Throughout the New Testament Scriptures, we see accounts of Jesus healing all types of diseases; severe pain; demon possessed; seizures; the paralysed; and he healed them all (Mt 4:24). Jesus later sends out 72 disciples telling them to do what they have seen him do. When they returned, they had stories of the miraculous being done through them, in Jesus’ name (Lk10:17). For many people who call themselves Christian (or Followers of Christ), believing that a miracle will actually happen when they pray, is a bridge too far for their faith level. Yet there are many scriptures that teach us to pray the prayer of faith. It is worth noting that, whilst there are many promises that we can claim for ourselves as ‘born again - children of God’, most of the miracles spoken of in the Gospels occurred during the spreading of the Gospel, that is whilst telling people about Jesus.

Levi’s close encounter with Jesus was a spontaneous interaction of grace and redemption. Levi (who later became known as the disciple Matthew) was a despised tax collector, hated by his own Jewish community. Yet Jesus saw through his pain and rejection to bring him into a place of forgiveness, restoration and purpose. Our past mistakes do not stop us from knowing Jesus, nor do they define us. How have you encountered Jesus in your life? How can we be instruments of grace to help others encounter him too, especially those who are marginalized by society? 

At times it may feel like we are living on cruise-control and just going through the motions. Finish school? Check. Find a job? Check. Earn money? Check. Start a family? Check. Drive within the speed limit? Check? But the life that God has for us is far more than that. Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b). Life is better with Jesus, and it begins when we first encounter Him.

At times it may feel like we are living on cruise-control and just going through the motions. Finish school? Check. Find a job? Check. Earn money? Check. Start a family? Check. Drive within the speed limit? Check? But the life that God has for us is far more than that. Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b). Life is better with Jesus, and it begins when we first encounter Him.

Suffering is one of the most perplexing issues a human can grapple with. For those who put their faith in Jesus, how can we reconcile the experience of suffering with our loving God, and how does knowing Him help us endure difficult and painful times?

In Australia we have been accustomed to a level of freedom that has attracted many to our shores. In 2017, Melbourne was voted the most liveable city in the world for the seventh consecutive year – a status that has slipped in recent years. Attitudes to Christian values have shifted; new legislation has been introduced and the freedom to express and share our faith has changed. How then should we live, and is there still room to live the Christian faith?

We all know that choosing joy is not always as simple as it may sound. If you look at your life circumstances right now, it might be easier to spot where trials and tribulations are than it is to find joy. But we need to remember that joy does not happen in an instance, nor does it exist in the absence of trials. In his letter to the early church, James teaches the believers - then and now, to consider it pure joy in times of trials. The good news is that the joy of the Lord is in us. It may not come out naturally, but we do have it within ourselves. When we choose joy in times of trials of many kinds, we will have a rich experience in life, faith and God.

There may be times in life when we feel distant or disconnected from God. The challenge in these moments is to seek out ways to reconnect with Him. This may involve coming in repentance to God for things that are not in accordance with His ways (1 John 1:9). Other times we simply need to press in closer and spend more time in God’s word and in prayer, seeking out God and His will (Romans 12:1-3). Occasionally it can even be that God has already shown us the next step, and we simply need to be obedient, step out in faith and do it!

Weariness, burnouts and powerlessness can be a part of our up-and-down journey as believers. The world and society offer a plethora of self-help solutions, but our Creator is the only one who knows how best to refresh us. He refreshes us not just for ourselves, but so we can minister more effectively to others. Refreshment from Him does not mean we will simply go back to the way we used to live, because frankly, that way of life did not work. As Pastor Heather suggests, the King of kings deserves a greater offering than that. Time of refreshing starts by repenting. When we change our mind, our behaviour and the way we live, time of refreshing will flow.

The heart of God is to engage with the lost to offer forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with Him. The book of Revelation states that in heaven “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” will be worshiping God. This means that the gospel needs to go out to every people group and culture. Even in the darkest circumstances the gospel has brought about salvation, hope, social change and transformation. Yet, there are few laborers before a great harvest. What can we do to meet this challenge and keep ourselves engaged in the work of cross-cultural missions?