Christians often refer to themselves as followers of Jesus, but not actually connecting with Him on a personal level? Christians are in danger of “following the crowd” and not Jesus Christ, Himself – taking part in activities but missing out on the most important thing – developing a personal relationship with Him.

Pastor Chris read from Luke 4:14-31, where Jesus fulfils ancient prophecies from Isaiah 61. Jesus standing up and declaring that He is anointed to bring good news to those weighed down by life’s burdens. While people may look fine on the outside, they can be hurting on the inside. Jesus tells us that the anointing can heal and deliver us from all sorts of struggles. This kind of true deliverance is something we can’t achieve on our own; it comes from Jesus, who specifically came for this purpose. 

Pastor James shared from 2 Samuel 9, where David sought someone from the House of Saul to show kindness for Jonathan’s sake, but Ziba identified the person by his condition rather than by his name. This reminds us how often people are labelled by their conditions, such as age, gender, race, or social and economic status. 

In recent times, we’ve seen a growth in the apostolic ministry, likely because the Church of Christ is facing unprecedented levels of deception and infiltration by ungodly elements. The apostle serves as a gatekeeper, safeguarding the truth of the church. Can you share an example of how you’ve seen or experienced this protective role in action, or how you believe it can help restore order to the church?

Sister Comfort shared how Philippians 2:3-11 shows God’s incredible humility and selflessness, leaving His glory to come to earth and die for us. This act of love is the perfect example of what God wants from us as Christians: to bear each other’s burdens and care for our neighbours. Can you share a time when you saw or experienced an act of selflessness that inspired you to show love and care for others?

Pastor Chris shared a powerful quote from Barack Obama’s Father’s Day speech in 2010, emphasising the vital role fathers play in our lives as our first teachers, mentors, and role models. Obama highlighted how fathers set examples for the kind of people we should become and the impact of their absence.

Pastor Chris began by referencing Paul’s letter to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6, emphasising the pursuit of godliness, love, and gentleness. He highlighted that the only thing required for us to actively fight is faith. As Christians, we must continuously engage in the fight of faith.

Pastor James began by referencing the time when Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in the upper room until Pentecost Sunday. They had already waited for 40 days before gathering in the upper room and had to wait another 10 days before they received the Holy Spirit. He highlighted that there is always a season of waiting, and how we navigate that season is crucial.

Read: Luke 24:49, 3:21 | Acts 1:4 17:1, 1:12-13, 24:52-53 | Romans 8:24-25 | Lamentations 3:26