Laneway Church Bathurst

Last week we saw that humanity is both beautiful and broken, created in God’s image yet fallen from His design. This week, Pastor Jeff asked the crucial question: How can I be made right with God? From the story of Abraham in Romans 4, we see that God’s way has never been about performance, reward, or moral perfection. While the world runs on “earn your worth,” Scripture tells us something radically different: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Faith is trust, the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen. Like Abraham, we are made right with God not by what we do, but by believing in what Christ has done. This is the scandal and the wonder of the gospel: that through faith in Jesus, we are made right. Jesus offers us more than religion. He offers relationship, peace, purpose, belonging, rest, and eternal life. And it all begins with faith. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #MadeRight #WeAreC3 #GospelTruth

The book of Romans is Paul’s masterpiece, a sweeping letter that maps the gospel with breathtaking clarity. This week, Pastor Jeff began our new series Made Right with the question: Why do I need to be made right? From the grandeur of ancient Rome to the small, persecuted house churches where believers first gathered, we see that Paul wrote to a world not unlike ours. It was full of beauty and brokenness. Humanity is remarkable, yet deeply flawed. Scripture tells us, “No one is righteous, not even one.” We sense it too, in the violence of nations, in fractured relationships, even in our own hearts. But Romans reveals something extraordinary: God has made a way. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. Not by performance or perfection, but through undeserved kindness. In Christ, what was fatally flawed at its core is restored and made new, made right, made whole. This is the heart of the gospel. Through faith in Jesus, we are freed from striving and we are reconciled to God. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #MadeRight #WeAreC3 #GospelTruth

In a world overflowing with information, from TED talks to podcasts, social media and streaming, we might ask why dedicate time each Sunday to preaching in the local church? Pastor Jeff reminded us that preaching is not just information but truth on fire: Spirit-empowered proclamation that calls us to know God and live for Him. From Moses to Samuel, Jesus to Peter and Paul, Scripture shows that preaching has always carried both truth and exhortation. It not only explains God’s Word but urges us to respond, loving Him with all our heart, turning from idols, standing firm in Christ, and proclaiming the gospel. This week, Pastor Jeff traced how the church has cherished preaching through history, from the prophets to the apostles, from the Reformation to today. Preaching in the local church is not about streaming in the world’s best communicators, but about God speaking through His Word, His Spirit, and His people here and now. At the heart of all preaching is the gospel: that God created us in love, we turned away, but in Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, we are reconciled to Him. Through His death and resurrection, we are invited into eternal life and a restored creation. This is the message we carry, generation to generation, until Christ returns. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #PreachTheWord #WeAreC3 #GospelProclaimed

Why do we worship together? It is more profound than singing songs on a Sunday. Worship is God’s design for His people. In worship we give ourselves to God through Christ, by the Spirit, and in the company of His church. This week the Laneway Worship Team, Laura, Rhys, and Sharon, shared from Scripture and their own stories about the beauty and power of gathered worship. Drawing from Psalm 96, Hebrews 10, and Revelation 4-5, they reminded us that worship begins with God’s worthiness, not our feelings. As we lift our voices, we respond to His glory, we strengthen and encourage one another, and we proclaim to the world that the Lord reigns. When we sing together, we are united in truth and witness, and we join with the eternal chorus of heaven. God’s presence is made real among us and we receive a foretaste of the day when Christ will return and all creation will worship Him forever. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #WhyWeWorship #WeAreC3 #WorshipTogether

Raising the next generation in faith is not something we can leave to chance. Every day, children are being formed through school, screens, and culture, by stories that shape how they see the world. The question is, who is doing the forming? In this week’s message, Pastor Jeff reminds us that parenting is more than running a household; it is discipleship. Drawing on Joshua 24:15, Deuteronomy 6:6–7, and Ephesians 6:4, he shows us how we can help shape the faith of the next generation. Parents and leaders are called to resolve the direction of their families, setting a clear spiritual course. Faith formation happens in the everyday, in conversations, routines, and life together, as we maximise every moment to point to God. Discipleship also means guiding with patience, truth, and encouragement, raising children to love the Lord. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, youth leader, or part of the church family, we all play a role in passing on a living faith. As Pastor Jeff shared, “God works in families to raise a generation. Let’s be that church that raises the next generation with faith, courage, and love for Jesus.” Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #RaisingTheNextGeneration #WeAreC3 #FaithAtHome

Fear of missing your calling can weigh heavily. We wonder if we are in the right place or if we have somehow missed what God had planned. Yet the Bible reminds us that our calling is not limited to a career or a title. From the very beginning, Genesis 2 shows that God created us with work to do, and Colossians 3:23 reminds us that whatever we do is for the Lord. Psalm 138 says He has a purpose for our lives, and Isaiah 65 gives us hope that nothing done in Him is in vain. In this week’s panel of Laneway Stories, Pastor Rowe sat down with Peter and Bron to talk about vocation, work, and the peace of walking with God in all seasons. Bron shared, “I get so much joy in enabling students to be creative. That is my happy place.” Peter reflected on years in the banking world, saying, “For me, God was with me wherever I worked.” As we consider our own work and season of life, we can take heart that God is with us in it. He has not abandoned us to chance but has purposes that unfold through both the ordinary and the unexpected. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #FreedomFromFear #GodsCalling #WeAreC3

Fear of being hurt, fear of being let down, fear of being alone. Relationships can feel risky, and many of us carry scars that make us want to pull back or protect ourselves. But God’s design for us has always been love and connection, not isolation. In this message, Col shares how Jesus offers freedom from the fear that holds us back in relationships. Drawing from John 17, Ecclesiastes 4, and Romans 12, he reminds us that we’re created in God’s image for community, called to love and forgive as we’ve been loved and forgiven. Our love for one another is how the world sees that Jesus is the Son of God, and it’s why the enemy works so hard to sow division. Col explores how seeking God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) transforms how we relate to others, helping us forgive even when it’s hard, love beyond our own strength (Philippians 4:13), and overcome evil with good. Jesus’ banner over us is love, and His love empowers us to live reconciled and hope-filled, even when relationships have been messy or painful. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #FreedomFromFear #FaithFilledRelationships #WeAreC3

Money pressures, rising costs, dwindling savings. The fear of financial lack is real. It can feel like there’s never enough, and anxiety about tomorrow creeps into today. In this message, Pastor Jeff shares how God’s Word gives us freedom from that fear. Drawing from the story of Elijah and the widow in 1 Kings 17, Jeff reminds us that while brooks may dry up and jars may look empty, God is always our provider. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1), and He is faithful to supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). There’s no lack in God’s kingdom. At the heart of this message is a shift from fear to trust, from relying on our own limited resources to living in God’s unlimited provision. Jeff shows how freedom comes when we put God first in every part of life, trust Him with the first of our finances, practice faithful giving through tithes and generosity, and learn to live wisely while believing for God’s abundance. This is an invitation to step into a life where fear of lack is replaced by faith in God’s goodness. Faithful giving leads to faith-filled living where there is always enough, and often overflow. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #FreedomFromFear #FaithOverFinances #WeAreC3

War, disaster, political unrest, environmental collapse. Our feeds are full of it. The noise is relentless, the chaos feels constant, and fear can settle deep into our bones. In this message, Pastor Jeff invites us to step back and look at the bigger story. Romans 8 describes all creation groaning under the weight of brokenness, longing for redemption. Revelation 21 promises that God will make all things new. Between those two truths is where we live, and it changes how we face the news, the uncertainty, and the unknown. At the heart of this message is a simple but life-changing shift: replacing the world’s story of chance, with God’s story of creation. When we believe the right story, we find peace, not because the chaos stops, but because Jesus has overcome the world. Jeff shares four counter-cultural ways to live in the middle of global turmoil: Pray: take your concerns to the highest authority (Philippians 4:6–7) Give: choose one need and meet it (Proverbs 19:17) Serve: focus on the people God has placed close to you (Galatians 6:9–10) Care for your soul: let God lead you beside quiet waters (Psalm 23:1–2) This is an invitation to trade anxiety for trust, fear for hope, and despair for a deep, steady peace. The world may be groaning, but the story is not over. God is making all things new. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #FreedomFromFear #PeaceInChaos #WeAreC3

This week, Pastor Jeff sits down with guest Pastor Greg French to launch our August series: Freedom From Fear. Greg shares honestly and powerfully about facing fear head-on, most notably when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the start of COVID. With clarity and depth, he unpacks how faith doesn't eliminate fear but gives us a way through it. Armed with Scripture, community, and a word from God, “I’ve got this”, Greg walks through uncertainty with courage and conviction. His story is one of resilience, hope, healing, and refusing to let fear write the final chapter. This isn't just about surviving a health crisis. It's about living a life that stays open to God's purposes, no matter your age or season. Greg reminds us that “while there is breath, there is hope.” This conversation sets the tone for our August focus: confronting the fears that quietly shape our lives: fear of lack, fear of missing our calling, fear of global chaos, and fear in the digital age. Through it all, we'll explore what it means to live prepared, full of faith, and confident in God's promises. God hasn’t called us to a life of fear, but a life of faith. What might He want to set you free from this month? Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #FreedomFromFear #MyGodCan #OvercomingFear #WeAreC3

In this message, we hear two powerful stories from people in our Laneway community, Esther and Peter, ordinary lives marked by an extraordinary God. Esther shares about a difficult work season and the quiet shift that happened when she started praying not just about her boss, but for her. What began as frustration turned into compassion. Instead of asking God to change her situation, she let Him change her heart. And through every setback, she saw God's faithful hand guiding her to healing, provision, and a workplace where she could thrive. Peter reflects on a life-changing missions trip to Uganda. He thought he was going to build, but God had something much deeper in mind. From preaching unexpectedly to confronting spiritual darkness, Peter found himself transformed. “Trust God. Take Him at His word. He’ll take you at yours. And He’ll take your ordinary and make it something Kingdom special.” These stories remind us that faith is forged in the quiet places, in the decisions we make to stay loyal, to trust again, to show up, and to follow Jesus even when it’s costly. What could He do with your ordinary if you gave it fully to Him? Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #BookOfRuth #OrdinaryFaithfulness #WeAreC3

In this message, Pastor Rowe brings us to the threshing floor in Ruth chapter 3, where character is tested in the dark. While our world often celebrates romance and power, God celebrates integrity, and Boaz models it beautifully. Boaz’s life wasn’t dramatic or flashy. But it was faithful. He noticed the overlooked, welcomed the outsider, protected the vulnerable, and honoured family. And when faced with temptation, his years of quiet, consistent character formation meant his response was unwavering: he acted with honour. We need more people like Boaz in our world. People whose character has been shaped after Jesus. People who can stand firm in the moment because they've been faithful in the mundane. At the heart of this story is more than a good man. It's a glimpse of our Redeemer. What Boaz did for one woman, Jesus does for all. He steps into our story to rescue, redeem, and restore. He invites us to respond. So here’s the question: Do you need Jesus to be your Redeemer today? Or are you being called to become a person of integrity, someone who makes the kind of everyday decisions that shape a life of purpose and influence? Boaz’s story shows us this: simple integrity can change everything. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #BookOfRuth #OrdinaryFaithfulness #WeAreC3

Loyalty is radical and in the story of Ruth, it changes everything. In this message, Pastor Jeff takes us deeper into the second chapter of Ruth, exploring the quiet, courageous power of loyalty. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi was costly, counter-cultural, and full of faith. And it’s exactly the kind of loyalty that reflects the heart of God. At the heart of this story is a simple but life-defining decision: "Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." This was Ruth’s response to Naomi and it’s also an invitation to each of us. Could you say that to Jesus today? Could this be your moment to follow Him in faith, in loyalty, and in love? To follow Jesus like Ruth followed Naomi means embracing a different way of living. Jeff closes with ten counter-cultural, biblical practices that celebrate the beauty of ordinary faith: 1. Faithfulness in small things (Luke 16:10) 2. Serving without being seen (Matthew 6:4) 3. Slowing down and resting (Exodus 20:8–11) 4. Loving the unlovely (Luke 6:27–28) 5. Welcoming the outsider (Leviticus 19:34) 6. Practicing contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) 7. Honouring mundane work (Colossians 3:23) 8. Quiet trust over loud opinion (1 Thessalonians 4:11) 9. Showing loyalty and commitment (Matthew 5:37) 10. Rejoicing in suffering (James 1:2–4) This message is for anyone who’s ready to stop drifting and start following. Ruth’s story shows us: ordinary faithfulness is powerful, and God moves through it. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #BookOfRuth #OrdinaryFaithfulness #WeAreC3

In this message, Col takes us into the opening chapter of Ruth and the life of Naomi: a woman whose story reminds us that even in grief, loss, and disappointment, God is still at work. Through famine, death, and the shame of exile, Naomi's journey is one of resilience and honesty. She doesn't sugarcoat her pain. She laments. She questions. She returns home bitter and broken. But her story doesn’t end there. Col invites us to consider: What does it mean to come home when you feel like you’ve failed? How do we trust God when everything falls apart again and again? From Ruth 1 to Psalm 103, this message reminds us that our God is not intimidated by our pain. He welcomes our grief, carries our burdens, and continues to write redemption into the parts of our story that feel too far gone. This message is for anyone who wonders if it’s too late. Naomi’s story says: You’re not done yet. And neither is God. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #Naomi #YoureNotDoneYet #WeAreC3

The Holy Spirit is closer than you think and He’s speaking. Are you listening? This week Pastor Jeff hosts a panel conversation with two Laneway legends, Chris and Sharon, as they share real stories of encountering the Holy Spirit in everyday life. From avoiding car accidents and rogue kangaroos to workplace challenges and pivotal moments of guidance, we hear how the presence of the Holy Spirit isn’t just for the extraordinary, it’s for the ordinary. Chris shares how one word from God shaped his entire career and literally saved a life, while Sharon testifies to God’s gentle reminders through Scripture, guidance in the mundane, and a quiet moment that unlocked the gift of tongues. This message reminds us that the Spirit speaks through Scripture, impressions, whispers, and stillness, and that we are invited into a relationship that’s more than a monologue. It’s a dialogue with the living God.

You were never meant to do this alone. In this message, Pastor Rowe brings a powerful and personal word on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As we close out our Holy Spirit Presence series, she reminds us that the Holy Spirit isn’t just here to shape us but to empower us. Rowe shares her own journey of being called out of her comfort zone, stepping into leadership not by natural strength but by the power of the Spirit. From the early church in Acts to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians and Romans, we see how God gives spiritual gifts of wisdom, healing, prophecy, teaching, tongues, and generosity. These gifts are not for our own benefit but to build His Church and reach the world. These are gifts that go beyond natural talent. They are invitations to be part of something bigger: the mission of Jesus. And we need the fruit of the Spirit to carry these gifts with care and integrity. This message is for anyone who longs to be used by God. You don’t have to be confident. You don’t have to be a preacher. You just have to be willing. Open your life to the Holy Spirit and see what He wants to do through you.

We are called to live empowered by the Spirit. In this message, Col shares his personal journey of encountering the Holy Spirit and unpacks what it means to be baptised in the Spirit. Through scripture, story, and invitation, we’re reminded that the Holy Spirit is not a doctrine to believe but a person to receive. From Acts 1 to Luke 11, and his own testimony of transformation, Col invites us to step into the freedom, boldness, and intimacy that come from a Spirit-filled life. Whether you’ve never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or you’re longing for a fresh infilling, this message will stir your faith and awaken your hunger. You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to be open. The world doesn’t need more self-reliant Christians; it needs Spirit-empowered disciples. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #BaptismOfTheHolySpirit #WeAreC3

We’re not called to live ordinary lives, we’re called to be people of the Spirit. In this message, Pastor Jeff unpacks what it means to be marked by the presence of God. Drawing on the stories of Moses, Joshua, David, and Ezekiel, we’re reminded that the Holy Spirit has always been at work through willing, surrendered lives. From the tent of meeting in Exodus 33 to David’s cry in Psalm 51, and Ezekiel’s Spirit-filled commissioning, the invitation is clear: God is still seeking people who will walk closely with Him. This message will stir your hunger for more of the Holy Spirit and challenge you to linger, listen, and lead in your family, workplace, and community. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. The world doesn’t need more impressive people; it needs people of the Spirit. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #HolySpiritPresence #WeAreC3

We can encounter the Holy Spirit in real, personal ways. In this message, guest Pastor Tom Sapsford invites us to consider what it means to walk in step with the Spirit. Drawing from Scripture and stories of faith, he reminds us that God still moves, still speaks, and still draws near to His people through the power of the Holy Spirit. You’ll be encouraged to lean in with expectation, to create space in your life for the Spirit’s presence, and to respond when He prompts you to pray, speak, or step out in faith. These encounters aren’t reserved for the super spiritual, they’re available to anyone who’s willing to listen and obey. Whether you’ve had powerful experiences with the Spirit or you’re just beginning to wonder what that could look like, this message is an invitation to be open, attentive, and ready. God wants to meet with you. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #HolySpiritPresence #WeAreC3

The Bible is full of wisdom, but how do we actually carry it into our everyday lives? In this message, we hear from people across the Laneway family as they share how they read the Word of God in their daily rhythms. From quiet moments with Scripture to verses that have anchored them through seasons of change, these stories are honest, practical, and full of encouragement. You’ll hear how different people are learning to trust God’s voice, how they make time for the Bible amid busy schedules, and how even small, consistent habits can lead to deep transformation. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the Bible or have walked with Jesus for years, this is an invitation to keep going, staying grounded in God’s Word and open to His wisdom. Let these stories remind you: God still speaks. And He meets us on the pages of Scripture. Stay connected with Laneway Church and our lead Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd: 🌐 laneway.church 📱 Instagram: @lanewaychurchbathurst_ | @jeff.lloyd.bathurst | @rlloyd24 #LanewayChurch #BiblicalWisdom #WeAreC3