Speaker: Neville GarlandThe power of words is significant. They can be used to both build up and tear down. God's words, in particular, hold immense power to guide and empower individuals. The story of Joshua exemplifies this, highlighting the importance of listening to God's words and acting on them with courage.It is crucial to be mindful of the …

Speaker Neil DawsonInspired by the story of Peter and John healing the man at the temple gate in Acts 3, Neil challenges us to see others through Jesus’ eyes.Par Grace Community Church

Speaker Neil DawsonThis week Neil dives into the power of our words and the importance of living out our faith with authenticity. He challenges us to consider not just what we believe but how we believe, highlighting that a life truly transformed by Jesus speaks louder than words alone.Par Grace Community Church

Speaker: Lila GribbenThis week’s focus is on the essential role of compassion in both communication with others and self-reflection. Compassion is compared to ​“salt,” enhancing the flavor and quality of our interactions. While we can speak and think without compassion, choosing to include it deepens relationships, making them more meaningful and g…

Speaker: Amy AndersonWords hold significant power, with their impact often depending on how they are spoken and received. Just as objects vary in weight, so too do the words we hear and speak. Some words land lightly, while others stay with us, weighing us down. This is especially true when spoken by people in authority, such as parents, teachers, …

The importance of words and the power they carry is a central theme. Like a small rudder guiding a large ship, words can steer the direction of life, either towards destruction or freedom. Biblical teachings reinforce this idea, such as James comparing the tongue's power to that of a rudder, and Jesus warning that using words to speak ill of others…

Isaiah 43:19 declares, ​“Behold, I am doing a new thing,” a call for the church to recognize and respond to God’s current movements. We often become too familiar with scripture, but now is the time for spiritual awareness and persistence in prayer. Like David in Psalm 102:13 and the persistent widow in Luke 18, we are urged to persevere in interces…

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be reflecting on the power and importance of our words, inspired by Colossians 4:6. This verse emphasizes that our conversations should always be full of grace, whether we’re speaking to build others up or sharing our thoughts. Whether through careful, uplifting dialogue or thoughtful disagreement, we can use our words …

Speaker: Lila GribbenElijah, one of the most renowned prophets of the Old Testament, lived during a period when Israel was drifting further from God. Following King Solomon's reign, a succession of kings led the nation away from God over several decades, with King Ahab’s marriage to a pagan woman marking a deep decline into idol worship and the rej…

In the Gospels, we see people bringing even infants to Jesus so that He might bless them. This was a beautiful practice, but it received criticism from the disciples, who tried to stop the children from coming. Yet, Jesus insisted otherwise, showing that everyone, even the smallest and seemingly insignificant, is welcome in His presence. This speak…

Nations are constantly evolving and changing, particularly in times of crisis. Understanding history provides a vital perspective, helping us recognize both the progress and persistent challenges. The aspiration for a more just, equal society is ongoing, and while progress has been made, inequalities remain. Unity and collective effort are essentia…

Ronnie Dawson is sharing.The red letters in the Bible hold a special significance for Ronnie, as they are the direct words of Jesus. He reflects deeply on what Jesus says about worship, particularly the idea that God is spirit and that we are made of body, soul, and spirit. The Bible emphasizes the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth, and …

Andrew Gribben’s favorite song, Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns, holds a significant emotional connection for him. Known for his love of musicals and emotionally powerful music, Andrew finds that certain songs resonate deeply, providing solace and strength during challenging times.This particular song stands out as an anthem for him, ref…

Sharing: Neville Garland, Neil Dawson and Carolyn Dawson.By Faith by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend is a heartwarming song that encourages us to live in a way that stands out. It reminds us that God invites us on this incredible journey of faith, where we trust in Him even when we can’t see the whole picture. The song beautifully convey…

In our new series, members of our church family share their favourite songs. This week it’s the turn of William and Neil.Is He Worthy?In Revelation Chapter 5, John has a vision of a scroll that is sealed and hidden from humanity. This scroll, representing the fullness of God’s plan and knowledge, is inaccessible and causes John great distress becau…

Zephaniah 3:17 paints a vivid picture of God as a warrior who gives victory, embodying strength and protection. This image complements the message of John 3:16 in the New Testament, where God’s immense love for humanity is demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son.Contrary to the belief that God is perpetually angry with us, the truth is that H…

Speaker: Mauricio Quiñones.A true witness is someone who not only believes in the truth but also actively demonstrates and proves it through their actions. In the context of Christianity, this means more than simply attending church or identifying as a Christian. Remarkably, only one in ten Christians can be considered true witnesses, while the res…

In Matthew 14, after miraculously feeding the multitude, Jesus immediately withdrew to seek solitude, demonstrating His awareness of the need for personal time with God. This retreat underscores the importance of rest and spiritual replenishment, even amid pressing demands. Meanwhile, as the disciples sailed across the lake, a fierce storm arose, a…

The events of Pentecost in the New Testament are often seen as a reversal of what happened at the Tower of Babel in the Old Testament. At Babel, people tried to build a tower to reach the heavens, opposing God’s desire to come down and fill the earth. As a consequence, God scattered them across the earth and confused their languages so they could n…

The Jewish festivals of the Feast of Tabernacles and Pentecost serve as poignant reminders of the covenant renewed at Mount Sinai. In the New Testament, Luke, who also authored Acts, illustrates the continuity and fulfilment of these ancient traditions through the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Church.Luke’s writing is characterised by i…

In John 17:20-26, Jesus talks about how he wants his followers to be united, just like he is with God the Father. It's like he's saying whether you're just starting to learn about Christianity or you've been studying it for a long time, the main idea is the same: being close to God and each other.God's love isn't something he came up with later—it'…

In John 16:5 – 7,13 – 15, Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure, explaining that it’s necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. This often overlooked member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, embodies truth and guides us towards authenticity in life’s journey. Jesus’s mission goes beyond expectations; instead of vanquishing enemies, he demonstr…

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus shared a profound lesson with his disciples, captured in John 15, where he likened himself to the true vine. He used this metaphor to illustrate the natural tendency of new vine branches to grow downward, becoming ensnared in dirt and vulnerable to illness. Just as a vineyard worker intervenes by lifting and securing t…

Many spiritual traditions boil down to the idea of living in this world, but not being consumed by it. John 14:1 – 4 beautifully captures this essence. Here, Jesus assures his disciples not to be troubled, urging them to believe in both God and himself (John 14:1). This highlights the importance of faith as the foundation for navigating the world’s…

The Bible is a complex and ancient text. It’s natural to approach it with our own cultural understanding and biases. However, basing our beliefs solely on interpretations shaped by our preferences can lead us astray. True faith lies in finding our identity in Jesus, not in clinging to personal certainties about the Bible.The story of Thomas, often …

The Bible tells the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, but finding the doors locked because of fear. This fear is something we can all identify with. Fear of the world, fear of the future, fear of death – these anxieties can cause us to withdraw and isolate ourselves. They can create enemies out of unknowns and paraly…

In John chapter 20 we read the account of the empty tomb, after Jesus had rose from the dead. We see that the burial clothes that had been wrapped around Jesus’ body were left lying in the tomb. He had no need for them in resurrected life, and as such we can learn a lot from this symbolism. Perhaps there are ​‘grave clothes’ in our lives — attitude…

John 15:5 reminds us of our dependence on Christ. Just like branches rely on the vine for life and fruit, we need Christ for spiritual growth. So how do we connect with him?The Apostle Paul offers two keys in 2 Timothy 1:7. A ​“sound mind” allows us to discern God’s will and make wise choices. ​“Spirit of self-discipline” isn’t about harsh restrict…

What does Jesus turn to when he wants disciples to understand what greatest love looks like?Friendship!When Jesus washes his disciples feet in John 13, he is insisting on friendship with us but also modelling the type of friends we should be.Episode webpage: https://grace-community.church/lesson/friendship-the-greatest-love…

Sarah and Abraham were promised descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky and grains of sand by the shore.They were advanced in years and things did not look like they would work out.But… God remembered his promise.Hope exists in some of our most vulnerable moments, but it's also resilient and defiant. As we remember who we are: children of G…

In Matthew 28:20 we read the words of Jesus, when he promises ​‘I am with you always’. This promise is not just one that speaks of the future, but of the present, everyday experience of daily life.When we acknowledge that the presence of the risen Jesus is with us in all that we do, this will have a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of…

Living Loss can be defined as ‘a loss of one’s hopes or ideals related to what a person believes should have been, could have been or might have been’. We all experience some living losses in life, and there is comfort to be found in Jesus’ words in Matt 5 v 4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted’. We read in Genesis that Joseph …

In Matthew 5:4 we read, ​“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mourning is an outward sign of inward grief, and it can be a very personal experience. We are encouraged in scripture, that there is supernatural comfort available to us through the Holy Spirit. We are also instructed to bring comfort to those around us, just as God…

Shrek, in the film of the same name, built a wall around him because he was tired of a world that made up its mind about him before it got to know him.James challenges this idea. Two thousand years later, we still make judgments based on how people look or sound, before we get to know them.My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you…

In Luke 10 we read the story of the Good Samaritan. In this account, we can see that it was through compassion and mercy that the Samaritan helped a stranger who was in need of help. Despite being noticed by others, he had been overlooked and avoided.In this instance, the Samaritan was not looking for someone to help, but rather came across the sit…

In Jesus’ and Paul’s community, there was a culture of judgment. When people failed to adhere to the ​‘rules,’ they were immediately admonished.In our communities, we often admonish those in the ​‘other’ group. It’s all about left or right, conservative or liberal, us or them.Jesus suggests a third way. Rather than exacting judgment, we lend an ear…

In Jesus' time, being considered "blessed" meant wealth and success, seemingly tied to religious devotion. This perception persists today, with people projecting an illusion of having it all together. Jesus, however, redefines true blessing, challenging cultural norms and blessing the overlooked.Jesus introduces a radical notion of blessedness—bein…

Being a follower of Jesus has never been easy, there is always a cost.We are called to take the words and commands of Jesus seriously. In the gospel of Matthew, we read the account of the Sermon on the Mount, which gives clear instruction about how we are to live and love in this world.As Christians, we are to submit to the authority of Jesus, who …

The fullness of salvation is that we behold Jesus, so we can become like him.Before your mind is filled with the stuff of Christmas, know you are more than you thought you were.You are the light of the world.Par Grace Community Church

Even when the world feels overwhelming and hope seems distant, we must remind ourselves of who God is. Our God is characterized by loving kindness. The Hebrew word for loving kindness, Hesed, holds deep meaning that cannot be directly translated.Hesed is one of God’s fundamental characteristics, often describing His heart for His people. It is beca…

Under the tyrannical rule of King Herod, there was darkness and pain. In a place of barrenness and disappointment, the angel Gabriel assures Zechariah that his prayers have always been heard. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, gives birth to a boy, and Zechariah prophesies over their newborn baby, John (the Baptist), who would prepare the way for the one…

Advent is traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the year, rather than at the end as we currently do.Mary’s story is one of patient waiting. She is a young, unmarried woman of humble status.When Mary sings her song, you can hear the depth of her faith. Despite uncertainty, she clings to hope. Through her words of worship, she rejoices in God’…

In the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, was God’s act of coming down and scattering the people a curse or a blessing?God values unity in diversity and variety, not uniformity. Throughout the Bible, God opposes empires, which eventually fall apart or are scattered.In Genesis 12, a people group emerges that seems to be the start of an empir…

The Bible portrays various families, showcasing the consequences of brokenness and disobedience. For instance, Adam and Eve’s sin affected future generations, as seen in the tragic relationship between Cain and Abel. God’s disapproval was directed at Cain’s offering, not Cain himself.In the story of Joseph, we encounter brokenness, pain, jealousy, …

Women have played vital roles in Scripture and throughout the history of the Church. For many years, Junia's name was mis-translated. Whether this was on purpose or not, it's been embarrassing for many that a translations of the Bible have had to be corrected to reinstate her.Named as someone who was outstanding among the apostles, Junia's voice wa…

One of the 10 Commandments instructs us to observe and partake in a Sabbath day. Observing this commandment looks different depending on culture, background and upbringing. We might all define a Sabbath differently, but one thing we can agree on is the benefit and blessing that can be found in a true day of rest and rejuvenation.A Sabbath might loo…

John 4 describes the meeting of Jesus and a Samaritan woman. In this account, we learn that this woman carried a great deal of shame and pain from her life experiences. This is another example of a ​“Good News” story, for all those who have felt the weight of shame, rejection or hurt.Jesus offers her a drink from the ​‘living water’, which never ru…

Our anger at situations in our world often leads us to wish for retribution.Does the gospel’s call to ​“love our enemies” require us to look at things differently?In Luke 4, Jesus quotes most of Isaiahs prophecy from chapter 61, announcing that the year of the Lords favour has been fulfilled in him which is good news for everyone, even Israels enem…

The story of Jonah is perhaps one of the most well-known bible stories, beautifully portrayed in children’s books and animated cartoons. However, this portrayal might make it easy to miss the themes of justice, love and God’s continual mercy.We read of Jonah’s struggle with God’s love towards the people of Nineveh, causing him to literally run away…

Sadly, when we hear someone preach, we seem to enjoy when the preacher is pointing out someone else’s sin. We like that feeling of superiority when we don’t believe we have a problem with sin.As we use our judgement, we can become guilty of projecting our conclusions of what’s right and wrong onto God.God’s wrath is an often-misrepresented thing. G…