Vision Church Podcast | Christian Church in Canberra

Adam Ritchard | Revelation 2:1-7; Luke 7:36-50, 10:38-42 — In John’s Revelation, the Church at Ephesus was commended by Jesus for their hard work, patient endurance, hate of evil, and sound doctrine. And yet they had abandoned their first love - the love of Jesus. How do we heed this warning and keep ‘the main thing’ the main thing; letting all that we do flow from loving Jesus as our highest priority?

Adam Ritchard | 2 Peter 1:8, 3:14-18; Philippians 1:6; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-2; Psalm 92:12-15; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:15 — To conclude his second letter, Peter instructs his readers to ‘grow’ in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. As in nature, genuine spiritual growth requires hard work, careful attention, and lots of perseverance. But as followers of Jesus this growth is essential, not an optional extra. How are you growing?

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 9:35-38; Isaiah 6:1,8, 59:1; Genesis 18:14; John 4:35; James 5:16; 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Jesus saw the great ‘lostness’ of humanity as an opportunity; a plentiful harvest ripe for the picking. As we consider how God’s Great Story is still unfolding today, may we respond to this same opportunity as He did: with expectant faith, deep compassion, earnest prayer, and urgent action. Just as Isaiah proclaimed, may we too cry “Here I am Lord, send me!”

Andrew Baker | Esther 1:10-12, 2:5-9,17,21-23, 3:5-7, 4:13-16, 5:1-5, 6:1-2, 7:1-7, 8:5,11, 9:15-17; Luke 1:1-4; Ephesians 2:10 — Can God’s promises still be fulfilled even when none shall call on His name? The book of Esther reminds us that God is not limited by borders or time or rulers or human faithlessness. He is sovereign over all, unfolding His purposes and plan through everyday ordinary moments - and inviting us to participate.

Andrew Baker | Ezra 1:1-4, 3:10-13, 7:1-6, 9:1-2, 10:7-11; Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:17-18, 6:15-16, 13:6-11,17-25,31 — King Cyrus rebuilt the temple; Ezra enforced the law of Moses; and Nehemiah repaired the city wall. But ultimately none of these external acts could truly change the hearts of God’s people. As we see the brokenness of the world all around us, may we not fight external battles with revenge, resistance, and force. Rather, may we be stirred with Christ-like compassion to love and forgive those around us - that the light of the Gospel would be allowed to transform hearts from the inside out.

Dave Pellowe | Genesis 1:1, 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-6; Ephesians 5:22-33; Jeremiah 3:3 — The essence and purpose of marriage is increasingly lost in our modern culture. This sacred, self-giving covenant relationship was not created by man or government, but by the pre-eminent God of all.

Hear from Dave Pellowe, Director of Church and State, a ministry founded to educate Christians about the Scriptural and historical basis for Christian influence in society & politics.

Allan Meyer | Genesis 9:18-25; 2 Samuel 18:33; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3 — When faced with the sin of their fathers, the sons of Noah and of David did not act rightly, committing sin of their own that ultimately lead to death. How can we learn to love the imperfect people closest to us without taking on their sin as our own?

Hear from Allan Meyer, pastor and co-founder of Careforce Lifekeys.

Andrew Baker | Jeremiah 7:25-28, 29:11; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1-3,14; Amos 7:7-8 — The Old Testament prophets were instituted by God at a specific time and for a very specific purpose - to speak the Words of a gracious and just God to a people who would repeatedly refuse to listen. For the nation of Israel and indeed for us: our authority, guide, strength, and ultimate hope is not found in any ruler or culture or system of the world, but in the eternal Word of the living God.

Kathryn Hartley | 1 Kings 18:46-19:18 — Though he had seen and done many great things as the Lord’s chosen prophet, Elijah found himself in a place of deep despair even wishing for death. But, rather than rebuke Elijah, God met him in the midst; caring for his physical needs, comforting him with nearness, and reshaping his perspective. When we, like Elijah, are at our wit’s end, may we take comfort in the God who reaches down in love to care for our most vulnerable self.

Andrew Baker | Luke 1:26-33; 1 Samuel 8:1-22;2 Samuel 7:12-13; Amos 9:11; Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-2; Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:33 — From the time of the Judges, to Israel’s sinful request, to the Davidic covenant - all of the Old Testament collectively and consistently looks forwards to the coming of the true everlasting King. On this side of the Cross, may we live each moment in light of the reality that Jesus is that King, and His Kingdom has come.