful, passionate call for a breakthrough in every area of our lives, drawing from the incredible promise in Isaiah 61 that the Spirit anoints us to proclaim freedom.But how do we get that breakthrough? It often comes down to one thing: hearing the right voice. We dive deep into John 10 to explore the Good Shepherd, the one who calls you by name. What if God is speaking to you through your own imagination, but you’ve been conditioned to distrust it? We’ll give you a simple, powerful question to ask (“What would perfect love say?”) to know if it’s His voice. This is a message about recognizing the Shepherd, finding safety in the “Gate,” and finally stepping into the abundant life He promises.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-shepherd-and-the-gate
Speaker: David McBrideHave you ever prayed for something for so long that you start to wonder if your prayers are being heard? You’ve prayed and waited, and yet, nothing seems to change. That waiting can weaken your faith. Jesus acknowledged this in a story about a persistent widow who refused to give up.We explore that parable to ask an important question: what if prayer isn’t about wearing God down, but about building our own faith up?We examine what it means to “keep knocking,” even when you don’t see the answer. Using illustrative stories—like a prayer that took 86 years to be answered and a bamboo tree that grows 90 feet in six weeks after five years of quiet growth—this message encourages perseverance. It’s a reminder that your persistence is laying a foundation and that the waiting period is not in vain.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/dont-stop-knocking
Ever stopped to think about what your words are truly producing? This conversation jumps into Jesus’ fascinating parables about vines and fig trees to explore a challenging idea: our words and actions are the “fruit” that shows what’s really going on inside our hearts. It’s a powerful look at why what we say matters so much, leading to a question you might just carry with you all week: are you a fig or a thistle?But it’s not all about tough self-reflection. We also get a beautiful new picture of God — not as a distant owner demanding results, but as a patient, hands-on Gardener who knows exactly what we need. Discover how God gives us the time and care required to become fruitful, and how staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, is the secret to producing the one fruit that matters most: love.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/figs-or-thistles
This discussion delves into the disruptive genius of Jesus’ parables — earthly stories designed not just to be heard, but to challenge our thinking and shape how we live. Using the powerful image of a farmer scattering seed, it explores how the condition of our hearts, like different types of soil, determines whether a message can take root and grow. The core invitation is to cultivate a receptive heart, breaking up the hard ground so that we can become fruitful, not for our own benefit, but to provide nourishment for others.The conversation also tackles the complex reality of a world where good and evil — the “wheat and the weeds” — grow side-by-side. This challenging parable serves as a crucial reminder to resist the temptation to judge who is worthy and who is not, a task that belongs to God alone. It prompts us to consider what it means to live patiently and faithfully in a complicated world, trusting in the steady, often unseen, growth of the kingdom.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/getting-into-the-weeds
This series explores the parables of Jesus, revealing him as a playful, disruptive, and provocative storyteller. We’ll move beyond the search for simple formulas or one-line life lessons, which Jesus rarely offered. Instead, these discussions embrace how his stories challenge comfortable assumptions and invite us to think more deeply. The parables are designed to disrupt what we think we know, encouraging a more imaginative and interactive engagement with his teachings.Rather than just earthly tales with a hidden heavenly meaning, the parables call us to be provoked and to reconsider the world around us. A central theme is the overwhelming generosity of God’s kingdom, a concept that counters ideas of scarcity and waste. Ultimately, we find that the key to unlocking these profound stories is not a specific interpretive method, but a direct encounter with Jesus. The focus shifts from simply knowing the right answers to responding to the storyteller himself.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/unexpected-tales
Speaker: Ronnie DawsonWe’re drawn into Noah’s story in Hebrews 11, where an ordinary man made an extraordinary impact through faith. His life highlights four qualities God looks for: he was available, he dared to be different, he followed God completely, and he never gave up. Even when faced with ridicule, challenges, and years of waiting, Noah chose trust over doubt and obedience over excuses. His example reminds us that God values our willingness far more than our ability.At its core, this is a call to live with the same kind of wholehearted devotion. God is still searching for people ready to stand apart, follow His leading, and persevere when things don’t make sense. Just as He used Noah to influence his generation, He can use us to shape ours. The invitation is simple but powerful: make yourself available, keep your heart true, and watch how God can work through your life to bring lasting change.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/but-noah-found-favour
Amy’s story is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness from the very beginning of her life. Born with a fractured skull and a bleak medical prognosis, she experienced complete healing through the prayers of her church community—a moment that continues to shape her understanding of God’s power and care. Growing up, Amy can’t remember a time when she didn’t know Jesus, but her journey of faith was strengthened as a teenager when she discovered the value of community, peers, and finding her place in the church. From leading pre-teens at just 15 to choosing baptism at 16, she recognised early on that God had given her a heart for serving His people.Now, Amy reflects on how that calling has unfolded over the years in different forms but always with the same thread of love for the church and its young people. She shares the encouragement she finds in the baptism of Jesus, hearing God declare, “This is my beloved son,” and drawing strength from her own name: Amy, meaning “beloved.” Whether serving in her local community or investing in the next generation, her story is a reminder that God’s love is constant, His presence is personal, and His call to serve is both life-giving and deeply rewarding. It’s a story that inspires faith, perseverance, and hope for what God can do in every season.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-amy-anderson
A deeply honest and vulnerable chat with entrepreneur Paul Gwynne, as he shares his life story. You’ll hear about his journey from a bustling, success-driven life to finding a new purpose rooted in faith and community. Paul opens up about the defining moments that shifted his perspective, including a family tragedy, a challenging period as a young professional, and a series of deeply impactful health crises within his family.Through Paul’s story, you’ll discover how these events led him to a deeper, more profound relationship with God. He reflects on how his faith evolved from a childhood tradition to a powerful, guiding force that redefined his priorities. This conversation beautifully highlights the contrast between the fleeting joy of worldly success and the lasting fulfilment found in simple acts of service. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, what seems like a setback is actually a redirection toward something greater than we could have ever imagined.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-paul-gwynne
A powerful conversation about faith, family, and resilience with Frances Anderson and her daughter, Amy Anderson. They explore life’s challenges and the enduring power of God. Frances shares her journey through childhood trauma and loss, finding her purpose and joy by trusting in Jesus, even when she felt lost.The discussion then turns to a remarkable mission. Amy and Frances are walking 96 miles in Scotland to raise funds for a new school in a remote Zambian village. This project will provide education and hope for children who currently walk six kilometers to attend class. This talk shows how faith can fuel global change and how small steps can create a significant impact.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-fran-anderson
This powerful refrain has helped her to hold the outcome of her situation loosely and trust in God's goodness, regardless of the circumstances. Tiffany's moving testimony, which also touches on her own experience with a serious illness and her father's miraculous recovery from leukaemia, is a testament to the idea that faith is a journey of wrestling, learning, and ultimately experiencing God's presence, not just in the easy times, but especially in the most challenging moments.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-tiffany-rambo
Wendy shares her inspiring journey of faith, revealing that for over 50 years, she knew of Jesus but didn’t know him personally. Raised in the Catholic faith, she believed she was a “good person” and on her way to heaven. Everything changed for her at a drive-in mission. Afterward, she felt a strong pull toward fellowship and found Grace Community Church, which has become the cornerstone of her faith. Initially, she felt angry at the Catholic Church, but she now feels grateful for the foundation it gave her. She also discusses her ministry with the homeless and hopeless, which started with a powerful prayer that led her to volunteer at Hope Chapel Lane in Belfast.Wendy concludes by sharing about her two tattoos, which read “obedience” and “evangelise.” She talks about a recent challenge to be obedient and sing an Irish song at a men’s ministry meeting, which she learned translates to “100,000 welcomes, oh Jesus.” She also talks about her grandson, Alfie, who recently gave his life to the Lord. Wendy’s favourite Jesus story is the parable of the two builders, which speaks to her about the importance of building her life on the rock of Jesus. Finally, she shares that God is preparing her for a new “nursing” ministry, possibly involving people rather than her current job of nursing crops.
Susanna grew up in a Christian household, but her family’s public faith didn’t match the struggles they faced behind closed doors, especially with her mom’s mental health. This led her to become introverted and seek an escape through sports. While she initially found her purpose in raising her three daughters, she recently felt a calling from God for something more as her oldest daughter, Maddie, prepares for college. Her favourite Bible story is the healing of the paralysed man, which speaks to her need to let others in to receive healing. She and her husband, a chef, have recently started a catering business, which is a new test of their faith.Andrew, who is 16, also shared his story of growing up with parents who had moved away from religion. They eventually found their way back to a church called Fathom, but Andrew felt pressure to be a “good kid” and put on a mask of faith while privately struggling. He felt a deep sense of loneliness, which eventually led him to cry out to God. Andrew found healing and was baptised at age 13. His favourite Bible story is the parable of the prodigal son, which he relates to his own experience of returning to God’s open arms. He is now active in missions and feels God is preparing him for the future as he looks toward college.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/suzanna-andrew-stories
Andrew shares his personal journey, beginning with his family joining Grace Community Church in 2017. He describes the church as a “rescue mission,” a chaotic yet fitting environment that felt like rehabilitation, enabling personal and family growth influenced by the love of Jesus. He then delves into his profession in accessibility, explaining how he helps make systems like websites, apps, and games usable for as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities.He illustrates this with examples, such as designing websites to be descriptive for visually impaired users and ensuring games can be controlled without touchscreens for those with physical disabilities. Andrew emphasises that his faith strongly influences his work, viewing it as an act of service, despite the frustrations of working with clients who may resist changes for accessibility.Andrew also discusses his current endeavours, including helping with church sound and lighting, and his involvement with the Craigavon Talking Newspaper, a charity that records local newspapers for the blind community. He highlights the essential nature of this service for those who cannot access local information otherwise, and shares the exciting news of the charity securing its first permanent studio.Looking ahead, Andrew reflects on the importance of rest, acknowledging his personal struggle with it, and announces his decision to pursue a part-time law degree, viewing it as an opportunity for a “clean slate” to better serve others. The podcast concludes with prayers for Andrew and his family, and for the church community to experience God’s joy, peace, and hope.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-andrew-gribben
Ronnie shares his personal journey and the mission of Drop Inn Ministries, emphasising how the organisation embodies hope, help, and healing in Jesus’ name to a hurting world. He recounts significant “fives” in his life: his first mission trip to Belarus in 1995, starting a church in 2005, and a 10-year lease at Ballyards Castle in 2015 for their ministry’s programs. He also shares his profound re-commitment to faith after a severe motorbike accident at 17, and the deep impact of seeing the “heart of Jesus” in action, particularly through a video about Nufo from Burkina Faso who receives prosthetic legs through their ministry.Ronnie articulates his current focus on the Great Commission, aiming to empower individuals globally, not just through direct travel, but by supporting those already working in their own communities. He highlights Drop Inn Ministries’ expansion into new nations like Egypt, South Africa, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan, aspiring to reach every nation on Earth. He also speaks about his and his wife Carolyn’s fostering of unaccompanied minors, exemplified by the enduring connection with Mubarak, a young man who continues to visit them due to the love and dignity he receives. This personal approach, he stresses, demonstrates that extending kindness and love to others, regardless of their background, can profoundly impact lives and spread the message of Jesus.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-ronnie-dawson
As we head into the busyness and unpredictability of summer, this message invites us to pause and reflect on the gift and challenge of friendship. Drawing on Jesus’ own example—who consistently chose relationship over mere function, we’re reminded of our deep need for genuine, intentional connections that go beyond the transactional. In a world battling loneliness despite constant connectivity, we’re encouraged to invest in friendships that share burdens, build trust, and point each other to Jesus.Neil challenges us to step into these summer months with a renewed commitment to strengthening our “friendship muscle,” modelling the love that makes the gospel visible to the world.
This week we stepped into the book of Daniel, where we moved beyond lions and fiery furnaces to explore the quieter, yet powerful, moments of Daniel’s life.We saw how Daniel navigated exile, cultural pressure, and irrational leadership, not by rebellion, but with respect, integrity, and trust in God. Whether resisting a king’s commands or responding to madness in the palace, Daniel’s example teaches us how to hold our convictions without losing our compassion.From refusing to compromise on his beliefs to handling chaos “with wisdom and discretion,” Daniel shows us what faithfulness looks like in a culture that doesn’t always make space for it.The same faithful God Daniel trusted is with us today. What would it look like if people said you handled your situation with wisdom and discretion?
The act of communal worship offers profound comfort and hope, especially during difficult periods. This shared experience can be particularly impactful when personal belief falters, providing a collective strength.A significant spiritual vision speaks of a new temple, understood not as a physical structure, but as a symbolic representation of spiritual restoration. This vision, occurring amidst exile, conveys a powerful message that restoration is not only achievable but inherently inevitable due to the divine nature. A pivotal element within this vision is the return of divine glory to this symbolic temple, signifying the re-establishment of divine presence and revitalized worship after a long absence.A central idea is a life-giving river that flows from this temple. This river brings healing and life to all areas it touches, even barren and lifeless places. This imagery symbolizes the divine presence extending healing and renewal to a deeply wounded world. The source of this living water is divine, but it also flows through communities of believers who, by intentionally following spiritual teachings, become a source of healing and positive influence in their surroundings. The ultimate aspiration is for this divine dwelling to be among humanity, bringing complete healing and restoration to all.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/a-temple-people
This episode features our good friend Nick McKnight who leads Richhill Methodist Church. He kicks things off by highlighting the genuine bond we share here at Grace Community Church – it's all about real friendship, not just duty! He then opens up about his own journey, sharing how he felt like an outsider looking in at church as a kid, never quite fitting the "fancy clothes" crowd. Yet, a simple song, "Good News, Christ died for me," lodged itself in his memory, a seed of truth planted early on. His path to faith wasn't straightforward, beginning with a desire to impress a girl, which led him to a youth choir and a somewhat hesitant leap of faith. But that initial spark, even if fueled by fear, blossomed into a deep, unwavering understanding of God's boundless love—a love that's bigger than any mistake or sin.Nick doesn't shy away from admitting how "bonkers" the Christian story can sound, from the virgin birth to the resurrection. Still, he testifies to the Holy Spirit's power in making these unbelievable truths real, especially the incredible depth of God's unconditional love. He beautifully illustrates this love with a powerful reflection on Romans 8, reminding us that if God sacrificed His own Son for us, He'll surely provide everything else. Nick wraps up with a touching story about his son's surgery, drawing a poignant parallel to God's heart-wrenching experience of watching His Son suffer for our good. It's a powerful reminder that God actively pursues us, longing for a relationship rooted in His amazing love, no matter how many times we might push Him away.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-nick-mcknight
This week, we delve into Ezekiel 37, exploring the powerful vision of the Valley of Dry Bones. Just as Ezekiel prophesied life into seemingly lifeless bones, this passage offers a profound message of hope and revival, even in the most desolate circumstances. The Hebrew prophets, including Ezekiel, didn’t just foretell the future; they spoke of what couldhappen, emphasizing the possibility of change and restoration through turning back to God. This ancient message resonates today, reminding us that no situation is beyond God’s power to breathe new life into it.The sermon also highlights critical lessons from Israel’s past that remain relevant for us: the dangers of losing sight of God’s word, engaging in empty rituals, and neglecting the vulnerable. When these things happen, we can lose our spiritual “breath” and become lifeless. Drawing a beautiful parallel, the speaker suggests that the very name of God, Yahweh, can be seen as representing the act of breathing – an inhale and an exhale. This reminds us that our spiritual life is sustained by a constant, close connection with God, as regular and vital as every breath we take. Ultimately, just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into his disciples in John 20, we are called to receive God’s life-giving breath, finding renewed purpose and hope by staying in close proximity to Him and breathing in His resurrection air.
Speaker: William GuindiWe take a reflective and emotional journey through Genesis 45, where we explore the profound story of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers and its deeper spiritual meaning. We revisit Joseph’s path—from betrayal and slavery to power and redemption—and marvel at his response when faced with the very brothers who sold him. Instead of bitterness, Joseph extends forgiveness, recognising that everything he endured was part of God’s plan to preserve life. His ability to see divine purpose in suffering and respond with compassion inspires us to consider how we handle pain, betrayal, and restoration in our own lives.We also draw a powerful connection between Joseph and Jesus, seeing Joseph as a picture of Christ—both rejected, both exalted, and both responding to wrong with unimaginable love. The moment Jacob learns that Joseph is alive and sees the wagons sent from Egypt becomes a symbol for us of restored hope and revived faith. Those wagons, rich with provision, represent the unexpected signs of God’s love still moving toward us. We’re challenged to live each day in the joy that Jesus is alive and to become “wagons” ourselves—bringing hope, comfort, and the presence of Jesus to those around us.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-wagons-are-coming
Speaker: Lila GribbenWe delve into the insightful metaphor of sharpening an axe, drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 10:1-10, to explore how we can live more effectively as people of faith. Our discussion centers around three pivotal questions:First, what does it truly mean to "sharpen the blade" from a kingdom perspective? It's not about worldly power, but recognizing and stewarding the divine power within each believer. Drawing on the example of Jesus, practical ways to sharpen our spiritual edge are explored, including intentional reflection, discerning God's timing, the importance of rest, and cultivating a deep connection with the divine. This intentional process, fueled by the Holy Spirit, equips us for impactful service with an eternal focus.Secondly, we challenge conventional ideas of "success," redefining it through a kingdom lens. True success isn't measured by outward achievements, but by fulfilling our unique calling and the vision God has placed in our heart. Whether that vision is global or deeply personal, every individual's contribution is seen as significant. Listen in as we're encouraged to identify our personal vision and seek God's guidance in sharpening our "blade" to serve it effectively.Finally, we tackle the crucial question of self-awareness: would we even notice if our "axe" has gone dull? It highlights the need for honest self-reflection and acknowledging the challenges and "nicks and dents" we accumulate in life. Practical steps for spiritual sharpening are offered, such as being open to trusted feedback, prioritizing consistent spiritual disciplines over sporadic intense efforts, and embracing continuous, small improvements. The ultimate goal is to foster individual growth that collectively contributes to a greater impact for the kingdom. We conclude with a powerful reminder of God's love and an invitation for all to be part of this meaningful work.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/sharpening-the-blade
Amy and Frances share stories from their recent trip to Zambia, highlighting the impactful work of Drop Inn. They begin with Hope Mission in Laka, a project supporting vulnerable girls and boys. The initiative now includes separate homes and plans are underway to build a clinic and expand the school.They also visit a school in Kasama supported by Drop Inn, where hundreds of children greet them warmly — even during the school holidays. The school currently educates over 750 children and is expanding with locally made bricks to accommodate more students and offer full-day classes. A feeding program is also in place, making a significant difference in the children’s health and ability to learn.In Kasama, Richard and Lana — Drop Inn’s local partners — lead several community-focused efforts. Their “bucket ministry” provides essential supplies to families, while their sports ministry engages young women through football. These efforts build strong relationships and uncover other needs, such as mattresses and bedding for vulnerable families and orphans.They also support local entrepreneurship, helping to develop a small shop and explore the potential for a sewing business. Looking ahead, they plan to build a school on donated land in a remote village and create a community hub with amenities like a hammermill and guest house.Amy and Frances emphasize the deep, lasting impact of Drop Inn’s work and invite continued prayer for the partners, the communities they serve, and the nation of Zambia.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/articles/zambia-report-2025
Jasiel and Danielli Dourado, originally from Brazil, now working with Ambassadors Football. Not only do they work with kids, training and teaching them through soccer, they have a ministry in Portadown — Anchor Church — that works to serve communities in the local area.They visited us during our Sunday Morning Gathering to share their stories and what God is doing with them now.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/articles/jasiel-and-daniellis-story
In this discussion, we explore the biblical theme of shepherds, starting with Ezekiel’s prophecy, where he calls out the failings of Israel’s leaders and portrays them as poor shepherds. We look at how shepherds were often viewed negatively throughout the Old Testament — seen as lowly in Egyptian society and later met with scepticism from religious authorities.But despite that reputation, there’s something deeply significant about the fact that shepherds were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. It’s a powerful reminder of how Jesus chooses to identify with those on the margins — the overlooked and the underestimated.At the centre of this message is Jesus calling himself the “good shepherd” in the Gospel of John. This isn’t just about restoring the shepherd’s image — it’s about revealing the true heart of God: a God who cares, who searches, who rescues. It’s a contrast to some of the more distorted or fear-driven images of God we might carry.We wrap up with a personal reflection on why it matters to root ourselves in the belief that God is, at his core, good. Especially when life is uncertain, that trust becomes a steadying force. And following Jesus means living that out — not just in church or formal religious spaces, but in our daily lives. In that way, we echo the spirit of Psalm 23: the Lord is our shepherd, and we follow him wherever he leads.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-lowly-shepherd
This Easter message invites us to move beyond passive reflection into the active, transformative practice of resurrection in our daily lives. Reflecting on John 20, we’re reminded of the familiar yet powerful story of the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. But rather than settling for wonder alone, we’re challenged to consider what resurrection means for us now. How should we live in light of it? The answer lies in embodying the love Jesus showed — even from the cross — by redefining what it means to be family, opening our hearts and homes, and carrying one another’s burdens with humility, compassion, and joy.To “practice resurrection” means to live as if the new creation is already underway — because it is. It’s loving enemies, choosing mercy, holding on to hope in broken places, and living out the kingdom of God in the ordinary places we call home. As Jesus promised to meet his disciples in Galilee — the place they knew best — we are invited to meet him in our everyday lives, in familiar streets, with familiar people, living out a radical, resurrection-shaped love. This is where transformation happens: not just through belief, but through the daily, often costly discipline of choosing life, love, and new beginnings.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/realising-resurrection
Over the past few weeks in our midweek gatherings, we’ve been diving deep into Paul’s letter to the Philippians, especially those powerful verses about humility and the self-giving love of Jesus. It’s challenged us — not just to talk about these things, but to live them out. That’s why Amy Carmichael’s story felt like such a perfect fit for us to explore together. Born in Belfast in 1867, Amy’s life was marked by a quiet but fierce determination to serve others, starting with young women in her hometown and later giving her life to children in India who were being exploited and abandoned. She didn’t just speak about the love of Jesus — she embodied it. Whether it was opening the Donavur Fellowship orphanage or writing 35 books while bedridden, she showed us what it looks like when someone says “yes” to Jesus and never takes their eyes off Him.What grips us about Amy’s story isn’t just what she did — it’s how she did it. She carried herself with radical humility, choosing to sit with the girls she served rather than standing in the spotlight. She loved sacrificially, moving into the heart of poverty and pain, and enduring relentless hardship without giving up. Even after a life-altering injury left her confined to her bed, she poured herself into prayer, writing, and discipling others. Her life transformed not only a village in India, but also the way we think about what’s possible when we live like Jesus — serving, loving, enduring. And the most incredible part? Amy was just an ordinary person from a small place like many of us. Her story reminds us that transformation doesn’t start with the extraordinary — it starts with surrender. If we’re willing to follow Jesus the way she did, there’s no telling what God might do in and through us, even here, even now.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-amy-carmichael
In Ezekiel 18 – 33, we’re struck by how clearly God speaks about choice, consistency, and the hope of repentance. Even those with no church background have found healing just by showing up, praying, or being open to change. Ezekiel challenges the idea that we’re stuck because of our past or our family story. Instead, God puts the responsibility — and the opportunity — into our hands. He invites us to choose differently, to walk a new path, and He trusts us enough to believe we can. His heart isn’t set on judgment but on life — He wants us to turn, live, and be restored.What hits us most is how real repentance is meant to be. It’s not just feeling bad; it’s turning around, making things right, and choosing a new way forward, even when it costs something. Like Zacchaeus, it’s about action, not just intention. We’re learning that God doesn’t need us to be perfect — He’s looking for people willing to stand in the gap, to live in a way that brings light and healing into dark places. And we want to be those people.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/a-radical-decision
Speaker: Amy AndersonWe're looking at the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15, and we're amazed by her incredible faith. She shows persistence, a refusal to be deterred, even when Jesus seems unresponsive. It's easy to forget the context: Jesus's need for solitude, the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Canaanites. Yet, she perseveres, a Gentile woman demonstrating a faith that surpasses many others.We reflect on how her experience resonates with our own challenges in prayer. Sometimes, it feels as though God is silent, and it's difficult to maintain our resolve. However, like her, we are called to remember the times we have witnessed God's intervention, to cultivate that resilience within us. We remind ourselves that God sees us, hears us, even when it doesn't feel that way. We encourage one another to lean on each other, to pray together, particularly during difficult times. We hope that we can all develop a prayer life that endures, that doesn't yield, even when we feel met with silence. We take a moment to pray for those among us who might be experiencing that silence right now.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/her-unwavering-plea
Speaker: Ronnie DawsonLet's explore the inspiring story of Jabez, a man briefly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 but whose prayer holds deep significance. Jabez, unlike his peers, refused to settle for an average life—he sought God's blessing, asking for an expanded territory, divine presence, and protection. His faith and boldness in prayer set him apart, showing that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Through this reflection, we challenge ourselves to adopt a similar mindset: to seek greater purpose, trust in God’s plans, and take steps of faith that lead to transformation.We also examine three key principles from Jabez’s prayer: having a great ambition, developing growing faith, and maintaining a genuine prayer life. Just as Jabez relied on God's power, presence, and protection, we are called to do the same. Are we content with where we are, or are we willing to let God stretch us beyond our comfort zones? This episode encourages us to dream big, trust God with our challenges, and actively participate in His kingdom work, making an impact in our generation.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/jabezs-secrets
Ezekiel experiences a powerful vision while in exile, where God transports him to Jerusalem. There, he witnesses the corruption and idolatry among the people who remained. While the exiles in Babylon wonder where God is and if there is any hope, Ezekiel sees that even their own people are plotting to take their land, deepening their sense of loss and betrayal. Yet, amid the darkness, God speaks a word of comfort: though they are scattered, He Himself will be their sanctuary. This promise offers hope, reminding them that even in exile, they are not abandoned.Ezekiel’s vision also reveals a call to repentance. The people face a defining moment — will they acknowledge their mistakes and turn back to God, or will they harden their hearts? God desires restoration, not shame, and offers them a new heart and spirit. This transformation — shifting from a hardened heart to one that is tender and responsive — remains central to God’s plan. Even today, the challenge is the same: to set our minds on what is above, lean into the Spirit, and trust in God’s enduring faithfulness.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/a-sanctuary-for-exiles
Speaker: David McBrideWe explore the true meaning of worship as described in Isaiah 58. Worship isn’t just about religious rituals — it’s about actively caring for others. Fasting shouldn’t be a hollow religious act but something that leads us to gratitude, self-reflection, and a real response to the needs of the world. True worship is about justice, kindness, and love, not just outward religious displays.We look at real-life examples, including responses to poverty and disaster relief efforts in places like Haiti and Africa. These stories highlight how people have stepped up to help, showing that faith should lead to action. We challenge ourselves and others to consider how we can make a difference — whether through small acts of kindness in daily life or by taking on bigger efforts to fight poverty and injustice. The key message is that encountering God’s power happens when we live out His love and serve others.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/true-worship-is58
We dive into Ezekiel 3 – 5, where we see the prophet wrestle with an intense and unexpected calling. Ezekiel thought he was preparing for a life as a priest, but God had other plans — calling him to be a prophet during the Babylonian exile. We talk about his emotional struggle, his raw honesty about feeling overwhelmed, and his heavy responsibility as a Watchman, charged with warning the people of impending judgment.We also explore Ezekiel’s wild, attention-grabbing prophetic acts — like lying on his side for over a year and acting out dramatic messages. Did these extreme actions actually get through to the people? And what does it mean for us today? This conversation challenges us to think about spiritual responsibility, the cost of obedience, and how God’s presence remains even in the darkest times.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-watchmans-challenge
We continue our exploration of the Book of Ezekiel, exploring the tension between judgment and restoration. We reflect on how difficult passages—often filled with themes of anger and wrath—challenge our understanding of God’s nature. Rather than viewing judgment as retributive, we consider the idea that God’s judgment is restorative, working towards healing and wholeness rather than punishment.We also discuss how the people of Israel’s understanding of God evolved over time, moving from assumptions of a violent deity to the revelation of God’s true nature in Jesus. By reading scripture through the lens of Jesus, we can engage with these challenging texts in a way that fosters deeper faith rather than fear.Finally, we reflect on Ezekiel’s personal journey—his calling disrupted by exile—and how even when life takes unexpected turns, God’s presence remains. No matter where we find ourselves, we are never beyond God’s reach or purpose.Join us as we wrestle with these questions and seek a deeper understanding of God’s heart for restoration.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/judgement-retribution-or-restoration
Speaker: Neville GarlandNeville explores the powerful story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 — a story of faith, perseverance, and miraculous intervention. Once an enemy of the Gospel, Paul experiences a radical transformation and dedicates his life to spreading the message of Jesus. Alongside Silas, he journeys to Philippi, where their ministry disrupts the status quo, leading to their wrongful imprisonment. Despite being beaten and shackled, they choose to pray and worship, demonstrating unwavering faith in the darkest of circumstances. Their decision not only results in a miraculous prison break but also transforms the life of the jailer and his entire household.Through reflection and discussion, we consider the deeper implications of this story — what it means to trust God amid suffering and how our choices in difficult moments can have far-reaching consequences. What did Paul and Silas’ prayers and songs look like in that prison cell? How does this challenge our own approach to hardship and faith? As we unpack this passage, we invite listeners to reflect on how their own prayers and worship can become a testimony of hope, even in life’s most challenging seasons.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/paul-silas-they-prayed
We explore the incredible life and faith of George Müller, a man whose unwavering trust in God transformed the lives of countless orphans in 19th-century England. Beginning with a troubled youth marked by dishonesty and even a brief stint in prison, Müller’s life took a dramatic turn when he encountered the love of Jesus through a university Bible study. Inspired by the stories of missionaries who had given up everything to serve others, he felt called to live by faith, relying solely on God’s provision rather than asking for financial support. His radical dependence on prayer and scripture led him to establish orphanages that cared for thousands of children, proving time and again that God provides in miraculous ways.Through stories of Müller’s faith in action — like the morning he prayed for food with hundreds of children despite empty cupboards, only for a baker and milkman to unexpectedly arrive with provisions — we are reminded of the power of bold, confident prayer. This episode challenges us to reflect on our own faith, asking whether we truly trust in God’s provision as Müller did. As we embark on a series celebrating stories of ordinary people encountering Jesus and transforming lives, we hope to inspire listeners to live with courage, faith, and generosity.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-george-muller
We dive into the book of Ezekiel, exploring its themes of exile, hope, and divine presence in unexpected places. The discussion begins with an overview of Ezekiel’s historical context, touching on the reforms of King Josiah, the rise of Babylon, and the captivity of the Israelites. We examine Ezekiel’s unique calling — being sent not to a foreign land but to his own people, who had strayed from God. Despite their rebellion, Ezekiel’s visions reveal a powerful truth: even in exile, God’s presence remains with His people. His dramatic imagery, from windstorms to celestial creatures, emphasizes that God’s glory is not confined to the temple but extends even to Babylon.As we journey through Ezekiel’s prophecies, we reflect on their relevance today — particularly his vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. In a place of desolation, God asks, “Can these bones live?” — a question that invites faith in the midst of hopelessness. This vision serves as a reminder that no situation is beyond God’s restoration. Whether through words or prophetic actions, Ezekiel’s mission was to challenge, warn, and ultimately offer hope to his people. Through this study, we are invited to see God’s presence even in our own struggles and to trust in His power to bring renewal where all seems lost.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/the-story-of-ezekiel
We explore the profound spiritual discipline of fasting, weaving through its biblical roots, practical applications, and its relevance in today’s culture. Beginning with a heartfelt invitation to reflect on fasting as modeled by Jesus and the prophets, we examine how fasting transcends mere physical restraint to foster deeper connections with God. From Old Testament accounts, like Joel’s call for repentance and Ezra’s prayer for guidance, to Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 and His 40-day fast in the wilderness, we see fasting as an assumed and transformative act of devotion.The discussion also highlights the contrast between biblical fasting and cultural norms, emphasising self-denial and dependence on God amidst a world fixated on instant gratification and comfort. Drawing from the practices of John Wesley and even the health benefits of intermittent fasting, we uncover both spiritual and practical dimensions. Ultimately, fasting is presented as a courageous countercultural act — an invitation to grow in awareness of God’s presence, resist conformity to worldly distractions, and embody a posture of surrender. Whether for repentance, guidance, or longing for God’s kingdom, fasting offers a timeless path to spiritual renewal and dependence on God’s provision.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/when-not-if-you-fast
Speaker: Homero AzizA band of missionaries working all around the world visited us for a morning. Homero introduces them and brings a lesson from the story of Noah.The story of Noah offers profound lessons on navigating life’s challenges through faith, obedience, and trust. Noah lived righteously in a corrupt world, walking faithfully with God even when it meant standing apart from the values of his time. His life demonstrates the importance of aligning our actions with God’s guidance to find favor in His eyes and reflect His love to others.Noah’s obedience to God’s call was remarkable, as he undertook the monumental task of building the ark despite its immense challenges and the ridicule of others. His trust in God’s promises sustained him through the storms, both literal and figurative, reminding us that God has the power to guide us safely through life’s trials. Even after the flood, when Noah stepped into a world marked by devastation, his first act was to worship God, offering a sacrifice of gratitude. Like Noah, we are called to walk faithfully, obey courageously, trust deeply, and worship wholeheartedly, bringing hope and light to a broken world.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/homero-and-friends
Time is a precious and fleeting resource, often underestimated in its significance. The urgency of life demands we act now, seizing opportunities rather than waiting for a more convenient moment. Procrastination is a common pitfall, but action is what transforms dreams into reality. By embracing discipline and maintaining focus on our goals, we pave the way to meaningful achievements.Additionally, the power of mindset cannot be overstated. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and maintaining a positive perspective can shape our outcomes. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and like-minded individuals fosters resilience and progress. Ultimately, life is a gift, and the way we choose to spend our time reflects our values and priorities, making every moment an opportunity to create a legacy.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/where-do-we-go-from-here
The past weeks have been marked by a deep sense of responsibility and privilege to stand with others, whether within a church family or the broader community. Moments of collective prayer and fasting have served as profound highlights, offering opportunities to support and uplift one another. Reflecting on the year’s significant events, these acts of unity and intercession have showcased the strength of coming together for a shared purpose. As the year winds down, there is an invitation to reflect, pray, and celebrate in community — embracing worship, shared meals, and meaningful connection to close out the season.The story of the shepherds in the nativity underscores the powerful message of inclusivity and grace. Despite their low social status and isolation, they were uniquely chosen to witness the birth of Jesus, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized and unseen. This moment offers a glimpse into the kingdom of God — a reversal of worldly values that elevates the humble and invites the overlooked to the center of the story. The shepherds’ willingness to risk everything to encounter Jesus serves as an inspiring call to respond to divine invitations with courage and selflessness. In this season, their story encourages us to see and value others as God does, allowing love and humility to guide our actions and interactions.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/joy-the-shepherds-candle
Advent invites a countercultural approach to life, emphasizing waiting and reflection amid the busyness and chaos of the world. This season offers an opportunity to seek peace in uncertainty, light in darkness, and hope in longing. The recurring theme in prophetic voices across history centers on God's unwavering faithfulness and goodness, even when circumstances appear hopeless. The concept of Shalom represents complete wholeness and harmony, restoring relationships with God, others, and creation to their intended perfection.Peace, as promised, transcends worldly definitions tied to favorable conditions. It is a profound inner assurance found in trusting God and recognizing that true fulfillment comes through Him. Waiting becomes a transformative act of listening and discerning His work, even when it is not immediately visible. This peace inspires action, encouraging gestures of care and reconciliation toward others, fostering an environment of healing and restoration while nurturing a trust that sustains through every challenge.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/shalom-in-the-waiting
Advent is a time of waiting and longing for the Messiah, inviting reflection and stillness in a world full of busyness and distractions. Taking time for quiet moments allows space to hear from God.The theme of hope shines through the story of Jeremiah, who speaks of restoration and renewal for Israel even in times of loss and hardship. This reminds us to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness, even when the future feels uncertain.God’s promises often come to pass in surprising ways, as seen in the humble and unexpected birth of Jesus. We are encouraged to wait patiently and trust that God is working in ways we may not yet see or understand.
A song inspires reflection on praising God, emphasizing that true significance lies not in grand achievements but in small, meaningful moments of blessing and encouragement. Storytelling emerges as a powerful tool for understanding, compared to building blocks: data represents basic knowledge, organized information signifies categorization, and visually presented details offer surface-level comprehension. However, storytelling goes deeper, igniting imagination and creating lasting connections.The narrative of Adam and Eve illustrates the importance of trusting God’s timing and process, while highlighting His unwavering love for humanity, even in moments of disobedience. The focus shifts to God’s promises and the call to build life on a firm foundation of faith. Cherishing the present moment and recognising the value of personal stories takes centre stage, with encouragement to foster community and inspire others by sharing these experiences.
Speaker: Neville GarlandThe power of words is significant. They can be used to both build up and tear down. God's words, in particular, hold immense power to guide and empower individuals. The story of Joshua exemplifies this, highlighting the importance of listening to God's words and acting on them with courage.It is crucial to be mindful of the words we choose to listen to and speak. By surrounding ourselves with positive and uplifting words, we can significantly impact our lives and our relationships with others.Episode link:https://grace-community.church/lesson/courage-who-goes-with-you-and-why
Speaker Neil DawsonInspired by the story of Peter and John healing the man at the temple gate in Acts 3, Neil challenges us to see others through Jesus’ eyes.
Speaker Neil DawsonThis week Neil dives into the power of our words and the importance of living out our faith with authenticity. He challenges us to consider not just what we believe but how we believe, highlighting that a life truly transformed by Jesus speaks louder than words alone.
Speaker: Lila GribbenThis week’s focus is on the essential role of compassion in both communication with others and self-reflection. Compassion is compared to “salt,” enhancing the flavor and quality of our interactions. While we can speak and think without compassion, choosing to include it deepens relationships, making them more meaningful and gracious. Compassionate communication invites understanding and empathy, helping to build stronger connections with those around us.Beyond simply a feeling, compassion calls for action, much like the example of Jesus. The message encourages us to bring compassion into our daily lives, not only in how we engage with others but also in our internal dialogue. Being kind to ourselves is as important as being kind to others, as it nurtures both emotional well-being and self-growth. Through compassionate communication and self-talk, we can foster healthier relationships and a more positive inner life.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/seasoned-with-compassion
Speaker: Amy AndersonWords hold significant power, with their impact often depending on how they are spoken and received. Just as objects vary in weight, so too do the words we hear and speak. Some words land lightly, while others stay with us, weighing us down. This is especially true when spoken by people in authority, such as parents, teachers, or friends, whose words can have a lasting effect on how we view ourselves. Understanding the weight of words is essential, as even simple remarks can shape our thoughts and emotions, sometimes in ways we don’t fully realize.While we can’t control what others say, we can control how much value we give to their words. It’s important to regularly reset our minds, focusing on what is true, uplifting, and admirable. By doing so, we free ourselves from the burden of harmful words and embrace a more accurate and positive view of ourselves. This shift in perspective allows us to find peace, knowing that our true value isn’t determined by the opinions of others but by the love and truth that come from a higher source.Episode Link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/weighing-words
The importance of words and the power they carry is a central theme. Like a small rudder guiding a large ship, words can steer the direction of life, either towards destruction or freedom. Biblical teachings reinforce this idea, such as James comparing the tongue's power to that of a rudder, and Jesus warning that using words to speak ill of others is as harmful as actions like murder. Proverbs emphasizes this with the simple but powerful message: "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit." The challenge is to recognize that the same way others' words can deeply affect us, our own words have equal power over others. It calls for mindfulness in how we speak, knowing that our words can either harm or uplift.Additionally, reflecting on the way Jesus spoke teaches the importance of adapting our words to meet people where they are, whether in conversations with close disciples, crowds, or even enemies. Jesus consistently used words rooted in love, aiming for the benefit of others. This way of speaking is intertwined with prayer—by spending time in prayer, listening to God as Jesus did, we learn how to speak to others with wisdom and compassion. Prioritizing our relationship with God, grounding ourselves in His truth, prepares us for meaningful relationships with others, allowing us to respond with grace, even in difficult situations.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/words-kill-words-give-life
Isaiah 43:19 declares, “Behold, I am doing a new thing,” a call for the church to recognize and respond to God’s current movements. We often become too familiar with scripture, but now is the time for spiritual awareness and persistence in prayer. Like David in Psalm 102:13 and the persistent widow in Luke 18, we are urged to persevere in intercession, trusting in God’s appointed time for transformation. This isn’t a passive waiting, but a call to active, bold prayer and reliance on God’s promises.True transformation — whether in our families, communities, or personal lives — requires steadfastness. Just as Moses needed support in battle, we too must lean on one another in prayer. This season calls for deeper intimacy with God and a commitment to prayer, even when it feels costly. By embracing this, the church can experience the “new thing” God is doing and witness life and renewal in places that once seemed barren.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/behold-a-new-thing
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be reflecting on the power and importance of our words, inspired by Colossians 4:6. This verse emphasizes that our conversations should always be full of grace, whether we’re speaking to build others up or sharing our thoughts. Whether through careful, uplifting dialogue or thoughtful disagreement, we can use our words to bring out the best in others. The challenge here is not just about avoiding negative speech, but about fostering a habit of communication that reflects kindness, understanding, and grace.Throughout scripture, there is a recurring theme about the influence of words. From God creating the world with words in Genesis to the destructive power of the devil’s lies, the Bible is full of reminders that words hold immense power. We are urged to take control of our speech, recognizing how even the smallest words can either bring healing or harm. By understanding this, we are called to be mindful of how we communicate in our relationships, knowing that our words carry the potential to shape not only others but also the course of our own lives. Let’s commit to speaking in ways that bring life, not destruction, and move forward in a Jesus-like direction in all our conversations.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/watching-our-words
Speaker: Lila GribbenElijah, one of the most renowned prophets of the Old Testament, lived during a period when Israel was drifting further from God. Following King Solomon's reign, a succession of kings led the nation away from God over several decades, with King Ahab’s marriage to a pagan woman marking a deep decline into idol worship and the rejection of God's laws. This was a dark time for Israel, but in the midst of this spiritual downfall, God raised up Elijah from the rugged mountains of Gilead, a man prepared by his rough upbringing for a significant mission. Elijah was from an obscure, hard place—wild, untamed, and free—which helped shape his character as a tough, solitary figure. His background enabled him to be God's messenger during this critical period, despite the simplicity of his life before being called.The focus of Elijah's life isn't just the miracles he performed or the dramatic moments recorded in scripture, but rather how his experiences, struggles, and preparation equipped him for God’s calling. His time in solitude, tending sheep in the wilderness, helped build resilience and reliance on God. Similarly, our own trials and mundane experiences may serve as preparation for greater purposes. Elijah's humanity, doubts, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil make him relatable, reminding us that even the most ordinary people can be used by an extraordinary God. His life encourages us to embrace our imperfections and trust that God can work through them for a greater purpose.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/elijah-ordinary-meets-extraordinary
In the Gospels, we see people bringing even infants to Jesus so that He might bless them. This was a beautiful practice, but it received criticism from the disciples, who tried to stop the children from coming. Yet, Jesus insisted otherwise, showing that everyone, even the smallest and seemingly insignificant, is welcome in His presence. This speaks to a powerful truth: it’s not our status or maturity that allows us to enter God’s kingdom, but something much simpler and purer.Jesus challenges the way we often think. While we might feel grateful that we aren’t like those we consider “unworthy,” Jesus flips this mindset upside down. He welcomes those whom the world might deem insignificant and blesses them. Children, in their innocence, haven’t yet learned to look down on others or divide people into “us” and “them.” Instead, they trust and depend on others wholeheartedly, much like we are called to trust and depend on God. Just as a child relies on their parents, like little Sunny trusts her mum and dad, we are invited to rely on God. The only judgment we should carry is recognizing that each person we encounter is made in the image of God.Episode Link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/be-like-sunny
Nations are constantly evolving and changing, particularly in times of crisis. Understanding history provides a vital perspective, helping us recognize both the progress and persistent challenges. The aspiration for a more just, equal society is ongoing, and while progress has been made, inequalities remain. Unity and collective effort are essential to ensure that opportunities, prosperity, and fairness are accessible to all. The vision is not to dwell on past divisions but to focus on shared values and a common destiny.Hope and optimism fuel this journey. Despite the obstacles, we are empowered by the opportunity to shape a better future for all. By working together, overcoming setbacks, and striving for equality, the goal of a more just society is within reach. Embracing history’s lessons helps guide the path toward this shared vision, ensuring that progress continues for generations to come.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/lessons-from-yesterday
Ronnie Dawson is sharing.The red letters in the Bible hold a special significance for Ronnie, as they are the direct words of Jesus. He reflects deeply on what Jesus says about worship, particularly the idea that God is spirit and that we are made of body, soul, and spirit. The Bible emphasizes the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth, and Ronnie believes that in worship, our spirits unite with God’s spirit. This unity is not just about the words we sing but also about our attitude and posture. For Ronnie, worship is as much an inner disposition as it is a vocal expression.Matthew 4:10 underscores the principle that service naturally follows worship. In Ronnie’s view, our giving is an essential aspect of worship, reflecting where our hearts truly lie, as highlighted in Matthew 6:21. He is reminded of the biblical truth that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,” understanding that genuine worship involves wholehearted surrender to God’s plans and purposes. This surrender is a vital component of worship, aligning our spirits with God’s will and manifesting in our actions and service.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/jesus-all-for-jesus
Andrew Gribben’s favorite song, Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns, holds a significant emotional connection for him. Known for his love of musicals and emotionally powerful music, Andrew finds that certain songs resonate deeply, providing solace and strength during challenging times.This particular song stands out as an anthem for him, reflecting a particularly difficult period in his life. It serves as a battle cry, empowering him and instilling a sense of gratitude. Andrew believes that music has different roles depending on the time and season, and Praise You in this Storm is a poignant reminder of resilience and faith during tough moments.Jaci Cauvel’s chosen song, “Glory Honor Power,” reflects her complex and evolving relationship with God. Despite the ups and downs in her faith journey, she recognizes God’s unwavering consistency. During challenging times when prayer has been difficult, music has become her form of prayer, offering solace and connection.Psalm 22:1 – 4 resonates with her, emphasizing that even when God’s presence isn’t felt, His goodness remains. This song embodies her trust in God’s enduring faithfulness and serves as a reminder of His perpetual goodness.Episode link:https://grace-community.church/lesson/praise-you-in-this-storm
Sharing: Neville Garland, Neil Dawson and Carolyn Dawson.By Faith by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend is a heartwarming song that encourages us to live in a way that stands out. It reminds us that God invites us on this incredible journey of faith, where we trust in Him even when we can’t see the whole picture. The song beautifully conveys that we’re called to live by faith, looking beyond what’s right in front of us and believing in God’s promises for our future.What makes this song even more special is its emphasis on “we” instead of “I.” It reminds us that we’re not alone; we’re part of a community of believers who support each other. It’s a collective journey where we walk together, empowered by the Holy Spirit who gives us strength and guidance. “By Faith” inspires us to embrace this journey, encouraging us to look beyond our current circumstances and trust in the amazing things God has planned for us.Later, Carolyn Dawson shares a song that’s helped her through challenging times in her life: Cornerstone.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/by-faith
In our new series, members of our church family share their favourite songs. This week it’s the turn of William and Neil.Is He Worthy?In Revelation Chapter 5, John has a vision of a scroll that is sealed and hidden from humanity. This scroll, representing the fullness of God’s plan and knowledge, is inaccessible and causes John great distress because no one seems worthy to open it and reveal its contents. The sealed scroll signifies a profound mystery and the unfolding of divine will that remains out of reach.However, John’s anguish is alleviated when he realizes that Jesus is the one worthy to open the scroll. Described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb who was slain, Jesus alone possesses the authority and worthiness to break the seals and unveil the scroll. This revelation brings John immense comfort, as it underscores Jesus’s unique role in divine redemption and the fulfillment of God’s plan, assuring John and all believers of the ultimate sovereignty and goodness of Christ.CornerstoneDavid started as a mere shepherd boy but rose to become a cornerstone, a foundational figure in biblical history. Similarly, Jesus, initially perceived as insignificant, emerged as the chief cornerstone, essential for the faith and life of believers. The crucial question posed is whether Jesus is our cornerstone. If He isn’t, our lives lack a stable foundation, and we risk building on uncertain ground.We’re all metaphorically “under construction,” often focusing on building a life of achievement, security, or success. However, the foundation, like Jesus as the cornerstone, is meant to support the entire structure, not just a single aspect of our lives. We can’t compartmentalize our reliance on Him; He must be the foundation for all areas of life. Despite inevitable storms, recognizing Jesus as Lord of all provides stability and hope. The song “Cornerstone” encapsulates this message, emphasizing the hope found in making Jesus the foundation of our lives.
Zephaniah 3:17 paints a vivid picture of God as a warrior who gives victory, embodying strength and protection. This image complements the message of John 3:16 in the New Testament, where God’s immense love for humanity is demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son.Contrary to the belief that God is perpetually angry with us, the truth is that He is profoundly for us, aligning with the idea that the doctrine of impassability is flawed. God’s nature is not one of detachment but of deep empathy and engagement with His creation.In John 14 – 16, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the profound joy He desires for them, as highlighted in John 15:11, where He wishes for His joy to be in them, making their joy complete. Joy, as a divine attribute, underscores God’s delight in His relationship with His children.Imagine the God of the universe becoming silent, reflecting on His love for us — this silence can be seen as a sign of His quiet, contemplative love. However, this silence is eventually broken by God’s song over us, symbolizing His exuberant joy and affection. This dynamic interplay of quiet love and joyous singing reveals a God who is intimately connected to and passionate about His people.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/silence-into-singing
Speaker: Mauricio Quiñones.A true witness is someone who not only believes in the truth but also actively demonstrates and proves it through their actions. In the context of Christianity, this means more than simply attending church or identifying as a Christian. Remarkably, only one in ten Christians can be considered true witnesses, while the rest are merely spectators. This distinction is crucial, as highlighted in John 14:15, where Jesus says, “If you love me, show me by doing what I’ve told you.” This passage underscores the importance of obedience and action in faith. Without obedience to Christ’s teachings, one cannot be an effective instrument for His work.A true witness has a compelling story to tell, much like the Samaritan woman in John 4:39, who, after encountering Jesus, testified about Him, leading many others to believe. Moreover, a true witness maintains purity and refuses to be contaminated by worldly influences, similar to Daniel, who “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). This commitment to purity and faithfulness is essential for being a credible and effective witness.Bravery is another hallmark of a true witness. Esther’s courage in Esther 4:16, where she resolves to approach the king despite the risk to her life, exemplifies the boldness required to stand for one’s faith. Furthermore, the need for true witnesses is great, as reflected in Matthew 9:36 – 37, where Jesus observes the crowds and notes that “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” This metaphor illustrates the vast potential for evangelism and the dire need for committed and active witnesses to fulfill this mission.In essence, a true witness is characterised by obedience, storytelling, purity, bravery, and a recognition of their essential role in spreading the faith. Without these qualities, the message of Christianity cannot be effectively communicated, and the transformative power of the Gospel may remain untapped in the lives of many.Episode page: https://grace-community.church/lesson/a-true-witness
In Matthew 14, after miraculously feeding the multitude, Jesus immediately withdrew to seek solitude, demonstrating His awareness of the need for personal time with God. This retreat underscores the importance of rest and spiritual replenishment, even amid pressing demands. Meanwhile, as the disciples sailed across the lake, a fierce storm arose, and in the midst of this turmoil, Jesus walked on the water towards their boat. Initially, the disciples did not recognize Him, mistaking Him for a ghost. This moment invites reflection on our own lives: are there times when we fail to recognize Jesus in the midst of our struggles and fears, mistaking His presence for something unfamiliar or frightening?Peter, often depicted as a heroic figure, stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus but began to sink when doubt overcame him. Jesus’s question, “Why did you doubt?” highlights the nature of doubt as being double-minded, a wavering between faith and fear. This story not only reveals Peter’s human vulnerability but also reaffirms Jesus as the Lord of creation, commanding the natural elements and providing assurance in the midst of chaos. By focusing on Jesus and trusting His sovereignty, we can overcome our doubts and recognize His steadfast presence in our lives.
The events of Pentecost in the New Testament are often seen as a reversal of what happened at the Tower of Babel in the Old Testament. At Babel, people tried to build a tower to reach the heavens, opposing God’s desire to come down and fill the earth. As a consequence, God scattered them across the earth and confused their languages so they could no longer understand each other. In contrast, during Pentecost, God empowered the disciples to speak in different languages, allowing people from various nations to understand the message of the Gospel.In the book of Acts, the mandate given to the disciples was to go into all the earth and spread the good news. This aligns with God's original intention for people to fill the earth. However, unlike Babel, God did not unite the world under one language at Pentecost. Instead, He preserved diversity, making it possible for people to speak and understand languages that were not their own. This miraculous event showed that God values diversity and can use it to fulfill His purposes.Paul’s letter to the Romans highlights a similar theme. He was determined to see Jews and Gentiles united in their diversity. For Paul, the church was a place where different cultures and backgrounds could come together in unity, without losing their unique identities. This unity in diversity is a powerful witness to the world of God’s grace and love.To live this out today, we must let grace and humility lead us, rather than our own sense of superiority. Too often, people try to make their personal convictions universal, imposing their beliefs on others. But the Bible teaches us to above all else, put on love. Love leads us to respect and appreciate the diversity of others, creating a community where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated. This is how we can truly reflect the unity and diversity that God intended from the beginning.
The Jewish festivals of the Feast of Tabernacles and Pentecost serve as poignant reminders of the covenant renewed at Mount Sinai. In the New Testament, Luke, who also authored Acts, illustrates the continuity and fulfilment of these ancient traditions through the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Church.Luke’s writing is characterised by its international perspective, weaving patterns and themes that highlight God’s universal presence and activity. For instance, mysterious wind storms, often linked with God’s presence as seen in Exodus chapters 18, 19, and 20, serve as metaphors for divine encounters. These phenomena underscore the belief that God’s presence is not confined to a physical tabernacle but dwells within each believer.In Acts, Luke describes the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit with vivid imagery: a mighty wind, thunder, and fire descending on each person, signifying that the divine presence now resides within individuals rather than a singular holy place. This event is a fulfilment of the prophecy that God’s Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, as echoed in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:29 – 36, where he assures all Israel of Jesus’ messianic role.The appropriate response to this outpouring of the Spirit is continual repentance. The Holy Spirit calls believers to a profound and ongoing transformation, embodying God’s presence in their daily lives.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/tongues-of-fire
In John 17:20-26, Jesus talks about how he wants his followers to be united, just like he is with God the Father. It's like he's saying whether you're just starting to learn about Christianity or you've been studying it for a long time, the main idea is the same: being close to God and each other.God's love isn't something he came up with later—it's been his big plan all along. He wants to bring people together, and that's how he'll change the world. Gregory of Nazianzus described it like a perfect dance with three or more people, all moving together in harmony. That's how God's love works, always in sync.When we talk about God's glory, we're talking about his love in action. It's not about being all about yourself; it's about showing love to others, even if it means sacrificing something. There are lots of ideas out there for making the world better, but maybe what Jesus said in John 17 is the best one.
In John 16:5 – 7,13 – 15, Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, explaining that it’s necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. This often overlooked member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, embodies truth and guides us towards authenticity in life’s journey. Jesus’s mission goes beyond expectations; instead of vanquishing enemies, he demonstrates love by sacrificing himself for them.The disciples struggle to comprehend Jesus leaving, but he assures them that his departure will pave the way for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. This Spirit encourages us to embrace honesty in both our triumphs and struggles. Rather than simply asking for negative emotions to be removed, the Spirit invites us to journey together, confronting anger, pride, and bitterness with divine guidance.As we navigate our inner conflicts, the Spirit patiently awaits our willingness to embark on this transformative journey towards healing and redemption. It’s not just about seeking relief but embracing the process of growth and self-discovery alongside the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence.
On the Mount of Olives, Jesus shared a profound lesson with his disciples, captured in John 15, where he likened himself to the true vine. He used this metaphor to illustrate the natural tendency of new vine branches to grow downward, becoming ensnared in dirt and vulnerable to illness. Just as a vineyard worker intervenes by lifting and securing these branches to a trellis, Jesus nurtures and supports us, empowering us to grow upward and flourish spiritually.However, Jesus doesn’t just provide support; he also prunes. This process, though painful, is crucial for our growth. He identifies and removes the things that distract us or impede our spiritual development, such as bitterness or unforgiveness, allowing us to thrive.To maintain a healthy heart and sustain spiritual growth, Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in him. By remaining connected to him, we draw strength and nourishment, ensuring our continued development. Central to this relationship is the commandment to love one another, fostering unity and mutual support among believers.In the interconnected network of a vine, it’s challenging to discern where one branch ends and another begins, illustrating the unity and interconnectedness of believers in Christ. This image invites us to embrace our role in the community of faith, where each member is encouraged to reach their full potential in Christ.
Many spiritual traditions boil down to the idea of living in this world, but not being consumed by it. John 14:1 – 4 beautifully captures this essence. Here, Jesus assures his disciples not to be troubled, urging them to believe in both God and himself (John 14:1). This highlights the importance of faith as the foundation for navigating the world’s challenges.The world we inhabit can often be a place of fear, driven by forces of hatred and violence. The spiritual life, however, serves as a constant reminder that this isn’t where we truly belong. John 14 offers a powerful image of our true home: a place overflowing with love, residing with God – the Father’s house with “many rooms” (John 14:2). This concept brings comfort and hope.Furthermore, Jesus doesn’t just point to this destination; he positions himself as the bridge. When the disciples question the way to this eternal place, Jesus replies, “I am the way…” (John 14:6). This signifies that faith in Jesus is the path that leads us from the world’s troubles to the everlasting peace found in God’s presence.Episode: https://grace-community.church/lesson/beyond-the-noise
The Bible is a complex and ancient text. It’s natural to approach it with our own cultural understanding and biases. However, basing our beliefs solely on interpretations shaped by our preferences can lead us astray. True faith lies in finding our identity in Jesus, not in clinging to personal certainties about the Bible.The story of Thomas, often portrayed as a doubter, offers a different perspective. Instead of criticizing his skepticism, we should see Thomas’s act of touching Jesus’ wounds as a courageous act of seeking truth. God doesn’t care about absolute certainty or doubt. What matters is our willingness to engage with faith, even when faced with uncertainties.Finally, there’s a misconception that strong faith requires unwavering certainty. True faith isn’t about feeling sure in the face of unknowns. It’s about navigating the world with a belief in something bigger than ourselves, even when we have questions.
The Bible tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, but finding the doors locked because of fear. This fear is something we can all identify with. Fear of the world, fear of the future, fear of death – these anxieties can cause us to withdraw and isolate ourselves. They can create enemies out of unknowns and paralyze us from taking action.Jesus, however, calls us to a different way of living. He asks for our complete commitment, a commitment that requires us to push past fear. When we see Jesus as the light that conquers darkness, the unknown, the future, and even death become less frightening. This newfound courage allows us to take risks, to live with the same love and openness that Jesus embodied.Yet, a question lingers, inspired by Thomas: if the world can’t see the evidence of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, how can they believe? This question challenges us to share our faith and bring the light of Jesus to others.
In John chapter 20 we read the account of the empty tomb, after Jesus had rose from the dead. We see that the burial clothes that had been wrapped around Jesus’ body were left lying in the tomb. He had no need for them in resurrected life, and as such we can learn a lot from this symbolism. Perhaps there are ‘grave clothes’ in our lives — attitudes, behaviours, relationships — that need to be left in the tomb as we live in the resurrected life.We also read of how Jesus was mistaken for the gardener, in verse 15. This may have been an innocent mistake, but for us it is a reminder that just as Adam was the’ first gardener’ in the Garden of Eden, Jesus comes to bring new resurrected life as a fulfilment of all the prophecy of the Old Testament. He is in many ways, the ‘gardener’ of our lives, continually maintaining, pruning, wedding and nourishing us.
John 15:5 reminds us of our dependence on Christ. Just like branches rely on the vine for life and fruit, we need Christ for spiritual growth. So how do we connect with him?The Apostle Paul offers two keys in 2 Timothy 1:7. A “sound mind” allows us to discern God’s will and make wise choices. “Spirit of self-discipline” isn’t about harsh restrictions, but the inner strength to choose what aligns with our faith. Together, these qualities, exercised alongside our connection with Christ, guide our daily choices and allow us to bear fruit — influencing others and living out Jesus’ teachings.
What does Jesus turn to when he wants disciples to understand what greatest love looks like?Friendship!When Jesus washes his disciples feet in John 13, he is insisting on friendship with us but also modelling the type of friends we should be.Episode webpage: https://grace-community.church/lesson/friendship-the-greatest-love
Sarah and Abraham were promised descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky and grains of sand by the shore.They were advanced in years and things did not look like they would work out.But… God remembered his promise.Hope exists in some of our most vulnerable moments, but it's also resilient and defiant. As we remember who we are: children of God, we continue to hope.Episode webpage: https://grace-community.church/lesson/vulnerable-resilient-defiant-hope
In Matthew 28:20 we read the words of Jesus, when he promises ‘I am with you always’. This promise is not just one that speaks of the future, but of the present, everyday experience of daily life.When we acknowledge that the presence of the risen Jesus is with us in all that we do, this will have a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of those around us. Our Hope is connected to our belief in the power of the risen Jesus that is promised to us.
Living Loss can be defined as ‘a loss of one’s hopes or ideals related to what a person believes should have been, could have been or might have been’. We all experience some living losses in life, and there is comfort to be found in Jesus’ words in Matt 5 v 4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted’. We read in Genesis that Joseph experienced many living losses. Rejection, being a victim of injustice, losing his home, estrangement from family, to name a few. Our lesson from his story is one of hope. His life shows us the importance of turning towards God in our times of mourning, and fixing our eyes on the goodness of God.
In Matthew 5:4 we read, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mourning is an outward sign of inward grief, and it can be a very personal experience. We are encouraged in scripture, that there is supernatural comfort available to us through the Holy Spirit. We are also instructed to bring comfort to those around us, just as God has brought comfort to us.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/blessed-are-those-who-mourn
Shrek, in the film of the same name, built a wall around him because he was tired of a world that made up its mind about him before it got to know him.James challenges this idea. Two thousand years later, we still make judgments based on how people look or sound, before we get to know them.My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith.— James 2 (The Message, by Eugene Peterson)Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/you-judge-me-before-you-know-me
In Luke 10 we read the story of the Good Samaritan. In this account, we can see that it was through compassion and mercy that the Samaritan helped a stranger who was in need of help. Despite being noticed by others, he had been overlooked and avoided.In this instance, the Samaritan was not looking for someone to help, but rather came across the situation in his everyday life. So too can our compassion and mercy be extended to others.It’s not always in our official roles or ministries that we do the work of God, but in our mundane, everyday tasks of life. When Jesus is teaching this parable, it is a command for us all to “Go and do likewise”.
In Jesus’ and Paul’s community, there was a culture of judgment. When people failed to adhere to the ‘rules,’ they were immediately admonished.In our communities, we often admonish those in the ‘other’ group. It’s all about left or right, conservative or liberal, us or them.Jesus suggests a third way. Rather than exacting judgment, we lend an ear to hear and understand those whose views differ from ours in a loving way.Can we be a people of mercy?
In Jesus' time, being considered "blessed" meant wealth and success, seemingly tied to religious devotion. This perception persists today, with people projecting an illusion of having it all together. Jesus, however, redefines true blessing, challenging cultural norms and blessing the overlooked.Jesus introduces a radical notion of blessedness—being "poor in spirit." This reflects the Kingdom of God, emphasizing an attitude devoid of pretense. It's standing before God without self-sufficiency, contrasting with self-reliance. The poor in spirit recognize their dependence on God and acknowledge that everything they need is provided.The question arises: Does the church align more with the Pharisee or the tax collector? Are you navigating life in your own strength or relying on God? Reflect on the areas of your life where dependency on God is essential.
Being a follower of Jesus has never been easy, there is always a cost.We are called to take the words and commands of Jesus seriously. In the gospel of Matthew, we read the account of the Sermon on the Mount, which gives clear instruction about how we are to live and love in this world.As Christians, we are to submit to the authority of Jesus, who ultimately has our best interests at heart. His authority is unprecedented, and there is no comparison to any other ‘experts’ who may seek to guide us.Written within the beatitudes, are not just commands or suggestions, but ways in which we can announce the Kingdom of God on earth.
The fullness of salvation is that we behold Jesus, so we can become like him.Before your mind is filled with the stuff of Christmas, know you are more than you thought you were.You are the light of the world.
Even when the world feels overwhelming and hope seems distant, we must remind ourselves of who God is. Our God is characterized by loving kindness. The Hebrew word for loving kindness, Hesed, holds deep meaning that cannot be directly translated.Hesed is one of God’s fundamental characteristics, often describing His heart for His people. It is because of His loving kindness towards us that we can show kindness to others. In times of overwhelming situations, let us hold onto God’s loving kindness and perform small acts of kindness that can make a big impact on those who receive them.
Under the tyrannical rule of King Herod, there was darkness and pain. In a place of barrenness and disappointment, the angel Gabriel assures Zechariah that his prayers have always been heard. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, gives birth to a boy, and Zechariah prophesies over their newborn baby, John (the Baptist), who would prepare the way for the one who would “shine on those living in darkness and guide their feet into the path of peace.”That’s exactly what Jesus did, and it’s what the Prince of Peace continues to do. He sets people free from fear and fills them with peace. However, his path to peace is in stark contrast to Herod’s way and the world’s way. His peace, which is beyond understanding, is a peace that the world cannot give or take away.
Advent is traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the year, rather than at the end as we currently do.Mary’s story is one of patient waiting. She is a young, unmarried woman of humble status.When Mary sings her song, you can hear the depth of her faith. Despite uncertainty, she clings to hope. Through her words of worship, she rejoices in God’s nature and her own identity in His eyes.She understands that God’s blessings extend beyond herself and her people, reaching the entire world.As we enter this season, let’s take a moment to pause and listen to God. Amidst chaos, let’s focus on the hope found in God’s promises.
In the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, was God’s act of coming down and scattering the people a curse or a blessing?God values unity in diversity and variety, not uniformity. Throughout the Bible, God opposes empires, which eventually fall apart or are scattered.In Genesis 12, a people group emerges that seems to be the start of an empire. God instructs Abram to leave his empire behind and move.Micah 4 presents a vision of what the kingdom would look like across nations.The Great Compassion in Matthew 28 calls us to cross boundaries: ethnic, cultural, and status-related.In Acts 2, the events of the Tower of Babel are reversed.
The Bible portrays various families, showcasing the consequences of brokenness and disobedience. For instance, Adam and Eve’s sin affected future generations, as seen in the tragic relationship between Cain and Abel. God’s disapproval was directed at Cain’s offering, not Cain himself.In the story of Joseph, we encounter brokenness, pain, jealousy, and heartache. However, God’s goodness shines through, demonstrating His care for those who feel rejected. We are encouraged to extend this goodness to others as well. God is devoted to loving and reconciling families, and we should follow suit.Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/good-news-for-families
Women have played vital roles in Scripture and throughout the history of the Church. For many years, Junia's name was mis-translated. Whether this was on purpose or not, it's been embarrassing for many that a translations of the Bible have had to be corrected to reinstate her.Named as someone who was outstanding among the apostles, Junia's voice was important.As a church, we believe no one should be silent because of gender, ethnicity or status. Today, we invite Amy Anderson into leadership. She follows a long line of women whose voices deserve to our attention.
One of the 10 Commandments instructs us to observe and partake in a Sabbath day. Observing this commandment looks different depending on culture, background and upbringing. We might all define a Sabbath differently, but one thing we can agree on is the benefit and blessing that can be found in a true day of rest and rejuvenation.A Sabbath might look like a day set aside to intentionally spend time with the Lord, and the people we love. It might look like time of celebration as we worship and give thanks to God. It might be a time to remember the goodness of God and re-establish our relationship with him.However our Sabbath might look, it should feel like a sanctuary in our week.
John 4 describes the meeting of Jesus and a Samaritan woman. In this account, we learn that this woman carried a great deal of shame and pain from her life experiences. This is another example of a “Good News” story, for all those who have felt the weight of shame, rejection or hurt.Jesus offers her a drink from the ‘living water’, which never runs dry. Unlike many temporary solutions or quick fixes, which inevitably never last, we have the opportunity to come the Well of Living Water to quench our thirst. This woman’s life was transformed by her encounter with Jesus, just as ours can be too.
Our anger at situations in our world often leads us to wish for retribution.Does the gospel’s call to “love our enemies” require us to look at things differently?In Luke 4, Jesus quotes most of Isaiahs prophecy from chapter 61, announcing that the year of the Lords favour has been fulfilled in him which is good news for everyone, even Israels enemies.What makes Jesus’ statement interesting is what he leaves out.
The story of Jonah is perhaps one of the most well-known bible stories, beautifully portrayed in children’s books and animated cartoons. However, this portrayal might make it easy to miss the themes of justice, love and God’s continual mercy.We read of Jonah’s struggle with God’s love towards the people of Nineveh, causing him to literally run away. There are lessons for us in this story, perhaps even seeing aspects of ourselves in Jonah. Do we struggle with the idea of justice for everyone? Do we have an instinct to sleep or act selfishly, when we are being asked love the unloveable? We are called to stand up for justice, love those who God loves and be counter-cultural, when needed. ‘Agape’ love doesn’t depend on how lovable a person might be, it depends on the Goodness of God, which never fails.
Sadly, when we hear someone preach, we seem to enjoy when the preacher is pointing out someone else’s sin. We like that feeling of superiority when we don’t believe we have a problem with sin.As we use our judgement, we can become guilty of projecting our conclusions of what’s right and wrong onto God.God’s wrath is an often-misrepresented thing. Gospel presentations, especially in Western Christianity, uses the fear that often accompanies our idea of God’s wrath to scare people into becoming Christians.Instead, it may be more useful to think of wrath as the inevitable consequences of walking away from love. God holds us, but he is not forceful. Sometimes we choose to go our own way, but as we do, God is waiting for us to return.
The two trees in Genesis 3 pose a number of interesting questions. When it comes to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the exchange between the serpent and Eve challenges her relationship with God.In the previous chapter, there is a beautiful picture of God breathing life into humans. His power is shared with us and there is a “shalom” that accompanies that.There is goodness in this relationship. There is also goodness in the relationship between people here, as well as with creation.What happens at the Tree cuts that good relationship.While we often look for perfection of character in relationship, could it be “goodness” that is what’s really important? And is it possible that sin is anything that breaks this goodness apart?
I was made for the Gospel. Exploring the “now-ness” of the Kingdom.Often we use language in church that we don’t use elsewhere. There are words we use, like “Gospel” that we assume we know, but make we don’t.The problem is, the Gospel is difficult to describe and, as much as we try, we can’t fit our description into a snapshot. It’s much more than Jesus dying for our sins so we can go to heaven.The fact that there are four accounts of the Gospel in the Bible shows that it is multi-faceted and has a different impact depending on the audience and how it affects particular lives and aspects of society.
In Luke 15, we read a parable that depicts a Shepherd going out to to look for his Lost Sheep. This parable is another picture of the Good News Story. The Good News that one sheep was worth finding — it had precious value in the eye of the Shepherd.
Perhaps when we think of this story, we jump to the conclusion that this sheep was lost by choice and he chose to leave the Shepherd and the comfort of the herd.
As we look at the parable of the lost sheep, maybe we can consider that the sheep didn’t get lost on purpose. Maybe the sheep didn’t know it was lost. And, maybe, the sheep is not aware of its value.
As we think of sharing the Good News story with those around us, we need to be mindful of the assumptions we make and the judgements that follow. Our message of Good News shouldn’t be one of morality, but one of Grace.
In Genesis chapter 1, we read the story of how God created new life in a desolate and empty space.He brought light into a dark place — and it was very good. This is perhaps our first glimpse at the good news of the Gospel.This good news, is still good news for us today?When God enters a place, situation, or community, he brings light that cannot be overtaken with darkness. He can fill spaces that were once empty and bring life to that which was once dead.Do we need to rejuvenate our minds with this good news?
We carry burdens, often unnecessarily. Or feel we need to resolve conflicts or problems immediately. God wants us to be still and trust him in these moments.
New City Church’s Matt McFarland shares his story of growing up and struggling to please God, then realising we can’t reach a point where we are worthy on our own merit. Instead, God loves us where we are.
Psalm 37 describes what it means to trust God: to be still in him.
Also, Deborah shares her love for Psalm 121.
Even in the most hostile conditions there is growth.
Homero talks about what makes the cedar and palm trees special, and what they can teach us about endurance and perseverance.
We then explore the idea of chesed love: A promise-keeping loyalty rooted in deep loving care.
Death, suffering and injustice are a challenge when we're confronted with them. It's easy to dismiss the feeling of sorrow as a lack of faith, or worse, shame people when they are grieving.
When we shun lament we lose that place of raw, honest vulnerability. In doing this, we also avoid the pain in the world.
Do we think that God cannot handle your cries?
Psalms 42 and 88 emboldens us to lift our voices with courage and also in protest of injustice.
In Psalm 133 we see the heart of God revealed, when we are encouraged to live together in unity.
This does not mean that we will agree on everything, or always see eye-to-eye, but rather we have a common bond that ties us together - Jesus!
In verses 2 and 3 we are drawn to metaphors that speak to the way in which we should come together, like a fragrant oil made from a variety of ingredients or the morning dew which softens all the ground equally. The bond which ties us is greater than than the differences that divides us.
The Psalms is a truly diverse mix of songs and ideas. From lament to praise. From reflection to exaltation.
We often associate Psalms in the Bible with David, but there are many writers. Some unknown. This eclecticism of voice is important as we get used to the idea of ambiguity and theological assortment.
We might have favourite Psalms, but they are even more powerful collectively than individually. Conveniently for us, the book of Psalms is actually arranged in five books: each dealing with a different period in Israel’s history.
Written for a post-exilic people, they speak to the journey they’ve been on.
Book One (1 – 41) The rule of King David. Book Two (42 – 72) Transition of power from David. Book Three (73 – 89) Collapse of David’s rule. Book Four (90 – 106) A retrospective of a time before David. Book Five (107 – 150) A returning home of the people who were in exile.
Stubbornness can be a good thing, but often it can be damaging.
No matter what you’ve been through, God’s promise remains on your life.
We walk in the promises of God through surrendered devotion to God. Stubbornness will keep us out of the presence of God. Surrender will lead us to deeper levels of encounter with the living God.
Acts 2:1 reminds us that on the day of Pentecost all believers were together in one place. We are called in to community in the same way, to walk together and encourage one another in utilising our gifts.
It’s easy to procrastinate, but what if we were able to put each day into an order that reflects our love of God and others?
In Colossians Paul is commending them for the love they have in their hearts for Jesus and others. Where does their love come from? It comes from a hope that springs up from heaven. This hope is calling them home.
Prepare ourselves by knowing that we are loved. Prepare ourselves by embracing a life of grace. Prepare ourselves by fixing our eyes on a vision of God for our lives. Prepare ourselves living a life of gratitude.
At Pentecost, the Spirit of God was poured out an all flesh. This event shattered man-made hierarchies and religious norms. It would cause men and women, young and old, rich and poor to prophecy and dream.The debate around the Spirit of God tends to fall into one of two camps: academic and charismatic. However we need a balance between the two. We need both Spirit and Word.Experiencing God means opening ourselves up to him, just as Peter did in Acts 10. If you ask for the Spirit, He’ll give it.
In 1 Peter 4 v 7 – 11 we are encouraged to be clear-minded and responsible with the gifts that have been entrusted to us. We have a responsibility to take what has been given to us and share it with the world.If we steward our gifts well, we will make Jesus known to everyone and the deep love of Jesus will be seen and felt by those around us.Using our gifts to serve others, is like handing out God’s grace as a gift. When we fail to do this, or lack love for one another when doing it, the body of Christ is weakened and sometimes even dysfunctional.Peter is exhorting us to clear our minds, regulate our thoughts, and press on in using our gifts for the advancement of the kingdom.
As the church has evolved over time, some changes have led to it maybe not functioning as it should.The roles of pastor and teacher have often been combined. Evangelists tend to function outside of church and prophets and apostles are few and far-between.However, it is evident that the "Ascension Gifts" mentioned in Ephesians 4 bring all of these roles together, suggesting that for the church to operate well it needs all five — or none at all.- The Apostle: The pioneer. They keep us true to our mission. They're the foundation layer.- The Prophet: They glimpse God’s heart and draw it into the fellowship.- The Evangelist: They proclaims the gospel with their whole lives. Not just with a microphone on a street-corner.- The Shepherd: They're passionate about developing a loving community of people.- The Teacher: They're the mediators of wisdom and understanding. They communicate, simply, complex ideas.So the question is, do you carry one of these gifts? One way to find this out is to see which area of church life that you can speak into in a unique way.
We read in 1 Corinthians 12 about the range of spiritual gifts given to us as children of God. Each person is given a different gift, but they all point to revealing who God is and who we are in him.When we don’t unwrap our gifts, the whole body of Christ misses out, as all the gifts need to work together. Like the orchestral symphony that has many different parts, but is dependant on one another to work towards a common goal, we must use our gifts for the advancement of the kingdom of God.When it comes to spiritual gifts, there tends to be strong opinions at the extremes: "cessationism" and "charismatism". 1 Corinthians 1 and 14 warn holders of these extreme views. One thing is certain: if a gift makes the person using it into the main character, there's a problem.
God’s presence on earth is made visible through his people who are called to live sacrificial, fully available lives. His ‘Faithful Presence’ is manifest through us. In Romans chapter 12, we are encouraged to think of ourselves as part of the body of Christ.Each of us are blessed with gifts and talents, and we are called to use them in the building of the kingdom of God on earth. While our gifts are unique to us, we must see them and ourselves as part of an interdependent system with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The fire in Acts fell onto each person. Each individual blessed with a full gifting. And a spirit that can carry those gifts further and wider.Each of us has been gifted something that has the potential to change the lives of those around us. Yes, it’s unusual to find the sacrificial giving of your talent, time and treasure easy, but it’s important that we do not diminish the work of the Spirit and that we endeavour to give our gifts to each one.
Early Sunday morning, the disciples had returned to where they were staying. It was just Mary Magdalene left, crying, by the tomb were Jesus lay.Soon, she saw angels and who she thought was the gardener. It is possible the Jesus waited til Mary was on her own.The picture of Jesus’ tending the garden, might have seemed like a mistake on Mary’s part. Or, there’s significance here. Jesus: hands in the mud; intimately involved in the confusion and heartache that permeates humanity.His resurrection means he continues to make beautiful things out of the dirt.
How many times do I ignore something because it doesn’t meet my standard?1. God meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives.2. God sits with us in our time of rest.3. God invites us to bring our whole selves to prayer.Centre your busy fractured lives on him.
We are called to use our gifts and talents to the glory of God. Sometimes it’s not easy to name, accept or embrace our talents, so perhaps asking these questions might help us achieve ‘Spiritual Ikigai’ - our spiritual ‘reason for being’.1. What burdens our heart?2. What do voices of wisdom say about our gifts and talents?3. What skills do we possess?4. Are we in good physical, emotional and spiritual health?
How can we have a prophetic imagination for our families, churches and communities? In the book of Acts we learn how the Holy Spirit awakened new imagination and authority in the early Christian church. As we strive to have prophetic imagination stirred in us, we need the ‘see, go and speak’ in faith, as Jesus did. We need to do this in ‘Oneness’ with one another, walking with spiritual authority that comes from our confidence in our faith.We are called to be part of one church, with the shared knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord of Heaven and earth.
We can’t measure our talent by comparing ourselves with someone else. God is asking us to be faithful with the talents we’ve been given.A stage show — such as a musical — has a lot of people that are not the main performers, without whom the show would be a lot less exciting.
Being part of the kingdom of God requires us to handle our treasure in a way that may seem counter-cultural to the world we live in. We are encouraged as believers to offer our ‘first fruits’ to God, as an act of faith and worship.Rather than be motivated by external pressure to give, our motives should flow from the internal and eternal realms. Money is very often a test case for what’s going on in our hearts — where our devotion goes, our money will follow.
After Paul had brought his message to the new churches around the Mediterranean, he returned to collect money. He suggested that, with their help, they were joining in with the "serving of the saints".Interestingly, in his instructions, Paul is not legalistic. He does not suggest an amount or a percentage, rather he is urging these new Christians to respond as a reflection of their understanding of God's goodness. He is more interested that they give with their hearts aligned rather than it being an adherence to a rule or law.
Reading the "Feeding of the Five Thousand" opens up a number of questions that encourages us to look at Jesus' heart for his people.When they see the problem of all the hungry people they turn to Jesus for help but, to their surprise, he turns the table and asks them to do something. They are compelled to present the only food they have. Though meagre, it is everything. For Jesus it wasn't about how much they had but how willing they were to give it.In contrast the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18 is left sad because, even though he kept all the commandments and led a good life, Jesus asked him to give up everything in order to follow him. In this story it's clear that the young man didn't own money — rather the money owned him.Tithing suggests we give 10 percent but Jesus compels us to be faithful with 100.
In scripture we are encouraged to be faithful with our time, talent and treasure. The question that we all have cause to ask is: how do we steward our money and resources in the best way possible? Does it mean tithing a set percentage, or could there be more to it?In Genesis 14 we have the first introduction to the concept of tithing, and this concept set the pattern for Christian giving that is still used by many today. Abraham learned that giving had a lasting impact on future generations, the blessing of God was not just for him but to all who came after him too. As we consider our own giving and the legacy we are leaving behind, perhaps the question should be ‘How can we be faithful with it all?’, not just our tithe, but all our resources. Is there a way we can raise the bar on stewarding our time, treasure and talent so the blessing will be on our future generations?
Life does not progress on a linear timeline, but rather it zigs and zags, perhaps even moving in circles sometimes! In Ecclesiastes our attention is drawn to the fact that our life is like a mist or vapour, which passes by quickly. So how do we acknowledge, accept and redeem that fact?Every moment in life could be pregnant with possibility, but we need to learn how to engage in the ordinary moments in between the extraordinary. Just like a couple dancing, one person must have an awareness of the other and awareness of the music in order to respond creatively.What would it look like for us to have an awareness of the extraordinary while living in the ordinary realm of everyday life?
Sometimes when we face difficulties and trials in life, we explore every avenue before we enquire of the Lord. In the stories of Nehemiah and Daniel we see that they acknowledged the turmoil their communities were in and they fasted.It is in these examples that we have a precedent of how to deal with the problems in our communities today. In order to bring ‘Kingdom Solutions’ to these problems, we need to rend our hearts and align ourselves with the heart of the Father.
Stewarding our time well.Sometimes, in order to move forward, we need to be able to carry our past well.Writing a new chapter is not the same as starting a new book. What goes before shapes who we are today. However, we should never be defined by feelings such as shame.Life is not linear. Instead, it’s more like a spirograph.
The journey the magi took to visit Jesus was long and risky. Because of their knowledge, Herod sent them to find Jesus and report back so he could “worship him”. Of course, his real motivation was jealousy.For the magi, however, their encounter with Jesus changed them. So much so that they went back to their home country via a different path.It’s impossible to encounter Jesus and not be changed.
It’s the time of Ahaz, King of Judah.Jerusalem is under threat from Damascus, Syria and Samaria. The threat causes the people under Ahaz to become terrified. Isaiah has been sent with a word. He says, keep calm, don’t be afraid, don’t lose heart.This prophecy came true for Ahaz, but its effect was for a time.700 years later a little boy, born of a virgin, appeared to fulfil the words from prophecies such as those in Isaiah. This time, the effect was going to be eternal.
The Gift of Waiting is that we quiet ourselves to hear what the Father is doing.There will be a time when the parched land will rejoice. There will be a time when the dry wilderness will blossom. The weak will be strengthened. The fearful will be comforted. The blind shall see. The deaf shall hear. The lame shall walk.We look forward to the time of John the Baptist: a time that Isaiah prophesied about. John was the voice in the wilderness, a voice proclaiming a new hope.In Matthew 11, John’s in prison as punishment for rebuking King Herod. Why he’s there he hears about the deeds of Jesus. He asks the disciples to confirm if this was indeed the Messiah. They are able to say, yes, Jesus is indeed fulfilling the vision given to Isaiah. The weak are strengthened, the fearful comforted, the blind get their sight back, deaf are able to hear and the lame are walking. Even more than that, the dead are being risen to life!
In Isaiah 11 we learn of the Branch from the line of Jesse, that would one day bear fruit. This prophecy was spoken at a time of great societal injustice, where hope was hard to find and oppression was rife.Isaiah is reimagining a world where the Messiah would come and rescue the oppressed, stand up for justice and love the widow and the orphan.Perhaps there is a call on us today, to also be that champion who raises the banner of justice, loving those within our community and bringing a message that Hope is here.
It’s not yet Christmas. We’re in Advent. A time for waiting.In week one of four, we look at the prophetic words in Isaiah 2. It’s over 700 years before Christ, but there are already hints of what kind of kingdom Jesus will introduce to the world.The mood changes from war to peace. Weapons are being refashioned into gardening tools. The time of conflict is moving over to make way for a time of settling and growth.In the West we are not waging physical war, as such, but often we are engaged in war of words. Social media shows a public square that is more interested in being right, rather than cultivating relationship.
In the hundreds of years after the birth of the Church, men (like Constantine), changed the order by introducing hierarchies. Sadly many of these developments undermined the original vision for the church, specifically the grass rootedness.The Bible portrays a different approach to church structure. One where all generations play an equal part. Read, for instance, the story of the jailer in Acts 16. When he came to faith his entire household were baptised. All the people in his family were welcomed into the household of God.One figure that highlights the status-less nature of the body of Christ is Stephanus. First mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:16. Easy to miss: the verse is almost a side-note. At the end of the letter, he and his servants (Fortunatus and Achaicus) are commended for the work they’d done in the Corinthian church.
God and humanityThe story of Adam is a story of how man tried to be God rather than aspire to be like him. The relationship between God and man was broken. However, as God loved us, his desire was to bring us back into relationship. That meant, for our part, confession.Confession is essential to healing a relationship. It restores trust and it brings us down to a level where we can more fully understand each otherPerson to personIn a similar way, our relationships need work. Often strained relationships are a result of a loss of trust. Forgiveness is a great way for the aggrieved to start the journey of recovery. Confession is where both sides can start to make honest progress. It is possible that a confessional relationship can be even stronger than before.Rupture and repairIn Judaism, as people aim to repair a relationship, the “apology” is not the first thing that’s said. How often do we even try to skirt a true apology by saying, “I’m sorry if…”.The repair means we name the problem, understand it and own it, before we work out what to do next.
Does it feel extremely difficult or too radical to keep the Sabbath? Perhaps that’s why we need it, now more than ever. In our fast-paced modern culture, we struggle with periods of rest and inactivity.However, scripture clearly teaches that having one day to rest, replenish and cease our normal activities is essential for good healthy living. Our mental, physical and spiritual health will all benefit from a regular habit of Sabbath.It is an invitation from the Father to reconnect with him, to rest our minds and bodies in communion with him.A basic template for Sabbath might look like:StopRestDelightWorshipYou will hear from David and Jaci as they share their own experiences of Sabbath and what they understand God’s design for it to be.
Baptism can take many forms in our modern church today. Full Immersion, infant baptism, ‘sprinkling’ to name a few. While our opinion on these may differ, and we each may have our own preference, perhaps the mode or form of baptism is secondary to the declaration of faith that it stands for?A nurturing community and church family appear to be essential in watering the seed that baptism represents in our lives. We are baptised into community, and as we follow the example of Jesus in practising baptism, we continue to move further along on our journey as part of the family of God.
The Holy Spirit can be described as the Breath or Wind of God, that fills all those who know and love him.Sometimes that breath can be soft and gentle, or sometimes powerful and supernatural. Often the work of the Holy Spirit is a mystery to us, but we can have faith that it is always at work, in and through us.The work of the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the heart of the Father, ultimately leading us to love as God loves.
When we sit at the table we encounter God in a physical sense.
The bread is a proclamation of the past: a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It causes us to stop, pause, look back and remember. The focus is taken off us, and moved onto him.
The wine is a proclamation of the present and the future. It’s blood that carries and sustains life. It represents covenant and promise.
Often the question comes up as to who is worthy to partake. The immature cause splits, divisions and cliques around their respective opinions. The mature will overlook offence and faults in order to maintain the unity of the bride.
A gemologist (an expert in diamonds), looks at the clarity, cut, caret and colour of a precious stone in order to work out its value.
Here, we look at four aspects of prayer that can help us consider how valuable it is:
Presence As you pray there is often a greater awareness of his presence.
Perspective Prayer causes us to humble ourselves, which means to take the right view of who we are in the eyes of our maker. It also helps us see others as God has made them.
Plans God wants to share his plans with us. And he wants us to partner with him in those plans.
People When a community prays they share in the desires of God. This is church.
When we think of the church, it might be easy to mistake it for the building we use for worship. However, we are taught in scripture that the church is the people that make up the Kingdom of God.
We are the temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Love is the identifying mark of the church, and as such, our lives should speak of that love – for God and one another.
When we approach the Bible, we might view it through the lens of our own experiences, upbringing and cultural background. Often it can seem like different accounts of the same event can contradict one another, which can lead to confusion in the mind of the reader.
In this sermon, Neil explores some of these contradictions and encourages us to see the scriptures as God meeting with his people where they were.
We do not need to strive to merge and harmonise all parts of scripture so they say the same thing. In many ways, the differences in accounts between the authors of the bible, is representative of the human nature of God’s people. Ultimately, all scripture and all teaching points to Jesus.
We explore our identity “in Him”, with examples from the life of David as recorded in 1 Samuel 30.
We discover that David “strengthened himself in the Lord”. As we endeavour to receive strength, what practical steps can we make so we can find ourselves “in Him”?
Five suggestions: Slow down to reflect and pray Stop comparing ourselves to others Read the stories of Jesus Be about God’s business Be with like-minded people
We’ve cut so many stories short. Like Adam and Eve’s immaturity caused their story with God to end too early.
Our story is our process of maturity.
Like Cain and Abel, the choices we make in our story can have long lasting consequences.
When we get to know someone, we learn their story. This enables us to understand why they think and behave the way they do.
We started summer looking at rest and retreat. Now that term time is round the corner and many of us our finishing off our holidays, how do we approach the new (busier) season?
One way is to understand the importance of “peace”. When Paul talked about fitting “readiness” to your feet “that comes with the gospel of peace”, the shoes he was referring too were not dissimilar to football boots.
These shoes had studs, which gave the soldier grip. They were also tailored for the person wearing them. Peace is found in steadfastness. That preparedness that helps us get ready for trials and endure them when they come.
The prophetic is not just words from a person with a microphone, but it’s something that radiates from someone who’s living in harmony with the heart of God.
Prophesy is a reminder of our covenant with God.
If we agree that retreat is good, what does that mean? What does it look like?
Animals take time to rest over long periods. We are living creatures. So it is natural that we should change our rhythms for a season.
It could be that we set some things down, or that we pick up something new.
How we retreat is up to us individually. Everyone’s different. What is important is that we retreat. To do so is vital to our maturity as Christians
Paul reminds us that the battle is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities and powers. The upside of this is we are not against flesh and blood, but for it!
The end of Ephesians recognises that the ruler of the world is the adversary. God’s kingdom is breaking into a world dominated by the powers of darkness.
What, though, is our response? Do we panic? Do we protest? Or is there a third way? The strength of God’s Kingdom, and the counter to the spirit of the world, is to recognise our unique identity as brothers and sisters under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
We finish this series remembering that what we’ve learnt is to be lived out, complete with the armour of God and a prayerful devotion to Christ.
With guest speaker, Rick Hill (Discipleship & Leadership Development Officer at Presbyterian Church in Ireland)
At the start of Acts, the disciples were tasked with bringing the news of the gospel to their own city (Jerusalem), then to all of Judea and Samaria. And, finally, to the ends of the earth.
The book of Acts tells the story of their progress as God’s kingdom was preached. As their influence expanded, though, their lives were continually disrupted. They constantly hit what seemed like brick walls, but they were never alone and their faith saw them through.
How might God want to expand your vision?
How could God use this disruption to strengthen your faith?
We often base our model of relationship on what our culture says, rather than Jesus’ example.
The verses in Ephesians 5 are often used to elevate husbands and demote wives. But, if this were the case, the relationship between Jesus and the Father would be one of subordination and superiority.
Instead, Paul challenges the cultural norm and effectively shocks a society into seeing women as equals.
In our cultivating relationships, we also look at one of the most forgotten staples of Christianity: confession.
The first twenty verses in Ephesians 5 centres around love. A harmful “love” that takes the form of sexual immorality, idolatry and selfishness. This is a distorted version of love without the relationship.
Then, there’s the love that’s lived. A love that bridges life and society. A love that sings with joy.
Worship is foundational to the practice of love. It may look messy but often the Holy Spirit works through the complications.
Live as children of light. Love as Christ loved us.
Often overlooked and often misunderstood. The Ascension of Christ is probably more significant than we realise.
We may look at this moment as an evacuation. Rather, we want to propose that it’s the opposite. It’s the beginning of his pervasive presence everywhere.
On a daily basis we have many moral decisions to make, in most areas of life we have rules or guidelines to help us make the right decision or enforce it in our lives.
But, what if God’s plan is for a people who don’t need rules or laws to guide their moral decision making?
What if their lives were dictated by love and specifically putting the other first? The world would be a different place.
As we read Ephesians 4:17 – 32, we look at the topic of moral development and decision-making according to the ways of Jesus.
The seven levels of morality:
Rewards and punishment Marketplace exchange Social conformity Law and order Love for others Principle-based living Understanding friend of God
In Ephesians 4, Paul talks clearly about unity being the driving factor in building a healthy church.
We often hear about speaking truth in love. But firstly, what do we mean by truth?
Facts can be truth. Meaning can be truth. Wisdom can be truth.
Secondly, when we speak truth in love, does that person feel loved? As we grow together, we learn together. It’s not just about our opinions.
The death of Jesus stirred up many emotions among the people looking on: sadness, anger… even vindication.
But as we look at how the events of Easter affected those around him, we ponder three responses that can help us make sense of the cross and the the empty tomb: Courage (Joseph of Arimathea) Compassion (the women at the tomb) Curiosity (Peter)
As Alexander the Great marched through Persia, Zechariah painted a picture of a very different king.
The conquest of many lands by Alexander the Great was marked by the cry of war and, of course, Alexander’s trusty warhorse, Bucephalus.
But years later there was to be an altogether different king. Riding through streets once trode by the aforementioned Alexander, but this time on a colt.
One king was met with swords; the other, palms.
One: the king of war. The other: prince of peace.
The Church, as Christ intended it, is both unified and diverse. Everyone has been given a different gift (or grace).
There are arguments that the gifts Paul talks about in Ephesians 4 are not for today. We believe they are. We believe gifts are intended to equip the church so the universe can be filled with his presence.
The five gifts (or five-fold graces) are:
Apostle (the Architect) Prophet (the Analyst) Evangelist (the Broker) Shepherd (the Carer) Teacher (the Guide)
Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.
From Ephesians 4 (MSG)
As we enter into the second half of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, our focus moves to how we live out who God is in our church families.
How we model church can be defined in one of three ways:
Kerygmatic This is a style of church we’ve more-or-less come to adopt in Western-style Christianity. The preacher at the front and the congregation listening on.
Didactic This is often referred to as the small-group method. A teacher and a group of Christians who discuss what’s being taught.
Paracletic This appears to be the model that Paul is talking about in Ephesians when he talks about church. At its heart is discernment and conversation. No one’s in charge and everyone has an equal voice.
The Holy Spirit is often described as “Paraclete”. An advocate who positions himself alongside you. This side-by-side nature is something that Paul talks about in his letter.
We look at the “who”, “what”, “where”, “when” and “why” of Ephesians 4:2.
Paul was a cruel man. Before his encounter with Jesus, he did unspeakable things to believers. That gives a verse like this a bit more weight when you realise it’s come from the heart of someone who spent a good portion of his life displaying the complete opposite of those things. Paul understood how devastating the alternative was.
Here, we learn a little about who Paul was and then explore how we can put his instruction into practice. Humility, gentleness and patience aren’t just good virtues, they are live-giving.
As a church that lives day by day, it’s difficult to cast a vision for the future. Instead, we look to the words of the Lord: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city you’ve been called to.”
The central prayer in the letter to the Ephesians bridges two halves: the first outlining the gospel story and the second the practical working out of that story.
The prayer reveals Paul’s dream for the church: that we receive our identity within the depths of God’s love for us. He knows that in God is overflowing everything we need.
The Greek for “manifold” in Ephesians 3:10 is πολυποικιλος (polupoikilos), which means “much variegated” or “multifaceted”. When describing God’s wisdom, this invites us to take a step back and take in all the colours.
Often the idea of Christianity is it’s “part” of your life… an add-on. But if it’s to mean anything, it ought to encompass our whole lives.
In the same vein, the idea of church should not be an add-on. It’s not something that’s confined to a Sunday morning but, instead, it’s integral to who we are: Jesus’ design for his people.
Every tribe. Every tongue. Every nation.
When the Church follows the wisdom of God, everyone notices. Everything notices.
We were created by God for good works. But these works are do by done through the Spirit; not by our own power.
Circumcision divided Jews and gentiles. Some in that “club” saw themselves as above others. But circumcision is a one-time thing, rather than an ongoing “heart” thing.
Paul often wrote letters (eg. Romans) addressing how we learn to live in a multicultural society. Christ, himself, brought peace to earth. If we are to live in peace, we should learn how to unite despite our differences.
Sadly, Christianity today is full of division. Something that flies in the face of Christ’s message and Paul’s teaching.
Resurrection defines the life of Jesus: the bringing to life that which was dead.
If a brother or sister is sinning, how do we speak to them? Do we see them as a lost cause? Or do we look at ourselves, take stock of how fallen we are and reflect on the grace of God on our lives?
It’s grace that brings the dead to life. And although works cannot save us, they are an outworking of the grace that is at work within us.
The church in Ephesus is highly complimented by Jesus in Revelation 2. Though his final comment is a damning one.
Jesus commends the church for its perseverance, holiness, endurance, hard work and faithfulness.
Yet, as impressive its works were, he exposes a hole in its heart. For some time, it had forgotten its first love: Jesus himself.
In Ephesians 1, Paul reminds the church who they serve. “Who fills everything in every way”.
The first 14 verses of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian is dripping with passion, joy and wonder.
The Trinity is never explicitly mentioned in Scripture. However it is clear that God is a community: mutually dependent, participating together.
If we are made in God’s image, then his blessings for us are for the church (community) — not just us as individuals.
In the first chapter of Ephesians, we explore seven verbs.
- Blessed
- Chosen
- (Pre)Destined
- Bestowed
- Lavished
- Made known
- Gathers up
The church of Ephesians was a small congregation in a large city where Romans and Greeks met to worship their famous gods.
The letter to the Ephesians is special in many ways. It contrasts from Paul’s other letters in that it does not set out to critique problems that exist in the church in question, but instead instructs the church on how it can further grow.
The pivot in the letter comes in the fourth chapter. Switching from the story of the gospel to our story, it encourages us to “grow up”.
Over the next number of weeks, we will be exploring what it means to mature as Christians. “[Being nourished] us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love”.
If you’re familiar with liturgical churches, Epiphany is an annual tradition.
It marks the story of the magi: mysterious figures in Matthew 2, possibly astronomers, astrologers or magicians who trek many miles from the East following a particular star that would eventually lead them to Jesus.
The gifts they bring with them are equally cryptic. We assume that gold represents royalty, frankincense divinity, and myrrh death.
Despite the unusual aspects of the story, there are lessons we can take home.
The Son of God made himself accessible. His humble birth and life made getting to him relatively easy. However, an encounter with the living God meant that life would never be the same again. For the magi that meant returning to their home country via a different route.
How has your encounter with Jesus changed your life?
To respond to the burden God gives you, we’re tempted to make a grand gesture. New year resolutions are often grand gestures. Usually ways to make up for where we’ve failed.
This is not what God’s asking us. He’s asking us to act justly, love mercy and walking humbly with him… and one another.
Doing this means that questions are more often answered with “it depends” rather than “yes” or “no”. Walking with God and one another means we are less likely to jump to conclusions but to explore what’s presented to us, and to be prepared to say “I don’t know”.
Mary is special. She is favoured because of how she received Jesus. We can receive Jesus because we are highly favoured. We are “accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians, chapter 1).
For Mary, there is little doubt that her pregnancy with Jesus was a difficult time, filled with doubt, worry and fear, but she's reminded that she was favoured and loved.
When our response echo's Mary's, we are pregnant with life, hope, joy, peace and possibilities.
The prophet’s words in Isaiah 40 are a huge encouragement to those who feel weary and need strength.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it is also very draining. Maybe for some time, you’ve felt low in energy. Low in compassion. Low in courage.
The Spirit of God gives power to the weak. He uses those at the end of their tether for his purposes.
“Those who hope in the power of God will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk, but not grow faint”
It’s encouraging to know that as we serve others, God can use us despite our inadequacies. Still, there may be reasons we feel that stop us from doing what we know we ought to be doing: 1 Fear of getting it wrong. 2 Words or labels that have been spoken over us. 3 We may not be sure what our “seat” is. 4 Feeling like we’re not good enough. 5 Shame.
This week, the US celebrates Thanksgiving. We can forget, though, how tumultuous the events that started it were.
Escape from persecution in Europe. Disease and death on the Mayflower. The struggle to survive in a strange land. These events don’t lend themselves to the happiest of times.
But despite the hardships the early settlers experienced, they were able to find deeper contentment in their faith and relationships.
Over four hundred years later, we can say that though it might not be as dramatic, our struggles and hardships are just as real.
Jaci shares about her experience of leaving a country she knew, a church family who love her and embarking on a new adventure where there are promises, but it’s difficult to know where and when they’re going to manifest themselves.
How do we find contentment in hardship and trial? If we’re in the midst of uncertainty, what can we be certain about?
When we learn to live with God on the hillside, we see and act differently on the battlefield.
Within the story of David versus Goliath, there are a number of players, each with their individual particular motives and purposes. But were they on the side of fear or courage?
There’s the armoured giant, Goliath. The faithful, yet battle-worn Israelite army. A proud father and sheep farmer, Jesse. And, of course, his skinny teenage son, David.
This marks the start of David’s story. But it was on the hillside where he met God, which prepared him for the battlefield. With everyone crippled with fear at the thought of confronting this giant, David took the path of“courage”.
Amongst Christians, the subject of halloween is a pretty divisive one. Usually each person will fall into one of two camps: full participation or flat-out rejection.
The prayer of Jesus in John 17, however, is that we are united. This is often called the Great Unanswered Prayer. So in light of this, is there a third approach to halloween?
It may come as news that a number of holidays are built on pagan traditions. Christmas and Easter are celebrated at times of the year that pagans would have worshipped deities. But rather than crushing those, the Church had a great way of redeeming some practices in ways that instead pointed to Jesus.
So how do we open our doors and tables to people we may not agree with and find reconciliation and truth within the different traditions?
It’s inspiring to hear the stories of people we know. Quite often it turns out there’s a lot we didn’t know. It’s easier to see God’s hand on your life when you go take time to rewind.
This week, Puma shares his story of growing up in Venezuela and how a series of events brought him here where he's now married with two kids (and expecting a third). How a devoted mother and faithful friend gave him a headstart in his own faith.
Amy shares stories of her experiences of gratitude in working with the Drop Inn/Team Hope Shoebox Appeal.
In the last few weeks, we’ve been looking at what it means to be grateful, and we’re reminded a thankful person is a healthy person.
In her work with the Shoebox Appeal, Amy and her team were often struck by the thankfulness in both the people who donated gifts and the kids who received them.
For many of the kids she met, it was the first time they’d received any Christmas gift.
Sometimes we can grow used to plenty and getting what we want, when we want it. But when you encounter real need and observe the reactions when a need is met, it can lead us to care more deeply for the communities around us.
Sometimes God’s call for his people is to stay put. Preceding the “famous” verse in Jeremiah 29 (v11), there is an account of the plight of the people who were exiled. In their difficult circumstances they had two choices: put up a fight and resist or build houses and plant gardens.
They knew God was telling them to stay where they are for some time. His promises might not be fulfilled for generations to come.
The message in Jeremiah is for a people, not an individual. In the same way, the idea of personal faith can ignore the fact that God’s promises are for communities and generations.
The passage in verses 4 to 7 summarises what we do when we’re in a place for the long haul:
Seek the wellbeing of the town or the village; Plead on its behalf to Yahweh; Because in its wellbeing, there will be wellbeing for you.
In our world of plenty, it’s easy to take all the good things we have for granted.
1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us to be grateful in all circumstances.
Science proves time and time again that gratefulness can improve our lives in many ways. It is said that our minds are like Velcro when it comes to negative information, but more like Teflon when we encounter positive information.
Even in difficult circumstances, we can find reasons to be cheerful. Reasons such as family, church and community.
Could our lives look any different if we were more grateful?
Numerous studies have shown there is a marked difference in the health of an individual who practices thankfulness.
It could be argued that the first sin in Genesis was a failure in gratitude. God had given mankind all of creation to steward, yet instead of thankfully accepting this awesome gift, he wanted the one thing he couldn’t have.
We look at different aspects of gratitude: how we can be thankful in our circumstances, no matter how challenging they may seem; how gratitude has a role in positions of power.
How grateful are we for how we are invited to share in God’s Kingdom?
It's inspiring to hear the stories of people we know. Quite often it turns out there's a lot we didn't know. It's easier to see God's hand on your life when you go take time to rewind.
This week, David tells us how his desire to experience God in his life has led to some of the most unlikely events.
From his younger years of drinking, partying and rebelling against the idea of being a pastor's son, to now: 14 years married, with 4 kids and each step of the way relying totally on God's provision and guidance.
When we pose the darkest questions it can become the most profound acts of faith.
Is it possible that in the moment of Peter’s denial, he truly was in a place of questioning who Jesus was? After fighting on Jesus’ behalf in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter’s trust in who Jesus was took a dip.
Interestingly, when Jesus had the chance to confront him in John 21, he didn’t. He simply asked Peter a question, “Do you love me?”.
Jesus’ questions to us often cause us to squirm, because they’re not simply looking for an answer, they’re demanding a response. What would our response be to that “simple” question?
Every four weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what God has taught them over the last month.
This week, it’s one of our 7 resident Floridians, Jaci Cauvel. She reflects on the topics of fear and courage that we've explored over the last few weeks.
Doing what you believe is truly right without knowing what the outcome truly is. We take quick glimpses into five stories of courage. A young Daniel and his friends had nothing between them and the king’s power except God Almighty. David had to recall the times he faced challenges when he took on the giant Goliath. Joshua needed courage when it was his turn to take the mantle from Moses. It took courage for Elijah to face the wilderness with just the promises from God ringing in his ears. As the disciples gathered behind closed doors in the wake of Jesus’ death they needed courage that the Lord was going to fulfil what he had promised. What is your story of courage?
Adam and Eve failed and when they did, they wanted to close their eyes, stick their fingers in their ears and go into hiding. Why were they so afraid?
In the storm in Matthew 8, Jesus asked the disciples “why are you so afraid?” What was Jesus pressing at here?
Every four weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what God has taught them over the last month.
This week, it’s Queen of the Castle, Carolyn Dawson. She shares her experiences of healthy spiritual rhythms, contemplation and curiosity.
Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. It all seems so simple yet so hard to consistently live out in practice. Today we looked at the importance of asking for help, asking the right questions and asking others about their journey. It’s all held together by living a life of wisdom, chasing after it through our relationship with the Lord and those around us.
What changes do I need to make so I can finish well? We're going to look at three areas:
- Contemplation: the need to pay close attention.
- Compassion: when the only judgement we make is every person is made in the image of God and they’re worth Jesus giving his life for.
- Curiosity: a childlike wonder causing us to ask “why?” The overarching attribute is humility. Humility is the ability to say I was wrong, or I need help. It allows us to love others well.
As any long-distance runner will tell you, the most challenging moment in a race is the wall. Everything is telling you to stop, but to finish, you must press on.
The people who make a difference to those around them are those who press through difficult times.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that not only is the race worth winning, but there are people who are cheering us on.
Have we lost our surprise, wonder and awe? Without these, we lose that childlike amazement in God’s kingdom. God wants us to see the world how he sees it. So how do we discover enchantment?
Every four weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what God has taught them over the last month.
This week, it’s Lord of the Rings fan, Andrew! He discusses the themes explored in the Walk This Way series with Neil, including resilience and humanity.
Matt 6:12 is the one part of the Lord’s Prayer that seems to require something of us: “as we forgive”.
Jesus wanted his hearers to hear that Forgiveness is the kingdom way of living.
Luke 23:34 one of the most shocking and one of the most beautiful prayers Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing. We are to have the same attitude as Jesus.
If we are to love and forgive our enemies, there is nobody excluded from who we offer love and forgiveness.
Glen Mitchell is Director of Tearfund Northern Ireland, an international aid and development organisation that works in more than 50 countries around the world.
Tearfund works with churches to help them bring change and transformation to their communities. They only work in places of extreme poverty helping churches in those places to bring about holistic life transformation.
Here, Glen shares his heart to reach the oppressed and challenges us not to over-spiritualise the sentiments in Luke 4 where Jesus explains his mission. The challenge is to seek to bring real help to real needs.
The story of Hannah is the story of a woman who is resilient. As we read her story we can learn from how she walked through pain, sadness and a season of an unfulfilled dream.
Developing resilience requires us to shift our focus from the end goal to the process we are in to get there. What if God is more interested in our journey and than he is in the destination?
Can we be people like Hannah who are resilient in our identities and resilient in our faith?
David and Cheryl Bailie along with their family of three boys are currently working in Belfast.
Originally from Dromore, David and Cheryl have worked all over. From “Youth for Christ” to OM ships. From Australia to the south of Ireland. And, now, in Belfast, their lives have been a story of obedience to God’s leading.
Here they let us into their story and help us as we ask God to show us what he’s doing in our community. How do we weave ourselves into the fabric of our village?
“Let’s find a home for every child who needs one.“ Home For Good’s Judith Dawson makes Foster Care Fortnight with a few reflections. She shares her experiences and helps us to consider which steps to take as we support kids and parents in the care system.
Very quickly in Jesus ministry, his message attracted a multitude of intrigued people. Jesus’ time on earth introduced the world to the kingdom way. The way of restoration, rescue and healing.
We look briefly at three stories of the kingdom encounters with Jesus.
The paralytic man The woman with the issue of blood. The demon-possessed man.
Judgement isolates people and puts them to shame, widening the gap between us and them.
As we continue to look at the way of Jesus, we examine the story of the adulterous woman who was facing judgement from the baying crowd. Instead of rubber-stamping their condemnation, Jesus switched the focus to those holding the stones.
Quite often in the church, we love the name of Jesus because he saves us, but we have a problem with the way of Jesus because he saves “them“.
Every four weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what God has taught them over the last month.
This week, it’s coffee-loving Jesse. With Amy, he ponders the themes explored in the Walk This Way series, including doubt and legacy.
How do we live as counter-cultural people as we think, act and serve differently?
As a generation, what legacy do we hope to leave, as we endeavour to live the way of Jesus? Living as a chosen people doesn’t always mean it’s easy!
Between the resurrection and the great commission is this little verse. A verse that’s rarely mentioned. Why? How can the disciples see the risen Jesus and still doubt? Do our doubts disqualify us from faith?
Maybe it’s not doubting that causes people to abandon faith, rather people abandon their faith because they’re not allowed to doubt.
We are looking at power. Not in having power, but the influence it has in different areas of our lives that impacts our walk with God and the world around us.
With principles taken from the story of The Good Samaritan found in Luke 10, we will see the effects of the power of our choice, religious rituals, our own bias and others influence over us.
A fresh look at the story of the woman at the well.
Samaria was seen by the Jews as unclean. The Samaritans were created out of the split earlier in the history of Israel. So in many aspects, theologically, morally they differed.
Bring into the mix the cultural attitude towards women. Society and religion dictated that women shouldn’t be spoken to by anyone other than their husbands. So when Jesus approached a woman in the “other” tribe, he was breaking a whole set of cultural rules.
What resulted was a moment of utter compassion. The challenge for us is, are we prepared to break with what culture dictates and walk the way of Jesus?
Every four weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they’ve gotten rid of, and what habits they’ve picked up, as well as reflecting on talks over the last few weeks. This week, we welcome back Frances Anderson. Frances talks about her experiences of life and love as a stepchild and a part of Barnardos.
The greek for hate (μισέω) means to disregard or dismiss. We may say we don’t hate others, but how often to we disregard or dismiss. Can we, therefore, claim we are living the way of love?
Devotion to God is authenticated by how we treat people. It’s degrading when we build a relationship with people for our own hidden agenda.
As Christians, we are not promised an easy life. It is more important to remember your inheritance and what you carry.
So no matter the culture you find yourself in, you are not obliged to give in to the flesh. As a result, you may face resistance and possibly suffer persecution. Some Christians may see being different to preach the gospel, but Peter suggests there's more to what we carry: sympathy, love, compassion and humility. Maybe bringing the gospel is more than just what comes out of our mouths, but our whole selves.
What is so much better than Gifts of the Spirit?
When we look at the teachings of Jesus, when he says the second command (love your neighbour) is like the first (love God), what he means is it is of the same magnitude, not an add-on.
When Jesus confronts the Pharisees, he challenges their hypocritical practices: laying rule, laws and burdens onto those around them, without lifting a finger to help. Everything that religion prioritised Jesus was now replacing.
There is no point in saying you love God when you can’t love the person next to you. Are we people who live by the Way of Law, or the Way of Love?
Every four weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they’ve gotten rid of, and what habits they’ve picked up, as well as reflecting on talks over the last few weeks. This week, it’s lover-of-agriculture (and businessman) Neville Garland
The god you serve is reflected in how you speak.
Words have the power to create or destroy. We speak all day but rarely think about what you say. As Christians, it’s our job to steward the words that come out of our mouths.
Everything we need to know about God can be seen through Jesus. He is the Word of God: the authority, the creator. Are we going to build our lives on the words of Jesus or the words of the enemy?
Productivity has a place. But it’s defined by measurable goals. Fruitfulness is different.
Jesus reminds us our fruitfulness is not about what we do but who we are and who he is. When we live by the Spirit, we bear fruit.
So what does fruitfulness look like for you in this season?
How do we relate to God and other people?
The only person who can truly know us is our Father in heaven. When other people don’t fully understand the road you’re walking on, He does. God doesn’t skip over the parts of our life that are hard. He invites us into a place where you can be raw and real.
Lila explores some thoughts around how we relate to God and how we relate to other people.
When Paul describes love, the first attribute he lists is “patience”.
Impatience lies within us. And if you’re a product of the West, impatience is particularly prevalent. If it’s not nipped in the bud, generations will reap the cost of instant gratification.
We’ve also become an instant disappointment. As a result, we’ve become averse to suffering.
To suffer with, requires patience, to slow down. Our instant reaction is to fix: to find a Bible verse, to have the solution.
Compassion requires patience. It requires us to suffer alongside someone.
What does “home” mean to you? As we live as salt and light we look to help those in our neighbourhood feel at home.
You don’t have to spend a long time on social media to see that our world is broken and fragmented.
What we can bring is reconciliation and stability. Stability means to stand and endure. In a culture (even within church) to shop around, Jesus contrasts, by dwelling in the community he was in.
What can Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation teach us about community?
We’re all want to be loved, missed and needed. We explore 4 stories and 4 spaces of belonging. These misfits in the stories who didn’t feel they belong found belonging in the Father.
We are called to create a space where people can come just as they are.
Maybe, like Amy, over lockdown, you’ve gained a new appreciation for home and the nearby community.
A lot of the early church consisted of gatherings in homes. Homes are where people can come as they are, and be accepted unconditionally.
Although COVID restrictions mean having people round at our house isn’t always possible, we can still ask the question: can we carry the heart of a homemaker with us as we meet people where they are?
For the people who are watching my life, what is the reputation of God?
The Greek for “glory” is δόξα (doxa), which means “good opinion”.
If we want to give the right opinion, in seeing the life of Jesus, we give him glory by laying our lives down.
Four stories where faith and expectations are rewarded.
The paralysed man, as told in Luke 5, who was lowered from the roof. His friends hoped Jesus would be able to change his situation.
The woman, who was described in Luke 8 as being subject to bleeding for twelve years. Having been through so much suffering, shame and low self-worth, she just wanted to get close to Jesus.
In Mark 10, blind Bartimaeus spent his days on a roadside outside Jericho begging. When he heard Jesus, he cried out causing a commotion, but his faith healed him.
Finally, in Acts 3, Peter and John encounter a lame man, who sat outside a place of worship each day begging. Expecting money, Peter and John explained they had no coins. Instead they had something better. Life changing.
In this advent season, we learn that Jesus is Light, but in Matthew 5, Jesus says to his people: you are light. Is this a different light? No. We are conduits of the same light.
Transformation means renewing and restoring. It also means giving away that renewal and restoration to other people. What does transformation look like? How does it happen?
We cannot be the “salt of the earth” if we separate ourselves from the decay.
In warm climates, salt did much more than flavour the food. It was a natural preservative. This raises the question as Jesus uses it to describe his Kingdom: did Jesus come to preserve traditions or morals, or is it something else?
Salt needs to be connected with the thing it’s preserving. Could it be that we are to get involved in the mess and dirt of this world in order to be effective?
Also, salt should enhance the flavour – not overpower it. Is our job to enrich what God has presented to us, rather than replace it?
Sometimes we can claim we’re being persecuted, when I’m reality it’s not persecution at all.
Following Jesus puts love at the centre of everything we do. When we love as Jesus does, and refuse to take a "side", we are risking being hated by both sides.
The love of Jesus includes. There is no “them”.
The way of peacemaking is incredibly costly.
The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is so much more than what we understand it to be. We can reduce it to an internal state of wellbeing, or lack of conflict. Rather it’s a state of wholeness. Not just in an individual level.
Humanity has consistently shown a strange obsession with violence. Jesus, however, shows us the way of “peace”. He’s constantly revealing another way.
Purity is not about what we do. It’s not about the external. It’s also not without doing something about what you’re thinking and praying. We need to reconcile our inside with our outside. When our actions and our thinking are different we have a divided heart.
Are we too focused on judgement and being right, that we’ve forgotten how to be merciful? James 2:13 says people who judge without mercy, will be shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement. We are in no position to ever look down on someone else.
Things are not ok. Families are separated, the poor are continuing to be oppressed, and the earth is groaning.
But Jesus says “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”. This can also mean “justice”. The Kingdom is a mix between the “already” and the “not yet”. In this instance, the “not yet” is the fact that things are not as they should be. But, the promise is that those who hunger for things to be made right, will be satisfied.
For us to understand this Beatitude, it's important to understand who Jesus is referring to. Meekness isn't something that should be pursued. It's meekness that happens to a person.
The "meek" Matthew refers to are the Others. The oppressed, the marginalised, the people born into the "wrong" families. But, for these people, Jesus has good news. For those of us who are privileged, this is a confrontation to our position and a challenge to see others differently.
In our fast-moving society, it’s possible we have lost the art of grief and lamenting. Maybe it’s even seen as a lack of faith.
In Isaiah 61, the people mourn because they’ve been exiled from all that they’ve known and loved. Jesus echoes the words of Isaiah — that there is comfort for those who mourn.
In Luke 18, Jesus tells the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, which challenges the self-righteous.
And as we look at the first of the Beatitudes, we are challenged that "our brokenness is not something to hide, it's the price of admission". If you're broken, you belong!
It's our first Sunday back together physically since lockdown began. We're beginning this season with a series on the famous passage from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5: the "Beatitudes".
Episode 5. Over the next few weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they've gotten rid of, and what habits they've picked up. This week, it's technology wizard, Andrew.
Episode 4. Over the next few weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they've gotten rid of, and what habits they've picked up. This week, it's singer and mum, Nicola McBride
Episode 3. Over the next few weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they've gotten rid of, and what habits they've picked up. This week, it's the turn of the multi-talented Chaviels – Jenna and Puma.
Episode 2. Over the next few weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they've gotten rid of, and what habits they've picked up. This week, it's "coffee scientist" Jesse Lampe
Over the next few weeks we will be checking in with some of our church family, and asking what the Lord has taught them during the COVID-19 lockdown period: what habits they've gotten rid of, and what habits they've picked up. This week, it's "international traveller" Nigel Burrows.
Over the last few weeks, we've been challenged by how we love people who are not like us. In this, we're exploring the risks it takes to head outside of what we're used to, but also the fruit that doing this produces.
We're continuing to be challenged by the Book of Acts. Paul was willing to risk his life to fight for the "other side". He, along with Barnabas argued passionately with the religious leaders that it was not necessary that their demands were met for people to enter the Kingdom of God.
What happens when we are willing to cross over to the ‘other side’? We return to the Book of Acts this week. Following an encounter with an angel, Peter sets out to bring the gospel to the Gentiles – the “Others”.
Jesus through the story of the Good Samaritan shows how all can be part of the Kingdom. What does he teach us about loving our neighbour well?
Acts 8 recounts the story of the Ethiopian treasurer. God chased after him as he walked away from Jerusalem, and the Spirit sent Philip to meet him. What did God see in someone who was seen by many as a "lesser" man?
In this season it can be easy to become overwhelmed with what we have around us or are facing on a daily basis, but the kingdom of God is one of "opposites", less is more, lower is higher and simple is significant. In this talk we look at how God wants us to start where we are with what we have, it’s not about what it is now but what it becomes. It’s time to go on a journey with God.
Twice, Jesus brought his disciples up a mountain to pray. One time was met with sadness and sorrow as Jesus prepared for his death. The other time – Jesus' transfiguration – they saw his glory. God makes it clear that what he has to say is through his Son.
Part 11 of 12 weeks of spiritual disciplines, based on the book by Richard Foster. This week we are focussing on "guidance".
When God interrupted Moses’ routine and appeared to him through the burning bush in the wilderness, he revealed his name, and his nature: the desire to free his people from bondage.
Part 10 of 12 weeks of spiritual disciplines, based on the book by Richard Foster. This week we are focussing on "worship".
We all face disappointments in life. But sometimes we allow ourselves to become comfortable with being disappointed. When that happens, not only can it affect our identity, but it can affect our relationship with God and impact our ability to have compassion for our communities. What can we learn from the Parable of the Prodigal Son about how to deal with our disappointment?
What was it that sustained Jesus during his time of testing in the wilderness, which caused him to come out in the power of the Spirit? With Jesus as our example, what is it we need to change in our lives when we come out of this place of testing?
Repentance. It’s one of those words that scares, confuses or is misunderstood.
My heart is that we get a basic grasp that of the power and beauty that there is in repentance. The fact that it is the building block of our relationship with Jesus.
It’s not an event that takes place once but a choice to enter a journey that draws you closer to God and closer to the people around you. It’s something that brings freedom and fullness of life.
How do you view the Father? Do we see him as a figure of condemnation and judgement or a person of kindness? All the way through Scripture, the Father continually shows his fairness, love and kindness to his people. Are we guilty of projecting our own selfish desires onto God, or are we prepared to recognise him as one who goes after the guilty to show them love and compassion?
What will the people of God be remembered for in this great time of change? The fruit of the spirit — kindness and goodness — has been spoken deep into all our hearts! Will we allow these fruits to speak to the world around us?
When Paul was writing to the Colossian Christians, he was writing from prison. He’s writing to them to remind them who they are, but more importantly, who Jesus is.
After the Resurrection, the immediate responses from the people who met him – Peter, Thomas and the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus – were a mixture of discouragement and doubt. But we also get a chance to hear Jesus’ response to them, which is quite surprising.
God's plan was to dwell with his people. Easter marks that point in history where the division between God and man was torn in two, death was defeated and a new Kingdom, and a new hope, was established.
We are a Kingdom of priests. And during this time, it’s time to dig ditches that God will fill with water.
When his army was surrounded, and there was no water, Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet. The Lord came to Elisha and said he would fill the ditches and pools with water. Soon there was more than enough.
Later, in the New Testament, Jesus asked the disciples to gather the crumbs left by the Five Thousand. There were exactly twelve small baskets. Enough provision for the twelve disciples.
As we spend time in our homes during lockdown, now is the time when we dig our ditches and wait on God to fill them.
These times have proven that the world is a very uncertain place, therefore we should not hold on to earthly treasure.
Lockdown exposes where your heart truly is. What you miss the most reveals what you value. In Matthew 6, Jesus reminds us that our treasure is in heaven and if we seek his Kingdom first, all other things will be an addition.
Frances shares her story of becoming a mother. How God has brought her through difficult times to becoming a mother-figure to many people.
Within the enemy's army, David faced, there was Goliath. A man standing nine foot tall. When ordinary people are called to face extraordinary situations, He often calls us to think differently – often outside the norm. In these extraordinary times, you and I are called to think with Kingdom mindsets and speak into lives.
Our vision for our lives, church and community is to see “transformation”.
Complimenting the values of the church (SIMPLE), we believe that to see transformation there must be a balance in our relationships.
Using the triangle metaphor, the “UP” represents how we love God. “IN” is how we love one another, and “OUT” is the love we have for our community.
What are the deeds of your first love?
When Jesus visited the Seven Churches in Revelation, his warning to the Church in Ephesus likely took the “good looking” church by surprise. Despite their hard work and perseverance, they had left their first love.
One hundred years after the warning, the once-thriving church was no more.
How many churches throughout history are either no more or a shadow of their former self? We need to get back to our first love. Who, or what, do we love? Is the love of Jesus central to the life of the church?
The scriptures can be used to make a point, or even condemn. But they always point to Jesus.
2 practical approaches: Lectio divina (eg. Psalm 1) Find yourself in the story (eg. John 9)
What does it take for us to realise that we are Sons and Daughters? Understanding who we are in Christ can change, dramatically, how we do Church. It turns out, according to Jesus, water is thicker than blood.
Of course missional living involves going out and serving, but it begins where you are right now: how you serve missionally in your local church family.
Our dream is that we are so missional that we take every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially "to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith".
Instead of staying in our own corner, what would it be like to be a church that dwells among the people? The model often presented is the "attractional" model, whereas the model presented by Jesus was to "go and dwell".
We return to the word Ekklesia, which is the called out people for the welfare of a community.
As we start at the end of SIMPLE, E (representing "Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere") how do meet the welfare of our workplaces, schools and social gatherings?
We remind ourselves of the need for a five-fold ministry – especially the need for the areas forgotten by many, apostleship and prophecy.
Five years ago we set out our church values. At the start of 2020, it feels appropriate to revisit them. This time we will be approaching it in reverse order. In three weeks, we will be looking at P (Presence and Prayer), and to prepare we are suggesting we fast as a church. We want to hear from God, but to do so we need to posture ourselves to listen.
As we look to a new year and a new decade, we are suggesting eternal life isn't something that happens later but starts now. We ask the questions, "What is God asking us, and how do we respond?"
God's upside-down Kingdom was established in humility rather than earthly majesty. Christmas has become a difficult time of the year for those on the margins of society, counter to what Jesus came to do. He came to set free the poor and oppressed.
Between God making a promise and fulfilling the promise, there can be long periods of silence.
Saul never pursued the presence of God. And for a whole generation no one encountered Him. When David became king he led by example: he became vulnerable so the glory of God could shine through.
What is it that breaks your heart? What risk are you going to take? Simply going to church and attending meetings is not going to change the neighbourhood around us. What are we willing to sacrifice?
Our vocation is what we bring to the world we’re in. What if our vocation was a vehicle for bringing the kingdom to our workplaces? Here’s the challenge: what do we do with our gifts and talents?
What would it look like if we lived questionable lives? That people would take notice and ask questions. We still need all five gifts because the church is not yet united. We are designed to flourish at home and in our workplaces until his e we irk is complete in us.
Jenna and Andrew share their thoughts on being a Christian in the workplace. Neil introduces the morning by suggesting separating work and worship is a mistake, in fact both share the same Hebrew word: 'avoda'
Neville tells his story of how he got to where he is now and what he's looking forward to in his life as a church leader.
Christ died so that you would know freedom from the rules and traditions. When we focus on the 'don't's we deny the joy in freedom.
Standing in front of a cave in Caeserea Philippi, Jesus promised to build his church and the gates of hell, represented by the gate, would not overcome it.
The church is not Sunday morning meetings, programmes or even the kingdom. It’s you and me — the people.
When we say the word holiness, the way we act, where we go and, even, what we wear comes to mind.
As we look into Scripture and what it says on the subject, it becomes more apparent that it’s about what we’re devoted to. As we become more and more like Christ in how we love others, our lives are now shaped by him and directed towards him.
The table is a gift, a tool and a weapon. How often we take communion and where we take it is not important. It is our posture that matters. The bread and the wine carry a lot of meaning, but the key to the bread is thankfulness, and the wine is proclamation.
In a world of increasing judgement the church needs to communicate grace. Every person you meet, Jesus has said “yes” to.
As we read Galatians we see that Paul was hurt to see that shortly after he preached a gospel of grace, the church fell foul to the religious ideologies that infiltrated the church shortly after.
There have been 100 million songs written about love and 700 films have been released this year that have love as a theme. There are hundreds of online dating apps. Love seems to be everywhere, but this is clearly a broken world. The essence of God is love – so what does this mean to a world that has often misunderstood the real meaning of love?
As we continue to look at the Bride of Christ, we need to challenge the "church shopping" culture that is slowly weakening the core focus of why the church exists.
Church shopping means we focus on the performance, the preaching and the professionalism and we miss the goal of worship Abba Father.
The start of a new series focussing on the Church: an institution that is loved and hated both inside and outside of it. Have we forgotten why Christ designed it how he did? Have we elevated the wrong things and forgotten the aspects that truly make it shine?
Purely by existing we're significant to God. But in God's kingdom things are a bit more upside-down, and what significance looks like in society is different to what it looks like in the kingdom. Quite often, it's the ones who recognise their smallness, and God's bigness and find comfort in that.
In India there is a Caste system that divides people based on their social status. The lowest are called the Dalits. These people had become known as the untouchables, considered lower than the animals. Jesus made a point of – not only meeting people like the lepers – but touching them. If we're honest we can probably name the types of people we would consider too unclean to touch. Can we change this?
We often get wrong how we treat people outside the church. We're quick to point out where people are breaking the "rules", where we should be approaching the situation with an ear to listen and a heart to love.
There is no doubt that a great desire in our churches is to see people saved; to see our communities transformed; to see breakthrough with out friends and family. Jesus' desire is for us to listen to him and obey him. Only then, will we see lives changed.
It's relatively easy to "share the Gospel" with our words, but – looking at Paul and Silas' story in Acts 16 and 17 – carrying the Gospel in how we live is where the real challenge is.
In Acts 19, Paul demonstrated that what he was able to do in his ministry depended on a deep relationship with the Father. Can love and authority go hand-in-hand? If anything, what Paul showed, was – as a Christian – it can't be anything else.
Have we become so accustomed to being cautious that it's become a form of laziness? A laziness that's missing out on what Jesus has for us? The Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit – the Wild Goose. It's a contrast from the peaceful dove that's become synonymous with it. However, they considered it to be something untameable.
Christ called us to repentance. Not just from the obvious sins in our lives, but a repentance from a way of thinking. A thinking that's been allowed to take root, causing us to become… stuck.
On his way to see Jairus's sick daughter, a woman, who had been bleeding for twelve years, touched his clothes and she was immediately healed. A story we've heard so often carries much more weight than we often give it credit for. This woman is symbolic of a rejected people, but her simple faith brought her into a position of family with Christ.
Sometimes we need reminded that we are sons and daughters, united in the Father. Sadly, the church does not always display this truth and divisions can cause an orphan spirit to enter. Let's remember the truth… that God loves us and longs for us to love one-another.
On Pentecost Sunday, we look at Acts 2, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The gifts that we're given have purpose in the kingdom of God. As we spread the word, in our families, communities, and beyond, without the power of the Holy Spirit, we're very limited.
As we read the three familiar parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son, it takes a moment to turn our mind to the person – or the people – who are not the focus of the story. We might learn surprising things about ourselves, and God himself.
The Parable of the Talents has brutal truth about what happens when we don't invest what we've been entrusted with. Jesus repeatedly charges his disciples with the thought that if you can be entrusted with the small things, he will move you on to greater things.
Note: Sermon begins at 09:00
What if we were to see God move in our community in a way that people encounter Jesus for the first time – in a real, life-changing way?
If the Bible is not a rule book, or an owner’s manual (as it’s often – wrongly – described), then what is it. Well, it’s certainly not easy to understand. Especially where God seems uncharacteristically cruel.
We are comfortable where we are. We’ve been freed, why step into enemy territory? We need a Caleb. A spirit that gets rid of settling for mediocrity. It can be done.
Practically walking through our towns or villages means we can’t help but intentionally pray for places and people in our community.
As the Father calls us out into the water, how does a church fellowship become a vital part in the community around it. We also look at the inspiration behind the old spiritual and gleam lessons from this period in history.
When Jesus first appeared to the disciples in the upper room, the first thing he said was "shalom" (peace be with you).
The conclusion of our two-parter looking at the book of Esther. Esther and Mordecai face a new adversary in the form of Haman.
First of a Two-Parter looking at the book of Esther. What are the parallels between the kings and Jesus; Esther and the Church? This week we look at three aspects of Esther's character: obedience, trustworthiness and attitude.
Women: don't let your gender be the reason you can't fulfil God's call on your life. Neil looks at Romans 16 – rarely preached on – and finds how women were key to the growth of the early church.
What is it I'm giving away for the sake of my community that is costly? What am I willing to sacrifice? We can't worship without surrendering.
If we are wanting to just get through – just to stay on the shore – we will be content to sing songs on a Sunday, with our one-hour devotions, with attending meetings, but what does it mean to go after "breakthrough"? To worship in spirit and truth?
We're living in a place and in a time where God seems silence. Maybe he's looking for a people who are going to posture themselves to listen to him.
Search me, O God. Test me. Know me. Maybe we need to stop, lie down, .let God search me, and lead me to wholeness.
If you're honest, you probably struggle to pray. And when you do it's hard to be real with God, even though that is what he wants with us. He wants us at our worst as well as our best.
When Jesus spoke, he spoke the words his Father gave him. His will wasn't his own but that of the Father's. How do we get to that place where we hear clearly from Him?
Going deeper with God isn't possible without going deeper in prayer. How do we align our heart's with His? Are we using language, such as 'give me' rather than 'show me'. Let's seek His kingdom first.
Mary and Joseph were just ordinary people, who, through simple obedience, discovered who they were and how they were seen through the eyes of the Father.
David continues our new series by looking at how we can go deeper when we let God define who we are.
The start of a new series, where we take things a bit deeper. What habits might be helpful in our search for a deeper relationship with God and those around us? Over the next few weeks we will be looking deeper into prayer, worship and relationship.
What if we were to seek his Kingdom come now? As we approach Christmas, how are we praying?
We're taking another look at imagination, and thinking beyond what we're accustomed to.
Elijah was an ordinary man, just like us. But he displayed some narcissistic tendencies. We explore his finding God, not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but in a still, small voice. Part 3 of Neville's dissection of the prophet Elijah looks at 1 Kings 19
Madlug's Dave Linton shares his story: how Madlug came into existence; how children in care don't have to leave with their lives in bin bags. And with it being Adoption Sunday, he shares his experience as a foster parent.
Part 2 of an exploration into the life of Elijah. (Kings 18:1 – 19:9). Elijah was an ordinary man. He made mistakes, but he was also a man of God and through him God was able to make himself known.
When ordinary people are obedient to an extraordinary God. A look into the person of Elijah.
Continuing from last week's talk on Communion, Neil looks at who Jesus extended the table to. And how the simple act of receiving, breaking and sharing can spark reconciliation.
Every church has a different tradition when it comes to the Lord's Table. What has the Bible got to say when it comes to who is worthy and how it should be done?
Joshua was one of only two people who left Egypt and made it to the Promised Land. Ronnie explores how his strength of character and the courage to step out and get his hands dirty helped him through.
The devil hates unity. It's our best defence. Yet, so often resentment amongst relationships creeps in.
A look at Matthew 18 and Matthew 7. Where two are three are gathered, how do we approach sin in a way that is loving, restorative and Christ-honouring?
God is always here. When is God's will not being done? Where is he not working? Maybe God has already showed up, he's just waiting for us to notice.
Neil introduces our new series looking at how people like you and me were able to make huge differences to in God's Kingdom.
Are we building our lives on performance or a "promise"? Our culture is performance-based, but is this undermining the promise or abundance God has on our lives?
Before his stoning, Stephen delivered a devastating message to his executioners. Instead of just putting ourselves in Stephen's shoes, how do we learn from what he has to teach us? How does the church save itself from missing the point entirely?
How does God's design for you cause you to bring fresh life and restoration to the community around you? How do we keep our minds from conforming? What, instead causes us to transform?
The debut of Fudge, aka Neil McMullan! How does the Holy Spirit empower the church to transform the community around it?
The conclusion of our two-parter on faith and doubt, looking at times where Jacob and Job wrestled with God, as well as exploring briefly what "covenant" means.
Is doubt such a bad thing? Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for asking questions. Our faith should not be in WHAT, but WHO.
Truth. Everyone's searching for it. And many people have claimed to have found it. What does Jesus mean when he claims that HE is the truth?
18 months ago the youngest child of Andrew and Lila was diagnosed with autism. They shared their story with us, looking at how the Bible talks about disability, as well as a few practical tips for how the church can better welcome people with disabilities.
What if normal looked like transforming our communities by compassion? What if normal was not just seeing people where they are at but calling out the potential we see in those around us? What if normal was living in relationship with our Heavenly Father?
We see how faithful God is when we read Daniel's story. Faith is submitting to the Father even when it's different from what we want. Faith comes from God's faithfulness not from what we can do. God is looking for people who will say 'I want to be faithful to you because you are faithful to me'
Jesus is more interested in revealing God as father than a distant deity. Jesus wasn't rescuing us from an angry God but He was revealing the truth of Who God is. Jesus is more interesting in restoring humanity than punishing it. Jesus is more interested in rescuing your future than condemning your past.
Be clear minded and alert. Being clear minded is linked with the hope we have. Are you ready to Endure? To keep making Jesus known? And can you do it with great patience?
We are called to be a people of unity and consistency but when you have unity and consistency battles are going to start. Be intentional, know your weaknesses and know your enemy. The enemy opposes us because : 1. I bring pleasure to God. 2. He is powerless to attack God. 3. He wants to prevent supernatural assistance.
Jesus is the only one who can really transform our pain. Will you invite Jesus into your story? Will you invite Him into your pain? Will you allow God to use your transformed pain to transform others?
David and Kris continue on from this morning's talk, looking at the cycle of healing when dealing with difficult relationships with mothers and fathers.
There are three types of people who follow God: 1. When it interests them 2. Out of obligation (religion) 3. To the very end.
Mark took a leap of faith to uproot and move into inner-city Craigavon to work alongside kids whose life aspirations would normally be dictated by their class. When the church moves in, things happen.
We hear a lot about the 'Father Heart of God' but we forget the significance of the Mother Heart of God. God brings comfort and nourishes us like a Mother. Genesis 1:26-27 Isaiah 66:11-13 Matthew 23:27
Do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers.(Galations 6:10)
We're living in a world where waiting is unpleasant. We need everything now. But God asks us to wait.
'to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up' Ephesians 4:12
- Jesus refuses to assume
- Listen before speaking
- Listen before labelling
- Listen with all your self.
hearing is an act of the senses. listening is an act of the will.
Being a good neighbour comes from being sure and certain of who you are: 1. Guard your self talk. 2. Stop comparing yourself to others. 3. Have an attitude of gratitude. 4. Add value to others. 5. Do the right thing even when its hard. 6. Practise small disciplines daily. 7. Celebrate the small victories. 8. Have a positive vision on you life 9. Take responsibility for your life.
Gareth looks at the story of Isaac and Ishmael and where two major religions: Christianity and Islam parted ways. What is the example God showed us that maybe counters our own approach to people of other religions and cultures? People are trapped by the culture by which they find themselves in. Are we? Are you? We must not let our fears and prejudices get in the way. Following God's example we should take initiative, serve and respond.
Neil shares his hopes and dreams for Grace Community Church in 2018. We are Family on Mission: witnesses in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.
if you want to experience something you haven't experienced before, you have to do something you have never done before. God wants a full hearted response not a half hearted response. Loving God with all our hearts, our souls, our strength and our minds.
He is who He promised to be. He is enough
Do you know God as your wonderful counsellor? He not only loves you he likes you.
Our greatest obstacle to the grace of God is our faithlessness and forgetting who He is and what He has done.
There are there areas God is continually developing in us 1. Character 2.Commitment 3.Courage When you are in need of courage remember God's Promises, remember His Presence and remember His Previous Works.
'This was not a successful time in history because some of the people sat still, we need to move for the Kingdom to advance.'
what do we want for our future generations??
A failure to obey is a failure to remember.
Remember Remove Rely Recipicate
When was the last time you went to the brook to pick up something that would have impact?
How many times do you go to the brook but you aren't really there?
God wants to give us a solid piece of theology, shaped and saturated by the Holy spirit.
Embrace who you are and get rid of "BUT I'M JUST..."! Humbly embrace that you're the one He loves the most and longs to use!
Where we go this summer, there are image bearer image bearers of god.
Are we willing to look at the rejected/depressed/lonely the way Jesus does?
We have a choice to live out our christian life through the lens of legalism or through the lens of adoption.
Household Management. Understanding the importance of surrendering all to God and knowing this is to be an eternal investment.
Don't underestimate the gift of friendship and partnership in the Gospel.
God doesn't take sides, he takes over
For a movement to be a movement it needs to keep moving
How relationships lead to ownership and influence. Paul gave people value before he influenced them.
God has made us managers over households; It doesn't belong to us it belongs to Him and He has tasked us with not only representing Him but unlocking our household's full potential to bring Him glory.
"If you want to find life, you have to give it"
"we can't go over, we can't go around it, we can't go over it, we have to go through it"
The resurrection isn't a surprise happy ending. The resurrection is a start of something new!
In Light of the cross we can surrender what we have been given by God and as result most the most of what we have been given.
The only way to find fulfilment it by living a life of self denial.
Does this attitude/thought/action reflect jesus on the cross?
Surrender is not: Pride, Preconceived ideas, Prejudice Surrender is: Provision, Protection, Prospering, Presence
Do you know how much God loves you? Does he really want to have a reason to save you from your sins?
"What Kind of House Are You Building For Me?" Jonathan Stanfield by Grace Community Church
'Condition of your heart' Hardness v Fruitfulness, Neville Garland by Grace Community Church