John 8:1–11

WORD

What does the Scripture say?

Read John 8:1–11 together.

Take time to slowly read the passage aloud as a group. Encourage everyone to notice details in the text before jumping to interpretation.

Observation Questions

1. Where does this story take place and what is Jesus doing before the interruption?
2. Who are the main groups or individuals present in the story?
3. What accusation do the scribes and Pharisees bring?
4. What law are they referencing from the Law of Moses?
5. (See Deuteronomy 22:22 and Leviticus 20:10)
6. What is unusual about the way the woman is brought before Jesus?
7. What does Jesus do before He speaks?
8. What does Jesus say to the crowd?
9. What happens to the accusers after Jesus speaks?
10. What question does Jesus ask the woman?
11. What command does Jesus give her at the end?

Dig Deeper

Read these passages and discuss how they connect to the scene:

Deuteronomy 17:6–7

Witnesses must throw the first stones.

Exodus 31:18

The Law written with the finger of God.

Deuteronomy 9:10

The tablets written by God’s finger.

Discussion question:

What might be significant about Jesus writing with His finger in the dust while the Law is being quoted?

Key Insight

At this moment Jesus does not dismiss the Law. He applies it correctly. The Law was never meant to be a weapon for selective judgment. It was meant to reveal the truth about every person standing there.

WORLD

What does this reveal about the human condition?

This moment exposes something deeper than one woman’s sin. It exposes how humans misuse righteousness.

Discuss together:

1. Why were the Pharisees actually bringing this woman to Jesus?
2. What does the absence of the man in the story reveal about their motives?
3. Why do people often apply moral standards to others more quickly than to themselves?
4. Where do we see public condemnation culture today?
5. Examples might include:

• Social media outrage
• Public shaming
• Moral hypocrisy
• Selective justice

1. Why do you think the older men leave first?
2. What does this story reveal about the danger of knowing Scripture but missing the heart of God?

The Big Idea

The quickest way to misuse the Law is to apply it to others first.

The Law is not a weapon.

It is a mirror.

Before it exposes someone else, it exposes us.

WALK

What does this mean for our lives?

At the end of the story something remarkable happens. The crowd disappears. Only two people remain. The sinner and the Savior.

This is the moment every human being eventually faces.

Personal Reflection

1. Which person in the story do you most naturally identify with?
2. The accusers
3. The silent crowd
4. The woman
5. Or Jesus confronting injustice
6. When are you most tempted to hold a “stone” in your hand?
7. What is the difference between condemnation and conviction?
8. Why does Jesus say “Go and sin no more” after saying “Neither do I condemn you”?
9. What does this reveal about the relationship between grace and transformation?

The Question the Story Leaves Us With

We never learn the woman’s name. We never learn what happens next. The text leaves the ending unwritten. Because the story is asking every reader the same question.

Not: Who was she?

But: What did she do with Jesus?

Final Reflection

One day every person will stand before Christ. Not in a crowd. Not in a courtroom. Just you and Him.

Read together:

2 Corinthians 5:10

Discuss:

What does it mean to live a life defined not by what we did, but by what we do after encountering Jesus?

Prayer

End by praying together:

• Thank Jesus for His mercy.
• Ask Him to expose hidden hypocrisy in our hearts.
• Ask for the grace to live the life He commands when He says:

“Go, and from now on sin no more.”

Text: John 4:1-18, 25-30

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.[a]

7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[b] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” …

25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.

Geography: Jesus goes where everyone else avoids

time and place-  the awkwardness of grace

conversation –  a deeper thirst

Jesus names the real story

the well that never runs dry

the first evidence of transformation

Application: where are we drinking from?

Application 1: identify the well you keep returning to

Application 2: allow Jesus to name the real story

Application 3: let living water flow outward

Series: Jesus is Lord

Scripture: John 3:1–15

The Setting

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and respected teacher of the law, comes to Jesus at night. Though he is moral, religious, and knowledgeable, Jesus tells him something surprising:

“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Nicodemus assumes Jesus means a physical rebirth, but Jesus is speaking about spiritual rebirth.

1. What We Think the New Birth Is

Many people assume the new birth means moral improvement:

• Trying harder to live well
• Following rules more carefully
• Becoming a better person

But Nicodemus already lived this way. If the new birth were about effort, he would already qualify.

Trying to change ourselves through effort alone is like driving in thick fog with high beams on—it feels helpful but actually makes it harder to see.

What we need isn’t brighter headlights.

We need the fog to lift.

1. What the New Birth Actually Is

Jesus explains the new birth is a work of God.

Drawing from Ezekiel 36, God promises:

• “I will sprinkle clean water on you.”
• “I will give you a new heart.”
• “I will put my Spirit within you.”

The new birth is God renewing us from the inside.

Think of a garden:

• Reformation is mowing weeds (managing behaviour).
• Transformation is pulling weeds out and planting new life.

God doesn’t just manage sin—He plants new life within us.

Jesus also says the Spirit is like wind (John 3:8).

You can’t see wind, but you see its effects:

• Pride becomes humility
• Anxiety becomes trust
• Resentment becomes forgiveness

You don’t control the wind—you witness its effects.

1. The Cross Makes New Birth Possible

Jesus points to Numbers 21, where Moses lifted a bronze serpent in the wilderness. Those who looked at it in faith were healed.

Jesus says:

“So must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15)

Just as the Israelites looked and lived, we look to Christ on the cross and receive life.

The new birth comes through:

• The Spirit giving new life
• Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross
• Faith in Him

The Invitation

Being born again is more than seeing Jesus as a teacher or trying to live well.

It is receiving Him as Lord and Saviour.

A new birth means:

• A new heart
• A new life
• God dwelling within us

Like the fog lifting, when we receive Christ, we begin to see clearly:

Jesus is Lord — in all that we see, do, and are.

Three ways to apply this to our lives:

Here are three clear application questions, one for each group you mentioned:

1. Curious about faith:
2. Where in your life does it feel like you’re navigating fog, and what would it look like to consider that clarity might come from Jesus rather than from your own effort?
3. New to faith:
4. Where have you begun to notice small changes in your heart, attitudes, or desires that might be the Spirit of God at work in you?
5. Seasoned in faith:
6. In this season of life, what might it look like for you to lift your eyes to Jesus again and rely on Him rather than just the habits or structures of faith?

Come and see: how Jesus builds the church

Big idea

This is the raw, first call of Jesus: come and see. They come. They stay. They bring others.

Lordship here is relational before it is institutional. Before Jesus gives them tasks, He gives them: friendship, proximity, shared life. The Church is born not as an organisation, but as a shared orbit around a person.

Text John 1:35-51

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said

"Look, the Lamb of God!" 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed

Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said,

"Rabbi" (which means "Teacher'), "where are you staying?" 39 "Come," he replied, "and you will" see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him

"We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter[a]). 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me." 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.

45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 "Nazareth!

Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." 48 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel." 50 Jesus said, "You believe[b] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that." 51 He then added, "Very truly I tell Son of Man.) will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on' (e) the

Exegesis: the first words of Jesus, The first community forms The pattern of discipleship, The ladder to heaven Movement 1: a church in the radical middle Word people. Spirit people. Justice people. Contemplative people.

Movement 2: from admiration to following

Movement 3: why community matters

1. Follow: bring yourself
2. Come and see: bring someone else
3. Remain: bring your place

The One you were seeking...has been seeking you all along.

PASSOVER — EXODUS / MANNA / THE LAMB / BLOOD / DELIVERANCE

1ST MIRACLE : FEEDING OF 5000 — BREAD / PROPHET LIKE MOSES / MAKE HIM KING

15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

John 6:15 ESV

2ND MIRACLE : WALKING ON WATER — SELF REVELATION / IT IS I (I AM — EGO EIMI)

20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

John 6:20 ESV

CROWD CHASES JESUS — HUNGER / CHASING HIM FOR MORE BREAD

26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

John 6:26–27 ESV

WORK OF GOD VS WORK OF MAN — BELIEF IN JESUS IS THE WORK OF MAN / SALVATION MOVES FROM LAW TO HIMSELF

29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

John 6:29 ESV

MOSES VS JESUS — MOSES FED US FOR 40 YEARS / IT WASN’T MOSES WHO FED YOU / IT WAS NOT TRUE BREAD / DIDN’T GIVE LIFE / SOMETHING GREATER THAN EXODUS IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

Some of you are still testifying about what God did ten years ago because you haven’t recognised what He’s doing today. You cannot build the future by living emotionally in the past.

ESCALATION — BREAD TO FLESH

53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

The Words of Eternal Life

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

John 6:53–69 ESV

Big idea

The best people in the Kingdom are those who know when to step forward and when to step aside, without losing their joy, their identity, or their faithfulness.

Jesus has not come to orbit around us. He has come to be the centre. Not to make us famous, but faithful. Not to draw attention to our name, but to His.

The mark of maturity is not how many people are following you. It’s whether you are still pointing to Jesus when fewer people are.

Text: John 3:22–30

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptising. 23 John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptised 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).

25 Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptising, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’

29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”[a]

Context: water everywhere, meaning everywhere

a: when purification becomes popularity

b: heaven decides, not the crowd

‘Play the great parts without pride and the small parts without shame.’ CS Lewis

c: the friend of the groom

1. For leaders and builders
2. For ageing saints and quiet servants
3. For those navigating identity and season shifts

Questions for small groups

When attention shifts away from you, what happens inside you?

Where might you be striving to protect something that was only ever meant to be received from God?

What role, title, or expectation might God be asking you to loosen your grip on in this season?

If joy is found in Jesus ‘increasing’, not in us being needed, what would need to change for your joy to become complete?

While the world still stands: Serving a Lord who stoops to serve

Reading – John 13:1–14 (ESV)

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet,[a] but is completely clean. And you[b] are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Movement 1 – The setup: love that goes all the way to the bottom (v.1)

“He loved them to the end.”

Movement 2 – The action: the Lord takes the lowest place (v.2–5)

Movement 3 – The protest: when pride dresses up as reverence (v.6–11)

“You will never wash my feet. Not as long as the world stands.”

Movement 4 – The explanation: clean, but still dusty (v.12–14)

Application – three movements of response

1. Cleansing: where have your feet been this week?

Questions:

• What has clung to your soul lately?
• Where have your reactions been sharper than your character?
• What attitudes have become normal that should be confessed?

1. Example: if Jesus is Lord, pride cannot be my posture

Questions:

• What task do you secretly hope someone else will do?
• Where do you avoid inconvenience because it feels beneath you?
• Has following Jesus made you more interruptible, or more important?

1. Commissioning: washed people become sent people

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news… who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” Isaiah 52:7

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John presses play on the beginning:  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…”

Who is John?

Immediate resistance

Jesus is not the intern: “All things were made through him, and without him not anything was made that was made.”

Why the church fought for this

Light and humanity: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

1. a move from solution to sovereign
2. a move from advisor to Lord.
3. a move from gratitude to formation.

Have we reduced Jesus to a solution rather than surrendered to Him as sovereign?

Do we consult Him as an advisor, or follow Him as Lord?

Are we merely grateful for rescue, or being formed for a Kingdom?

Solomon was the King, but he was under another authority – the God of Israel.

He starts his Wisdom literature with Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of

knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

“Fear” or reverence, and submitting to the Lord is key to living wisely, and righteously.

With relationships – we look to Jesus as the example. Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Yes Jesus died for his Bride (the church), but he also lived righteously for his bride. We are to do the same.

When it comes to romantic relationships, Song of Solomon shows us imagery using gardens as a metaphor, and we are to cultivate a romantic relationship to full bloom.

The Bible gives us some guidance on how we can see our gardens in bloom.

– Prepare the Soil –

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time and season for everything…”

Song of Solomon 2:7 – “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

Song of Solomon 2:11–12 – “For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The

flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is

heard in our land.”

Song of Solomon 7:12 – “Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vine has budded, if

the blossom has opened, if the pomegranates are in bloom.”

Each of us, regardless of relationship status, are in a specific season of our lives. We are

called to steward our current season. Let’s ask, “Where do I need healing, where do I need

to learn, what do I need to build?”

Prepare the soil today, for the garden of tomorrow.

Build romance.

– Enjoy the Fruit –

Ecclesiastes 9:9 – Enjoy life with your wife whom you love – Ecc 9:9

Proverbs 5:18–19 – May your fountain be blessed and may you rejoice with the wife of your

youth.

Song of Solomon 7:12 – “Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if

their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom—there I will give you my

love.”

Enjoy the fruit in your garden, and continue to cultivate it.

Build intimacy for romance’s sake!

Intimacy > Vulnerability > Romance in bloom

– Guarding the Garden –

Song of Solomon 2:15 – Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our

vineyards that are in bloom.

(External) Proverbs 7:21

(Internal) Song of Solomon Chapter 5

 Caution, ‘foxes’ in the Modern Era:

Language – ‘work wife/work husband’

‘Best friends’ of the opposite gender

Any relationship/friendship that, if you really go deep, is serving a need that only your

spouse should

Comfort and convenience – don’t get lazy, don’t make excuses

Practical Tips:

Commit to high transparency

Commit to accountability

Commit to healthy coping (stress awareness)

Commit to wise stewardship

Commit to wise counsel

Commit to Christ-like formation

Song of Solomon 8 - Commit to a relationship in bloom.

Proverbs 3:9–10

Honour the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your produce;

then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Thought one: honour comes before abundance

Thought two: firstfruits train the heart

Thought three: abundance follows alignment

“The retribution principle”

Wisdom assumes that creation is morally ordered because God is good. There’s a grain to the universe, and sin is living against the grain. When you live aligned with God’s ways, life tends toward fruitfulness. When you live misaligned, life tends toward fracture.

But Proverbs isn’t naïve. It’s not like Job’s friends. It’s not saying, “Good things always happen to good people.” Ecclesiastes and Job exist in the canon precisely to stop us turning Proverbs into simplistic guarantees. The Bible has this exact internal conversation: wisdom without humility becomes cruelty.

1. Steward your words before you steward your wealth

2. See money as an entrustment, not a trophy

3. Let money serve the season you are in

For teens:

For young adults:

For families:

For over 55s:

4. Practice generosity somewhere concrete and consistent

True wealth is not what you accumulate. It is who you trust. Jesus is not just our example. He is our source. When Christ is Lord, money is liberated, and wisdom becomes a way of life.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 and 12:8-13

Point 1: Vapour

• The word meaningless comes from the hebrew word “Heval” – which means “vapour”
• Everything under the sun… everything you can see… Solomon is saying that if we look around us and this is all that there is to life, it’s meaningless.
• Ecclesieastes is making the point that we can’t just look at everything under the sun for life’s purpose. All the work, goals, achievements, ambitions, what do they matter? When we make life about these things, life is meaningless.
• Vapour – Everything under the SUN is meaningless
• Solomon expands on this in Chapter 2 by listing all of his achievements. He’s reminding us that he knows what he’s talking about, he’s had it all: fame, wealth, luxury, romance, wisdom, power.

Point 2: The Vine

• There is God and because there is a God, there is meaning. The world wasn’t an accident but was created and created with intention, reason and purpose.
• God is goodness, life. In Him we find fulfillment, purpose, joy and worth
• In other words, when we live for God, we live for meaning and as a result, what we do has meaning, life has meaning, all “these” things have purpose, defined by God.
• This God is Christ, all of the bible speaks of God, his character, traits leading to the peak of the story of all human history with Jesus hung on a cross for us.
• John 5:19 – Jesus lived in accordance to God’s will rather than His own
• We see this in the garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14:36
• Jesus still: partied, worked, made friends, traveled, celebrated, studied, had hobbies, built things, helped people, told stories. He did all these things and they all had meaning because at the center, God’s will was His focus and that impacted and shaped all these other things.
• In John 15:1-4 Jesus instructs us to abide in Him, to be planted and rooted in Christ, attached to God and His will.
• Placing Jesus first and everything else under Him
• The Vine – Everything under the SON has meaning

Point 3: P.R.A.Y – Peter Grieg

• P: Pause – “Be still and know I am God” Sit quietly, become entirely present
• R: Rejoice – Give thanks, acknowledge God for who He is and what He’s done
• A: Ask – For yourself, for others, for the big, for the small
• Y: Yield – Surrender yourself, invite God in, put His will first
• The goal of prayer isn’t to see more miracles but to become a miracle. It isn’t to see more prayers answered but to become an answer to someone prayer
• C.S.Lewis – “From the highest to the lowest, self exists to be abdicated and, by that abdication, becomes the more truly self, to be thereupon yet the more abdicated, and so forever”
• Meaning, our goal as Christian is to live in self-surrender of our own will, in order to seek His.

This week, Ecclesiastes encourages us to reflect, is there anything we need to surrender to God? Do we need to realign our heart to place Him at the centre?

Everyone is an influencer; the question is, what are you influencing people toward?

“The whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.” 1 Kings 10:24

“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22

And Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money… this also is vanity.”

Words outlive wealth. Gold loses its shine; wisdom gains interest forever.

Three ways words build worlds

1. Words shape identity

Practical:

This week, audit your words.

What are you calling people?

Do your words shrink people or stretch them?

Are you naming them as beloved or labelling them as burdens?

Speak to the destiny in people, not the dysfunction in them.

2. Words create culture

Practical: Ask yourself this week:

What culture am I creating through my words?

At home – do I create safety or suspicion?

Online – do I contribute noise or nourishment?

In church – do I speak faith or fatigue?

3. Words reveal treasure

Practical: Listen to yourself this week. What theme dominates your conversation – worry, wealth, gossip, gratitude?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1

Application: Three practices this week

1. Bless deliberately.

2. Culture check.

3. Treasure test.

That is the new world we now live in – the world created by the Word made flesh. The story of the Bible begins and ends with speech – God speaking, blessing, creating, redeeming.

Texts: Proverbs 3:1-8; Ecclesiastes 11:10

“My son, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments,

for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favour and good success

in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:1-8, ESV)

Three marks of biblical wellness

1. Long life: “length of days and years of life”

Wisdom doesn’t just add years to your life – it adds life to your years.

Practical application:

Are there habits or attitudes that are shortening your life?

•Unforgiveness stealing your peace

•Hurry eroding your health

•Pride closing you off from correction

2. Good sleep:  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart”

3. A healthy heart:  “healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones”

Practical:

Who do you need to forgive, not for their sake, but for yours?

Who do you need to bless instead of blame?

What relationship needs investment if your own soul is to thrive?

Application – Three steps this week

1. Check your pace

Are you living at a speed that’s shortening your soul?

2. Release your night

Every evening this week, before you scroll or switch off, make a sacred exchange.

3. Invest in love

Choose one relationship to strengthen this week.

Jesus teaches us not only with words, but with his life. Even as a child. Even before the cross. Even before the resurrection. He teaches us how to be human before God.

Luke 2:41–52

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents[g] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”[h] 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature[i] and in favor with God and man.

one

Jesus teaches us by being close to the Father

“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Reflection questions

Where do I go when I’m confused?

What do I do when I don’t understand what God is doing?

Do I perform, or do I remain?

two

Jesus teaches us by submitting to ordinary obedience

“He went down with them and was obedient to them.”

Reflection questions

Where am I resisting the ordinary because I’m waiting for the extraordinary?

Where have I mistaken obscurity for insignificance? 

three

Jesus teaches us by growing..

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and people.”

Reflection questions

Where am I more patient than I was?

Where am I more honest than I was?

Where am I more aware of my need for grace?

The child in the temple becomes the man on the cross.

The one who teaches us how to live by giving his life. The one who teaches us how to trust by entrusting himself to the Father. The one who teaches us how to die so that we might truly live.

16 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.

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3:16-21 NIV

What’s Going On?

• The world didn’t just experience darkness — it lived in it
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• Light exposes what darkness hides
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• The Light doesn’t create fear or shame — it reveals what’s already there
• 
  
• We don’t reject the Light because we don’t believe it, we reject it because we do
• 
  

Why It Matters

• Unfiltered holiness isn’t safe for sinners
• 
  
• We could never enter His presence in our state
• 
  
• Christmas is God entering our presence
• 
  
• The Light didn’t come to end your story, it came to make a new one possible
• 
  
• Exposure in God’s Kingdom isn’t final — it’s foundational
• 
  

Our Response

Stop blending in — start standing out

Don’t just believe truth — live it

Don’t measure truth by popularity

If you love the light, you’ll move toward it

Invite the light to inspect your life

You can also watch this podcast online here!

Going home for Christmas: a meaning worth moving for

Read Matthew 2:1–12 ESV (include in full)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

They took the trip because they believed three deep truths that every modern heart still aches for:

• the world is not sealed shut
• God speaks in ways that require interpretation
• meaning is worth moving for

Theology corner: general and special revelation

Psalm 19:1 ESV

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Micah 5:2 ESV

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1. He is worthy of worship from those far away.
2. This is your sign that God remembers you. You can hear from God.
3. Look for light in this season.
4. The journey is hard but worth it.

Christmas says: these lights won’t save you. But they reveal your hunger. And behind every lesser light is Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, gently drawing you home.

Lament: “A passionate expression of grief that names what is wrong and anchors it to God’s truth.” Mark Vroegop – Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.”

The valley is not the destination or dwelling place – it is something to be navigated through

1. Pray your Pain

• Psalm 139:2 “You perceive my thoughts from afar”
• Psalm 139:4 “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely”
• “When we bring our pain to God, He meets us with His presence, and that changes everything” Karra Eloff
• Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
• God already knows your pain, prayer gives Him access to it.

1. Pray the Word

• When you can’t find the words, borrow them from the psalms
• Suggested lament psalms to begin with: Psalm 6, Psalm 13, Psalm 77
• Paul’s example to us:
• Romans 8:35-37 ““Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
• Jesus quoted the psalms through the gospels to express righteous anger, knowledge of his betrayal by Judas, and lament on the cross:
• John 2:14-17 “In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
• John 13:18 “But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’”

1. Practice Gratitude

• The example of Psalm 13 – from a low place to gratitude

Psalm 13

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, Lord my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing the Lord’s praise,

for he has been good to me.

• The psalms of lament acknowledge both the pain of life and God’s goodness in the midst of hardship.
• Gratitude doesn’t erase pain — it anchors us to God’s goodness in the middle of it.

1. Practice Community

• Community is God’s gift to lighten the load of grief and pain.
• Community can help you hear God’s voice when you can’t hear it for yourself.
• Community can provide those steady footsteps beside you, helping you to pace yourself as you walk through the valley.
• But…to have community, you must practise community.

Reflection Questions

Where do I default to during times of pain…have I been trying to rush through my pain, or have I been stuck in it?

Where might I be holding something back from God — something I need to name honestly in prayer?

What’s one way I could practise gratitude this week, even in a small way?

(If I’m practising community) How could I lighten the load for someone in my community this week?

(If I’m not practising community) What can I do to change that, knowing community is something I need to be intentional about?

Lamentations 3:15-26

15 He has filled me with bitterness

and given me a bitter cup of sorrow to drink.

16 He has made me chew on gravel.

He has rolled me in the dust.

17 Peace has been stripped away,

and I have forgotten what prosperity is.

18 I cry out, “My splendour is gone!

Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!”

19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness

is bitter beyond words.

20 I will never forget this awful time,

as I grieve over my loss.

21 Yet I still dare to hope

when I remember this:

22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

His mercies never cease.

23 Great is his faithfulness;

his mercies begin afresh each morning.

24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;

therefore, I will hope in him!”

25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,

to those who search for him.

26 So it is good to wait quietly

for salvation from the Lord.

Psalm 23

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the goals and plans we made.

We reflect on the pace of life, and the impact of hurry on ourselves, our relationships – those we

love the most.

Could the Lord be calling us to a rest that renews our minds, builds our trust in Him, satisfies

our souls and bring Him glory?

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

Learning to slow down means understanding why we perceive ‘rest’ the way we do. Aligning our

worldly perspective with God’s perspective is a key benefit of rest, but also key to beginning the

life-long journey of pursuing a slower pace.

“If we’re not being intentionally formed by Jesus, himself, then it’s highly likely we’re being

unintentionally formed by someone or something else.” – John Mark Comer

Change your mindset around rest, then Jesus can change how you see the World.

‘He makes me lie down in green pastures…’

Changing our mindset is one step, but Trusting him is another thing all together. Shepherds in

David’s time, in Jerusalem, would only see small sporadic sprigs, in the dry seasons. It was

important for the sheep to follow the shepherd to where the food is, and the safe places were to

rest.

In the same way, through hard season, the Lord with show you where the provision is, and will allow

you to rest, while he keeps an eye on what’s important to you.

Rest helps us increase our trust in Him.

“He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

For when our souls are more tired than our bodies.

We are yearning. We are thirsty for something to satisfy our desires. But nothing can, like the

living waters that the Shepherd leads us to.

Rest means being led to where we can drink and be restored.

Rest allows Him to restore what hurry has drained.

“He Leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.”

Rest has this way of putting God back in His rightful place. Because when I slow down long enough

to breathe, I remember. He’s the Shepherd, I’m not.

But Rest moves the spotlight off me, and back onto Him. He does all of this for us, and we can only

benefit from it because of His Grace. Supplying our daily needs and offering us peace and rest are

all a part of God’s desire to restore our souls, to revive us in Him.

Rest helps us direct our worship to the place it belongs.

Do not allow fear to manifest as “hurry” and pull you away from who you love. Instead, build

rhythms of rest and be led by The Good Shepherd.

Being Led, really starts with being honest. Let’s start with asking a few questions:

– What has formed my mindset around rest? How healthy is this?

– Do I trust the Lord with provision in my life? Do I trust him with my projects?

– How deeply does the Lord need to restore me? When did I last feel deeply content?

– Where is my worship directed? Do I need help with this? What do I need to change?

Here are some healthy practices you could consider and research. Examen. Sabbath. Silence.

Solitude. Slowing. Worship. Delete the apps. And some resources

Resources:

– The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark Comer

– Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer

– Peter Scazzero

Main text: Psalm 73:12-17 (ESV)

Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.

All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.

For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.

If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,

until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

Reflection: the slow way to wisdom

Because reflection is how we see what’s really going on

Practices for the road

Reflection isn’t passive; it’s a posture we can practise. The Psalms are full of it: “I remember,” “I meditate,” “I consider,” “I ponder.” Each word invites us to walk, not drive.

1. Reflection helps us discern and decide.
2. Reflection helps us judge rightly.
3. Reflection keeps our hearts sweet.
4. Reflection deepens our affection for God.

Now, Practising reflection in our season

Ask:

• Where did I see God this year?
• What did I learn through joy? Through pain?
• What’s still unresolved in my heart that I can bring into His presence?

Blaise Pascal said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”

Closing prayer:

Lord, teach us to walk slowly.

Give us hearts that listen deeply.

Show us the treasure You’ve hidden in this season, and let reflection lead us to worship.

The Psalms are the prayer book of God’s people — songs and prayers that give voice to every human emotion: joy, grief, hope, fear, longing, courage, anger, and love.

They teach us how to bring all of life before God — not just the polished parts.

They become both a mirror for the soul and a map for the heart, guiding us toward honesty, healing, and hope.

Psalm 42:7–8

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love,

at night his song is with me.

Before the rush of Christmas, the Psalms invite us to slow down, pay attention to what’s stirring beneath the surface, and let God meet us there.

Psalms of Celebration:

Key Passage – Psalm 100

1. The Password Into God;’s presence is Gratitude:

Sometimes our spiritual lives feel “locked.” We try to log in with the wrong passwords —

performance, perfection, panic, or impatience — but the true password into God’s presence is gratitude.

Psalm 100:4–5

*Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Gratitude is not a feeling; it’s a choice.

We don’t wait to *feel* thankful — we *enter* with thanksgiving, even in hardship.

Celebration doesn’t deny pain; it declares God’s goodness in the middle of it.

1. Celebration Begins with Remembrance

When we forget what God has done, gratitude fades.

But when we remember, joy rises.

Psalm 103:1–5

Sometimes we have to talk to our own souls – remind ourselves of what’s true until faith awakens again.

“Gratitude is not always spontaneous — sometimes we must command our souls to remember.” — Walter Brueggemann

1. Celebration Releases Renewal

Praise shifts the atmosphere — it renews hearts and transforms spaces.

Psalm 40:1–3

Psalm 30:11–12

Before renewal is seen in the world, it is sung in the hearts of God’s people.

Our gratitude becomes a testimony — our praise invites others into hope.

Reflection Questions

1. When have you felt “locked out” of connection with God?
2. What “passwords” have you been using to try to reach Him?
3. What’s one thing you can thank God for today — even if life feels hard?
4. What does your soul need to remember about God’s goodness?
5. How could gratitude or celebration shift the atmosphere around you this week?

Romans 12

Consider:

Has there been something that’s happened this year that’s frustrated you? Something you wish you could change? Or perhaps someone?

We live in a wild world, and at times we ask ourselves what place do we as Christians have in this world?

The church in Rome asked this same question. They were divided by opinion, Jews concerned with the Law and Gentiles feeling limited in how they could minister. It’s into this context that Paul writes Romans.

The Invitation:

Leading up to Romans 12, Paul emphasises the fact that though we are all different, what unites us is that we all are invited into God’s family. There is an invitation for us to join God and what He’s doing to restore this wild world we live in.

The Implication:

Romans 12:1-2

Saying “Yes” to Jesus means saying “Yes” to being renewed and transformed from the inside out.

• Parable of the unknown Monk

“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.

I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”

Reflect:

What’s actually shaping your mindset? What is influencing your thoughts most right now?

The implementation:

Karl Barth – “We must hold the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”

Romans 12:4-8

We are all made unique, have different stories, backgrounds, talents, gifting and connections. Paul reminds us of this and that because of this how God uses us is going to look different. We aren’t meant to compare or judge what another is doing for the Lord, but to focus on what He is able to do with us.

The Outcome:

When we accept the invit ation, we journey with God. We are made students who seek to become like Him and this will be expressed uniquely through who He has made us to be. As a result, the good news will be shared, we will be light-bearers in dark places.

Romans 12:9-20

Imagine a world where we live like Paul describes in these verses.

This is who we are called to be, this is what happens and can only happen, when we live fed by the root, and in response offer our lives as a living sacrifice.

What could this look like for us to live this out in our week?

• Be first to show honour to those around you
• Pursue being hospitable and loving to strangers,
• Seek to bless those who seek to curse you
• Celebrate other people’s wins with them, share tears with those who are in ruin.
• Do your best to understand one another. That means don’t just reject someone because of a view they hold but seek to converse with them, understand the other side of a story. Why do they hold that view?
• Don’t think so highly of yourself or your understanding of things. Lower yourself so that you can listen, learn, and serve
• Be radically generous and authentically humble

Romans 10:5–17 (ESV)

The Law vs. Faith

Moses wrote that the one who does the commandments shall live by them (v.5).

But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart…” (v.6–7).

Salvation isn’t found in human effort — it’s nearer than we think.

The Word Is Near

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (v.9–10)

The same Lord is Lord of all — Jew and Greek alike — and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (v.12–13)

The Rhetorical Questions

“How will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?

How will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?

How will they hear without someone preaching?

And how will they preach unless they are sent?” (v.14–15)

These questions reveal God’s pattern for reaching the world — a sending, speaking, saving God.

Sent. Speak. Sound. Saved.

• Sent: From Moses to Isaiah, Jonah to Jesus, God has always been a sending God.
• Speak: The proof of faith isn’t just in worship but in witness. The Gospel isn’t meant to stay silent.
• Sound: What message are people hearing? A gospel of striving or a gospel of grace?
• Saved: “The word is near you…” (v.8). Salvation isn’t far off. It’s closer than you think — as close as your lips.

Big Idea: The gospel goes with going people, yet the dream always belongs to God.

Text: Romans 15:22–29

But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

Romans 15 sits at the crossroads of Paul’s ministry. He’s writing from Corinth, heading toward Jerusalem, hoping to be refreshed in Rome, and dreaming of Spain—the edge of the known world. Each stop is a stage in the soul’s pilgrimage:

1. Reality — where you face the truth.
2. Honour — where you remember those who came before you.
3. Support — where you are renewed by the community of faith.
4. Dream — where you step into God’s uncharted future.
5. Corinth – Reality (vv. 22–23)
6. Jerusalem – Honour (vv. 25–27)
7. Rome – Support (vv. 24, 29)
8. Spain – Dream (vv. 24, 28)

Waiting patiently in hope

Romans 8:18-30

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Point 1. Present suffering vs future glory (vv. 18–19)

Point 2. Creation’s groan, our groan, Spirit’s groan (vv. 20–26)

Nature, with its melancholy charm, resembles a bride who, at the very moment when she was fully attired for marriage, saw the bridegroom die. She still stands with her fresh crown and in her bridal dress, but her eyes are full of tears” — Schelling

Point 3. Hope and patience (vv. 24–25)

Point 4. The Spirit helps, the Father searches, the Son secures (vv. 26–30)

As the bird-life builds up a bird, the image of itself, so the Christ-life builds up a Christ, the image of Himself, in the inward nature of man.… According to the great law of conformity to type, this fashioning takes a specific form. It is that of the Artist who fashions. And all through life this wonderful, mystical, glorious, yet perfectly definite process goes on ‘until Christ be formed’ in it” (Drummond, “Natural Law in the Spiritual World”).

Application:

For the weary: Don’t despise the groan. It’s not the sound of defeat; it’s the sound of new creation coming.

For the impatient: Train in hope. Refuse the quick fix. Learn the holy art of waiting.

For the prayerless: Trust the Spirit’s intercession when you don’t know what to say.

For the anxious: Anchor your life in this promise—God is shaping Jesus in you, and He will not fail.

“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” — Robert Murray M’Cheyne

Romans 6:1–14

Key Scripture

“We are no longer slaves to sin… For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” (Romans 6:6–7)

“So you also should consider yourselves dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)

“Do not let sin control the way you live… Instead, give yourselves completely to God.” (Romans 6:12–13)

Summary:

Paul addresses a dangerous distortion: “If grace is abundant, should we just keep sinning?” His answer is clear: Absolutely not!

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin’s power is broken. In baptism, we identify with Christ — the old self is buried, and we are raised to live new lives.

Sin still tempts, but it no longer masters us. Our new reality is freedom under grace — called to live as instruments of righteousness, shaped by God’s will and ways, not by sin’s rule.

Grace isn’t a licence to sin. Grace is power to live free.

Key Takeaways

Sin enslaves – it shapes habits, desires, and choices when left unchecked.

Grace frees – Jesus’ death and resurrection break sin’s power over us.

Baptism reminds us – we’ve died to sin and now live with a new identity in Christ.

Our call – Offer every part of our lives to God as instruments of righteousness.

Reflection Questions

What habits, attitudes, or patterns feel like they still enslave you?

How does knowing you are “dead to sin, alive in Christ” shift your perspective?

Where do you tend to rationalise or minimise sin in your own life?

What’s one practical step you can take this week to live out your new identity in Christ?

Group/Individual Practice

Remember your baptism – Reflect on the truth it symbolises: dead to sin, alive in Christ.

Offer yourself anew – Pray a prayer of surrender, asking God to use your words, work, and relationships as instruments of righteousness this week.

Receive grace – Whether for the first time or as renewal, thank Jesus for breaking sin’s power and giving you new life.

Scripture

Romans 5:6–8

1. The Cross Misunderstood

• Not Manipulation:
• We think it’s manipulative because we make sin small and hell hypothetical.
• Like tackling a blind man out of traffic—looked harsh until he saw the truck.
• God saved us while we were still sinners.
• Not Murder:
• Jesus wasn’t a victim or martyr; He gave His life willingly (John 10:17–18, Mark 10:45).
• Victims don’t choose; Jesus chose every whip, nail, and insult.
• He’s not a victim—He’s the Victor.
• Not Myth:
• If Jesus is a myth, so is salvation.
• Eyewitnesses, historians, and the apostles’ deaths prove otherwise.
• It’s not a myth that He died, rose, and saves.

2. What the Cross Really Is

• Mercy:
• Jesus met our real guilt, not just our felt needs.
• Deny sin → despise mercy.
• The more you see your sin, the more amazing His mercy becomes (1 Tim 1:15–16).

3. The Gap

• Look back, look now—see the gap between who you were and who you are.
• That gap is not your work; it’s Jesus’ work in you.
• Christian with No Gap: Be warned—you may have settled for religion, not salvation.
• Christian Who Sees the Gap: Be grateful—every step is mercy on display.
• Non-Christian Who Sees the Gap: You’ve tried to fill it with success, pleasure, or works. You can’t. Only Jesus bridges the gap—He is the gap-filler.

Closing

The cross isn’t manipulation, murder, or myth. It is mercy.

And mercy fills the gap between you and God—forever.

14/09/2025 - Matthew Destry

Romans 1:16–17: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

1. Creeping death :: Romans 1:21–23 (ESV)

For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

1. The levelling ground :: Romans 2:1–2 (ESV)

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practise the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practise such things.

1. The verdict rendered :: Romans 3:10–18 (ESV)

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

1. The gift revealed :: Romans 3:21–24 (ESV)

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

The four steps in Romans 3:21–26. Here’s how Paul unpacks it:

1.Revealed (v.21)

2.For everyone (vv.22–23)

3.Through the cross (vv.24–25a)

4.Showing God’s character (vv.25b–26)

Application: where brokenness meets mercy

1. Admit your need
2. Receive God’s grace
3. Live from mercy, not masks 

“Pride is a form of cosmic plagiarism – claiming to be the author of something that is actually a gift’ – Tim Keller

2 Timothy 1:5–7 (ESV)

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

1. THE FIRE IS SACRED

“Faith is not the clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

2. THE FIRE IS FORGED IN STRUGGLE

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them—glory and danger alike—and yet still go out to meet it.” — Thucydides

3. THE FIRE IS SUBSTANCE, NOT SUCCESS

“What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.” — Gretchen Rubin

4. BUILDING AN ALTAR — A SOLID FOUNDATION

Text: Genesis 8:20–21 (ESV)

“Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.’”

Reflection Questions

• Who passed the fire to you? What unspoken lessons did they leave?

• Where are you tempted to give up? What does “keep walking” mean in your season?

• What kind of altar are you building for those who come after you?

• What does it mean for you today to fix your foundation on Christ?

CHRIST OUR ALTAR, CHRIST OUR FIRE

Hebrews 13:10: “We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.”

Big idea: God is mobilising an army… mobilised not stationary, co-ordinated not chaotic, surprising not sodden, gifted and broken.

God is mobilising an army:

1/ Where the battle is not against people

Ephesians 6:10–18 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

2/ Where the mission is the great commission

Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

3/ Where sanctification is the training

To be sanctified: The word comes from the Latin sanctus (“holy”) and the verb facere (“to make”). In biblical terms, it carries two layers:

1. Positional Sanctification (Set Apart)

2. Ongoing Sanctification (Being Made Holy)

4/ Where no one walks alone

5/ Where worship is warfare

“God is mobilising an army, but it’s a broken army that marches on it’s knees” – Pete Greig

24/08/2025 - Jody Destry

Overflowing with Healing and Hope

Key Scriptures

Mark 2:17 – “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 5:17–26 – Jesus heals the paralytic (forgiveness + physical healing).

John 8:1–11 – Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (freedom from condemnation + new life).

Mark 5:1–20 – Jesus heals the demon-possessed man (restoration of mind, community, and mission).

John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

1 Corinthians 12:26 – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.”

Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”

Key Points

1. Jesus the Great Physician

His ministry was marked by healing: physical, emotional, and spiritual.

He addresses not just symptoms but root causes.

1. Stories of Healing

Paralytic man → forgiveness + healing.

Woman caught in adultery → mercy + transformation.

The demon-possessed man → restored mind + sent on mission.

Healing as a Sign of the Kingdom

Every healing points to God’s reign breaking in with renewal, hope, and restoration.

John 10:10 – life to the full.

3.The Church as a Hospital

Jesus is the Great Physician, we are all patients, and together we form a community of mutual care.

Different “wards” of the Church: emergency (crisis), surgical (transformation), maternity (new life), children’s (discipleship), aged care (honour and wisdom), recovery (rest and restoration), rehabilitation (strength and equipping).

1. Healing in Community

Healing isn’t just private; it’s experienced in relationships (1 Cor. 12:26; Gal. 6:2).

Confession and prayer bring healing (James 5:16).

Reflection Questions:

f the Church is like a hospital with many wards, which “ward” do you see yourself in right now (emergency, recovery, rehabilitation, etc.)?

How can we better live out 1 Corinthians 12:26 and Galatians 6:2 as a group — carrying each other’s burdens and celebrating healing together?

James 5:16 speaks about confession and prayer. Why do you think honesty and vulnerability are so important for healing?

Psalm 68:5–6: Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

1. Adopted into God’s Family — Romans 8:15–17

Romans 8:15–17 (ESV): For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

1. The Household of God — Ephesians 2:19–22

Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV): So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

III. Spiritual Friendships — John 15:15

John 15:15 (ESV): No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Four markers of healthy friendship:

1. No Power Imbalance
2. No Money Changing Hands
3. No Hidden Expectations
4. No Triangulation or Control
5. Recognising Leadership and Voices in the Family

Acts 18:24–26 (ESV): Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

1. Protecting the Unity of the Family — Ephesians 4:29–32

Ephesians 4:29–32 (ESV): Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

• Paul assumes everyone has a gift.
• The problem is not inactive gifts, but disobedient
• Gifts are for the common good (v.7), empowered by one Spirit.

Two Gift Problems in the Church

The Jealous Gift

 (vv.15–20)

“Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body.”

• More concerned with visibility over faithfulness.
• Tells God He got it wrong.
• Turns partners in ministry into competitors in calling.
• Worships self over God.
• Robs the church of purpose
• Jealousy leaves the body lame.

The Prideful Gift

 (vv.21–24)

“I have no need of you.”

• Independence isn’t strength — it’s sabotage.
• You can’t build the body if you think you don’t need
• You are not the point of this place — just a part of it.
• When the gift becomes god, the church becomes a casualty.

Heart Check

• This isn’t a team recruitment drive.
• No sign-up sheet. No QR code.
• It’s about the Spirit of God and believing He meant what He said: You are part of the Body.

When jealousy and pride go uncorrected:

• Celebration dies.
• Honour becomes foreign.
• Resentment and self-sufficiency suffocate the Spirit’s work.

Result: Christ isn’t glorified.

• Dishonour the gift → dishonour the Giver.

Our Call

v.26 — If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

• Honour one another.
• See one another.
• Need one another.

Hands — Living It Out

• Identify your gift — not to compare or compete, but to contribute.
• Confess pride or jealousy that’s kept you from building up the body.
• Celebrate and honour others’ gifts.

Serve the body so Christ is seen and glorified.

Key Scripture: Philippians 2; Romans 12; Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:14–17

• Guest speaker Zach Meerkreebs shares his firsthand account of the Asbury Revival and what God did in a small Kentucky chapel.
• A powerful reminder that God isn't looking for perfection, power, or performance — He's drawn to humility.
• Explores the difference between pride and consecrated confidence.
• Challenges us to live with open hands and soft hearts — ready to be confronted and consecrated.
• Highlights how even our kids can be spiritual teachers when we’re humble enough to listen.
• “Go lower”: Jesus' model of descent from glory to servanthood becomes the blueprint for our own transformation.
• Addresses cultural misconceptions about humility, ambition, and spiritual passivity.
• Encourages every believer to be a "pothole" where the Spirit can puddle up — a place low enough for God's presence to rest.

Reclaiming a healthy, Christlike vision of submission that leads to freedom, peace, and flourishing.

Key Scriptures:

Isaiah 30:15–18

Ephesians 5:21–25

John 5:19, John 16:13–14, John 5:22–23

Luke 22:42 (“Not my will, but yours be done.”)

James 4:7, Psalm 37:5

Big Idea:

Submission often carries baggage — misunderstood as weakness or misused to justify control – but Scripture reveals a better way.

Submission is woven into the very nature of God: Father, Son, and Spirit live in a divine rhythm of mutual love, honour, and deference. Jesus models submission not as defeat, but as strength — surrendering to the Father’s will for the sake of our redemption.

God’s call to submission is not about losing voice or value. It’s about finding peace and purpose in trusting the One who knows us best and loves us most.

Like Judah in Isaiah 30, we often run to false security and control when we’re afraid — but God calls us back:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”

(Isaiah 30:15)

Submission isn’t passivity. It’s a posture of active trust. When we lay down control, we make space for God’s peace, clarity, and power to work in and through us.

Key Takeaways

1/ Submission is rooted in the Trinity — God models mutual submission in love (John 5:19; 16:13–14).

2/ Submission is a strength, not a weakness — it takes courage to trust and let go.

3/ Submission requires trust — which can feel risky in a world of broken authority.

4/ God’s vision is freedom and flourishing — not control or oppression.

5/ Rebellion isn’t just cultural — it’s spiritual — like Judah, we resist God’s way, often to our own harm. Jesus shows us the way — “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life are you grasping for control rather than trusting God?
2. Has your understanding of submission been shaped more by culture or by Christ?
3. What would it look like to say “Not my will, but Yours” in this season of your life?
4. How could mutual submission strengthen your relationships?
5. Are there areas where pride or fear has kept you from yielding in love?
6. How does seeing submission in the Trinity reshape your understanding of God’s nature?
7. Why is submission essential to Christian community (Ephesians 5:21)?

Prayer:

God, I confess the places where I’ve held too tightly to control. Help me surrender my way and trust Your wisdom. Teach me the beauty of mutual submission — with You, and with others — so I might walk in peace, strength, and love. Amen.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room

Suspicion is healthy. But cynicism can harden your heart. Today, I want us to ask: What if giving to God isn’t a scheme, but a spiritual practice?

Main Narrative Text: Genesis 14:17–24

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)

 And he blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,

Possessor of heaven and earth;

and blessed be God Most High,

who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

 And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me.”

Key Points – The tithe is not law first—it is worship first.

1. The Tithe is Worship
2. The Tithe is a Heart Shaper
3. The Tithe is a Declaration of Dependence
4. The Tithe Points Beyond Itself
5. Pastoral Note: Tithing on Low Income

It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the posture of the heart.

Bonus Section: Is Tithing in the New Testament?

In Matthew 23:23, he critiques the Pharisees for tithing their herbs meticulously while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” He says: “You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.”

“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:45)

“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)

“On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Jesus is our true Priest

“Lord Jesus, our great High Priest, You gave everything for us. Make us generous like You. Break greed, fear, and pride in our hearts. Teach us to worship You with all we have. Amen.”

There’s a word in the Bible that some of us wish wasn’t there: **Repent**.

Not whispered – **preached**.

Not optional – **commanded**.

Not hidden – spoken by **Jesus** Himself.

Key Question: Have I actually repented, or have I just learned to **hide**?

Scripture

• Romans 2:1–6
• • Matthew 3:1–2
• • Mark 1:14–15
• • Acts 2:37–39
• • Acts 5:31
• • John 3:5–8

Head – What is Repentance?

• Repentance isn’t just feeling bad—it’s a **turning**.
• • It’s a **reorientation** from sin and from self, toward God.
• • In the OT, ‘nāḥam’ = to be deeply sorry; ‘šûḇ’ = to **return**.
• • When we repent, God **relents** (Jer. 18:8).
• • God’s **kindness** leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

Kindness Misunderstood

• Culture has redefined kindness as **being polite or agreeable**.
• • Biblical kindness is always tied to **moral goodness**.
• • Kindness without goodness is **flattery**.
• • We’ve turned kindness into **permission** instead of invitation.
• • God’s kindness is not avoiding—it’s **confronting**.
• • It’s not coddling—it’s **convicting**.

Heart – Why This Matters

• The enemy loves the sin you’re **stuck** in.
• • Repentance is not just for the **unbeliever**, it’s for the Church.
• • God won’t share your **soul** with your addiction.
• • God’s kindness is not passive—it’s going to **war** with your sin.
• • He won’t make peace with porn, or **dance** with your drinking.
• • It’s not just a whisper—it’s a **wake-up call**.

Hands – Our Response

• Conviction without **action** just becomes regret.

• Repentance is the **response** that turns conviction into freedom.

• In repentance, you’re not just turning away—you’re turning **toward Someone**.

• When you turn, God turns—not in nature, but in how He **deals** with you.

• He sees not your sin, but **Jesus**.

What is the Holy Spirit calling you to repent of today?

Trajectory Check

• Where is your life heading—towards Jesus or away?
• Small shifts lead to major misalignment over time.

Redefining Judgement

• Modern English skews “judgement” as harsh condemnation.
• Biblical Judgement = Discernment + Restoration (Greek: Krino).
• It’s not the opposite of love—it is love in action, confronting injustice and healing brokenness.

Judgement in Practice

• God’s judgement is corrective, not punitive.
• Meant to restore right relationships, justice, peace.
• Jesus models this: calling out injustice (e.g., Temple cleansing), not to condemn, but to restore worship and justice.

Scripture Highlights

• Isaiah 1:16-18, 58:6-10, Psalm 98:9, Jeremiah 7, John 3:16-17, Luke 6:41-42, Psalm 139:23-24
• Judgement calls us back to God and each other, not away from Him.

God’s Heart in Judgement

• God loves too much to leave the world broken.
• Judgement is love expressed as correction.
• Jesus takes our judgement to bring life, not death.

Living Under Loving Judgement

• Stop hiding. Start confessing.
• Embrace correction—it leads to healing.
• Be a restorer, not a condemner.
• Let God judge us to align our hearts with His.

Final Invitation

• Judgement = Invitation to wholeness.
• “Search me, O God… lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139)

Isaiah 60:1–5 (ESV):

1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you.

3 And nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;

they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from afar,

and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

5 Then you shall see and be radiant;

your heart shall thrill and exult,

because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

Revelation 7:9 (ESV):

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…

The return of God’s people = the return of the nations — not to a city, but to the presence of God himself

Hope // Light // Lamb

A global pilgrimage of worshippers

Reversal

The Lamb is at the centre

1. The Kingdom doesn’t stop at our border

2. The marginalised are not a project — they are the point

3. You’re already in the global Church

What if our worship was measured not just by what we sing, but by who we serve? This week, as we focus on our local partners — DCC and Southern Cross Kids Camps — we’re reminded that justice is worship, mercy is mission, and neighbourhood renewal is kingdom work.

Key Scripture: Isaiah 58:6–10 (ESV)

“Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the straps of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free,

and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry

and bring the homeless poor into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover him,

and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,

and your healing shall spring up speedily;

your righteousness shall go before you;

the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’

If you take away the yoke from your midst,

the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

if you pour yourself out for the hungry

and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness

and your gloom be as the noonday.”

Historical context: under the surface

The Law of Moses had always been justice-shaped:

a/ Gleaning laws (Lev. 19:9–10): Leave the edges of your fields for the poor.

b/ Debt release every seven years (Deut. 15): Let no one be enslaved forever

c/ Sabbath rest (Ex. 23): Even servants and animals were to be refreshed.

d/ Jubilee years (Lev. 25): A radical economic reset.

Application – what is true worship?

 God’s idea of worship is wider than ours

Application: Who’s your neighbour? Not just the one in your postcode — but the refugee family seeking safety, the mate who lost his job, the teenager couch-surfing.

1. Justice is a form of revival

Application: Aussies love fairness. But gospel justice isn’t just equality — it’s redemption. It’s not just helping someone; it’s embodying Christ to them.

1. Personal healing begins with community reorientation

Application: Aussies respect resilience. But resilience isn’t just about self-help — it’s about shared strength. Don’t wait to feel qualified. Don’t wait for the calendar to clear. Just start.

Jesus didn’t just preach Isaiah 58 — He lived it. He loosed the bonds of the demonised. He fed the hungry on hillsides. He shared meals with outcasts. He welcomed children, even when others sent them away. He poured Himself out — even unto death.

Key Scripture: Isaiah 54:1–4 (ESV)

1 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;

break forth into singing and cry aloud,

you who have not been in labour!

For the children of the desolate one will be more

than the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent,

and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;

do not hold back; lengthen your cords

and strengthen your stakes.

3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,

and your offspring will possess the nations

and will people the desolate cities.

4 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;

be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;

for you will forget the shame of your youth,

and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.”

The prophet uses the image of a barren woman (v.1) — which in ancient cultures was a symbol of shame, disinheritance, and social death. But God flips the image: the barren woman will have more children than the married one. She will sing. She will overflow.

The imagery of a tent (v.2) draws from Israel’s wilderness past — when the presence of God dwelt in the tabernacle. The “tent” here symbolises both dwelling and destiny — God is about to expand their capacity for His presence and His people.

Narrative Features

• A song Before there’s a miracle (v.1)
• A tent Before there’s a crowd (v.2)
• A movement without borders (v.3)
• A healing of shame and reproach (v.4)

Application – what renewal requires:

1. Renewal Requires Ruin Before Rebuilding
2. Renewal Requires Us to Think Bigger
3. Renewal Means Creating Space for Others
4. Renewal Requires Strengthening the Stakes

Jesus, the Ultimate Tentmaker 

Jesus didn’t just build a place — He became the place.

“The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us…” (John 1:14)

“I go to prepare a place for you…” (John 14:2)

Text: Acts 10:1–48

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

1. TWO MEN, TWO VISIONS (vv. 1–16)
2. Cornelius: The Righteous Outsider
3. Peter: The Reluctant Insider 
4. WHEN THE SHEET BECOMES A DOORWAY (vv. 17–23) 

III. THE WORD AND THE SPIRIT (vv. 34–44)

1. BAPTISM & BELONGING (vv. 45–48)
2. APPLICATION — BECOMING A CHURCH THAT SEES LIKE GOD
3. Examine Your Circles 
4. Revisit Your Sheet
5. Trust God’s Timing
6. Be Ready for the Spirit to Interrupt

“The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp…”

Hebrews 13:11-13

Big Idea: No one is too far gone to be transformed by the Spirit of Jesus. The story of Saul shows that transformation is not behaviour modification—it’s a collision with Christ.

Acts 9:1-19

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptised; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

1. THE HUNTER OF CHRISTIANS (Acts 9:1–2)
2. THE CONFRONTATION (Acts 9:3–6)

III. BLINDED TO SEE (Acts 9:8–9)

1. I AN OBEDIENT DISCIPLE (Acts 9:10–17)
2. FILLED, HEALED, COMMISSIONED (Acts 9:18–19)

VII. APPLICATION — How Does God Transform Us Today?

1. Listen for the voice that calls you by name
2. Don’t fear the disorientation
3. Trust the body
4. Receive the Spirit

Come, creator…come, Holy Spirit (St AMBROSE)

Acts 8:26 — From Revival to the Desert

“Rise and go toward the south… This is a desert place.”

• Why do you think God would send Philip away from a fruitful ministry?
• Can you think of a time when God called you out of comfort into something unknown?
• What does this teach us about obedience?

Acts 8:27–29 — An Unexpected Encounter

“…an Ethiopian, a eunuch… seated in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah.”

• Who does Philip find in the desert—and why is this surprising?
• What stands out about the eunuch’s position, background, and setting?
• What does this suggest about who God sees and sends us to?

Acts 8:30–31 — A Hunger for Truth

“Do you understand what you are reading?” // “How can I, unless someone guides me?”

• What does the eunuch’s response reveal about his heart?
• Why is it important that someone sits with him rather than preaches at him?
• Who in your life might be reading, wondering, or seeking—and just needs someone to guide them?

Acts 8:32–34 — Reading Isaiah 53

“In his humiliation justice was denied him… For his life is taken away…”

• What kind of person is described in this Scripture?
• Why do you think the eunuch is drawn to this passage?
• Have you ever read Scripture and felt like it was describing your story?

Acts 8:35–38 — A Story That Includes Him

“Then Philip… told him the good news about Jesus.”

• What happens when the eunuch hears the gospel explained?
• What does his immediate response to water and baptism tell us?
• What do you think he means when he says, “What prevents me?” 

Acts 8:39 — A New Story Begins

“He went on his way rejoicing.”

• Why is the eunuch now rejoicing?
• How does this passage challenge the idea of who belongs in God’s family?

Isaiah 56:3–5 — The Fulfillment

“To the eunuchs… I will give an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.”

• What kind of hope is given to those who feel cut off or overlooked?
• What does this reveal about God’s heart for the excluded, the hurting, the forgotten?

Final Reflection:

• Who are the people around you who may feel like a “dry tree”?
• Are you willing to be like Philip—sent to the unlikely places, ready to guide others to Jesus?
• What’s stopping you from stepping into the assignment God has given you?

PASSAGE: Acts 6:1–7

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers and sisters, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Verse 1 – “In those days… the number of disciples was increasing…”

• The Greek word for “increasing” is πληθύνειν (plēthynein)

“…the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews…”

“…their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.”

• Overlooked (παρεθεωροῦντο – paretheōrounto) implies passive neglect, not intentional malice.

Verse 3 – “Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”

• Not just capable. Not just willing. But Spirit-filled and wise.

Verse 5 – “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…”

Verse 6 – “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”

• Laying on of hands wasn’t just about blessing—it was about recognition, release, and commissioning.

Verse 7 – “So the word of God spread… and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

• The outcome of Spirit-led compassion isn’t just care—it’s multiplication and credibility.

Why didn’t women get picked to serve on the tables?

1. Cultural Norms of Public Authority
2. Specific Call to “Table” Management
3. Continuity with Apostolic Witness
4. Physical and Legal Constraints
5. Functional, Not Ontological, Reason

1. Overlooked, but Not Forgotten
2. The Problem of Growth (More People, More Problems)
3. Hospitality as the Frontline of Compassion
4. Spirit-Led Leadership: More than Just Practical
5. Prophetic Daughters and Spirit-Empowered Women

APPLICATION:

This passage starts with overlooked women, and ends with multiplied disciples.

Scripture: Acts 3:1–16, John 14:12–14

Big Idea:

I’m not powerful, but I am full of power.

True boldness doesn’t come from personality or confidence — it comes from the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.

Key Takeaways:

– Your weakness is not a barrier — it’s the platform where God displays His power.

– Peter healed the man at the Beautiful Gate not with silver or gold, but with faith in the name of Jesus.

– The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things — not for our glory, but for God’s transformation in others.

– There are people around us — like the man at the gate — waiting for hope. We are carriers of that hope.

– Boldness starts with surrender, not with self-confidence.

Reflection Questions:

1/Where in your life are you being invited to step out in Spirit-led boldness?

2/ What fears, beliefs, or limitations are holding you back?

3/ Who in your world might be sitting at a “Beautiful Gate” — waiting to encounter hope through you?

Acts 1:1–2 — What Jesus Began

Jesus’ work wasn’t finished at the resurrection—it’s still continuing through us.

• How is Jesus still working today, even though He is not physically present?
• What does it mean that Jesus wants to continue His work through you?

Matthew 28:16–20 — The Great Commission

Jesus commands His disciples to make more disciples.

• What are the three parts of the Great Commission?
• How would you describe your role in making disciples?
• What makes baptism such a powerful marker of faith?

Acts 1:3 — Time of Preparation

Jesus prepares His disciples for their mission over forty days.

• Why do you think Jesus focused on preparing the disciples after His resurrection?
• Do you feel prepared to disciple someone else? If not, what needs to change?

Acts 1:4–5 — The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus tells the disciples to wait for the Spirit before moving forward.

• Why is it essential to wait for the Holy Spirit before stepping out in mission?
• How might resisting or grieving the Holy Spirit affect your life and ministry?

Acts 7:51, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19 — Warning About the Holy Spirit

Resist, grieve, or quench the Spirit, and you lose His empowering presence.

• What does it look like to resist or quench the Spirit today?
• How can we cultivate lives that invite the Spirit’s work instead?

Acts 1:6–8 — Divine Timing and Kingdom Mission

The disciples ask when the kingdom will come; Jesus points them back to their mission.

• What is the danger of focusing on when instead of what Jesus has called us to?
• How does God’s patience in waiting reveal His grace?

Acts 1:9–11 — The Disciples Looking to the Clouds

Jesus ascends, and the disciples are caught gazing upward.

• Why do you think the angels challenge the disciples about looking at the sky?
• What are ways we can get distracted from the mission today?
• What would it look like for you personally to “stop looking at the clouds” and start moving?

Final Challenge:

• Will you stop waiting… and start witnessing?

20/04/2025 - Zeke Murley

John 20:1–10 — The Empty Tomb

Mary, Peter, and John find the tomb empty.

• What do you notice about how each person responds to the empty tomb?
• Why might Peter not say anything in this moment?
• What would seeing the empty tomb stir in you?

John 18:17–18 — Peter’s Denial

Peter denies knowing Jesus.

• What might be going through Peter’s mind after this moment?
• Have you ever tried to blend in instead of standing firm in faith?
• What does this passage reveal about fear and failure?

John 21:1–9 — Jesus Appears Again

The disciples return to fishing. Jesus shows up.

• Why do you think Peter returns to fishing after everything?
• What’s significant about Peter’s reaction when he realizes it’s Jesus?
• How would you respond if Jesus showed up in an ordinary moment?

John 21:15–17 — Jesus Questions Peter

Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”

• Why does Jesus ask Peter the same question more than once?
• What might Peter be feeling during this conversation?
• What does it show us about how Jesus relates to our past?

Romans 10:9 — The Invitation

“Declare ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe…”

• What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of your life?
• What might need to shift if that became your reality today?

Final Question:

• If Jesus stood before you today and said, “Follow me”… what would you do?

18/04/2025 - Matthew Destry

PASSAGE: MARK 12:1–12

And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant[a] to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

this was the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvellous in our eyes’?”

THE HOOK: Comedy and tragedy coexist.

Life is complex. So is God’s story. The cross is the ultimate paradox: the darkest day becomes the beginning of light. Tragedy and comedy are not enemies in God’s theatre—they are collaborators. Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 – “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh…”

Application:

What if the pain you’re experiencing isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of something redemptive? God’s presence isn’t limited to happy endings. He’s with us in the grief and the joy.

POINT 1: GOD”S VINEYARD – ISAIAH 5

POINT 2: THIS SON IS THE “BELOVED SON” — GENESIS 22:2

POINT 3: “COME, LET US KILL HIM” — GENESIS 37:20

POINT 4: The sting in the tail: THE SON IS KILLED

POINT 5: THE STONE THE BUILDERS REJECTED — PSALM 118

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Where in your life have you silenced the voice of God? Have you kept Jesus close… but not central? Have you let him be a part of your life… but not the cornerstone of it? Let the Spirit search you.

CONCLUSION: THE PARABLES COME TO A HEAD

Good Friday began like a tragedy. It ends like one too But three days later, the script flips.

The rejected stone is raised. The dead son lives. And the greatest tragedy the world has ever known becomes the beginning of a comedy we call salvation.

The curtain has not fallen yet. And the final act? It ends with a wedding.

13/04/2025 - Vincent Gulay

Matthew 25:14–30 – The Parable of the Talents

We are called to partner with the Holy Spirit and bring glimpses of Heaven to Earth—to imagine the Kingdom, and then participate in bringing it here.

But at times, we can be held back by fear or a lack of understanding.

So what should we do?

The Parable of the Talents offers insight.

In this story, the Master represents Jesus, the servants represent us, and the talents represent everything God has entrusted to us in this lifetime—our possessions, opportunities, skills, time, circumstances, and finances.

What can we learn?

• Intimacy with the Master is vital—it fuels our hope, vision, and understanding of what to do next.
• Correctly identifying our ‘talents’ and removing limiting beliefs is essential.
• Investing boldly—wholeheartedly—is required.

But fear can get in the way.

• Fear that God isn’t truly for us, or fear of what we might have to give up to follow Him.
• Fear of what we’ll uncover if we look deeply—what healing or growth might require (counselling, change, relearning).
• Fear of the risk and discomfort that comes with obedience and investment.

So how do we move from who we are today—through the fear—towards who God is calling us to be?

How do we live out our purpose?

Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Remind your soul who God is.

Renew your mind daily.

Invest boldly—even while you’re still afraid.

Through worship, testimony, and daily devotion, reconnect with His goodness.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Don’t just believe it once—remind your soul daily.

Don’t live by old scripts like, “I’m not ___ enough.”

Instead, ask: “God, what are You calling me to do?”

Renewal leads to revival. Fruit follows mindset.

2 Timothy 1:6–7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear…”

Courage doesn’t require the absence of fear.

The call is not: wait until the fear is gone.

The call is: do it scared.

Let’s do this scared—together.

Fear may not disappear.

So practically, what does ‘doing it scared’ look like?

It means we:

• Change our mindset
• Change our habits
• Change our behaviour
• And as we do, the Kingdom is outworked through us, with the Holy Spirit. We begin to see ourselves differently, too.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where is there misalignment between how I see God and what His purpose is?
2. Where might I be misinterpreting the talents He has given me?
3. Where am I not investing, even though I know I should be?

06/04/2025 - Zeke Murley

Luke 11:1–13 | The Way of Prayer

Perception of Prayer

“Lord, teach us to pray…” (v.1)

• Why do you pray the way you do?
• Is your view of God shaping your prayer life—or is your experience shaping your view of God?
• Could it be that what you believe about who you pray to matters more than how you pray?

Persistence in Prayer

“Give us each day…” (v.3)

• What are you reaching for when life gets hard—a prescription or persistence?
• Do you want solutions more than you want to walk with the Solution-Giver?
• Could the daily repetition of prayer be God’s gift, not His delay?

Posture in Prayer

“I have nothing to set before him…” (v.6)

• Are you coming to God with demands, or with dependence?
• What if God isn’t looking for strength in your prayers, but surrender?
• Can you have the right words, the right discipline… and still the wrong heart?

Promise of Prayer

“How much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit…” (v.13)

• What if the thing you’re asking for isn’t really what your soul needs?
• What if God answers every prayer—by giving you more of Himself?
• Is it possible you’ve been knocking on the wrong door?

Questions to Sit With This Week

• What do I really want when I pray?
• Do I see prayer as access to God, or access to answers?
• Have I mistaken God’s silence for His absence?
• Would I be satisfied with getting what I asked for—but not getting more of Him?

Scriptures:

Matthew 13:44–46 – The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

Luke 9:23–24 – The call to take up our cross

Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is a free gift of grace

Philippians 3:7–14 – Counting everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ

Ephesians 1:7–8 – We are the treasure Christ gave everything to redeem

Big Ideas:

The Kingdom is a Treasure: Whether you stumble upon it unexpectedly or search for it with longing, the Kingdom of God is the most valuable treasure you’ll ever find.

Joy Leads to Surrender: “In his joy…” he sold everything. True joy in Christ leads to wholehearted devotion—not begrudging sacrifice.

Grace Is Free, But the Journey Is Costly: Salvation is a gift, but following Jesus means laying down everything else that might compete for first place in our lives.

Jesus Went All In First: We are the pearl of great price to Him—He gave everything to make us His own.

Joy Restores Our Sight: When joy is renewed, we see the Kingdom’s true value again. It lifts the fog and renews our love for Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1/ Have I lost sight of the treasure I have in Christ?

2/ What is God asking me to surrender in this season?

3/ Am I hesitating—or am I ready to go “all in” for the Kingdom?

4/ How might God be inviting you to trust that He is leading you into something better, not just harder?

Pray:

Ask the Holy Spirit renew your joy and restore your vision.

If you are wrestling with the cost of surrender, ask God for courage and faith to respond to him with your ‘YES’.

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” – CS Lewis

Passage: Matthew 18:21-35

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a] 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you

1. We’ve been forgiven much – our immense debt and God’s immense mercy

“Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”

1. We should pass it on – Imitating the King’s mercy

“Nothing makes us so like God as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.” John Crysostom

1. There is judgement if we don’t
2. Forgiveness heals communities

Benefits:

a/ Forgiving reflects God’s character

b/ Forgiving is an act of faith in the Gospel

c/ Forgiving keeps us anchored in humility

Apply:

i/ pray for God’s help and grace

ii/ remember your own forgiveness

iii/ make a decision to cancel the debt

iv/ trust God’s justice

v/ if possible, communicate forgiveness and seek reconciliation

vi/ rinse and repeat

16/03/2025 - Ps Zeke Murley

Turn A Blind Eye — Sermon Notes

Luke (The Writer) Sets The Scene

Jesus has begun his journey toward Jerusalem which is noted in the previous chapter, funnily enough, the beginning of this, Jesus is met with resistance from a Samaritan village. 

The Samaritans and the Jews hate each other, because of a couple of reasons: 

1. Historical Division – 
2. Religious Disputes – 
3. Mutual Hatred – 

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 

26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 

27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 

28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Luke 10:25–29 ESV

The Parable

30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 

31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 

32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 

34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 

35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 

Luke 10:30–35 ESV

What is the reason for this Parable?

A lawyer asking Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus is teaching about the eternal state of people’s souls, and to reduce this parable to a simple, do good to those in need misses the point. 

You have a choice, to turn a blind eye or not. But rather than telling you what an opened eye looks like, I want to show you in this parable what a blind eye responds like. 

Want the Blessing of the Kingdom, Without the Cost of the Kingdom

27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 

28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Luke 10:25–29 ESV

Weaponise the Word of God

This is not just a good answer he came up with, he quotes back scripture to Jesus. 

5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

  Dt 6:5 ESV

Confusion in Levitical Law – Who is my neighbour? 

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. 

Leviticus 19:18 ESV

You Think Salvation is Gained Through Merit

36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 

37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” 

Luke 10:36–37 ESV

“There is someone I love, even though I don’t approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is me.”

C.S. Lewis – Mere Christianity

23/02/2025 - Matthew Destry

Jesus’ parable of the Workers in the Vineyard takes our understanding of effort and reward and flips it upside down. And the “sting in the tail?” It’s not just about work. It’s about grace, about who belongs in God’s Kingdom, and about the unexpected way that God’s generosity works.

The Parable: Matthew 20:1-16

Who were the original hearers of this parable? The primary “targets” of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard were likely the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, particularly the Pharisees and other Jewish groups who prided themselves on their long-term faithfulness to God’s law. However, the message also had implications for the disciples and the broader Jewish audience.

1. God’s Generosity is Not About Fairness, But Grace

Challenge: Where in your life are you measuring God’s goodness by what seems “fair” rather than by His generosity? How can you shift to gratitude instead of entitlement?

1. The Same Reward for Jews and Gentiles

Challenge: Are there people or groups you struggle to accept as fully embraced by God? How does this parable challenge your view of who belongs?

1. A Warning to the Disciples: Don’t Get Proud

Challenge: Have you ever felt like your years of faithfulness should earn you more favour from God? How can you cultivate humility in your service to Him?

1. The Beauty and Scandal of Grace

Challenge: Who in your life needs to experience God’s grace through you? Are you willing to extend the same generosity God has given you?

1. A Special Blessing for the Ones No One Will Hire

Challenge: Who are the “unhired” in your world? How can you be part of bringing God’s generosity to them?

And when we embrace this vineyard economy, something powerful happens:

We find freedom from comparison. No more measuring ourselves against others—we’re free to celebrate God’s generosity to all.

We trust God’s character more deeply. The landowner in the parable pays what he promised. God provides what we need, not what we think we deserve.

We grow in compassion. Grace received becomes grace extended. When we realise God’s generosity to us, we’re more willing to be generous to others.

Conclusion: Embracing the Reckless Generosity of God

Listen as he shares an amazing word from Luke 15.

Key Scripture: Matt 25:1-13 – The Parable of the 10 bridesmaids

Jesus and his disciples are gathered together on the Mount of Olives – a place significant to the life and ministry of Jesus. It was here that Jesus often came to pray to his Father. It wa hear that Jesus often taught spiritual truths to the people who gathered to hear him. It was from the Mount of Olives that Jesus made his triumphal entry in Jerusalem as he prepared to lay his life down at the cross for us. And it was here that that the disciples witnessed Jesus ascend into heaven after his resurrection.

In this moment, the disciples ask Jesus a question: ‘What will be sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ – in other words, they were asking Jesus when he would be coming back after his death and resurrection to once and for all seal the victory over evil and bring his followers into eternity with him.

In answer to their question, Jesus tells them this parable (or story) to help them understand.

The moral of the parable is this:

We need to stay alert and be ready and prepared for Jesus’ return – whether it be soon or long in coming because there are significant consequences for those who are not prepared and found not ready when Jesus returns on the final the day.

The Bible frequently uses wedding imagery to describe God’s relationship with his people. In the NT, Jesus is referred to as the Bridegroom and the Church (his followers) are referred to as the Bride.

In this parable, The Bridegroom again is symbolic of Jesus, but in this instance, it’s the bridesmaids who represent individual believers/followers of Jesus.

Why did Jesus feel the need to tell them this story and give them this prophetic warning?

Jesus knew that his disciples would struggle to stay the course and could becoming easily distracted from the assignment he had given them. Jesus knows our propensity to grow weary, to become complacent and distracted too. Jesus was also addressing the behaviour of many of the religious leaders of that time who were known for not practicing what they preached. Their faith was all for show on the outside but underneath it was found to be shallow and inauthentic.

Every parable has a sting in the tail:

Jesus warned them that not everyone who professes faith in Jesus with their lips will enter the Kingdom of God. Some, like the five foolish bridesmaids, will find themselves on the outside looking in on the great celebration that’s taking place, wondering why they haven’t been let in.

So, as modern-day followers of Jesus, this parable invites us to consider how we might be intentional about staying alert and ready and how to prepare well for Jesus’ return.

Pursue true discipleship

– Commit to cultivating a real and living faith in Jesus.

– Practice daily rhythms of time with Jesus – scripture, prayer, worship

– Guard your heart against complacency / auto-pilot faith

– Plant yourself in community with others for accountability and encouragement e.g a Discovery Group, a mentor

Q: Am I performing Christianity, or am I truly walking with Jesus?

Q: What is one way God is inviting me to pursue true discipleship this year?

1. Keep growing and maturing in faith

– Practice faithfulness in every season – “A long obedience in the same direction”

– Stay teachable

– Desire wisdom

– Be intentional about your growth as a disciple

Q: Am I bearing fruit? (Am I growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)

Q: Am I relying on past spiritual experiences, or am I actively seeking fresh encounters with God?

Q: Am I being obedient to what Jesus has asked of me?

1. Be prepared for delays

– Invest in spiritual habits that sustain you over time, not just in moments of need (keep your oil well stocked)

– Learn the unforced rhythms of grace (walk at the pace of Jesus)

– Send your roots down deep.

Q: What regular rhythms currently help you stay connected to Jesus? (e.g. prayer, scripture, sabbath, etc)

Q: Where do you see signs of spiritual fatigue or weariness in your life?

Q: Are there any spiritual habits you feel prompted to deepen or recommit to?

Q: What would it look like for you to live at Jesus’ pace – unhurried but purposeful?

1. Live with urgency

– Make the most of every opportunity

– Love your neighbour today (not tomorrow or next year)

– Be a diligent steward of your gifts and resources

– Resist unhelpful distractions

– Be continually filled with Spirit

Q: What distractions need to be removed for you to stay focused on God this year?

Q: How are you using your time, energy, and resources for God’s Kingdom?

Q: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus and how might you be intentional about being open and available to share your faith with them?

02/02/2025 - Matthew Destry

Matthew 13:1-17

1. What is a parable?
2. παρά (para) – meaning “beside,” “alongside,” or “near.”
3. βολή (bolē) – derived from the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning “to throw” or “to cast.”

a/ Story / narrative (not like a metaphor)

b/ Examples from everyday life

c/ One main point (not like an allegory)

d/ ‘Sting in the tail’

2i. Why?

Parables are not just illustrations; they are a form of spiritual discernment. They test the heart of the listener.

• To those with faith, parables illuminate the mysteries of the Kingdom.
• To those with hard hearts, parables obscure the truth, leaving them in their blindness.

Isaiah 6:9-10: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.”

2ii. The Parable of the Sower: A Parable About Parables

The Parable of the Sower describes four different responses to the message of the Kingdom, just as people respond to parables in different ways:

• The Path (Hard Hearts)
• The Rocky Ground (Emotional, but No Root)
• The Thorns (Distracted Heart)
• The Good Soil (True Discipleship)

1. How: Parables invite reflection and understanding for those willing to listen deeply.
2. Revealing and Concealing:
3. Spiritual Readiness:
4. Fulfilment of Prophecy:
5. Blessings for Disciples:
6. Every Heart is Invited:

Now: Do You Have Ears to Hear?

“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:9)

Pray: “Lord, give me ears to hear. Give me eyes to see. Make my heart good soil. Amen.”

I Believe

26/01/2025

 Beck Lambert

1 Peter 2:4-5 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”.

1. From one location to two: Expanding our reach and presence.
2. From Polish to Presence: In our gatherings, prioritising authentic encounters with God.
3. From church engagement to community engagement: Through the legacy project and the work of DCC, creating spaces that reflect our commitment to belonging, restoration, creativity and Kingdom.
4. From concert to cathedral: not just seeing God in the ‘big, loud and bold’ but also in the quiet, liturgical and routine.
5. From comfort to cost: Challenging ourselves to give sacrificially and cheerfully.
6. From roads to rivers: we are transforming our discipleship pathway and calling Discovery to connection in small groups, and making pathways of connection and community more simple and life-giving.

What does it mean to be “all in” on your faith?

• “Be willing to surrender all to him”
• “Completely committed, devoted to him & totally engaged”

Jesus described what it meant to be all in on your faith by saying….

Matthew 16:24-25 ESV

²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Matthew 19:16- 22 ESV

¹⁶ And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” ¹⁷ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹ Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁰ The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” ²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

3 things about what it means to be all in on your faith & live a life or surrender?

• We need to … focus on the main thing

Matthew 22:37

^37-40 Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’

That you would love God with not just some of your life or in certain time slots but with all your life.

If we are going to be a community of people that is all in and sold out in our faith:

It first starts with do you love him?

Do you devote time and energy to live for him?

To devote yourself in his word and his instruction?

The second thing we learn about going all in:

• The price to go all in is not up for negotiation.

In this text: (Matthew 19:17,20)

• Jesus is staying strong
• He’s not watering down or adjusting what’s expected to be all in.
• Even though this man is asking questions trying to find a loophole – questions like “which ones” (v17), “what do I still lack” (v20)
• This mode of questioning is quite common for people like pharisees looking for a loophole but finding a way out and not a way in to what Jesus is asking for them to do.
• But Jesus stays strong and doesn’t negotiate or change what is expected.

Q: Have you been trying to negotiate what your spiritual journey looks like?

The third thing we learn about going all in:

• If we don’t surrender ALL, we miss it

Verse 22 in the message – ²² That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crestfallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go.

 Jesus has asked him to go all in, but he’s not prepared to do it – based on money.

He was not prepared to lay down his wealth to go all in on Jesus.

Because he wasn’t prepared to do that, he missed out on the life that Jesus had for him…

How easy is it to be this man in the story. You follow Jesus. You’re keen to learn more about it…But then there’s just one thing…. That gets in the way… of us fully trusting, fully believing and fully living for him.

Q: What’s that one thing stopping you from going all in?

Q: What’s the one thing you would tight… that you would not bear let go…

Q: What’s getting in the way of fully trusting, fully believing and fully living for him?

One Thing:

“Whatever rules your heart, rules your life”

 Q: Who rules your heart, and what rules your heart in 2025? What do we need to surrender to go all in our faith?

Context

• After witnessing Jesus’ glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John return to a scene of need and failure (Matthew 17:1-13).
• A desperate father seeks help for his son, but the disciples are unable to heal him (Matthew 17:14-20).
• Despite their earlier success in healing and casting out demons (Matthew 10:1), they face a spiritual roadblock.

Key Questions

1. Why did the disciples fail when they had been given authority?
2. What does Jesus’ frustration teach us about faith?

Reflection Points

1. When We Say “I Can’t” (v. 16)

• The disciples’ inability mirrors moments when we lose faith and stop praying for breakthroughs.
• Challenge: Is “I can’t” becoming “I won’t”? Are we limiting God by our doubt?

1. Faith Like an Atheist (v. 17)

• Jesus rebukes a “faithless generation,” equating a lack of faith to disbelief.
• Reflection: Do we truly believe God can move mountains, or do we let fear stop us from praying boldly?

1. The Tension of Faith and Healing

• God doesn’t always heal everyone, but our role is to pray and trust His will.
• Question: Are we a church that seeks God’s presence like a starving man seeks food?

Faith as a Mustard Seed (v. 20)

• Misunderstood Faith: It’s not about how much faith we have but about who our faith is in.
• The Seed’s Design: Faith connected to God grows and fulfills its purpose, just as a mustard seed becomes a tree.
• Challenge: Shift from “I can’t” to “I can through Christ.”

Final Reflection

• Faith isn’t about size or quantity but connection to God, the source of all miracles.
• Prayer Challenge: What would it look like for you to boldly pray, “God, do it again”?

05/01/2025 - Doug Pors

Renewal according to the dictionary.

1. To resume something after an interruption.
2. The action of extending the validity of something.
3. The replacement or repair of something.

AND:

The state or process of being made spiritually new in the Holy Spirit. The call to continual spiritual renewal.

How Confident in God are you for this next year?

Are you listening to His voice as you plan 2025?

Caleb, in Numbers 13, Trusted in God’s voice because he listened and saw the amazing things that God had promised.

Before entering the Promised Land, The people forgot who God was to them, and so were easily led to distrust.

Fear and anxiety ruled their hearts and minds Rather than a listening ear which leads to trust.

Caleb: God will lead. He will give it to us. Listen and don’t be anxious.

Our praise reminds our hearts of who God is.

1. What needs to be removed from our hearts and minds for us to be renewed in our trust?
2. How will we bring a listening, non-anxious presence to 2025?

Renewal Season is about embracing a new TRUST in God’s already active plan for YOU.

When God is with us, We can certainly do it!

If you would like to know more about our ‘Launch Team for Discovery Church Frankston’ please let our Information Center team know your details, a registration for two information sessions on the 9th and 16th of Feb at Discovery Mt Evelyn, will be open soon also.

We’d love to hear from you!

Sermon Notes:

The Compassion of the Good Shepherd

08/12/2024 - Jody Destry

The first word God uses to describe himself in scripture is compassionate:

Exodus 34:5-6 — God appears to Moses on Mt Sinai

“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Root and Meaning: Hebrew // Rachum

• The word rachum comes from the root רָחַם (racham), meaning “to have mercy” or “to show compassion” to be “deeply moved to action”
• The root is connected to the Hebrew word רֶחֶם (rechem), which means “womb.” This suggests a deep, nurturing love, like that of a mother for her child—intense, protective, and life-giving love.

All throughout Scripture, God’s compassion is evident: This is not theoretical; it’s deeply personal and relational.

In Creation: He formed humanity out of the dust with his own hands, lovingly breathing the very breath of life into us. (Gen 2:)

In Deliverance: He heard the cries of the Israelites in Egypt and had compassion on them and rescued them (Exodus 3:7)

In Jesus: We see the ultimate expression of God’s compassion is Jesus Christ, who entered into our suffering to bring us salvation.

In Matthew 9:36, we see this vividly:

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Jesus’ compassion wasn’t passive. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, he welcomed the lonely and those on the fringes, he listened attentively, he extended grace and met our ultimate need when he laid down His life for us.

His compassion moved Him to action.

While God’s compassion is infinite and limitless – our capacity to experience and express compassion can feel so limited.

Our ability to experience and express compassion invites us to confront our vulnerabilities and our desire for comfort. oCmpassion confronts our exhaustion and our human limits. –

Barriers to compassion

1/ Compassion Fatigue

We live in an age of constant information. News feeds bring global crises to our fingertips, every time you open your feed, you are bombarded with crises and needs.

To add to that, we are surrounded by the growing needs and the personal challenges being experienced in our own communities. While these moments call for compassion, sometimes the sheer volume of need can overwhelm us. And we can find ourselves thinking – How can I care deeply about it all? It just all feels like too much!

Compassion fatigue is described as a physical, mental and emotional withdrawal caused by an extended exposure to the suffering, trauma and needs of others. Often experienced by those in helping professions but is becoming more widespread across communities as everyday pressures of life increase.

2/ Psychic Numbing

In a similar vain, researchers have coined a phrase called ‘psychic numbing’ – where we stop being able to acknowledge fully the impact of past traumatic events and even future threats.

If you’ve ever watched the news and seen war unfolding or seen an ad on TV about starving children in Africa and felt desensitised to it – this could be why.

It’s definitely easier to look away than to feel deeply isn’t it?

3/ Scarcity Mindset

This happens when we perceive a shortage of the resources we need for survival, safety and comfort. Often causes stress and anxiety about the present and the future (remember empty store shelves in lockdown). This lead to us having decreased empathy and compassion for others.

It’s a lens that makes it hard to see past our own challenges and needs to see the needs of others.

4/ Self-Compassion

Often we struggle to extend compassion to ourselves. We find it easier to forgive others, or show empathy to others than we do to ourselves. ]\

“The more we diminish our own pain, or rank it compared to what others have survived, the less empathetic we are to everyone.” Brene Brown

Overcoming The Barriers:

Q: How do we begin to overcome these barriers?

The answer to this question is another question:

Q: How do we open ourselves to experience more of God’s compassion to us so that we can express more of God’s compassion through us to others?

There’s a story Jesus tells in Luke 15 that I think might help us reflect on this: offers a vivid picture of both our need for compassion and how experiencing it transforms us.

Luke 15:11-32

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

———————————————————————————————————-

His Father doesn’t wait for his son to grovel or prove himself worthy. Instead, he runs to him, embraces him, and showers him with undeserved grace and love.

This extravagant display of compassion restores the son’s dignity and identity—not as a servant but as a beloved child.

Each one of us is like the Prodigal Son, desperately in need of God’s compassion.

Recognising our need for His grace requires humility—an acknowledgment that we cannot fix ourselves.

When we open ourselves to experience God’s boundless compassion, it changes us. We no longer operate from a place of scarcity or judgment but from the abundance of grace we’ve received.

God’s compassion transforms us, it expands the boundaries and the borders of our hearts overcoming the barriers that erect themselves there. It softens our hearts toward those who are hurting, lost, or difficult to love. God’s compassion to us opens our eyes to see and live in the world differently.

God doesn’t ask us to solve every problem or meet every need—He asks us to reflect His love and compassion in the small, everyday acts of care and kindness.

He asks us to imitate him who moved slowly through the crowd, who looked people in the eye, who listened well, who took time to be present with people, to pray with people, to serve people and to love people.

Reflect:

 1/ How is God inviting me to receive and experience his compassion today?

2/ How is God inviting me to express his compassion to others today?

_____________________________________________________________

Sermon Notes

Let It Die

01/12/2024 - Matthew Destry

John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 12:24 – “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

The Good Shepherd and Death

• Jesus ties His goodness to His willingness to die for us.
• True fruitfulness requires death.

Three Theologies of Success

1. Worm Theology: Fear of failure or rejection keeps us stuck.

• Romans 8:1 – No condemnation in Christ.
• Psalm 139:14 – Fearfully and wonderfully made.

1. World Theology: Endless growth is idolised.

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A time for every season.
• Matthew 16:26 – Don’t gain the world and lose your soul.

1. Christ Theology: True success begins with surrender.

• Philippians 2:5-8 – Humility leads to exaltation.

III. Application: What Needs to Die?

1. Mindsets: Pride, fear, or insecurity.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust the Lord’s way.

1. Seasons of Life: Recognise when to move forward.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A time for everything.

1. Relationships: Let go of toxicity and unforgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as Christ forgave you.

1. Habits/Worldviews: Step away from unproductive patterns.

Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by renewing your mind.

1. Four Forms of Death in the Christian Life
2. Persuasion: Using words, not force.
3. Prayer: Acknowledging dependence on God.
4. Service: Taking a lower place.
5. Suffering: Embracing God’s redemption through pain.

Romans 5:3-5 – Suffering produces hope.

1. Encouragement and Challenge

Trust the Good Shepherd who leads through death into resurrection life.

Reflection: What needs to die in your life for new fruit to grow?

Philippians 2:5-8 – “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

_____________________________________________________________

Sermon Notes:

SCRIPTURE

¹⁴ “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation:

¹⁵ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.

I wish that you were cold or hot.

¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,

I am going to spit you out of my mouth.

¹⁷ For you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’

and you don’t realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

¹⁸ I advise you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.

¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent.

²⁰ See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

REVELATION 3:14–20 CSB

CONTEXT

John, the disciple who walked closely with Jesus, was exiled to the rocky island of Patmos for his unwavering testimony. In this isolation, he received a vision from Jesus, meant not only for his time but for the Church throughout history. In the vision, Jesus addressed seven churches in Turkey, dealing with real issues like persecution, compromise, and spiritual complacency. These letters offered encouragement and warning, with Laodicea being the final church addressed.

Laodicea had rebuilt itself 35 years earlier after an earthquake, relying on its wealth and resources without outside aid. Known for its prosperity, community service, and medical advancements, the church likely expected praise. However, Jesus followed a consistent structure—commendation, challenge, and response—pointing to deeper spiritual truths that went beyond their outward success.

JESUS IS THE AMEN (SO BE IT)

Before we even get to the letter, he says he is Sovereign over all. He is in control.

I KNOW YOUR WORKS (v15-16)

HOT = All in, Old Life Gone, New Life Risen, Renewed, Disciple of Jesus who denies themself, picks up their cross and follows Jesus daily.

COLD = Unbeliever. But that word cold in the literal Greek means ‘water that has never been hot’.

YOU CAN NOT CONSUME YOUR WAY INTO THE KINGDOM, I CAN NOT CONVINCE YOU INTO THE KINGDOM, YOU HAVE GOT TO COMMIT YOUR WAY INTO THE KINGDOM.

THE ROOT OF THEIR LUKEWARM CONDITION (v17)

The root of their condition did not start in the here and now. It started 35 years ago when the church in Laodicea forgot the Sovereignty of God.

A church that does not need God to come through for them is a LUKEWARM CHURCH.

BECAUSE JESUS HAS WHAT YOU NEED (v18)

Not only does Jesus have what you need, he desires to refine, renew, revive you.

He desires to dress, cover, protect you from your spiritual blindness.

HE DISCIPLINES THOSE HE LOVES

Here we get a act of love that is not defined by:

• Acceptance
• Approval
• Affirmation

We get a biblical definition of love that is defined by:

• Sacrifice
• Protection
• Care

THE HOPE FOR THE CHURCH

The Lord is (NOT) there. But he is at the door and knocking.

In this series, we unpack a favourite Psalm in each episode and ask ourselves the question: "What is it that God might want to reveal about himself to us through his Word and how does this Psalm encourage, strengthen and anchor us in the seasons of life?"

This week we dwell on Psalm 103.

Sermon Notes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exodus 34:29-35

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.

1 Kings 18:36-39

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

2 Corinthians 3:18

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”

 2 Corinthians 4:16

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”

Story: Searching for “David”

Key message: Jesus is guiding us into the heart of what transformation means as disciples in His story: a continual journey of change that aligns us ever closer to the likeness of Christ, and a renewal of all things in His presence. He is ‘chipping away’ at us – renewing us, creating us, and bringing out in us what was always there.

1. Unveiled faces: embracing vulnerability
2. The necessity of renewal: Formation vs. Malformation
3. The process of beholding: transformation through worship
4. Faith in the power of the Spirit: we build the altar, He brings the fire

Question: What are the shifts on the horizon for Discovery Church, and what role to Jesus’ followers play in this season of renewal?

1. From one location to two:
2. From Polish to Presence:
3. From church engagement to community engagement:
4. From concert to cathedral:
5. From comfort to cost:
6. From roads to rivers:.

• How is God calling you to renewal personally?
• What is He asking you to surrender?
• In what ways is He calling you deeper, wider, or in new directions?

In this series, we unpack a favourite Psalm in each episode and ask ourselves the question: "What is it that God might want to reveal about himself to us through his Word and how does this Psalm encourage, strengthen and anchor us in the seasons of life?"

This week we dwell on Psalm 121.

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Sermon Notes:

Big Idea: Prayer is the foundation for renewal in our community.

Key Scriptures:

Matt 6:5-13

Gen 2:15

Psalm 8:4-8

Isaiah 9

So what is prayer really?

Prayer is a relationship – it’s about connectedness to God. Prayer is a conversation with God.

Prayer is communion – a way of being with God, and ultimately, it is the place where we experience God’s deep love for us. And prayer is where God births in us a deep love for others

– for our friends, families, neighbours and our community.

Prayer is the foundation of the Christian life.

The Challenge: We live in a world where “MY Kingdom” is often more important and central to us than seeing God’s Kingdom come.

Question: What does ‘your kingdom come’ mean?

– God’s kingdom refers to His rule and reign coming on the earth. It exists perfectly in heaven but it’s under opposition here on earth.

The Invitation: To Imagine a better Kingdom than the ones we are creating for ourselves & to move from ‘my kingdom come’ prayers to ‘Your kingdom come’ prayers

Question: What would it look like to see this prayer realised? To see the kingdom of heaven breaking out in our midst – God’s rule and reign returning to the earth?

• Read Isaiah 9 to find out!

Application: Living and Praying For Kingdom Renewal – How do we position ourselves to partner with God in this?

1/ Start in surrender – commit to a deepening life of prayer – asking for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done in our lives, families, and community. Come under his rule and reign.

2/ Follow Jesus’ example – Jesus was a man of prayer – he got up early and stayed up late, he wrestled in prayer, he wept in prayer, he contended in prayer, he prayed before making big decisions, he was still in prayer even on the cross.

Find regular rhythms of private and corporate prayer to participate in. E.g anchor it to a practice – prayer walk around your neighbourhood / prayer chair, pray in a garden – a quiet place.

Prayer in your Discovery Group, Prayer and Fasting, Pray at work, at school – United Prayer Events etc

3/ Contend with Jesus for renewal – let God break your heart for what breaks his. Let him stir you to a new level of faith and conviction.

“Do not let your prayers be all about your own sins, your own wants, your own imperfections, your own trials, but do let them climb the starry ladder and get up to Christ himself, and then, as you draw nigh to the blood-sprinkled mercy-seat, offer this prayer continually, “Lord, extend the kingdom of thy dear Son.” Such a petition, fervently presented, will tend to elevate the spirit and tenor of our prayers.” (Charles Spurgeon)

In this series, we unpack a favourite Psalm in each episode and ask ourselves the question: "What is it that God might want to reveal about himself to us through his Word and how does this Psalm encourage, strengthen and anchor us in the seasons of life?"

This week we dwell on Psalm 145.

We are encouraged that to truly see Jesus for who He is, we must encounter Him in worship, listen to His Word, and follow Him into the work of compassion and prayer.

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Sermon Notes:

Scripture: Luke 9:29-43

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure,[a] which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One;[b] listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God.

The Mountaintop Experience

When we have a spiritual journey and encounters with God, those moments help us see Jesus with fresh clarity.

Exegesis: Understanding the Mountaintop Encounter

1. The Old Testament Significance of Mountains
2. The Presence of Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets)
3. Jesus’ Exodus

 Application: Up and Down the Mountain

1. Following Him Up the Mountain
2. Look at Him (in worship)
3. Listen to Him (by His Word)
4. Following Him Down the Mountain
5. Imitate Him (in compassion)
6. Imitate Him (in prayer)

Prayer: May we leave with a renewed vision of Jesus—fully God, fully man, leading us from glory to glory and calling us to participate in His transformative work in the world.

In this series, we unpack a favourite Psalm in each episode and ask ourselves the question: "What is it that God might want to reveal about himself to us through his Word and how does this Psalm encourage, strengthen and anchor us in the seasons of life?"

This week we dwell on Psalm 27.

Through practical steps and a heartfelt call to action, listeners are invited to reflect on their role in partnering with God to meet the needs of those around them. Join us as we continue our series, 'The Lord is There."

Sermon Notes:________________________________________________

For The Good Of The Hood

27/10/2024 - Jody Destry

Followers of Jesus are called to be a gift to the community.

God is already present and at work in our community and he chooses to use humans to outwork his mission to see the lost saved and to see communities transformed by the Good News of the Gospel.

Matt:22:36-39

 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Loving God and Loving our neighbour are the 2 most important roles of a disciple of Jesus. You can’t love God without also loving your neighbour.

What Stops Us?

• The fear of intruding or imposing our views on others in this current social and political climate of ‘You do you’& ’Your truth’,
• The fear of rejection
• A lack of faith to be open and bold about our beliefs
• Feelings of inadequacy – the needs are so great, where do we begin? What do I have to offer that would make a difference?

Matt 14:3-21 – Jesus feeds the 5000

The miracle of feeding the 5,000 wasn’t just about filling empty stomachs or revealing Jesus ‘ working power. It was about teaching the disciples to take responsibility for the needs around them.

They wanted to outsource the solution – but Jesus was teaching them that he wanted them to be the solution.

As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to partner WITH Jesus in caring for our community.

Reflect on this invitation from Charles Spurgeon

“No one intrudes on a hungry man if he brings him bread to eat. Go and intrude yourselves, my Brothers and Sisters, among the hungry, with the Bread of Heaven! Intrude yourselves in the valley of dry bones and cry aloud unto them, “Thus says the Lord, you dry bones, live!” Intrude yourselves as Christ intruded into a world which despised and rejected Him, to whom, after all, He is the only Saviour.”

Application:

What does respectful and intentional intrusion look like:

1/ Pray – community transformation begins in prayer

2/ Get to know your neighbours – be intentional about engaging locally, learn people’s names,

3/ Listen to the needs – of your neighbours and community and meet them where they are

4/ Work for peace – look for ways to engage in practical acts of love, kindness and service – come up with your own “For The Good of The Hood” project

5/ Commit to community transformation as a Church – Legacy Project

6/ Don’t give up – play the long game

Pray:

Father God, give us your heart for our neighbours and our community. Help us to truly see them through your eyes. Increase our compassion and our conviction to love our community well. Give us opportunities to be a voice of hope to others, to your hands of feet of compassion and kindness.

Lord, give us a renewed boldness to share our faith and be a light in the darkness.

In Jesus Name,

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Making Sense of Life

20/10/2024 - Matthew Destry

Daniel 4

Context of the Book of Daniel

• Exile – What was it?
• Daniel – Who was he?
• Babylon – What was it?
• King Nebuchadnezzar – Who was he?

1. Despite All of Our Advancement, We Are Still Vulnerable (Daniel 4:4-5)

Reflection Questions:

When have you felt most secure in life, only to realise your vulnerability?

What dreams or events have challenged your sense of control?

1. God’s Word ≠ Conventional Wisdom (Daniel 4:8-9)

Reflection Questions:

How have you seen God’s wisdom challenge conventional thinking?

Where do you need to seek God’s wisdom instead of relying on your own?

1. God’s Imagination (Daniel 4:10-16, 17b)

Reflection Questions:

How might God be speaking to you through your imagination, dreams, or unexpected events?

What parts of your life might God be asking you to see differently?

1. God’s Purpose Prevails – Daniel’s interpretation (Daniel 4:26-27)

Reflection Questions:

Where in your life do you need to surrender to God’s rule?

How can you trust in God’s purpose even when things seem out of control?

1. Pride Takes God’s Gift and Makes It Our Own (Daniel 4:29-30)

Reflection Questions:

How might you be taking credit for what is ultimately God’s gift?

In what areas do you need to replace pride with humility?

1. The Rule of God Makes Sense of Life – All Else Is Insanity (Daniel 4:31-34)

Reflection Questions:

Where have you experienced chaos from trying to rule your own life?

How has acknowledging God’s rule brought clarity and peace?

1. There Is a Way to Prosper Under God (Daniel 4:36)

Reflection Questions:

What does prospering under God’s rule look like for you?

How can you align your life more fully with God’s purpose to experience this kind of peace?

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Sermon Notes:

Main Idea: Church buildings are more than physical structures; they stand as visible declarations of God’s presence and mission in the community, while also reminding us that the church is the people of God.

1. Introduction: Buildings That Speak

Scripture: Ezekiel 48:30-35 (“The name of the city from that time on will be: The Lord is there.”)

Key Point: Just as ancient cities symbolised God’s presence, so do church buildings today—they act as a declaration that “The Lord is there.”

Reflection Question: What does our church building communicate about God’s presence and mission to those who pass by or enter?

2. Ecclesiology: The Church as a Living Community

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:5 (“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.”)

Key Point: The true church is not the building, but the people—believers are the “living stones” of God’s spiritual house. However, physical spaces can still serve as powerful symbols of God’s presence and invitation to the world.

Application: While the church’s mission is about the people, our buildings can still be a tangible signpost pointing to the Kingdom of God.

Reflection Question: How can we, as “living stones,” reflect God’s presence both inside and outside the walls of our church?

3. Buildings as Prophetic Witness to the Community

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16 (“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”)

Key Point: Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, our church buildings serve as visible declarations to the community—they testify that “God is here.” Historically, churches have served as places of refuge and mission.

Reflection Question: What message does our church building send to the community around us? Is it a place of hope, healing, and welcome?

4. Vision and Legacy: Frankston Church of Christ and Legacy Project Update

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22 (“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone.”)

Key Point: Our building is part of our larger mission to reach the community for Christ. It represents a legacy that will serve future generations through the ministry it enables.

5. Application: The Role of Buildings in Our Mission

a/ Investing in the Future

a/ Inviting the Community

Strahan Coleman

Scripture: Genesis 2:7 “Then, the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” 

Quote:“A sign of peace and also a sign of well-being,” that can bring “oneness of thought, purpose, desire and hope.” 

– Cleve Barlow, Tikanga Whakaaro: Key Concepts in Maori Culture.”

Scripture: John 20:22 “Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit” 

Quote: “Just as for God to speak is to do, and to look is to love, so for him to gaze is for him to transform, to bring radiance and beauty. Our very existence, our very beauty as a person, is the fruit of this sustained gaze of love. And yet there are certain gifts, a process of transformation, which can only occur when this gaze is fully accepted, when our eyes open to meet the eyes that look upon us.”

– Joshua Elzner 

Quote: “Mirror neurons allow us to identify the emotions and mood of others and predict their behaviour. You can imagine it like an automatic replay. If we watch someone, our brain acts as if we did/suffered what we’re just observing passively…You could say mirror neurons make sure we get “infected” by the joy and pain someone else feels.”

– Aurorasa Sima

Quote: “Envisioning an authoritarian or critical entity – be it another person or God – will activate the limbic areas of the brain that generate fear and anger… However when you perceive God as a benevolent force, a different part of the brain is stimulated in the prefrontal cortex. Loving, compassionate images, faces, or thoughts activate a circuit that involves a tiny area in the front part of your brain called the anterior cingulate.”

– How God Changes The Brain, Andrew Newberg & Mark Robert Walkman

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What is God’s will for my life

Ps Doug Pors

Short answer? Love God, Love people.

However, in the everyday world we live in how does that work in our lives.

Is finding out God’s will, just about finding out what car or house to buy? Which person to marry, which job to take?

Three things will help us discover His will for us.

1. Our alignment to His will.
2. Our relationship with His Word.
3. Our relationship with Him in Prayer.

Alignment.

We will struggle to find satisfaction when our ‘way’ is not in alignment with God’s.

Isaiah 55 reminds us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.

God does things from a bigger and longer perspective. He sees the end result of our choices and decisions, wise or unwise.

Alignment with His will brings clarity for us.

His Word.

Psalm 25:4. Show me your ways and your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me!

A psalm of submission to ways and thoughts that are higher, which draws our hearts and minds up to see from a better perspective. One which is connected to His plans for us.

God’s Word is his heart and mind revealed to us.

Reading it, transforms our thinking and grows our understanding about what His Ways look like.

Joy in finding the promises of God’s involvement in our life will encourage us to seek and do His will instead of stubbornly pushing on with ours. This releases us from the ensnaring pull of the world and its influence over us.

Prayer.

James 4:8. Draw near to Him and He does the same. This closeness in speaking to Him about your plans for your life allows honest dialogue and a space to hear from Him about where God may want you to see His will for you.

If you don’t talk, you never find out.

The advantage of having more than one voice and heart seeking His will for you is immense!

Gather friends and submit your ways to God and just see what more you will find!

Next steps: 

Write down all your plans.

Self-reflect to see if they align with what God has in mind.

Read your Bible and go after the wisdom and guidance that He reveals there.

Pray. Alone and with others to leverage the heart of many for your journey.

Then Trust that God has a plan not to harm but to prosper/grow/expand your life deeper and wider than you ever thought possible.

Our Under the Sun series continues as Pastor Matt Destry offers a reminder, encouragement, and some introspective questions about control and surrender, drawing from Ecclesiastes and Proverbs.

We will explore how to lead wisely, address offence, and seek God’s perspective and sovereignty in our daily lives.

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The Wisdom of Surrender: Relationships in Light of Eternity

The wisdom of God is found in surrender, not in control.

Act 1: The Futility of Control in Relationships

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – “Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” And, 4:4 – all toil and achievement spring from envy

Point 2: Surrendering to God’s Sovereignty in Relationships

Scripture: Proverbs 3:3-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Point 3: Wisdom in Relationships – Forgiveness, Patience, and Understanding

Scripture: Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever would foster love covers over an offence, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence.”

Application:

If we’re not called to control or fix our relationships, what are we called to do? The wisdom of Proverbs gives us three concrete actions:

1. Choose Forgiveness Over Retaliation: Proverbs 17:9 reminds us that wise people seek to preserve relationships by letting go of offences. Think about where you’ve been holding onto a grudge—how can you let that go this week? (PRAYERFUL SURRENDER)
2. Practice Patience in Conflict: Proverbs 19:11 encourages patience and understanding. When you feel wronged, pause before reacting. Ask yourself, “Is this something I can overlook for the sake of peace?” (RELEASE THE NEED TO CONTROL)
3. Foster Love Through Humility: In a world that values being right, wisdom means choosing love over pride. Let humility lead your interactions, prioritising the relationship over your own ego. (SEEKING WISDOM, NOT PERFECTION)

What season are you in right now? What is this season right for in your life? Have you moved ahead of God's timing? Are you delaying or avoiding embracing a new season?

Join us as we explore the wisdom from the Word this week.

Sermon Notes:

We worship a Creator God who established the world in seasons – who has a created order and time for things according to his good plans and purposes.

“You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set”

• Ps 104:19

A picture of a God who is very much in control – intimately involved in the details of all of life.

Life happens in seasons.

The idea of ‘Seasons’ is one of the big master metaphors used in scripture to describe the way we experience life and the journey of faith and following Jesus.

Jesus often used illustrations of seasons in his parables to teach the disciples.

Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job) where we’re anchoring ourselves in this series – is all centred around how to live God’s way in the world – also speaks a lot about seasons.

The Word offers us some great wisdom and encouragement when it comes to how we are to discern and navigate our way through seasons of life that come our way.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (NIV)

There is a time for everything

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

4

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6

a time to search and a time to count your losses,

a time to hold on and a time to let go,

7

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

15

Whatever is has already been,

and what will be has been before;

and God will call the past to account.

Locating Question: What season are you in? 

– It could be a season of planting, a season of building and growing, a season of grief or lament, a time of letting go or repairing something that’s been broken, a season of celebration etc

• Other seasons of life – transition, ageing, married, single, retiring, changing jobs, parenting, building your career, buying a home, moving geographically , studying, preparing to leave school and launch into adulthood….

If there’s a right time for every season – there is also a wrong time for every season.

The invitation that comes up repeatedly throughout the wisdom literature and ALL of scripture – is learning to move at the speed of God.

‘A wise youth harvests in summer,

but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace’ (Prov 10:5)

‘Those too lazy to plow in the right season

will have no food at the harvest’ (Prov 20:4)

Questions:

What is it the right season for in your life right now? (Ask God for his wisdom)

Have you run ahead of God?

Are you delaying or avoiding embracing a new season?

Prayer – Ask God to guide you back in step with his Spirit

Psalm 27:11-14

11 

Teach me how to live, O Lord.

Lead me along the right path,

for my enemies are waiting for me.

12 

Do not let me fall into their hands.

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

with every breath they threaten me with violence.

13 

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

14 

Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

The significance of THROUGH – (the journey v the destination)

There are no shortcuts or cheat codes when it comes to growing and maturing as a follower of Jesus – wisdom and character are formed and forged in us through the experiences of life, through the successes and the setbacks – through the seasons of joy and the seasons of pain and challenge.

The journey is just as important as the destination. The journey is where our faith is forged.

Prov 14:23

‘All hard work brings a profit,

but mere talk leads only to poverty.’

Phil 1:6

‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’

Question:

Are there any shortcuts I’m trying to take (whether intentionally or unintentionally) that God wants to draw my attention to today?

What is God teaching me and forming in me through my current season?

Take comfort – God doesn’t leave us in our seasons to navigate them alone – we worship a God who is ever-present with us in the seasons of life.

The tension of the mystery – growing a holy curiosity

The tension of the mystery – we might not always know what God is up to but we can know his heart and his nature towards us:

V11 holds two curious phrases worth exploring …..

‘He has made everything beautiful in its time’ – God’s sovereignty – his redemptive plan for humanity and for the world – a reminder that even when we can’t see it, God is moving and restoring things, bringing order to chaos, beauty for ashes, life to bareness ….

‘He has set eternity in our hearts’ – This is an inner knowing that we were not made for this world – rather we’re just passing through. An inner knowing that there’s ‘more’ to life than what this world has to offer. It’s what we call The Bigger Story – the gift of perspective to help us through the seasons of life.

And it’s these 2 things the author of Ecclesiastes says should lead us to a place of holy fear.

What does it mean to fear God?

– The fear of God is an awe and reverence that comes from acknowledging God in his sovereignty – as the one who created all things and in whom all things hold together (Col 1).

• This kind of holy fear should lead us to a place of humility and surrender and complete worship and adoration of our God for who he is and his grace and love toward us.

Pray:

Invite God into your season.

Pray that God would lead you to a place of humble surrender as you worship him in holy fear (awe and reverence)

Let him remind you of his sovereignty – that he is in control and present with you in every season you face. May his presence and power bring you renewed comfort today.

Sermon Notes:

Emergency Management Plan

Every good management plan involves 3 key elements…

1. Assess the Situation
2. Communicate Clearly
3. Implement & Adapt

“there is nothing new under the sun.”

Ec 1:9 ESV

The Fall

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden,

3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.

5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Genesis 3:1–13 ESV

Question God

Did God actually say?

“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:5–8 ESV

5  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5–6 ESV

Shame

Blame

What is our correct response?

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version Matthew 7:24–25

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version Jeremiah 29:11

8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version Romans 8:1–2

4  I sought the Lord, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

5  Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version Psalm 34:4–5

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version 1 John 1:8–9

3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version Matthew 7:3

Questions about relationships: the call to be peacemakers and to live in covenant communities of love.

Questions about our minds: our relationship with our feelings, our anxiety and the call to rest.

Questions about what forms identity: our relationship with ourselves as God’s image.

Questions about purpose: our relationship with our work and how we outwork the creativity of God in the earth in our time.

Today's episode, "It's Not What You Know," addresses the question of where we go for answers and how to live wisely.

Sermon Notes:

Question: when was the last time you thought “I just don’t know what to do?”

I have questions about relationships: the call to be peacemakers and to live in covenant communities of love

I have questions about our minds: our relationship with our feelings, our anxiety and the call to rest

I have questions about what forms identity: our relationship with ourselves as God’s image

I have questions about purpose: our relationship with our work and how we outwork the creativity of God in the earth in our time

Proverbs 4:1-9

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,

  and be attentive, that you may gain[a] insight,

for I give you good precepts;

  do not forsake my teaching.

When I was a son with my father,

  tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,

he taught me and said to me,

“Let your heart hold fast my words;

  keep my commandments, and live.

Get wisdom; get insight;

  do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;

  love her, and she will guard you.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,

  and whatever you get, get insight.

Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;

  she will honour you if you embrace her.

She will place on your head a graceful garland;

  she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

a/ Seek wisdom

b/ Wisdom runs along generational lines

c/ Seeking wisdom is positive and involves all of life

James 1:2-8

Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

d/ We can ask God for wisdom

e/ God is generous

f/ God uses our trials to build wisdom in us

g/ In a strange way, hardship is a gift

“Wisdom is not what you know… but who you know”

Judges 17-21 — “Time to start again”

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 

Judges 21:25

The most dangerous thing in the world is not an atom bomb, or a terrorist group, ora pride of lions, or a pile of snakes, but an ungoverned heart.

And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.

1 Samuel 8:7

The epilogue of Judges: a dot-point narrative (a tale of two Levites)

“That all Scripture is profitable does not mean that interpretation is simple” 

“In all my life so far… I have never heard a single reference from pulpit or song writer or study leader or anybody else at all — never one tiny whispered sound — that related to Micah of the Book of Judges” — John Hercus, “God is God” (1971)

1/ Do-it-yourself faith

The right worship the wrong way

So when he restored the money to his mother, his mother took 200 pieces of silver and gave it to the silversmith, who made it into a carved image and a metal image. And it was in the house of Micah. 5 And the man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and household gods, and ordained[a] one of his sons, who became his priest. Judges 17:4-5

Passage: And Micah said to him, “Stay with me, and be to me a father and a priest, and I will give you ten pieces of silver a year and a suit of clothes and your living.” And the Levite went in. 11 And the Levite was content to dwell with the man, and the young man became to him like one of his sons. 12 And Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. 13 Then Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will prosper me, because I have a Levite as priest.” Judges 17:10-13

2/ Simulated obedience

The right reward for the wrong action

They said, “Arise, and let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you do nothing? Do not be slow to go, to enter in and possess the land. 10 As soon as you go, you will come to an unsuspecting people. The land is spacious, for God has given it into your hands, a place where there is no lack of anything that is in the earth.” Judges 18:8-10

But the people of Dan took what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him, and they came to Laish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire… And the people of Dan set up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. 31 So they set up Micah's carved image that he made, as long as the house of God was at Shiloh.

Judges 18:27, 30-31

Conclusion: The need for a King and the patience of God

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

Character Study – Samson

• Samson is the last recorded Judge of Israel
• He led Israel for 20 years
• Samson is known for being a Nazarite and having a supernatural has a supernatural gift of strength given to him by God.
• Samson didn’t use his gifts to serve God but to serve himself and his own desires yet even despite his moral weakness and constant failings, God still used Samson to deliver Israel.

Warnings from Samson’s story:

1/ How easy it is for the gifts God gives us to become a source of pride that leads us to sin instead of a gift stewarded with humility and wisdom.

2/ When we live by sight we are governed by the desires of our flesh – seeking to please ourselves, When we live by faith we are governed by the desire to please God

God’s Great Redemption Plan:

Samson had squandered God’s gift, he’d traded it away for pleasure time and time again instead of protecting it.

He was faithless, he was foolish and he was fallen – yet still God intervenes an acts on his behalf.

Even amid his terrible failure and his shame God ‘remembered’ Samson and answered his prayer

God can use us in spite of our weakness, our failures and our sinfulness.

God sent Jesus as the ultimate Judge and Saviour and through his life, death and resurrection for every person who puts their trust in God rather than in themselves shall be saved, restored and healed.

Samson’s story is a reminder that If we put our hope in ourselves or in other people we become weak and enslaved – our true strength and hope is found in God alone.

This week we continue the Grit & Grace series, diving into the lives of the Judges of Israel, and discerning how God is calling us to live, based on their achievements and failures. This week we learn about the life of Jephthah.

Jephthah’s Vow - Sermon Notes

Who is Jephthah?

Nobodies Become Somebodies 

“Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father’s house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?”

Judges 11:7 ESV

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” 

Galatians 1:10

“If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them over to me, I will be your head.”

Judges 11:9 ESV

• Remember Gideon
• Remember when he was called to leadership.

“Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23 Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”

Judges 8:22–23 ESV

Victories Become Arrogated 

"It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the kingdom, to see God’s children starving while actually seated at the Father's table. The cause of this sad condition is spiritual pride.” - AW Tozer

“Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.” - C.S Lewis

Faith Becomes Transactional 

“If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”

Judges 11:30–31 ESV

34 Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 

35 And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow.” 

Judges 11:34-35 ESV

When Differences Become Divisions

12 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” 2 And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. 3 And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” 4 Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim.  5 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” 6 they said to him,“Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.”

Judges 12:1–6 ESV

Grit and grace — Gideon, part 2

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Things that recur in this story

Weakness, foolishness, bread/grain, night missions, fear, idolatry

a/ Separating the weak from the strong - and using the weak

Judges 7:1-8

“you have too many men”

Beaten by a loaf of bread 

Judges 7:9-15

“If you are afraid”

No swords, just jars

Judges 7:16-24a

“a sword for the Lord and for Gideon”

Epilogue: Disappointing leadership - it’s hard to end well

Judges 8:22-28

“Gideon’s Golden Guidance system”

4 good things that we can fall into worshiping (as beautiful guidance systems)

Theology

Experience

Nostalgia

Worldview / ideology

CS Lewis: The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things—the beauty, the memory of our own past—are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshipers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.”

The final rest

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.

Context - the crushing oppression of Midian

Scripture: Judges 6:11-16

2 questions, 3 statements

Scripture: Judges 6:25-27

Meet the Baals

A tale of two bulls

Apply: Do it afraid

1/ Address family idols

2/ Remember, it’s God’s story

3/ Sort your own life out before you attempt change the world

Final scripture: Isaiah 44:6-8 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says—

    Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;

    apart from me there is no God.

Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.

    Let him declare and lay out before me

what has happened since I established my ancient people,

    and what is yet to come—

    yes, let them foretell what will come.

Do not tremble, do not be afraid.

    Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?

You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?

    No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

Key Scriptures Judges Ch 4&5

Who is Deborah?

A judge and prophet in Israel for 60 years

A national leader

A military commander

A songwriter

A war hero

A spiritual mother of Israel

Story Summary: 

• The pattern of the people of Israel continues and once again they have turned away from God and returned to their idol worship and they find themselves under the brutal oppression of a foreign King. God raises up a new leader, Deborah (a judge and a prophet) to speak for him and to lead the people to victory and deliverance by God’s mighty hand.
• God is sovereign and brings about his perfect plans yet he chooses to use humans to be part of his mission on earth.
• Deborah, Barak and his 10, 000 men and Jael are all examples of how God uses people to be part of his story of salvation.
• Deborah’s song in Judges 5 serves as a prophetic warning to the people of Israel and to us today about the importance of surrendering our lives fully to God. God blesses those who are obedient and willing to partner with him.

– Deborah and all its colourful characters serve as a reminder to us that God is looking for hearts and lives that are fully surrendered to him.

Questions:

 1/ Is there anything in my life that I have not yet fully surrendered to God? 

2/ Is there anything God has asked me to do that I haven’t acted on yet? If so, what is causing me to hold back or hesitate? 

2/ How is God inviting me to be part of his story?

Response:

So often, The thing you’re holding back, the thing you haven’t yet acted on is the very thing God wants to use you to bring deliverance and freedom and liberty to your life and to the lives of others through you.

PRAYER:

God give us the courage, the boldness, the vision, the conviction to follow you wholeheartedly. God help us to trust in you when we are afraid and to lives fully surrendered to you. Bring your victory and deliverance to us afresh today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Exodus Chapter 1 – Judges Chapter 1 – Summary

Slavery in Egypt

Deliverance by God through Moses (Red Sea)

40 years wandering in the desert with Moses

Crossing the river into the Promised Land with Joshua

Conquest of the promised land

Death of Joshua

Failure to complete the conquest

Syncretism / pluralism in the new land

Israel’s disobedience and decline

Judges Chapter 2 – Summary

Judges 2:18-19

Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. 19 But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways.

Israel’s Cycle (from above) :

Israel worships idols

The Judge dies

Israel attacked by foreign armies

Israel turns back to God

Israel cries out to the Lord for mercy

God raises up a leader (Judge)

Israel’s Cycle (from the side):

Call of Samuel

(1 Samuel 1)

Death of Joshua

(Judges 1)

So what can we learn from the book of Judges?

1. God is still present, even when things are bad
2. God is still gracious in the midst of the ‘grit’ of life
3. We have a tendency to run to God in bad times and forget Him in good times
4. God wants our whole lives lived in devotion, not just some parts
5. The Bible doesn’t try to hide the mess
6. Right when you think there is no hope, God still has a plan and will bring it to pass

Exodus begins with the death of Joseph

Joshua begins with he death of Moses

Judges begins with he death of Joshua

Even 1 Kings later on, begins with the death of David.

Can you think of any others?

And so now, we meet our first Judge…

Othniel, the boring Judge

Judges 3:7-11

And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth. 8 Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years. 9 But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. 11 So the land had rest forty years. Then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

v 7-8

forgetfulness, idolatry and God’s steadfast love

v 9-10

God’s double salvation

v 11

An invitation to rest

Communion – offer your ordinary story to God again

Acts 1:3-8

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Book of Jonah is set during the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC), a period marked by Israel’s relative prosperity and expansion. The exact date of the book’s composition is debated, but it is traditionally placed in the 8th century BC.

Place:

• Israel: Jonah begins his journey in Israel. He is a prophet from the northern kingdom, specifically from Gath-hepher in the region of Zebulun.
• Nineveh: The primary setting for Jonah’s mission is Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River (in modern-day Iraq). Nineveh was a large and significant city known for its great wickedness and power.

Context:

• Jonah is part of the prophetic tradition in Israel, where prophets were called by God to deliver messages of warning, repentance, and hope. Unlike other prophets who primarily addressed Israel, Jonah’s mission extends to a foreign city, highlighting the universal scope of God’s mercy.
• During Jonah’s time, Assyria was a growing threat to Israel. The Assyrians were known for their cruelty and aggression, which makes Jonah’s reluctance to preach to Nineveh understandable from a human perspective.

Who is Jonah?

The son of Amittai from Gath-hepher in Zebulun, who prophesied the restoration of Israel’s borders, which was accomplished by Jeroboam II (782–753 b.c.) (2 Kgs 14:25), and the hero of the book of Jonah (1:1).

A SEASON OF EXPANSION MUST BE FOLLOWED BY A SEASON OF EXTENSION.

1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.”

Jon 1:1–2 ESV

7 Reasons to run from Nineveh:

Notorious

Idolators

National Enemy

Ego

Vengeance

Exiled

Hopeless

Questions:

• What Nineveh are you running from?
• Have you run from your calling?
• What are your reasons for running?
• How long have you been running from God?

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call

out against it the message that I tell you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.

Jon 3:1–3 ESV

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Context:

– Paul is writing from prison to the church in Philippi about what it means to walk the walk as followers of Jesus and to encourage them in what it looks like to live out their faith in real life!

• Paul speaks to the temptations that were facing the Philippians that would cause them to sink into the culture of their day rather than stand out from it.
• Paul speaks with honesty from his own experiences and discusses 6 key attributes that should be evident and obvious in the lives of those who follow Jesus.

You’ll stand out if you…..

1/ Stand firm

• don’t retreat or waver when opposition, trial and challenge comes
• resist running to old patterns and old comforts (anything that draws our attention and affection away from Jesus is idolatry)

2/ Seek unity

• be committed to resolving differences instead of holding grudges
• working together = increased effectiveness for the Gospel

3/ Be gentle with one another

– the literal meaning of the word ‘gentleness’ in this scripture translates as ‘sweet reasonableness’ – to be intentionally kind, compassionate and humble towards others especially when they’re facing struggles or difficulties.

• a strong hand with a soft touch (1 Thes 2:7 – gentle like a mother caring for her children)
• gentleness is not weakness

4/ Pray (Don’t be anxious)

– there were plenty of reasons for the Philippians to be anxious, discouraged and worried – Paul invites them to experience prayer as an active strategy against anxiety

• Paul shows them that prayer is a gateway to God’s supernatural peace
• God’s peace is not dependent on a perfect outcome – God’s peace is available to us in the midst of our circumstances
• being a person of peace in an anxious world stands out!

5/ Focus on what’s good

• Paul addresses the battlefield of the mind
• our thoughts are prone fix themselves on things are unhelpful and unhealthy but Paul also teaches us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind – Rom 12:2
• what we think about and focus on translates into our behaviour.
• This serves as a reminder to be wise about the content we engage with

6/ Walk the Walk

• moving from head knowledge to heart transformation
• discipleship is a journey not a destination – a journey of practicing the way of Jesus and becoming more like him

– When we encounter the grace of Jesus we can’t help but be changed – this change should become evident to others.

Invitations for us today:

• To stand out boldly in our culture rather than blend into it
• To be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world – faith in action
• To keep growing by practicing the way of Jesus
• To live a life worth following

Questions:

Q: How is God inviting me to stand out for him?

Q: Am I walking the walk or just talking the talk?

Q: Do my actions line up with my words?

Q: Am I the same person on Monday as I am at church on Sunday?

Q: Do people encounter the nature of Jesus in me?

Q: Am I becoming more like Jesus each year?

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Philippians 3:17-20 

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Matthew 5:15-17

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

a/ Sing an old song: an ode to humility

Verses 1-11

The real ones live for humility and unity

b/ Hold on and hold out

Verses 12-18

Daniel 12:3

3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

The real ones live with gratitude and thankfulness

c/ Pay the price

Verses 19-30

Real ones give honour where honour is due

• Discovery Community Care
• Southern Cross Kids Camp
• G&J
• EFICOR

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21 ESV

How do we live? 

To live is self, to die is loss.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…”

2 Timothy 3:1-2

Live for something bigger than yourself, Paul defines his life as a partner of the Gospel. 

If dying is seen as loss, it is because you live for self and not for Jesus. Without God, death is seen as the end of self.

Acts 2

Pentecost Sunday — Shauvot — Feast of weeks - celebrated 7 weeks after Passover (Jewish)

What for:

To commemorate the giving of the law,

The grain harvest,

And entrance into the promised land

What did they do:

A feast that explicitly included leaven or yeast

A covenant renewal ceremony

A tithe of first-fruits from the harvest, leaving the edges for the alien

A public reading of the book of Ruth

All Jewish males required to travel to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices

Pentecost - 50 days after Easter

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

1/ One baptism, many fillings

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

2/ Going beyond

And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

3/ Collaborative leadership

16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams;

even on my male servants and female servants
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

4/ Peter’s covenant renewal ceremony

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

5/ Vibrant community

The Womb – A biblical metaphor

Hannah Stood Up

Hannah Responds

Hannah takes all the emotion, anguish, grief, disappointment and desperation, the years and years of longing, waiting, the torment from Penninah and she pours it all out before the Lord.

The peace comes before she even gets the outcome.

While Hannah was waiting for a baby,  God was waiting for Hannah to come into alignment with a bigger story. Hannah’s prayer is not a prayer of bargaining but a prayer of surrender.

What are you waiting for or clinging to that needs to be let go and surrendered in order for God to bring about the breakthrough in your life?

‘The point of prayer is not the power it releases, but the person it reveals’  (Peter Greig – 24/7 Prayer)

1 Sam 2:1-10

A prayer that points to Jesus

Why? Because the person it reveals is a God who loves us – and in his grace meets us in the middle of our story – changes and transforms our lives!

A God who takes the barren and lifeless things and breathes new life into them.

A God who takes the broken things and makes them beautiful.

A God who turns our mourning into dancing

A God who binds up the broken-hearted

A God who bestows on us a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair

THE INVITATION:

1/ To be reminded that God sees you in your season – you are not forgotten.

2/ To see a bigger story for your life – God has good plans for you!

3/ Changing your life starts with surrender – coming into alignment with God’s good plans for you

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

What is the middle?

Types of “middles”

Looking at Psalm 42/43:

The tyranny of distance

The voice of detractors

The isolation of spirit

“Send out your light”

1/ Faith becomes personal

2/ Celebration is communal

3/ God is the goal

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.

TS Eliot

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—

23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[a] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

A PRAY on words…

ἕν (heis) = one, of

Strong’s #1502

“in”

ἡμεῖς (hemeis) = us, we ourselves

Strong’s #1510

“with”

εἰμί (eimi) = I am, I exist

Strong’s #2249

“through”

The essence of Jesus’ prayerful repetition…

• That believers would be IN Jesus (Eph 2:8, Col 2:6)
• That God and Humankind be WITH each other (2Thess 2:16-17)
• That God would work THROUGH believers (John 3:17, Romans 5:15)

“In” prayer sounds like…

• Projecting God to be IN our lives, hopes and circumstances
• Ask + Task God to be IN things we are hoping for

“With” prayer sounds like…

• Experiencing ideas and thoughts WITH God present
• Observing ourselves and our circumstances WITH God present

“Through” prayers sound like…

• Uniting with God’s plan THROUGH you, your church
• Praising Him for what He is doing THROUGH you, your church

“And the Lord asked me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’ ‘A plumb line,’ I replied. Then the Lord said, ‘Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.’”

Jeremiah 1:11-12 (NIV):

“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ ‘I see the branch of an almond tree,’ I replied. The Lord said to me, ‘You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.’”

Zechariah 4:2-3 (NIV):

“He asked me, ‘What do you see?’ I answered, ‘I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven channels to the lamps. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.’”

God is asking us, “what do you see?”

God is calling us to imagine the Kingdom in three distinct areas:  People, places and time

Text: Acts 10:9-15

The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

Matthew 9:35-38

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Exodus 3:2-5

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

A biblically informed imagination:

1/ Soak in Bible stories

2/ Befriend silence and solitude

3/ Write things down

4/ Ask yourself ‘why’?

5/ Best case scenario

To Recognise and to Know

God’s Will > My Will

Come Daily for Daily Bread

Forgiveness Both Ways

God Protects & Delivers

• What is prayer to you?
• What are the things you tend to pray about when you pray?
• When do you pray?
• How often do you pray?
• Where do you pray?
• When you pray what do you experience?
• When you pray what don’t you experience?
• When you pray, what would you like to experience?
• Does God answer your prayers?
• If you don’t pray – why not?
• Does your prayer life bring you life and joy or has it become stale?

Do you think the average Australian prays?

What is prayer?

In its simplest form: Prayer is a conversation with God.

What Prayer Is NOT:

Rubbing the lamp to get 3 wishes from the genie

A self-help strategy

A test of eloquence

Not magic (but it is supernatural!)

One size fits all

Prayer IS:

A way of being with God (the God of the Bible)

Talking and listening to God

A practice of devotion and worship to God

A gateway to God’s peace and power

Both a private and communal experience

‘Then the man and his wife heard the sound of God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day’ (Gen 3:8)

6 INVITATIONS OF PRAYER:

1/ Prayer is a gateway to Connection

Psalm 139: 23 

‘Search me, God, and know my heart’

2/ Prayer is a gateway to Compassion

Lam 3:22-24

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

3/ Prayer is a gateway to Comfort

Phil 4:6-7

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. “

(NLT)

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life.”

(MSG)

4/ Prayer is a gateway to Clarity

Rom 12:2

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

5/ Prayer is a gateway to Celebration

Psalm 100:4-5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

6/ Prayer is a gateway to Communion (with God and others)

Matt 18:20 

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Invitations:

1/ Ask God to refresh and reinvigorate your prayer life.

2/ Think about how you might commit to giving prayer another chance over the coming weeks.

3/ Be intentional about creating time each day to pray.

4/ Be honest before God in the knowledge that you are seen, known and deeply loved.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Are there reasonable evidences for the resurrection of Jesus in the historical documents, and if there are, what does that mean for us today?

1/ Jesus was buried

2/ The tomb was then found empty

3/ Jesus’ post mortem appearances

4/ The witness of the early church

Implications

1/ Jesus claims about himself were true – they were vindicated by his resurrection

2/ There is reason to live today – there is a bigger story

3/ If there is life after death, our lives must be shaped by the narrative of death and resurrection

4/ We have a story to tell

5/ Your life is to be lived for Christ – you are His and He loves you.

Recap: what does it mean to live the good life?

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1 We know what we really love by what what we are willing to suffer for

——

Matthew 21:6-11

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

2 We know what Jesus means to us by what we think He’s saved us from

——

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

3 We know who Jesus is because of the relationship between His words and deeds

——

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose – Jim Elliot

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”

εἰρηνοποιός, peace-making, peace-maker

2 immediate observations:

a/ Jesus assumes there will be conflict

b/ Jesus commands His followers to engage in conflict resolution

4 ways to handle conflict – think about the crowd gathered — who is there?

1. like a Saducee (plan political gain)
2. like a Pharisee (double down on ‘rightness’)
3. like the Essenes (seek utopian separation)
4. like a Zealot (fight, fight, fight)

Like Jesus…

a/ humble heart – assume your own ignorance

b/ curious questions  – find out the story behind the story

c/ give generous mercy and be willing to lose

Conclude – Ephesians 2:11-22

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,[d] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[e] the Spirit.

Peace between creator and creation

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Who gets to ‘live the good life’?

Developing your palate

Mercy (ἔλεος) and the two levels of relationship

How do we live as mercifully as this?

1. Our need for ongoing mercy
2. Seeing others through a Kingdom lens
3. A heart of mercy with a firm hand

Advancing the Kingdom by merciful works

What fuels this kind of mercy?

Psalm 136

5 blocks of teaching

Block 1- Matthew 5-7: 8 beatitudes, sermon on the mount

Block 2 – Matthew 10: The “sending” sermon (Go into all the towns)

Block 3 – Matthew 13: Kingdom parables (The Kingdom of heaven is like…)

Block 4 – Matthew 17-18: The values of the Kingdom (Childlike faith, upon this rock)

Block 5 – Matthew 24-25: 7 ‘woes’, new temple, judgement to come

Meekness – Psalm 37:7-11

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.

But the meek shall inherit the land
    and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Meek – Gk: pra-us – the pra-us are unimportant and vulnerable.

Inheriting the land – Genesis 15:7

And he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”

No Jubilee – Leviticus 25:10-13, 23

And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of itself nor gather the grapes from the undressed vines. For it is a jubilee. It shall be holy to you. You may eat the produce of the field.

“In this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his property… “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.

God, in affect, is saying to the people of God: “this land will be yours again”

Apply – be less important, accept vulnerability, wait patiently

1/ Seek anonymity

2/ Accept vulnerability

3/ Wait patiently

A new Jubilee — Psalm 37:11:

But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in peace (Shalom) and goodness (Tov)

And as we get older, we get more sophisticated at justifying our questionable behaviour to ourselves.

If we’re honest, we all still do things from time to time that we know we probably shouldn’t do but we’re way better at convincing ourselves why it’s really not that bad.

We say things ourselves like…..

I’m a good person

I try to do the right things

I’m kind be kind to others

I pay my taxes.

I don’t steal

I try not to lie

haven’t murdered anyone….

I’m trying to be a decent contributing member of society….

So, this little sin over here…. or this little white lie over there …..this little secret over here… it isn’t really hurting anyone…so it’s not so bad, right?!

Church & Culture:

In Church we tend to major on the grace message and minor on the sin message because it’s more comfortable. It’s more palatable and acceptable to talk about the positive stuff than the hard stuff.  When we talk about grace we’re assuming the reality of sin but just don’t really like to talk about it that much.

In 2024, we find ourselves living in a very individualistic culture where it’s more about ‘your’ truth than ‘The’ truth. Where, ‘you do you’ is widely accepted often over and above the way of life Jesus calls us to if we choose to follow him and be his disciples.

The thing is though, the bible doesn’t shy away from talking about the hard stuff - we just often have selective hearing and selective reading.

Today’s scripture: Matt 5:4

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted’ (NIV)

Jesus makes a radical statement here - we would never say to someone who is grieving would we?  Oh, you’re grieving, look how blessed you are!

And if someone said that to us in the middle of a difficult time in our lives we would probably not receive it well at all.

It poses some big questions for us:

What is Jesus actually saying?

What kind of mourning is he talking about?

What kind of comfort is he promising?

How can experiencing grief possibly be the good life?

Who was Jesus talking to?

- Jewish villagers under Roman occupation

- Ordinary people - farmers, fishermen, women, children, tax collectors, sex workers.

• living under the oppression of Roman rule, they’ve all but lost hope of any kind of deliveranc and believing their current circumstance is a direct result of their sinful ways - they had turned away from God and not been faithful to him.

They were mourning a future that felt hopeless

They were mourning over their own sin and brokenness

They were mourning over the state of their city

What kind of mourning was Jesus talking about?

Mourn - Greek verb = Pentheo - to mourn over one’s sin and brokenness (spiritual mourning over the state of one’s soul and circumstance)

We struggle to identify with this kind of mourning - it’s counter-cultural to us and a lot of the time, we honestly don’t see ourselves as people in need of a saviour.

“The present age is definitely not an age of mourning. Instead, people deliberately turn away from anything unpleasant, determined to fill their lives with those things which will divert their minds from anything serious. In their preoccupation with momentary pleasures and diversions, people settle for shallow and empty substitutes for reality. Millions give more thought to what programs they will watch tonight on TNT, or what videotape they will rent for the weekend than they do to the things of eternity.”  - Billy Graham -

Jesus is saying this kind of mourning is necessary. Not just necessary - but good for us - ‘the good life’.

In other words, “You’re blessed when you can humbly acknowledge your sin and brokenness and grieve over it, for then you shall receive the comfort of forgiveness and healing”.

But there’s also a school of thought that would say Jesus wasn’t just talking about personal sin and brokenness but the grief and sadness that comes from living in a world ruled by death - in this earthly world where death has the final word - but in the Kingdom Jesus is talking about,  death is swallowed up in victory and the promise is eternal comfort and eternal life.

The invitation in this scripture is to be present to our grief - to be honest to it with God - and not to ignore our need for comfort.

What kind of comfort is Jesus talking about?

Greek //

Comforted

παρακαλέω / parakaleó (verb)

Q: comforted by who or what?

Comforter

παράκλητος (paraklētos) (noun)

PARACLETE - One called alongside to standby.

Amazingly - this is same word that we see in John 14 & 16 that Jesus uses to describe the Holy Spirit who was coming.

When we ignore our need for comfort we cannot invite The Comforter into those places of pain to bring us the help and the relief that we so desperately need.

The Promise:

Help is on the way!

You do not have to be alone in your grief.

The Paraclete has been called to come and stand alongside you

He will advocate for you

He will console you   

The promise is not that our grief would be removed instantaneously - but that in the midst of our grief and our pain we would experience the deep comfort of the Paraclete - our advocate, our counsellor and our standby.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. (MSG)

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

A tale of two mountains

What does it mean to be ‘blessed’?

A quick look at μακάριος

ahh… that is the good life!

What does it mean to be ‘poor in spirit’?

Powerless = the good life?

Empty hands for holding something better

We inherit the Kingdom of God by giving our power away

1/ Give your ear away

2/ Give your money away

3/ Give your influence away

4/ Give your grudges away

The Rich and the Kingdom of God
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]”

21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.

22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Discipleship isn’t something you do, it’s who you are called to be

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Perspective 1: Camel or Rope

Perspective 2: Eye of the needle gate

Perspective 3: It’s impossible

Luke 18:26-27

26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

John 3:22-30 (ESV)

22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptising. 23 John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptised 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).

25 Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptising, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Observations:

John models here an acute sense of awareness to the move of God that was happening around him to be able to respond in such a way.

here was no hint of jealousy or insecurity present in John as Jesus influence and popularity began to increase. Why was this the case?

hint: John had a sense of deep clarity around his call and assignment.

Challenges:

We like to be at the centre of our own lives, and often we also like to be at the centre of other peoples lives too. We love to feel important, needed and celebrated.

Decrease is difficult for us. It makes us uncomfortable.

The Invitation:

The invitation is to NOT be at the centre – to NOT be in the spotlight and to NOT have the starring role in the story – but instead to take a posture of decrease in order that God’s presence and power and will would increase in us and be amplified in our lives so much that when others see us, what they really see is not us at all but a glimpse and a reflection of Jesus – of his kindness, his love, his grace, his mercy, his generosity, his gentleness, his faithfulness, his goodness……

Dallas Willard (Spirit of the Disciplines)

“The point is that in our culture we are conditioned to think that the most valuable way to do anything is to do or have more of it, and so we work more, consume more, learn more and get more friends on Facebook. We can then unwittingly transfer this way of thinking to our spiritual lives, and so we study more, pray more, fellowship more. The problem is not that such activities are bad or wrong (as a Bible professor I can certainly attest to the value of reading the Word!), but that we have a difficult time seeing the importance of disciplines in which we don’t do or add something.

However, it is important to realise that sometimes we need to take things out of our lives rather than just adding things to them. When we take something out of our lives, we create a space that needs to be filled, and amazing things can happen when we open up spaces in our lives. It is easier to hear the voice of God when we practice silence because our world is not filled with competing noises. Doing without something can help us appreciate it more. Sometimes when we remove something from our lives, even for just a short period of time, we discover how much unnecessary time we spend on it, or even how much it controls us…. Abstinence makes way for engagement. … A proper abstinence actually breaks the hold of improper engagements so that the soul can be properly engaged in and by God. However, the disciplines of abstinence can be harder to practice because we have to overcome our need to feel “productive.” In this we need to be willing to go against our inclinations if we are going to be able to make space for God to reveal himself to us and to show us our needs, shortcomings, blessings or his will for our lives.”

The pathway to increase, growth, maturity and fruitfulness in your life is, not by being bigger and louder, or by just doing more or just adding more into your life – it’s through adopting a posture of decrease, it’s through removing those things in our lives that are no longer serving us – the unhealthy behaviours or attachments, redundant attitudes and mindsets, unhelpful narratives, surrendering our often over-inflated egos, surrendering our pride and our need for assurance and control. Decluttering the mess and noise and creating space and room for God to increase, for his voice to be amplified and his presence to be magnified in our lives.

Questions:

Q: Am I open to God revealing himself to me in 2024?

Q: What needs to decrease in me in this year to make room for God’s will and work to increase in my life? What needs to be less, removed or surrendered in my life in 2024 to see an increase of God’s presence, power and purpose?

Q: How clear are you on who God has called you to be and what your current assignment is?

Q: Does my life point people to Jesus?

Q: Does the way I live and work reflect kingdom values and principles? Telling people about Jesus is often less about what you say and much more about how you live – are you living out God’s kindness, integrity, humility, servant-heartedness, self control.

Q: How might we imitate the kind of humility we see in John in our lives this year?

Q: Am I secure in who God has created and called me to be?

Q: Am I experiencing contentment and joy in my life?

One of Jesus’ favourite places, and the disciples on their faces

The issue of authority

a/ Jesus’ defeat of the devil
b/ Jesus’ defeat of death

If “Cozzy livs” was your word of 2023, let “Because He lives” become your word of 2024

Hold up… I don’t see it.

He is working His authority through you

1/ As you go, make disciples: He makes us good news bringers
2/ Baptise, and be baptised: We surrender to him (baptism), immersed in body and mind
3/ Teach, and be taught: He puts His words into our hearts

“To the end of the age”

Matthew 13: 1-23.

The parable was used by Jesus to tell an earthly story with a Kingdom meaning.

The farmer or sower is a representation of God the Father.

He is the one who sows the seed, not us.

Jesus speaks about four kinds of ground. Hard, rocky, thorny and good.

As Jesus jewish hearers would have wanted to know which of the grounds they identify with, we are asked the same question. Which ground am I?

The message of the Kingdom and the message of the Gospel.

Jesus  explains the parable to the disciples and speaks about the message of the Kingdom.  The fact that God wants us! Wants relationship with us. Wants us to be close to him.

The Apostles’ message was about the message of the Gospel, in which Jesus offers himself to make the Kingdom message possible!

The four grounds. Jesus compares the ground to our hearts and the seed is Holy Spirit.

The hard ground.

When our hearts have been trampled, we become hard and resistant to the Spirit. Just like Hard ground is resistant to the rain. The evil one can easily snatch us away from becoming soft and receptive to God.

The rocky ground.

When our circumstances keep us from being receptive to the planting of the Spirit in us , we need to remember that Jesus has come so that His new covenant erases the need to see our circumstances as God’s response to us.

We have gone from circumstantial to relational.

The thorny ground.

When the worries of life draw us away from God and our propensity to be lured by our comfort and wealth to satisfy, we struggle to surrender to Holy Spirit as he invites us into relationship with him.

Jesus tells us earlier in Matthew not to worry about the daily needs we have.

What are the weeds we need to confess and be accountable to removing?

The good soil.

Jesus speaks about the harvest that will come from good soil.

This harvest will be the fruit of the Spirit that God the Farmer plants in the good soil of our hearts. As this fruit is seen in action by people around us, they too will be invited to make their hearts good soil for the planting of the Spirit, by God.

It’s not about activity, it’s about proximity.

The closer we position ourselves to God, by Prayer that is open, honest and authentic, the more we will be empowered by our relationship with Him.

The things that we do, prayer time devotionals, Small groups, going to church, won’t bring us closer to God, as we get closer to God we find ourselves responding to his love with a desire to speak with him, learning about his word, being in community.

 These are the responses to being in a close relationship with him.

Lets spend this next few weeks becoming the good soil that Jesus can plant his Spirit in for 2024.

Judges 13:1-3

And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.

An impossible task – Answer with faith

Judges 13:23

But his wife said to him, “If the Lord had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering at our hands, or shown us all these things, or now announced to us such things as these.”

Luke 1:38

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

What is your impossible task?

Judges 13:4-5a

Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb…

A quiet discipline – strong banks help the river flow

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy…

Where is discipline needed in you?

Judges 13:5

…for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”

Matthew 1:21

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

A local solution – Taking Responsibility

You see, God grows His solutions, He doesn’t import them!

How might God be growing your solutions around you, rather than you ‘importing them?’

One more question- what about prayer?

Sometimes, God works in response to us, because He is a friend.

Sometimes, God works all by Himself, because He is a King.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

1/ A warning against unhealthy attachment:

2/ An encouragement toward divine joy:

3/ The growing happens in secret:

Judges 13:24

And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him.

Luke 2:40

And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

What is God beginning in and through you in 2024?

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favoured woman! The Lord is with you!”

29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favour with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 37 For the word of God will never fail.”

38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Some observations about this story – a 3 layered interruption

1/ Interrupted by an angel (divine visitation)

2/ interrupted with unexpected news x 2 (you’re having a baby AND so is Elizabeth who was barren)

3/ Interrupted with a miracle that seemed beyond belief (A virgin birth)

This thing that’s about to happen is remarkable!

The prophesied Saviour King is being sent into the world!!

The one who would bind himself to humanity – and be called Emmanuel – God with us – bringing hope and salvation into the darkness of the world (both then and now) is coming! And he’s coming through the most unlikely, unexpected person – Mary, a 15 year old girl with no status or privilege from a small backwater town.

She has an experience that would forever change life as she knew it.

What is equally remarkable about this encounter is Mary’s response.

Q: How interruptible are you?

v. 38 “Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

But Mary’s not the only one in this story who’s life gets majorly interrupted…

Matt 1:18-25

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All of this occurred to fulfil the Lord’s message through his prophet:

23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”

24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Every time I read this Christmas story I’m inspired and deeply challenged by Mary and Jospeh’s responsiveness to having their entire lives uprooted, turned inside out and upside down in order to steward someone else’s plans.

“Revelation is hard to receive. You must give up everything else to receive it – like finding a treasure in a field and selling everything you have so you can get that treasure”

(Honest Advent book – Scott Erickson)

Q: How interruptible and responsive are we?

Q: How alert, awake and ready are we to how God might want to interrupt us with his plans?

Q: How willing are we to surrender our own plans for his?

Q: How might we make room in our lives for a divine interruption this advent season as we wait expectantly for the arrival of our Saviour?

1st gleaming theme and invitation –  Be Interruptible.

2nd gleaming theme is – The hope of new life.

There is not 1, but 2 miraculous pregnancies wrapped up in this Christmas story.

1. Zachariah and Elizabeth (old age / barren)
2. Mary and Jospeh (young  / virgin)

A double miracle – A picture of HOPE multiplied!

Anything worthwhile takes time to grow – but learning to wait in our instant culture is even harder.

In our culture everything is geared to speed us up toward Christmas ….. to make it come quicker – decorations are going up in stores in October in an attempt to bring Christmas to us early, the general pace of life speeds up right before Christmas which is ironic because Christmas and advent is actually all about the slow process of waiting patiently and expectantly for the arrival of a baby.

Q: Have you even had an experience of waiting on the Lord for something?

(chances are if you have, it’s taken longer than you would have liked to get an answer or a breakthrough)

Maybe there’s something you’re waiting for God to do in your life right now?

A need or a desire you have?

In waiting there is sense of longing and expectation – for what is to come, for what could be.

Advent invites to ask the question –

Q: What new thing is God doing in us? What is being birthed in us this season that God is inviting us make room for – to make preparations to receive?

Birth is beautiful and full of joy – there is something very holy and wondrous about it –  but it’s also messy, it can be chaotic, it’s risky sometimes and painful –  actually nothing neat and tidy about it.

It’s often the same when God is doing something new in us – sometimes it’s beautiful and joyful – but to he honest – it’s often messy and painful and risky too.

The journey Mary and Joseph had to go on together throughout the pregnancy through to the birth of Jesus was not an easy journey, there were obstacles and opposition, it was dangerous and risky.

Yet into the stench of that putrid stable and into the darkness of the night came the Light of the World – Jesus was born – a thrill of hope and the weary world rejoiced so the song goes!

At Christmas we celebrate that the Light of the World is still coming into the dark and putrid places of our world to restore hope and bring new life.

And he’s still coming into your life and into my life – into mess and the stench – bringing the hope of a future established in him.

So will we make room this Christmas for a divine interruption?

And will we make room to receive the hope of new life coming to us and in us?

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Mathew 3:1-6 (ESV)

They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”

2 Kings 1:8

Life on the fringes

“in the wilderness”

A new story, a new song

‘baptised by him’ //  ‘confessing sins’

A prophetic life

‘the kingdom is at hand”

What made JTB stand out?

The Nazirite Vow – set apart for God

Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried…. All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long….All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body.

Numbers 6:2-3, 5-6 (NIV)

No grapes or grape products: a vow of sobriety

No cutting of the hair: a vow of primitivism

No dead bodies: a vow of purity

Examples: Samuel, Samson (a bad example), even Paul took the vow for a time

To live a prophetic life of difference:

1/ Jesus, be my comfort

2/ Jesus, I give you my image

3/ Jesus, set me apart

Why was there so much urgency from Jesus for them to stay awake and what was the temptation that he was wanting them to guard against?

Luke tells us that the disciples fell asleep because they were ‘exhausted with sorrow

Q: Have you ever had an experience where you’ve felt overcome with sadness and sorrow about something, or so disappointed, or deflated or discouraged or overwhelmed about something in your life,  that all you wanted to do was curl up in a ball and go to sleep?

Q: What was causing the disciples so much sorrow?

We too as modern day disciples carry sorrows that causes us to become exhausted and fall asleep to the things of God.

What sorrow are you carrying today?

Are you carrying unmet expectations?

Are you carrying dreams in your heart that are still yet to come to pass?

Are you carrying hope deferred?

Are you carrying a lack of clarity around your future or your sense of purpose?

Is there a healing or a breakthrough that hasn’t come despite your faithful prayer?

Are you restless and dissatisfied in your soul (not content)

Are you trapped in unhealthy behaviours that are causing you distress?

Are you carrying pain or offence in a relationship that’s causing you sorrow?

Does you feel as though God has been silent on something for too long?

Take some time to name these things before the Lord gives these burdens over to him.

There is an exhaustion caused by sorrow that the Lord is wanting to break in many peoples lives today.

There is a spiritual lethargy hanging over us that keeps causing us to fall asleep to the things of God – but the Lord is calling us to WAKE UP – He is rousing us from our slumber – he is healing our exhaustion and refreshing our dry places and drawing us to a place of renewed devotion in him.

Our constant temptation in our lethargy and spiritual sleepiness is to run to sources of comfort outside of the true comforter.

Our temptation is to seek relief and security and success from other places rather than trusting God’s goodness and provision to us.

Our temptation is to seek approval and love from things and people that were never meant hold such power and position in our lives instead of receiving love and approval from a Good Father who calls you his own.

Ron Rolheiser says it this way:

“We fall asleep out of sorrow whenever we become so confused and overwhelmed by some kind of disappointment that we begin to act out of hostility rather than love, paranoia rather than trust, despair rather than hope. We fall asleep out of sorrow whenever we sell short what’s highest in us because of the bitterness of the moment”

Q: Where am I acting out of hostility, paranoia or despair – rather than out of love, trust and hope?

Symptoms of being spiritually asleep:

lack of awareness of God’s love and grace for me

loss or lack of passion for God

loss of desire to spend time with God

prayer life is lacking

avoiding accountable relationships and vulnerable conversations

being unresponsive to God’s invitations to you or delaying obedience

heightened emotional reactions to things – highly defensive or easily offended

wondering if God is actually good

a need to be in constant control of situations

constant drive towards comfort and numbing behaviours

patterns and cycles of sin or unhealthy behaviours that you can’t seem to break

our lives are not bearing fruit / little evidence of fruits of spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control

God moves to the outside rather than being at the centre of our lives /

living according to our own agenda and plans rather than living according to God’s agenda and plans.

God is bringing us into a new seasoning of AWAKENING

God is waking us up to a greater awareness of Him.

God is moving us from a place of spiritual slumber to a new place of radical devotion.

From being on spiritual autopilot – to being fully alert and awake to his presence and his purposes.

Moving us out of those places of sorrow and exhaustion and making us a well refreshing and restoration for others.

But there is an awakening that the Lord is bringing across our community and he needs his people and his bride to be awake and alert and prepared and ready to usher it in.

There is healing and restoration and refreshing that the Lord is wanting to release in us that we might be a place of healing and restoration for others.

2024 – An invitation to Radical Devotion

Radical – Radix – meaning ‘changed from the roots’

Devotion – Consecrated – set apart for someone (set apart for and to God)

Radical //

When we enter into s relationship with Jesus our lives are completely transformed or ‘changed from the roots’ – it is radical life change.

When we’re changed from the roots our lives start to grow different kind of fruit – we start to hopefully become people of love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and people who are self-controlled.

And not only are we changed but we are invited into the bigger story – to partner with God in being agents of this kind of change in the world around us.

Q: Is Jesus in me obvious to those around me? If not, what is stopping me from living my faith openly and authentically?

Q: What would it look like for me to live everyday as someone ‘changed from the roots’?

Q: How is God inviting me to be part of this community as we seek to be a place of restoration and healing for others?

Devotion //

Exodus 20:1-6

Then God gave the people all these instructions:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

3 “You must not have any other god but me.

4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

The people of God have always had a habit of running after other God’s.

There is a good reason God wants our full devotion and affection. He has a mission he wants to accomplish on the earth and he chooses to use his people to accomplish it.

If we’re not fully devoted to him we are distracted and prone to falling asleep.

Our devotion is actually an act of spiritual warfare – it guards against the enemy’s plans to steal our authority for the Gospel.

Our devotion is what will unlock the move of the Holy Spirit waiting to come in and through our church, community, region, city, nation.

Our devotion is what will break the spirit of complacency and slumber

Our devotion brings us back to the feet of Jesus and puts him in his rightful place as King

Our devotion will release Kingdom resources for Kingdom work – legacy project

Our devotion will lead to a connected and flourishing community

Our devotion is what will release God’s favour of our lives and our church (for a thousand generations – Ex 20:6)

The Invitations:

1/ An invitation to Return

Rev 2:4-5

4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.

Waking up from our slumber and returning to our first love

undivided hearts – putting away the comforts and the idols we run to and instead running to the comforter

the practice of repentance and the pursuit of holiness

rekindling our passion in prayer and worship

2/ An invitation to Remain

John 15:1-4

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

– guarding our hearts against falling asleep by drawing strength from the vine

– openness to pruning

– a lifelong journey of being ‘changed from the roots’

– a renewed passion for the Word of God and the presence of God

3/ An Invitation to Realign

Luke 2:49

49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?

– be busy with the right things – The about the Father’s business

– His agenda over our agenda

– laying down my ego and our need to be noticed, celebrated and adored so that his name would be proclaimed, promoted, celebrated, glorified

This is a season of invitation go on a journey of personal renewal and refreshing in God

but it’s also an invitation for us to go on that journey together as a community to continue to become a place of life, renewal, refreshing, restoration and healing for others.

Will you come on the journey with us?

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house…

In this letter to Gaius, a house-church leader, John is apparently attempting to counter the opposing influences of Diotrephes, a different house-church leader who is asserting his own authority and rejecting emissaries backed by John’s apostolic authority.

3 John 1-4

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

How many children do you have?

How is your progress?

Are your soul and body in harmony?

3 John 5-8

5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Hospitality opens doors

Who is welcome at your place?

Could your home be a mission field?

3 John 9-10

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

An awkward moment

The attitude of pride

The actions of pride

Does not acknowledge godly authority

Holds the word of God back

Uses words as weapons

Acts as a gatekeeper for the church

3 John 11-12

11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

Honour those worthy of honour – and listen to them

The marks of true hospitality

1. Acknowledge and honour godly authority
2. Offers and promotes and brings the word of God
3. Use words to encourage and build up
4. Act as a ‘doorkeeper’ ie. host to the church

Psalm 84:10

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

3 John 13-15

13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

The letter itself

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

The recipient, the writer, the way things really are (truth)

4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

An old command

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we[a] have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

A patient theology

The anatomy of Gnosticism

there is a secret to know (only the enlightened get it)

there is a salvation to experience (it’s about denying the flesh)

there is new revelation to receive (everything builds on what came before)

The antidote of the Gospel

the ‘open secret’ of the gospel

the in-body experience of the gospel

the old-time religion of the gospel

What we make a test of fellowship is not often what the Bible makes as a test of fellowship

The Bible’s test: that you acknowledge that Jesus came in the flesh. That he was and is and will continue to be the son of God — that he died as God and man and also that the Father raised Him up

The great commandment and the great commission – Not motivated by fear but by love

12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

13 The children of your elect sister greet you.

Mouth-to-mouth

Paul has a big favour to ask Philemon which has big feelings attached.

He reminds Philemon about the refreshing love he has shown, so that his request for a favour can be seen in the light of this kind of love.

Back story of Paul and Philemon’s relationship.

Paul led him to Christ at some point and sees himself as Philemon’s Spiritual Father.

Even though Paul had never been to Colossae, his friendship with Philemon attached him to that church.

Philemon was a wealthy man and had quite some influence and was the owner of servants and slaves.

One of these was a man named Onesimus, ironically whos’ name means profitable or useful, who had stolen an amount of money from Philemon and had run away.

And this is where the grace of God intersects the stories of these three men, Paul Philemon and Onesimus.

Onesimus makes his getaway with his loot, and decides to head to Rome to spend up big. But at some point, he gets himself in trouble with the law, gets caught and ends up imprisoned for his actions.

The prison that he was placed in already had another man in one of its cells by the name of Paul, eventually leading Onesimus to Faith in Jesus.

And there must have been some conversation between Onesimus and Paul about where he was from and who he had worked for, about the fact that Onesimus had stolen from his generous master Philemon and ended up in Rome!

Only God could have orchestrated these circumstances.

Paul sends this letter back with Onesimus with the purpose of appealing to Philemon to take Onesimus back without resorting to his first response which could have been un-Christlike.

How would we respond in this situation?

After the mistrust and anger and hurt, betrayal or loss.

Could we possibly love someone again that has taken advantage of us?

Could we, would we ever commit to restoring that person to relationship with us?

Or would we reject, hold back and push away instead?

Because, it’s our response that shows us what kind of fruit we are growing.

Paul asks Philemon to do a favour by taking back Onesimus. He asks a generous man to be even more generous.

• Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their relationship to see the change in Onesimus and take him back as a Christian brother and to forgive him and be an encouragement to him.
• In the first centuries slave owners like Philemon had the right as a slave owner to either brand Onesimus with a T or R representing him to be a thief or a runaway slave, or he could have had him crucified for the same reasons. They literally held lives in their hands.

Paul uses a bit of humour by playing with Onesimus’ name saying that he has now become profitable to both of them now that his heart belongs to Jesus. Vs 11

He is going to be the stealer of hearts now ie. Peter fisher of men.

How do we respond with the fruits of the spirit?

A couple of weeks ago our Youth Pastor Tiani, spoke about putting on LOVE like a garment.

It’s when we put on Love, when the love that comes from God in us, becomes the activating force in our life, then we can respond in grace and forgiveness and restoration.

Because we don’t just have courage we respond courageously,

we don’t have forgiveness, we respond by forgiving,

we don’t have compassion, we respond compassionately.

These are the fruit that come because we are clothed first in love.

We see others in a new light when our sight is directed to Jesus. And we can respond to them with the forgiveness and reconciliation we have received personally from him.

Paul sends Onesimus back to the house where he stole and deserted, so that restoration could happen for both Onesimus and Philemon.

This kind of Jesus following life introduces a new type of relationship between people in which the human grades of society cease to matter.

• Later on, in a letter to the Colossians 3:11 Paul explains this more, obviously using this situation to encourage the whole Church that there is no slave or free, jew or Greek male nor female. All are one in Christ.
• The things we use to separate, the labels and classes we put people in do not have any value. They are not Onesimus / profitable, or fruitful to us.
• Paul jokingly reminds Philemon of the fact that he led him to the Lord and if he is going to hold Onesimus responsible for earthly things Paul is holding Philemon responsible to remember his debt to the Lord.

But how does this little letter become profitable for us?

What is it that we ought to do?

1. What labels or conditions to we place on people that change how we see and respond to them?
2. What labels or conditions do we place on ourselves that assume how God sees us?
3. If we saw ourselves and others through the lenses of active, restoring Jesus’ love, how would that change our day tomorrow?

Our capacity to respond with the fruits of the Spirit, has the capacity to influence way more than just our own personal relationships.

The potential is world changing.

After this situation was resolved, and because of Paul’s encouragement to change the heart about it, slavery completely died out within the Christian community, and the Christian world into the second century.

Onesimus was so restored, that church history tells us that he grew to be such a leader in the Christian community that he became the bishop of the church in Ephesus.

A short, one page letter, written two thousand years ago, from one friend to another, for the sake of another person, changed a lot.

Who is it that Jesus might be encouraging you to write to?

NIV & MSG translations

CONTEXT:

• Written by Paul
• writing from prison
• 60-62 AD, approximately 25-30 years after Jesus’ ministry
• Paul never visited them himself but learned of their challenges through his friend Ephaphras, the church’s founder.
• Community grappling with these false teachings and cultural pressures

Three pressures there were facing:

1. Gnosticism: everything in the body bad but everything spirit good, separation of the two
2. Pressure to submit to strict Torah rules by the Jews like circumcision, dietary laws and festival rituals
3. Polytheism: Jesus was just another of many gods they were worshipping

Paul writes to the church to makes sure Jesus was the centre of all faith and religious experience.

Is Jesus at the centre of our lives or is he just an ‘add on’ to our already busy and full schedules?

How do we let Jesus word have the RUN OF THE HOUSE?

• In our households
• In our wider church community?

What are some ill-fitting things that God might want to take off us today? What have we grown out of? What things are not serving us any more?

God is calling us to clothe ourselves in:

1. COMPASSION:

How can we cultivate a compassion of the heart, one that goes beyond mere sympathy and resonates in the depths of our being, like the “pit of our stomach,” so that we can truly understand the meaning of being “broken-hearted” and “gut-wrenched” for the sake of others?

1. KINDNESS:

How can we actively cultivate a “helpful spirit” within ourselves, ensuring that our kindness is not just a passive attitude but a force for positive change in our interactions and deeds?

1. HUMILITY:

How can we cultivate and practice the quality of humility in our lives, adopting a mindset of “lowly thinking,”?

1. GENTLENESS:

Where might there be a power imbalance in my relationships? Where might God be inviting me to show gentleness or power in restraint too this week?

1. PATIENCE:

What areas of my life do I need to practice having “long fuse” rather than a “short fuse”? What might God be teaching me through developing patience?

1. Above all these – LOVE:

How can I embody the selfless, unconditional love of Christ to those around me this week?

People thrive when we are seen, noticed, heard and valued.

One tool to use in conjunction to these garments/values we put on: VALIDATION

Validation is the process of learning about, understanding, or expressing acceptance for another person’s emotional experience. What validation is not involves agreeing with everything someone says, nor does it mean we always believe the other person’s emotional response is warranted. Instead, it’s about demonstrating that we understand how others are feeling without trying to talk them out of their emotions or shame them for feeling that way.

What hand-me-downs are we going to pass down to the next generation?

Peter thought he was showing great faith and love when he offered to forgive at least seven times. After all, the rabbis taught that three times was sufficient.

22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Mt 18:22–35 ESV

In this parable:
The King = God
The Servant = Us

We Owe:
10,000 Talents = 150,000 years Work for a slave = Highest Greek Numeral = More money than was even in regulation at the time = Impossible amount to pay back

We’re Owed:
100 Denarii = 100 Days Wage

FORGIVENESS MOVES US FROM:
Pride to Humility
Offence to Reconciliation
Victim to Witness

Ephesians 4:14-15: “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

This passage speaks to the importance of growing in faith to achieve spiritual maturity and avoid being misled.

Psalm 1:1-3: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

Proverbs 20:29: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

So, we’re going to look at 4 seasons or stages in a man’s life — Son, Cowboy, King, Sage

We’re going to explore:

a/ what typifies this season

b/ what is being formed in a man

c/ what are the main threats to this stage

d/ how to provide support in this space

1. Beloved Son
2. Cowboy
3. King
4. Sage

Questions:

Where am I? Where is my partner/spouse/child/parent/friend? What do I need? How can I help?

Where is God? What do I need from Him? What is He asking of me?

Luke 2:52:

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man.

Who’s at centre of your life – Jesus or you?

The invitation – an opportunity to reexamine the foundation – to check for mission drift

– to reset – to reorient – to reestablish a firm foundation in Jesus.

Q: What are the situations and seasons in life that can cause us to put ourselves at the centre of our lives out of our need to be in control rather than keeping Jesus at the centre?

Application Points – How do we rest our foundation and put Jesus back in the centre?

1/ Locate yourself

• Where are you and where is Jesus?
• What place does Jesus hold in your relationships, marriage, family, life?

Pray David’s prayer: Psalm 139:23-24

23 

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

2/ Relinquishing control

Letting the Master builder build.& partnering in the plan

Psalm 127:1-2

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Prov 16:4

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

 3/ Work his WORD into your life

The bible is our roadmap to God’s best life for us. It’s teeming with truths and wisdom that when worked into our lives – when infused into every area – every room – brings life and health and wholeness.

Q: Do you have a rhythm for the Word in your life?

Psalm 1:1-3

1 

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,

2 

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

4/ Have a bigger VISION for your relationships

Genesis tells us that God created marriage and family to reflect his image – but he didn’t just create it – he gave it to us as a gift – as something to steward and delight in!

His vision for all of our relationships is that they would be healthy and fruitful – places of joy and delight.

This isn’t the reality for many of us – but we can take prayerful and active steps towards this.

Q: What are the opportunities in front of us to move towards greater health in our relationships?

Q: What’s one thing you could intentionally do this week to create health in a relationship?

Q: How is God inviting us to see and imagine our relationships, families, marriages through his eyes?

5/ Be anchored in a faith community

One of the greatest tools to guard against drifting is being tethered to others

Heb 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Q: Do you have a community of people spurring you on?

Q: Is there anyone in your world that you could be a safe community for?

Closing Thoughts:

Sometimes we confuse God’s renovation work in us for an external storm. He is rebuilding and restoring each one of us day by day into a masterpiece that reflects his glory.

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”

― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

1. A personal name for a personal God
2. A mysterious name for a boundless God
3. It’s not about you
4. The best is ahead

——————-

God’s personal name:

Self existent – he needs nothing to be – he is causeless

Rest –  in Him

All sufficient – he needs nothing to live – He is needless

Give – out of gratitude

Eternal – He is outside of space and time

Live – for forever

Unchangeable – He will not be corrupted, bribed or swayed from His mission

Trust – in His character

Present – He reveals his eternal name but in the context of time – in the context of generations

Worship – He is here

———————-

We see Jesus

John 8:56–59 (ESV)

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple…

In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2 On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), 3 the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.
Ezekiel 1:1-3 (ESV)

Exile is not something new – but experienced by the people of God in Ezekiel – as we just read in our passage. So, why did this come about for Israel, why does this happen to us, and what do we do about it?

Why were the Israelites exiled?

The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of the Lord being strong upon me. 15 And I came to the exiles at Tel-abib, who were dwelling by the Chebar canal, and I sat where they were dwelling.[c] And I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.
Ezekiel 3:14-15 (ESV)

A brief history… of people, place and time

David >
Solomon >
Divided Kingdom >
Northern Kingdom of Israel defeated by Assyria (715BC) >
Southern Kingdom is defeated and exiled to Babylon (read Ezekiel and Daniel) (590BC) >
Persia overthrows the Babylonians and allows the Jews back into Jerusalem (520BC) >

The exiles were separated from:

1. Temple worship (temple)
2. Each other (killed, exiled, displaced)
3. their land (land, nature)

Which, had two specific outcomes:

1. Separation from God
2. Separation from themselves

The exiles, who have been so proud of Jerusalem, now find themselves dwarfed by the size and scope of Babylon’s buildings and businesses. And where is the God of Israel in all this? Is he still alive, or has he been defeated too?

How does this get resolved?

These shall be the exits of the city: On the north side, which is to be 4,500 cubits (1.5 miles) by measure, three gates, the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi, the gates of the city being named after the tribes of Israel. On the east side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. On the south side, which is to be 4,500 cubits by measure, three gates, the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, and the gate of Zebulun. On the west side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher, and the gate of Naphtali. 35 The circumference of the city shall be 6 miles. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.”
Ezekiel 48:30-35 (ESV)