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Grace Amid the Turmoil
In the tumult of those times and these times, this is the real revolution: to faithfully and obediently live, work, and play in a radically grace-filled way.
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Passing the BatonWe run our leg of the race with faithfulness and then hand it on with joy.
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Breaking the CycleJesus broke the cycle unfaithfulness and drifting by being broken for us.
Where is God amid the Uncertainty?God is working out his purposes to bring about his everlasting kingdom.
Hospitality: Loving the Stranger as FamilyAs Christians, our hospitality should go beyond just convenient acts of kindness.
God's Work Behind the ScenesBackstage, God is working in and through every situation to bring about good.
Proclaiming the Kingdom and Boasting in the CrossPaul’s arrest appears like defeat, but it marks a victory for God’s kingdom.
The Revelation of Jesus ChristJesus wants us to rest our hearts and hopes in this: He is God. He is King. He is coming soon.
Jesus is with usOur confidence in the valley of the shadow of death is the shade of Jesus.
God's Work through His WordMay we always be willing and able to read the Bible with those seeking God.
Showing Jesus Through the GospelsGod invites us to evangelise by exploring what the Bible says about Jesus with others.
United by the Gospel The church doesn’t unite around its earthly leaders. It unites around the gospel of Jesus Christ.
God's Work Restoring HeartsJesus took all of my bad and its consequences on himself, and he gave me his goodness instead.
A Message of RedemptionGod in Jesus rescued us by satisfying God’s anger against us at the cross.
The Last PostSorrow and suffering is not the final word in our life. The victory that Christ has won is.
The Message of ReconciliationGod is reconciling people to himself and has chosen to work through ordinary people.
The Power of Jesus' ResurrectionJesus' resurrection is the power source, the content of our message, the fibre of our faith.
The Death of JesusChrist was abandoned so we could be embraced. He was forsaken so we could be forgiven.
Taking the high roadTaking the high road involves imitating Christ’s gentle and lowly character.
The Lord’s commendationOur hearts can rest in the commendation that comes from the cross of Christ.
Conflicts on the outside, fears withinThe cost of confronting: Externally, exhaustion, harassment, tension. Internally, fears.
Christ-like confrontationChristlike confronting involves clarity, compassion, and purity of motives. It doesn’t seek to condemn.
Yes, NoThe integrity of Christian leadership resounds in what we say “yes” to, and what we say “no” to.
Step One: Fly the planePsalm 22 reveals that the first step in the midst of disorientation is to remember God's goodness.
The anchor of God's graceEven in the storms and disasters of this life, the anchor of God’s grace holds.
Is your basket empty?Jesus intentionally emptied himself and became one of us in order to become our Redeemer.
Ordinary people called to an extraordinary missionWhat a privilege it is to be an ordinary Christian involved in the most extraordinary story.
For he himself is our peaceThe deepest racial reconciliation happens only through the cross of Christ.
We do not lose heartOur confidence, endurance, and hope come from what God has done, is doing, and will do.
The Seventh SevenJesus is able to take our stories—no matter how broken—and give them a new beginning.
A new beginningBecause of Jesus, the Living Word, the worst of our stories are not the last word in our lives.
Grief will turn to joyThe hope at the heart of the gospel is that those who have died with Christ will rise with him.
From darkness to lightGod himself called us personally out of darkness and into light.
Christ's supreme authorityChrist is the head of the Church. He sustains the world and is at work in it through his Church.
Hate evil, love goodAmos calls the people of God to hate evil and love good in a very practical and public way.
Pride, a road to ruinPride is a dismissal of God as supreme, and it is an installation of ourselves in God’s place.
Times of crisisAmong wars and rumours of war, the best thing we can do is worship Christ as we wait for his return.
Pride and prejudiceThrough Christ, all our pride and self-centredness can be turned into love and mercy.
Do I have a heart like Haman's? Instead of reacting like Haman, we can look to Christ as our example.
The end of all things is nearThe coming of Jesus deepens our commitment to our local church.
Winter experiencesIn the worst of our winter moments, the God who loves us is with us.
Where do we put our confidence?Our security, safety, and satisfaction are found in God alone.
Don't miss the climateThe weather was God’s withering judgement on Jerusalem. The climate is God’s grace.
Jesus took the cup instead of usUnlike Edom, I don’t live in fear of God’s judgement. Jesus took it all, and now I’m in him.
Jesus calls us his friendsJesus called his own betrayer, friend. Jesus calls sinners like you and me, friend.
Every nation, every tribeWhat does it look like for your own church to welcome people from other nations or tribes?
New creationThe gospel transforms our hearts and minds, allowing us to reflect the nature of our Creator.
The light of the worldBecause Jesus has saved us and he indwells us, we have the privilege of being his light to the world.
Hope bears fruitLet us regularly take time to clarify our hope through the Scriptures.
A vibrant hopeOur hearts need hope, and they will find it in the Saviour revealed in the Scriptures.
The supremacy of Jesus ChristHe has no rival. He has no equal. He is completely unique, and he is supreme over all things.
The gift of salvationSalvation is free, for anyone who will receive it. This is good news indeed.
God communicatesGod isn’t distant or disinterested—he comes near to us to communicate who he is.
God, the Creator of the universeLet’s consider the one true God who created the stars and who sustains the seasons.
Hospitality, an act of loveHospitality is costly and challenging. It's an act of love that reminds us of the gospel.
God comforts the downcastThose living in the conflict and amidst the fears know that God comforts the downcast.
Facing the furnaceInstead of facing the valley alone, Jesus leans in to his Father and embraces the purpose for it.
Praise the Lord, my soulThis psalm invites us to comfort our souls with the goodness and greatness of God.
There is no one righteous We won’t understand how precious God's grace is unless we understand how grave our sin is.
Jesus, Our SubstituteAs our substitute on the cross, Jesus takes the full force of God’s anger against our sin.
Where is our trust?The psalmist contrasts the foolishness of putting our trust in princes with the salvation found in God.
The power of GodThe passage is saying don’t rest on your laurels. Rest on His laurels.
ConflictsThe only real way out of our conflicts is to know and experience the grace of Jesus.
A better homeThe identity of elect exiles is supremely comforting. People of God are citizens of heaven.
Our Redeemer livesJob’s hope is fully and finally revealed in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection.
Jesus has overcome the worldHe encourages the disciples to look at the world through the lens of his life, death & resurrection.
God's heart for the helplessWhere do I see God’s heart for the helpless most clearly? I see it in the person of his Son.
HumilityHumility is a simple concept, but not so simple to accomplish. How do we become more humble?
God's consolationGod applies his consolations to us through the Holy Spirit of Christ, our Comforter.
United with Christ: part 2Each day is filled with opportunities to be united with Christ in a death and a resurrection like his.
United with Christ: part 1Moments that felt like death led to experiences of being united with Him in his resurrection.
The upper room Christ at the cross has overcome our sin, evil and the reality of a fallen world.
There is hopeHere is our hope, the one in the cradle will go to the cross. He is the Messiah.
Christ is our peaceAt the cross Christ himself destroyed all the barriers that separate Jew and Gentile.
Bearing fruitThe main way the gospel grows is through ordinary people pointing other people to Jesus.
Jesus faces the furnaceIn order to satisfy his justice, God himself bears the penalty for our sin.
Examine ourselvesPaul prompts us to examine ourselves and our contribution to the unity of our church families.
Communion mattersWhen we eat the bread and drink the cup, we share in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
How long, O Lord?David's confronting questions express a living faith in the Living God. He's waiting for him.
Jesus: the Resurrection and the LifeIf we love him and hope in him, we too will rise with him.
Christ is our HopeWe should not despair, we can place our hope in the death, resurrection, and return of Christ.
Jesus wept"Knowing exactly what he's about to do, Jesus sits down and does what? He weeps".
Confronted and ComfortedMy heart needs to be confronted and comforted by who Jesus is and what he has done.
God's Power at the CrossAt the cross, God’s power in Christ triumphed over powers and authorities.
Last Words MatterThe final words that we read in the Old Testament contain a message of hope.
Jesus Knows UsAt the cross, we hear Christ say: I know you. I am near you. I am holding you. I will protect you.
A Love That EnduresThrough God's kindness the tragic circumstances of death and loss can bear great gospel fruit.
God Comes CampingGod does not camp at a distance from his people. He comes to dwell at the centre of them.
God made New ZealandWhat a privilege it is to point the people of these islands to the God who made the land and seas.
God, the Creator of the MatarikiJob’s reflection on the Matariki's creator leads him to realize how God is much higher than us.
Call me MaraIn Naomi’s moment of bleakness, bitterness, and blindness, God is doing something better.
The Four HorsemenThe Lamb who was slain for us is the one who holds history in his hands.
Jesus Is Better Than Your ComfortsJesus is bigger than your fears and better than your comforts.
Jesus and His SalvationThe Father gives Jesus the cup of his wrath and we receive the cup of his salvation.
The Hour Has ComeJesus has found comfort in the chaos. He has found fortitude in the face of the furnace.
Praying in GethsemaneJesus' prayer shows us that the furnace, "the cup", for Jesus is the cross.
Servant LeadershipJesus speaks about two ways of leadership: one that lords it over people; and servant leadership.
Jesus' HumilityJesus—obediently facing death—descends lower still, and faces death on a cross.
Known Unto GodThe good news of the gospel is that not only we are known by God, but also we can know God.
My Delight Comes With a DutyMy delight comes with a duty to play my part, in my sphere of influence, in my generation.
The Good News of God's WrathHis wrath and judgement on injustice, corruption and persecution are profoundly good news.
Easter LeadersAs Easter Leaders, we know we encounter our risen Jesus in 'the message of the cross'.
Opening Doors for the GospelGod will make a way for His Word and for His good news to be spoken.
The Lamb of GodThey were looking for the lion they wanted; John points them to the Lamb they needed.
Who is He?John says: you're asking the wrong question. The question isn't who I am: it's who is He.
Sober-mindedSober-mindedness is a cross-centred thinking that hopes in the return of the King Jesus.
Frustration and FaithTake your frustrations to your Father and let them be guided by the surety of God's unfailing love.
Whose We AreWe'll name "whose we are" because of the death and resurrection of God's son Jesus.
God is Calling usWe have before us a choice: to prioritise our own comfort or to glorify God.
In Times of TroubleGod is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Good NewsThe good news of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, is still good news for you and me.
In the BeginningIn the beginning, Jesus was. Jesus was with God. Jesus was God. Jesus was with God in the beginning.
The Cross at ChristmasThe Gift of Christmas is the Cross. The cross of Christ gave hope to a destitute Mary all those years ago. It gives us hope today.
Theology MattersWhat we believe about Jesus—who he is and why he came—makes a difference to the way we live out our faith. .
This Christmas is better than that ChristmasAs stunningly good as the first Christmas is, this Christmas in 2022 is even better.
Longings fulfilled in JesusBecause of what God has done in Jesus at the cross, Jesus is now my refuge, my deliverer, my rescuer, and my rock
Rejoice together and Mourn togetherRejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Breakfast on the BeachJesus, who was dead, has been raised from the dead, invites his disciples to breakfast.
He is Not Here He is RisenThe Risen Lord Jesus has saved you and he is with you.
Light of the WorldJohn 1:4 - 5 points us to the One who the darkness cannot overcome.
Horizon of HopeWhat will frame our horizon of hope? Will it be our circumstances or will it be Christ?
LamentIf we are in places where we cannot see a way forward, God’s character can be our compass.
Grace In The Finished Work of JesusFind strength as you remember what Christ has done.
Finding Your Second WindFinding a second wind for ministry by resting in what Jesus has done.
RecalibratingWe are in a season of reconnecting and rebuilding our church gatherings and relationships.
Saying what mattersWith the time he has left, Paul focuses on saying what needs to be said.
Truth in the trialIn the challenges and trials, God is forging and forming our faith.
Doable Hard vs. Destructive HardPersevering in a tough season of ministry as we consider how God has been at work.
Church and camp partnershipsAn encouraging story about churches and campsites working together.
Stop Doing, Keep Doing, Start Doing Slowing down and assessing honestly where we are as a church.
Refuge is our resurrected saviourFinding rest and salvation in our resurrected saviour.
RebuildingIf COVID has taught us anything, it is that 'normal' doesn't always mean healthy.
Leading amid dissensionWhat does Christian Leadership involve in a time of dissension?
Declaring Christ crucifiedPrioritising the gospel of Christ crucified in an age of distraction.
Standing at the CentreEphesians 2:13-14 invites me to remember that at the heart of the treaty, is the heart of the cross.
Seven Reminders From EphesiansThings may be difficult, but what's important hasn't changed.
Conflict is comingThe next season of ministry will bring conflict, are we navigating conflict at the foot of the cross?
What it means to be the ChurchWhat it means to be the Church in this season of ministry.
Finding meaning in the messThe Christmas Story told in Luke seems like a mess!
Same Place, Different ConditionsBeing prepared for the changing conditions in today's world.
The God of the HarvestIn Luke 10 Jesus sends out the 72. The mission is dangerous. But God is the God of the harvest.
By This Gospel You Are SavedGod, by his Spirit, saved me through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The wonder and delight of God’s grace in Jesus, through the gospel, never gets old.
Replenish, Renew and ReconcileTo renew, replenish, and reconcile them Paul reminds the Corinthians of the content centrality and significance of the gospel.
Finding Our Identity in ChristWe have more leisure and more time saving technology and resources and yet we are one of the least happy generations in history.
Yes, No The integrity of Christian leadership resounds in what we say 'yes' to, and what we say 'no' to.
There's HopeMatthew 1:18-2:18 reminds us there is hope in a horrible year. Mary knows a horrible year. She’ll wear the stigma and shame ...
Confidence in the Cross of ChristPaul’s confidence in Christ and the cross enables him to cope with challenges and change. 2020 has been a year of ...
Encountering Christ this EasterWe are Easter Leaders. We always have been but now more than ever. As Easter Leaders we know we encounter our risen Jesus.
Confidence in ChristPaul and the Philippians Christians face real uncertainty, complexity and difficulty. We look at Paul's confidence in Chapter 3.
What comes next? A look at Philippians to start thinking about life in a world recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Right people, right timeIn these unprecedented days, you, because of Jesus, are the right people, at the right time, for the churches, campsites and support ministries you serve.
Jesus ImmanuelThis Christmas, I am moved to tears by the depths of the grace of God shown to me in Jesus Christ.
Encountering Christ through ScriptureI recently returned from the International Brethren Conference on Mission. A standout moment for me came from John Lennox, the main speaker, talking about Nigel Lee.
After the fireHope Community Church (HCC) Lead Pastor Daryl Bay reflects on the way God has been at work in their church and in their community...
Growing a mustard seed cultureLyndon Frost is 5-months into a new role at Te Awamutu Bible Chapel—there’s a huge amount he could be doing...
Responding to terror with hope In the wake of the Christchurch terror attacks, Mark Grace reflects on the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy in the gospel
Who are the next generation of leaders among you?The elders at Hope Community Church in Nelson prayed, asking God to guide them in how to grow as a church.
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