Allen Meyer–Starting our new series, Allen describes the jealous God that we serve and what that looks like. He looks at the practises needed to continuing in developing our relationship with God.

Christy McHugh–As the advent season comes to an end, and we pack away wanted or unwanted gifts. There is a gift that remains with us throughout every season. It is the gift of Emmanuel, God with us.

In the midst of tragedy, God is working his redemptive plan and fulfilling his prophecies of redeeming and renewing, he grieves at the pain of loss and yet from the humblest of beginnings comes the saviour of the world.

The God of all of Creation, I AM, this God is the God who is with us Always, without exception or asterisk.

Previous

Andrew Gilbert–The message of Christmas is the birth of Jesus. But sometimes the mess and pain of life can get in the way of our view of Him. What if He is Present with us in the middle of the mess and pain of life? Vulnerability towards Him is the key to access His Presence.

Nartarsha Wisewould–Emmanuel—“God with us”—is the central story of Scripture, revealing God’s desire to dwell with humanity. In Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve, but sin brought separation. Throughout the Old Testament He visited His people in temporary, powerful moments, pointing forward to the promise of Isaiah that God would one day come and dwell with His people. In Jesus, that promise was fulfilled as God took on flesh to save us, restore our relationship with Him, and show us how to live. After Jesus returned to the Father, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within believers, making us God’s living temple and assuring us that He will never leave or forsake us. Emmanuel means that God is present in our joy and sorrow, offering peace, hope, and abundant life—now and always.

Andrew Gilbert–Andrew completes our series this week. The letter to the Church of Laodicea reveals the trappings of a culture and how it can unintentionally lead us away from Jesus as Lord of our lives. For the Laodicean Church in particular, their wealth led them towards self-sufficiency and spiritual compromise. Jesus invites them back into intimacy with Him again, in order to overcome.

Dave McHugh–In a world marked by idolatry and instability, Jesus calls His people to remain faithful. Through His letter to the church in Philadelphia, He reminds us that He alone holds ultimate authority, opens doors no one can shut, strengthens the weak, and establishes His faithful people as pillars that stand firm amid shaking. Our invitation is to hold fast, endure, and step through the open doors of Kingdom mission before us.

Shane Willard–This week we had the privilege of having Shane Willard share with us on the letter to the Church of Sardis. This letter challenges us to wake up and not to be complacent in our walk and call with God. In our prosperous day age, even with its current challenges, we are positioned in God to live with an awareness to the high call of representing Him to the world.

Christy McHugh–Thyatira was known for her good works, but challenged because she tolerated the seductive teachings of Jezebel. The call here is for a discerning church, one who evaluates and decides what is in the ways of Jesus and what is not. However, we must not forget the warning to the church of Ephesus, who were commended for their right beliefs but had lost their first love. We must not seek right beliefs at the expense of love. Jesus is the victorious judge, who has pure and discerning eyes. This Jesus encourages the faithful believers to hold fast and cling to his ways, whilst he provides the strength to do this. In a culture that would invite compromise, Jesus calls for a church that discerns with wisdom and holds fast to his ways. 

This week we examine the Church in Pergamum as a mirror and map for the modern Church. Pergamum reveals the subtle dangers of compromise and syncretism, faith made convenient, comfortable, and culturally palatable. Using their story, we explore how we can resist the drift of cultural conformity, pursue undivided devotion, and experience the hope promised to overcomers: hidden manna, the white stone, and a new name.

Nartarsha Wisewould–The message to the church of Smyrna is one of comfort and assurance. It is Jesus speaking to his beloved as she is pressed down and walking through the fire and telling her to hang in there because He is walking through the fire with her. He assured them that he knew their afflictions and their poverty, but also their spiritual richness. He warned them that they would face more suffering and persecution, but encouraged them to be faithful even to the point of death. He promised them the crown of life and the victory over the second death, which is eternal separation from God.