Andrew Baker | Romans 12:14,19-21; 13:1-7 — We live in a culture that loves to tear down those in authority. But Paul’s message to the Romans and to us is very clear: we are to be subject to the governing authorities - not at the cost of disobeying God, but that we might proclaim our citizenship to His Kingdom by showing honour in all that we do.

Adam Ritchard | Romans 12:2,9-21; John 13:34-35 — In view of God’s mercies, our right response must go beyond a mere inward change. Where the rubber hits the road - in the words and actions of the everyday - our lives should be marked by the kind of genuine love that leaves others in no doubt as to who we follow.

Andrew Baker | Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 14:1 — In the Modern Western church we can so easily depend on our structures and programs that we forget the most effective tool of all - the power of God. Through His Holy Spirit, God has graciously provided each believer with spiritual gifts. Not to be hidden, but to be used to sustain, serve and build the Body of Christ in ways that no human endeavour ever could. What is your gifting, and how could you use it to serve His church?

Last month, Vision Church sent a team to connect with and support long-term missionaries Steve and Ros Lazar serving in Mozambique.

Hear stories, reflections, and testimonies from Kathryn and the team from their time in and around Zimpeto Children’s Centre.

Adam Ritchard | Romans 12:1-2 — At this critical juncture in Romans, Paul moves from theology to application: As we behold God’s great mercy towards us, the only right response is to completely offer our lives in worship of, and for transformation by, Him. All in order that we might display His mercies to the world around us.

Andrew Baker | Romans 11:1-36; Luke 19:41-42; Daniel 9:20-25 — Building on his discussion of sovereignty, Paul explains God’s plan outworked through human history to bring salvation to all; Jews and Gentiles alike. In light of such a God as this, whose faithfulness and redemptive purposes are without end, we can be filled with expectancy at the future restoration of the nation of Israel - God’s chosen people.

Andrew Baker | Romans 10:1-21, 1:14-15 — In spite of Israel’s self-righteous zeal, rejection of Christ, and persecution of him, the desire of Paul’s heart was that God’s people would be saved. Why? Because the Gospel has been given for salvation to all - by the God who stands with His arms stretched wide to save all. What is your heart’s desire for those around you?

Andrew Baker | Romans 9:1-26; 1 Peter 1:6-9 — After powerfully affirming our position in Christ, Paul’s letter to the Romans turns to explore the purposes of God. He who has saved and redeemed us is also the God who is sovereignly in control over all. His promises have not failed, and in the tension between mercy and judgement, election and choice, suffering and joy, and rebellion and humility: His plans always prevail. With this perspective may we confidently say ‘Thy will be done!’

Kathryn Hartley | Micah 6:6-8; Luke 18:35-43 — What does it really look like to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in our day to day? And how do the acts of justice practised by Christians differ from those practised by the world? It all comes from the grounding of a relationship with He who is truly just.

Martyn Ritchard | Matthew 8:26, 14:27; John 14:23-27; Psalm 16:8, 34:4-7, 46:1-2, 50:15, 57:1; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:31 — We live in a world increasingly gripped by fear. But Jesus’ didn’t live a life under the influence of fear and we shouldn’t either. By daily anchoring our lives into His Word and contending for the freedom that He has won for us, we too can receive His supernatural peace; transforming us from worriers to warriors.