Geoff Snook Archives - The Lakes Church Cairns: Recent Episodes
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A church for everyone. No matter where you’ve come from, you’ll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church family with us.
As we begin this year, the mission and vision statements God led us to years ago are still big enough and sharp enough to guide us forward. Alongside these, a fresh focus that fits within our mission and vision will bring clarity to 2025. As Geoff set aside time to pray about 2025, a well-known phrase from Jesus in Matthew 16 immediately came to mind:
“I will build my church.”The more Geoff sat with this verse the more it resonated with him, and then with our Pastoral Leaders, as a focus for 2025. It fits with our continuing mission and vision statements. It fits with what God seems to be saying to other Churches of Christ across Queensland. It brings clarity and focus for the year.
Our mission is to love people and invite them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus.
Our vision is to be a church devoted to lifelong growth, healthy relationships, warm hospitality, walking with the wounded and introducing people to Jesus.
Our focus in 2025 is to stand on what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18,“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”We believe that God wants to remind us this year that he is building his church on the solid rock of who he is. Nothing will be able to stop him. We each have the privilege and responsibility of playing our part in Jesus’ project of building his church.
How does God want to place you in the building of his church in 2025?In our preaching and equipping this year we’ll expand on this focus through series like; the letters to the churches in Revelation, evangelism, spiritual warfare, our core beliefs as a church, unity, community and prayer and fasting. We’ll continue to be a church that exists not just for our own faith and growth, but also being always ready to invite others into our community as they encounter Jesus and begin growing with him.
We’ll continue to make time for friendship through small groups, meals and serving together. We’ll continue to raise up team leaders in ministry areas and begin gathering them together to take part in leadership of the whole church. We’ll look to use the Sunday night time slot in a creative way for community and discipleship. We’ll continue to look for the new things God is doing, listening for ideas that line up with our mission and vision and equipping people to develop those ideas.
On a practical level, a new 30 year land lease will place us at the beginning of a new era of ministry here. We need to be good stewards of the property and buildings we have, using and developing them in service to God and our wider community. This year we’ll explore adding a solar power system for ongoing sustainability. We’ll see if we can paint the outside of the church building to give it a fresh, inviting look that welcomes all people. And we’ll be open to developing the property in new ways as God leads.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Note: due to trouble with YouTube the audio from the video clips isn’t included in this livestream, however you’ll still be able to follow along with the message.
Faith at the Movies
Movies capture our hearts. They can transport us into imaginary worlds, paint a picture of better lives and take us on rollercoasters of emotion. We can enjoy movies as demonstrations of God’s gifts, creativity and storytelling.
Movies also have the power to shape our thoughts and our faith, which is why we should be intentional about what we watch and how we let it affect us. If we’re on the lookout, we can find godly and biblical truths in popular movies. We can celebrate these things and talk about them with our friends and family.
That’s what we’ll be doing in this series. Each Sunday we’ll pick a popular, family-friendly movie and use it to start a positive conversation about faith in Jesus. Join us from December 29 with your free entry to ‘Faith at the Movies’.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
All videos used by permission. CV09259, CV09260, CV09261, CV09262, CV09263, CV09264, CV09265, CV09266.
All music used by permission (CCLI #67413 and #491511).
The post Rogue One – Faith at the Movies (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.
NOTE: most of the video clips we showed in this message have been removed for copyright reasons. You can watch them on YouTube here:
Clip 1 (movie trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVEIgPeDCE
Clip 2 (The Cheese Touch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q39-jYaFWwg
Clip 3 (Rowley confronts Greg): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuE1dGgOfwg
Clip 4 (ending): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLZTz5F_jqM
Faith at the Movies
Movies capture our hearts. They can transport us into imaginary worlds, paint a picture of better lives and take us on rollercoasters of emotion. We can enjoy movies as demonstrations of God’s gifts, creativity and storytelling.
Movies also have the power to shape our thoughts and our faith, which is why we should be intentional about what we watch and how we let it affect us. If we’re on the lookout, we can find godly and biblical truths in popular movies. We can celebrate these things and talk about them with our friends and family.
That’s what we’ll be doing in this series. Each Sunday we’ll pick a popular, family-friendly movie and use it to start a positive conversation about faith in Jesus.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
All videos used by permission. CV03740, CV03742, CV03750.
The post Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Faith at the Movies (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.
The birth of Jesus wasn’t just about a baby—it was God’s plan to save the world. Sometimes we don’t understand God’s methods, but we can trust his mission. On Christmas Day, we celebrate how God’s story was and still is being written in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We can trust in God, through his Son, and commit our ordinary lives to his extraordinary story.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Mary was chosen by God for an incredible part of his story. While we may not carry the Saviour, we too are chosen to play a role in God’s purpose and plans. How is God calling you, and us, to be part of his extraordinary story? In this message we looked back across 2024 at the way God has been at work in our church and our lives.
In this message Geoff talked about our focuses in 2024. You can find all of the resources from 2024 here: http://www.thelakes.church/2024
Below are the photos Geoff showed and referred to during his message.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Jesus modelled radical hospitality—welcoming sinners, strangers, and the marginalised. Let’s explore the heart of biblical hospitality: welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us. Through his example, we learn how opening our homes and hearts to others reflects the love of God. Hospitality isn’t just about entertaining friends; it’s about embracing strangers and showing them love, too. We’ll point out some barriers to hospitality in our own lives and talk about how we can practice it with intentionality.
Discussion guide:
Read and reflect on Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, Matthew 25:40, Luke 10:25-37
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In what ways did Jesus’ hospitality go beyond what was socially expected in his time?
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How does the idea of hospitality extend beyond inviting people into your home? What other forms can it take?
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What makes it challenging to extend hospitality to those who are different from us or who make us uncomfortable?
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How does practicing hospitality reflect the good news of Jesus in everyday life?
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What steps can we take to make hospitality a consistent practice in our personal and church lives?
Personal Challenge: This week, identify one person or family—either a stranger or someone you don’t know well—and extend an invitation to share a meal, a coffee, or a conversation with them.
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Reading the Bible is just the beginning; living out its truths is the goal. This week, we’ll focus on practical ways to integrate the Bible into our daily lives and our community through meditation, journaling, and application. Reading and discussing the Bible together deepens our relationships and strengthens our faith. As we approach the Bible with intention and creativity, we’ll discover how it can transform not only our individual lives but also the life of our community.
Discussion guide
Read and reflect on Psalm 1, Joshua 1:8, James 1:22-25, Colossians 3:16
- How do these verses encourage and challenge you in the way you wield the Bible?
- What do these verses tell you about how the Bible was used by the early church?
- How can you implement more community-led reading or discussion around the bible in your small group, family or friendships?
- What will you take from this practice into your regular daily life going forward
- Personal challenge: Try and read the Bible in a way that is different than you normally do. See the practice guide for creative ways to engage with the Bible, individually and in community.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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The Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient texts; it’s a living, breathing story that has the power to transform our lives. We’ll explore how the Bible reveals God’s redemptive story and how we can live in, and from, this truth. We’ll reflect on the purpose of the Bible and how it can shape our lives. We’ll commit to engaging with the Bible in a more meaningful way.
Discussion guide
Read and reflect on Hebrews 1:1-2, Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12
1. What do you think the Bible’s purpose is?
2. How has the Bible shaped your life?
3. If you had to sum up the story of the whole Bible in 1-2 sentences, what would you say?
4. What does it mean to live in God’s redemptive story compared to the alternative story of today’s culture?
Personal challenge: Taking inspiration from the suggestions in the practice guide and make a plan to read the Bible consistently and creatively this month.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Abraham’s journey begins with a radical call to leave everything familiar and trust in God’s vision. This week, we explored the courage and faith required to embrace God’s vision for our lives.
This series will help us see Abraham not just as a figure of great faith, but as a complex person who experienced highs and lows. We’ll find parts of our own story, and we’ll find confidence in God, through the journey of Abraham.
Group Discussion Guide:
Read and reflect on Genesis 12:1-9, Hebrews 11:8-10, Genesis 17:1-8, Romans 4:13-25
1. How would you respond to a call like Abraham’s?
2. How does Abraham’s faith challenge you in your daily life?
3. Share a time when you felt God calling you to step out in faith. What happened? How did God’s vision change you?
4. How can we discern and follow God’s vision for our own lives, and how can we encourage each other to be obedient to God’s call?
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Talking to God is a simple practice that can feel difficult and complicated. Many people see prayer as a “Break in Case of Emergency” box – they only pray in those moments when nothing else is working. Others see it as a shopping list for life, only talking with God when they need something. For others it is a therapeutic habit, processing their life with an external Presence. These are just a few of the many ways people see prayer.
In Matthew 6 the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. They are not asking what words to say or what the correct structure should be. They are good Jewish boys who know ‘what’ to pray. They are asking Jesus to teach them to pray like he does, from an intimate and powerful relationship with the Father. They want to experience transformative prayer. And so do we. We want to build a foundational prayer life, emulating Jesus’ continuous dialogue with his Father.
You can find the practice guide for this series here: https://www.thelakes.church/transformativeprayer
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Talking to God is a simple practice that can feel difficult and complicated. Many people see prayer as a “Break in Case of Emergency” box – they only pray in those moments when nothing else is working. Others see it as a shopping list for life, only talking with God when they need something. For others it is a therapeutic habit, processing their life with an external Presence. These are just a few of the many ways people see prayer.
In Matthew 6 the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. They are not asking what words to say or what the correct structure should be. They are good Jewish boys who know ‘what’ to pray. They are asking Jesus to teach them to pray like he does, from an intimate and powerful relationship with the Father. They want to experience transformative prayer. And so do we. We want to build a foundational prayer life, emulating Jesus’ continuous dialogue with his Father.
You can find the practice guide for this series here: https://www.thelakes.church/transformativeprayer
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with noise and distractions. This volume not only surrounds us but invades our minds, making it difficult to hear the gentle whisper of God. The practice of silence and solitude invites us to step away from the noise, to be still and know that he is God.
On July 7 & 14 we are exploring the spiritual discipline of silence and solitude, learning to create intentional spaces for quiet closeness with God. Let’s relentlessly pursue Jesus…by stopping.
You can download the practice guide for this series, including personal reflection, group discussion & more: https://www.thelakes.church/silence
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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God created us for relationships. The people we choose to surround ourselves with are incredibly important, but in 2024 the social fabric of our church is thinner than ever. Many of us are isolated, lonely and disconnected, but we may not even be aware of how negatively this is affecting us.
In this series we’ll learn about how good friends (and bad friends) can impact our lives, our relationship with God and our future. We want to fight the trend towards loneliness by weaving ourselves together into healthy friendships and communities.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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God created us for relationships. The people we choose to surround ourselves with are incredibly important, but in 2024 the social fabric of our church is thinner than ever. Many of us are isolated, lonely and disconnected, but we may not even be aware of how negatively this is affecting us.
In this series we’ll learn about how good friends (and bad friends) can impact our lives, our relationship with God and our future. We want to fight the trend towards loneliness by weaving ourselves together into healthy friendships and communities.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
The post Make time for friendship (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.
When we watch TV or scroll through social media it feels like everyone is chanting, “More! More! More!” More money, a bigger house, the trendiest clothes, the wildest adventures, etc.
The message we get is that our happiness and security in life is grounded in what we can achieve, consume or own. But this chase after more can pull us away from others, push us to focus too much on ourselves and make us believe that we are building our own little castle instead of contributing to the Kingdom of God.
This month in the Transformation Trek we look at a practice from the life of Jesus that pushes against this message by declaring that it is better to give than to receive. The lives of Jesus’ followers are not marked by hoarding our resources but by sacrificially giving to help others. Let’s find joy in generosity and sacrifice, because it truly embodies the spirit of Christ within us.
Download the practice guide for Generosity & Sacrifice here: http://www.thelakes.church/generosity
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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This week we confront the reality of sin in our lives and the necessity of turning away from it. The letter of 1 John helps us understand the power of God in our repentance. Through self-reflection, confession and forgiveness we’ll learn to let go of past mistakes and embrace the healing, restoration and freedom found in Christ.
Our series is called ‘Repentance + Renewal: re-align your heart with God’s heart.’ You can find the practice guide for this series here: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Transformation-Trek-Repentance-and-Renewal.pdf
‘Repentance’ is a complex idea. It can make us think about angry and urgent calls to turn our life around or risk fiery consequences. Or it can make us think about quick apologies after childish mistakes. True repentance is so much more than this. It is about heartfelt regret for straying from God’s path, accepting his forgiveness and being marked by a transformation of our heart, mind and life.
This season of the Transformation Trek is an invitation for deep and honest reflection. Throughout April we will explore the call of Jesus for a heart change and a turning away from sin in our everyday lives.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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In our first week of this new series we’ll dive into the story of Jonah which is full of both good and bad examples of repentance and renewal. We’ll explore the significance in our journey of faith and we’ll uncover the urgency of Jesus’ call for a heart-change that can lead to restoration.
You can find the practice guide for this series here: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Transformation-Trek-Repentance-and-Renewal.pdf
‘Repentance’ is a complex idea. It can make us think about angry and urgent calls to turn our life around or risk fiery consequences. Or it can make us think about quick apologies after childish mistakes. True repentance is so much more than this. It is about heartfelt regret for straying from God’s path, accepting his forgiveness and being marked by a transformation of our heart, mind and life.
Our new series is called ‘Repentance + Renewal: re-align your heart with God’s heart.’
This season of the Transformation Trek is an invitation for deep and honest reflection. Throughout April we will explore the call of Jesus for a heart change and a turning away from sin in our everyday lives.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
The post Admit your problem with sin (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.
In Matthew chapters 6-10, one thing stands out about Jesus’ ministry more than any other thing. He healed people.
Miraculously, instantaneously, sometimes up close, sometimes at a distance, sometimes with a word, sometimes with a prayer, sometimes with a physical touch or action. Jesus healed people. All kinds of illnesses, disabilities, afflictions, oppressions. Jesus healed anyone, from anything and everything.
Why did he heal people? And what does that mean for you today? That’s what this message is about.
As we focus on relentlessly pursuing Jesus this year we want to immerse ourselves in his life, teaching and miracles. Reading through Matthew will help us prepare for Easter and how Jesus’ death and resurrection changes everything. You can find the reading plan and more information here: https://www.thelakes.church/matthewplan
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Temptation isn’t just about being tempted to do the wrong thing. Sometimes it’s about being tempted to do a normal thing in the wrong way.
And temptation isn’t always about being tempted to sin. Sometimes it’s about testing or proving something as valid.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness the devil was trying to get him to do good, or normal, things but in a sinful way. Instead, Jesus stood up against the temptation and was proved worthy and valid as the Messiah, the Son of God.
What can we learn from Jesus about the temptations we face in life? How can we have strength to stand up against those temptations?
Join us for this 6 week series on Sundays and read along with us each day as we immerse ourselves in the life, teaching, miracles, death and resurrection of Jesus. You can find the reading plan and more information here: https://www.thelakes.church/matthewplan
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Rule of Life
The tool we are practicing as we explore abiding with Jesus is called a Rule of Life. It’s a guide consisting of boundaries, habits and rhythms. We commit to and explore these to flourish in our discipleship to Jesus.
You can find the full guide for creating your own Rule of Life here: https://thelakes.org.au/2024/02/16/create-a-rule-of-life/
A Rule of Life is like a trellis in a vineyard – it provides a helpful structure for the vines to grow up.
Saint Benedict from the 6th Century called the Rule of Life “a framework for freedom.”
This is not a legalistic set of rules that are poor attempts to please God. This is about practice, not about performance, effort or earning. This is a way of stewarding our time, energy, and life well as worship in response to what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives.
“A rule offers creative boundaries within which God’s loving presence can be recognised and celebrated. It does not prescribe but invites, it does not force but guides, it does not threaten but warns, it does not rigidly confine but it keeps you moving in the right direction.” -Henri Nouwen
A Rule of Life is a ‘measure’; a way to measure what we take on, what we do with our time, energy and attention and of course a way to relentlessly pursue Jesus, allowing us to abide in him and follow him.
A Rule of Life can be incredibly helpful for an individual’s formation. However, they can also be powerful tools for small groups to explore. In fact, having a shared Rule of Life with others can be a game-changer.
You can find the full guide for creating your own Rule of Life here.
Group discussion guide for Sunday 18th February 2024
- How have you been aware of abiding in Jesus in the past week?
- Read John 15:5-8 together again.
- What habits, practices, or rhythms of life do you already have that help you abide with Jesus?
- Discuss this quote from Henri Nouwen’s about a Rule of Life.
“A rule offers creative boundaries within which God’s loving presence can be recognised and celebrated. It does not prescribe but invites, it does not force but guides, it does not threaten but warns, it does not rigidly confine but it keeps you moving in the right direction.”
What resonates with you about this quote? How can a Rule of Life be a guide rather than a set of rigid rules? 5. Give people time to start developing their own Rule of Life using the steps and guide provided. 6. Share with each other some of your initial thoughts on life categories such as abiding with Jesus, relationships, work, church family, hospitality, health, digital discipleship, creativity, and building. 7. Encourage each other to commit to practicing their drafted Rule of Life for the next few weeks. Discuss potential challenges and ways to support each other in this journey. 8. Spend time praying for each other.
As part of relentlessly pursing Jesus this year, we are introducing The Transformation Trek
The Transformation Trek is an exciting journey of discovery and growth in your faith. It is a series of practices and rhythms of life that will help you explore, grow, and connect with others on this journey with Jesus. We’ll be looking at Jesus’ character and teachings, aiming for alignment of heart, mind and action with his life.
Pastor Steve Gray at Burleigh Church of Christ has been developing and practicing The Transformation Trek for years. Other churches like ours have joined in along the way and we are grateful to Steve and Burleigh for offering these resources to us. You can find out more at https://www.transformationtrek.online
As part of making time for friendship this year, we are highlighting small groups
Walking The Transformation Trek together urges us to gather in smaller groups; intimate, trusted communities, which are a crucial element of discipleship. We encourage everyone to find a small community that can help them grow in their faith and connect with others on a deeper level.
We can help you find, or form, a small group where you can share your struggles and victories, ask questions, and grow in your faith alongside others. We believe that this is where transformation can truly take hold and we can’t wait to see how God will work in and through your life as you journey with us.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Our faith isn’t perfect. We haven’t achieved everything. We are still a work in progress. Rather than resting on the past or holding on to what we have, let’s put everything on the line again for Jesus.
Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission.
Philippians 3:13 (The Voice)
Our mission statement is still: Love people and invite them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus. We believe God wants us to focus on the second half of the statement this year: “us, in a growing relationship with Jesus.”
Relentlessly pursue Jesus
This year we are going to lean more into a growing relationship with Jesus.
No matter how old we are, or how long we’ve walked with Jesus, he has more growth he wants for us. How can we make sure our spiritual growth really is life-long? In 2024 we’ll explore some habits, practices and rhythms of life to invest in our relationship with him.
Along the way we don’t want to lose sight of opportunities to invite others to join. We’ll be ready to welcome people with warm hospitality and to introduce them to Jesus.
Make time for friendship
This year we are going to spend more time together, building healthy relationships.
The social fabric of our church is thinner than ever before. People are isolated, lonely and disconnected, but many aren’t even aware of this, or how negatively it is affecting them. In 2024 we want to fight the trend towards loneliness by weaving ourselves together into healthy friendships and communities.
Some of the challenges in this will be creating time, lowering walls we’ve put up to people and being willing to walk with the wounded.
While some of our sermons, services and programs will help us move forward in these areas, this isn’t something ‘the church’ can do for you. Relentlessly pursuing Jesus and making time for friendship is something we all need to take seriously and take steps towards in our everyday lives.
Will you go all in this year? All in on Jesus and all in on community?
As part of relentlessly pursing Jesus, we are introducing The Transformation Trek
Are you ready to join us on an exciting journey of discovery and growth in your faith? The Transformation Trek is a series of practices and rhythms of life that will help you explore, grow, and connect with others on this journey with Jesus. We’ll be looking at Jesus’ character and teachings, aiming for alignment of heart, mind and action with his life.
Pastor Steve Gray at Burleigh Church of Christ has been developing and practicing The Transformation Trek for years. Other churches like ours have joined in along the way and we are grateful to Steve and Burleigh for offering these resources to us. You can find out more at www.transformationtrek.online
We’ll introduce the first practice of The Transformation Trek on Sunday 11th February.
As part of making time for friendship, we are highlighting small groups this year
Walking The Transformation Trek together urges us to gather in smaller groups; intimate, trusted communities, which are a crucial element of discipleship. We encourage everyone to find a small community that can help them grow in their faith and connect with others on a deeper level.
We can help you find, or form, a small group where you can share your struggles and victories, ask questions, and grow in your faith alongside others. We believe that this is where transformation can truly take hold and we can’t wait to see how God will work in and through your life as you journey with us.
Group discussion guide for Vision Sunday, February 4 2024
- After hearing about our church’s focus for the year, what’s one thing you’re looking forward to?
- Read and reflect on Philippians 3:13. Here it is in The Voice translation, and you may like to compare it with another translation of the Bible,
“Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission.” 3. What does putting everything on the line for Jesus mean to you personally? 4. Share about a time in your life that you remember growing a lot in your relationship with Jesus. 5. What habits, practices, or rhythms of life do you already have that help you relentlessly pursue Jesus? 6. When have you felt most connected to church community? 7. How can you create time for friendship in your busy life? How can we do this as a group and with others in the church? 8. Spend time praying for each other.
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In the midst of life’s storms, we invite you to anchor your faith in Jesus during this series. Our four regular preachers will take a turn sharing their personal stories and the biblical anchors that keep them committed to Jesus. “Why am I still here? Why am I still a Christian? Why am I still serving the church?” If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions you’ll appreciate this series.
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As we kick off the Advent series, we’ll explore the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus. Just as John paved the path for Christ’s arrival, we’ll explore how we can prepare our hearts to receive the King. What does it mean for us to be modern-day John the Baptists, clearing away distractions and making room for the presence of Jesus in our lives?
Join us in December for a transformative journey through the Christmas story. In this four-part series we will explore the rich themes of expectation, anticipation, and fulfilment that surround the coming King. Each week we’ll uncover how meaningful Jesus’ birth still is today, and be challenged to shape our whole lives around him again.
The Bible reading plan to go along with the series is ‘Names Of Jesus For Advent’: https://www.thelakes.church/adventplan
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Philippians 4.
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison. And even thought there is a lot he could complain about, his life and letter are full of joy. Philippians is the most encouraging and joyful letter in the whole Bible. Paul ’s struggles have become his greatest teachers. He has learned to depend on the one who gives him strength. He has learned to have joy and contentment, no matter what he is facing. And, most of all, he has learnt to model his life after the example, teaching and love of Jesus Christ.
In this series we’ll learn how we can have our attitudes and entire lives transformed by Jesus. No matter what you are facing, no matter what pressure you’re under, no matter how divided your loyalties are, you’ll be encouraged, inspired and challenged to live for Christ. Join us on Sundays for this five week series and journal along as we read Philippians together.
In this series we invite you to take a ’S.O.A.P.’ journal and dig deeper into Philippians during the week. SOAP is a simple way of writing down a ‘Scripture’ that stands out to you from the passage, an ‘Observation’ of what God is saying to you from that passage, an ‘Application’ of how you can apply it today and a ‘Prayer’ asking God to help you use what you’ve learned. You can find a digital journal and group discussion questions here: https://thelakes.org.au/2023/10/06/philippians-series-2023/
Each Sunday we’ll explore something from the verses in Philippians that we will be reading and journalling about in the coming week. We’ll also hear from a different person each Sunday about their experience with the SOAP journal. We will provide printed and digital journals.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Philippians 3.
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison. And even thought there is a lot he could complain about, his life and letter are full of joy. Philippians is the most encouraging and joyful letter in the whole Bible. Paul ’s struggles have become his greatest teachers. He has learned to depend on the one who gives him strength. He has learned to have joy and contentment, no matter what he is facing. And, most of all, he has learnt to model his life after the example, teaching and love of Jesus Christ.
In this series we’ll learn how we can have our attitudes and entire lives transformed by Jesus. No matter what you are facing, no matter what pressure you’re under, no matter how divided your loyalties are, you’ll be encouraged, inspired and challenged to live for Christ. Join us on Sundays for this five week series and journal along as we read Philippians together.
In this series we invite you to take a ’S.O.A.P.’ journal and dig deeper into Philippians during the week. SOAP is a simple way of writing down a ‘Scripture’ that stands out to you from the passage, an ‘Observation’ of what God is saying to you from that passage, an ‘Application’ of how you can apply it today and a ‘Prayer’ asking God to help you use what you’ve learned. You can find a digital journal and group discussion questions here: https://thelakes.org.au/2023/10/06/philippians-series-2023/
Each Sunday we’ll explore something from the verses in Philippians that we will be reading and journalling about in the coming week. We’ll also hear from a different person each Sunday about their experience with the SOAP journal. We will provide printed and digital journals.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Philippians 2:1-11
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison. And even thought there is a lot he could complain about, his life and letter are full of joy. Philippians is the most encouraging and joyful letter in the whole Bible. Paul ’s struggles have become his greatest teachers. He has learned to depend on the one who gives him strength. He has learned to have joy and contentment, no matter what he is facing. And, most of all, he has learnt to model his life after the example, teaching and love of Jesus Christ.
In this series we’ll learn how we can have our attitudes and entire lives transformed by Jesus. No matter what you are facing, no matter what pressure you’re under, no matter how divided your loyalties are, you’ll be encouraged, inspired and challenged to live for Christ. Join us on Sundays for this five week series and journal along as we read Philippians together.
In this series we invite you to take a ’S.O.A.P.’ journal and dig deeper into Philippians during the week. SOAP is a simple way of writing down a ‘Scripture’ that stands out to you from the passage, an ‘Observation’ of what God is saying to you from that passage, an ‘Application’ of how you can apply it today and a ‘Prayer’ asking God to help you use what you’ve learned. You can find a digital journal and group discussion questions here: https://thelakes.org.au/2023/10/06/philippians-series-2023/
Each Sunday we’ll explore something from the verses in Philippians that we will be reading and journalling about in the coming week. We’ll also hear from a different person each Sunday about their experience with the SOAP journal. We will provide printed and digital journals.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Jump into one of Elijah’s most iconic moments as he confronts the prophets of Baal. Through this dramatic showdown we learn valuable lessons about the dangers of idolatry and the power of unwavering faith in God.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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What is hell like? Is it really all that bad? Is it real at all? Do all people go to heaven? How good do I have to be to make it to heaven? If the afterlife lasts for an eternity, won’t I get bored? Discover the truth behind common myths about heaven, hell and the afterlife, and why accepting salvation means more than just being saved from an eternity in hell. Discussion Guide Week 2 – Heaven or hell? What […]
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Is there life after death? In the first part of this series, we’ll explore the three things that happen when our life on this earth is done. The third thing might be the toughest to grasp—we’ll all face judgment, but who does the judging, and what will we be judged on? Your afterlife is dependent on the life you live now. If you’d like to join the reading plan for the next 6 days, join us at www.thelakes.church/oneminute Discussion Guide […]
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From the earliest days the Restoration Movement saw equality and autonomy between Christians and between leadership roles. The ‘priesthood of all believers’ became a mark of Churches of Christ, in stark contrast to other movements that emphasised clear hierarchies with special roles and privileges. The independence of churches also became a distinguishing feature, in contrast to denominational control in other movements. Today we are still an autonomous church, but we value the mutual responsibilities we have with Churches of Christ […]
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As Churches of Christ sought to restore the church to its New Testament origins they removed many manmade barriers to faith. They had a serious devotion to the Bible and did their best to remove any emphasis on other books or on manmade creeds. Sometimes their devotion to the Bible was unhelpful and idolatrous, but we can recapture their devotion to the authority of scripture. Sometimes their rejection of creeds was throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but we […]
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The Restoration Movement: how history shapes our faith today In this series we’ll dive deep into the rich history of the Restoration Movement. Our church was planted from this movement 50 years ago, and its roots go back over 200 years and across the ocean. The founders of what we now call Churches of Christ had a deep conviction about restoring the church to its New Testament origins. As we journey from the past to the present, we’ll discover how […]
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There is an exponential factor to whatever you offer God and offer to each other. 2 Corinthians 9:11, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.” You can’t control the outcome or what you receive, but this passage promises an exponential provision and supply when you live generously. No matter what you have entrusted to God and to each other, your trust is well placed. God’s economy, the exchange rate of the Kingdom of […]
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God can do a lot with just a little. Discover the power of offering your small faith and small actions to God. Learn how your willingness to offer what you have can lead to exponential growth in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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A Sabbath day of rest is a gift from God to humanity.Do you treat it like a blessing or a burden?
Often we are so focused on honouring God by following rules that we miss God’s real, deeper purpose in giving the Sabbath.
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” -Mark 2:27
The best way to honour God with the Sabbath is using his gift in a way that blesses you. Because that was always God’s intention.
Sabbath = rest. Here are 4 other words to help you practice Sabbath in a way that blesses you.
Control (let go of it)
Worship (do it)
Fun (have it)
Freedom (explore it)
In a world that is insanely burned out, Sabbath is a desperately needed gift. God knew you couldn’t thrive without it, and Jesus taught us how to make use of it in ways that bless us.
Check out a great article by Rachel Reider with lots of suggestions: http://www.thelakes.church/sabbathideas Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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When Jesus fed 5000+ people on the beach one day, he did more than provide food for them. He had compassion on them and gave them what they needed most. This same God will provide for your needs, too.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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If all you knew was the 3pm Friday story, Christianity wouldn’t make any sense.
A troublesome spiritual teacher is crucified, and then is declared to be God by the very empire that killed him?!
The resurrection is why Easter is such a big deal. The end of the story makes the whole story worth telling.
Connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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If you were at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, there was nothing good about the day at all. The first Good Friday wasn’t just the death of Jesus. It felt like the death of hope and the death of life itself.
And while it’s impossible for us to really understand what the first Good Friday was like for the disciples, we can understand a bit because we also have times in our lives when it seems like sin and death and failure completely overwhelm us.
These times help us understand what it would have felt like to watch all of your hopes be nailed to a cross. And they also help us understand the reason why Jesus had to die.
Good Friday is a vital part of the story. A necessary part. In dying, Jesus took on death, sin, failure, hopelessness, brokenness, evil, hurt, grief and loss. All of the stuff that overwhelms us and threatens to destroy us.
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18 NLT)
Jesus took on sin – all of it – in the whole world, when he died on the cross. So that he could bring you safely home to God. That makes Friday incredibly GOOD!
You can join us next Sunday or connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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In chapter 12 of Romans, Paul makes a turning point from shifting our THINKING about God and each other, to shifting our BEHAVIOUR towards God and towards each other.
1 Worship God, with everything
2 Have humility, depend on each other
3 Serve each other, with God’s help
4 Don’t just pretend to love
To help guide your reading, journalling and discussing this week, Geoff also shared these tips on some of the big questions Paul raises in chapter 11 of Romans.
Do we choose God or does God choose us?
- This section is written to help Jews & Gentiles in the first century get along with each other.
- Don’t make conclusions about God without considering other passages and most importantly the life and teaching of Jesus – who is the full expression of God.
- The most important thing is to not be proud about ourselves.
‘I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves.’ Romans 11:25
What about the nation-state of Israel today?
- This section is written to help Jews & Gentiles in the first century get along with each other.
- At the very least Jewish people must be equally valued and loved.
- This may not be a problem to solve, but a mystery to hold.
‘Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?’ Romans 11:33-34
You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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What is the Gospel (Good News) about Jesus that we must hear and have faith in? We can’t get to God so he came to us, in Jesus. Jesus restores our relationship with God because we can’t do it by ourselves.
The next question is often , ‘how?’ How does Jesus do this? The answer to the ‘how’ question is a wide variety of ‘atonement theories’ that we should explore. There is freedom to hold more tightly to the ones that make the most sense to us, and give each other the freedom to do the same.
The Gospel: Jesus restores your relationship with God
Atonement theories:
1. Victory: Jesus is victorious over sin and death.
2. Moral Influence: Jesus is our example and inspiration of sacrificial love.
3. Satisfaction: Jesus paid our debt, satisfying God’s justice.
4. Penal Substitution: Jesus took our punishment from God and died in our place.
5. Governmental: Jesus paid a penalty for sin and this demonstrates God’s justice.
6. Ransom: Jesus paid the ransom to free us and restore us to God.
You can join us next Sunday in person at 9.30am and 5.30pm. Or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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Each song we sing as a church has a foundation in the Bible. In this series we’ll dig deeper into the stories and passages that have shaped a particular song. This series will grow your understanding of the Bible and your desire to worship God through song.
This week Geoff talked about the song ‘Resurrender” by Hillsong. You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmty4UIXCy4
You can join us next Sunday in person at 9.30am and 5.30pm. Or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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Each song we sing as a church has a foundation in the Bible. In this series we’ll dig deeper into the stories and passages that have shaped a particular song. This series will grow your understanding of the Bible and your desire to worship God through song.
This week Jireh talked about the song ‘Living Hope” by Phil Wickham. You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1fwZtKJSM
You can join us next Sunday in person at 9.30am and 5.30pm. Or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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Each song we sing as a church has a foundation in the Bible. In this series we’ll dig deeper into the stories and passages that have shaped a particular song. This series will grow your understanding of the Bible and your desire to worship God through song.
This week Geoff talked about the biblical, historical and recent origins of the song ‘This I Believe (The Creed)’ by Hillsong. You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtUNQpu2b7Q
Here is the original ancient, unifying statement of the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic (Christian) Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
You can join us next Sunday in person at 9.30am and 5.30pm. Or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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God chose to send his one and only Son in an act of sacrificial love. Today we still benefit from this gift because Jesus grew up to show the ultimate act of love on the cross. We can give each other the gift of sacrificial love instead of selfishness.
At Christmas time we often exchange gifts that don’t last. They are eaten up, worn out and used, sometimes even before the end of Christmas Day. In the first Christmas story we discover gifts that keep on giving. Not the gold, frankincense and myrrh, but other actions and attitudes that resound through the centuries. The shepherds gave the gift of curiosity, Mary and Joseph gave the gift of courage and God gave the gift of love in sending his Son.
This Christmas let’s give thanks for these gifts that keep on giving, even to our benefit today. Let’s also challenge each other about how we can give curiosity, courage and love for the sake of the people in our lives.
You can join us next week in-person at 5.30pm, or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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At Christmas time we often exchange gifts that don’t last. They are eaten up, worn out and used, sometimes even before the end of Christmas Day. In the first Christmas story we discover gifts that keep on giving. Not the gold, frankincense and myrrh, but other actions and attitudes that resound through the centuries.
The shepherds gave the gift of curiosity, Mary and Joseph gave the gift of courage and God gave the gift of love in sending his Son. The shepherds gave the gift of curiosity by following the angel. Today we still benefit from their curiosity because they saw and experienced things that give us confidence in who Jesus is. We can give each other the gift of curiosity instead of giving judgement or being dismissive. This gift benefits each other today and will benefit generations to come.
This Christmas let’s give thanks for these gifts that keep on giving, even to our benefit today. Let’s also challenge each other about how we can give curiosity, courage and love for the sake of the people in our lives.
You can join us next week in-person at 9.30am or 5.30pm, or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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You can’t live out your calling without the Spirit’s active help. Breathe! Throughout this series our small groups will be discussing the passages and topics each week. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to join a group for this series. You can find the discussion guide here: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Enthusiasm-series-group-discussion-guide.pdf You can join us next week in-person at 9.30am or 5.30pm, or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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Your old ways don’t work. God is better than you thought. It’s time to think differently. Throughout this series our small groups will be discussing the passages and topics each week. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to join a group for this series. You can find the discussion guide here: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Enthusiasm-series-group-discussion-guide.pdf You can join us next week in-person at 9.30am or 5.30pm, or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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Purpose is found by listening to and following the Master’s voice. Tune in. Throughout this series our small groups will be discussing the passages and topics each week. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to join a group for this series. You can find the discussion guide here: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Enthusiasm-series-group-discussion-guide.pdf You can join us next week in-person at 9.30am or 5.30pm, or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church
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Lose your religion and look hard at the person of Jesus. He is your example. You can join us next week in-person at 9.30am or 5.30pm, or connect with us any time at https://www.thelakes.church Throughout this series our small groups will be discussing the passages and topics each week. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to join a group for this series. You can find the discussion guide here: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Enthusiasm-series-group-discussion-guide.pdf
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If we resist putting our faith into action, what is going on in our hearts? How do we develop compassion for those outside our own circle? How do we break down the walls that prevent us from loving others wholeheartedly? Having faith in Jesus naturally leads to a concern for others. Not just others in the church, but all people. The Apostle Paul wrote that we should have the same attitude that Jesus had – not just looking out for […]
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Jesus came to open eyes, free captives and bring light to those in darkness. What is our active role in this ministry of Christ? When we see need in the world, what action can we take? How does what we believe impact whether we help or ignore the people around us? Having faith in Jesus naturally leads to a concern for others. Not just others in the church, but all people. The Apostle Paul wrote that we should have the […]
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When we read the Old Testament it can seem like God is a completely different person – like he changed his personality when Jesus arrived. But the apostles and teachers of the early church relied on the Old Testament to understand God and to understand Jesus as the Messiah. How does their teaching shape how we read the whole Bible today? If Jesus is the Messiah then what does that mean for my life today? When Jesus came he wasn’t […]
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How was the Holy Spirit involved in creation and in the world throughout the Old Testament? How is the same Spirit at work in the world around us today? The original words used in the Bible for the Holy Spirit are Ruach (Old Testament) and Pneuma (New Testament). These words are also used to describe breath and wind. By exploring the breath, wind and Spirit of God throughout the Bible we’ll understand better how he wants to work in our […]
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We sometimes have a cartoon-like picture of God chasing us with anger. We misunderstand God and are afraid of him. But instead, in Psalm 23 we find a God who chases us with goodness and unfailing love. No matter where you go, no matter how far you run, no matter how much you hide, the goodness and unfailing love of God will pursue you all the days of your life. You can join us next week in-person at 9.30am or […]
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We often feel like we don’t have enough. “I don’t have enough time.” “I don’t have enough money.” “I don’t have enough friendship.” Despite the fact that we live in a culture with more than anyone has ever had, we feel like we’re missing out. One of the most famous poems in history, Psalm 23, presents us with a different way to live. Imagine going through life thinking, “I actually do have enough. I lack nothing!” It might seem impossible, […]
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One day you and I will leave The Lakes Church. Even if we die as part of our church we’re going to hand it over to others one day. What kind of church do we want it to be then? Are you prepared to make The Lakes Church better today for others tomorrow? Now is the time to put your hand up to serve on a team specifically in our night service from May 15. www.thelakes.church/team You can join us […]
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We’re celebrating Easter weekend in-person and livestreamed online! If you’re in Cairns, come and join us as we remember Jesus’ death on the cross and celebrate his resurrection to new life. If you’re away or you’re isolating at home, you can watch our livestream of each service. Easter this year coincides with the end of our church reading the New Testament in 90 days. On Good Friday and Easter Sunday we’ll look at Easter through the lens of the last […]
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We are reading the New Testament together in 90 days to immerse ourselves in the life and teaching of Jesus and his first followers. As we do this we know God will use our reading to teach us, wake us up, correct, prepare and equip us to do all sorts of amazing things. The NT90 challenge and series runs from January 16 until the Easter weekend. Every Sunday throughout the 90 days we’ll have a message based on the chapters […]
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We are reading the New Testament together in 90 days to immerse ourselves in the life and teaching of Jesus and his first followers. As we do this we know God will use our reading to teach us, wake us up, correct, prepare and equip us to do all sorts of amazing things. The NT90 challenge and series runs from January 16 until the Easter weekend. Every Sunday throughout the 90 days we’ll have a message based on the chapters […]
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We are reading the New Testament together in 90 days to immerse ourselves in the life and teaching of Jesus and his first followers. As we do this we know God will use our reading to teach us, wake us up, correct, prepare and equip us to do all sorts of amazing things. The NT90 challenge and series runs from January 16 until the Easter weekend. Every Sunday throughout the 90 days we’ll have a message based on the chapters […]
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We are reading the New Testament together in 90 days to immerse ourselves in the life and teaching of Jesus and his first followers. As we do this we know God will use our reading to teach us, wake us up, correct, prepare and equip us to do all sorts of amazing things. The NT90 challenge and series runs from January 16 until the Easter weekend. Every Sunday throughout the 90 days we’ll have a message based on the chapters […]
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Life in the last few years has not gone to plan for any of us! Where is God when that happens? What does God do when life doesn’t go to plan? We are reading the New Testament together in 90 days to immerse ourselves in the life and teaching of Jesus and his first followers. As we do this we know God will use our reading to teach us, wake us up, correct, prepare and equip us to do all […]
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The Old Testament book of Psalms is full of joyful laughter, heavy-hearted weeping and awe-inspiring praise. No matter where you find yourself, the psalms apply to you. In many ways they give words to your experience and speak on your behalf. Ultimately, every psalm engages your heart and mind to find your trust in God alone. This week Geoff shares why Psalm 62 is his favourite. Want to join us in reading the New Testament in 90 days? You’ll find […]
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Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news. The shepherds were terrified when an angel appeared, but the angel reassured them, “I bring you good news.” This promise from the angel marks the beginning of many people experiencing and sharing the good news about Jesus’ birth. Jesus’ birth reminds us that he is still the good news that is available to all people, everywhere, all the time. Three times in the Christmas story angels had to tell people – “Don’t […]
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Zechariah is shaken and overwhelmed when an angel appears, but the angel reassures him, “God has heard your prayer.” This promise from the angel marks the beginning of the Christmas story, as John the Baptist was born first to prepare the way for Jesus. Jesus’ birth reminds us that God still hears our prayers. Jesus is still ‘God with us’ – listening to us, walking with us and guiding us. Three times in the Christmas story angels had to tell […]
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The last two years have accelerated divisions in our world. Tensions at family gatherings have become unbearable. Difficult topics have become unapproachable. Opinions have become more polarised. How can we stay united when everyone else is dividing? Is it even possible for Christians to disagree without dividing? You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Over the past five weeks, we have been learning about building relationships. This week to wrap it all up, we focus on our relationship with God, taking a look at how God’s design for the best relationships with each other is modelled after how he desires to relate to us. Our lives are full of relationships – best friends, spouses, exes, neighbours, co-workers – and those relationships can be complicated. Relationships are messy, and love can be hard. So how […]
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There is a life-giving power that happens with human touch. Of course, we are talking about healthy, appropriate touching. Whether it is a simple high-five, a pat on the arm, a hug, a kiss, or sexual intimacy, it affects us. God wired us this way. There is also a bond-building power to sexual touch. Our lives are full of relationships – best friends, spouses, exes, neighbours, co-workers – and those relationships can be complicated. Relationships are messy, and love can […]
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God created people to be interdependent – relying on each other. We can discover how God has shaped us and how we can work together to make a difference in the world. Our lives are full of relationships – best friends, spouses, exes, neighbours, co-workers – and those relationships can be complicated. Relationships are messy, and love can be hard. So how do we have good ones? And get over bad ones? During this series, we’ll talk about how to […]
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We need to take the time to get to know someone before we trust them. Our relationship with God is also like that. For us to wholeheartedly trust him, we need to know him. Our lives are full of relationships – best friends, spouses, exes, neighbours, co-workers – and those relationships can be complicated. Relationships are messy, and love can be hard. So how do we have good ones? And get over bad ones? During this series, we’ll talk about […]
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What is God’s vision for our church? After several months of exploring this question we are ready to move ahead with clarity and purpose. In this series we will unpack our vision: “to be a church that is devoted to lifelong growth, healthy relationships, warm hospitality, walking with the wounded and introducing people to Jesus.” In each message we’ll explore the biblical basis for this vision statement and we’ll invite people to consider what this means for them and for […]
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What is God’s vision for our church? After several months of exploring this question we are ready to move ahead with clarity and purpose. In this series we will unpack our vision: “to be a church that is devoted to lifelong growth, healthy relationships, warm hospitality, walking with the wounded and introducing people to Jesus.” In each message we’ll explore the biblical basis for this vision statement and we’ll invite people to consider what this means for them and for […]
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What is God’s vision for our church? After several months of exploring this question we are ready to move ahead with clarity and purpose. In this series we will unpack our vision: “to be a church that is devoted to lifelong growth, healthy relationships, warm hospitality, walking with the wounded and introducing people to Jesus.” In each message we’ll explore the biblical basis for this vision statement and we’ll invite people to consider what this means for them and for […]
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Jesus’ great commandment and great commission seem daunting. But he never meant for you to do it alone. Everything Jesus asks is both a personal challenge and a group assignment. Whether we are loving people or inviting them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus, we can work together in this. In fact, our whole church should be set up to do this together. If this is our co-mission, the work that Jesus has called us to together, […]
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People aren’t perfect and we sometimes get stuck in situations when we are being mistreated. This can happen with government, at work and in families. Peter writes his letter with guidance on how to live with honour and respect, but his words have sometimes been misused and misunderstood. What did Peter’s instructions mean at the time, and what do they mean for us today? How can we treat people differently and better, with respect, honour and love? This message is […]
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Living a holy life seems like an elusive or impossible task. What does God ask of us and how can we ever live up to his expectations? Peter writes his letter to tell people about the great value God places on them, and of the life they are called to live. We can live completely dependent on Jesus’ gift of salvation while also responding with holy living. We can live as chaplains to the people around us. This message is […]
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Our guest speaker Ben Pearson spoke from Colossians 4 about how to maintain ‘true north’ in our lives with a devotion to prayer and a lifestyle that invites questions about our faith. Ben is a Regional Engagement Partner with Churches of Christ in Queensland and lives in Townsville. You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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What will happen at the end of the world? How can we make sense of the mysterious book of Revelation in the Bible? What about the rapture, the antichrist and the mark of the Beast? In this message Geoff dives into some of these intriguing and scary topics as we finish our series, Any Day, Any Hour: the when, why & how of Jesus’ return. You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Are we living in the End Times? When did the End Times begin? What are the signs of the End Times that we should be looking for? In this message Geoff focuses on the words of Jesus about what to look for and how we should live in these End Times. This message was part of our series Any Day, Any Hour: the when, why & how of Jesus’ return. You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with […]
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Is Jesus ever coming back? He promised he would, but it’s been a really long time and it seems like the world is getting worse every day. We looked at the expectation of the early church, Jesus’ own words about his return and how he wants us to live in the meantime. Are you ready for Jesus’s return on any day, at any hour? This message was part of our series Any Day Any Hour: the when, why & how […]
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Two other men were crucified alongside Jesus. We don’t know very much about them, except that they were criminals. What must they have done to deserve the worst kind of execution?
When one of the criminals turned to Jesus with humility, Jesus gave him what he doesn’t deserve. And Jesus wants to do the same for us – he wants to give us what we don’t deserve.
This message was given on Good Friday, 2021.
You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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In the hours before Easter, Jesus stood trial before a Roman governor named Pilate. Curiously, Jesus chose not to speak and defend himself. He spoke simply, and then stayed silent. What can we learn from Jesus about how to respond when our faith comes under attack? We each have a choice about how we will respond to Jesus and his truth.
This message is part of our series ‘The hours before Easter: On Jesus’ darkest day we find hope for our every day.’
You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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What is so special about communion? What did Jesus mean when he said that people had to eat his flesh and drink his blood? What really happened at the last supper with Jesus and his disciples? In this message we explore the mystery and the power of the communion meal. Jesus redefined the ancient celebration of the Passover and predicted his own death and resurrection.
Jesus made communion an every day meal and an every where meal. Every time you eat the bread and drink the cup you are announcing his death.
Where will you announce the power and hope of Jesus’ death this week? Post a photo on social media when you have communion this week, using the hashtag #communiontogo
This message is part of our series ‘The hours before Easter: On Jesus’ darkest day we find hope for our every day.’
You can join us in-person next Sunday and connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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Since the day the church was born people have been gathering together weekly to celebrate their faith, invite others to encounter Jesus and be family together. With the intensity of our lives and the shifting of our priorities this is becoming less and less a reality for many of us. Why do we persist with church services every week? With the benefits of live-streaming, is church online just as good as church in person? We’ll ask some hard questions about church and get down to the nitty gritty of why being present as the church still matters.
This message was part of our series We are the church (a guide to making the most of it).
You can join us in-person at a church service next week! Find out more here.
To connect with us in the meantime, go to our Next Steps page.
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Every decisions has implications, but the bigger the decision the bigger the implications and the longer the implications last. And there are some decisions that change everything for the rest of your life and for your life after death. In the story of Joshua his final words present life’s biggest decision – choose today.
This message was part of our series Joshua: a community established with God.
You can join us in-person at a church service next week! Find out more here.
To connect with us in the meantime, go to our Next Steps page.
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As we begin 2021 it’s important to take stock of our own lives and invite God to point out anything he wants us to dig up.
In the story of Joshua from the Bible, a man named Achan had stolen some things and buried them under his tent. We also bury things in our lives to keep them hidden. God invites us to dig up those things and to live more freely and more fully.
This message was part of our series Joshua: a community established with God.
You can join us in-person at a church service next week! Find out more here.
To connect with us in the meantime, go to our Next Steps page.
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