The Gospel - New Series this Sunday

God has some good news for you. In fact it's great news! It's what followers of Jesus call the 'gospel.' The gospel or the good news of God is profoundly simple and extraordinarily complex at the same time. Though it can be understood and trusted in by a child : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) it is also the entire message of the Bible. Over the next four weeks join us as we set out to see how the big picture of the Bible centers around the promise, arrival, life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the subsequent pouring out of His Spirit to everyone who trusts in Him for forgiveness and life. The gospel... good stuff. Bring a friend, they deserve to hear this great news too.

ANZAC Day Service

This Sunday we remember those who sacrificed so that we might have freedom. I cannot help but be reminded of my Master's words to His followers in John 10:17 "Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
It is good to remember the sacrifice others have made, but more importantly we embrace and engage with the result of their sacrifice. This Sunday is a day to say thankyou to the 1000's of soldiers who sacrificed for pursuit of freedom but most of all to thank God for the amazing sacrifice He made to finalize freedom in Jesus' death and resurrection.
We would love you to join us this Sunday at Engage City Church, 10.30-11.30am, 68 Longfellow Street, Norman Park.

Money & Mission

Playing to your Strengths

As a team at Engage City Church we're committed to working to our strengths. I've personally found the book "Now Discover Your Strengths" by Tom Rath extremely helpful both personally and as I seek to equip and lead the Engage Team.
It's amazing that in a recent Gallup poll of over 1000 people it was found that among those who "strongly disagreed" or "disagreed" with the statement "At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best everyday" NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON was emotionally engaged on the job! Rath goes on to point out that:
"In stark contrast, our studies indicate that people who do have the opportunity to focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to report an excellent quality of life in general."
Makes it clear that as a leader I need to be ensuring that my team is equipped and working in the area of their strengths.
Not surprising that God told his church a long time ago that we need each others unique gifts to be truly mature. Ephesians 4:7-13.

Archie loves the Sand Pit

Archie in the Sandpit from Will Henderson on Vimeo.

Fergus has lost his two front Teeth!

There's something special about the day you loose your two front teeth. Fergus has stepped acoss that line today. Nerida and I are so proud of our boys. We love the way Fergus is now talking like Daffy Duck :)

How Jesus Counsels Through Relationships

When it comes to identifying gospel error and replacing it gospel truth I think of it along these lines:
1. Be a friend, someone people trust and will be honest with.
2. Listen. I mean really listen. You can only help if you have truly heard the heart pain that lies beneath the outward wound.
3. Resist the urge to speak. Instead try stopping and thinking about what they are actually sharing with you. Prayerfully ask God to help you to identify the assumptions they are living by.
4. Respond - for example: "So I'm hearing that you think that you're situation it hopeless, is this right?"
5. If they agree, respond lovingly with the good news and truth of Jesus Christ. For example: "Well I know that things feel terrible right now, and I'm not trying to minimize your pain, but Jesus tells us that no matter what struggles or pains we face He longs to lead us through. Jesus died and rose again so we can have hope in whatever circumstances we face. I've found that when I struggle with hopelessness I can draw fresh hope from Romans chapter 8, especially verses 28-39. Would you mind if I read them with you?"
6. Ask if they would mind if you pray for them and their situation. It is a very rare person who refuses to be prayed for. Pray for God to open our hearts and give us faith that we might believe Him and live by His word.

The Way Jesus Counsels

A Pastor friend recently shared a thought that I have reworked. It has the power to change any life. It is mine.
"Listen for gospel error... replace lovingly with gospel truth."
Simple, Powerful, Transferrable. This is what Jesus wants His followers to do in their own lives and in the lives of others.

My little Sisters Blog

Great to see my sister Mary has started blogging. It's a great and simple way we Aussies can keep in touch with their amazing adventures in the U-S of A.
Tay-Bee in his new time machine.

Jesus Resurrection

Sand animation by our very own Tim Iedema.


Check it out here - Worship House Media

Engage Easter Egg Hunt

Archies Easter Card

This is the Easter Card Archie drew for me at School this week. This is his explanation : "Up the top is God dying on the cross and below is us Dad."