Discovery Church

02/11/2025 - ​M​att RobinsonRomans 12Consider:Has there been something that’s happened this year that’s frustrated you? Something you wish you could change? Or perhaps someone?We live in a wild world, and at times we ask ourselves what place do we as Christians have in this world?The church in Rome asked this same question. They were divided by opinion, Jews concerned with the Law and Gentiles feeling limited in how they could minister. It’s into this context that Paul writes Romans.The Invitation:Leading up to Romans 12, Paul emphasises the fact that though we are all different, what unites us is that we all are invited into God’s family. There is an invitation for us to join God and what He’s doing to restore this wild world we live in.The Implication:Romans 12:1-2Saying “Yes” to Jesus means saying “Yes” to being renewed and transformed from the inside out.Parable of the unknown Monk“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town, and as an older man, I tried to change my family.Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”Reflect:What’s actually shaping your mindset? What is influencing your thoughts most right now?The implementation:Karl Barth – “We must hold the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”Romans 12:4-8We are all made unique, have different stories, backgrounds, talents, gifting and connections. Paul reminds us of this and that because of this how God uses us is going to look different. We aren’t meant to compare or judge what another is doing for the Lord, but to focus on what He is able to do with us.The Outcome:When we accept the invit ation, we journey with God. We are made students who seek to become like Him and this will be expressed uniquely through who He has made us to be. As a result, the good news will be shared, we will be light-bearers in dark places.Romans 12:9-20Imagine a world where we live like Paul describes in these verses.This is who we are called to be, this is what happens and can only happen, when we live fed by the root, and in response offer our lives as a living sacrifice.What could this look like for us to live this out in our week?Be first to show honour to those around youPursue being hospitable and loving to strangers,Seek to bless those who seek to curse youCelebrate other people’s wins with them, share tears with those who are in ruin.Do your best to understand one another. That means don’t just reject someone because of a view they hold but seek to converse with them, understand the other side of a story. Why do they hold that view?Don’t think so highly of yourself or your understanding of things. Lower yourself so that you can listen, learn, and serveBe radically generous and authentically humble

26/10/2025 - Zeke MurleyRomans 10:5–17 (ESV)The Law vs. FaithMoses wrote that the one who does the commandments shall live by them (v.5).But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart…” (v.6–7).Salvation isn’t found in human effort — it’s nearer than we think. The Word Is Near“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (v.9–10)The same Lord is Lord of all — Jew and Greek alike — and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (v.12–13) The Rhetorical Questions“How will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?How will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?How will they hear without someone preaching?And how will they preach unless they are sent?” (v.14–15)These questions reveal God’s pattern for reaching the world — a sending, speaking, saving God. Sent. Speak. Sound. Saved.Sent: From Moses to Isaiah, Jonah to Jesus, God has always been a sending God.Speak: The proof of faith isn’t just in worship but in witness. The Gospel isn’t meant to stay silent.Sound: What message are people hearing? A gospel of striving or a gospel of grace?Saved: “The word is near you…” (v.8). Salvation isn’t far off. It’s closer than you think — as close as your lips.

19/10/2025 - Matthew DestryBig Idea: The gospel goes with going people, yet the dream always belongs to God.Text: Romans 15:22–29But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.Romans 15 sits at the crossroads of Paul’s ministry. He’s writing from Corinth, heading toward Jerusalem, hoping to be refreshed in Rome, and dreaming of Spain—the edge of the known world. Each stop is a stage in the soul’s pilgrimage:Reality — where you face the truth.Honour — where you remember those who came before you.Support — where you are renewed by the community of faith.Dream — where you step into God’s uncharted future.Corinth – Reality (vv. 22–23)Jerusalem – Honour (vv. 25–27)Rome – Support (vv. 24, 29)Spain – Dream (vv. 24, 28)

12/10/2025 - Matthew DestryWaiting patiently in hopeRomans 8:18-30For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Point 1. Present suffering vs future glory (vv. 18–19)Point 2. Creation’s groan, our groan, Spirit’s groan (vv. 20–26)Nature, with its melancholy charm, resembles a bride who, at the very moment when she was fully attired for marriage, saw the bridegroom die. She still stands with her fresh crown and in her bridal dress, but her eyes are full of tears” — SchellingPoint 3. Hope and patience (vv. 24–25)Point 4. The Spirit helps, the Father searches, the Son secures (vv. 26–30)As the bird-life builds up a bird, the image of itself, so the Christ-life builds up a Christ, the image of Himself, in the inward nature of man.… According to the great law of conformity to type, this fashioning takes a specific form. It is that of the Artist who fashions. And all through life this wonderful, mystical, glorious, yet perfectly definite process goes on ‘until Christ be formed’ in it” (Drummond, “Natural Law in the Spiritual World”).Application:For the weary: Don’t despise the groan. It’s not the sound of defeat; it’s the sound of new creation coming.For the impatient: Train in hope. Refuse the quick fix. Learn the holy art of waiting.For the prayerless: Trust the Spirit’s intercession when you don’t know what to say.For the anxious: Anchor your life in this promise—God is shaping Jesus in you, and He will not fail.“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” — Robert Murray M’Cheyne

05/10/2025 - Jody DestryRomans 6:1–14Key Scripture“We are no longer slaves to sin… For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” (Romans 6:6–7)“So you also should consider yourselves dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)“Do not let sin control the way you live… Instead, give yourselves completely to God.” (Romans 6:12–13) Summary:Paul addresses a dangerous distortion: “If grace is abundant, should we just keep sinning?” His answer is clear: Absolutely not!Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sin’s power is broken. In baptism, we identify with Christ — the old self is buried, and we are raised to live new lives.Sin still tempts, but it no longer masters us. Our new reality is freedom under grace — called to live as instruments of righteousness, shaped by God’s will and ways, not by sin’s rule.Grace isn’t a licence to sin. Grace is power to live free. Key TakeawaysSin enslaves – it shapes habits, desires, and choices when left unchecked.Grace frees – Jesus’ death and resurrection break sin’s power over us.Baptism reminds us – we’ve died to sin and now live with a new identity in Christ.Our call – Offer every part of our lives to God as instruments of righteousness. Reflection QuestionsWhat habits, attitudes, or patterns feel like they still enslave you?How does knowing you are “dead to sin, alive in Christ” shift your perspective?Where do you tend to rationalise or minimise sin in your own life?What’s one practical step you can take this week to live out your new identity in Christ?Group/Individual PracticeRemember your baptism – Reflect on the truth it symbolises: dead to sin, alive in Christ.Offer yourself anew – Pray a prayer of surrender, asking God to use your words, work, and relationships as instruments of righteousness this week.Receive grace – Whether for the first time or as renewal, thank Jesus for breaking sin’s power and giving you new life.

This week we have the incredible privilege of hosting Ps Gary Morgan. Gary is an incredible preacher, prophet and friend of Discovery Church. We know you'll enjoy this word from Gary.

21/09/2025 - Zeke MurleyScriptureRomans 5:6–81. The Cross MisunderstoodNot Manipulation:We think it’s manipulative because we make sin small and hell hypothetical.Like tackling a blind man out of traffic—looked harsh until he saw the truck.God saved us while we were still sinners.Not Murder:Jesus wasn’t a victim or martyr; He gave His life willingly (John 10:17–18, Mark 10:45).Victims don’t choose; Jesus chose every whip, nail, and insult.He’s not a victim—He’s the Victor.Not Myth:If Jesus is a myth, so is salvation.Eyewitnesses, historians, and the apostles’ deaths prove otherwise.It’s not a myth that He died, rose, and saves.2. What the Cross Really IsMercy:Jesus met our real guilt, not just our felt needs.Deny sin → despise mercy.The more you see your sin, the more amazing His mercy becomes (1 Tim 1:15–16).3. The GapLook back, look now—see the gap between who you were and who you are.That gap is not your work; it’s Jesus’ work in you.Christian with No Gap: Be warned—you may have settled for religion, not salvation.Christian Who Sees the Gap: Be grateful—every step is mercy on display.Non-Christian Who Sees the Gap: You’ve tried to fill it with success, pleasure, or works. You can’t. Only Jesus bridges the gap—He is the gap-filler.ClosingThe cross isn’t manipulation, murder, or myth. It is mercy.And mercy fills the gap between you and God—forever.

Human brokenness and the need for grace14/09/2025 - Matthew DestryRomans 1:16–17: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”Creeping death :: Romans 1:21–23 (ESV)For although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.The levelling ground :: Romans 2:1–2 (ESV)Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practise the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practise such things.The verdict rendered :: Romans 3:10–18 (ESV)As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”The gift revealed :: Romans 3:21–24 (ESV)But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.The four steps in Romans 3:21–26. Here’s how Paul unpacks it:1.Revealed (v.21)2.For everyone (vv.22–23)3.Through the cross (vv.24–25a)4.Showing God’s character (vv.25b–26)Application: where brokenness meets mercyAdmit your needReceive God’s graceLive from mercy, not masks “Pride is a form of cosmic plagiarism – claiming to be the author of something that is actually a gift’ – Tim Keller

Ps Matt Destry2 Timothy 1:5–7 (ESV)“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”1. THE FIRE IS SACRED“Faith is not the clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel2. THE FIRE IS FORGED IN STRUGGLE“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them—glory and danger alike—and yet still go out to meet it.” — Thucydides3. THE FIRE IS SUBSTANCE, NOT SUCCESS“What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.” — Gretchen Rubin4. BUILDING AN ALTAR — A SOLID FOUNDATIONText: Genesis 8:20–21 (ESV)“Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.’”Reflection Questions• Who passed the fire to you? What unspoken lessons did they leave?• Where are you tempted to give up? What does “keep walking” mean in your season?• What kind of altar are you building for those who come after you?• What does it mean for you today to fix your foundation on Christ?CHRIST OUR ALTAR, CHRIST OUR FIREHebrews 13:10: “We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.”

31/08/2025 - Matt DestryBig idea: God is mobilising an army… mobilised not stationary, co-ordinated not chaotic, surprising not sodden, gifted and broken.God is mobilising an army:1/ Where the battle is not against peopleEphesians 6:10–18 (NIV)Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.2/ Where the mission is the great commissionMatthew 28:18–20 (NIV)Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”3/ Where sanctification is the trainingTo be sanctified: The word comes from the Latin sanctus (“holy”) and the verb facere (“to make”). In biblical terms, it carries two layers:1. Positional Sanctification (Set Apart)2. Ongoing Sanctification (Being Made Holy)4/ Where no one walks alone5/ Where worship is warfare“God is mobilising an army, but it’s a broken army that marches on it’s knees” – Pete Greig

The Church as God’s Hospital24/08/2025 - Jody DestryOverflowing with Healing and HopeKey ScripturesMark 2:17 – “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”Luke 5:17–26 – Jesus heals the paralytic (forgiveness + physical healing).John 8:1–11 – Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (freedom from condemnation + new life).Mark 5:1–20 – Jesus heals the demon-possessed man (restoration of mind, community, and mission).John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”1 Corinthians 12:26 – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.”Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”Key PointsJesus the Great PhysicianHis ministry was marked by healing: physical, emotional, and spiritual.He addresses not just symptoms but root causes.Stories of HealingParalytic man → forgiveness + healing.Woman caught in adultery → mercy + transformation.The demon-possessed man → restored mind + sent on mission.Healing as a Sign of the KingdomEvery healing points to God’s reign breaking in with renewal, hope, and restoration.John 10:10 – life to the full.3.The Church as a HospitalJesus is the Great Physician, we are all patients, and together we form a community of mutual care.Different “wards” of the Church: emergency (crisis), surgical (transformation), maternity (new life), children’s (discipleship), aged care (honour and wisdom), recovery (rest and restoration), rehabilitation (strength and equipping).Healing in CommunityHealing isn’t just private; it’s experienced in relationships (1 Cor. 12:26; Gal. 6:2).Confession and prayer bring healing (James 5:16).Reflection Questions:f the Church is like a hospital with many wards, which “ward” do you see yourself in right now (emergency, recovery, rehabilitation, etc.)?How can we better live out 1 Corinthians 12:26 and Galatians 6:2 as a group — carrying each other’s burdens and celebrating healing together?James 5:16 speaks about confession and prayer. Why do you think honesty and vulnerability are so important for healing?

17/08/2025 - Matthew DestryPsalm 68:5–6: Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.Adopted into God’s Family — Romans 8:15–17Romans 8:15–17 (ESV): For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.The Household of God — Ephesians 2:19–22Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV): So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. III. Spiritual Friendships — John 15:15John 15:15 (ESV): No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.Four markers of healthy friendship:No Power ImbalanceNo Money Changing HandsNo Hidden ExpectationsNo Triangulation or ControlRecognising Leadership and Voices in the FamilyActs 18:24–26 (ESV): Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.Protecting the Unity of the Family — Ephesians 4:29–32Ephesians 4:29–32 (ESV): Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

10/08/2025 - Zeke MurleyPaul assumes everyone has a gift.The problem is not inactive gifts, but disobedientGifts are for the common good (v.7), empowered by one Spirit.Two Gift Problems in the ChurchThe Jealous Gift (vv.15–20)“Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body.”More concerned with visibility over faithfulness.Tells God He got it wrong.Turns partners in ministry into competitors in calling.Worships self over God.Robs the church of purposeJealousy leaves the body lame.The Prideful Gift (vv.21–24)“I have no need of you.”Independence isn’t strength — it’s sabotage.You can’t build the body if you think you don’t needYou are not the point of this place — just a part of it.When the gift becomes god, the church becomes a casualty.Heart CheckThis isn’t a team recruitment drive.No sign-up sheet. No QR code.It’s about the Spirit of God and believing He meant what He said: You are part of the Body.When jealousy and pride go uncorrected:Celebration dies.Honour becomes foreign.Resentment and self-sufficiency suffocate the Spirit’s work.Result: Christ isn’t glorified.Dishonour the gift → dishonour the Giver.Our Callv.26 — If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.Honour one another.See one another.Need one another.Hands — Living It OutIdentify your gift — not to compare or compete, but to contribute.Confess pride or jealousy that’s kept you from building up the body.Celebrate and honour others’ gifts.Serve the body so Christ is seen and glorified.

Zach MeerkreebsKey Scripture: Philippians 2; Romans 12; Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:14–17Guest speaker Zach Meerkreebs shares his firsthand account of the Asbury Revival and what God did in a small Kentucky chapel.A powerful reminder that God isn't looking for perfection, power, or performance — He's drawn to humility.Explores the difference between pride and consecrated confidence.Challenges us to live with open hands and soft hearts — ready to be confronted and consecrated.Highlights how even our kids can be spiritual teachers when we’re humble enough to listen.“Go lower”: Jesus' model of descent from glory to servanthood becomes the blueprint for our own transformation.Addresses cultural misconceptions about humility, ambition, and spiritual passivity.Encourages every believer to be a "pothole" where the Spirit can puddle up — a place low enough for God's presence to rest.

27/07/2025 - Jody DestryReclaiming a healthy, Christlike vision of submission that leads to freedom, peace, and flourishing.Key Scriptures:Isaiah 30:15–18Ephesians 5:21–25John 5:19, John 16:13–14, John 5:22–23Luke 22:42 (“Not my will, but yours be done.”)James 4:7, Psalm 37:5 Big Idea:Submission often carries baggage — misunderstood as weakness or misused to justify control – but Scripture reveals a better way.Submission is woven into the very nature of God: Father, Son, and Spirit live in a divine rhythm of mutual love, honour, and deference. Jesus models submission not as defeat, but as strength — surrendering to the Father’s will for the sake of our redemption.God’s call to submission is not about losing voice or value. It’s about finding peace and purpose in trusting the One who knows us best and loves us most.Like Judah in Isaiah 30, we often run to false security and control when we’re afraid — but God calls us back:“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”(Isaiah 30:15)Submission isn’t passivity. It’s a posture of active trust. When we lay down control, we make space for God’s peace, clarity, and power to work in and through us. Key Takeaways1/ Submission is rooted in the Trinity — God models mutual submission in love (John 5:19; 16:13–14).2/ Submission is a strength, not a weakness — it takes courage to trust and let go.3/ Submission requires trust — which can feel risky in a world of broken authority.4/ God’s vision is freedom and flourishing — not control or oppression.5/ Rebellion isn’t just cultural — it’s spiritual — like Judah, we resist God’s way, often to our own harm. Jesus shows us the way — “Not my will, but Yours be done.”Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life are you grasping for control rather than trusting God?Has your understanding of submission been shaped more by culture or by Christ?What would it look like to say “Not my will, but Yours” in this season of your life?How could mutual submission strengthen your relationships?Are there areas where pride or fear has kept you from yielding in love?How does seeing submission in the Trinity reshape your understanding of God’s nature?Why is submission essential to Christian community (Ephesians 5:21)?Prayer:God, I confess the places where I’ve held too tightly to control. Help me surrender my way and trust Your wisdom. Teach me the beauty of mutual submission — with You, and with others — so I might walk in peace, strength, and love. Amen.

20/07/2025 - Matthew DestryAddressing the Elephant in the RoomSuspicion is healthy. But cynicism can harden your heart. Today, I want us to ask: What if giving to God isn’t a scheme, but a spiritual practice?Main Narrative Text: Genesis 14:17–24After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said,“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth;and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me.”Key Points – The tithe is not law first—it is worship first.The Tithe is WorshipThe Tithe is a Heart ShaperThe Tithe is a Declaration of DependenceThe Tithe Points Beyond ItselfPastoral Note: Tithing on Low IncomeIt’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the posture of the heart.Bonus Section: Is Tithing in the New Testament?In Matthew 23:23, he critiques the Pharisees for tithing their herbs meticulously while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” He says: “You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.”“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:45)“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)“On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)Jesus is our true Priest“Lord Jesus, our great High Priest, You gave everything for us. Make us generous like You. Break greed, fear, and pride in our hearts. Teach us to worship You with all we have. Amen.”

13/07/2025 - Zeke MurleyThere’s a word in the Bible that some of us wish wasn’t there: **Repent**.Not whispered – **preached**.Not optional – **commanded**.Not hidden – spoken by **Jesus** Himself.Key Question: Have I actually repented, or have I just learned to **hide**?ScriptureRomans 2:1–6• Matthew 3:1–2• Mark 1:14–15• Acts 2:37–39• Acts 5:31• John 3:5–8Head – What is Repentance?Repentance isn’t just feeling bad—it’s a **turning**.• It’s a **reorientation** from sin and from self, toward God.• In the OT, ‘nāḥam’ = to be deeply sorry; ‘šûḇ’ = to **return**.• When we repent, God **relents** (Jer. 18:8).• God’s **kindness** leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4).Kindness MisunderstoodCulture has redefined kindness as **being polite or agreeable**.• Biblical kindness is always tied to **moral goodness**.• Kindness without goodness is **flattery**.• We’ve turned kindness into **permission** instead of invitation.• God’s kindness is not avoiding—it’s **confronting**.• It’s not coddling—it’s **convicting**.Heart – Why This MattersThe enemy loves the sin you’re **stuck** in.• Repentance is not just for the **unbeliever**, it’s for the Church.• God won’t share your **soul** with your addiction.• God’s kindness is not passive—it’s going to **war** with your sin.• He won’t make peace with porn, or **dance** with your drinking.• It’s not just a whisper—it’s a **wake-up call**.Hands – Our Response• Conviction without **action** just becomes regret.• Repentance is the **response** that turns conviction into freedom.• In repentance, you’re not just turning away—you’re turning **toward Someone**.• When you turn, God turns—not in nature, but in how He **deals** with you.• He sees not your sin, but **Jesus**.What is the Holy Spirit calling you to repent of today?

06/07/2025 - Doug PorsTrajectory CheckWhere is your life heading—towards Jesus or away?Small shifts lead to major misalignment over time.Redefining JudgementModern English skews “judgement” as harsh condemnation.Biblical Judgement = Discernment + Restoration (Greek: Krino).It’s not the opposite of love—it is love in action, confronting injustice and healing brokenness.Judgement in PracticeGod’s judgement is corrective, not punitive.Meant to restore right relationships, justice, peace.Jesus models this: calling out injustice (e.g., Temple cleansing), not to condemn, but to restore worship and justice.Scripture HighlightsIsaiah 1:16-18, 58:6-10, Psalm 98:9, Jeremiah 7, John 3:16-17, Luke 6:41-42, Psalm 139:23-24Judgement calls us back to God and each other, not away from Him.God’s Heart in JudgementGod loves too much to leave the world broken.Judgement is love expressed as correction.Jesus takes our judgement to bring life, not death.Living Under Loving JudgementStop hiding. Start confessing.Embrace correction—it leads to healing.Be a restorer, not a condemner.Let God judge us to align our hearts with His.Final InvitationJudgement = Invitation to wholeness.“Search me, O God… lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139)

29/06/2025 - Matthew DestryIsaiah 60:1–5 (ESV):1 Arise, shine, for your light has come,and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,and thick darkness the peoples;but the Lord will arise upon you,and his glory will be seen upon you.3 And nations shall come to your light,and kings to the brightness of your rising.4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see;they all gather together, they come to you;your sons shall come from afar,and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.5 Then you shall see and be radiant;your heart shall thrill and exult,because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,the wealth of the nations shall come to you.Revelation 7:9 (ESV):After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…The return of God’s people = the return of the nations — not to a city, but to the presence of God himselfHope // Light // LambA global pilgrimage of worshippersReversalThe Lamb is at the centre1. The Kingdom doesn’t stop at our border2. The marginalised are not a project — they are the point3. You’re already in the global Church

22/06/2025 - Matthew DestryWhat if our worship was measured not just by what we sing, but by who we serve? This week, as we focus on our local partners — DCC and Southern Cross Kids Camps — we’re reminded that justice is worship, mercy is mission, and neighbourhood renewal is kingdom work.Key Scripture: Isaiah 58:6–10 (ESV)“Is not this the fast that I choose:to loose the bonds of wickedness,to undo the straps of the yoke,to let the oppressed go free,and to break every yoke?Is it not to share your bread with the hungryand bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover him,and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,and your healing shall spring up speedily;your righteousness shall go before you;the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’If you take away the yoke from your midst,the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,if you pour yourself out for the hungryand satisfy the desire of the afflicted,then shall your light rise in the darknessand your gloom be as the noonday.” Historical context: under the surfaceThe Law of Moses had always been justice-shaped:a/ Gleaning laws (Lev. 19:9–10): Leave the edges of your fields for the poor.b/ Debt release every seven years (Deut. 15): Let no one be enslaved foreverc/ Sabbath rest (Ex. 23): Even servants and animals were to be refreshed.d/ Jubilee years (Lev. 25): A radical economic reset.Application – what is true worship? God’s idea of worship is wider than oursApplication: Who’s your neighbour? Not just the one in your postcode — but the refugee family seeking safety, the mate who lost his job, the teenager couch-surfing.Justice is a form of revivalApplication: Aussies love fairness. But gospel justice isn’t just equality — it’s redemption. It’s not just helping someone; it’s embodying Christ to them.Personal healing begins with community reorientationApplication: Aussies respect resilience. But resilience isn’t just about self-help — it’s about shared strength. Don’t wait to feel qualified. Don’t wait for the calendar to clear. Just start.Jesus didn’t just preach Isaiah 58 — He lived it. He loosed the bonds of the demonised. He fed the hungry on hillsides. He shared meals with outcasts. He welcomed children, even when others sent them away. He poured Himself out — even unto death.