9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.REFLECTIONSWritten by Paul BoggPaul's ministry to the Gentiles faced opposition and great challenges. In these short verses, he reveals that his ministry team worked night and day, remained holy and blameless amongst them, and sought to encourage, comfort and urge believers to press on living lives worthy of the calling they'd received. Ministry today is no less challenging - thank God for our ministry team here at Barneys!  We are blessed to have men and women who have devoted their lives and time to caring for us and shepherding us. Every week, we continue to hear God's word faithfully preached, and receive an encouragement no different to what the Thessalonians did back in their day.  Barriers introduced by covid restrictions have been wonderfully navigated, and we as a church have not been burdened by-and-large by their efforts. We're live streaming 5 services each week - that's pretty incredible!How should we as a church respond?  Thank God. Praise His holy name. We've been called to live a life worthy of Jesus Christ - let's pursue that life in Him. Remember our brothers and sisters whose toil for us is in preaching the gospel to us - Start praying for our ministry team today.  Send someone a message to let them know of the encouragement you've received this week. And like it says a bit further down in chapter 5 verse 16: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ABOUT THE AUTHORPaul is part of our Bossley Park Morning Church.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. REFLECTIONSWritten by Jesse MorrisonAfter a long list of what Paul is not, he now describes what he is. Two big things challenged me from these verses. First, Paul’s loving care for the believers in Thessalonica. Paul’s work is not motivated by greed or glory, but love. Indeed, Paul loves and nourishes the believers in Thessalonica like a nursing mother would love and nourish her newborn baby. It is difficult to think of a more tender metaphor. How am I going at nurturing my brothers and sisters in their faith, raising them up as a mother would her child? How might the words I use in conversation or my tone of voice communicate something else? If I am honest, my attitude is often not as tender and caring.The second thing which strikes me is how Paul’s love for the Thessalonians meant he delighted in opportunities to share both the gospel and his life. The two go hand in hand. They are both motivated by love. It’s a beautiful picture. It made me consider, is there anyone I am sharing the gospel with but not sharing my life? Or is there anyone I am sharing my life with but not sharing the gospel? Our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as non-Christians, compels us to do both. Pray with me that God would grow our love for our brothers and sisters at St Barnabas and that we would delight in opportunities to share both the gospel and our life.ABOUT THE AUTHORJesse is studying at Moore College and is a Student Minister with our Fairfield congregations.

3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.REFLECTIONSWritten by Annie DaviesPaul is faithfully and humbly preaching the gospel to the Thessalonians despite opposition (1 Thess 2:2). In verse 4 we see that Paul is doing this because his aim is to please God and not other people. It makes me think of when I share the gospel with others. When I think of the message of sin and judgement, it can sound really harsh to me and even really offensive! That, combined with a bit of pressure from the person you are sharing with (maybe they don’t seem interested or have lots of counter arguments) and all of a sudden I feel the pressure to avoid conflict and be more agreeable. So when I share the gospel, I may quickly mention sin but then slow down and focus on God’s love and forgiveness and eternal life! Who doesn’t like eternal life? But when I do this, am I trying to please God? Or am I trying to please the person I am sharing with? Paul’s example encourages me to share the gospel boldly, not seeking praise from other people but wholeheartedly serving God and making his gospel known. Please pray with me that we may present the gospel plainly to others out of loving service to God.ABOUT THE AUTHORAnnie is part of our Fairfield Evening Church.

1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi,as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. REFLECTIONSWritten by Peter LinDo you ever get scared to share the gospel with someone? I do.Have you ever been ridiculed or abused for sharing the gospel? I have.Do you find it easier sometimes just to not say anything about Jesus to others? I definitely do.In these verses we see Paul’s boldness to share the gospel despite opposition.In Acts 16:19-24, we read about when Paul was attacked and beaten and flogged and imprisoned for preaching the gospel in Philippi. In Acts 17:1-9, you can read about the strong opposition in Thessalonica itself. There was a near riot, with the crowd wanting to drag him out into the streets probably for a good old-fashioned beating. But in spite of opposition, Paul still preached the gospel because there is nothing more important. If it wasn’t important, you wouldn’t take a beating for it, would you?What we are seeing here is the priority of the gospel message going out. Nothing should stop it. No amount of suffering should prevent it.We generally don’t face the same kind of opposition to the gospel but it’s daunting to share it nevertheless. But there is a little phrase in v2 that we must remember and grasp on to… “with the help of our God”. Sharing the gospel is not something we do alone or in our strength. We can only do it with God’s enabling. So let’s pray for God’s help and enabling, and for boldness and courage to share Christ, because there is nothing more important for people to hear.ABOUT THE AUTHORPeter is part of our Bossley Park Morning Church.

7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.REFLECTIONSWritten by Hannah PhungIf someone were to describe what you are best known for, what do you think they would say? Would they say something about your career, your house or just even being a nice person? I think it can be easy to get lost in this world and so often forget that we are here for the work of the gospel. As I was reading today's passage, what stuck out to me was the reputation that the Thessalonians had because of their belief in Jesus (v7). It was so exemplary that it was known to surrounding regions (Macedonia and Achaia) and beyond (v8).What were the Thessalonians known for? They were known for the transforming work of Jesus - they turned from idols to serve the living God, and were now waiting for the second coming of his Son Jesus. This was a huge encouragement to churches in surrounding regions and set an example for other churches to follow.So, what do you think you’re known for? What do you think St Barnabas is known for?Together, the Thessalonians stood out as an example to their neighbours because of the transforming work of the Gospel. Sometimes it is easy to become distracted by the little details at church, but even though there are many distractions day to day, there's an encouragement in these verses for us to live as transformed people by God together.Some points to consider:How do we live, while we wait for Heaven? How can our church seek to do the same amongst the pandemic? Pray for our church, that we be known for the transformative work of the Gospel.ABOUT THE AUTHORHannah is part of our Bossley Park Morning Church.

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God,that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You knowhow we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.REFLECTIONSWritten by James DavidsonWhat an encouragement that what was true of the Thessalonian Christians is true of us as well. When we heard the gospel it was so much more than mere words. It was words accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit. He convicted us of its truth and our need to trust in it! That is why we believed it and accepted Jesus as Lord and our lives were turned upside down. This experience shows that we are chosen by God and loved by him as one of his chosen people.This in turn, encourages us to speak the gospel. If God is working in the other person, he will turn our words into his powerful instruments to save them! What a privilege.This passage also highlights the importance of living lives consistent with the gospel as we speak the gospel. The Thessalonians knew how Paul and his co-workers lived among them and they became imitators of them and of the Lord Jesus. Are we good models for the unbelievers around us, so that if they turn to Christ they will have in us a good model to follow? Not that we’ll be perfect, but that we’ll be striving to follow Christ.Finally notice how we can rejoice in the gospel even if we are suffering severely. We don’t rejoice in the suffering, but we rejoice in the wonderful truths of the gospel, despite our suffering. This is a supernatural joy, given by the Holy Spirit.ABOUT THE AUTHORJames is an Assistant Minister with our Bossley Park Morning Church.

1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.REFLECTIONSWritten by Stephen SheadToday we are beginning another series of devotions written by different people from across our congregations. We’ll work through the first letter to the church in Thessalonica – although in these first few verses, it feels like we’re still in our series on prayer! In verse 2, it’s clear that knowing Jesus had turned Paul, Silas and Timothy into people who lived prayerfully. They especially worked hard to pray constantly for their brothers and sisters in Christ.Reading verse 3, the thing that strikes me is how hard the Thessalonian Christians were working to live out their faith in Christ – to obey him and persevere to the end.But their efforts weren’t out of fear or thinking that they had to be good enough to make it into heaven. They came from the faith, love and hope they had received from God through Christ.We know that salvation is by grace alone, not by works. But I wonder if sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that, because salvation is by grace, obeying God should be easy and effortless. That’s not the case at all! Serving Jesus is true freedom, and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). But knowing Jesus should motivate us to “make every effort” to live holy lives (Hebrews 12:14). And until Jesus returns, we are called to struggle and work hard to love him – that’s God’s way of building up our spiritual muscles to grow us in Christ-centred maturity.But when you feel your strength is failing, remember that Jesus really is coming back to save us! Having that sure and certain “hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 3) is what will help you to endure to the end.I know that one of my besetting sins is that I don’t like having to work hard at obeying God. Pray with me that God will help you learn to strive and persevere in faith, love and hope. But also follow the example of Paul and his friends in verse 2: spend time today thanking God for your brothers and sisters at St Barnabas, and asking God on their behalf.About the AuthorStephen is our senior minister.

Over the last two-days, we’ve been thinking about our mission statement:We seek to GATHER around God’s word, so we can GROW to know Him deeply and live for him, and GO out to share the hope we have in Christ.Today, we reflect on to the final part of this as we think about what it means to GO out and share the good news of Jesus. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.REFLECTIONSWritten by Vincent ChanI looked at the individual in front of me across the table. I had shared the gospel with him, I had pushed him to think about his salvation and we had even opened up the Bible to look at some key passages. But all of that felt like it had fallen on an indifferent heart. Before long, our conversation had wandered again to safer territory: the taste of the coffee and what tv shows we’ve been watching. I wonder if you’ve ever had that experience before? You’ve tried telling someone about Jesus and it just doesn’t seem to go anywhere. As a church, we want to GO – go and make disciple of all nations, go and tell people of the great news of Jesus and to go and be local missionaries. And yet if we’re honest, it’s not always easy is it? We live in this tension where these mortal bodies we see around us are destined for eternal futures. We long for people to know Christ and yet anyone who has tried knows how hard this. Sometimes the conversation opens up, sometimes it doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Invitations to church are met with a mixed response and no one seems interested in asking Big Questions. There’s no silver bullet but in these situations, I always find myself coming back to the words that Jesus spoke: “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” When I am praying for those I long to see come to Jesus, I remember: the sheep will know their shepherd’s voice. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus will come in his good timing.And surely rather than leading to complacency, this leads to comfort. What an incredible comfort to know that it’s not by my feeble words that a person will find eternal life. God uses me in the task of ‘going out’, but the one who will effectively bring them is the Spirit, who brings them to the great Shepherd. This won’t suddenly make telling others about Jesus easy – but it will give us the right posture – that it’s not my voice that will change the heart of the one in front of me, but the voice of the Shepherd himself.  ABOUT THE AUTHORVinno is the minister for 6pm. He has recently purchased some chickens. If you would like to know more, he would be more than willing to have a chat with you about them. 

Yesterday Gus began a 3-day mini-series of devotions on our church’s mission to “Gather, Grow and Go.” The St Barnabas mission statement in full is:We seek to GATHER around God’s word, so we can GROW to know Him deeply and live for him, and GO out to share the hope we have in Christ.Gus reflected on the “Gather” part yesterday. Today I want to think from the Bible about growing, especially with the huge challenges of doing church in social isolation.Read this strange little parable from Jesus:26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)REFLECTIONSThis comes just after the Parable of the Sower (4:1-20). Both parables involve a farmer scattering seed on the ground, and the farmer represents believers who share the news about the Lord Jesus with others. The Parable of the Sower is about how the same gospel message brings very different results in different people, because some people’s hearts are like hard ground while others are like “good soil.”But the second parable above has a different point. It focuses on the good soil – the people in whom the Word of God produces fruit of faith and holiness – and it explains how that fruit grows.Well actually, it doesn’t explain it. It simply tells us that the man who scatters has no idea how it grows! All he does is scatter the seed – that is, share God’s Word. After that, the growth seems to happen all by itself, bit by bit, until the grain is tall, healthy and fully ripe.Of course, Jesus is hinting at the deeper truth that God is the one who brings gospel growth, and he does it in secret, by his hidden power, often without us even knowing.I find this a great comfort and encouragement, given how hard it is to know what’s going on in our church and in each other’s lives at the moment. Are we growing in numbers as a church? Are we growing individually in our faith in Christ? I don’t really know. But Jesus’ words assure me that God often brings growth in secret, without us knowing or seeing.I even think that works in our own personal lives. You may feel you are struggling and not growing (and if you are struggling, please reach out – give me a call!). But be assured that God is working in your heart to grow you in ways that you won’t be able to see yet.And a final note: None of this means that we just give up and stop trying to grow. But what should we be doing to help ourselves grow? That’s where the Parable of the Sower helps. This is from Luke’s version:But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15)Our part is pretty simple: Keep listening to God’s word, and don’t give up. Persevere! And as you do, trust that God will bring about a full “harvest of righteousness” in you (Hebrews 12:11).ABOUT THE AUTHORStephen Shead is our senior minister. Even after 4 years back in Australia, there are still times when he stops mid-sentence because he can only remember how to say something in Spanish.

This is the last devotion in our series on prayer. One final reminder: these devotions were taken from Stephen’s book “Growing in Prayer”, published by Matthias Media. If you would like to do them again in the future, you can buy a copy of the book from Stephen at the special author’s price. (We are very grateful to Matthias Media for kindly allowing us to use this material in our St Barnabas daily devotions!)Yesterday we asked whether our prayers really change anything, and we saw that the answer is ‘yes’: God really does act powerfully and make things happen in response to the requests of his children.But there is a second way in which prayer changes things. Prayer not only changes the world; it also changes us!Prayer is not for God’s benefit. It is for ours. We do not pray to inform God of the things that have slipped his notice. He knows much better than we do what things we should ask, and what things we would ask if only we had his wisdom! That is why his Spirit improves our requests and makes them better than we know. Paul says:In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Rom 8:26-27)Throughout this series, we have been saying that there are two aspects of prayer. It is not only about depending on God; it is also our most intimate way of delighting in God himself – learning to love him, revere him and enjoy his love which is bigger than we can ever imagine (Eph 3:19).And as we spend time in the presence of our Father – both delighting in him and depending on him – he draws us closer to himself, purifies our thoughts and motives, reminds us of who we are and what is most important, and strengthens us to live for him.For all these reasons, our prayers also fill God with delight – like sweet-smelling incense (Rev 5:8)!We will finish with Paul’s words from Ephesians 3:14-21, which describe God’s purpose for you and for all his people:For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph 3:14-21)Use these verses to fuel your time of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication today.