St Basil's Church

Sunday 29 September | Continuing our "For the Sake Of" series, Pete James unpacks the moment Jesus washes the disciples feet alongside the stunning theology of Philippians 2. Jesus, taking the form of a servant, redefines the culturally accepted "course of honour" from the accumulation of success, power and wealth to a life of humility and service of others. Within the beauty of this, there is also a challenge: as Jesus was sent in humility to display God's heart, so are we.

Sunday 22 September | Dan Miles begins a series reflecting on how we can become a church for the sake of those around us. He unpacks how God invites us as the church to participate in the movement of his love towards a hurting world. He also explores how Jesus begins his ministry and continues in it, with a particular focus on how he calls us to be found where he is found, often on the other side of boundaries that divide.

To kick off the new term, Pete James speaks about the season we have ahead as a community, emphasising the invitation to courageous mission for the sake of the hurting world around us. He also speaks to how we are pivoting some of our structures as a church to get ourselves in the right shape to fulfil our calling and seek God's renewal in the region. If you are a committed part of this church, this is a key one to listen back to!

Meg Loney continues our current series by sharing how in her journey with Him, Jesus has been confronting obstacles and healing her so that He can establish His kingdom in and through her life.

Content warning: This episode carries a content warning for abuse and suicide. We do not go into details but both are mentioned in Meg’s story.

Dan Miles considers perfectionism as one self-destructive and addictive belief system among others whereby we strive to earn love and avoid shame. When instead we adopt the approach of the prodigal son who recognises his lostness, repents and receives love and forgiveness, we are strengthened to take risks for God’s kingdom.

Continuing our series “Seize the Day”, Pete James looks at the topic of pain. He outlines a Christian vision for pain and how our pain can either be a prison or a portal into God’s presence; it can either be the epicentre of God’s in-breaking Kingdom in our lives or the headquarters of a resistance to that kingdom.

Becky Callaghan continues our series exploring the question: “is your fear holding back the kingdom of God?” looking at how fear can shape the way we think about God, ourselves and the world around us. Drawing upon the story of Moses, Becky looks at the way a secure attachment with God leads us away from responses to fear, such as control, and instead leads us towards a life of surrender. When we learn to live with trust and dependency on God, his kingdom advances in and through our lives.

Content warning: This episode carries a content warning for eating disorders. We do not go into details but anorexia is mentioned as part of an illustration.

On Sunday, Pete James continued our series "Seize the Day" by looking at the question: "is your money helping grow the kingdom of God?". Speaking from the parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12, Pete highlights how significant a discipleship issue money is because of its destructive power but also its creative potential. He speaks about how giving can limit the former and release the latter and calls us into the New Testament vision of being "stewards" (oikonomia) of the money that flows to us that it might flow through us and bless the community around us.

Pete James continues our series "Seize the Day" by looking at the critical discipleship issue of how we use our time. Outlining how Jesus lived from identity and toward purpose, Pete unpacks the vision of the New Testament to have our lives purposed toward union with God. Pete then explores three diversions from this way of life and how they effect how we use our time: living with a victim narrative; sleep-walking through life; and investing in idols.

Pete James opens up our new teaching series "Seize the Day: confronting the causes of us putting off God's Kingdom" with a look at what happens when we experience shame and unworthiness. Pete unpacks the parable of the prodigal son and how the embrace of our heavenly Father "whilst still far off" is what should define us, not our shame.