Restoration Church | Sermons: Recent Episodes
Restoration Church Australia
Naturalistic evolution and relativism have had a massive effect on humanity’s ability to clearly understand what is good and evil. The result of this is a society wide ambiguity when it comes to trauma and pain. But God is a just judge who is committed to bringing clarity and justice to humanity, first through the cross, then in fullness when he returns. He is the hope of the world.
God wants his people to be loyal – loyal to him, loyal to each other, and loyal to their spouses. To be faithful and loyal is to be like God, to be truly human. To be unfaithful and treacherous, is to be less than human.
What you offer to God says something about what you think of him. It isn’t just a task you perform or something you do, it is personal. Listen in as Peter explains the connection between these two and the way forward which Jesus has made for us by his sacrifice on the cross.
In this short message, Peter gets us ready for a short series on the Old Testament prophet Malachi - a book which calls God’s people to be relationally vigilant in their walk with Him.
Listen in as Peter unpacks the Restoration Church focus for the year in the light of what God has done in 2023 and what he is calling us to in 2024.
How does God feel about us? The words of the Father about the Son at his baptism make it clear.
Jesus visited the temple when he was 12 years old and astonished his parents. He claimed unique sonship but it wasn't to Mary and Joseph. It was something deeper and greater than that. He claimed to be the Son of God.
He’s perfect from birth to death. Luke 2:21-35 shows that Jesus is the only true righteous human to live who could be a suitable substitute for us.
In Luke 2:1-20, the saviour of the world is born. There are 5 aspects of Jesus’ birth that tell us about the significance of the very first Christmas.
Christmas and Joy are two words that go together so often. However, for many, this time isn't so joyous. Be it through trials, loneliness or even the loss of a loved one, Christmas can be a hard time of year. Through the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, we can see that Joy is always available. Not one as the world offers, rather a Joy in the knowledge of Salvation to come.
Step into the first century as Mary magnifies God for his timeless character revealed in the coming birth of the Messiah.
God's ways are not our ways. In His grace He is pleased to come to, and bless people, regardless of their status in the world. The greatest miracle is not the virgin birth but that God has come to us to restore us to Himself.
After 400 long years, an angel breaks God’s silence with the announcement of the birth of John who will be the forerunner of the Messiah.
Immanuel: God with us changes everything. Find out what it means for your life in the areas of pain, shame and meaninglessness.
The world teaches us that we ought to follow our desires by pursuing worldly success and investing in temporal things. Whilst these physical pursuits may not be poorly intentioned, left unchecked they can cause us to not think or invest eternally.
For those who want to know what it looks like to live well in a fallen world, you have no better example to fix your eyes on than Jesus. He is the true human and the one you would do well to imitate.
This seminar unpacks the millennia-tested practice of Catechism. It is a rich yet simple way of passing on the truths of Christianity to young and old alike.
Explore a surprising simple practice. It has been practiced throughout Church History. It will leave an eternal legacy in your family.
Peace seems to be in short supply at the moment. But this is nothing new. Since the fall of humanity peace has ebbed and flowed. Sometimes we have it and sometimes we don’t. The good news is, Jesus’ plan is not just about giving us peace, he wants to make us peaceful people. The kind of people our world desperately needs.
Home. It is meant to be a safe place, a place where you can be yourself, an anchor point, a place where you dwell. If you love God, he makes your heart his home. He is at home with you. A simply stunning reality.
We all have times where we live our lives outside of the personal presence of God. When we do, we become like orphans. God’s heart is not to leave people as orphans but to come to them, to be with them. This is our great hope.
God never intended for us to do life with him. On the night before his crucifixion Jesus told the disciples he would ask the Father to give them the Holy Spirit to be with them forever. We have all the help we need.
Love and obedience always go together. Always. Obedience problems are at their core love problems. We need heart surgery if we are to love well.
Everyone is ultimately depending on something or someone. Psalm 16 a.k.a The Golden Psalm takes a hammer to contemporary lies and reveals the One we can truly trust for a life of joy-filled dependence.
God is great and life is tough. So how should believers respond in seasons of suffering and despair?
Jesus regularly works to reshape our expectations. In this section of John he shapes the way we think about he and the Father, the works we will do after he goes back to the Father, and the nature and power of prayer.
Jesus isn’t mainly interested in rescuing people from their sins, he is mainly interested in ushering people into the presence of the Father. His death on the cross for us wasn’t about avoiding something negative but was about giving something to us which is unspeakably precious – access to the Father.
While behaviour can be loud and obvious, good parents look through what they can see to the unseen motivations driving it. The word the bible uses to describe these unseen motivations as the heart. Biblical parenting is about shaping the heart of a child not merely behaviour modification.
While Jesus intends for the church to be a powerful force in the world, it’s power has tended to ebb and flow with the unity or disunity within it. Listen in as Peter explains some of the key principles of unity within a church and how God plans on us being a powerful people.
Humans are not reservoirs of power and strength. If we don’t stay connected to Jesus, they will seep out of us. In this message, Peter talks about how power goes wrong, how we can get it back, and how we can keep it.
God intends for humanity to be strong and powerful. The problem is, most of the time human strength is either left unused or is used to abuse. God has a plan to get you strong. Growing in strength is about becoming truly human again.
Jesus taught that our earthly decisions have eternal consequences. In the parable of Lazarus and the Rich man, Jesus says that what we decided about him will decide where we spend eternity.
In the parable of the Shrewd Manager, Jesus teaches how we can
invest our temporal money to get an eternal return.
The parable of the ten virgins was shared by Jesus to help people to see what the kingdom of heaven will be like on the day of his return. Nathan shares how knowing and being known by Christ is the difference between being prepared or unprepared on that day.
We all want to achieve things off our own bat. But what is the limit of our own achievement? In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows a lawyer how his desire for achievements don’t really achieve much at all.
Life is short, eternity is long. Jesus has made all the preparations for you to dwell with him and the Father forever. Lock it in, anchor your life to it, look forward to every moment of it.
In a relational sense, there probably isn’t anything more head-spinning and destabilising than betrayal. In this section of John, we see Jesus walk through his own betrayal with his disciples.
There is a connection between your performance and your behaviour, but it is not the one we most commonly make. In the washing of the disciples’ feet, Jesus shows us how it is meant to operate.
This week we will spend the whole of our time on one verse. It is a verse which tells us of the extent of Jesus’ love. It is a worthy meditation.
In this section of his gospel, John summarises the essence of the public ministry of Jesus. They are good reminders for us of the character of Jesus and the nature of faith.
Parenting is about growing kids from handfuls to assets. Good parenting is not measured in minutes, or hours, or weeks, or even months. It is measured in years. In this message Peter talks about 4 key principles of good parenting.
Glory. Jesus has it in spades. But the way he gets it blows our fuses. It just doesn’t fit with the way we normally go after it. Listen in as Peter explains.
All of us are searching for transformation in one way or another. We all want to be saved from something. When Jesus died on the cross he wasn’t necessarily the saviour humanity wanted but he was the one we needed.
We live in a world where voracious greed and stunning generosity can exist within a few feet of each other. Discover how Jesus would have you live in this all-too real space.
Failure is inevitable. We’ve all experienced it. We’re all going to experience it in some way in the future. But what do we do when we fail to follow Jesus? The end of the gospel of Mark has an invitation for every Jesus follower who has failed.
Jesus is alive! Knowing this can provide us with much joy as well as a sure and certain hope for not just this life, but the one to come.
Jesus’s faithfulness towards His mission and towards us is on full display as He faces the worst human justice has to offer.
The only way to life is through death, death to self. And the life Jesus offers is only available to us because he embraced his own death on the cross. Listen in as Peter unpacks what a gospel shaped life looks like.
In John 11 we see Jesus, the one who is life itself, walk into a scene soaked in death. We see the effect it has on him, the emotion it stirs up in him, and the truth about who he really is.
In John 11 we see Jesus, the one who is life itself, walk into a scene soaked in death. It was a beautiful collision.
Anyone who has been a Christian for a significant length of time will be able to tell you there are times in their lived experience where God is hidden. Prayers don't seem to go past the ceiling, God seems distant, and hope seems far away. Listen in as Peter takes you through a time in the life of Jesus where he was hidden and the hope within it.
The only way to really know a person is to be in relationship with them. Whilst this is the case with everyone, it is even more so the case with Jesus. Those on the outside who only know about him, don’t really know him as the hero he truly is.
Jesus is the good shepherd for good reasons. He is a defender, he is close, and he is powerful.
Jesus calls his people sheep. Sheep are vulnerable animals, animals which can be hurt by all sorts of things. Jesus is a shepherd, and he is also the gate to the sheep pen. In him we have security and the opportunity to live life at its best.
Guest speaker Greg Gardiner shares about how God is our strength and security in uncertain times.
The Spirit-inspired author of Ecclesiastes wrote that everything in life is Hevel...which is the Hebrew word for vapor or smoke.It conveys the idea that everything is useless, temporary, incomprehensible, or a combination of the three.In light of this bleak assessment...How should we live? And where does Jesus and the rest of the Bible fit into all this?
God reminds us through the words of the Teacher of Ecclesiastes that pursuing satisfaction in a life centred on gain ‘under the sun’ is as achievable as grasping smoke. Yet in eternity with Christ we have all our deepest longings satisfied, and through trust in Him we can gladly enjoy his good gifts for what they really are in the short time he gives us in this broken world under the sun.
The archenemy of personal restoration is shame. Shame causes us to retreat relationally, isolating us from God, and blocking the pipe through which God’s nourishment and restoration flows. A return to knowing and being known by God and others is the only way back to personal restoration.
The archenemy of personal restoration is shame. Shame causes us to retreat relationally, isolating us from God, and blocking the pipe through which God’s nourishment and restoration flows. A return to knowing and being known by God and others is the only way back to personal restoration.
Most of us grew up thinking you learn theory first and then work out how to apply it. But the line between theory and practice is not clear. It turns out that humans are always engaged in theory and practice simultaneously. This same principle applies in the quest to learn about God.
God is a good father who goes to extraordinary lengths to get his children back. The biggest challenge for his children is not getting back in the family, but believing they are back in the family and loved deeply.
Sadly, Truth isn’t something people like to say exists. Or if it does, it’s a personal thing of you be your own truth. However, this is not what we see in Scripture. You need to endure sound teaching because if you don’t, you will wander in your faith and trust in Jesus and become ineffective
Sadly, Truth isn’t something people like to say exists. Or if it does, it’s a personal thing of you be your own truth. However, this is not what we see in Scripture. You need to endure sound teaching because if you don’t, you will wander in your faith and trust in Jesus and become ineffective
The world by nature is Pro Self and Anti Other, we are by nature faithless. We do what we want when we want to make ourselves the centre. This is not the way it is meant to be. Paul is calling Timothy and subsequently you today to not live like the world, instead to live as set apart, to live as faithful ones.
The world by nature is Pro Self and Anti Other, we are by nature faithless. We do what we want when we want to make ourselves the centre. This is not the way it is meant to be. Paul is calling Timothy and subsequently you today to not live like the world, instead to live as set apart, to live as faithful ones.
This week, Paul is going to call out the false teachers in Timothy’s church. His hope? That the pure and true Gospel would be taught and that any false teachers would come to repentance.
This week, Paul is going to call out the false teachers in Timothy’s church. His hope? That the pure and true Gospel would be taught and that any false teachers would come to repentance.
Last week you learned about the cost of preaching and protecting the gospel: suffering. This week you will learn about how God’s grace strengthens you to single-mindedly focus on the mission to which you were called. It takes the diligence of a soldier, the dedication of an athlete, and the hard work of a farmer. And though we do not do this perfectly, God is faithful.
Last week you learned about the cost of preaching and protecting the gospel: suffering. This week you will learn about how God’s grace strengthens you to single-mindedly focus on the mission to which you were called. It takes the diligence of a soldier, the dedication of an athlete, and the hard work of a farmer. And though we do not do this perfectly, God is faithful.
Last week you learned why you should protect and preach the Gospel of Jesus. This is the mission of the church given by a good and faithful God. This week you will dive into the cost of carrying out that mission: suffering. While the cost is high, God has called you and empowered you to share this good news. You are not alone in your suffering today and one day you will be rewarded for your service to Jesus.
To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. 2 Timothy is a letter from Paul who is passing the torch on to his young apprentice who is timid. He challenges him to protect and preach the gospel according to the eye witness testimony of the apostle’s. Paul did so as did many faithful followers after him and now it’s our turn.
Spiritual blindness and sight hinge on your awareness of your need for Jesus. If you know you are blind and reach out to him then he will give you sight, but if you maintain you can see clearly then you are destined to remain blind.
When Jesus is around good things happen. But when religion is around, the self-righteous unhealthy type, it tends to wreck the good work of Jesus. This can be seen clearly in the story of the man born blind in John’s gospel.
Jesus, the light of the world, was sent by his Father to contest the darkness which was in the world. Those who belong to Jesus have been given a similar mission.
Humanity was designed to need help from outside themselves to make them operate properly. While many of us assume that independence is part and parcel of growing up, increasing dependence upon God and the help he brings through others is a key component of becoming truly human.
Jesus is the truth teller who confronts the Jews unbelief. From Adam and Eve to Abraham and from Moses to the Prophets, they were all looking for the one to come who would bruise the head of the serpent. Jesus claims that he is the one they’ve been waiting for.
In John 8:30 we read that a group of Jews believe in Jesus. As a result Jesus unpacks what belief means and looks like in John 8:24-42 showing that their belief isn’t fair dinkum after all.
Last week, you heard Jesus claim that he is the light of the world. This week, you will see the Pharisees question his testimony. And yet, Jesus is not shaken. He is the only true judge, he operates in perfect sync with the Father, and he is the only way to a true relationship with God. This is good news because no matter where we are in our journey with Christ, we are all still children in need of our Heavenly Father.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” This is a phrase you may have heard many times before, and yet, there is so much Old Testament context that bring this verse to life. In this one statement, Jesus is claiming not only to be the means of salvation for all who believe, but he promises that in him alone is true life. If you follow Jesus, you never have to experience true darkness again.
When we look at John 8, we see the way that Jesus can uphold justice without forgoing clemency. That he is gracious and forgiving yet not soft on evil. Jesus came not to destroy those he found but to seek those who were lost. A decision must be made on how to deal with the sinner, and we aren’t qualified to make it. As such, we look to the one who is, the one who is without sin. His name is Jesus.
We are all thirsty – thirsty for love, acceptance, beauty, peace, and meaning. But don’t be fooled, beneath these thirsts lies a much deeper one, the thirst for Jesus. When you are personally connected to him you will find he is the quencher of all of your thirsts.
Humanity probably talks more about God than with him. Like any other relationship, speaking to him and listening to him is the only way to truly know him.
Nathan continues our series in John discussing how the desire for fame and the praise of man motivated Jesus brothers in their unbelieving advice for Jesus. Jesus refused to participate in their fame seeking, choosing instead to remain in secret and follow his father’s will as he entered the Feast of Tabernacles. Listen in to hear the antidote to our deceptive desire for fame.
If you want to hear some practical strategies for handling anxiety then this podcast is for you. Listen in as Peter teaches a workshop on practical biblical helps for the anxious. This is part two of a two part series called “A Good Word on Anxiety.”
In a fallen world, anxiety seems almost inevitable. But we don’t have to resign ourselves to being stuck with it. God had good things in mind when he created us and he plans on restoring us completely so we can exercise healthy dominion over disorder.
The centre of reality is God, and God is a person. When you boil it all down, reality is fundamentally personal. This teaching in scripture makes sense of the way we experience life and provides a strong foundation for our personal restoration through knowing and being known by God and others.
Our lives have purpose not because we decide they do, but because there is an overarching story into which they fit. It is God’s story which gives meaning and purpose to all of our lives.
After spending the last few weeks learning about the sacrifice Jesus made to give you his righteousness, you might find yourself wondering, “what am I still doing here?” God has an incredible purpose for you here on earth. He wants you to spend your time with him and teaching his ways to the people of the world. How might this look in your life this week?
From the time of Adam and Eve in the garden, death has afflicted every human to walk the earth. God, however, in his kindness, promised that this would not always be the case. He sent his Son, Jesus, to die a death he didn’t deserve to save the world from their sin. On Easter we celebrate his physical, bodily resurrection from the grave. The incredible thing is that Scriptures says if you believe in him, then you will one day be resurrected too.
We all want justice as long as it’s not directed at us. But if God is good than all evil must be dealt with. On the cross Jesus took the punishment we deserve and justice was served for all who believe.
Last week we learned that we do not have to strive because Jesus has already given us his righteousness. This week, we will learn why we are to act according to God’s Word despite having Jesus’ righteousness. God calls us to listen to Jesus and this is only possible when we rightly see Jesus as God’s Son, the One True King.
We have all felt exhausted by the Christian life. It can make us question what God requires of us, whether he’s good and even whether we want to follow Jesus at all. But is that really the Christianity Christ came to offer? The Sermon on the Mount suggests something else…something better…something perfect.
We all know that we don’t have life in and of ourselves. It is evidenced by the way we continually look for and devour things which we think will bring us life. But life, the life we so desperately want, cannot be found outside of Jesus. He is life itself.
We all know that we don’t have life in and of ourselves. It is evidenced by the way we continually look for and devour things which we think will bring us life. But life, the life we so desperately want, cannot be found outside of Jesus. He is life itself.
When we place ourselves in the centre of our lives it fundamentally changes the way we see Jesus and others – we begin to treat them as objects or servants. Often grumbling is the result, either internal or external, and it is the evidence we are spiritually stuck. But God is a good father and he works to draw us out of the bind to Jesus himself.
When we place ourselves in the centre of our lives it fundamentally changes the way we see Jesus and others – we begin to treat them as objects or servants. Often grumbling is the result, either internal or external, and it is the evidence we are spiritually stuck. But God is a good father and he works to draw us out of the bind to Jesus himself.
Security and safety are critical to a child growing into the person they have been made to be. In God’s family, it is God the Father who is constantly at work adopting and securing those who come to Jesus.
Security and safety are critical to a child growing into the person they have been made to be. In God’s family, it is God the Father who is constantly at work adopting and securing those who come to Jesus.
Humanity has a tendency to love the gifts God gives more than God himself. But Jesus won’t let you do that. The only way to get all of the benefits of Jesus is to seek after and give yourself wholly to him.
Humanity has a tendency to love the gifts God gives more than God himself. But Jesus won’t let you do that. The only way to get all of the benefits of Jesus is to seek after and give yourself wholly to him.
Jesus had a wonderfully profound effect on everyone and everything around him. As we look at the miracle where Jesus walks on the water, you will see that he can have a similar effect on you too.
Jesus had a wonderfully profound effect on everyone and everything around him. As we look at the miracle where Jesus walks on the water, you will see that he can have a similar effect on you too.
In John 6 Jesus is faced with the same kind of problem Moses faced in the wilderness – lots of hungry people and a lack of physical food. Jesus performs a miracle with a young boy’s meal and feeds the crowd with lots left over, thereby showing he is not just someone who provides bread for life, he is the bread of life.
In John 6 Jesus is faced with the same kind of problem Moses faced in the wilderness – lots of hungry people and a lack of physical food. Jesus performs a miracle with a young boy’s meal and feeds the crowd with lots left over, thereby showing he is not just someone who provides bread for life, he is the bread of life.
While everyone agrees humanity has a problem, there is vast disagreement about what that problem is and how to go about fixing it. In this message Peter works his way through Psalm 80 and shows how the seat of our problems are connected to our proximity to God.
While everyone agrees humanity has a problem, there is vast disagreement about what that problem is and how to go about fixing it. In this message Peter works his way through Psalm 80 and shows how the seat of our problems are connected to our proximity to God.
Close friendships are both rare and precious. In this message, Peter looks at the close friendship between David and Jonathan with a view to learning what we can about how to do friendships with those around us.
Close friendships are both rare and precious. In this message, Peter looks at the close friendship between David and Jonathan with a view to learning what we can about how to do friendships with those around us.
Beginning at creation, God extended friendship toward his people in the blessing of covenant. Adam, Abraham and Moses among others demonstrate God’s continuing extension of friendship through covenant even after the destruction of the fall. Today, friendship with God is extended to us in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. Jesus has redeemed us from the enemies of sin and Satan, and has called us his friends.
Redeeming relationships begins by appreciating the glory of Christ drawing near to us, personally drawing near to Christ, fleeing the idol of personal autonomy, and gladly fulfilling Jesus’ mandate to love Him with our whole being and love our neighbour. Nathan finished with 5 practical ways to love our neighbours this Christmas time.
Redeeming relationships begins by appreciating the glory of Christ drawing near to us, personally drawing near to Christ, fleeing the idol of personal autonomy, and gladly fulfilling Jesus’ mandate to love Him with our whole being and love our neighbour. Nathan finished with 5 practical ways to love our neighbours this Christmas time.
Christmas is a time where we all experience certain cultures - Australian culture, family culture, beach culture. Culture is beautiful, but it's broken. We need a new culture that will renew us and build up our community - this is the culture of the kingdom.
Christmas is a time where we all experience certain cultures - Australian culture, family culture, beach culture. Culture is beautiful, but it's broken. We need a new culture that will renew us and build up our community - this is the culture of the kingdom.
In the beginning everything was good – now, not so much. But rather than cast things aside, God is in the business of reversing the effects of sin and evil, and he calls us to join him in this task.
In the beginning everything was good – now, not so much. But rather than cast things aside, God is in the business of reversing the effects of sin and evil, and he calls us to join him in this task.
If you want to prove Jesus to be true, then you will need to trust him - there is simply no other way to close the deal. Listen in as Peter teaches about the critical nature of personal engagement with Jesus.
If you want to prove Jesus to be true, then you will need to trust him - there is simply no other way to close the deal. Listen in as Peter teaches about the critical nature of personal engagement with Jesus.
A couple of key items on Jesus’ agenda are the handing out of life and the judging of the world. The way we listen to him now will determine which one we will get in abundance.
A couple of key items on Jesus’ agenda are the handing out of life and the judging of the world. The way we listen to him now will determine which one we will get in abundance.
There are many different ways of determining God’s will, but in John 5 Jesus lays down the best – find out what God is doing around you and join him in it.
There are many different ways of determining God’s will, but in John 5 Jesus lays down the best – find out what God is doing around you and join him in it.
While some are drawn toward Jesus, there are others who oppose him. But that was no hindrance to him then, and it is no hindrance to him now. The hope of the world is this: God is good and he is always at work doing good things.
While some are drawn toward Jesus, there are others who oppose him. But that was no hindrance to him then, and it is no hindrance to him now. The hope of the world is this: God is good and he is always at work doing good things.
In a world which is constantly changing, certainty doesn’t come from what we see or what we can control but through trusting in the person of Jesus.
In a world which is constantly changing, certainty doesn’t come from what we see or what we can control but through trusting in the person of Jesus.
When it comes to salvation and restoration, no one comes close to the kind of saving Jesus provides. He can take the most messed up person, rescue them, and then make them whole again.
When it comes to salvation and restoration, no one comes close to the kind of saving Jesus provides. He can take the most messed up person, rescue them, and then make them whole again.
In the second half of his conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach her about what true worship really is.
In the second half of his conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach her about what true worship really is.
With these closing words in Matthew 7, Jesus is wrapping up the famous sermon on the mount where he thoroughly articulated the game-plan for life in the kingdom. But at its conclusion we must ask ourselves, how will we respond? Tragically, it’s possible to hear Jesus, and be astonished by His teaching, without ever being moved to obey Him. Here we are reminded that we mustn’t fool ourselves; someone who builds their house on the rock is not someone who hears Jesus more accurately, it’s someone who does what Jesus says. Having said that, we cannot save ourselves by perfectly obeying the Law of Christ, that’s impossible. But if we put our trust in Jesus, the one who perfectly obeyed the law, and who died on the cross to pay the penalty for the many ways we’ve failed to live up to it, we will be saved. Jesus isn’t saying that if we do what He says we’ll be saved, but he’s saying that if we are truly saved, we’ll do what He says.
With these closing words in Matthew 7, Jesus is wrapping up the famous sermon on the mount where he thoroughly articulated the game-plan for life in the kingdom. But at its conclusion we must ask ourselves, how will we respond? Tragically, it’s possible to hear Jesus, and be astonished by His teaching, without ever being moved to obey Him. Here we are reminded that we mustn’t fool ourselves; someone who builds their house on the rock is not someone who hears Jesus more accurately, it’s someone who does what Jesus says. Having said that, we cannot save ourselves by perfectly obeying the Law of Christ, that’s impossible. But if we put our trust in Jesus, the one who perfectly obeyed the law, and who died on the cross to pay the penalty for the many ways we’ve failed to live up to it, we will be saved. Jesus isn’t saying that if we do what He says we’ll be saved, but he’s saying that if we are truly saved, we’ll do what He says.
One does not have to spend too long in the gospel of Luke before they realize that the good news of the gospel, and the hand of mercy that accompanies the gospel, is for the poor, the outcast, the marginalized, the ostracized, and those who are conveniently out of our view. In Luke 14 we’re encounter humanity’s perennial problem with pride, and discover that before we can extend our hands in mercy, in a manner that is pleasing to God, we first need to bend our knees in humility.
One does not have to spend too long in the gospel of Luke before they realize that the good news of the gospel, and the hand of mercy that accompanies the gospel, is for the poor, the outcast, the marginalized, the ostracized, and those who are conveniently out of our view. In Luke 14 we’re encounter humanity’s perennial problem with pride, and discover that before we can extend our hands in mercy, in a manner that is pleasing to God, we first need to bend our knees in humility.
In this section of John, Jesus has a long conversation with a messy broken woman. The way Jesus deals with her is a beacon of hope for all those who don’t have their stuff together.
In this section of John, Jesus has a long conversation with a messy broken woman. The way Jesus deals with her is a beacon of hope for all those who don’t have their stuff together.
There is much more going on in our world than meets the eye – according to the Bible, we live in a war zone. And if we are to make it through this war zone, we will need to be strong and stand our ground.
There is much more going on in our world than meets the eye – according to the Bible, we live in a war zone. And if we are to make it through this war zone, we will need to be strong and stand our ground.
The authority and authenticity of the person of Jesus is stunning. The way we respond to him sets us on a trajectory towards or away from him.
The authority and authenticity of the person of Jesus is stunning. The way we respond to him sets us on a trajectory towards or away from him.
The secret to joy and happiness is not found in being great, it is found in being connected to someone great – Jesus. While it is counter intuitive, it is a neat fit for the way we have been made.
The secret to joy and happiness is not found in being great, it is found in being connected to someone great – Jesus. While it is counter intuitive, it is a neat fit for the way we have been made.
In Galatians chapter 3 Paul issues the church with a reminder; they have been justified by faith and not by works of the law. This is not to say the law had no purpose in God’s redemptive plan, for it was the instrument He used to bring us to Christ – without it, we wouldn’t have known our need for a saviour. Here we’re reminded of the incredible news that the blessings promised to Abraham’s offspring belong to all those who are united to Christ.
In Galatians chapter 3 Paul issues the church with a reminder; they have been justified by faith and not by works of the law. This is not to say the law had no purpose in God’s redemptive plan, for it was the instrument He used to bring us to Christ – without it, we wouldn’t have known our need for a saviour. Here we’re reminded of the incredible news that the blessings promised to Abraham’s offspring belong to all those who are united to Christ.
In the 1st century, the head of a Jewish household would wake each morning and thank God that he had not been made a gentile, a woman or a slave. The prejudice is regrettable, but it does highlight that such people were considered outcasts. Yet as we enter the 16th chapter of Acts, we find the good news of the gospel spreading to Macedonia and transforming the lives of marginalized outsiders. Here we learn of the miraculous regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, the authority we’ve been given in Christ, and the anchored assurance we can have in the face of persecution.
In the 1st century, the head of a Jewish household would wake each morning and thank God that he had not been made a gentile, a woman or a slave. The prejudice is regrettable, but it does highlight that such people were considered outcasts. Yet as we enter the 16th chapter of Acts, we find the good news of the gospel spreading to Macedonia and transforming the lives of marginalized outsiders. Here we learn of the miraculous regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, the authority we’ve been given in Christ, and the anchored assurance we can have in the face of persecution.
Paul and Barnabas had lived out the exciting expedition that was their first missionary journey, and had experienced the adrenalin rush of waging war against a false gospel. But now their course, at least for a moment, will drop down a gear or two, as they move from the heights of the new and the extraordinary back down to the plains of the familiar and the ordinary. It is here we learn that Christian ministry typically involves the day-in-day-out, long term shepherding of souls in the context of the ordinary rhythms and ordinary interruptions of life. And as we put our hands to this plough, this occasionally extraordinary but usually ordinary plough, Luke reminds us that there are 4 realities we need to prepare ourselves for; some more pleasant than others: controversy, conciliation, closed doors & curious callings.
Paul and Barnabas had lived out the exciting expedition that was their first missionary journey, and had experienced the adrenalin rush of waging war against a false gospel. But now their course, at least for a moment, will drop down a gear or two, as they move from the heights of the new and the extraordinary back down to the plains of the familiar and the ordinary. It is here we learn that Christian ministry typically involves the day-in-day-out, long term shepherding of souls in the context of the ordinary rhythms and ordinary interruptions of life. And as we put our hands to this plough, this occasionally extraordinary but usually ordinary plough, Luke reminds us that there are 4 realities we need to prepare ourselves for; some more pleasant than others: controversy, conciliation, closed doors & curious callings.
In Acts chapter 15, Luke records a historic moment in the life of the early church when the purity of the gospel was threatened. Gathering together in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders resolve that the salvation of the gentiles is not contingent on their submission to the Mosaic law, but simply on their reception of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. Here we are reminded that preserving the purity of the gospel is of utmost importance and that we ought to learn how to live harmoniously within the ethnically diverse body that is the church of Jesus Christ.
In Acts chapter 15, Luke records a historic moment in the life of the early church when the purity of the gospel was threatened. Gathering together in Jerusalem, the apostles and elders resolve that the salvation of the gentiles is not contingent on their submission to the Mosaic law, but simply on their reception of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. Here we are reminded that preserving the purity of the gospel is of utmost importance and that we ought to learn how to live harmoniously within the ethnically diverse body that is the church of Jesus Christ.
Faithful preaching of the gospel will bring division. Rejection and persecution is bound to follow. Jesus said not to be surprised as he was hated and rejected. The power of the gospel gives us strength and hope that we can persevere as we are not alone and there is a reward.
Faithful preaching of the gospel will bring division. Rejection and persecution is bound to follow. Jesus said not to be surprised as he was hated and rejected. The power of the gospel gives us strength and hope that we can persevere as we are not alone and there is a reward.
In this sermon, Grahame is expounding Luke's account to encourage in order to inspire The Project Church to serve the purposes of God in our generation as well as to encourage others to fulfill the mission and consider their legacy.
In this sermon, Grahame is expounding Luke's account to encourage in order to inspire The Project Church to serve the purposes of God in our generation as well as to encourage others to fulfill the mission and consider their legacy.
In Acts chapter 13 we find the church in Antioch earnestly seeking the Lord’s direction. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the church commissions Saul & Barnabas to cross the Mediterranean and bring the gospel into gentile territory. Though they will encounter new opposition, God sovereignly manifests his power so that the Roman proconsul can hear the good news of the gospel uninhibited.
In Acts chapter 13 we find the church in Antioch earnestly seeking the Lord’s direction. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the church commissions Saul & Barnabas to cross the Mediterranean and bring the gospel into gentile territory. Though they will encounter new opposition, God sovereignly manifests his power so that the Roman proconsul can hear the good news of the gospel uninhibited.
The loving offer of life in Jesus is stunning, but it doesn’t come to us automatically. We have to work out what we will do with Him. Will we come close, or will we avoid him.
The loving offer of life in Jesus is stunning, but it doesn’t come to us automatically. We have to work out what we will do with Him. Will we come close, or will we avoid him.
The most famous verse of the Bible contains the best news ever – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
The most famous verse of the Bible contains the best news ever – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
After telling us about a whole bunch of people who were into Jesus but not really into Jesus, John gives us a case study of one of them. His name was Nicodemus, and what Jesus says to him in this conversation makes his head spin.
After telling us about a whole bunch of people who were into Jesus but not really into Jesus, John gives us a case study of one of them. His name was Nicodemus, and what Jesus says to him in this conversation makes his head spin.
In this section of John, the operating system by which relationships run can be seen in way Jesus interacts with others. If you want to have healthy wise relationships you will need to be well attuned to the way it works.
In this section of John, the operating system by which relationships run can be seen in way Jesus interacts with others. If you want to have healthy wise relationships you will need to be well attuned to the way it works.
Jesus is the true temple – the meeting place of God and humanity. As the true temple, he was the one most qualified to deal with the racket going on in the physical temple – the selling and buying of goods.
Jesus is the true temple – the meeting place of God and humanity. As the true temple, he was the one most qualified to deal with the racket going on in the physical temple – the selling and buying of goods.
In this section of John’s gospel (John 2:1-11), Jesus is at a wedding when a serious catering problem arises. Before long, Jesus gets involved, and in doing so his intervention becomes exhibit A in who he is.
In this section of John’s gospel (John 2:1-11), Jesus is at a wedding when a serious catering problem arises. Before long, Jesus gets involved, and in doing so his intervention becomes exhibit A in who he is.
In this opening account of Jesus’ interactions with people, we see his personhood on display. He engages in conversation with others, they become his disciples, and he speaks into them.
In this opening account of Jesus’ interactions with people, we see his personhood on display. He engages in conversation with others, they become his disciples, and he speaks into them.
With their cherished apostle bound in prison, the church in Philippi found themselves deeply disheartened – yet such disheartenment could not be found in the apostle Paul. Grounded in God’s sovereign choreography of all that transpires in his life, he reminds them that despite his suffering, his imprisonment has really served to advance the gospel. In this challenging passage Paul unveils the interpretive grid through which he views his entire life; to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul’s words serve as a timely reminder that the success of our lives should not be measured on the scales of health, wealth and prosperity, but by the degree to which we serve Christ in the present, and by our desire to be with Him on the other side of death.
With their cherished apostle bound in prison, the church in Philippi found themselves deeply disheartened – yet such disheartenment could not be found in the apostle Paul. Grounded in God’s sovereign choreography of all that transpires in his life, he reminds them that despite his suffering, his imprisonment has really served to advance the gospel. In this challenging passage Paul unveils the interpretive grid through which he views his entire life; to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul’s words serve as a timely reminder that the success of our lives should not be measured on the scales of health, wealth and prosperity, but by the degree to which we serve Christ in the present, and by our desire to be with Him on the other side of death.
What is your vision of the good life? If it excludes the discipline of God, then you may be mistaken. From Hebrews 12:3-13 Nathan shows how the discipline of God reveals His commitment as the loving Father with his children.
What is your vision of the good life? If it excludes the discipline of God, then you may be mistaken. From Hebrews 12:3-13 Nathan shows how the discipline of God reveals His commitment as the loving Father with his children.
Nathan delves into the vision for marriage in Ephesians 5. Every marriage between a man and a woman is made to represent the mystery of Christ and his bride, the church. Christ loves the church and lays his life down for her while the church submits to him as it’s head. Every husband and wife were made to represent this relationship on the earth. With Christ’s help, it is possible.
Nathan delves into the vision for marriage in Ephesians 5. Every marriage between a man and a woman is made to represent the mystery of Christ and his bride, the church. Christ loves the church and lays his life down for her while the church submits to him as it’s head. Every husband and wife were made to represent this relationship on the earth. With Christ’s help, it is possible.
Christ's resurrection was the beginning of the new creation - God's plan to redeem fallen humanity and create all new things as heaven and earth draw closer through the coming of his kingdom.
Christ's resurrection was the beginning of the new creation - God's plan to redeem fallen humanity and create all new things as heaven and earth draw closer through the coming of his kingdom.
In Romans chapter 5, the Apostle Paul paints a pretty bleak picture of humanity. That with respect to living a life pleasing to God, or even inclining our hearts toward good, we find ourselves in a state of utter helplessness – we cannot rescue ourselves from the plight of sin. And yet, the news that makes Good Friday so good is that, at the right time, God intervened in history to rescue humanity. His intervention was unlike any other; it displayed His unique love that transcends any love we can know on this earth, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
In Romans chapter 5, the Apostle Paul paints a pretty bleak picture of humanity. That with respect to living a life pleasing to God, or even inclining our hearts toward good, we find ourselves in a state of utter helplessness – we cannot rescue ourselves from the plight of sin. And yet, the news that makes Good Friday so good is that, at the right time, God intervened in history to rescue humanity. His intervention was unlike any other; it displayed His unique love that transcends any love we can know on this earth, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
In preparation for their first mission through Israel, Jesus warns his disciples about the hostile reception they will receive. Though much of what he warns them will not be fulfilled until after Pentecost, Jesus did not wish for his disciples to have a romanticized view of ministry. As the heat dial turns up for Christians in the West, this passage serves as a timely reminder that we are called to die to self – it is only through death that we will truly discover life.
In preparation for their first mission through Israel, Jesus warns his disciples about the hostile reception they will receive. Though much of what he warns them will not be fulfilled until after Pentecost, Jesus did not wish for his disciples to have a romanticized view of ministry. As the heat dial turns up for Christians in the West, this passage serves as a timely reminder that we are called to die to self – it is only through death that we will truly discover life.
John the Baptist lived a life which bore witness to the unstoppably powerful life of Jesus. In his death Jesus carried the sins of the world away and paved the way for the same powerful life-giving Spirit, which remained on him, to dwell in us.
John the Baptist lived a life which bore witness to the unstoppably powerful life of Jesus. In his death Jesus carried the sins of the world away and paved the way for the same powerful life-giving Spirit, which remained on him, to dwell in us.
Outside of Jesus there is no brighter beacon of humility than John the Baptist. In him we see the essence of humility, the shape of humility, and the blessing of humility.
Outside of Jesus there is no brighter beacon of humility than John the Baptist. In him we see the essence of humility, the shape of humility, and the blessing of humility.
As Jesus took on human flesh he brought with him a divine fullness well matched to our need. The grace and truth of God seen throughout history burnt brightly in the person of Jesus Christ.
As Jesus took on human flesh he brought with him a divine fullness well matched to our need. The grace and truth of God seen throughout history burnt brightly in the person of Jesus Christ.
In one of the most well-known sections of scripture (John 1:14), John describes the most amazing thing – God became flesh and dwelt among us. Whilst this is amazing, it is not unsurprising, because God has always been God with. He has always been fiercely committed to being with his people.
In one of the most well-known sections of scripture (John 1:14), John describes the most amazing thing – God became flesh and dwelt among us. Whilst this is amazing, it is not unsurprising, because God has always been God with. He has always been fiercely committed to being with his people.
Whilst Jesus should have been easily and quickly recognisable, most of humanity missed him because they weren’t interested in him. But for those who are interested in him they undergo the most amazing change of status from orphans and strangers to children of God.
Whilst Jesus should have been easily and quickly recognisable, most of humanity missed him because they weren’t interested in him. But for those who are interested in him they undergo the most amazing change of status from orphans and strangers to children of God.
John the Baptist had it right – he knew he was the moon not the sun. While he shone brighter than any, he wasn’t the light, only a reflector and witness to the light. God calls us to continue the work he started.
John the Baptist had it right – he knew he was the moon not the sun. While he shone brighter than any, he wasn’t the light, only a reflector and witness to the light. God calls us to continue the work he started.
In this section (John 1:1-5) John tells us who everything hangs on – Jesus. He is God, he was there at the beginning, in him is life and light. Hope never dies.
In this section (John 1:1-5) John tells us who everything hangs on – Jesus. He is God, he was there at the beginning, in him is life and light. Hope never dies.
In the present day and throughout her history, the church of Jesus Christ has been under attack. Whether it’s persecution from the outside or false teaching from within, every generation of Christians has navigated turbulent seasons – seasons which can lead to feelings of unsteadiness about the fate of the church. Nevertheless, in Matthew chapter 16 we have a sure promise that Jesus has issued us with the keys of the kingdom and that He will, despite the enemy’s attempt to thwart Him, build His church.
In the present day and throughout her history, the church of Jesus Christ has been under attack. Whether it’s persecution from the outside or false teaching from within, every generation of Christians has navigated turbulent seasons – seasons which can lead to feelings of unsteadiness about the fate of the church. Nevertheless, in Matthew chapter 16 we have a sure promise that Jesus has issued us with the keys of the kingdom and that He will, despite the enemy’s attempt to thwart Him, build His church.
In Hebrews chapter 6 we’re confronted by the tragic and sobering reality that, in the final assessment, there will be those who fall away from Jesus Christ. However, the author of Hebrews does not leave us in despair. Instead, he comforts us with the reminder that those who truly belong to Christ can have assurance of their salvation and that this assurance is the fuel that propels our Christian life forward. Jesus is the good shepherd and under his watch and care he has never lost a single sheep, nor will he ever.
In Hebrews chapter 6 we’re confronted by the tragic and sobering reality that, in the final assessment, there will be those who fall away from Jesus Christ. However, the author of Hebrews does not leave us in despair. Instead, he comforts us with the reminder that those who truly belong to Christ can have assurance of their salvation and that this assurance is the fuel that propels our Christian life forward. Jesus is the good shepherd and under his watch and care he has never lost a single sheep, nor will he ever.
In Isaiah 46 we find God’s people disgruntled that the Persian king Cyrus will be the means God employs to rescue His people. Here God reminds them His plans for them are good – they can trust Him because of His unchanging nature and His covenant faithfulness. For us, it serves as a timely reminder that though our circumstances and the people around us are subject to change, God is the only unchanging one whom we can anchor our lives upon.
In Isaiah 46 we find God’s people disgruntled that the Persian king Cyrus will be the means God employs to rescue His people. Here God reminds them His plans for them are good – they can trust Him because of His unchanging nature and His covenant faithfulness. For us, it serves as a timely reminder that though our circumstances and the people around us are subject to change, God is the only unchanging one whom we can anchor our lives upon.
The single most important doctrine of the Christian faith is the doctrine of scripture. Without this foundation, that the Bible is our sole anchor and authority for all Christian belief & practice, all other doctrine dissipates. The Bible is not a book full of cleverly devised myths, but is our sufficient, historically reliable testimony of the redemptive work of God, and it is to this most sure guide that we are to pay attention as a lamp shining in a dark place.
The single most important doctrine of the Christian faith is the doctrine of scripture. Without this foundation, that the Bible is our sole anchor and authority for all Christian belief & practice, all other doctrine dissipates. The Bible is not a book full of cleverly devised myths, but is our sufficient, historically reliable testimony of the redemptive work of God, and it is to this most sure guide that we are to pay attention as a lamp shining in a dark place.
Before Jesus went to the cross to die for our sins, he was made perfect through suffering. He entered human history, became like his brothers, and lived the perfect, joy-filled, God-oriented life that we failed to live; the life of a true human. His rescue mission not only brings forgiveness of sins, but freedom from the fear of death. We can also be comforted knowing that Jesus is our most qualified help as we wage war on sin.
Before Jesus went to the cross to die for our sins, he was made perfect through suffering. He entered human history, became like his brothers, and lived the perfect, joy-filled, God-oriented life that we failed to live; the life of a true human. His rescue mission not only brings forgiveness of sins, but freedom from the fear of death. We can also be comforted knowing that Jesus is our most qualified help as we wage war on sin.
The 21st century is a curious time to be alive. We live at a time in history when secular culture is suspicious of absolute truth claims; leaving the world in a state of gospel lock jaw. Yet Jesus comes to us as our prophet. He is the one who unapologetically delivers God’s word to us and who loves us enough to say it like it is. In Luke 4 Jesus begins his ministry by announcing himself as the anointed prophet of God. He starts by letting us know the bad news, that we’re bound, blind & broken, but to all who acknowledge this seemingly harsh diagnosis, his words pave the path for our hearts to receive the incredible medicine that is the good news of the gospel.
The 21st century is a curious time to be alive. We live at a time in history when secular culture is suspicious of absolute truth claims; leaving the world in a state of gospel lock jaw. Yet Jesus comes to us as our prophet. He is the one who unapologetically delivers God’s word to us and who loves us enough to say it like it is. In Luke 4 Jesus begins his ministry by announcing himself as the anointed prophet of God. He starts by letting us know the bad news, that we’re bound, blind & broken, but to all who acknowledge this seemingly harsh diagnosis, his words pave the path for our hearts to receive the incredible medicine that is the good news of the gospel.
As James is drawing to the close of his letter to the scattered believers, we take a moment to examine how NT letters were written, consider James’s situation, and work through the closing remarks with the letter framework in mind.
As James is drawing to the close of his letter to the scattered believers, we take a moment to examine how NT letters were written, consider James’s situation, and work through the closing remarks with the letter framework in mind.
The pharisees of Jesus day had craftiness in speech down to a fine art, but our Lord was quick to let them know he did not approve. Though it may take a different form in our day, we too are guilty of cunning & evasive speech – perhaps more than we realise. Whether it’s making promises we don’t intend to keep, irreverently swearing oaths in the name of God or being cunning with our speech to suit our own ends, James reminds us that instead we ought to be known as people of our word.
The pharisees of Jesus day had craftiness in speech down to a fine art, but our Lord was quick to let them know he did not approve. Though it may take a different form in our day, we too are guilty of cunning & evasive speech – perhaps more than we realise. Whether it’s making promises we don’t intend to keep, irreverently swearing oaths in the name of God or being cunning with our speech to suit our own ends, James reminds us that instead we ought to be known as people of our word.
If we are to live well in a fallen world with imperfect people, we will need to be patient. Things will happen which we neither asked for nor envisaged for our lives. In James 5 God helps us to see with more clarity the nature and direction of biblical patience.
If we are to live well in a fallen world with imperfect people, we will need to be patient. Things will happen which we neither asked for nor envisaged for our lives. In James 5 God helps us to see with more clarity the nature and direction of biblical patience.
Inserting himself into a long line of Old Testament prophetic tradition, James proclaims the dreadful fate of the rich aristocratic tyrants who were oppressing God’s people. As we listen to James’ denouncement, we discover that the same obsession with wealth & possessions can manifest in our lives and that money can be a significant hurdle on our journey following Jesus – no one can serve two masters. Being confronted with the futility of the pursuit of wealth, we’re reminded of our call to steward our money wisely, knowing that we’re living on the brink of eternal life in the new heavens & the new earth.
Inserting himself into a long line of Old Testament prophetic tradition, James proclaims the dreadful fate of the rich aristocratic tyrants who were oppressing God’s people. As we listen to James’ denouncement, we discover that the same obsession with wealth & possessions can manifest in our lives and that money can be a significant hurdle on our journey following Jesus – no one can serve two masters. Being confronted with the futility of the pursuit of wealth, we’re reminded of our call to steward our money wisely, knowing that we’re living on the brink of eternal life in the new heavens & the new earth.
God has given humanity the power to do stuff - this is how we have been made. But in spite of all the good things humanity does, we can easily fall into the trap of believing we control and determine our destiny. James wants us to know this is God’s job not ours.
God has given humanity the power to do stuff - this is how we have been made. But in spite of all the good things humanity does, we can easily fall into the trap of believing we control and determine our destiny. James wants us to know this is God’s job not ours.
We live in an opinionated culture. It seems everyone has an opinion on everything and everyone. The disappearance of belief in objective truth has left us in a place where we do battle against one another rather than against ideas. Haters and trolls are commonplace now, and the church is not immune. Listen as Peter explains.
We live in an opinionated culture. It seems everyone has an opinion on everything and everyone. The disappearance of belief in objective truth has left us in a place where we do battle against one another rather than against ideas. Haters and trolls are commonplace now, and the church is not immune. Listen as Peter explains.
How you turn up after committing spiritual adultery is critical to the restoration of your relationship with God. Listen in as Peter unpacks the key components of a good sorry.
How you turn up after committing spiritual adultery is critical to the restoration of your relationship with God. Listen in as Peter unpacks the key components of a good sorry.
All sin is the fruit of an affair of the heart. When a desire overtakes our hearts, and we operate out of it, we have turned away from God and have given ourselves to another lover – we have become adulterers. Listen in as Peter explains.
All sin is the fruit of an affair of the heart. When a desire overtakes our hearts, and we operate out of it, we have turned away from God and have given ourselves to another lover – we have become adulterers. Listen in as Peter explains.
John’s main idea is that Jesus would become greater and he would become less. Nathan showed how Jesus can sometimes be a threat to a human and their response could be to either burn the scrolls, wrangle for power, or gladly let Jesus become greater.
John’s main idea is that Jesus would become greater and he would become less. Nathan showed how Jesus can sometimes be a threat to a human and their response could be to either burn the scrolls, wrangle for power, or gladly let Jesus become greater.
In John chapter 3 we encounter a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Nicodemus perceives that because of his prestige and his piety, his entry into the Kingdom of God will be certain. But on the night he enquired of Jesus, his worldview was flipped upside down. Jesus tells him that to receive the Kingdom he needs a radical heart change that can only come about by the work of Spirit. Here we learn that entrance into the Kingdom of God is not something we earn through good works, but by believing in the finished work of the Son of Man who was lifted up on the cross for our sins.
In John chapter 3 we encounter a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Nicodemus perceives that because of his prestige and his piety, his entry into the Kingdom of God will be certain. But on the night he enquired of Jesus, his worldview was flipped upside down. Jesus tells him that to receive the Kingdom he needs a radical heart change that can only come about by the work of Spirit. Here we learn that entrance into the Kingdom of God is not something we earn through good works, but by believing in the finished work of the Son of Man who was lifted up on the cross for our sins.
Conflict is inevitable, combat is optional. Conflict becomes combat when the desire of our hearts get too big and take over. Conflict is not mainly a battle between people, it is a battle for the heart. Listen as Peter explains.
Conflict is inevitable, combat is optional. Conflict becomes combat when the desire of our hearts get too big and take over. Conflict is not mainly a battle between people, it is a battle for the heart. Listen as Peter explains.
Dads are heroes to their children, but they can be villains too. One moment they’re hot and the next they’re not. When it comes to fathering, the way you handle your imperfections is critical. Remember … children don’t need a perfect hero, they need an honest one.
Dads are heroes to their children, but they can be villains too. One moment they’re hot and the next they’re not. When it comes to fathering, the way you handle your imperfections is critical. Remember … children don’t need a perfect hero, they need an honest one.
When you are in right relationship with God you will be in right relationship with everything else he has made - this is the essence of wisdom. But be careful, it is common to think you are wise when you aren’t. Listen in as Peter explains.
When you are in right relationship with God you will be in right relationship with everything else he has made - this is the essence of wisdom. But be careful, it is common to think you are wise when you aren’t. Listen in as Peter explains.
Whether we are teaching God’s word from the pulpit, engaging in conversation with our family, or chatting with colleagues at work, our speech directs our entire course of life – positively and negatively. In vivid detail, James unpacks the gravity of our tongues power and reminds us that the sin apparent in our mouth is reflective of the state of our hearts. It is only when our hearts have known grace, and when they are continually immersed in grace, that we are able to extend grace to others in the way we speak
Whether we are teaching God’s word from the pulpit, engaging in conversation with our family, or chatting with colleagues at work, our speech directs our entire course of life – positively and negatively. In vivid detail, James unpacks the gravity of our tongues power and reminds us that the sin apparent in our mouth is reflective of the state of our hearts. It is only when our hearts have known grace, and when they are continually immersed in grace, that we are able to extend grace to others in the way we speak
Faith and works go together like love and action. You can’t have one without the other. This is especially relevant in the current cultural moment where we have had time to reflect on who we are and what God would have us do.
Faith and works go together like love and action. You can’t have one without the other. This is especially relevant in the current cultural moment where we have had time to reflect on who we are and what God would have us do.
Whilst Australia has many egalitarian checks and balances, favouritism still lurks just under the surface. In this message, Peter explains how God desires that we be truly loving people, not just people who love others for what we can get out of them.
Whilst Australia has many egalitarian checks and balances, favouritism still lurks just under the surface. In this message, Peter explains how God desires that we be truly loving people, not just people who love others for what we can get out of them.
When it comes to God’s word, humanity has a tendency to separate hearing and doing - even though God intended them to stay directly and naturally connected. Listening to God’s word without action will always end in self-deception.
When it comes to God’s word, humanity has a tendency to separate hearing and doing - even though God intended them to stay directly and naturally connected. Listening to God’s word without action will always end in self-deception.
Everyone gets angry. In a fallen world anger is a part of everyday life. Sometimes it can be hot, other times it can be cold. Listen in as Peter unpacks three verses on anger from James.
Everyone gets angry. In a fallen world anger is a part of everyday life. Sometimes it can be hot, other times it can be cold. Listen in as Peter unpacks three verses on anger from James.
External tests often lead to internal temptations. James is keen for us to succeed at both, so he gets to work skilling us up about how temptation works. Listen is an Peter unpacks the nature of humanity, the nature of temptation, and the nature of God.
External tests often lead to internal temptations. James is keen for us to succeed at both, so he gets to work skilling us up about how temptation works. Listen is an Peter unpacks the nature of humanity, the nature of temptation, and the nature of God.
If you could have a pain free life and be immature, or a life with some pain in it but be mature, which would you choose? In the opening chapter of his letter James makes it clear that it is good to grow up … always. He goes on to explain how maturity comes when we are tested. Listen in as Peter explains how trials are good, not in and of themselves, but because of what they produce.
If you could have a pain free life and be immature, or a life with some pain in it but be mature, which would you choose? In the opening chapter of his letter James makes it clear that it is good to grow up … always. He goes on to explain how maturity comes when we are tested. Listen in as Peter explains how trials are good, not in and of themselves, but because of what they produce.
Ever wondered why what you believe and what you do don't always match up? Listen in as Peter kicks off the Project’s sermon series in James.
Ever wondered why what you believe and what you do don't always match up? Listen in as Peter kicks off the Project’s sermon series in James.
The moment you become a Christian eternity begins. You may as well settle into it. In the sermon on the mount Jesus helps us get a handle on what it means to be part of God’s kingdom now … and then. Listen as Peter explains.
The moment you become a Christian eternity begins. You may as well settle into it. In the sermon on the mount Jesus helps us get a handle on what it means to be part of God’s kingdom now … and then. Listen as Peter explains.
Jesus talks often about eternal rewards. In this message, Peter looks at some of Jesus’ teaching on rewards, what they are, and how to get as many as possible.
Jesus talks often about eternal rewards. In this message, Peter looks at some of Jesus’ teaching on rewards, what they are, and how to get as many as possible.
In Romans chapter 10 we encounter the words of a heartbroken apostle who longs to see his kinsmen come to faith in Christ. Here we are reminded of the good news of the gospel, that we don’t have to break the cosmos to bring ourselves to God – through the finished work of Jesus, He has already brought us near. Furthermore, God calls us to participate in His plan of redemption by boldly preaching this good news, that others may come to share in the mercies of Christ.
In Romans chapter 10 we encounter the words of a heartbroken apostle who longs to see his kinsmen come to faith in Christ. Here we are reminded of the good news of the gospel, that we don’t have to break the cosmos to bring ourselves to God – through the finished work of Jesus, He has already brought us near. Furthermore, God calls us to participate in His plan of redemption by boldly preaching this good news, that others may come to share in the mercies of Christ.
In his final sermon in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns of the final judgement – the day when he will separate the sheep from the goats. Jesus warns that those who don’t love him, as demonstrated by their lack of love toward his followers’, will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in a place Bible calls hell.e th
In his final sermon in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns of the final judgement – the day when he will separate the sheep from the goats. Jesus warns that those who don’t love him, as demonstrated by their lack of love toward his followers’, will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in a place Bible calls hell.e th
Your longings for a world where everything works properly make sense. - you were made for that kind of place. Listen in as Peter shares about shalom, the way sin vandalises it, and how Jesus is working to restore it in all its fullness.
Your longings for a world where everything works properly make sense. - you were made for that kind of place. Listen in as Peter shares about shalom, the way sin vandalises it, and how Jesus is working to restore it in all its fullness.
Though there is much debate concerning the timing of the rapture, Paul’s purpose in this passage is less concerned with when it will take place but far more concerned that his words be comforting & assuring to a grief-stricken church. Though we will experience immense grief and pain with the loss of a loved one, our grief is anchored in the beautiful reminder that upon his return, Jesus will gather all of his children with him – we will live forever with Jesus and those we’ve lost in the Lord.
Though there is much debate concerning the timing of the rapture, Paul’s purpose in this passage is less concerned with when it will take place but far more concerned that his words be comforting & assuring to a grief-stricken church. Though we will experience immense grief and pain with the loss of a loved one, our grief is anchored in the beautiful reminder that upon his return, Jesus will gather all of his children with him – we will live forever with Jesus and those we’ve lost in the Lord.
Mothers do an incredible job. They are known for not giving up even when they want to. Listen in as Peter explains some of the best reasons why we, like mums, should never give up.
Mothers do an incredible job. They are known for not giving up even when they want to. Listen in as Peter explains some of the best reasons why we, like mums, should never give up.
From the beginning, the Church has awaited Jesus’ return; that glorious day when he will gather His people to himself and usher them into the new heavens & the new earth. Sadly, the church in Thessalonica had been duped into thinking they’d missed out and that they’d been left behind – something that Jesus would never allow to happen. Paul goes on to explain the events that must take place before Christ returns & exhorts them to be on guard against the deception of the enemy.
From the beginning, the Church has awaited Jesus’ return; that glorious day when he will gather His people to himself and usher them into the new heavens & the new earth. Sadly, the church in Thessalonica had been duped into thinking they’d missed out and that they’d been left behind – something that Jesus would never allow to happen. Paul goes on to explain the events that must take place before Christ returns & exhorts them to be on guard against the deception of the enemy.
Scientific naturalism teaches people they are only physical, but there is much more to humanity than mere molecules and matter. God made each one of us body and soul – who we are and how we treat other people really matters.
Scientific naturalism teaches people they are only physical, but there is much more to humanity than mere molecules and matter. God made each one of us body and soul – who we are and how we treat other people really matters.
We can’t do anything on our own. It’s pride that fools us into thinking that we don’t need God’s authority in our lives and that we’re autonomous. The reality is that we need the creator to help us make sense of our lives and teach us how to live. In this message we explore Christ’s command to make disciples - to teach one another the way of Christ - and the practical implications for the modern church.
We can’t do anything on our own. It’s pride that fools us into thinking that we don’t need God’s authority in our lives and that we’re autonomous. The reality is that we need the creator to help us make sense of our lives and teach us how to live. In this message we explore Christ’s command to make disciples - to teach one another the way of Christ - and the practical implications for the modern church.
With the disciples abandoning him and his subsequent death on a cross, to many Jesus would have seemed defeated. Yet as he promised, he rose again on the 3rd day demonstrating that he had atoned for our sins and conquered death. This was no ghost story. The miracle and historical reality of Easter is that Jesus experienced a legitimate, full-bodily resurrection that brings living hope to all who follow him. Though the roman soldiers, chief priests & Pharisees tried to conceal the resurrection, as many in history have tried to do, the good news of the empty tomb & risen Lord prevailed.
With the disciples abandoning him and his subsequent death on a cross, to many Jesus would have seemed defeated. Yet as he promised, he rose again on the 3rd day demonstrating that he had atoned for our sins and conquered death. This was no ghost story. The miracle and historical reality of Easter is that Jesus experienced a legitimate, full-bodily resurrection that brings living hope to all who follow him. Though the roman soldiers, chief priests & Pharisees tried to conceal the resurrection, as many in history have tried to do, the good news of the empty tomb & risen Lord prevailed.
Though there have been many dark days in human history, none was so dark as Good Friday. This was the day when mankind committed the highest treason – the day we mocked & murdered the Lord of Glory. Yet despite the darkness of the cross, we stand in awe of its glory. For Jesus’ finished work has atoned for our sin, granted us access to God and made a mockery of death & the grave.
Though there have been many dark days in human history, none was so dark as Good Friday. This was the day when mankind committed the highest treason – the day we mocked & murdered the Lord of Glory. Yet despite the darkness of the cross, we stand in awe of its glory. For Jesus’ finished work has atoned for our sin, granted us access to God and made a mockery of death & the grave.
Jesus was the God-man no one expected. On the cross, Jesus was victimized by evil in a way no one anticipated. As we look to Easter we see one who understands us in our suffering - a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.
Jesus was the God-man no one expected. On the cross, Jesus was victimized by evil in a way no one anticipated. As we look to Easter we see one who understands us in our suffering - a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.
As we ascend the hill of Gethsemane, we find our Lord in deep agony as he prepares to suffer not only the death of Roman crucifixion, but the cup of His Father’s wrath. Here we are reminded of the lengths Jesus went to secure our freedom, the necessity of watchful prayer to resist temptation & the raw honesty & vulnerability that we too can have as we approach our heavenly Father.
As we ascend the hill of Gethsemane, we find our Lord in deep agony as he prepares to suffer not only the death of Roman crucifixion, but the cup of His Father’s wrath. Here we are reminded of the lengths Jesus went to secure our freedom, the necessity of watchful prayer to resist temptation & the raw honesty & vulnerability that we too can have as we approach our heavenly Father.
In the final message of 'Why the Church' Peter explains how the church is as relevant as ever.
In the final message of 'Why the Church' Peter explains how the church is as relevant as ever.
Preaching is so good. To have someone get up in front of church and preach the gospel to you is precious beyond words. Here Pete talks about how important it is and how you can prepare for it each Sunday.
Preaching is so good. To have someone get up in front of church and preach the gospel to you is precious beyond words. Here Pete talks about how important it is and how you can prepare for it each Sunday.
The church and corporate singing have had quite a cringey relationship at times. Whilst some of this is due to the way the church has done it, most of it is connected to Australian culture and our awkwardness in singing I public. In this message Peter looks at the abundance of singing in the Bible, God’s command to sing together, and why it is good for us to sing.
The church and corporate singing have had quite a cringey relationship at times. Whilst some of this is due to the way the church has done it, most of it is connected to Australian culture and our awkwardness in singing I public. In this message Peter looks at the abundance of singing in the Bible, God’s command to sing together, and why it is good for us to sing.
The church and money have quite a chequered history. Many have loved money and the power it brings. Jesus saw all possessions as belonging to God. He calls us to be generous with what we have. How we handle money is connected to our spiritual health.
The church and money have quite a chequered history. Many have loved money and the power it brings. Jesus saw all possessions as belonging to God. He calls us to be generous with what we have. How we handle money is connected to our spiritual health.
You don’t need to look far to see the abuse of power and authority. It seems to be happening everywhere – even in the church! But the abuse of power and authority ought not lead us to abandon it altogether. Instead, we should embrace it as a good structure which God intends for our flourishing. Listen in as Peter explains.
You don’t need to look far to see the abuse of power and authority. It seems to be happening everywhere – even in the church! But the abuse of power and authority ought not lead us to abandon it altogether. Instead, we should embrace it as a good structure which God intends for our flourishing. Listen in as Peter explains.
This week’s question is: Do I Have to Go to Church to Be Christian? Those who ask this question seek to separate two things which normally run together – being a Christian and gathering with God’s people regularly. Or, in other words, if you are part of the universal church then you will gather with a local church. Peter explains.
This week’s question is: Do I Have to Go to Church to Be Christian? Those who ask this question seek to separate two things which normally run together – being a Christian and gathering with God’s people regularly. Or, in other words, if you are part of the universal church then you will gather with a local church. Peter explains.
Peter works to clear up some common misconceptions regarding the church. In this message he clarifies what it is, who it is, and why it exists?
Peter works to clear up some common misconceptions regarding the church. In this message he clarifies what it is, who it is, and why it exists?
Though thoughts of the return of Christ have often led Christians into a state of frenzy, here Peter reminds us how we ought to conduct ourselves in light of this glorious reality. Rather than retreat or withdraw, Christians are called to move toward one another in love, service & hospitality – using their gifts for the common good that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Though thoughts of the return of Christ have often led Christians into a state of frenzy, here Peter reminds us how we ought to conduct ourselves in light of this glorious reality. Rather than retreat or withdraw, Christians are called to move toward one another in love, service & hospitality – using their gifts for the common good that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
In closing his letter to the churches in the Dispersion, James, the brother of our Lord, gives us incredibly personal and practical instructions regarding how we ought to respond when our brother or sister in Christ is suffering in their health. We see that it is the ministry of the gathered church community, united in prayer & faith, that Jesus has ordained as the means to restore the suffering saint.
In closing his letter to the churches in the Dispersion, James, the brother of our Lord, gives us incredibly personal and practical instructions regarding how we ought to respond when our brother or sister in Christ is suffering in their health. We see that it is the ministry of the gathered church community, united in prayer & faith, that Jesus has ordained as the means to restore the suffering saint.
It's easy to be critical and to create division between people with words. Biting and devouring one another tears down but Paul shows that by walking with the Spirit and not in the flesh will lead to building up and encouragement.
It's easy to be critical and to create division between people with words. Biting and devouring one another tears down but Paul shows that by walking with the Spirit and not in the flesh will lead to building up and encouragement.
In light of the finished work of Jesus, we are called to put on the new self. Though this will certainly play out at a personal level, Paul exhorts us for it to become a corporate reality in the context of the local church. Despite the diversity of backgrounds and the inevitable reality of relational tension, we are to be a people so richly immersed in the gospel that we bear with one another in a spirit of thankfulness.
In light of the finished work of Jesus, we are called to put on the new self. Though this will certainly play out at a personal level, Paul exhorts us for it to become a corporate reality in the context of the local church. Despite the diversity of backgrounds and the inevitable reality of relational tension, we are to be a people so richly immersed in the gospel that we bear with one another in a spirit of thankfulness.
At a time of year when we tend to be either naively optimistic or descending toward pessimism, Proverbs 3 invites us toward intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Here we learn that it is only when we are in communion with our Father & immersed in His Word that we truly flourish & are ready to wisely navigate whatever life throws at us.
At a time of year when we tend to be either naively optimistic or descending toward pessimism, Proverbs 3 invites us toward intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Here we learn that it is only when we are in communion with our Father & immersed in His Word that we truly flourish & are ready to wisely navigate whatever life throws at us.
Pete's Christmas message shares the biblical truth of the heart of the giver, the heart of the receiver and the biggest gift of all, Jesus.
Pete's Christmas message shares the biblical truth of the heart of the giver, the heart of the receiver and the biggest gift of all, Jesus.
Christmas Character Study 4: Though Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Luke concludes his 2 chapter birth narrative with a brief snippet of Jesus as a young boy. Here we see amazement in the eyes of Jesus’ parents & teachers as He begins to showcase His unique mission & identity. Though it would take years for people to come to grips with who He really was, His obedient submission to the Father serves as a timeless reminder of the nature of the Christian walk.
Christmas Character Study 4: Though Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Luke concludes his 2 chapter birth narrative with a brief snippet of Jesus as a young boy. Here we see amazement in the eyes of Jesus’ parents & teachers as He begins to showcase His unique mission & identity. Though it would take years for people to come to grips with who He really was, His obedient submission to the Father serves as a timeless reminder of the nature of the Christian walk.
Christmas Character Study 3: Christmas is an opportune time to share the good news of the gospel – that with the coming of Christ, the chasm between God & man is bridged that man may be reconciled to God. In Luke 2 we see that the first heralds of this good news were the seemingly insignificant, culturally despised shepherds – Christ entered into human history in the most unspectacular fashion to save those who aren’t that spectacular.
Christmas Character Study 3: Christmas is an opportune time to share the good news of the gospel – that with the coming of Christ, the chasm between God & man is bridged that man may be reconciled to God. In Luke 2 we see that the first heralds of this good news were the seemingly insignificant, culturally despised shepherds – Christ entered into human history in the most unspectacular fashion to save those who aren’t that spectacular.
Christmas Character Study 2: What could be a greater privilege for a young woman than to be appointed with the sacred task of carrying God-incarnate in her womb? – Truly, all generations should call Mary blessed. And yet, though she is indeed blessed & models humble submission to God, many people across the globe ask too much of her. In Luke 1 we learn that though Mary will give birth to the saviour, Mary needs saving as much as anyone.
Christmas Character Study 2: What could be a greater privilege for a young woman than to be appointed with the sacred task of carrying God-incarnate in her womb? – Truly, all generations should call Mary blessed. And yet, though she is indeed blessed & models humble submission to God, many people across the globe ask too much of her. In Luke 1 we learn that though Mary will give birth to the saviour, Mary needs saving as much as anyone.
Christmas Character Study 1: Though not typically present in our nativity scene, Luke begins his account by highlighting the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. Here we are reminded that Christmas is a time to reflect on our need to have our hearts turned toward God & the sobering reason why Jesus had to come.
Christmas Character Study 1: Though not typically present in our nativity scene, Luke begins his account by highlighting the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. Here we are reminded that Christmas is a time to reflect on our need to have our hearts turned toward God & the sobering reason why Jesus had to come.
Who you are and what you do are meant to be connected. Listen in as Peter works to cut through external and internal noise in helping you to identify what God is calling you to do in life.
Who you are and what you do are meant to be connected. Listen in as Peter works to cut through external and internal noise in helping you to identify what God is calling you to do in life.
Coming to the close of Acts chapter 12 we see the demise of Herod; the man who opposed God & who took for himself the glory that is reserved for God alone. Yet, as we examine the account of Herod’s glory theft, we’re left looking into a mirror – for we are guilty of the same thing. Since the garden of Eden mankind has set itself up against God & defiled His Lordship. Yet in the gospel we see Christ entering creation displaying joyful submission to the Father, bearing the punishment we deserve for our idolatrous pride & receiving the glory He rightfully deserves.
Coming to the close of Acts chapter 12 we see the demise of Herod; the man who opposed God & who took for himself the glory that is reserved for God alone. Yet, as we examine the account of Herod’s glory theft, we’re left looking into a mirror – for we are guilty of the same thing. Since the garden of Eden mankind has set itself up against God & defiled His Lordship. Yet in the gospel we see Christ entering creation displaying joyful submission to the Father, bearing the punishment we deserve for our idolatrous pride & receiving the glory He rightfully deserves.
The Jewish leaders continue to walk through new territory after hearing more reports of Gentiles receiving the word of God. They are tested to see whether they will prioritise the gospel going out OR their tradition, culture and personal preference. Like them, we face the same opportunity and test to either prioritise the gospel going out or our own traditions, and culture and preferences.
The Jewish leaders continue to walk through new territory after hearing more reports of Gentiles receiving the word of God. They are tested to see whether they will prioritise the gospel going out OR their tradition, culture and personal preference. Like them, we face the same opportunity and test to either prioritise the gospel going out or our own traditions, and culture and preferences.
We all like things to be fair, especially when we feel like we have missed out on something good. God’s kingdom operates on a whole different level - it is the kingdom of grace. It is a place where no one gets less than they deserve and many people receive far more.
We all like things to be fair, especially when we feel like we have missed out on something good. God’s kingdom operates on a whole different level - it is the kingdom of grace. It is a place where no one gets less than they deserve and many people receive far more.
There are beat-up people everywhere in our world. We can be beat-up physically, financially, spiritually … and so on. Jesus calls us to reach out and assist those who are hurting – those who have been beat-up by life. It is only Jesus who can create truly loving people.
There are beat-up people everywhere in our world. We can be beat-up physically, financially, spiritually … and so on. Jesus calls us to reach out and assist those who are hurting – those who have been beat-up by life. It is only Jesus who can create truly loving people.
Jesus was a prolific story teller. His stories were earthy, relevant, and a little sneaky. On the face of it they seem harmless enough, but once digested they reveal amazing truths. Listen in as Peter takes us through one of the most well known stories of Jesus – the Prodigal Son.
Jesus was a prolific story teller. His stories were earthy, relevant, and a little sneaky. On the face of it they seem harmless enough, but once digested they reveal amazing truths. Listen in as Peter takes us through one of the most well known stories of Jesus – the Prodigal Son.
As we follow God’s redemptive story from Old Testament to New, we see that He has been progressively unveiling His plan to include all nations into his family. Acts chapter 10 brings us to that incredible moment in history when God poured out the New Covenant blessing of the Holy Spirit on the gentiles; commencing a new chapter where Jews and gentiles are reconciled & made into one.
As we follow God’s redemptive story from Old Testament to New, we see that He has been progressively unveiling His plan to include all nations into his family. Acts chapter 10 brings us to that incredible moment in history when God poured out the New Covenant blessing of the Holy Spirit on the gentiles; commencing a new chapter where Jews and gentiles are reconciled & made into one.
On his way to continue his relentless pursuit & persecution of Christians, Saul discovers that he himself is being relentlessly pursued. Lavished with the saving grace of God, we find a converted Saul preaching a message he had formerly rejected & sharing in the fellowship of Christian suffering
On his way to continue his relentless pursuit & persecution of Christians, Saul discovers that he himself is being relentlessly pursued. Lavished with the saving grace of God, we find a converted Saul preaching a message he had formerly rejected & sharing in the fellowship of Christian suffering
Nathan delves into the mystery of staying in step with the Spirit who leads us on mission with God.
Nathan delves into the mystery of staying in step with the Spirit who leads us on mission with God.
Under the heavy hand of Saul’s persecution, the church scatters and the gospel goes forward to Samaria. Here we encounter a clash of kingdoms as the gospel infiltrates into deep-seated darkness & the Samaritans are brought into the fellowship as co-equal recipients of the Holy Spirit.
Under the heavy hand of Saul’s persecution, the church scatters and the gospel goes forward to Samaria. Here we encounter a clash of kingdoms as the gospel infiltrates into deep-seated darkness & the Samaritans are brought into the fellowship as co-equal recipients of the Holy Spirit.
Children are a 24/7 surveillance camera. They are always watching and always learning from the way their Fathers operate. Peter shares about four of these key areas.
Children are a 24/7 surveillance camera. They are always watching and always learning from the way their Fathers operate. Peter shares about four of these key areas.
Stephen is a classic example of a good person who got in the way of evil. Whilst his end was tragic, he died a glorious death - one committed to Jesus.
Stephen is a classic example of a good person who got in the way of evil. Whilst his end was tragic, he died a glorious death - one committed to Jesus.
With growth comes problems - tricky ones. In the middle of the steep growth of the early church, the needs of widows arises and threatens to become a significant barrier to God’s continued work. The apostles lead the church in grappling with this problem and the ongoing growth of the church continues.
With growth comes problems - tricky ones. In the middle of the steep growth of the early church, the needs of widows arises and threatens to become a significant barrier to God’s continued work. The apostles lead the church in grappling with this problem and the ongoing growth of the church continues.
Who’s voice is the loudest in your life? Who’s voice shapes the way you act? The only way to be solid and stable in life is to make sure you are attuned to Jesus’ voice.
Who’s voice is the loudest in your life? Who’s voice shapes the way you act? The only way to be solid and stable in life is to make sure you are attuned to Jesus’ voice.
Peter slows down this week in order to look at signs and wonders more closely. He deals with what they are, what their purpose is, and their relevance for today.
Peter slows down this week in order to look at signs and wonders more closely. He deals with what they are, what their purpose is, and their relevance for today.
When the gospel has its full effect upon you it changes everything … including the way you view and utilise your possessions. Instead of curving in on yourself through hoarding you curve away from yourself and share radically. This is how the early church operated as recorded by Luke in Acts 4.
When the gospel has its full effect upon you it changes everything … including the way you view and utilise your possessions. Instead of curving in on yourself through hoarding you curve away from yourself and share radically. This is how the early church operated as recorded by Luke in Acts 4.
Whose kingdom are you most committed to? God’s kingdom or your own comfort? After a close call with the Sanhedrin, the Christians go after more of God and His kingdom.
Whose kingdom are you most committed to? God’s kingdom or your own comfort? After a close call with the Sanhedrin, the Christians go after more of God and His kingdom.
People disagree with you. They always have and they always will. Become a Christian and the disagreement between you and the world only increases. But we are not alone. Jesus has promised he will help us stay true to him under pressure. Listen in as Peter teaches you how.
People disagree with you. They always have and they always will. Become a Christian and the disagreement between you and the world only increases. But we are not alone. Jesus has promised he will help us stay true to him under pressure. Listen in as Peter teaches you how.
In this sermon, Nathan shows how easy it is to see facts about Jesus and his miracles and miss Jesus himself. The Jews missed Him and killed Him. However, Peter offers hope through repentant faith in Jesus which see’s through the facts and relates with Jesus himself.
In this sermon, Nathan shows how easy it is to see facts about Jesus and his miracles and miss Jesus himself. The Jews missed Him and killed Him. However, Peter offers hope through repentant faith in Jesus which see’s through the facts and relates with Jesus himself.
All of humanity feels the longing for what is transcendent. We long for the one who is above to come down and be close. In the OT, God comes to dwell with his people in the Temple. The wonder of the book of Acts, is that God comes to dwell IN his people through the Holy Spirit. During this message, we look at this incredible shift and what it looks like for God's people to be the meeting place between heaven and earth.
All of humanity feels the longing for what is transcendent. We long for the one who is above to come down and be close. In the OT, God comes to dwell with his people in the Temple. The wonder of the book of Acts, is that God comes to dwell IN his people through the Holy Spirit. During this message, we look at this incredible shift and what it looks like for God's people to be the meeting place between heaven and earth.
Peter explains the miraculous events associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit by helping them to understand the backstory. In doing so he explains how Jesus is not a supporting cast member but the hero and Lord of the story.
Peter explains the miraculous events associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit by helping them to understand the backstory. In doing so he explains how Jesus is not a supporting cast member but the hero and Lord of the story.
A supernatural event happened at Pentecost - the Holy Spirit filled all of the believers. It was a massive moment which changed history.
A supernatural event happened at Pentecost - the Holy Spirit filled all of the believers. It was a massive moment which changed history.
Jayden works through the section in Acts where Luke ties up some loose ends before the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jayden works through the section in Acts where Luke ties up some loose ends before the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Peter sketches out the contours of the book of Acts and shows how the Holy Spirit’s activity in the early church is a continuation of the work of Jesus.
Peter sketches out the contours of the book of Acts and shows how the Holy Spirit’s activity in the early church is a continuation of the work of Jesus.
Life throws plenty at Mums and it is essential for them to engage with the Bible if they are to handle it well. Peter explains why.
Life throws plenty at Mums and it is essential for them to engage with the Bible if they are to handle it well. Peter explains why.
There is nothing more sublime in a world of trouble than knowing we have a God who hears our cries and rescues us. Listen in as Peter camps out in Psalm 116.
There is nothing more sublime in a world of trouble than knowing we have a God who hears our cries and rescues us. Listen in as Peter camps out in Psalm 116.
Jesus’ personal presence always changes whatever we are going through. It did at the resurrection and it still does today.
Jesus’ personal presence always changes whatever we are going through. It did at the resurrection and it still does today.
Jesus is on trial but so is everyone else. What is their reaction to Jesus and why to they respond as they do? What will you do with Jesus?
Jesus is on trial but so is everyone else. What is their reaction to Jesus and why to they respond as they do? What will you do with Jesus?
Jesus is not bullied to the cross. He is intentional, authoritative, and sacrificial. Join Peter as he looks at Jesus in the Garden – the place of His arrest.
Jesus is not bullied to the cross. He is intentional, authoritative, and sacrificial. Join Peter as he looks at Jesus in the Garden – the place of His arrest.
A central place where family likeness grows is within the home. There is a clear distinction with the Christian home. Jesus. Nathan asks two pertinent questions which help to shape what this home looks like and then gives 5 practical applications.
A central place where family likeness grows is within the home. There is a clear distinction with the Christian home. Jesus. Nathan asks two pertinent questions which help to shape what this home looks like and then gives 5 practical applications.
If you want to grow up you will need to do relationship with God and others. Disconnect from these and you will be destined to remain immature forever.
If you want to grow up you will need to do relationship with God and others. Disconnect from these and you will be destined to remain immature forever.
If it is normal for a child to grow up, and we are God’s children, then how does one grow up? Listen in as Peter talks about things which can stall growth, and some of the ways we grow in created likeness.
If it is normal for a child to grow up, and we are God’s children, then how does one grow up? Listen in as Peter talks about things which can stall growth, and some of the ways we grow in created likeness.
God’s plan is that you grow up. He wants you to grow up in areas that have been affected by sin, and He wants you to grow into the person that He has made you to be. You are God’s child and it is good and right for you to grow up.
God’s plan is that you grow up. He wants you to grow up in areas that have been affected by sin, and He wants you to grow into the person that He has made you to be. You are God’s child and it is good and right for you to grow up.
Being made in the image of God means that every human bears a family likeness (albeit a damaged likeness). Discipleship within God’s family is about the restoration and further development of this family likeness.
Being made in the image of God means that every human bears a family likeness (albeit a damaged likeness). Discipleship within God’s family is about the restoration and further development of this family likeness.
The benefits and the costs of being a disciple of Jesus are significant. To become his disciple one must die to oneself. Then, and only then will your life be saved – death always precedes resurrection.
The benefits and the costs of being a disciple of Jesus are significant. To become his disciple one must die to oneself. Then, and only then will your life be saved – death always precedes resurrection.
To conclude the series, Difff discusses how to engage with contentious sanctity of life issues. He covers engagement at a political, church and personal level, and recognises how each of these can operate like an ouroboros - devouring itself due to inconsistencies.
To conclude the series, Difff discusses how to engage with contentious sanctity of life issues. He covers engagement at a political, church and personal level, and recognises how each of these can operate like an ouroboros - devouring itself due to inconsistencies.
Part two of the series about the sanctity of life, Difff discusses the issue of euthanasia through the three points of the obsession with choice, nominalism and the denial of the transcendent, and the theology of suffering.
Part two of the series about the sanctity of life, Difff discusses the issue of euthanasia through the three points of the obsession with choice, nominalism and the denial of the transcendent, and the theology of suffering.
Difff discusses the logic and implications that surround abortion and the pro-choice mentality.
Difff discusses the logic and implications that surround abortion and the pro-choice mentality.
Most of the good and the bad times in 2019 will have something to do with relationships. Listen in as Peter outlines a bunch of principles that will help your relationships to run more smoothly this year.
Most of the good and the bad times in 2019 will have something to do with relationships. Listen in as Peter outlines a bunch of principles that will help your relationships to run more smoothly this year.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Are they good ones? Will you be able to achieve them or will they end up in the 2019 dustbin? Peter shows how the best resolutions for 2019 are the ones that Jesus is keen to bring about in your life. Pick one of those and you will be on a sure winner.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Are they good ones? Will you be able to achieve them or will they end up in the 2019 dustbin? Peter shows how the best resolutions for 2019 are the ones that Jesus is keen to bring about in your life. Pick one of those and you will be on a sure winner.
The end of the year is a good time to slow down and reflect on what has happened throughout the previous 12 months. Listen as Peter leads us in reflecting on: where we have grown up, where we have messed up, and how God revealed Himself in 2018.
The end of the year is a good time to slow down and reflect on what has happened throughout the previous 12 months. Listen as Peter leads us in reflecting on: where we have grown up, where we have messed up, and how God revealed Himself in 2018.
Most of us start out expecting that you are supposed to be happy in life, and end up thinking otherwise. If you’ve lived long enough, you end up with a disposition of mediocre. What are we to do? What does great joy look like and how do we get it?
Most of us start out expecting that you are supposed to be happy in life, and end up thinking otherwise. If you’ve lived long enough, you end up with a disposition of mediocre. What are we to do? What does great joy look like and how do we get it?
To be human is to be connected to others. The problem is that we often don't experience the kind of connection we hope for. What is God's plan for community and what does that look like?
To be human is to be connected to others. The problem is that we often don't experience the kind of connection we hope for. What is God's plan for community and what does that look like?
It seems the reality we are sold around us is that life is about fulfilling as many of the things we feel as possible. A successful life is measured on maximum satisfaction. This falls apart when we consider the truth that we don't always know what it is that will satisfy us. What are we to do with our desires?
It seems the reality we are sold around us is that life is about fulfilling as many of the things we feel as possible. A successful life is measured on maximum satisfaction. This falls apart when we consider the truth that we don't always know what it is that will satisfy us. What are we to do with our desires?
Why are we so afraid of Doubt? For there to be deep conviction, there must be a journey through doubt. The key question is how we go about that journey: intellectually or relationally?
Why are we so afraid of Doubt? For there to be deep conviction, there must be a journey through doubt. The key question is how we go about that journey: intellectually or relationally?
Peter talks about the different levels of prophetic authority in the Bible and what that has to do with the gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians. It is a good gift that encourages and builds up the church.
Peter talks about the different levels of prophetic authority in the Bible and what that has to do with the gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians. It is a good gift that encourages and builds up the church.
What kind of speech is most fitting in church? Speech that builds others up. Speaking in tongues is good but prophecy is better because it benefits others. Peter takes a tour through the first part of 1 Corinthians 14 and looks at what speaking in tongues is and how it is helpful.
What kind of speech is most fitting in church? Speech that builds others up. Speaking in tongues is good but prophecy is better because it benefits others. Peter takes a tour through the first part of 1 Corinthians 14 and looks at what speaking in tongues is and how it is helpful.
James Calabria shares his thoughts on positioning ourselves to be listeners and doers of what God says.
James Calabria shares his thoughts on positioning ourselves to be listeners and doers of what God says.
Who you are should always stay connected to what you do. When character slips away and people operate in their giftings without love you can guarantee that trouble will be on its way.
Who you are should always stay connected to what you do. When character slips away and people operate in their giftings without love you can guarantee that trouble will be on its way.
This week we look at the preface of the famous love chapter - 1 Cor 13. The church in Corinth is wrestling to understand what it means to be spiritual, and in response, Paul lays out three sharp statements that provide resounding clarity: to be spiritual is to love.
This week we look at the preface of the famous love chapter - 1 Cor 13. The church in Corinth is wrestling to understand what it means to be spiritual, and in response, Paul lays out three sharp statements that provide resounding clarity: to be spiritual is to love.
Ed Welch shares his heart for fathers and shows how the high demands of the law actually leads us to greater dependency on Jesus. To be needy and depend on the ultimate good Samaritan (Jesus) is the only way a Father can fulfil their high calling.
Ed Welch shares his heart for fathers and shows how the high demands of the law actually leads us to greater dependency on Jesus. To be needy and depend on the ultimate good Samaritan (Jesus) is the only way a Father can fulfil their high calling.
Gifting should never be connected to status in the church. Any Spiritual gift is just that – a gift. You don’t and you shouldn’t get any kudos from it. Your responsibility is to use it for the good of God’s family.
Gifting should never be connected to status in the church. Any Spiritual gift is just that – a gift. You don’t and you shouldn’t get any kudos from it. Your responsibility is to use it for the good of God’s family.
Peter looks at the second key passage about spiritual gifts in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12) and gives a brief outline of each of them.
Peter looks at the second key passage about spiritual gifts in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12) and gives a brief outline of each of them.
Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, are energised by the Holy Spirit, and bring glory to God. They are an expression of God’s grace within his family. He is a good God who gives good gifts for the common good.
Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, are energised by the Holy Spirit, and bring glory to God. They are an expression of God’s grace within his family. He is a good God who gives good gifts for the common good.
God's Activity changes us. God is Active in Community. God is Active in Ministry. Ministry is an Activity of service to God and those around you that is Holy Spirit empowered and shown by Jesus' perfect example. Wherever God is Active, it is good.
God's Activity changes us. God is Active in Community. God is Active in Ministry. Ministry is an Activity of service to God and those around you that is Holy Spirit empowered and shown by Jesus' perfect example. Wherever God is Active, it is good.
Spiritual gifts are one of the ways that God’s presence and kindness is made clear and concrete in the church. God gives them to everyone for the common good.
Spiritual gifts are one of the ways that God’s presence and kindness is made clear and concrete in the church. God gives them to everyone for the common good.
What you expect to happen at church on Sunday is connected to what you believe about God - and there is not one person on earth who has a high enough view of God.
What you expect to happen at church on Sunday is connected to what you believe about God - and there is not one person on earth who has a high enough view of God.
We suffer and we are tempted to play the role of God and balance the scales of justice. Joseph suffered and reinterpreted his suffering with the perspective of God’s goodness and overarching plan. Listen to the story of Joseph and consider how God wants to lead you through suffering.
We suffer and we are tempted to play the role of God and balance the scales of justice. Joseph suffered and reinterpreted his suffering with the perspective of God’s goodness and overarching plan. Listen to the story of Joseph and consider how God wants to lead you through suffering.
The story of Isaac giving his blessing reminds us of the reality that humanity loves to take matters into their own hands - none the less, God is merciful and pours out his grace on undeserving sinners.
The story of Isaac giving his blessing reminds us of the reality that humanity loves to take matters into their own hands - none the less, God is merciful and pours out his grace on undeserving sinners.
God’s covenant with abraham gives us a radical picture of God’s commitment to his people, even to the point of death. Seeing this clearly inspires us, as his beloved people to live lives of bold faith in his promises.
God’s covenant with abraham gives us a radical picture of God’s commitment to his people, even to the point of death. Seeing this clearly inspires us, as his beloved people to live lives of bold faith in his promises.
Humanity can run from difficult realities or sit within them joylessly. We see in the story of the flood, a tension between God’s judgement and his mercy and we ought to grow in how we understand it and relate to God as a result.
Humanity can run from difficult realities or sit within them joylessly. We see in the story of the flood, a tension between God’s judgement and his mercy and we ought to grow in how we understand it and relate to God as a result.
Genesis tells us the beginning of the story of the bible. The beginning of any narrative sets up the key characters and context for the rest of the story. We learn from genesis that creation, the world and humanity are about God: a preeminent, pre-existent creator who creates out of his fullness.
Genesis tells us the beginning of the story of the bible. The beginning of any narrative sets up the key characters and context for the rest of the story. We learn from genesis that creation, the world and humanity are about God: a preeminent, pre-existent creator who creates out of his fullness.
How do you fix a human? There are heaps of options, but almost all of them fail to do the job we hope they will. The human problem is a spiritual problem, that is why human systems help us but don’t fix us. We need God to save us.
How do you fix a human? There are heaps of options, but almost all of them fail to do the job we hope they will. The human problem is a spiritual problem, that is why human systems help us but don’t fix us. We need God to save us.
In a fallen world, brutal things happen. People get hurt. In this talk Peter works through the question: How can you come to terms with things that are long and hard and don’t go away?
In a fallen world, brutal things happen. People get hurt. In this talk Peter works through the question: How can you come to terms with things that are long and hard and don’t go away?
In the fourth part of the series, “That’s a Good Question”, Difff asks, “what’s wrong with having a little fun?” While rejecting the idea that Christianity should be a stoic ascetic religion wherein fun and pleasure are eschewed, reference to C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters is used to understand the ways that humans are bad at having fun without taking it too far, and we come to recognize that God’s laws exist to help us to live according to reality.
In the fourth part of the series, “That’s a Good Question”, Difff asks, “what’s wrong with having a little fun?” While rejecting the idea that Christianity should be a stoic ascetic religion wherein fun and pleasure are eschewed, reference to C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters is used to understand the ways that humans are bad at having fun without taking it too far, and we come to recognize that God’s laws exist to help us to live according to reality.
Difff discusses the third good question of the series, "was I born this way?" He asks whether our identity is formed by our desires, and grapples with the implications of culture's obsession with being 'true to yourself'.
Difff discusses the third good question of the series, "was I born this way?" He asks whether our identity is formed by our desires, and grapples with the implications of culture's obsession with being 'true to yourself'.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, sets a stellar example for all mums. She is a humble servant of God, who, even though she struggles to comprehend things at times, allows God to use her however he needs in the story that he is writing.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, sets a stellar example for all mums. She is a humble servant of God, who, even though she struggles to comprehend things at times, allows God to use her however he needs in the story that he is writing.
Whilst science is a helpful way to arrive at truth, it is not the only way. Revelation, once called the queen of the sciences, is a much better starting point when asking the question “How do I know what is true?”
Whilst science is a helpful way to arrive at truth, it is not the only way. Revelation, once called the queen of the sciences, is a much better starting point when asking the question “How do I know what is true?”
There are so many gods and so many religions … how do we know who or what is the real deal? Does God even exist? Peter addresses these questions in the first of the Project’s culture series: Who is God?
There are so many gods and so many religions … how do we know who or what is the real deal? Does God even exist? Peter addresses these questions in the first of the Project’s culture series: Who is God?
What Jesus accomplished in the resurrection was the beginning of the resurrection of all creation, leading to a picture of new people in a new garden dwelling with God. This leads us as his people to place our trust in his eternal plan, being free to spend our lives for his kingdom - joining in on renewing the world through acts of self-sacrificial love.
What Jesus accomplished in the resurrection was the beginning of the resurrection of all creation, leading to a picture of new people in a new garden dwelling with God. This leads us as his people to place our trust in his eternal plan, being free to spend our lives for his kingdom - joining in on renewing the world through acts of self-sacrificial love.
Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom, but it wasn’t the kingdom his followers expected. We come to faith with expectations about what it means to be a follower of this kingdom and realise Christ’s model is radically different to what we think
Jesus came preaching the good news of the kingdom, but it wasn’t the kingdom his followers expected. We come to faith with expectations about what it means to be a follower of this kingdom and realise Christ’s model is radically different to what we think
Jesus came and bought redemption to his people, but not in the way that they thought. We point the finger at everyone else as what is wrong with the world, and with his sacrifice, Jesus pointed at us.
Jesus came and bought redemption to his people, but not in the way that they thought. We point the finger at everyone else as what is wrong with the world, and with his sacrifice, Jesus pointed at us.
Most spiritual warfare is not extraordinary – it is day by day repentance, faith, and relationship with Jesus. We need the correct attire (the gospel) and the correct attitude (alertness in prayer) if we are to be on the offensive with Jesus.
Most spiritual warfare is not extraordinary – it is day by day repentance, faith, and relationship with Jesus. We need the correct attire (the gospel) and the correct attitude (alertness in prayer) if we are to be on the offensive with Jesus.
Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Work existed before sin entered the world and sin makes work harder than it needs to be. Paul helps by pointing to the reality that the ultimate purpose of our work is not to put food on the table, or to please our boss but to please God. It is God’s will that our work would be done for him and under his authority.
Work existed before sin entered the world and sin makes work harder than it needs to be. Paul helps by pointing to the reality that the ultimate purpose of our work is not to put food on the table, or to please our boss but to please God. It is God’s will that our work would be done for him and under his authority.
God addresses children in Ephesians 6 because they are integral members of His family. Children need to obey their parents and parents need to use their power and authority to bring them up in the Lord.
God addresses children in Ephesians 6 because they are integral members of His family. Children need to obey their parents and parents need to use their power and authority to bring them up in the Lord.
Marriage is a living, walking, breathing reflection of Jesus’ relationship with the church. They are relationships where two become one.
Marriage is a living, walking, breathing reflection of Jesus’ relationship with the church. They are relationships where two become one.
Nobody is better at loving than God himself … God calls upon husbands to imitate His love. This is a high calling achieved only through a personal knowledge of God’s love and a willingness to die to oneself just as Christ did.
Nobody is better at loving than God himself … God calls upon husbands to imitate His love. This is a high calling achieved only through a personal knowledge of God’s love and a willingness to die to oneself just as Christ did.
God made men, women and marriage. He designed marriage to be led and prospered by the servant-hearted, self-sacrificial leadership of the husband in tandem with the supportive, willing submission of the wife to his leadership. In marriage we do not talk about the rights of two individuals but the health of two who have become one.
God made men, women and marriage. He designed marriage to be led and prospered by the servant-hearted, self-sacrificial leadership of the husband in tandem with the supportive, willing submission of the wife to his leadership. In marriage we do not talk about the rights of two individuals but the health of two who have become one.
At the beginning of each year Project leaders dedicate a Sunday morning service to report on the last year and what the elders feel God is calling us to next. It’s an open book overview of all that’s going on at the church, including ministry updates, finances, key church events, missional opportunities and any new endeavours we’re set to embark on as a church family. If you’re new, it is a chance to capture the bigger picture of The Project and check if God is calling you to join and invest in community with us.
At the beginning of each year Project leaders dedicate a Sunday morning service to report on the last year and what the elders feel God is calling us to next. It’s an open book overview of all that’s going on at the church, including ministry updates, finances, key church events, missional opportunities and any new endeavours we’re set to embark on as a church family. If you’re new, it is a chance to capture the bigger picture of The Project and check if God is calling you to join and invest in community with us.
If everything temporary is insufficient for our hope where then is the Christian to look for hope? Why in God of course! Where does the christian look for God? In his word, where he has revealed himself. Set your hope on the promises of God in his word this year. Don’t be fooled by the promises of sin and foolishness, rather set your hope in things deep and unshakeable
If everything temporary is insufficient for our hope where then is the Christian to look for hope? Why in God of course! Where does the christian look for God? In his word, where he has revealed himself. Set your hope on the promises of God in his word this year. Don’t be fooled by the promises of sin and foolishness, rather set your hope in things deep and unshakeable
False hope leads us to believe that we can live life without God. Active Gospel Hope informs our lives that God is for us, here and now and loves us today. One day there will be a resurrection that changes everything today, and by the power of the Holy Spirit we have Christ's work to do today.
False hope leads us to believe that we can live life without God. Active Gospel Hope informs our lives that God is for us, here and now and loves us today. One day there will be a resurrection that changes everything today, and by the power of the Holy Spirit we have Christ's work to do today.
This time of the year (Jan) we begin to think about the year to come: we have dreams and hopes we would like to see come to pass. The question of this message is: What is biblical hope and how should it influence the life of the christian?
This time of the year (Jan) we begin to think about the year to come: we have dreams and hopes we would like to see come to pass. The question of this message is: What is biblical hope and how should it influence the life of the christian?
Christ, in his ministry, announces the coming of the kingdom of God and in his death and resurrection becomes the King who reigns over his people and establishes his kingdom through Peace.
Christ, in his ministry, announces the coming of the kingdom of God and in his death and resurrection becomes the King who reigns over his people and establishes his kingdom through Peace.
Alcohol has never made anyone wiser but it has made many people dumber. God's heart for you is that you would steadily grow in wisdom.
Alcohol has never made anyone wiser but it has made many people dumber. God's heart for you is that you would steadily grow in wisdom.
Jesus changes people from darkness to light. He is the most luminous entity that exists and his light is contagious.
Jesus changes people from darkness to light. He is the most luminous entity that exists and his light is contagious.
We live in a world that has twisted sex and sexuality. Retaining normal sexuality is impossible without God's help.
We live in a world that has twisted sex and sexuality. Retaining normal sexuality is impossible without God's help.
If you are a Christian you are a beloved child of God. It is good and right that God's children grow more and more into the likeness of their Father because there is no greater good than Him.
If you are a Christian you are a beloved child of God. It is good and right that God's children grow more and more into the likeness of their Father because there is no greater good than Him.
Peter explains the centrality of serving in the character of God and its connection to the role of Deacons in the Project.
Peter explains the centrality of serving in the character of God and its connection to the role of Deacons in the Project.
We are often like the pharisees, in that we miss the relational intentions that lie at the heart of God’s commands. Today we talk about the Sabbath rest in the OT and what it means for us today.
We are often like the pharisees, in that we miss the relational intentions that lie at the heart of God’s commands. Today we talk about the Sabbath rest in the OT and what it means for us today.
Forgiveness is always free but it is never cheap because it always involves the offended person swallowing the evil that was done to them.
Forgiveness is always free but it is never cheap because it always involves the offended person swallowing the evil that was done to them.
The world needs strong men, and in particular, strong fathers. Fathers who don't exploit others but who exercise their strength for the good of others, the good of the world and the glory of God.
The world needs strong men, and in particular, strong fathers. Fathers who don't exploit others but who exercise their strength for the good of others, the good of the world and the glory of God.
God desires to be deeply personal with us. He came so close to humanity in the person of Christ and has moved even closer through the Holy Spirit that he has given to us. He has chosen to be so close that he is personally affected by what we say and do.
God desires to be deeply personal with us. He came so close to humanity in the person of Christ and has moved even closer through the Holy Spirit that he has given to us. He has chosen to be so close that he is personally affected by what we say and do.
Words are powerful. They are not neutral. The tongue has the power of life and death. Truly human people not only avoid words that corrupt and kill, they actively speak words that build up, fit the moment and minister grace.
Words are powerful. They are not neutral. The tongue has the power of life and death. Truly human people not only avoid words that corrupt and kill, they actively speak words that build up, fit the moment and minister grace.
Ephesians continues this week with a look at work and Paul issues us a high challenge: Don’t steal anymore, rather work to give to those in need. In this message we explore how we steal with our work, and then examine how God would have us work.
Ephesians continues this week with a look at work and Paul issues us a high challenge: Don’t steal anymore, rather work to give to those in need. In this message we explore how we steal with our work, and then examine how God would have us work.
If you are a human, you have experienced anger. Relationships, difficult circumstances, conflict – these will produce anger. The question is whether you are experiencing the right kind of anger. Paul in Ephesians instructs us to be angry, and gives us the right context for being angry.
If you are a human, you have experienced anger. Relationships, difficult circumstances, conflict – these will produce anger. The question is whether you are experiencing the right kind of anger. Paul in Ephesians instructs us to be angry, and gives us the right context for being angry.
Proud people grumble - humble people give thanks. This is the recording (minus the songs) of the Project's thanksgiving service on its 6th birthday.
Proud people grumble - humble people give thanks. This is the recording (minus the songs) of the Project's thanksgiving service on its 6th birthday.
There are many pressures that threaten to mess with the church - it can only stand strong when those within it consistently speak the truth to one another in love.
There are many pressures that threaten to mess with the church - it can only stand strong when those within it consistently speak the truth to one another in love.
Difff shares about how the way out of the minefield is to see your life as a gift to others.
Difff shares about how the way out of the minefield is to see your life as a gift to others.
Wes shares about how ownership impacts the choices that we make and in doing so highlights the connectedness that exists between humans.
Wes shares about how ownership impacts the choices that we make and in doing so highlights the connectedness that exists between humans.
In part two of the minefield, Difff explains the way that the desire for lawless freedom manifests itself in the desire to control people. He suggests that this hunger for control results in relational conflict, and offers two solutions: give people the benefit of the doubt, and meet people where they're at.
In part two of the minefield, Difff explains the way that the desire for lawless freedom manifests itself in the desire to control people. He suggests that this hunger for control results in relational conflict, and offers two solutions: give people the benefit of the doubt, and meet people where they're at.
In Part One of The Minefield miniseries, Difff discusses the way that Pride leads to an obsession with freedom that tempts us to see people and things as tools for our own uses and entertainment. Called acedia, he explains its mechanisms, and also reminds us that living for our own happiness cannot make us truly happy.
In Part One of The Minefield miniseries, Difff discusses the way that Pride leads to an obsession with freedom that tempts us to see people and things as tools for our own uses and entertainment. Called acedia, he explains its mechanisms, and also reminds us that living for our own happiness cannot make us truly happy.
It is our joyful duty to listen to and respond to objections and doubts about the christian faith, out of love for Christ and our fellow-man. Understanding common objections will help you to grow in your response to others.
It is our joyful duty to listen to and respond to objections and doubts about the christian faith, out of love for Christ and our fellow-man. Understanding common objections will help you to grow in your response to others.
The work of ministry is not reserved for the leaders of the church - on the contrary it is the leaders of the church that are called by God to equip the saints so that they can minister to other members of the church.
The work of ministry is not reserved for the leaders of the church - on the contrary it is the leaders of the church that are called by God to equip the saints so that they can minister to other members of the church.
On the cross Jesus turned what appeared to be a defeat into a spectacular victory. The good news is that He is a generous victor - a victor who gives gifts to leaders within His family so that each member of His family will be healthy.
On the cross Jesus turned what appeared to be a defeat into a spectacular victory. The good news is that He is a generous victor - a victor who gives gifts to leaders within His family so that each member of His family will be healthy.
Mum's wage war against the world. Most of what they do is small, slow and long term in a world that values quick, notable and now.
Mum's wage war against the world. Most of what they do is small, slow and long term in a world that values quick, notable and now.
Unity is both precious and fragile. It must be guarded by humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love.
Unity is both precious and fragile. It must be guarded by humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love.
Theology (the study of God) that does not lead to doxology (the worship of God) is bad theology. Peter shares about the mysterious blessing of being small and centering on a big God.
Theology (the study of God) that does not lead to doxology (the worship of God) is bad theology. Peter shares about the mysterious blessing of being small and centering on a big God.
No one is more powerful than the person who has a deepening revelation of Christ's love for them and has him dwelling in their hearts.That person will be increasingly fearless.
No one is more powerful than the person who has a deepening revelation of Christ's love for them and has him dwelling in their hearts.That person will be increasingly fearless.
Jesus calls us to follow him and in following him we are often led away from what is comfortable. This movement is always good because his plans are always better than ours.
Jesus calls us to follow him and in following him we are often led away from what is comfortable. This movement is always good because his plans are always better than ours.
At the deepest level the Project is passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus and be changed by Him. There is no more effective vehicle for this to happen through than a new church; something the Project is actively moving towards.
At the deepest level the Project is passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus and be changed by Him. There is no more effective vehicle for this to happen through than a new church; something the Project is actively moving towards.
Almost everything about Christianity is unlikely. From an unlikely God (He is better than you think), to an unlikely message (He loves you and died for you), to the unlikely messengers (the church) - God's story is full of surprises.
Almost everything about Christianity is unlikely. From an unlikely God (He is better than you think), to an unlikely message (He loves you and died for you), to the unlikely messengers (the church) - God's story is full of surprises.
God's thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours. Not only did Jesus take on human flesh, he also paved the way for God to dwell in us by the Holy Spirit. If you love Jesus and belong to Him then the presence of God dwells in you in the Holy Spirit - you take Him wherever you go. That changes everything.
God's thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours. Not only did Jesus take on human flesh, he also paved the way for God to dwell in us by the Holy Spirit. If you love Jesus and belong to Him then the presence of God dwells in you in the Holy Spirit - you take Him wherever you go. That changes everything.
The church is not primarily an institution, a club, an entertainment portal ... it is ultimately God's family; His household. The early church often met in houses because that reflected who they were. Do we automatically think family when we think church?
The church is not primarily an institution, a club, an entertainment portal ... it is ultimately God's family; His household. The early church often met in houses because that reflected who they were. Do we automatically think family when we think church?
Peace is embodied in a person. The end to all conflict is found in the recreation of people in the person of Jesus.
Peace is embodied in a person. The end to all conflict is found in the recreation of people in the person of Jesus.
The culture that we live in is performance driven - it is all about what you do. Humanity has always tended to drift towards gaining approval through what they do. Is it any wonder that we approach God that way too?
The culture that we live in is performance driven - it is all about what you do. Humanity has always tended to drift towards gaining approval through what they do. Is it any wonder that we approach God that way too?
Those who are adopted by God into His family will forever be trophies that demonstrate the grace and mercy of God. This message is about how to be the shiniest trophy you can be!
Those who are adopted by God into His family will forever be trophies that demonstrate the grace and mercy of God. This message is about how to be the shiniest trophy you can be!
But God, who is rich in mercy. When we consider the trouble that humanity is in as a result of their turning away from God, there may not be any sweeter words in the world. Savour them.
But God, who is rich in mercy. When we consider the trouble that humanity is in as a result of their turning away from God, there may not be any sweeter words in the world. Savour them.
Sin is serious. It kills people spiritually and eventually physically. If God is life then to depart from Him is to embrace death.
Sin is serious. It kills people spiritually and eventually physically. If God is life then to depart from Him is to embrace death.
All of life is lived unto God – our thoughts, attitudes, relationships, materials, opportunities, career, money – it would be good for us to consider how we might best honour him with it.
All of life is lived unto God – our thoughts, attitudes, relationships, materials, opportunities, career, money – it would be good for us to consider how we might best honour him with it.
We make life about us, when all of life is about God. Consider the year to come, consider the opportunities and challenges and changes and then consider what your life is about. Ultimately, we live in God’s world, for God’s glory.
We make life about us, when all of life is about God. Consider the year to come, consider the opportunities and challenges and changes and then consider what your life is about. Ultimately, we live in God’s world, for God’s glory.
What does God’s power mean for our trouble and hardship? Paul prays for the believers in the book of Ephesians well aware of their situation, and yet he doesn’t pray God would remove their hardship. We see God’s power working for us most clearly in the death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, and we have hope that we can trust him.
What does God’s power mean for our trouble and hardship? Paul prays for the believers in the book of Ephesians well aware of their situation, and yet he doesn’t pray God would remove their hardship. We see God’s power working for us most clearly in the death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, and we have hope that we can trust him.
God's grace is amazing yet we don't always live in the fullness of it. Paul gets busy praying that the Christians in Ephesus live in the fullness of God's goodness ... and we should too.
God's grace is amazing yet we don't always live in the fullness of it. Paul gets busy praying that the Christians in Ephesus live in the fullness of God's goodness ... and we should too.
There are many aspects of God that are difficult to understand and are beyond our comprehension. But that is ok because relationships are not built upon knowing all the details - they are built upon trust in the other person's character. And God's character is immeasurably good. His character is trustworthy.
There are many aspects of God that are difficult to understand and are beyond our comprehension. But that is ok because relationships are not built upon knowing all the details - they are built upon trust in the other person's character. And God's character is immeasurably good. His character is trustworthy.
The gospel (that Jesus came and died for our sins) ushers us into a gospel reality where God expresses the riches of his kindness to us through ongoing forgiveness of sin and liberation from what enslaves us.
The gospel (that Jesus came and died for our sins) ushers us into a gospel reality where God expresses the riches of his kindness to us through ongoing forgiveness of sin and liberation from what enslaves us.
The debate surrounding predestination and election can be such a distraction from the wonder of what God has done - he has adopted his enemies into his family!! That is something to get excited about.
The debate surrounding predestination and election can be such a distraction from the wonder of what God has done - he has adopted his enemies into his family!! That is something to get excited about.
God the Father never does anything but bless his children. In Jesus he has given us the most expensive, life changing blessing ... He has provided the way for us to be brought into the relational community of the trinity.
God the Father never does anything but bless his children. In Jesus he has given us the most expensive, life changing blessing ... He has provided the way for us to be brought into the relational community of the trinity.
If you love Jesus you are no longer an outsider but an insider - you are in! It's not what you know but who you belong to.
If you love Jesus you are no longer an outsider but an insider - you are in! It's not what you know but who you belong to.
What do you think of when you think Evangelism? Do you think street preacher, extrovert, charisma and smooth talk? Well the bible has a different idea. It seems to suggest that evangelism is born out of the heart of a person who has experienced the worth of Christ, and feels compelled to lead others into that - And that looks different to the picture a lot of people have in their minds. This message is an attempt to repaint evangelism, for the glory of God and the joy of others.
What do you think of when you think Evangelism? Do you think street preacher, extrovert, charisma and smooth talk? Well the bible has a different idea. It seems to suggest that evangelism is born out of the heart of a person who has experienced the worth of Christ, and feels compelled to lead others into that - And that looks different to the picture a lot of people have in their minds. This message is an attempt to repaint evangelism, for the glory of God and the joy of others.
Seeing the mercy of God compels obedience in the heart of the christian. It is an obedience grounded in faith in who God is. This message looks at the relationship between obedience and faith and God’s call to the christian to walk in them.
Seeing the mercy of God compels obedience in the heart of the christian. It is an obedience grounded in faith in who God is. This message looks at the relationship between obedience and faith and God’s call to the christian to walk in them.
The first mention of restoration occurs right next to the first time that humanity turned away from God. God has been on a rescue mission since before time began and he calls you to join him.
The first mention of restoration occurs right next to the first time that humanity turned away from God. God has been on a rescue mission since before time began and he calls you to join him.
Shame is the stain on our identity left by sin and God's family is the context in which He brings restoration to who we are.
Shame is the stain on our identity left by sin and God's family is the context in which He brings restoration to who we are.
The responsibility for teaching children to love Jesus sits at the feet of fathers. If a generation of children in Christian homes grow up without a love for Jesus then the fathers have failed in discharging their responsibility well. Peter gives 9 suggestions (from Psalm 78) about how fathers can teach their children to love Jesus.
The responsibility for teaching children to love Jesus sits at the feet of fathers. If a generation of children in Christian homes grow up without a love for Jesus then the fathers have failed in discharging their responsibility well. Peter gives 9 suggestions (from Psalm 78) about how fathers can teach their children to love Jesus.
The Bible is explicit about the true nature of those who have been redeemed by Jesus. In this message Peter shares about what is normal, truly human behaviour, and how God would have us live out of it.
The Bible is explicit about the true nature of those who have been redeemed by Jesus. In this message Peter shares about what is normal, truly human behaviour, and how God would have us live out of it.
Something tragic has happened. The pristine humanity that God created has been marred and stained. Though there are still remnants of who we were in the beginning, there is a side to us that defaces the humanity in us and the people around us. Peter talks about who we have become as a result of our turning our backs on God.
Something tragic has happened. The pristine humanity that God created has been marred and stained. Though there are still remnants of who we were in the beginning, there is a side to us that defaces the humanity in us and the people around us. Peter talks about who we have become as a result of our turning our backs on God.
In the first part of the Restoring Humanity series Peter looks at how humanity was originally created. If human flourishing is to be restored we will need to be clear about how humanity was originally made.
In the first part of the Restoring Humanity series Peter looks at how humanity was originally created. If human flourishing is to be restored we will need to be clear about how humanity was originally made.
Special Guest Tim Lane teaches from Ephesians 4 about the purpose of all relationships.
Special Guest Tim Lane teaches from Ephesians 4 about the purpose of all relationships.
In this Psalm, we see King David responding to his sin with Bathsheba as described in 2 Samuel 11. From David’s reflections, we learn about the nature of sin and how we should respond to it, living lives as broken and contrite people in the face of sin.
In this Psalm, we see King David responding to his sin with Bathsheba as described in 2 Samuel 11. From David’s reflections, we learn about the nature of sin and how we should respond to it, living lives as broken and contrite people in the face of sin.
Have you ever lost God? What do you do when you can't sense His presence anymore? How do you fight back against despair? Psalm 42 teaches us how.
Have you ever lost God? What do you do when you can't sense His presence anymore? How do you fight back against despair? Psalm 42 teaches us how.
Everyone laments … the only question is who do you lament to? When God seems silent and life is painful it can be hard to talk to God. It can be hard to orient around Him and not our pain. Peter looks at Psalm 77 and explores how God inspired it to teach us how to walk through trouble.
Everyone laments … the only question is who do you lament to? When God seems silent and life is painful it can be hard to talk to God. It can be hard to orient around Him and not our pain. Peter looks at Psalm 77 and explores how God inspired it to teach us how to walk through trouble.
Nathan works from Psalm 127 to see what work and rest look like apart from God and the bad fruit that they produce. However, when a person joins what God is already doing, this produces the most fruitful and most effortless work and rest.
Nathan works from Psalm 127 to see what work and rest look like apart from God and the bad fruit that they produce. However, when a person joins what God is already doing, this produces the most fruitful and most effortless work and rest.
From Psalm 78 we see the call of God to parents and guardians to tell of his works to the coming generation, that they might know him and follow him. Parenting, and caring for children is firstly sharing with them the glory of God.
From Psalm 78 we see the call of God to parents and guardians to tell of his works to the coming generation, that they might know him and follow him. Parenting, and caring for children is firstly sharing with them the glory of God.
The Majesty of God is present in all the earth, today we look at how Psalm 8 reveals God’s majesty in using weak things, like babies and men, to conquer his enemies and rule his world.
The Majesty of God is present in all the earth, today we look at how Psalm 8 reveals God’s majesty in using weak things, like babies and men, to conquer his enemies and rule his world.
Fearing God is like orbiting the sun, when you fear (awe, severance, worship) God, your life orbits around him like it should. But when you deliberately turn away from God and fear something else, the planets collide and fall out of order. Every person alive should be fearing God, because he is to be feared, so we look at how this fear works and what it looks like.
Fearing God is like orbiting the sun, when you fear (awe, severance, worship) God, your life orbits around him like it should. But when you deliberately turn away from God and fear something else, the planets collide and fall out of order. Every person alive should be fearing God, because he is to be feared, so we look at how this fear works and what it looks like.
From Ecclesiastes 2, we take a look at a number of good gifts that God has given us: laughter, alcohol, sex and music/art. If they in themselves lead to vanity as the preacher suggests, what are we to do with them??
From Ecclesiastes 2, we take a look at a number of good gifts that God has given us: laughter, alcohol, sex and music/art. If they in themselves lead to vanity as the preacher suggests, what are we to do with them??
Marketing teaches us that all we need is one more thing. Just one more thing and you will be satisfied and happy. This temptation is not new. It is just a rework of the very first temptation that ensnared humanity. In contrast God calls us to manage our wealth in the light of eternity - to use it to build wealth there.
Marketing teaches us that all we need is one more thing. Just one more thing and you will be satisfied and happy. This temptation is not new. It is just a rework of the very first temptation that ensnared humanity. In contrast God calls us to manage our wealth in the light of eternity - to use it to build wealth there.
The writer of Ecclesiastes rightly observes three things about evil: it is random, it is a wrecker and it is personal. In contrast his observations we see God harnessing evil and making it go where he wants it to go throughout human history. This gives us great hope in the midst of evil.
The writer of Ecclesiastes rightly observes three things about evil: it is random, it is a wrecker and it is personal. In contrast his observations we see God harnessing evil and making it go where he wants it to go throughout human history. This gives us great hope in the midst of evil.
Miracles and mothers seem to go together. From the miracle of life, to the miracle of an eternal soul created in the mother, to the miracle of the incarnation ... mums get to partake in some amazing stuff.
Miracles and mothers seem to go together. From the miracle of life, to the miracle of an eternal soul created in the mother, to the miracle of the incarnation ... mums get to partake in some amazing stuff.
Every person is always doing something with food. The way we use food tends to reflect our faith or our idolatry. Our culture is well accustomed to the use of food and drink as a kind of anaesthetic (or functional saviour). We, like the author of Ecclesiastes, can tend to default to sensual pleasures as an alternative to the more significant satisfaction that God offers us.
Every person is always doing something with food. The way we use food tends to reflect our faith or our idolatry. Our culture is well accustomed to the use of food and drink as a kind of anaesthetic (or functional saviour). We, like the author of Ecclesiastes, can tend to default to sensual pleasures as an alternative to the more significant satisfaction that God offers us.
Death is the big problem we all know exists but don't want to talk about. If this world is all that there is then it kinda makes a lot of sense not to talk about it. The writer of Ecclesiastes spends the majority of a chapter deliberating about death - his deliberations are very helpful to us.
Death is the big problem we all know exists but don't want to talk about. If this world is all that there is then it kinda makes a lot of sense not to talk about it. The writer of Ecclesiastes spends the majority of a chapter deliberating about death - his deliberations are very helpful to us.
At first glance, Ecclesiastes doesn’t seem to give work much hope. But digging deeper, the author offers us hope for work. This week we work to redefine work.
At first glance, Ecclesiastes doesn’t seem to give work much hope. But digging deeper, the author offers us hope for work. This week we work to redefine work.
Ecclesiastes is a difficult book to work through at the best of times. This week is setting the tone and direction for the series by attempting to understand that everything 'under the sun' is meaningless.
Ecclesiastes is a difficult book to work through at the best of times. This week is setting the tone and direction for the series by attempting to understand that everything 'under the sun' is meaningless.
Easter Sunday means hope for the whole world. Jesus has risen ... anything can happen now.
Easter Sunday means hope for the whole world. Jesus has risen ... anything can happen now.
Good Friday had a couple of hopeful moments but was mostly good and dark. Jesus entered into a hopelessness that threatened to swallow him for good. This is our tribute to him.
Good Friday had a couple of hopeful moments but was mostly good and dark. Jesus entered into a hopelessness that threatened to swallow him for good. This is our tribute to him.
The Project has almost finished working through the book of Mark. Join Peter as he summarises four key themes present in the book of Mark.
The Project has almost finished working through the book of Mark. Join Peter as he summarises four key themes present in the book of Mark.
In the midst of the assortment of colliding opinions in Mark 14 there are two characters that seem to be unaffected by others - Jesus and the woman who anointed him. The Garden of Gethsemane unlocks the secret to staying true under fire.
In the midst of the assortment of colliding opinions in Mark 14 there are two characters that seem to be unaffected by others - Jesus and the woman who anointed him. The Garden of Gethsemane unlocks the secret to staying true under fire.
In this section of Mark an unnamed woman shows the world how to love Jesus - in doing so she demonstrates how outsiders are the real insiders when it comes to relationship with Him.
In this section of Mark an unnamed woman shows the world how to love Jesus - in doing so she demonstrates how outsiders are the real insiders when it comes to relationship with Him.
When Jesus died on the cross he laid the groundwork for both salvation and judgement. When he returns he will save some and judge others. We need to be awake and awaiting his return.
When Jesus died on the cross he laid the groundwork for both salvation and judgement. When he returns he will save some and judge others. We need to be awake and awaiting his return.
Jesus knows the future because he is God. In Mark 13 he gives some details about some events that will be happening in the future. The information he gives us falls well short of what we would normally want to know - that is because he wants us to trust him in the present rather than trust in an outcome. God will share with us things that will guard, inspire and protect faith. He will not share with us things that make faith optional.
Jesus knows the future because he is God. In Mark 13 he gives some details about some events that will be happening in the future. The information he gives us falls well short of what we would normally want to know - that is because he wants us to trust him in the present rather than trust in an outcome. God will share with us things that will guard, inspire and protect faith. He will not share with us things that make faith optional.
Knowledge of God should always transfer to honour and worship of God. Inherent Sin has cut of this transfer and caused us to be blind to the Goodness of God. The life of the Christian is one of trusting in God & his promises to renew our hearts and our desires.
Knowledge of God should always transfer to honour and worship of God. Inherent Sin has cut of this transfer and caused us to be blind to the Goodness of God. The life of the Christian is one of trusting in God & his promises to renew our hearts and our desires.
The life of the Christian is shaping by understanding who God is and what he is up to. In this message, we look at 4 bible stories to see what they teach us about God's nature. Knowing God's nature encourages and challenges us to look at our own lives, and the large gap that stands between our nature and his nature, with great hope that God is at work to make us more like him.
The life of the Christian is shaping by understanding who God is and what he is up to. In this message, we look at 4 bible stories to see what they teach us about God's nature. Knowing God's nature encourages and challenges us to look at our own lives, and the large gap that stands between our nature and his nature, with great hope that God is at work to make us more like him.
Peter talks about five things people can do to increase their capacity to follow God in 2016.
Peter talks about five things people can do to increase their capacity to follow God in 2016.
Christians often tend to focus on what they are saved from or what they are saved to. When someone becomes a Christian they are saved from something and saved to something. This from-to mechanism both inaugurates the Christian life and is the mechanism through which the Christian life continues.
Christians often tend to focus on what they are saved from or what they are saved to. When someone becomes a Christian they are saved from something and saved to something. This from-to mechanism both inaugurates the Christian life and is the mechanism through which the Christian life continues.
One of the most popular carols calls upon humanity to make room in their hearts for the King. This ironic reality provides the material for Peter's Christmas meditation.
One of the most popular carols calls upon humanity to make room in their hearts for the King. This ironic reality provides the material for Peter's Christmas meditation.
Australians are pretty ordinary at giving to charities and the church is no exception. Mark records the story of a widow giving her last two pennies to God to remind us that Jesus lays claim upon everything we have and are. This is freedom.
Australians are pretty ordinary at giving to charities and the church is no exception. Mark records the story of a widow giving her last two pennies to God to remind us that Jesus lays claim upon everything we have and are. This is freedom.
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your life is? What is the main thing you are supposed to be doing? A legal expert of Jesus' day asks him this question and then responds very warmly to his answer.
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your life is? What is the main thing you are supposed to be doing? A legal expert of Jesus' day asks him this question and then responds very warmly to his answer.
This world is a dangerous place. The blinding effects of sin, the hiddenness of people's agendas and the strident nature of Christianity's opponents remind us that we need to be careful. In this passage of Mark two groups of people try to trap the untrappable Jesus and are left red faced.
This world is a dangerous place. The blinding effects of sin, the hiddenness of people's agendas and the strident nature of Christianity's opponents remind us that we need to be careful. In this passage of Mark two groups of people try to trap the untrappable Jesus and are left red faced.
Pride always brings trouble and division - there are no exceptions. Peter explains the trouble that pride caused in the parable of the tenants and describes how God subverts human pride.
Pride always brings trouble and division - there are no exceptions. Peter explains the trouble that pride caused in the parable of the tenants and describes how God subverts human pride.
Every angry person thinks that their anger is justified and every angry person thinks that it is everyone else's fault that they are angry. Almost all anger makes people blind, stupid and self-righteous. Today Peter looks at someone who was angry and didn't blow it - Jesus.
Every angry person thinks that their anger is justified and every angry person thinks that it is everyone else's fault that they are angry. Almost all anger makes people blind, stupid and self-righteous. Today Peter looks at someone who was angry and didn't blow it - Jesus.
Nathan unpacks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as recorded by Mark. He concludes that faith in Jesus gets loud but must last through the excitement and hype into the everyday.
Nathan unpacks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as recorded by Mark. He concludes that faith in Jesus gets loud but must last through the excitement and hype into the everyday.
In the story of the healing of a blind man we see the intermingling of faith and mercy. The blind man's faith, and his plea for mercy, reach the ears of Jesus and result in a dramatic outcome.
In the story of the healing of a blind man we see the intermingling of faith and mercy. The blind man's faith, and his plea for mercy, reach the ears of Jesus and result in a dramatic outcome.
We are pleasure seekers, and we spend our lives looking for things to satisfy us. God alone can satisfy and when we see him we see the treasure that our hearts long for. So how do we fight for Joy when we can’t see him?
We are pleasure seekers, and we spend our lives looking for things to satisfy us. God alone can satisfy and when we see him we see the treasure that our hearts long for. So how do we fight for Joy when we can’t see him?
In Part One of the 'It Still Hurts' Project series Difff answered the question - How can a good, loving and all powerful God coexist with evil and suffering? In this message Peter looks at four stories of people who have been through intense suffering in the hope that they will give us some pointers as to how we can coexist with suffering, and what God has to do with it.
In Part One of the 'It Still Hurts' Project series Difff answered the question - How can a good, loving and all powerful God coexist with evil and suffering? In this message Peter looks at four stories of people who have been through intense suffering in the hope that they will give us some pointers as to how we can coexist with suffering, and what God has to do with it.
How can a good, loving and all powerful God coexist with evil and suffering? In the first part of the Project’s ‘It Still Hurts’ series Difff explains how this question doesn’t disprove the existence of God but leads us to the reality that the question only makes sense if God does exist.
How can a good, loving and all powerful God coexist with evil and suffering? In the first part of the Project’s ‘It Still Hurts’ series Difff explains how this question doesn’t disprove the existence of God but leads us to the reality that the question only makes sense if God does exist.
Fathers mentor their children whether they like it or not. The real question is: Are they building wisdom or foolishness into their children? Peter highlights 10 things from the wisdom book of Proverbs that Fathers need to be busy teaching their children.
Fathers mentor their children whether they like it or not. The real question is: Are they building wisdom or foolishness into their children? Peter highlights 10 things from the wisdom book of Proverbs that Fathers need to be busy teaching their children.
Jesus' instruction to a young man to sell all and give the proceeds to the poor tested what was in the centre of the man's life. His refusal to follow the instructions of Jesus revealed that his love of success and riches was greater than his love for life. Success and riches are well able to keep us away from what is most important.
Jesus' instruction to a young man to sell all and give the proceeds to the poor tested what was in the centre of the man's life. His refusal to follow the instructions of Jesus revealed that his love of success and riches was greater than his love for life. Success and riches are well able to keep us away from what is most important.
In Mark 10 the Pharisees attempted to get Jesus to define marriage by what would constitute' a valid reason for divorcing one's spouse. Jesus resists their strategy and reminds them that the meaning of marriage is found in God's original intention not in the rules governing the failure of his original design.
In Mark 10 the Pharisees attempted to get Jesus to define marriage by what would constitute' a valid reason for divorcing one's spouse. Jesus resists their strategy and reminds them that the meaning of marriage is found in God's original intention not in the rules governing the failure of his original design.
The remedies that Jesus recommends for sin highlight how lethal it must be. Peter encourages us to be vigilant and to live with an ongoing awareness of the inherent dangers in this world.
The remedies that Jesus recommends for sin highlight how lethal it must be. Peter encourages us to be vigilant and to live with an ongoing awareness of the inherent dangers in this world.
Since the fall, humanity has been dogged by the temptation and desire to be great and glorious in their own right. When Jesus (the truly great and glorious one) came he caught his disciples, and humanity off guard because he came not to be served but to serve. He calls us to imitate him.
Since the fall, humanity has been dogged by the temptation and desire to be great and glorious in their own right. When Jesus (the truly great and glorious one) came he caught his disciples, and humanity off guard because he came not to be served but to serve. He calls us to imitate him.
Nathan teaches on Jesus' interaction with the unclean spirit and the disciples lack of faith.
Nathan teaches on Jesus' interaction with the unclean spirit and the disciples lack of faith.
Since humanity rebelled against God no one has been able to think straight. Peter shows how Jesus is counterintuitive, how his call is counterintuitive and how the consequences of that call are counterintuitive.
Since humanity rebelled against God no one has been able to think straight. Peter shows how Jesus is counterintuitive, how his call is counterintuitive and how the consequences of that call are counterintuitive.
Peter talks about the nature of faith, the contagion of unbelief and the gift of sight (faith).
Peter talks about the nature of faith, the contagion of unbelief and the gift of sight (faith).
Peter talks about how God has a holistic plan to redeem the world that is not limited to spiritual redemption only.
Peter talks about how God has a holistic plan to redeem the world that is not limited to spiritual redemption only.
The positive effects of believing in the reality of heaven are not intended just for funerals but are meant for all of those who follow Jesus in the here and now. The destination isn't just the end of the journey but actually changes the nature of the journey. That is why God tells us so much about it in the Bible. Peter shares five present effects of believing in a future heaven.
The positive effects of believing in the reality of heaven are not intended just for funerals but are meant for all of those who follow Jesus in the here and now. The destination isn't just the end of the journey but actually changes the nature of the journey. That is why God tells us so much about it in the Bible. Peter shares five present effects of believing in a future heaven.
Jesus lines up the Pharisees and exposes the hypocrisy in their traditions and customs. His assessment of their approach helps us to see how we utilise many of the same techniques.
Jesus lines up the Pharisees and exposes the hypocrisy in their traditions and customs. His assessment of their approach helps us to see how we utilise many of the same techniques.
Peter and Sue tackle the issue of wives submitting to their husbands and explain how rather than being a subservient submission, it is in reality a powerful submission.
Peter and Sue tackle the issue of wives submitting to their husbands and explain how rather than being a subservient submission, it is in reality a powerful submission.
In Mark 6 we see that rejection is part of the cost of discipleship - it is part and parcel of following Jesus. If we are to follow Jesus we will need to face up to the reality of it.
In Mark 6 we see that rejection is part of the cost of discipleship - it is part and parcel of following Jesus. If we are to follow Jesus we will need to face up to the reality of it.
God's timing is completely different to ours. In Mark 5 Jesus delays attending to a critically ill child in order to deal with a chronically ill woman, and ends up healing both. His timing is always sublime, even when it doesn't suit ours.
God's timing is completely different to ours. In Mark 5 Jesus delays attending to a critically ill child in order to deal with a chronically ill woman, and ends up healing both. His timing is always sublime, even when it doesn't suit ours.
On Easter Sunday ... Peter explains why the actual physical resurrection of Jesus matters.
On Easter Sunday ... Peter explains why the actual physical resurrection of Jesus matters.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for humanity is a well known feature of Christianity. Peter talks about six possible ramifications if Easter never actually happened.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for humanity is a well known feature of Christianity. Peter talks about six possible ramifications if Easter never actually happened.
Satan is the evil imposter king of the universe whose main strategy is to enslave people. In Mark 5 Jesus engages with a man that was a slave to demons and gains his freedom. It is the classic movie plot - an imposter tries to rule, oppresses his people and is vanquished by the authoritative true king.
Satan is the evil imposter king of the universe whose main strategy is to enslave people. In Mark 5 Jesus engages with a man that was a slave to demons and gains his freedom. It is the classic movie plot - an imposter tries to rule, oppresses his people and is vanquished by the authoritative true king.
Jesus takes his disciples out for a late night sail through a storm so that he can teach his disciples a lesson about trusting Him. In this lesson we learn about the purpose of troubles, the effect of troubles and the master of troubles.
Jesus takes his disciples out for a late night sail through a storm so that he can teach his disciples a lesson about trusting Him. In this lesson we learn about the purpose of troubles, the effect of troubles and the master of troubles.
Matthew teaches the meaning of the parable of the lamp and in doing so encourages us to take God's light to the dark places in the world.
Matthew teaches the meaning of the parable of the lamp and in doing so encourages us to take God's light to the dark places in the world.
Jesus is a talker and self-revealer who loves to reveal secrets to those who trust him and love him. One of the ways that he does this is by telling parables or riddles. Peter looks at the parable of the sower and what it teaches us about God and ourselves.
Jesus is a talker and self-revealer who loves to reveal secrets to those who trust him and love him. One of the ways that he does this is by telling parables or riddles. Peter looks at the parable of the sower and what it teaches us about God and ourselves.
Jesus has another confrontation with the Scribes in Mark 3 where they accuse him of being in cahoots with the Devil. With characteristic directness Jesus shows how they are wrong and how their maligning of the Holy Spirit prevents them from being saved by Him.
Jesus has another confrontation with the Scribes in Mark 3 where they accuse him of being in cahoots with the Devil. With characteristic directness Jesus shows how they are wrong and how their maligning of the Holy Spirit prevents them from being saved by Him.
Everyone has an agenda almost all of the time. When people's agendas clash it makes for some pretty interesting relational moments. Yet it is when we are in relationship with Jesus and others that our agendas are exposed and reshaped into God's agenda.
Everyone has an agenda almost all of the time. When people's agendas clash it makes for some pretty interesting relational moments. Yet it is when we are in relationship with Jesus and others that our agendas are exposed and reshaped into God's agenda.
The Pharisees have another run in with Jesus over the Sabbath in Mark 3. This time they are cheesed off because he heals a man's hand on the Sabbath - something their rules said he wasn't allowed to do. It was this type of legalism that threatened and still continues to threaten the sweet work that God is up to in our lives.
The Pharisees have another run in with Jesus over the Sabbath in Mark 3. This time they are cheesed off because he heals a man's hand on the Sabbath - something their rules said he wasn't allowed to do. It was this type of legalism that threatened and still continues to threaten the sweet work that God is up to in our lives.
Stakeholders morning is an opportunity for each member of the Project to hear the vision of the church for 2015 and learn how they can be a part of it.
Stakeholders morning is an opportunity for each member of the Project to hear the vision of the church for 2015 and learn how they can be a part of it.
All humans hunger and thirst, and all humans work toward the satisfaction of this hunger and thirst. The tragedy of humanity is that we seek the satisfaction of our hunger and thirst in places that only exacerbate it. True satisfaction can only be found in Jesus and fasting is an effective way of breaking ties with false hopes.
All humans hunger and thirst, and all humans work toward the satisfaction of this hunger and thirst. The tragedy of humanity is that we seek the satisfaction of our hunger and thirst in places that only exacerbate it. True satisfaction can only be found in Jesus and fasting is an effective way of breaking ties with false hopes.
God loves the church and is always busy working to bring it to maturity. Peter reflects on the past few years at the Project and shares about areas of maturity in the church and some areas where it still needs to grow.
God loves the church and is always busy working to bring it to maturity. Peter reflects on the past few years at the Project and shares about areas of maturity in the church and some areas where it still needs to grow.
Col shares about some key biblical values which ought to be the driving force behind how Christians live.
Col shares about some key biblical values which ought to be the driving force behind how Christians live.
Matthew encourages us to be wise planners and diligent implementers of plans through the power of the Gospel.
Matthew encourages us to be wise planners and diligent implementers of plans through the power of the Gospel.
Col Patterson shares about the differences between a religious approach to Jesus and a relational approach.
Col Patterson shares about the differences between a religious approach to Jesus and a relational approach.
Peter talks about how humanity both needs and seeks after rest. Whilst the shadow of this rest can be seen in the Old Testament Sabbath, the fullness of the rest is found in Jesus.
Peter talks about how humanity both needs and seeks after rest. Whilst the shadow of this rest can be seen in the Old Testament Sabbath, the fullness of the rest is found in Jesus.
Jesus made a habit of hanging out with the 'bad' people who knew that they needed him. He inaugurated a Christian culture, that by default, was subversively countercultural. Christians must guard against Christianity becoming it's own subculture and make sure that it retains the transformative effect that Jesus intended it to have.
Jesus made a habit of hanging out with the 'bad' people who knew that they needed him. He inaugurated a Christian culture, that by default, was subversively countercultural. Christians must guard against Christianity becoming it's own subculture and make sure that it retains the transformative effect that Jesus intended it to have.
In Mark chapter 2 a paralytic is carried to Jesus for healing. Jesus prioritises his spiritual condition over his physical condition by forgiving his sin before dealing with his physical impairment. His deepest need was not physical healing but spiritual restoration.
In Mark chapter 2 a paralytic is carried to Jesus for healing. Jesus prioritises his spiritual condition over his physical condition by forgiving his sin before dealing with his physical impairment. His deepest need was not physical healing but spiritual restoration.
Jesus, whilst meeting the needs of many people, is very reluctant to be seen as a miracle worker or need meeter. He is a person and He calls you to respond to him in a personal way and not just come to him so that your life will work well.
Jesus, whilst meeting the needs of many people, is very reluctant to be seen as a miracle worker or need meeter. He is a person and He calls you to respond to him in a personal way and not just come to him so that your life will work well.
The beginning of the ministry of Jesus marks a significant expansion in the rule of God's kingdom over his rebellious creation. Mark shows how Jesus' brings an intrusive rule that has magnificent effects.
The beginning of the ministry of Jesus marks a significant expansion in the rule of God's kingdom over his rebellious creation. Mark shows how Jesus' brings an intrusive rule that has magnificent effects.
The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are the community that drives the universe. They conspired together in the creation of the world and come together again at the beginning of Jesus' ministry - at his baptism. This selfless community is the hope of the world.
The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are the community that drives the universe. They conspired together in the creation of the world and come together again at the beginning of Jesus' ministry - at his baptism. This selfless community is the hope of the world.
Mark opens his eyewitness account with the remarkable claim that an event has occurred that has change human history forever - God himself has come near in the person of Jesus.
Mark opens his eyewitness account with the remarkable claim that an event has occurred that has change human history forever - God himself has come near in the person of Jesus.
Richard shares how the reality of Jesus being Lord over all things needs to filter down into our reality.
Richard shares how the reality of Jesus being Lord over all things needs to filter down into our reality.
Peter shares about two aspects of parenting - proactive and reactive moments. Proactive moments occur when parents provide a context of instruction for their children and reactive moments occur when parents are faced with the need to discipline and shape their children.
Peter shares about two aspects of parenting - proactive and reactive moments. Proactive moments occur when parents provide a context of instruction for their children and reactive moments occur when parents are faced with the need to discipline and shape their children.
Peter shares about how parenting must aim at heart change in children if it is to be ultimately effective; this is especially true when considering the challenges that anger presents in children.
Peter shares about how parenting must aim at heart change in children if it is to be ultimately effective; this is especially true when considering the challenges that anger presents in children.
Nathan preaches from Matthew 6:5-13 on the difference between hypocritical prayer and sincere prayer
Nathan preaches from Matthew 6:5-13 on the difference between hypocritical prayer and sincere prayer
Fear and anxiety are part of the human existence. We live in a dangerous world where there are so many opportunities for harm, yet there is no need to despair because there is a God that is greater than the greatest danger ... and He is good. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, teaches us how to pray to this God in the midst of fear.
Fear and anxiety are part of the human existence. We live in a dangerous world where there are so many opportunities for harm, yet there is no need to despair because there is a God that is greater than the greatest danger ... and He is good. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, teaches us how to pray to this God in the midst of fear.
The Project leadership announced on Sunday that the church is officially a legally independent body. This message is part review, part report, and part vision and lays out some of the direction of the Project in the short term.
The Project leadership announced on Sunday that the church is officially a legally independent body. This message is part review, part report, and part vision and lays out some of the direction of the Project in the short term.
Jude closes his book of warnings about false teachers and judgement with a hope filled doxology. It is a doxology of worship and praise to God who preserves the souls of his children, and works to keep them from stumbling.
Jude closes his book of warnings about false teachers and judgement with a hope filled doxology. It is a doxology of worship and praise to God who preserves the souls of his children, and works to keep them from stumbling.
Peter looks at Paul's prayer for strength in Ephesians 3 and highlights the ground of that strength - the work of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of the love of God.
Peter looks at Paul's prayer for strength in Ephesians 3 and highlights the ground of that strength - the work of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of the love of God.
This prayer of Daniel is particularly instructive. It teaches us how to pray to God whilst in a place where we have nothing to offer Him - which, in reality, is all the time. It is a prayer without bargaining power. It is a prayer that banks on the character of God rather than on human performance.
This prayer of Daniel is particularly instructive. It teaches us how to pray to God whilst in a place where we have nothing to offer Him - which, in reality, is all the time. It is a prayer without bargaining power. It is a prayer that banks on the character of God rather than on human performance.
Peter introduces the Project's current series on prayer by addressing some key problems that hinder prayer.
Peter introduces the Project's current series on prayer by addressing some key problems that hinder prayer.
Col Patterson shares about the common struggles that we all have and how God works to heal them.
Col Patterson shares about the common struggles that we all have and how God works to heal them.
The writer of Hebrews ends his letter with a rousing benediction. In it he affirms the superiority of Christ and calls on him to work in his reader's hearts. God, revealed in Christ, is the one that their hearts were made for.
The writer of Hebrews ends his letter with a rousing benediction. In it he affirms the superiority of Christ and calls on him to work in his reader's hearts. God, revealed in Christ, is the one that their hearts were made for.
The death of Jesus was not only the provision of a sacrifice for humanity but was also the provision of ongoing grace and support for those who trust Him. Internal nourishment of the heart takes place by consuming the grace of God.
The death of Jesus was not only the provision of a sacrifice for humanity but was also the provision of ongoing grace and support for those who trust Him. Internal nourishment of the heart takes place by consuming the grace of God.
To show hospitality to strangers may be a daunting task for some. However when your soul is anchored deep in the promise from God that he will never leave you or forsake you, you are able to do far more than you ever thought possible.
To show hospitality to strangers may be a daunting task for some. However when your soul is anchored deep in the promise from God that he will never leave you or forsake you, you are able to do far more than you ever thought possible.
Difff speaks to us about the love of money, and outlines the principles and warnings that the Bible gives us.
Difff speaks to us about the love of money, and outlines the principles and warnings that the Bible gives us.
Difff speaks to us about the Biblical view of marriage and how, as Christians, we are to value and honour it.
Difff speaks to us about the Biblical view of marriage and how, as Christians, we are to value and honour it.
Hebrews 13:1 says let brotherly love continue. But if you only attend a church this command is very difficult to fulfil. Nathan’s main point was that God is not adopting church buildings or organisations. God is adopting and growing a family. His son Jesus becomes a big brother who sacrifices his life so that all who believe He is God would be born again into this new family. Practically Romans 12 gives some clear ways to do this.
Hebrews 13:1 says let brotherly love continue. But if you only attend a church this command is very difficult to fulfil. Nathan’s main point was that God is not adopting church buildings or organisations. God is adopting and growing a family. His son Jesus becomes a big brother who sacrifices his life so that all who believe He is God would be born again into this new family. Practically Romans 12 gives some clear ways to do this.
The writer of Hebrews finishes with some practical exhortations that flow out of the theology he has unfolded throughout his letter. In this message Peter discusses some leadership principles taught in Hebrews 13.
The writer of Hebrews finishes with some practical exhortations that flow out of the theology he has unfolded throughout his letter. In this message Peter discusses some leadership principles taught in Hebrews 13.
Parents are the God-ordained wise counsellors for their children. Peter shares some basic principles about how parents can be more effective in the ways that they help and counsel their children.
Parents are the God-ordained wise counsellors for their children. Peter shares some basic principles about how parents can be more effective in the ways that they help and counsel their children.
The writer of Hebrews encourages his readers to live in the reality of the New Covenant. God has made a new deal with humanity and the benefits that come with the new deal are far superior to every other time in history; and lead to an unimaginably wonderful end in heaven.
The writer of Hebrews encourages his readers to live in the reality of the New Covenant. God has made a new deal with humanity and the benefits that come with the new deal are far superior to every other time in history; and lead to an unimaginably wonderful end in heaven.
Many people have become content with brokenness. They can easily be focused on pain minimisation rather than the complete healing and wholeness that brings peace. God is not interested in His people just coping, but works for their good such that they would thrive. This is what the writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers to strive for, because without it no one will see God.
Many people have become content with brokenness. They can easily be focused on pain minimisation rather than the complete healing and wholeness that brings peace. God is not interested in His people just coping, but works for their good such that they would thrive. This is what the writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers to strive for, because without it no one will see God.
Difff shares about how if one seeks comfort before truth, then they lose both. On the other hand, if one seeks truth first, then they gain both.
Difff shares about how if one seeks comfort before truth, then they lose both. On the other hand, if one seeks truth first, then they gain both.
Shame drives people to implement many defense mechanisms in the hope that one of them will be able to effectively deal with it; yet none of them actually do. Jesus embraced all of the consequences of shame that we work so feverishly to avoid so that we would not need to cover our shame ... because he is the one who does.
Shame drives people to implement many defense mechanisms in the hope that one of them will be able to effectively deal with it; yet none of them actually do. Jesus embraced all of the consequences of shame that we work so feverishly to avoid so that we would not need to cover our shame ... because he is the one who does.
Shame made it's first appearance in the garden of Eden after Adam and Eve first disobeyed God, and ever since then has been a common reality touching all of humanity. Adam and Eve's initial shame had to do with what God thought of them and what they thought of each other, but ever since leaving the garden, humanity lost sight of God-oriented shame and is stuck in the courtroom of other people's opinion - or in other words 'fear of man.' Unfortunately, it is here that our culture excels.
Shame made it's first appearance in the garden of Eden after Adam and Eve first disobeyed God, and ever since then has been a common reality touching all of humanity. Adam and Eve's initial shame had to do with what God thought of them and what they thought of each other, but ever since leaving the garden, humanity lost sight of God-oriented shame and is stuck in the courtroom of other people's opinion - or in other words 'fear of man.' Unfortunately, it is here that our culture excels.
Shame plays a key role in shaping human behaviour, yet most of the time we don't notice it's effects because we find it difficult to identify. Peter helps us to identify shame and see the deep remedy to it that is offered to us by Jesus.
Shame plays a key role in shaping human behaviour, yet most of the time we don't notice it's effects because we find it difficult to identify. Peter helps us to identify shame and see the deep remedy to it that is offered to us by Jesus.
Discipline is a good thing, and, when administered by God, it is a great thing. It never seems pleasant at the time but always produces much good in our lives.
Discipline is a good thing, and, when administered by God, it is a great thing. It never seems pleasant at the time but always produces much good in our lives.
The author of Hebrews catalogues a long list of biblical heroes in Chapter 11, and with the exception of Rahab the prostitute, chooses not to mention any of their failings. He uses this as a springboard to encourage his readers to rid themselves of encumbrances and sin that will limit their endurance in the race of faith, and then encourages them to look to THE hero who has no dark side - Jesus.
The author of Hebrews catalogues a long list of biblical heroes in Chapter 11, and with the exception of Rahab the prostitute, chooses not to mention any of their failings. He uses this as a springboard to encourage his readers to rid themselves of encumbrances and sin that will limit their endurance in the race of faith, and then encourages them to look to THE hero who has no dark side - Jesus.
Faith often malfunctions because we tend to place it in a particular outcome rather than in the person of Jesus. The heroes of the faith anticipated heaven as an ultimate outcome of their faith but in the short term actively trusted God and let him work out the rest.
Faith often malfunctions because we tend to place it in a particular outcome rather than in the person of Jesus. The heroes of the faith anticipated heaven as an ultimate outcome of their faith but in the short term actively trusted God and let him work out the rest.
We can often be guilty of separating concepts that the Bible never does. This is especially true when it comes to faith. Abraham's life teaches us that faith and obedience, faith and risk, and, homesickness and endurance are inseparable.
We can often be guilty of separating concepts that the Bible never does. This is especially true when it comes to faith. Abraham's life teaches us that faith and obedience, faith and risk, and, homesickness and endurance are inseparable.
If you are to draw near to God you need to do two things: believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. No one and nothing can better his rewards.
If you are to draw near to God you need to do two things: believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. No one and nothing can better his rewards.
Hebrews 11 is a classic chapter on faith. It documents the faith of many giants in the biblical story and the deeds that their faith inspired. Their faith was not blind but warranted in the light of how God had proven himself trustworthy.
Hebrews 11 is a classic chapter on faith. It documents the faith of many giants in the biblical story and the deeds that their faith inspired. Their faith was not blind but warranted in the light of how God had proven himself trustworthy.
Warning and encouragement are two mechanisms that God employs to help his people persevere. In this section the author of Hebrews encourages his readers to persevere because they have a real and certain hope that God will reward their faithfulness to Him.
Warning and encouragement are two mechanisms that God employs to help his people persevere. In this section the author of Hebrews encourages his readers to persevere because they have a real and certain hope that God will reward their faithfulness to Him.
The writer of Hebrews quickly transitions from imploring his readers to draw near, to warning them about the consequences of not drawing near. There are two different ways to fear God. One way is marked by self-preservation and is evidenced by a fear of God punishing them. The other way of fearing God is to revere, respect and venerate Him.
The writer of Hebrews quickly transitions from imploring his readers to draw near, to warning them about the consequences of not drawing near. There are two different ways to fear God. One way is marked by self-preservation and is evidenced by a fear of God punishing them. The other way of fearing God is to revere, respect and venerate Him.
The writer of Hebrews argues that God has done everything that was needed to allow us to draw near to God, and on the strength of this goes on to command us to draw near to Him. It is a gracious command and one which we would do well to heed.
The writer of Hebrews argues that God has done everything that was needed to allow us to draw near to God, and on the strength of this goes on to command us to draw near to Him. It is a gracious command and one which we would do well to heed.
Sin is humanity's biggest problem. It traps people, limits God's options and causes people to give up. Jesus dealt decisively with sin once and for all by dying on the cross so that none of this need be true any longer. God's remedy for our predicament is extremely impressive ... to say the least.
Sin is humanity's biggest problem. It traps people, limits God's options and causes people to give up. Jesus dealt decisively with sin once and for all by dying on the cross so that none of this need be true any longer. God's remedy for our predicament is extremely impressive ... to say the least.
The current abudance of superhero movies being produced could well be the result of a secular society reaching out for something supernatural, something spiritual. We know that we need help from outside of our system to resolve the troubles that we face; history has shown that we have been unable to deal with them on our own. Christmas is the time when someone supernatural,from outside our system, broke into it and came to save us. We were made for Jesus and our hearts have longed for Him ever since we became separated from Him. Jesus is the ultimate hero against which all others are measured.
The current abudance of superhero movies being produced could well be the result of a secular society reaching out for something supernatural, something spiritual. We know that we need help from outside of our system to resolve the troubles that we face; history has shown that we have been unable to deal with them on our own. Christmas is the time when someone supernatural,from outside our system, broke into it and came to save us. We were made for Jesus and our hearts have longed for Him ever since we became separated from Him. Jesus is the ultimate hero against which all others are measured.
Nathan explains the various roles of the person of The Holy Spirit, and how He is a vital part of living the Christian life.
Nathan explains the various roles of the person of The Holy Spirit, and how He is a vital part of living the Christian life.
Jesus' logic is counter-intuitive; lose your life for His sake and you save it. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4 draws on similar logic when he teaches the Corinthians that whilst death is at work in him, the result is that life is at work in them. The more death at work in us the more life we produce around us.
Jesus' logic is counter-intuitive; lose your life for His sake and you save it. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4 draws on similar logic when he teaches the Corinthians that whilst death is at work in him, the result is that life is at work in them. The more death at work in us the more life we produce around us.
Peter Pellicaan speaks at the Project. He discusses the similarities and differences between Eve and Mary, and their place in the redemptive story.
Peter Pellicaan speaks at the Project. He discusses the similarities and differences between Eve and Mary, and their place in the redemptive story.
Difff discusses how praise is used and mis-used in our culture. He also explains how the receiver of praise can process it in a way that can be helpful in their relationship with God.
Difff discusses how praise is used and mis-used in our culture. He also explains how the receiver of praise can process it in a way that can be helpful in their relationship with God.
There is a huge difference between encouragement and praise. Praise tends to be focused on the past and is often confused with encouragement. Encouragement, on the other hand, is future focused and aims to fill people with courage so that they attempt things that they perceive to be impossible. God is much more of an encourager of humanity than one who praises them......and he calls us to image Him.
There is a huge difference between encouragement and praise. Praise tends to be focused on the past and is often confused with encouragement. Encouragement, on the other hand, is future focused and aims to fill people with courage so that they attempt things that they perceive to be impossible. God is much more of an encourager of humanity than one who praises them......and he calls us to image Him.
We continue in Hebrews 9:11-14 where the author continues to contrast the old sacrificial system and the one final sacrifice of Jesus. Nathan speaks about how Jesus sacrifice and bloodshed cleanses the conscience and brings about an eternal redemption. Listen in to hear more.
We continue in Hebrews 9:11-14 where the author continues to contrast the old sacrificial system and the one final sacrifice of Jesus. Nathan speaks about how Jesus sacrifice and bloodshed cleanses the conscience and brings about an eternal redemption. Listen in to hear more.
Nathan speaks about how the new covenant cleanses the conscience in a way that the Old Testament sacrificial system could never do.
Nathan speaks about how the new covenant cleanses the conscience in a way that the Old Testament sacrificial system could never do.
Wes explains how God's law is an expression of his character, and therefore the distinction between law and grace is a false dichotomy. Living in harmony with the law is grace in itself.
Wes explains how God's law is an expression of his character, and therefore the distinction between law and grace is a false dichotomy. Living in harmony with the law is grace in itself.
While there are many good reasons to worry, there are better reasons not to. Peter addresses three basic fears which anxiety clusters around and explains some biblical truths that can help to neutralise them.
While there are many good reasons to worry, there are better reasons not to. Peter addresses three basic fears which anxiety clusters around and explains some biblical truths that can help to neutralise them.
If we want to understand our fears and anxieties we need to stop long enough to listen to what they are saying to us. Once we understand what they are saying to us we will then be ready to hear what Jesus says to our fears.
If we want to understand our fears and anxieties we need to stop long enough to listen to what they are saying to us. Once we understand what they are saying to us we will then be ready to hear what Jesus says to our fears.
Roly shares about how living with an awareness of God's love for you changes the way you live and relate to others.
Roly shares about how living with an awareness of God's love for you changes the way you live and relate to others.
The way that Christians and the church are perceived by the world matters - because we are called to make disciples of the world. But studies have shown that one of the main perceptions of the church is that it is filled with judgemental hypocrites - the fun police. So why do people have this idea of us, and is it accurate?
The way that Christians and the church are perceived by the world matters - because we are called to make disciples of the world. But studies have shown that one of the main perceptions of the church is that it is filled with judgemental hypocrites - the fun police. So why do people have this idea of us, and is it accurate?
Christians are often encouraged to have a thirst for God, yet Jeremiah the prophet views thirst as a curse that is the consequence of separation from God. God is not in the business of quenching thirst but eliminating it.
Christians are often encouraged to have a thirst for God, yet Jeremiah the prophet views thirst as a curse that is the consequence of separation from God. God is not in the business of quenching thirst but eliminating it.
Nathan speaks about how the old covenant has been super-ceded by the new covenant which has a greater focus on internals rather than externals.
Nathan speaks about how the old covenant has been super-ceded by the new covenant which has a greater focus on internals rather than externals.
The responsibilities of a father extend far further than just the creation of children. God calls men to be active in taking leadership in their homes for the good of their wives and their children.
The responsibilities of a father extend far further than just the creation of children. God calls men to be active in taking leadership in their homes for the good of their wives and their children.
Nathan explains the difference between a contract and covenant, and how throughout history God has been creating and keeping covenants with his people and will continue to do so into eternity. In this section of Hebrews 8 the old covenant with Moses and the Law is compared to the new covenant which is fulfilled in Jesus. The covenants that God has instituted with his people were always meant to deal with the problem of humanity, which is sin, and is meant for life and transformation.
Nathan explains the difference between a contract and covenant, and how throughout history God has been creating and keeping covenants with his people and will continue to do so into eternity. In this section of Hebrews 8 the old covenant with Moses and the Law is compared to the new covenant which is fulfilled in Jesus. The covenants that God has instituted with his people were always meant to deal with the problem of humanity, which is sin, and is meant for life and transformation.
Chris Windus shares about how Jesus is not just a Great High Priest but our High Priest.
Chris Windus shares about how Jesus is not just a Great High Priest but our High Priest.
Jesus is a perfect fit for fallen human beings. He is perfect, we are not. On the cross Jesus brought about peace between God and us and his resurrection guarantees that he will continue to intercede for us.
Jesus is a perfect fit for fallen human beings. He is perfect, we are not. On the cross Jesus brought about peace between God and us and his resurrection guarantees that he will continue to intercede for us.
Melchizedek was the first in a new line of priests that was completed and fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus now lives and continually intercedes for His children. This gives us great hope.
Melchizedek was the first in a new line of priests that was completed and fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus now lives and continually intercedes for His children. This gives us great hope.
Peter addresses some key myths that people believe about money, and shows how living out the reality that God owns everything liberates us from slavery to our possessions.
Peter addresses some key myths that people believe about money, and shows how living out the reality that God owns everything liberates us from slavery to our possessions.
One unchanging reality about life is that everybody changes. We either change for the better - the bible calls this redemption, or we change for the worse - the bible calls this corruption. God's work of creating people in his image is restarted and continues when people see God clearly. This is what The Project aspires to achieve.
One unchanging reality about life is that everybody changes. We either change for the better - the bible calls this redemption, or we change for the worse - the bible calls this corruption. God's work of creating people in his image is restarted and continues when people see God clearly. This is what The Project aspires to achieve.
Ian speaks about something very close to his heart: taking the Gospel into our city and beyond.
Ian speaks about something very close to his heart: taking the Gospel into our city and beyond.
Difff compares the cultural view of dating with a biblical view, and shows how a biblical view leads to greater wholeness and happiness.
Difff compares the cultural view of dating with a biblical view, and shows how a biblical view leads to greater wholeness and happiness.
Peter shares about the vitality of community amongst Christians, and how being a Christian means being connected to Jesus as well as His body.
Peter shares about the vitality of community amongst Christians, and how being a Christian means being connected to Jesus as well as His body.
Difff talks about how the heroes of the faith are not perfect, but learned to patiently wait for the fulfillment of God's promise.
Difff talks about how the heroes of the faith are not perfect, but learned to patiently wait for the fulfillment of God's promise.
In Hebrews 6:9-12, the author switches quickly from warning to encouragement. He is keen for his hearers to persevere through life by holding onto the promises of God.
In Hebrews 6:9-12, the author switches quickly from warning to encouragement. He is keen for his hearers to persevere through life by holding onto the promises of God.
Peter explains how Hebrews 6:1-12 speaks more about assurance of salvation rather than the possibility of losing salvation. Jesus is a great saviour who loses none of His children.
Peter explains how Hebrews 6:1-12 speaks more about assurance of salvation rather than the possibility of losing salvation. Jesus is a great saviour who loses none of His children.
Peter explains how the author of Hebrews makes the connection between true knowledge and obedience. Our problem is not the lack of the evidence and truth, but the suppression of it … and this suppression is largely the result of disobedience. On the contrary greater obedience leads to deeper knowledge.
Peter explains how the author of Hebrews makes the connection between true knowledge and obedience. Our problem is not the lack of the evidence and truth, but the suppression of it … and this suppression is largely the result of disobedience. On the contrary greater obedience leads to deeper knowledge.
Peter explains how Christians ought to be the most optimistic people in the world. It is through their hope in God that they can have no fear in frightening things. This is a special encouragement for Mothers on Mother's Day.
Peter explains how Christians ought to be the most optimistic people in the world. It is through their hope in God that they can have no fear in frightening things. This is a special encouragement for Mothers on Mother's Day.
Chris explains how Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Melchizedek. He is the ultimate mediator for us.
Chris explains how Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Melchizedek. He is the ultimate mediator for us.
Hebrews is written to encourage followers of Jesus to take care of the gift of salvation, that they might not drift away from Jesus. Nathan outlines 4 ways to neglect salvation, and how to counter that.
Hebrews is written to encourage followers of Jesus to take care of the gift of salvation, that they might not drift away from Jesus. Nathan outlines 4 ways to neglect salvation, and how to counter that.
Jesus said the way that the people in the church love each other should be a mechanism through which people are led to Him. To the church's shame, history demonstrates that the church has been more effective in fighting with one another than loving each other. Peter lays down some guidelines regarding how conflict should be handled in church.
Jesus said the way that the people in the church love each other should be a mechanism through which people are led to Him. To the church's shame, history demonstrates that the church has been more effective in fighting with one another than loving each other. Peter lays down some guidelines regarding how conflict should be handled in church.
Wes explains the different components of healthy discipleship as modeled by Jesus in the Gospels.
Wes explains the different components of healthy discipleship as modeled by Jesus in the Gospels.
Peter explains the underlying mechanism that lies behind almost all conflict: we want something, the desire for it begins ruling our hearts and we fight each other to get it.
Peter explains the underlying mechanism that lies behind almost all conflict: we want something, the desire for it begins ruling our hearts and we fight each other to get it.
Conflict is Everywhere. Everyday we see it, hear it and engage with it. Peter discusses the mechanism of conflict and examines if conflict can actually be an opportunity for us to grow through.
Conflict is Everywhere. Everyday we see it, hear it and engage with it. Peter discusses the mechanism of conflict and examines if conflict can actually be an opportunity for us to grow through.
The question is not 'Are you a disciple?' but 'Who's disciple are you?' Difff discusses this and asks you to examine who or what it is that you follow. We all follow someone or something.
The question is not 'Are you a disciple?' but 'Who's disciple are you?' Difff discusses this and asks you to examine who or what it is that you follow. We all follow someone or something.
Discipleship cannot be separated from Christianity, just as loving Christ cannot be separated from loving others. Difff discusses this and encourages us to make community driven discipleship part of our lives.
Discipleship cannot be separated from Christianity, just as loving Christ cannot be separated from loving others. Difff discusses this and encourages us to make community driven discipleship part of our lives.
Peter explains how we can incarnate Jesus to our culture in a similar way that He did in His cultural context.
Peter explains how we can incarnate Jesus to our culture in a similar way that He did in His cultural context.
Jesus objective was to create a people who would unite under His lordship and be distinct from their culture. Peter looks at the first instance of the early church at pentecost and compares that to how we do church today.
Jesus objective was to create a people who would unite under His lordship and be distinct from their culture. Peter looks at the first instance of the early church at pentecost and compares that to how we do church today.
A balanced relationship with God involves three aspects: loving God, knowing God and being known by God. Peter talk about how to develop each of these in your own life.
A balanced relationship with God involves three aspects: loving God, knowing God and being known by God. Peter talk about how to develop each of these in your own life.
Richard explains how God's mercy and holiness are inseparable in the Old Testament sacrificial system, and encourages us not to separate them in our dealings with people.
Richard explains how God's mercy and holiness are inseparable in the Old Testament sacrificial system, and encourages us not to separate them in our dealings with people.
James shares from 2 Kings chapter 5. He encourages us not to follow Naaman's example of expecting God to act and work the way we dictate.
James shares from 2 Kings chapter 5. He encourages us not to follow Naaman's example of expecting God to act and work the way we dictate.
One of the consequences of sin is that it isolates people from God and each other. Loneliness as a human experience began in the Garden of Eden and continues to be part of our lives. Loneliness ends when the isolated person is no longer alone - Immanuel, God with us.
One of the consequences of sin is that it isolates people from God and each other. Loneliness as a human experience began in the Garden of Eden and continues to be part of our lives. Loneliness ends when the isolated person is no longer alone - Immanuel, God with us.
Some say Jesus is just a man who is good, a prophet, and mostly not God. The major theme and truth in the Bible is that Jesus is God and this has major implications for both those who believe and those who don't. Jesus came as God so that all people everywhere would bow their knee and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Some say Jesus is just a man who is good, a prophet, and mostly not God. The major theme and truth in the Bible is that Jesus is God and this has major implications for both those who believe and those who don't. Jesus came as God so that all people everywhere would bow their knee and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Christmas Story is not just a nice fictional story. There are many additional things that we can learn about the Nativity Story from history. All of these add authenticity to this most miraculous event.
The Christmas Story is not just a nice fictional story. There are many additional things that we can learn about the Nativity Story from history. All of these add authenticity to this most miraculous event.
Peter describes how the heart of God is to generously supply mercy and grace to those who don't deserve it.
Peter describes how the heart of God is to generously supply mercy and grace to those who don't deserve it.
Peter explains how sin is far more than just a mistake or an act of disobedience; sin has corrupted us deeply, right down to our perception and understanding of ourselves and our world. It is into this sin induced impairment that God speaks with clarity and truth; the more we receive of his word, the more sane we become.
Peter explains how sin is far more than just a mistake or an act of disobedience; sin has corrupted us deeply, right down to our perception and understanding of ourselves and our world. It is into this sin induced impairment that God speaks with clarity and truth; the more we receive of his word, the more sane we become.
Peter reflects on his time in Bali and the things that he and the Project can learn from what God is doing across the world.
Peter reflects on his time in Bali and the things that he and the Project can learn from what God is doing across the world.
We are like God because He is the source of our life; He fathered us. He identifies us and affirms us. Our responsibility is to have the spirit of a son not the spirit of a slave or an orphan.
We are like God because He is the source of our life; He fathered us. He identifies us and affirms us. Our responsibility is to have the spirit of a son not the spirit of a slave or an orphan.
Christ speaks about Israel not entering God's rest because they questioned if God was with them or not. He warns us to learn from them and not seek the easy way out, but follow Jesus.
Christ speaks about Israel not entering God's rest because they questioned if God was with them or not. He warns us to learn from them and not seek the easy way out, but follow Jesus.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that any of us can develop a hardened heart. The mechanism that brings about this hardening is the deceitfulness of sin. The antidote to the deceitfulness of sin is to be a part of a loving, truth-speaking biblical community.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that any of us can develop a hardened heart. The mechanism that brings about this hardening is the deceitfulness of sin. The antidote to the deceitfulness of sin is to be a part of a loving, truth-speaking biblical community.
Our God is huge beyond our comprehension and we will never while on this earth come to a complete understanding of Him. Nevertheless we often still put God in a box, we choose to accept and elevate some aspects of God over others. When we do this however, we are really fashioning a new God for ourselves - one that we like. A common example of this is seeing God as our Master, and us as His servant, rather than as a friend. The story of Mary and Martha gives some great insight into this.
Our God is huge beyond our comprehension and we will never while on this earth come to a complete understanding of Him. Nevertheless we often still put God in a box, we choose to accept and elevate some aspects of God over others. When we do this however, we are really fashioning a new God for ourselves - one that we like. A common example of this is seeing God as our Master, and us as His servant, rather than as a friend. The story of Mary and Martha gives some great insight into this.
Roland speaks about guilt and shame and how the death of Christ deals with our core issues.
Roland speaks about guilt and shame and how the death of Christ deals with our core issues.
Moses was unable to bring the rest that the people of Israel longed for; the cause of this was that they kept going astray in their hearts. Jesus has dealt with this tendency by giving us a new heart.
Moses was unable to bring the rest that the people of Israel longed for; the cause of this was that they kept going astray in their hearts. Jesus has dealt with this tendency by giving us a new heart.
One of the most unthinkable things in the universe is that God would want to be our friend; but this is exactly what He does. Learn from Moses how to be a friend and hear Jesus' heart that has planned, from the beginning of time, to be your friend.
One of the most unthinkable things in the universe is that God would want to be our friend; but this is exactly what He does. Learn from Moses how to be a friend and hear Jesus' heart that has planned, from the beginning of time, to be your friend.
The big idea is that life does not make sense unless Christ is the centre and our lives orbit around him. He invites us to come and join him on his mission of making disciples and redeeming people.
The big idea is that life does not make sense unless Christ is the centre and our lives orbit around him. He invites us to come and join him on his mission of making disciples and redeeming people.
Families can hold some of the closest relationships and also be the cause of great pain in someone's life. A parents authority and a child's obedience is meant to point to God's loving rule that brings life that all people everywhere can participate in. Nathan finishes by speaking straight to Fathers who hold primary responsibility for raising their children.
Families can hold some of the closest relationships and also be the cause of great pain in someone's life. A parents authority and a child's obedience is meant to point to God's loving rule that brings life that all people everywhere can participate in. Nathan finishes by speaking straight to Fathers who hold primary responsibility for raising their children.
The word submit today has been distorted by sin and culture and must be redefined. The Bible speaks about a wife submitting to her own husband so that Christ and his church would be magnified. Peter here speaks about womanhood in relation to inner beauty, hope in God and fearlessness.
The word submit today has been distorted by sin and culture and must be redefined. The Bible speaks about a wife submitting to her own husband so that Christ and his church would be magnified. Peter here speaks about womanhood in relation to inner beauty, hope in God and fearlessness.
The question of what it means to be a man, a woman and what it means to get married has gone relatively undefined and unfortunately has been largely influenced by the culture around rather than from the deep roots of the Bible. 1 Peter 3:1-7 deals specifically with husbands and wives and sets out clearly the role of each. Verse 7 is the focus of this sermon where husbands are called to honour their wives as men in submission to Jesus.
The question of what it means to be a man, a woman and what it means to get married has gone relatively undefined and unfortunately has been largely influenced by the culture around rather than from the deep roots of the Bible. 1 Peter 3:1-7 deals specifically with husbands and wives and sets out clearly the role of each. Verse 7 is the focus of this sermon where husbands are called to honour their wives as men in submission to Jesus.
Jesus killed the devil, sin and death with His own death. In doing this he freed us from the fear of death and this places us in a position where life and death are no longer ultimate for us ... Christ is.
Jesus killed the devil, sin and death with His own death. In doing this he freed us from the fear of death and this places us in a position where life and death are no longer ultimate for us ... Christ is.
Peter speaks about how the mechanism of suffering brings about the change in us that God desires. It is His servant and He uses it for His glory and our good.
Peter speaks about how the mechanism of suffering brings about the change in us that God desires. It is His servant and He uses it for His glory and our good.
Peter speaks on how Jesus was made complete by the suffering he endured. He is our brother and as we are family we can expect that God will use suffering to bring us to completion.
Peter speaks on how Jesus was made complete by the suffering he endured. He is our brother and as we are family we can expect that God will use suffering to bring us to completion.
In this sermon, Peter Sondergeld discusses how to help people change in a Biblical way, finishing up the Biblical Counselling Training Sessions
In this sermon, Peter Sondergeld discusses how to help people change in a Biblical way, finishing up the Biblical Counselling Training Sessions
In this message, Difff discusses the way that modern science has deconstructed everything to its basic elemental makeup, and in doing so, how we have lost much of the wonder and magic of God and His creation.
In this message, Difff discusses the way that modern science has deconstructed everything to its basic elemental makeup, and in doing so, how we have lost much of the wonder and magic of God and His creation.
Part 5 of Christ Crosses Culture - Difff speaks about Godly wisdom and human foolishness, and asks the question, "Do we really want wisdom?
Part 5 of Christ Crosses Culture - Difff speaks about Godly wisdom and human foolishness, and asks the question, "Do we really want wisdom?
We live in a culture obsessed with entertainment. We spend a great deal of time and money on entertainment every day. But what is this doing to our view of God, His church and morality?
We live in a culture obsessed with entertainment. We spend a great deal of time and money on entertainment every day. But what is this doing to our view of God, His church and morality?
Peter explains how everyone uses their imagination to understand reality and how imagination is an integral component of a vibrant faith.
Peter explains how everyone uses their imagination to understand reality and how imagination is an integral component of a vibrant faith.
Peter shows how the great salvation is announced by Jesus, passed on accurately and confirmed by supernatural signs.
Peter shows how the great salvation is announced by Jesus, passed on accurately and confirmed by supernatural signs.
Jesus is the pinnacle of God's revelation and the writer of Hebrews identifies listening to Him as our first priority. Pay more attention to Him.
Jesus is the pinnacle of God's revelation and the writer of Hebrews identifies listening to Him as our first priority. Pay more attention to Him.
Peter speaks on how the writer of Hebrews makes comparisons between angels and Jesus thereby demonstrating His supremacy. Making comparisons is a strategy that the Bible uses often to great effect and we should use it too to ensure we do not drift.
Peter speaks on how the writer of Hebrews makes comparisons between angels and Jesus thereby demonstrating His supremacy. Making comparisons is a strategy that the Bible uses often to great effect and we should use it too to ensure we do not drift.
Part 3 of the Christ Crosses Culture sermon series. In this message, we consider the revolutionary way that Christ wants us to love everyone, through discussing the "great commandments" and the Good Samaritan.
Part 3 of the Christ Crosses Culture sermon series. In this message, we consider the revolutionary way that Christ wants us to love everyone, through discussing the "great commandments" and the Good Samaritan.
Part 2 of the Christ Crosses Culture sermon series. In this message, we consider how society's idea of rights can sometimes conflict with Jesus' idea of forgiveness.
Part 2 of the Christ Crosses Culture sermon series. In this message, we consider how society's idea of rights can sometimes conflict with Jesus' idea of forgiveness.
Peter speaks on the way the Bible describes sin and the necessity of the purifying sacrifice of Jesus.
Peter speaks on the way the Bible describes sin and the necessity of the purifying sacrifice of Jesus.
Peter explains that when humans define their own reality they end up in a state of spiritual psychosis. The Bible speaks to us, interrupts our false reality and draws us back into true reality.
Peter explains that when humans define their own reality they end up in a state of spiritual psychosis. The Bible speaks to us, interrupts our false reality and draws us back into true reality.
Hebrews reveals the heart of a God who has set up everything we need to finish well ... so long as we don't give up.
Hebrews reveals the heart of a God who has set up everything we need to finish well ... so long as we don't give up.
The last of The Project's core values is discipleship. In this message, Difff discusses why discipleship is so important, and why we are so reluctant to be involved in it.
The last of The Project's core values is discipleship. In this message, Difff discusses why discipleship is so important, and why we are so reluctant to be involved in it.
Nathan Gilmour examines the effects of the modern era on our concept of community - and challenges us to be bringers of community to our neighbourhood. Now that's mission.
Nathan Gilmour examines the effects of the modern era on our concept of community - and challenges us to be bringers of community to our neighbourhood. Now that's mission.
Peter Sondergeld shows how religion, comfort and ruling passions can result in us missing the redemption Jesus has to offer.
Peter Sondergeld shows how religion, comfort and ruling passions can result in us missing the redemption Jesus has to offer.
Peter fleshes out how self-justification blocks the fullness of redemption that God has planned for all people.
Peter fleshes out how self-justification blocks the fullness of redemption that God has planned for all people.
Peter cashes out God's story of redemption for those who have become polluted imagers of God. In addition he deals with what the church has done to mission and to those who don't love Jesus.
Peter cashes out God's story of redemption for those who have become polluted imagers of God. In addition he deals with what the church has done to mission and to those who don't love Jesus.
Peter Sondergeld sets the context for The Project in 2012 by showing us four things we can learn from the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings.
Peter Sondergeld sets the context for The Project in 2012 by showing us four things we can learn from the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings.
Pastor Adam Grant visit from Toowoomba City Church and preaches on the way that freedom is found in Christ.
Pastor Adam Grant visit from Toowoomba City Church and preaches on the way that freedom is found in Christ.
Roland Sondergeld explains what it means to be God's adopted children, and how our relationship with Him relies upon us having a full understanding of His Fatherly love for us
Roland Sondergeld explains what it means to be God's adopted children, and how our relationship with Him relies upon us having a full understanding of His Fatherly love for us
Difff Crowther explorers how Christ crosses culture and how we, as his disciples, should follow.
Difff Crowther explorers how Christ crosses culture and how we, as his disciples, should follow.
New Years has always been a time for making (and then breaking) resolutions, like losing weight, organising your sock drawer. But what resolutions should we be making? Join Nathan Gilmour as he examines how to redeem resolutions.
New Years has always been a time for making (and then breaking) resolutions, like losing weight, organising your sock drawer. But what resolutions should we be making? Join Nathan Gilmour as he examines how to redeem resolutions.
Ted and Wyn have had a long history of medical issues and Ted shares his wisdom regarding the spiritual posture necessary for navigating struggles in life.
Ted and Wyn have had a long history of medical issues and Ted shares his wisdom regarding the spiritual posture necessary for navigating struggles in life.
Part Two of the Redeeming Christmas series. Peter Sondergeld tells us why we need to redeem Christmas and gives some tips and helpful ideas on how to redeem materialism.
Part Two of the Redeeming Christmas series. Peter Sondergeld tells us why we need to redeem Christmas and gives some tips and helpful ideas on how to redeem materialism.
Part One of the Redeeming Christmas series. Peter Sondergeld introduces the idea of redeeming culture and compares Santa and Christ.
Part One of the Redeeming Christmas series. Peter Sondergeld introduces the idea of redeeming culture and compares Santa and Christ.
Peter Sondergeld talks about King Asa and how both his passion for God and obedience to Him brought about regeneration in the kingdom of Judah.
Peter Sondergeld talks about King Asa and how both his passion for God and obedience to Him brought about regeneration in the kingdom of Judah.
Pastor Chris Windus from Toowoomba City Church continues his series on Doctrine. This week's topic is The Church.
Pastor Chris Windus from Toowoomba City Church continues his series on Doctrine. This week's topic is The Church.
Peter Sondergeld continues the Project Core Values Series by speaking on the application of a vital part of Biblical Community: Speaking the Truth in Love
Peter Sondergeld continues the Project Core Values Series by speaking on the application of a vital part of Biblical Community: Speaking the Truth in Love
Peter Sondergeld continues the Project Core Values Series by speaking on a vital part of Biblical Community: Speaking the Truth in Love
Peter Sondergeld continues the Project Core Values Series by speaking on a vital part of Biblical Community: Speaking the Truth in Love
Part 11 of the Project's Core Values Series, Peter Sondergeld discusses the way in which Pride is a central threat to all community; between each other and between us and God.
Part 11 of the Project's Core Values Series, Peter Sondergeld discusses the way in which Pride is a central threat to all community; between each other and between us and God.
Part 10 of The Project's Core Values Series, Peter Sondergeld speaks on the role of Biblical community in personal change.
Part 10 of The Project's Core Values Series, Peter Sondergeld speaks on the role of Biblical community in personal change.
Part 9 of The Project's Core Values Series, Peter Sondergeld speaks on Baptism; its meaning and its place in the church and community
Part 9 of The Project's Core Values Series, Peter Sondergeld speaks on Baptism; its meaning and its place in the church and community
Part 8 of the Project's Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on what worship means and its place in community.
Part 8 of the Project's Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on what worship means and its place in community.
Week Seven of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Household in the New Testament
Week Seven of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Household in the New Testament
Fathers Day - Week Six of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Household and Fathers.
Fathers Day - Week Six of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Household and Fathers.
Week Five of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on Breaking Idolatry
Week Five of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on Breaking Idolatry
Pastor Chris Windus from Toowoomba City Church continues his series on Doctrine. This week's topic is Incarnation
Pastor Chris Windus from Toowoomba City Church continues his series on Doctrine. This week's topic is Incarnation
Week Four of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on Idolatry of the Heart
Week Four of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on Idolatry of the Heart
Week Three of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on humanity's condition as Unceasing Worshipers
Week Three of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on humanity's condition as Unceasing Worshipers
Week Two of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Grand Narrative and the Glory of God.
Week Two of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Grand Narrative and the Glory of God.
Week one of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Glory of God.
Week one of The Project Core Values Series: Peter Sondergeld speaks on The Glory of God.