Pastor Jeff looks at the reality of what the first Christmas would have actually looked like... a bit messy!

James concludes his letter with continued emphasis on humility and surrender. Pastor Kimberly Smith points out that James talks about the power and necessity of confession (and prayer) and the releasing of control over future plans in exchange for trust in God’s sovereign plans as further indication of being transformed by faith.

Gary Weatherley continues our Lessons from the Kings series where we have seen kings, good and bad, that ultimately lead to the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. So what is the answer? Over 1,000 years after Israel rejected God as their king we see God once again beginning a new kingdom where Jesus reigns in the hearts of his followers. Will our selfishness stop us enjoying the benefits of this new kingdom.

How do you speak about others? Do you criticise and judge? And how do you feel about your future? Are you stressed and concerned, or are you wrestling to stay in control? Pastor Kimberly Smith explores how James says the answer to these questions might let you know who is on the throne of your life? Is it God or is it you?

King Josiah died at only 39yrs old, yet he is called one of Judah's greatest kings, Stewart Crammond explore some of the key characteristics that made him who he was and how we can respond in a similar way today.

In the face of difficulty and challenge, James reminds us of how our faith should lead us to becoming very patient people. Visiting guest speaker Pastor John Evans challenges us on our impatience and points out some things we might need to think, do and pray so as to enact that change within us.

The theme for our Youth’s weekend camp was “Overcome”. Kimberly Smith shares that Christians are not meant to live life defeated but to overcome in the same power that caused Jesus to overcome the world and even death to make us victorious. 

Amidst our tendency to selfishly fight for what we want and pursue our identity, significance, meaning and purpose outside of God, James calls us to repentance. In preaching through this incredible passage of scripture, Pastor Jeff Benson explains that when we humble ourselves that God gives us all the grace we need, draws near to us and lifts us up.

The northern kingdom of Israel was doomed the day Jeroboam built for himself two temples to rival the one in Jerusalem. What effect did idol worship have on the northern kingdom? How might we also be in danger of setting up idols in our own lives? Sharyn White explores the story of the northern Kingdom of Israel that has a strong lesson to teach us about how we become like what we worship.

Praise is an incredibly powerful thing, not just because it realigns the posture of our own heart, but also because it expresses a faith that ushers in God’s active presence. The Rev Alan Nunn shares a powerful word on “praise-prayer”, calling us to continually realign ourselves and pray: “Thank you Lord, you know all about it”.