Ignite Life Church Gold Coast: Recent Episodes
Dr Rod
IgniteLife Church, Gold Coast. The church that models Jesus' Great Invitation: 'Follow Me'. A church plant within Australian Christian Churches, Qld & NT.
Are you a disciple of Jesus or merely a professing Christian? If you engage in a local church, you're in a small minority of the Australian population - about 3%. Governments in western countries, including Australia, are gradually privatising religion. Ultimately, they will outlaw it. Are you prepared to pay the price for being a disciple? You probably won't enjoy this sermon, but listen anyway.
Ps Rod presents the second in a series of sermons on discipleship. Here, he focuses on Matthew 11:28-32, the well-known 'Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden' scripture. He invites us to consider this scripture as applying to both the spiritual and political/economic life. He explains how Jesus is interested in both spiritual and political/economic realms and how the disciple embraces both.
In this sermon, Dr Rod explores what it means to be a disciple, to be committed to God's purpose, His principles and His plan. Rod suggests that God's overall purpose, revealed throughout the Bible is to fill the earth with people like Him and that His principles and plans stem from that purpose.
June was Pride Month in some of the 'western' nations. Some of the more outrageous behaviours were naked men riding bicycles (Seattle) and activists chanting, 'We're here, we're queer, we're coming for your children' in New York. Big business promoted Pride. Ps Rod objected to Pride Month on the ground that it sought to cancel women. In this sermon, he honours biological women by reference to some of the most courageous of the 400+ women who are recorded in the Bible.
In this sermon, Dr Rod, pastor at IgniteLife Church Gold Coast, relates a personal testimony about how God answered his prayer on leadership with two simple words - wisdom and compassion. He shares about how we can develop both.
Dr Rod concludes his two-pair series on how Christians should pray against what he calls, 'The Great Awokening' or the adoption of Cultural Marxism by those on the left. He reiterates that we should eschew anger at the people who espouse woke ideas but that we should pray and intercede without ceasing, not allowing ourselves to be discouraged if our prayer seems unproductive. We are warring against dark spiritual forces!
There is a major clash between classical (or historical) Christianity and Cultural Marxism. The growth of Cultural Marxism has been rapid since about 2010. In Australia today, Christians can lose their job just because they are Christians. Dr Rod St Hill explains why Cultural Marxism upsets Christians and discusses how we can pray against the 'Great Awokening.' This is Part 1 of a two-part series (to be continued next week)
Jesus used the parable of the sheep and goats in Matt 25. His words have inspired some Christians to argue that we should be building sheep nations now. Dr Rod explains the concept of the sheep nation and discusses the important motif of living under the grape vine and fig tree.
'The story of your life is the story of the long and brutal assault on your heart by the one who knows what you could be and fears it.' (John Eldridge)
Dr Rod continues his discussion on resilience. In this part, he notes five behaviours of resilient Christians. Towards the end of the discussion he recommends John Eldridge's recent book, Resilient, and the free app, 'One Minute Pause'.
In this discussion point, Ps Rod defines resilience as 'the quality of being able to break through all the life-altering challenges you face and move toward your destiny.' He explains that resilience is the biblical norm. In the Bible we find both exhortations to, and assurances of, resilience.
Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022, aged 96 years and having celebrated her Platinum Jubilee as Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations, Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. In this discussion point, Ps Rod attributes her 'stick-to-itivity' or resilience to her faith in Jesus. This is the first of two discussion points on resilience.
Early this year Ps Rod shared a word for IngiteLife. It was: And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God's remarkable lovingkindness and favour and goodwill] rested richly upon them all. (Acts 4:33 AMP)This discussion point is a reprise of that message, with an emphasis on generosity as the outworking of God's great grace.
It is undoubtedly true that most people, even some people who think of themselves as Christians, doubt the resurrection, yet without it Christianity fails utterly. In this Discussion Point, Ps Rod St Hill addresses four common objections to the resurrection.
If Jesus did not rise from the dead, he would have been guilty of blasphemy under the law. He wasn’t! We know this because God raised Him from the dead. The resurrection is historical fact. God vindicated Jesus!
Many of us have grown up believing that God is angry with us or will smite us for the smallest indiscretion. Nothing could be further from the truth! Matt Hallet shares from the Word of God and his own experience about the goodness of God.
On Palm Sunday we traditionally focus on the so-called triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (in early April, around 33 AD). It is arguable that things were set in motion for the crucifixion of Jesus by the public miracle of Lazarus raised to life by Jesus about four months earlier. Although nobody denied this miracle it divided the people between those who accepted that Jesus was who He said He was and those who wanted him killed, most likely because he disrupted their lives of wealth and power.
Many people like to live dangerously. They seek thrills and have spills. Here are some tips for true living dangerously. Speak the truth; take up your cross; given your life for others; let compassion motivate you; love the unloved; have the courage to forgive.
There are disagreements between Catholic and Protestant understandings of Matthew 16:13-19. Ps Rod explains the differences and focuses on what it means for protestants today. He touches on interpretations of 'binding and loosing' and explains ekklēsia. He notes that Catholic beliefs associated with (Simon) Peter underpin their notion of the magisterium of the church, something that is absent in protestant doctrine.
Ps Rod explains what it means to 'bloom where you are planted.' He offers three keys for blooming, namely, 'be resilient', 'be fruitful', and 'be righteous.'
In Acts 4:33 we read, 'And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God's remarkable lovingkindness and favour and goodwill] rested richly upon them all' (Amplified Bible). In this discussion point, Ps Rod explores what this might mean for the church in 2022. He suggests that if this verse is prophetic for 2022 we will be united, bold and generous.
Ps Rod continues his discussion of the importance of the local church. Among other things, he points to the 'church gathered' as a temple of God (Ephesians 2:21)
The Greek word ekklesia is usually translated ‘church’. Apparently this goes back to King James who instructed his translators to use ‘church’. Ekklesia is probably better translated as ‘assembly’ or ‘gathering’. Its common meaning at the time the New Testament was written was ‘an assembly of the called-out or elect.’ In this discussion point, Ps Rod explains why the local congregation is so important.
Malachi 3:8-10 is often used in messages about tithes and offerings, yet it could be argued that New Covenant blessing is based on faith rather than obedience to law. Ps Rod explores this idea and emphasises how important it is that Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf.
The book of Acts records the amazing impact of baptism in the Holy Spirit in the early church. Ps Rod lists 31 events in chapters 1 to 12 that demonstrate the empowering influence of the Holy Spirit.
Ps Keith uses Nehemiah and Jesus to describe our position in the world as a friend of God and enemy of the devil.
Revelation 18 records the future destruction of political and economic Babylon. Ps Rod explains this event in the 14th part of his series on the book of Revelation.
Theologian Michael Bird says that the cross is not enough. Ps Rod explores this idea. Did you know that the probability of the resurrection is 0.97. It’s almost a ‘dead’ certainty.
The first Christian might have been the criminal on the Criss to whom Jesus said, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise’. Ps Rod explains the good in Good Friday.
Ps Rod continues teaching on the book of Revelation. Among other things he contrasts the donkey of Palm Sunday with the white horse of Rev 19.
Ps Rod discusses research on the effectiveness of prayer. He explains why statistical analysis is problematic and outlines the biblical basis for prayer.
Last year we covered Revelation chs 1 to 16. That took 12 Discussion Points. In this Discussion Point, we return to Revelation. Chapter 17 describes the woman, ‘Babylon the Great, Mother of all Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World’, seated on a scarlet beast, and her destruction. Many commentators argue that the woman represents the apostate church which will be allowed global influence for a time during the tribulation period, but will then be totally destroyed by political leaders.
Is God really in control? Ps Rod presents some data and addresses the sovereignty of God. He explains determinism and free will and outlines the biblical principles of divine delegation and ambassadorship.
The core structure of Sunday Connect at IgniteLife Church Gold Coast is Worship, Communion, Word, Community. Ps Rod explains the biblical basis for all of these.
There are many blessings described in the Bible. In the Old Testament, blessings were contingent on obedience to the law. Now, blessings are provided by God by grace and we access them through faith. We don’t need miracles when we live the blessed life.
Ps Rod contrasts the Old Testament Sabbath Day with the New Testament Sabbath Rest. To the extent that we strive in the Christian life, we should ‘strive to enter His rest.’
In this discussion point, Ps Keith Walters explains how important it is to humble ourselves before God. Humility before God is the essence of greatness.
Have you ever wondered why living the Christian life seems so hard? Trials come to us all. Senior Pastor of the Ignite Life family of churches, Ps Keith Walters, shared on this subject at Sunday Connect today.
In this third part of a three-part series on marriage, Ps Rod addresses the issue of divorce. He cites infidelity, desertion and abuse as grounds for divorce.
In this discussion point Ps Suzette Torti presents a prophetic perspective on Jeremiah 29 that is a word in season for the IgniteLife community.
Michael (aka Robert) McCullough knows what it’s like to be a star. He also knows how lost we are without Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Listen to his testimony. You will be moved by it.
This is the second in a series on marriage. This part focuses on the purpose of marriage. It will help you understand why the Christian church generally teaches that marriage is a covenant relationship between a man and woman for life. Ps Rod uses scripture and data to explain the purpose of marriage.
Marriage is still popular and the majority of Australians think it is an important institution. In this discussion point, Ps Rod summaries Australian data on marriage and explains the high view of marriage held by Jesus.
1 Nov was our Mission Sunday. Ps Rod outlined five reasons for mission: the cultural mandate, the Great Invitation, the Great Commandment, the Great Commission and the civilising effects of Christian worldview.
Many Christians ask, ‘Does a Christian who commits suicide forfeit heaven?’ Ps Rod says, ‘No’ and explains why.
The ACC Queensland and Northern Territory State Conference was held last Tuesday. In this discussion point, Ps Rod summarises the addresses given by the State and National Presidents, Ps John Hunt and Ps Wayne Alcorn. Rod also emphasises the importance of voting Christianly in the Queensland State election on 31 October.
IgniteLife Church is committed to the ‘Three Greats’, the Great Invitation, the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. In summary: come, love, go. Ps Rod explains how these fit together and how the first two make the third possible.
Over a decade ago God spoke to Ps Rod about the need for the Pentecostal movements to get back to their roots. He shared about the humble, gracious, black preacher, William J Seymour whom God used to establish the foundation for the growth of Pentecostalism in the twentieth and twenty first centuries. It is that foundation that we need to get back to.
A prophecy was spoken over IgniteLife Church last year. Part of it was, ‘Your people are pillars.’ Ps Rod explained what he believes that prophecy means in this week’s discussion point.
In this discussion point, Ps Rod reminds us that what we say creates our world or, at least, our experience of the world. He used the incident when Jesus cursed the fig tree to illustrate the power of words.
This discussion point focuses on gratitude. There are many verses in the Bible that refer to gratitude and thankfulness. Ps Rod referred to 20 of them, from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Guest speaker, Craig O'Sullivan presented a timely discussion point on forgiveness with illusttrations from his own life and contributions from Ps Rod and Jeanette. Forgiveness is one of the most potent weapons of the Christian.
This is the last in the rapture series. Ps Rod concludes a discussion of post-tribulation rapture and warns against the 'pre-trib deception' and 'post-trib deception', both of which can distract us from kingdom works in the here and now.
This discussion point focuses on the abomination of desolation described by Daniel, Jesus and John. There were partial (or 'type') fulfillments in 167BC, and 70AD, but there will be a total fulfilment half-way through the tribulation period.
On Pentecost Sunday Ps Rod spoke on some encouraging aspects of the church today and into the future in the light of the first Pentecost experience.
In this discussion point, Ps Rod explains the meaning and significants of the best from the sea and beast from the earth that are describe in Revelation.
Ps Rod continues his series on the rapture. This is the first of a number of discussion points on post-tribulation rapture. This discussion point draws heavily on the systematic theology of Rodman Williams.
In this discussion point, Ps Rod argues that women and men are equal before God. We are 'co-workers' with God.
In this discussion point, Ps Rod concludes the case for pretribulation rapture drawing largely on the systematic theology of Norman Geisler.
Guest speaker, Craig O'Sullivan, shares on how we complement faith with action ('works').
In this Palm Sunday discussion point Dr Rod weaves together a number of themes - theological responses to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the mistake the crowds made in believing that Jesus was about to establish His kingdom on earth as he travelled to Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, how the Parable of the Minas was about how we should 'occupy until His return', and how there will come a time when God will use moral and natural evil to punish the wicked (the tribulation). The discussion point looks forward to a detailed focus on the rapture.
Healing and wholeness are the focus of this discussion point. Napoleon and Ps Rod share about worship, healing and faith.
In this discussion point Ps Rod discusses the meaning of the 144,000 saved from the tribes of Israel as set out in Revelation chapter 7.
Ps Rod analyses six of the seven seals that feature in Revelation chapter 6 in this discussion point.
In this discussion point Craig O’Sullivan delivered a powerful message about hiding from God.
In this discussion point Ps Rod uses Hebrews chapter 10 as the basis for a longer than usual communion message.
In this discussion point Ps Rod explains the letter to the church in Laodicea and summarises all seven letters in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis.
In this discussion point Ps Rod discusses the letters to the churches in Sardis and Philadelphia.
In this discussion point Ps Rod recapped on the vision message Ps Peka brought the week before.
In this discussion point Ps Peka outlined a vision for the future of Ignitelife churches.
Ps Rod continues his discussion of Revelation, looking at the letters to the churches in Pergamon and Thyatira.
In this discussion point Ps Rod explains the letters to the churches in Ephesus and Smyrna.
This discussion takes its inspiration from ‘The Way of the Shephard’ by William Pentak and Kevin Leman. It’s built around four simple ideas - connection, protection, direction and correction.
Before Pentecost Peter exhibited cowardice but he was transformed by baptism in the Holy Spirit and became a courageous leader of the early church. We, too, can be transformed as Peter was.
John Wesley had some exceptionally wise things to say about money. This discussion point focuses on his three principles - gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can. They are still relevant today.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has found its way into psychology, counselling, marketing, business management and other academic disciplines. Many in the church use it as a framework for thinking about the soul. Yet, there is no empirical support for it and it has no biblical support. Dr Rod explains how the work of the Holy Spirit transcends our needs and brings us peace and wholeness.
In this discussion point D’Wayne Wigley encourages us to pursue God, and not fall into the trap of pursuing the things of God. When we pursue God, the ‘things’ fall into place.
In this Mothers Day discussion point, Dr Rod presents brief stories of 6 Australians women and compares them to Phoebe, Lydia and Priscilla who are mentioned in the epistles.
There is a federal election scheduled for 18 May. Australians are among the too few in the world who have the privilege of democratic voting. It is important that Christian exercise their right to vote and to use their vote in a biblically wise manner. This discussion point is not about for whom you should vote, but how you should make your choices about candidates.
ANZAC Day was on 25 April. We usually devote Sunday Connect before ANZAC Day to remembering. This year Easter Sunday was just before ANZAC Day so our remembrance was held the Sunday after. In our discussion point we focused on how the First World War was influenced by and influenced religion, particularly Christianity and Islam. The world was changed because of the war and we still see that change today.
On Easter Sunday we asked the question, 'Which stone?' Which stone represents your faith? The stone of a whitewashed tomb that is filled with stench and dead bones, or the stone of the resurrection tomb that is empty because Jesus is alive?
Which crowd? Which crowd would you have been in? The crowd that cheered on Palm Sunday, or the crowd that jeered on Good Friday, or would you have been in both?
This discussion point completes a two-part series on how Christians ought to respond to street epistemology, an apparently innocent and innocuous approach to questioning belief.
Dr Rod introduces the concept of 'street epistemology', referring to Peter Boghossian who coined the term. He contrasted the definitions of faith typically used by atheists and pointed out that these definitions are not consistent with the definition used by solid Christian thinkers. The Christian faith is not blind faith by is faith based on evidence. Dr Rod discusses the evidence for faith.
Following Dr Rod's detailed discussion of tithing, this discussion point turns to the principles of generosity. He appeals to the book of Proverbs to find wisdom about generosity and notes that generosity and righteousness were 'two sides of the same coin' in Jewish thinking.
In this discussion point Dr Rod uses scripture to explain that we can make a transition from works-based (legalistic) giving to grace-based giving. He concludes by observing that the transition is a work of the Holy Spirit and that his own argument cannot persuade unless a person is open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Rod reiterates the words of Jesus, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
In this discussion point, Dr Rod explains the New Testament scriptures that refer to tithing. He argues that none of these scriptures supports the idea of tithing for the Christian.
Generosity Part 3 focuses on tithing. This discussion point is a detailed treatment of how tithing operated in the Old Testament, including before the Mosaic Law.
In this discussion point, Dr Rod explains how 1 Cor 9 provides the theological basis for supporting the local church. He contrasts this with the commonly preached tithing principle.
Dr Rod uses 2 Cor 9 in this discussion point to establish a spiritual basis for giving generously to special offerings to support brothers and sisters in need.
In this discussion point, Marc Correia shares about communion as celebration. We don't have to get all serious and morose when we have communion bequest Jesus rose victorious from the grave. We can celebrate His victory over death. Listen to this invitation to experience communion in a different way.
Dr Rod explores the biblical concept of 'seedtime and harvest' and points out that the teaching about 'seed, time, and harvest' is probably incorrect theologically. He points out that both seedtime and harvest require work.
In this discussion point, Dr Rod points out some fascinating facts about New Year Resolutions and offers some practical advice for achieving change in your life.
Dr Rod shared that he had an unshakeable sense that there is a fresh start at the beginning of 2019 and explained the promise by God in the Noahic covenant, 'Never again will I curse the land for the sake of man'. This was the most important fresh start in the whole of human history.
Dr Rod reflects on the human need for rescue after accidentally watching 'Aqua Man' and discusses the importance of a 'thank you' attidude.
In this discussion point, Dr Rod argues that the night of Jesus' birth was not a 'silent night'. It was, indeed, more 'Hark, the Herald Angels sing'. He suggests that the purpose of His birth was to bring 'enchantment' to the world.
This discussion point is a continuation of a series focused on how Christians 'do life' Monday to Saturday.
Louise Schache was our guest at IgniteLife today. She share a word with us about hope based on God's dealings with Israel in Ezekiel 36. He theme was centred on, 'This is what the sovereign Lord says...'. Her discussion was structured around four main points: He is urgent; He is jealous for what is his; He restores hope; He will remove your shame.
Ps Rod continues with the general themes of the 'community gospel'. In this discussion point he focuses on how we are meant to behave when it seems that the whole Christian church is under siege from the world.
Ps Jonah Gershibon Kawere from The Gib Church, Kampala challenges the church to recognise its three powerful weapons, namely, the Word, our Testimony and the Blood of Jesus.
Guest speaker, Dr Craig Murison encourage us today to stay the course. He emphasised how important it is to understand the 'why' of God's calling. It is the 'why' that gives the 'what' meaning.
Ps Jeff Frankham from C3 Church Ballina shared about how, when under attack, Jehoshaphat got desperate, turned up the volume and struck up the band. He challenged us to shout our way to victory!
In this discussion point, on Pentecost Sunday, Jeanette talks about relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit.
Taking the title of a children's story, Ainslie explains the three R's of faith - relationship with God, revelation from His word, and rest in His truth.
Prompted by a question, Dr Rod explored the meaning of the parable of the shrewd (or wicked) manager.
Dr Rod exhorts people to use their tongue carefully. Negative speech produces negative results. Positive speech produces positive results. Consider the 12 spies who went into the Promised Land.
This discussion point provides a brief overview of the Pentecostal and evangelical understanding of baby dedications.
In this discussion point Dr Rod describes the kind of faith that applies to us as post Resurrection Christians. Faith is a response to God's grace. Three faith responses to God's grace are submission to water baptism, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and engaging with the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification or becoming holy.
In our Good Friday discussion point Dr Rod spoke about the four cups of the Passover feast, noting that we remember the third cup in communion. Dr Rod noted the fact that Jesus partook of the fourth cup in His last moments alive on the cross.
In this testimony the Kroon family share a testimony of how God healed Hanni of a rare cancer. This is a testimony that will encourage you.
This is part 3 of a series of discussion points on healing. Dr Rod discussed the will of God, knowledge of the promises, the fallenness of the world and the nature of persecution.
This week Dr Rod continued on the them of faith and focused on the issue of, 'Why didn't I get healed?'. Dr Rod discussed the idea that healing is a 'kingdom thing', so is the privilege of those who are saved. He also discussed the difference between faith and unbelief. He made everyone uncomfortable by talking about known, wilful sin as a barrier to healing. Where sin is concerned, Dr Rod's advice was, 'Stop doing it!'.
This discussion point continues the series on faith. This is the first part of a two-part discussion point on healing, a foundational doctrine of Australian Christian Churches. Dr Rod explained the scriptural basis of healing as being available for all Christians as part of the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jeanette St Hill, who heads up the prophetic ministry at IgniteLife Church, shared on lessons from the book of Nehemiah. She shared how Nehemiah rebuilt a wall and a nation. So too, can we, in our own way in our own situation.
Dr Rod concludes his two-part discussion point on prosperity in the New Covenant. He points out that God delights in the prosperity of His servants and that prosperity is actually having enough to fulfil what God has called us each to do. We are not failures if we are not billionaires!
This discussion point focuses on God's provision for our prosperity in the New Covenant. Prosperity is not simply for our own enjoyment, but it is intended by God to be used to 'establish His covenant' and to support those in need.
This discussion point provides an introduction to faith. It focuses on the nature of God in terms of covenants and points out the danger of creating an Ishmael when God's best is an Isaac.
Dr Rod explains that Jehovah Jireh is not really a name of God, but 'the place of God's provision'. He encourages Christians to be in such close relationship with God that we know the location of our place of His provision.
In this discussion point, Dr Rod describes the character of both Jospeh and Mary, the earthly parents of Jesus and draws out principles for our own lives.
Dr Rod explains why he believes that the purpose of Sunday is to equip the saints for the works of service that God has called them to Monday to Saturday.
We often pray, 'Give us today our daily bread', but do we know how God answers? Through work! Dr Rod explored the biblical foundations of work in this discussion point.
In this discussion point Dr Rod explores the spiritual blessing associated with the New Covenant
In this discussion point Dr Rod explains the 'physical' blessings involved in the New Covenant.
Positive thinking is a Christian idea! This discussion point expands on Jack Canfield's 'thinking above the line' principle and encourages Christians to have a victor's mentality as opposed to a victim's mentality.
The doctrine of the Trinity has been accepted as foundational by most of the Christian church for over 1,600 years. Nevertheless, it is not easy to grasp. In this discussion point Dr Rod provides an introduction to this important doctrine.
This discussion point addresses the issue of Pentecost and empowerment for Christians. Dr Rod emphasises how important 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' is for the contemporary church.
In this discussion point, Dave addresses the issue of how a commitment to giving can create anxiety. He reminds us of the purpose of the law.
This discussion point is a reminder of why Australia commemorates events of the First World War.
Tithing is a controversial topic. Dr Rod unpacks tithing as presented in the Bible. He suggests that tithing embedded generosity into the life of Israel. Dr Rod shares insights from 40+ years of studying scriptures on tithing.
In this discussion point Dr Rod introduces the subject of generosity from the perspective of biblical representation. He makes the important point that, in the Old Testament, generosity and righteousness were two sides of the same coin. He contends that a Christian cannot be fulfilled as a 'new creation' unless generosity is as natural as breathing.
Palm Sunday is celebrated all over the world, but little seems to be said about how desperately oppressed most people were in the Roman Empire and that the cry, 'Hosanna' was as much a demand to be saved as it was a declaration of adoration. This discussion point provides some context for Palm Sunday.
Stewardship is a word bandied about a lot in Christian circles these days. In this discussion point Dr Rod presents a case that stewardship is best thought of as dominion over God's creation, with accountability to Him for how we exercise our dominion.
In this discussion point Jeanette explained that when the going gets rough she puts on the mind of Christ to help change her mind and circumstances. She puts on the armour of God to protect herself against the attack and lies of the enemy. She gave us a number of key scriptures to use to encourage ourselves in the Lord our God.
Encouraging yourself in the Lord your God is the theme for the first half of March. In today's discussion point, Dr Rod focused on David's reaction to a time of great distress. He encouraged himself in the Lord his God and then inquired of God what to do next. This is a good pattern for us to follow if we feel distressed by circumstances or people.
In today's discussion point Dr Rod focused on Ephesians 6:10-18 and made the point that the armour of God is intended to equip us for a spiritual battle in which the tactic is 'praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit'.
This discussion point is the first recorded at the new venue for IgniteLife Church. We are now at 2 Guara Grove, Pimpama at the Gold Coast, Queensland. It is fitting, therefore, that the title is 'Blessed'. Dr Rod summarised the Edenic, Noah, Abrahamic and Mosaic blessing and related them to the Christian.
Today, Dr Rod announced that Ignite Life was moving to a new venue and used that to lead into a discussion about the change that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives as we outwork our Christian faith.
Ainslie, Jeanette, Rod and David share about what impacted or challenged them as they joined 2,500 other worshippers at the Bethel Music Worship Night last Thursday at Citipointe Church in Brisbane.
Today, David discussed the strange truth that followers of Jesus are citizens of heaven, yet we live as sojourners on earth. He shared some of the insights of CS Lewis and left us with the challenge of living a life of purpose.
In this discussion point, Dr Rod built on the previous discussion point focusing on God's desire that each of us thrives this year. This year of 2017 is 'a time for me' (as in each one of us) to thrive, to follow Jesus full-time, and to answer His call on our lives.
This discussion point focuses on 2017: a time for me! Yes, God cares about you and this is your year. It is time for you to thrive, to follow Jesus full-time and to answer the call on your life.
Dr Rod referred to a controversial billboard advertising Christmas outside an Anglican church in Adelaide to introduce some of the scriptural truths about the birth of Jesus, most importantly, the attitudes of Joseph and Mary.
Ainslie presented the first discussion point for the Christmas season. She highlighted some things we tend to forget about the context of the 'baby Jesus'.
Don't worry it you feel a bit like 'Doubting Thomas'. Listen to this discussion point by David Sercombe.
In this discussion point Dr Rod reviewed the Old Testament laws surrounding the Sabbath Day, Sabbath Year and Year of Jubilee and pointed towards how we might respond in contemporary times.
In this discussion point Dr Rod considers the role of gratitude in the Christian life. He looks at the grumbling of Israel in the wilderness and the antidote to grumbling found in Philippians.
In this discussion point Dr Rod addresses the issue of what it means to be 'seated with Christ in heavenly places'. Being seated implies the finished work of the Cross and unity with Christ and all who are 'in Christ'.
In this discussion point, Dave presents another in his occasional series on church history. He focused on the great schism between the East and West a thousand years ago and emphasised how important was culture and language in the schism.
In this discussion point Dr Rod explores the relationship among events, our responses and their outcomes.
In this discussion point Dr Rod explores the one-chapter book of Jude (near the back of the Bible). He emphasises the need to be on the lookout for false teachers.
Dr Rod explained how glory is an attribute of God and man in this discussion point. He also noted the Hebrew and Greek meanings of the word. He concluded by suggesting how we might manifest glory today.
In this week's discussion point Ainslie shared on the centrality of praise and worship in the Christian life. It's always fashionable!
The discussion point this week focused on what the Bible says about the 'last days' and related biblical perspectives to the world happiness index.
This discussion point is based on 2 Peter 1:5-7. The upwardly mobile are those who are going to heaven! But what we do in this life matters!!!
This discussion point is based on the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They described Jesus as a prophet. But, He is much more than that. He is the Son of God with whom we can have a personal relationship.
This discussion point sets out principles of life in the Spirit, with the catchy title of 'Drive-By Fruiting'. Catch this discussion point by David Sercombe and learn about life as God intended it!
In this discussion point Dr Rod noted how important it is to read the Bible in the context of its mega-story of human history using the context-principle-application method. He gave some examples.
In this discussion point Dr Rod makes a sandwich from Romans 8. The slices of bread are 'no condemnation' and 'no separation' and the filling is 'no defeat'.
Today's discussion point was about the importance of having a dream and the assurance we have from Psalm 37 that God is interested in our dreams. Dr Rod shared about some of his dreams and testified of how God brought his dreams to pass.
The topic of today's discussion point was Character. Dr Rod used 2 Peter 1:1-11 as his text and talked about how the development of our character is the outcome of our salvation. He pointed out that the expression 'add to' does not mean a sequential development but that it is better understood as 'expansion'. It literally means 'supply'. Thus, our character is formed at the point of our salvation, but the outworking of our character in thought, speech and actions takes time.
This discussion point is about work - God ordains, sustains, inspires and requires work. The same Hebrew word may be translated as work, worship and service.
Dr Rod discusses the relationship between our Sunday experience and Monday reality. He explains that Ignite Life is committed to equipping people for their role in the marketplace.
Ignite Life Gold Coast discussion point for 19 June 2016. In this discussion point, David introduces church history from the time of the apostles to about 350 AD.