This week was a special service as we had our first ever Kids Takeover! And guess what... it wasn't complete chaos! In fact, it was one of the most encouraging services we've ever had! And we don't think that is by accident. In the Bible we frequently see how God makes babies, children, adolescents, and youth a part of his plan for redeeming the world.

On Sunday Johanna van Tienen joined us to share about the incredible work of Compassion in realising children from poverty in Jesus' name. This is a recording from her sermon at Sorell, where she helped us ask the question of 'who is my neighbour?'

Chris Jones, CEO of Anglicare Tasmania, shared about the work of Anglicare throughout Tasmania, and why, as Christians, we are motivated to 'work for the good of the city'.

Josh Skeat, Regional Officer for Bush Church Aid in Tasmania, asked the question, "How far would you go?". For Jonah, the answer was 'not to Nineveh'. For Jesus, the answer was 'all the way to the cross'. How far will you go with the life-transforming, soul-saving message that Christ offers salvation to sinners?

The wisdom of Proverbs really is 'wisdom for real life', and perhaps nothing is more personal or real to us than our sexual desires. And what does God think about them? Does he care how we satisfy our sexual desires? Is he upset with us for talking about it? Maybe he loves it when we do??? 
Dave unpacks all things beautiful and harmful about the the expression of sexual desire from the wisdom of Proverbs.

"Good" is not just a word that we can use to describe what God is, but a word to describe the true essence of who God is. All goodness springs from the same source, and that source is God. And that's something that is worth remembering!

One of the key themes in the wisdom writings of Proverbs is the that of work. Israelite culture of around 900BC had strong views about working (and not working). But it's fair to say, our Aussie, and Tasmanian, cultures don't necessarily share those same opinions.

Melanie preached from James 2 at Sorell about how love of Jesus for all humanity forbids his followers from showing favouritism.

The book of Proverbs has much wisdom to share on the topic of 'friendship'. Friends, and friendship, are a gift from God. He gave us our social needs and capacities, and he meets those needs with friends. But he also meets those needs with himself. God himself has not only created friendship for us, but offers friendship too us, through his Son and Spirit.

The Christian life is one of truth, freedom, love, joy, hope, peace.... and perseverance. You can't read the Bible and not recognise that, not only are Christians not exempt from the struggles of this life, but often our faith causes them. But Stephen shares how we can be encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul to stand firm in our faith in the face of suffering and hardship.