NewLife Christian Church - Hervey Bay

Pastor Colin Missingham shares a fresh Christmas Eveperspective on the promise of Emmanuel—"God with us." Using the fun story of Santa's red suit (popularised by Coca-Cola in the 1930s), he explores the biblical promise through Isaiah's prophecy and its fulfilment in the Gospels. Highlighting Joseph's faith and John's self-description as "thedisciple whom Jesus loved," Pastor Colin challenges us to embrace the revelation: I am the disciple whom Jesus loves—a truth that transforms how we live and relate this Christmas and beyond.

Key Scriptures Referenced (NIV):

Deuteronomy 19:15 – One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may havecommitted. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:20-23 – But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

John 13:23 (KJV reference, but in context) – Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. (NIV: One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.)

Pastor Ron Anning explores the profound question: Is yourlife a resting place for God's grace? Drawing from the Christmas story and the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, he reveals why God chose her—not by random chance, but because of the condition of her heart. Mary demonstrated acceptance of God's election, surrender, boldness, gratitude, teachableness, and courage, allowing grace to rest upon her in extraordinary ways. This inspiring message challenges us to examine our own hearts, make fresh choices today, and createspace for God's grace to work powerfully in our lives— transforming our destiny through surrender, faith, and thankfulness.

Key Scriptures Referenced (NIV):

Luke 1:38 – “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Ephesians 1:4-5 – For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

2 Timothy 1:9 – He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

Luke 1:45 – Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!

Luke 1:46-55 (Mary's Song – The Magnificat) – And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled thehungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants for ever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 2:34-35 – Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spokenagainst, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul also.”

Luke 2:19 – But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Pastor Shane Wallis delivers a powerful, practical messagechallenging the common lie we tell ourselves: "I didn't have time." Instead, he reveals the truth—"I prioritised something else"—and introduces the transformative principle: What you prioritise gets done. Using the classic "big rocks" illustration, Shane shows how our lives are like a jar: if we fill it first with the small stuff, there's no room for the truly important things. To become "big rock people," we must cleanse our lives of distractions, flee immature desires, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, and protect our priorities from foolish disputes. This sermon is a catalyst for real change—prioritising faith, family, and God's will so that what truly matters gets done.

Key Scriptures Referenced (NIV):

2 Timothy 2:20-23 – In a largehouse there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:34 – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust ofthe eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Ps Col Missingham flips the Parable of the Good Samaritan on its head: stop asking “Who is my neighbour?” and start asking “What does LOVE require of me?”
A confronting, beautiful Sunday-night word that will wreck your excuses and stir your heart to walk with eyes wide open, embrace inconvenience, sacrifice resources, and love even your enemies. Perfect pre-Christmas conviction!

Scriptures Referenced

Luke 10:25-37 (NIV) – The Parable of theGood Samaritan

Romans 13:8 (NIV) – “Let no debt remainoutstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another…”

Feeling bogged?Ps Col Missingham drops four powerful keys straight from Jesus in Luke 9 & Matthew 19:

Don’t get comfortable

Mindset matters

Never neglect purpose

Do something RADICAL!

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, this punchy,practical word will give you the traction you need to move forward—starting today.

ScripturesReferenced

Luke 9:57-62 (NIV) – The three “I willfollow You… but first” conversations

Matthew 19:16-21, 29 (NIV) – The richyoung ruler: “Sell what you have… and come follow Me”

Acts 1:8-11 (NIV) – “You will be Mywitnesses… Why do you stand here looking into the sky?”

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (MSG) – “Your livesaren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. Open up your lives…expansively!”

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) – “We have differentgifts… If it is serving, then serve… If it is to encourage, then giveencouragement…”

In this short, powerful word Ps Col Missingham unpacks John 10 and shares real-life cattle-station stories that bring it alive: Jesus doesn’t just lead a mob—He knows YOU by name, walks ahead of YOU, and wants His presence to be your everyday reality. Discover why chasing His presence comes before hearing His voice, how your secret heavenly name destroysevery lie of the enemy, and why ordinary people who’ve simply “been with Jesus” end up living in the miracle Scriptures Referenced

John 10:2-4 (NIV) – “The one who enters bythe gate is the shepherd of the sheep… He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

Revelation 3:20 (NIV) – “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, Iwill come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Revelation 2:17 (NIV) – “Whoever has ears, let them hear… To the one who is victorious, I will give… a white stone with anew name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

Acts 4:13 (NIV) – “They took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Life’s full of sharp turns – new jobs, empty nests, marriage, kids, grief, moves. Ps Col Missingham shares why rushing through transition seasons leaves us stuck in the mud (or cynical!), but intentionally slowing down lets us build new habits, deepen faith, and come out stronger. Plus, the hilarious “Three Not’s” you can listen for this week to know exactly when to invite someone to church… without it being awkward! Perfect for anyone feeling the speed wobbles of change. Scriptures Referenced Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NIV)– “…time and chance happen to them all.” Matthew 7:13-14 (AMP) –“Enter through the narrow gate… small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads to everlasting life…” Matthew 11:29 (or Jeremiah 6:16 echo) – “Take my yoke upon you… and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) –“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matt & Esther Starrs bring stirring testimonies of miracles exploding across Vanuatu (paralysed people walking, deaf ears opened, cancer healed) – all because God’s people repented and cried out for the FIRE John the Baptist promised! This is a powerful, no-compromise call for the church to humble ourselves, turn from spiritual dullness, and become the small, committed group that changes our city. Revival isn’t just possible… it’s available RIGHT NOW if we’ll dare to seek His face! Get ready for fresh wind and fresh fire!

Key Scriptures Referenced

2 Chronicles 7:14 – If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face…

Acts 3:19 – Repent… so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

Matthew 3:11 / Luke 3:16 – He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire

Acts 3:1-10 (implied) – Healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate

Mark 16:20 – The Lord working with them and confirming the word through accompanying signs

Expect miracles, expect repentance, expect REVIVAL!

Matt Starrs shares powerful miracle stories from Canada,Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia that will raise your faith and expectancy! But the heart of this message? God the Father has already written YOUR unique story in His book (Psalm 139) – complete with purpose, spiritual gifts, and an adventureonly YOU can live. It’s time to lay your life down as a living sacrifice and step into the good, acceptable, and PERFECT will of God! Get ready for more of the Holy Spirit than you expected!

Key Scriptures Referenced

Acts 10:38 – How God anointedJesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power…

1 Corinthians 12 (the nine giftsof the Spirit)

Ephesians 4:8-13 – Ascensiongifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers)

Romans 12:1-8 – Present yourbodies a living sacrifice… gifts differing according to the grace given

1 Peter 4:10-11 – As each one hasreceived a gift, minister it to one another…

Psalm 139:13-16 – You formed myinward parts… in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me

Acts 3:6 – In the name of JesusChrist of Nazareth, rise up and walk!

Ps. Col Missingham unpacks the raw story of Hannah in 1Samuel 1: whispered prayers that reach heaven, God’s ear for the desperate, faith activated in action, and worship that seals it all. Get ready to stir your spirit and position your life for breakthrough!

Scriptures referenced:

1 Samuel 1:1-18 – The story of Elkanah, Hannah, Peninnah, and Hannah’s vow at Shiloh.

1 Kings 19:11-13 – God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper (still small voice).

Psalm 121 (full) – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord…”