The Weekly

Ash delves into the importance of forgiveness when standing before God, praying. We so often want to make people pay for our forgiveness, but what does forgiveness really mean? To forgive means to put away or to send away an unintentional error or willful transgression.

Forgiveness is simply a gift of freedom.

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison." 

-Nelson Mandela 

Ash continues in his series on prayer and God's decrees. Today he is speaking from two primary scriptures, James 5:16 (the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much) and Mark 11:12-14 (Jesus curses the fig tree) and encourages us to have faith in God!

In continuing the series on God's Decrees, Ash delves into the profound impact of prayer and the vital importance of understanding who God is. Ash explores the concept of God's omnipresence, His ability to exist everywhere simultaneously. He also touches on God's omnipotence, His limitless power, and boundless influence. Lastly, there is the profound meaning of God's omniscience, recognizing His all-knowing nature.

Ash lays foundations for the series on God's decrees. What is a decree from God? A decree is an order He has put in place so that things are set in order. God has given us His will, we need to walk confidently in it.

"God's word is His will for this planet, for us as individuals."

Vernon speaks about identity in Christ from the book of Genesis 1:26 & 27 and the story of Gideon. It's amazing that God called Gideon a mighty warrior while he was still hiding in the winepress. Only the One who made you has the authority to identify you.

"History might have marked you, but it is not authorised to label you."

Paul encourages us to ensure that when we read the bible, we are not letting our culture and worldview influence the truth contained in scripture, and then to take that truth, believe it, keep on believing it, and live it out. 

"We need not only the bible's prescriptions of our problems, but also its diagnosis of them."

- Tim Keller

"Jesus comes to set an objective, universal standard of truth. He is the reason behind all existence, He is the reason it exists. Without Him, nothing has been made which has been made."

We as believers are all called to some general things: we are all called to be conformed to the image of Christ, to freedom, to sanctification, to holiness and to be a part of the church. Stuart speaks about how being faithful in the general calling of God leads to fruitfulness in the specific calling on our lives.

"We can miss out on the fullness of what God has for us when we focus more on our inadequacies rather than the greatness of the one who sends us."

Following Josh Henry's message last week, Trevor speaks from James 3:13-18 and contrasts the effects of earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom and how that relates to meekness.  

James 3:13-18 (ESV): Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

God is looking, he is searching for tender hearts to steward mighty things. The greater the character of the listener, the greater the clarity that comes from the word of God. Josh unpacks the concept of meekness and why it is important, especially in the church.

We have Josh & Kayla Henry, The Belonging Co church youth pastors from Nashville, as special guests with us today! Together with Jason Sandows, the YBF youth pastor, they discuss the upcoming RISE conference and their heart for this generation.