We can doubt God because of many reasons: difficult circumstances, incomplete revelation, worldly influences and unfulfilled expectations.

We overcome doubt when we: pray persistently, have mercy on doubters, embrace the mysteries of God, believe God’s words and doubt our doubts!

James 1:6, Matthew 11:2-6, 2 Peter 3:9, Luke 7:20-21, Luke 18:1-8, Jude 22, Deuteronomy 29:29, 1 Corinthians 15:3, Mark 9:24, 2 Timothy 2:13

It is impossible to serve two masters, because when they lead in different directions, we can only follow one of them.

Jesus highlighted a master called “Mammon”, or money. John highlighted three other masters: pleasure, possessions, and pride.

The good news is that if we are truly serving Jesus as our master, we will be unable to serve those other masters! Instead of being mastered by money, pleasure, possessions or pride, we can walk in Jesus’ magnificent ways: Putting God’s Kingdom first. Laying down our lives like Jesus did. Being content and generous. And living in the humility that Jesus demonstrated so powerfully.

Luke 16:13-15, 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 6:33, 1 Timothy 6:6-10

The Covid-19 pandemic has been like a massive storm, causing destruction & disruption world-wide. Yet God has been wonderfully present and has taught us many lessons. If we learn the lessons, they will help us to navigate any future storms that may come our way:

-Storms affect good people

-Work with the wind when it changes (keep in step with the Spirit)

-Don't be reckless or presumptuous

-Adapt to the storm

-Keep trusting Jesus!

Acts 27, John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:15-17, John 10:28, Jude 1:24-25

When a person puts their faith in Jesus, God adopts them into his family. And as we mature, we begin to show the family likeness - we begin to look like Jesus!

We are a multi-national family, with brothers and sisters from every language, tribe and nation. When we understand this, we understand why Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. He has given us a world-wide ministry of reconciliation, telling people everywhere what God has done, so that they may be reconciled to him - and become part of his family!

Ephesians 1:5,10,22-23, Matthew 28:18-19, Romans 8:29, John 17:2-6, Psalm 2:7-8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved us. He defined this love as laying down our lives for one another. The ultimate example of this love is his going to the cross for the sake of mankind.

When we love like Jesus, we help others to see how Jesus loves them. This kind of love also enables us to live in united, loving community.

Our love and unity is disrupted when we refuse to lay down our selfish desires, so we must learn to live surrendered lives.

When we love like Jesus, people will see the love of Christ and the church will be healthy and effective.

John 13:34-35, John 15:12-13, 1 John 3:16, John 17:20-23, Acts 2:42-47, James 4:1-3, Matthew 16:24

King David was a mighty warrior and king, yet his psalms reveal a vulnerable inner world of tears, fears and insecure moments. The apostle Paul was used powerfully by God, but he too cried out to God for deliverance. Job was a man of faith and godliness, yet he suffered greatly and lamented bitterly. The godly are not exempt from hardship and suffering! Our trials sometimes serve to keep us humble before God and man. Sometimes they serve as God's discipline. And they can last longer than we expect.

In these times we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. At the right time, he will rescue us! And he will keep us from falling!

Psalm 6, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Hebrews 12:7-11, Psalm 13:1-3, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Galatians 6:9,2 Chronicles 20:12, 2 Timothy 4:18, Jude 1:24-25, Romans 8:28

The Gospel - the good news about Jesus - has been preached for thousands of years and has transformed millions of lives. We could therefore expect the message to be well established and well received - but this is not always the case. Some think it foolish. Some find it offensive. But many believe and discover the power of God at work, reconciling them to God and transforming their lives. 

Some have tried to modify the Gospel to make it more appealing, but this can mis-represent Jesus and fail to produce true disciples of Jesus. The power of God is at work when the true message is faithfully proclaimed - so let's proclaim the Gospel accurately and completely! 

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 3:16, Romans 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6

God wants every nation to be transformed, as the people of the nation become disciples of Jesus. But although the salvation of the nations are his end goal, God starts by working with individuals. He starts with us.

Transformation begins with the preaching of the good news about Jesus and continues as God, church leaders and each individual does their work. In the end, all nations will worship Jesus!

Matthew 4:17, Colossians 1:21-22, Philippians 1:6, Galatians 4:19, Ephesians 4:11-12, Philippians 2:12-13, Genesis 12:1-3, Revelation 7:9-10

Jesus was called the "friend of sinners" - yet he preached an uncompromising message of turning from sin and living in authentic righteousness under God's rule. In isolation, his message may seem "unfriendly", but Jesus' actions and attitudes demonstrated such a deep love for those around him that his message was well-received.

When asked why he happily spent time with those labelled as "sinners", his reply explained why he is a great friend: he comes to us as a doctor, not as a judge. He invites us to come to him - just as we are - so that he can heal and deliver us. He truly is the greatest friend we could ever have!

Matthew 4:17, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 23:27-28, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 5:27-32, Romans 5:8, Colossians 1:13-14

Following Jesus does not mean that we won't experience "storms" in our lives - but we can have peace in the midst of our storms because of Jesus:

- The storms of life are under his control

- He has set a perfect example of faith for us

- He is with us in every storm

Luke 8:22-25, John 16:33, Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 23:4, John 1:3, Psalm 107:23-29, 1 Peter 4:12