What is biblical faith, and how does it sustain us through life's most difficult moments?

In this message, we explore the nature of faith—not as blind optimism or a feeling, but as a confident trust rooted in the truth and faithfulness of God. Looking at Hebrews 11 and the lives of ordinary people who chose to trust Him, we are reminded that faith means placing our weight on God even when the path ahead is unclear.

Through life's suffering, loss, and difficult crossroads, God's Word gives us something firm to hold onto. Ultimately, we see the heart of Jesus—a God who draws near to the broken, touches the wounded, and offers an eternal hope that reaches beyond our present circumstances.

Forgiveness is easy in theory—but agonising when the debt has a face.

In Part 2 of our 70x7: Forgiven to Forgive series, we explore Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21–35 and discover how to begin releasing the debts others owe us.

Because God has released our debt, we can release theirs into His hands.

In this message, we consider five practical movements of forgiveness:

1. Remember how much God has forgiven you.
2. Name the wound, grieve the loss and identify the debt.
3. Release your right to make them pay.
4. Pray for them and bless them.
5. Keep choosing forgiveness as God heals your heart.

Forgiveness does not mean pretending the wound was imaginary, calling evil good or abandoning justice and wise boundaries. It means surrendering personal revenge and entrusting the debt to God.

Forgiveness takes one; reconciliation takes two. You can forgive while still pursuing truth, accountability and appropriate boundaries.

Key Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35

Bottom line: Because God has released my debt, I can release theirs into His hands.

If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who may need it, subscribe for future messages and join us for the rest of the series.

Forgiveness is a beautiful idea—until you have someone to forgive.

In Part 1 of our 70x7 Forgiven to Forgive series, we explore Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21–35.

One servant is released from an impossible debt, yet refuses to show mercy to someone who owes him far less. Through this confronting story, Jesus shows us that receiving God’s forgiveness should change the way we respond to those who have hurt us.

In this message, we consider:

• Why forgiveness does not come naturally

• What the two debts in Jesus’ parable represent

• How God’s forgiveness moves from our heads into our hearts

• Why forgiveness and justice are compatible

• The difference between forgiveness, reconciliation and restored trust

• How a deeper understanding of the cross helps us forgive

• The practical challenge of making a “hundred-denarii list”

Forgiveness does not mean pretending the wrong did not matter. It does not mean ignoring abuse, removing consequences or immediately restoring trust. It means surrendering personal revenge and refusing to build the rest of your life around collecting the debt.

This week’s challenge: prayerfully write down the people who have hurt, disappointed or betrayed you. Name the debts honestly, and bring them into the light of the cross.

Before focusing only on how we have been hurt, we need to remember how greatly we have been forgiven.

Forgiven people become forgiving people.

???? Main Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35

▶️ Next message: Part 2 — The Key to Your Freedom

If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone and subscribe for the rest of the series.

What does it look like to let God be the King of the castle in our inner lives?

In this message, we explore the biblical call to self-control and how we can allow the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, desires and choices.

Through Romans 7 and Proverbs 25:28, we are reminded that self-control is not simply about trying harder—it is about allowing God to shape and lead our inner world.

In this message:

Why we all struggle with self-control

How God becomes both our “why” and our “how”

The importance of healthy boundaries and creating distance from temptation

How small, consistent victories help us build a secure inner life

???? “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” — Proverbs 25:28

Offence will come—but it does not have to rule your heart.

In Don’t Take the Bait: Wisdom for Dealing with Offence, we explore Proverbs 19:11 and discover how biblical wisdom helps us respond when we are hurt, disappointed, misunderstood or treated unfairly.

Using the picture of bait inside a trap, this message presents five wise responses to offence:

• Slow your reaction

• Discern what love can overlook

• Refuse borrowed offence

• Go directly to the person

• Forgive as Christ has forgiven you

We also consider the difference between empathy and entanglement, forgiveness and reconciliation, and overlooking an irritation versus seeking help in a dangerous situation.

You cannot prevent every offence from reaching you, but by God’s grace, you can prevent it from ruling you.

What offence are you still rehearsing? Is love asking you to release it, address it directly, or seek wise help?

Main Scripture: Proverbs 19:11

Series: Proverbs: Living Wisely—God’s truth applied to everyday life

If this message encouraged you, please share it with someone who needs wisdom and freedom in a difficult relationship.

In this encouraging message, Marius reminds us that trials are not a sign that God has abandoned us—they are often the very place where He is shaping us. Drawing from Romans 5:1–4 and James 1:2–8, he explores:

How perseverance through trials produces endurance, godly character, and lasting hope.

Why our attitude matters and how we can choose joy even in difficult seasons.

How Jesus has given us direct access to God's grace.

The importance of bringing our burdens honestly before God in prayer.

Practical ways to seek God's wisdom, including writing out our prayers.

Whether you're walking through a season of hardship or supporting someone who is, this message will encourage you to keep trusting God and find hope in His faithfulness.

Scripture References:

Romans 5:1–4

James 1:2–8

In this message from our Proverbs: Living Wisely series, Paul Dennison explores what the book of Proverbs teaches us about godly friendship.

We may have more ways to connect than ever before, yet many people are experiencing a “friendship recession”. We can be surrounded by people and still feel unknown and alone.

Drawing from Proverbs 13:20, 17:17, 18:24 and 27:5–6, we discover three qualities of wise friendship:

• A wise friend walks with you.

• A wise friend sticks with you.

• A wise friend sharpens you.

Our friendships shape our character, direction and relationship with Jesus. The question is not only, “Do I have friends like this?” The deeper question is, “Am I becoming a friend like this?”

This message also speaks to those who have experienced betrayal, rejection or disappointment in friendship. Jesus understands the pain of wounded friendship. He is the faithful Friend who chose us, laid down His life for us and remains with us when others do not.

“Walk with the wise and become wise.” — Proverbs 13:20

In this message from our Living Wisely series through Proverbs, Mike unpacks one of the Bible's most foundational truths: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Rather than living in fear of God, we discover that true wisdom begins with humble reverence, wholehearted trust, and joyful obedience to Him.

Through the lives of Joseph, Gideon, Joshua, King Saul, and others, we see what it looks like to live in the fear of the Lord.

To live in the fear of the Lord, we must:

Be humble – Recognise our need for God.

Honour and trust God – Trust Him in every circumstance.

Obey God – Walk in His ways, knowing His commands are for our good.

Be encouraged to build your life on the sure foundation of God's Word.

Key Scriptures:

• Proverbs 1:7

• Proverbs 9:10

• Judges 6–7

• Joshua 6–7

• 1 Samuel 15

What shapes the direction of your life?

In this message from our Living Wisely series, Anne unpacks the wisdom of Proverbs 4, revealing that everything we do flows from the condition of our hearts. Through an interactive study of Scripture, we explore how our hearts influence our words, our focus, and the path we walk each day.

Discover why Scripture calls us to guard our hearts above all else, how our speech reveals what is happening within us, and why fixing our eyes on Christ is essential for living wisely. Rather than striving to follow a list of rules, biblical maturity is found in walking daily with the Holy Spirit and allowing Jesus to transform us from the inside out.

No matter where you've been or how far you've wandered, there is always an invitation to return to Christ and begin again.

Key Scriptures:

• Proverbs 4

• Philippians 4:8

• James 1:8

• Luke 17:32

In this sermon from Proverbs 5, Paul Dennison speaks about desire, temptation, marriage, sexual integrity, and covenant faithfulness.

Proverbs 5 is direct, honest, and deeply practical. It warns us that temptation often begins like honey but ends in bitterness. It teaches us not to go near the door of compromise, but to guard what is sacred and bring our desires under the wisdom of God.

This message is not only for married couples. Whether you are married, single, dating, divorced, widowed, wounded, tempted, or carrying regret, Proverbs 5 gives wisdom for walking the road of life faithfully before God.

The sermon explores five key takeaways:

• Wisdom begins when I become teachable before I become tempted.
• Sin shows you the honey, but wisdom shows you the wormwood.
• The wise person does not ask, “How close can I get?” but “What must I protect?”
• Faithfulness is not only avoiding the wrong person; it is actively pursuing your spouse.
• You do not defeat secrecy secretly. Freedom begins in the light.

We end at the communion table, remembering that Jesus does not only warn foolish people; He rescues foolish people. Where we have been unfaithful, He has been faithful. Where we have hidden in shame, He invites us into the light. Where sin has tied cords around us, He breaks the cords.