Thrive Church SA

What does Pentecost mean for us today?

In this powerful message, Byron Chicken explores how the Holy Spirit is not just a distant idea or occasional experience — but the daily presence of God living within us. Using the picture of a smartphone battery running flat, Ps Byron reminds us that we may have great capacity, but without spiritual connection and filling, we eventually run empty.

This message unpacks the transforming work of the Holy Spirit:

•  The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ greatest gift to believers 
•  We are invited to live continually filled with the Spirit 
•  Transformation into the likeness of Christ is a lifelong journey 
•  The Spirit makes us more authentic, loving, and led by the Father 
•  We don’t just ask for the Holy Spirit — we actively receive 

Whether you’re spiritually hungry, tired, thirsty, or longing for more of God, this message is an invitation to plug back into the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Scriptures

•  Ezekiel 37:14 
•  John 16:7 
•  Ephesians 5:18 
•  2 Corinthians 3:18 
•  Luke 11:13 

Key Takeaways

•  “The Holy Spirit is the charger that you always have with you.” 
•  “The only thing better than Jesus with us is the Holy Spirit in us.” 
•  Transformation is the chief work of the Holy Spirit. 
•  Becoming like Jesus means growing in: 
  •  Authenticity 
  •  Love 
  •  Being led by the Father 
•  We can be filled with the Holy Spirit every day, in every season. 

Memorable Quotes

Salvation Prayer

At the end of this message, many people responded to the invitation to follow Jesus and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit — a beautiful reminder that God is still transforming lives today.

Prayer

“Spirit of God, Lord and giver of life, breathe into us Your freshness that we may awake. Cleanse our vision that we may see You more clearly. Kindle our senses that we may feel You more sharply, and give us courage to live as You would have us live. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Connect With Us

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Thirsty? There’s Only One Source That Truly Satisfies.

Have you ever been truly thirsty? Not just physically thirsty — but spiritually dry, empty, exhausted, or longing for something more?

In this deeply relatable and powerful message, Ps. Candice Chicken explores Jesus’ invitation in John 7:37-39:
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink."

Through humorous personal stories, biblical insight, and practical encouragement, this sermon reminds us that every human soul carries a thirst that can only be satisfied through Jesus and the ongoing infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Ps. Candice begins by sharing a memorable hiking story in the Drakensberg where an entire church hiking group ran out of water. The desperation, exhaustion, and relief of finally receiving water becomes a picture of the spiritual thirst so many people carry every day.

We often try to satisfy that thirst with:

• Success
• Money
• Achievement
• Relationships
• Work
• Status
• Possessions

But none of those things can truly satisfy the soul.

Only Jesus can.

Diving into John 7, Ps. Candice unpacks the powerful context behind Jesus’ words during the Feast of Tabernacles — a celebration where Israel remembered God’s provision of water in the wilderness. At the height of the ceremony, while priests poured water over the altar in worship, Jesus stood up and declared:
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink."

Jesus was revealing that He Himself is the source of living water — and that the Holy Spirit would come to continually fill believers from within.

This message follows four powerful spiritual progressions:

1. Invitation — Come
Jesus does not force Himself on anyone. He extends an invitation. Every person is invited to come to Him, regardless of background, status, or history. The question is: will we respond?

2. Belief — Turn on the Tap
The moment we believe in Jesus, the source of life within us changes. Self-sufficiency is replaced by the presence of God. Ps. Candice compares salvation to turning on a tap — living water begins flowing immediately, even if growth takes time.

3. Filling — Drink Continually
One of the strongest themes in this message is the need for continual filling. Just like our physical bodies need water daily, our spirits need daily time in God’s presence.

Ps. Candice shares practical, everyday examples:

• Stressful school mornings
• Delayed shops
• Traffic frustrations
• Work pressure
• Parenting challenges
• Emotional exhaustion

And in every moment, the answer is the same:
Go back to Jesus. Be filled again.

Not once a month.
Not once a week.
Daily. Hourly. Continually.

Because we cannot do life spiritually dehydrated.

4. Overflow — Rivers of Living Water
When we continually allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, our lives begin to overflow into the lives of others.

Instead of merely surviving, we become:

• Hope bringers
• Peacemakers
• Encouragers
• Witnesses
• Atmosphere changers
• Carriers of God’s presence

Ps. Candice reminds us that Scripture says rivers of living water should flow from believers — not tiny trickles.

The message also highlights the life of Smith Wigglesworth, an ordinary man who experienced extraordinary transformation through the infilling of the Holy Spirit and went on to impact thousands for Jesus.

This sermon is both an invitation and a challenge:

• Come to Jesus
• Believe in Him
• Continually be filled
• Overflow into the world around you

If you’ve been spiritually dry, weary, distracted, discouraged, or searching for peace, this message will encourage you to return to the source of living water.

Key Scripture:
John 7:37-39

In This Episode:

• The spiritual meaning of thirst
• Why success can’t satisfy the soul
• The Feast of Tabernacles explained
• The role of the Holy Spirit in everyday life
• How to stay spiritually filled daily
• Living a life that overflows onto others
• Practical ways to reconnect with God throughout the day

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who may need refreshing today.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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Episode Description

In this powerful Mother’s Day message, Ps Cathy Leicher honours every kind of mother and speaks life into the sacred calling of raising children. With honesty, humour, and biblical wisdom, she unpacks the challenges of parenting, the importance of balance, and the eternal impact of training children in the ways of God. Whether you are a parent, spiritual leader, or simply reflecting on your own upbringing, this message will encourage you to build faith into the next generation with intention and grace.

Key Scriptures

•  Deuteronomy 6:5–7 — Love God and teach His ways to your children 
•  Proverbs 22:6 — Train up a child in the way they should go 
•  John 14:6 — Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life 
•  Luke 15:11–32 — The Prodigal Son 

Big Ideas from the Message

1. Every mother matters
Biological, adoptive, step, foster, spiritual, and expectant mothers are all honoured and celebrated. Motherhood carries deep responsibility and grace.

2. Parenting requires balance
Avoid extremes:

•  Too soft → entitlement, lack of boundaries 
•  Too harsh → rebellion, bitterness
   Healthy parenting finds the “just right” balance of love and discipline. 

3. Over-parenting can hinder growth
From “helicopter” to “lawnmower” parenting, overprotection can prevent children from developing responsibility, resilience, and confidence.

4. Faith must not be withheld
Children need consistent spiritual guidance. The greatest gift a parent can give is introducing their children to Jesus early.

5. Train, show, and equip

•  Train: Build daily habits of faith and life skills 
•  Show: Model Jesus in everyday life 
•  Equip: Prepare children to walk in their own faith journey 

Key Highlights

•  Parenting is not about perfection, but grace, prayer, and consistency 
•  Children are shaped most in the early years (4–14 “window of opportunity”) 
•  Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you leave within people 
•  Even wayward children are never beyond prayer and restoration 
•  The Father heart of God is seen in the story of the Prodigal Son 

Practical Takeaways

•  Start with your own relationship with God before teaching others 
•  Create daily rhythms of faith in your home (conversation, prayer, Scripture) 
•  Step back where necessary to allow children to grow responsibility 
•  Avoid extremes—lead with love, structure, and wisdom 
•  Never stop praying for your children, no matter their season 

Closing Prayer Emphasis

A call to commit children—and ourselves—to God’s guidance, trusting Him to lead the next generation into truth, restoration, and purpose through Jesus Christ.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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Faithful In The Small Things

A message on habits, identity, and long-term faithfulness through the story of David and Goliath.

Episode Summary

In this powerful message, Ps Khulu Duma reminds us that David’s victory over Goliath wasn’t a random miracle moment — it was the result of years of faithfulness in unseen places. Long before the giant fell, David was faithfully practicing with his sling, protecting sheep, and developing character in private.

This sermon challenges us to stop despising small beginnings and to recognize that the small habits, disciplines, and decisions we make consistently are shaping who we become. Whether it’s prayer, generosity, discipline, health, relationships, or leadership — God honors faithfulness in the small things.

The key question isn’t just “What do I want to do?” but “Who am I becoming?”

Key Scriptures

•  1 Samuel 17 
•  Matthew 25:21 
•  Ephesians 4:22–24 
•  Galatians 6:9 
•  Zechariah 4:10 

Key Takeaways

•  Public victories are built in private faithfulness. 
•  Small consistent habits create massive long-term change. 
•  Identity shapes habits, and habits reinforce identity. 
•  Start with “Who am I becoming?” before asking “What must I do?” 
•  God rejoices in small beginnings. 
•  Repeated faithfulness leads to spiritual harvest. 

Practical Habits Mentioned:

Spiritual Health

•  Think same time + ahead of time for devotional rhythms. 
•  Pre-plan Bible reading and prayer times. 

Emotional Health

•  Use physical cues before reacting. 
•  Pause and ask: “Will my response build or break this relationship?”

Physical Health

•  Make healthy habits obvious and accessible. 
•  Reduce friction for exercise and hydration. 

Finances

•  Automate giving and saving on payday. 
•  Build faithful stewardship through consistency. 

Family

•  Schedule intentional family time. 
•  Put what matters most in the calendar. 

Reflection Questions

•  What small habit is God asking you to stay faithful in? 
•  Who are you becoming? 
•  What repeated actions are shaping your future? 
•  Are there any “small beginnings” you’ve been tempted to despise? 

Next Steps

This week:

•  Write down who you want to become. 
•  Choose one small habit to repeat consistently. 
•  Pray for God to strengthen your identity in Christ. 
•  Don’t underestimate the impact of small faithful steps.

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Faithful When It’s Costly.

Faithfulness isn’t built in a moment—it’s formed over a lifetime. In this powerful message, Ps Byron Chicken unpacks Jesus’ radical call to steadfast loyalty, sacrificial love, and daily surrender.

In a world that celebrates convenience and keeps options open, biblical faithfulness can feel costly. But whether it's in our relationships, convictions, calling, finances, or walk with God, faithfulness remains one of the highest virtues we can pursue—and it's always worth it.

Jesus calls us to:
 • Give up our own way
 • Take up our cross
 • Follow Him

Following Jesus rarely means one dramatic decision. More often, it means a thousand small choices, made faithfully, day after day.

If you've been tempted to quit, compromise, or take the easier road, this message will strengthen your resolve and remind you that a faithful life becomes a source of life for others.

Key Scripture:
Matthew 16:21–25

In This Message:

•  Why faithfulness is the backbone of flourishing lives and societies 
•  The real cost of following Jesus 
•  How to stay faithful in a culture of convenience 
•  Practical ways to live with courage, generosity, and conviction

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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Title: Faithful in the Waiting
Speaker: Donovan Cogill

Description:
Waiting is hard. Whether it’s for answers, breakthrough, or God to move—waiting can feel slow, silent, and even discouraging. But what if God is doing His greatest work in the waiting?

In this message, Faithful in the Waiting, we’re reminded that delay is not denial. Through the lives of Joseph, Abraham, and David, we see a powerful pattern: the promise, the waiting, the fulfillment. And in the middle of it all, a call to remain faithful.

Key Takeaways:

• God works in the waiting
  When it feels like nothing is happening, God is still moving—often in ways we cannot see. 
• Delay is not denial
  Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t. 
• The waiting shapes you
  What happens in the “middle” prepares you for what God has promised. 

How to Stay Faithful While You Wait:

1. Keep doing the right things (Joseph)
   Faithfulness is proven in the waiting, not the breakthrough.
   God is not just working for you—He’s working in you. 
2. Believe God’s promises (Abraham)
   What you believe shapes who you become.
   Even when circumstances say otherwise, choose to trust what God has said. 
3. Trust God’s timing (David)
   Don’t rush the process or take shortcuts.
   God is never late—He is always on time. 

Powerful Truths:

•  “God does His greatest work in the waiting.” 
•  “Delay is not denial.” 
•  “Faith isn’t proven in the breakthrough—it’s proven in the waiting.” 
•  “God will never promote you into something your character cannot sustain.” 

Scripture References:

•  Genesis 39 (Joseph’s faithfulness) 
•  Romans 4:18–22 (Abraham’s faith) 
•  1 Samuel 24:4–7 (David’s restraint) 
•  Galatians 6:9 (Don’t grow weary in doing good) 
•  Isaiah 60:22 (God’s perfect timing) 

Final Encouragement:
If you’re in a season of waiting, don’t give up. God hasn’t forgotten you. He is faithful—yesterday, today, and forever.

Stay faithful. Keep trusting. At the right time, He will come through.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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Title: Faithful When We’re Faithless
Speaker: Ps Amy-Jane Duma

Description:
We all experience seasons—moments where faith feels strong and others where fear, disappointment, or uncertainty make it hard to believe. In this powerful message, Ps Amy-Jane reminds us of an unchanging truth: God remains faithful, even when we feel faithless.

Through personal stories and the life of Peter, we see that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on our performance—it’s rooted in His character. His love sees us, pursues us, and restores us.

Key Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

Key Thought:
God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our faithfulness.

3 Truths About God’s Faithfulness:
• He sees you – Even in your weakest, most faithless moments, God looks at you with love, not condemnation.
• He pursues you – When you drift, He draws near. His love doesn’t give up on you.
• He restores your purpose – God doesn’t just forgive; He reaffirms your calling and trusts you again.

Illustration:
Like sitting on a chair without hesitation, we can trust God to hold us—even when we can’t see or feel Him. His faithfulness remains constant.

Application:
👉 Rest your full weight on the faithfulness of God.
Faith is not just believing—it’s trusting Him enough to lean your whole life on Him.

Reflection Questions:
• Where have I felt faithless recently?
• What fear, disappointment, or regret might be affecting my faith?
• What would it look like to fully rest in God’s faithfulness today?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You are faithful in every season. Help me to trust You, even when I can’t see clearly. Remind me that You see me, pursue me, and still have purpose for my life. I choose to rest fully in You. Amen.

Salvation Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for Your love and faithfulness. I’m sorry for my sin and mistakes. Today I choose to trust You and rest my life in Your hands. Forgive me, lead me, and be my Lord. Amen.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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Jesus Over Everything | Easter Sunday 2026
What changed when the power of God returned to the tomb? Everything.

In this Resurrection Sunday message, Ps. Byron Chicken unpacks the life-changing reality that Easter is not only about an empty tomb, but about the power of God breaking into human history and proving that Jesus is over everything.

Looking at Matthew 28 and key New Testament passages, this sermon explores three great enemies every person faces:

1. Jesus is over sin
Sin is more than bad behavior. It is saying no to God and yes to ourselves. It is the root of our brokenness, damaged relationships, and inner struggle. But through the resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin. Its grip can be weakened, its destruction can be stopped, and our lives can be changed as we become more like Christ.

2. Jesus is over Satan
The resurrection declared Christ’s victory over the enemy of our souls. Satan may still accuse, but his accusations have lost their authority. The courtroom is closed, the sentence has been served, and because of Jesus, we now live from a place of grace, victory, and freedom.

3. Jesus is over death
Death no longer has the final word. Through the resurrection, death has been turned from a full stop into a comma. For those who belong to Jesus, death is no longer the end, but the doorway into eternal life in the presence of God.

With humour, hope, and powerful illustrations, Ps. Byron reminds us that what looked like defeat on Friday became total victory on Sunday. Jesus is over sin. Jesus is over Satan. Jesus is over death.

If you are feeling spiritually dry, disconnected, or ready to make Jesus Lord over your life, this message is a powerful Easter reminder that resurrection power changes everything.

Scripture references: Matthew 28:1–7, Romans 6:5–11, Colossians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:51–57

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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What makes Good Friday “good”?
In this powerful Good Friday message, Ps. Candice Chicken unpacks the tension of the cross: physically, it was a horrific day of suffering, sorrow, and grief — but spiritually, it was astounding.

Looking at Isaiah 53, this sermon explores the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ crucifixion and why His death was unlike any other. While crucifixion was common in the Roman world, what made Jesus’ cross different was the spiritual reality of what took place there.

In this message, we discover two life-changing truths:

Jesus is over our suffering
Jesus carries our weakness, enters our sorrow, and brings healing and wholeness through the cross. Whether you are facing anxiety, grief, disappointment, fatigue, illness, or deep personal pain, this message is a reminder that you do not suffer alone.

Jesus is over our sin
Ps. Candice explains the biblical meaning of atonement, showing how the Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward Jesus — the spotless Lamb of God who gave His life once and for all. Through His blood, our sin is forgiven, our shame is removed, and we can be made right with God.

This message is both deeply reflective and full of hope, ending with a call to respond to Jesus and receive His forgiveness, freedom, healing, and grace.

Key Scripture: Isaiah 53
Also referenced: 2 Corinthians 12, Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 21

If this message encouraged you, be sure to share it and join us again as we continue the Easter journey.

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Helping people move towards Jesus.

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Ps Candice Chicken continues our Us – Growing Greater Relationships series with a powerful message on the difference between relationship breakers and relationship builders.

In a world that often pushes selfishness, grudges, hurtful words, and distracted listening, Jesus shows us a better way to live and relate. This message unpacks four relationship breakers that damage connection, and four relationship builders that bring healing, strength, and unity.

In this message, you’ll discover how to:
 • Put others first instead of living “me first”
 • Extend grace instead of holding grudges
 • Use words to build up instead of tear down
 • Listen with your heart instead of being distracted

Ps Candice reminds us that healthy, life-giving relationships do not happen by accident. They are built as we follow the example and teaching of Jesus. With practical daily questions and simple habits, this message helps you identify one area to work on and start making changes immediately.

This sermon also carries a heartfelt call to reconciliation — not only with others, but ultimately with God. Through the story of a father and son restored after years of distance, we’re reminded that it’s never too late for healing, forgiveness, and peace.

If you’re longing for stronger relationships, deeper connection, and a more Christ-centered way of living, this message is for you.

Let Jesus show you a better way to build.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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