Chair One: The Lost

“Jesus recognised that people were at different stages in the disciple-making journey, and that was okay. He started where people were and intentionally moved them to a deeper level of growth and maturity. He started with seeker (Chair 1) and then moved them to believers (Chair 2). In time, he challenged these believers to become workers in the harvest field (Chair 3) and, finally, fully trained reproducing disciple-makers (Chair 4).” — Dann Spader

Join us this week as we unpack the context of Chair 1, then explore the ministry principles we need to understand in helping us to take the gospel to the lost of Raymond Terrace and beyond.

When Standing Means Kneeling

Key Text: 1 Peter 5:1-14

We persevere in suffering and resist the Devil's attacks by clothing ourselves with humility toward each other as we kneel before a gracious God with expectant joy in a future glory.

Memory Verse

1 Peter 5:6-7 (CSB) — Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

When Standing Means Suffering

Key Text: 1 Peter 4:1-19

What will stop us becoming bitter in the face of suffering? Join us for our next session in the 'Stand' series and discover that there is an antidote to bitterness that springs from suffering, and that the antidote is good news.

Memory Verse

1 Peter 4:12-13 (CSB) — Dear friends, don't be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.

When Standing Means Enduring Misunderstanding

Key Text: 1 Peter 3:8-22

As much as we long to, we can't control everything. Often, misunderstanding clouds reality. How do you respond when others misunderstand your motives or actions? How does the gospel shape our response to misunderstanding?

Memory Verse

1 Peter 3:18 (CSB) — For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit,...

When Standing Means Yielding

Key Text: 1 Peter 2:13-3:7

In general, we don't often yield to other people; our society often views it as weakness, something we should expect others to do for us, but never an attitude to develop in ourselves. But the Bible says that there is strength in weakness. Peter says that a key way we stand, is by yielding. Join us as we explore this upside-down kingdom of God further.

Memory Verse

1 Peter 2:16-17 (CSB) — Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God's slaves. Honour everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honour the emperor.

When Standing Means A New Identity

Key Text: 1 Peter 2:1-12

While so many drift through life hoping to somehow discover their true identity, God has already told us who we are in Christ. Your identity isn't something you need to discover, it is something you need to believe — it isn't something discovered from within, it's something you are informed of from outside yourself.

Memory Verse

1 Peter 2:9 (CSB) — But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

When Standing Means Living Out A Higher Calling

Key Text: 1 Peter 1:1-25

This week begins our journey through the timeless message of Peter's first letter. As we consider what it means to live out our faith in a fast changing world that grows evermore hostile toward followers of Jesus, what does it mean to live lives set apart for Christ?

Often, our attempt to answer this question begins with a list of things I must do, or more often, not do. But that isn't where Peter begins. Before we think about actions, Peter wants to reorient our minds. Before considering what we should do, we need to consider how we should think.

Memory Verse

1 Peter 1:13 (CSB) — Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Holy: every reason to fear — every reason to worship

Join us as we survey the Scriptures on a journey tracing the image of God's holiness. This message acts as a primer for the series we are about to begin through 1 Peter.

Acts 29 — There's More To The Story

After 11 months working our way through the book of Acts, this Sunday is a week to celebrate and inform how the story of the expansion of the gospel is still at work in Raymond Terrace and beyond.

Join us for our epic service as we hear testimonies, pray, and celebrate through the Word the unfinished work of the gospel in our region.

The Story Isn't Over

Key Text: Acts 28:17-31

As we draw to a close our series in Acts, join us for the surprisingly anti-climatic ending to the book. It has a real, 'to be continued' feel about it, doesn't it? Don't be alarmed, the book of Acts might have ended here, but the story continues.

Join us as we reflect on Luke's closing account of Paul's life as he sits under house arrest in Rome.  It seems fitting that Luke began his account with the gospel of the Kingdom taking centre stage, and now at the end, we find Paul proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom. The story isn't over. The King is coming. Let's write the next chapter.