As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ arrival on Earth, we’re taking some time to enter the season of Advent - a time of hopeful anticipation. On Sunday Jacinda spoke on how Jesus has shown us a way to find, cultivate, and practice hope.
Jesus used a number of metaphors to illustrate that God can make significant things grow out of seemingly insignificant beginnings. On Sunday we continued our series looking at the book of Luke, as our guest speaker Stanley Ross (Shore Vineyard Church) opened up these metaphors to show how God still makes big things happen through us even when we feel like we don’t have much to offer. Have a listen below:
On Sunday, Matt spoke about how Jesus invites us to let go of the smaller things in life so we can join in the fullness of life with Him. Take a listen here.
Building strong relationships sometimes takes perseverance through tough stuff. Last Sunday Matt gave some helpful insights for growing beyond the trials and getting to the good stuff on the other side. Listen here.
Message notes:
Scriptures:
James 1: 2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Jesus said in John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Message Bible)
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process with glory just around the corner.
When you are thinking of quitting on any relationship, consider these 5 questions:
1) Have I remembered that perseverance produces character?
Our wrestling and trials, our difficulties, is never a problem. The problem is that we might throw in the towel and say to God, “Forget it. It is not worth it.”
Nelson Mandela “The greatest glory in living is not in not falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
If we want to become a godly person, full of character, we need to persevere in hard times
2) Have I asked God what I should do?
Pray and ask for guidance.
3) Have I got input from wise people?
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
4) Are you breaking a commitment?
We all need to consider what sort of person we are becoming.
5) Can you hang in for longer?
Because perseverance produces character.
How can different generations build each other up? What are the unique things that people of different ages and stages can offer each other? Our special guest Scottie Young from Christchurch spoke on this on Sunday as part of our Being Better Friends series. Audio link in bio.
How do we go beyond surface interactions and engage in something deeper and more meaningful? How do we share life together well? In this part of our Being Better Friends series, Kiran spoke about real community and our part to play in building it.
The words we say have impact - and they can make or break our relationships with others. In this part of our Being Better Friends series, Matt spoke on how we can use our words to build friendships, as well as some common habits to avoid. Have a listen here.
In relationships of any kind, conflict is inevitable. But how do we do this well? How can we work out our differences and stay friends? How can we “fight fair"? Matt spoke on this to continue our Being Better Friends series. Have a listen here.
Want to know how to cultivate great friendships? On Sunday, Jacinda continued our Being Better Friends series by sharing some crucial keys to healthy relationships. Listen to the audio here.
To begin our Being Better Friends series, Matt shared about the key to healthy relationships - it must be love. Have a listen as Matt unpacks some practical ways we can grow our relationships with others.
"The real battle Jesus fought was for our hearts...to reconnect us with the one who made us."
Annaliese wrapped up our Simply Jesus by sharing an amazing message on how we can know Jesus as king of our lives (and more). Check it out here.
This was one of our Sundays where we get to hear from 3 of our Coasties - this time sharing about Why Jesus Matters. It was great to hear the stories and messages from Samantha, Caitlin, and Dean as they unpacked a different part of why Jesus matters to them (and to us) today. Have a listen here.
NB: We had some technical glitches on the day, so our apologies for some background noise on the audio.
Continuing our series on Simply Jesus, Kiran spoke about how we can know Jesus as our teacher and step into the fullness of life he intends for us.