Acts 16:16-34 When difficulty, suffering and disappointments come our way, how are we to respond? A range of feelings will sweep over us in the valley, but what should be our first thought? Acts 16 presents us with incredible suffering, yet a response that is completely unexpected. The result is a harvest beyond what we could ever ask or imagine...

Colossians 4:7-18 As we move into the 'final greetings' segment of Paul's letter, we get another insight into the ministry of Paul. Despite the extraordinary giftedness and calling that marked his life, Paul, needed companions. The same goes for all Christians. Ministry is a great weight that must be co-shouldered by others. The sage of Ecclesiastes' words still stand, "Two are better than one".

God's fatherly discipline encourages us to be holy out of thankfulness rather than fear (when considering how God's people came to him under the old covenant compared to the new)

'Faith & the Unseen Hand of God' Exodus 2:1-10 In this passage we see the remarkable faith of an ordinary family. It is a recount of faith in action, faith lived out, and faith blessed under the sovereign, providential care of God. This Old Testament story of faith is then picked up in the New Testament and held up for Christians to carefully consider and imitate.

07/05/2023 - Nathan Vella - The Pleading Heart of God Isaiah 55:1-7

'Insiders seeking to win Outsiders' Colossians 4:5-6 Paul has not only just highlighted the importance of prayer, but has urged the Colossians to give themselves over to intercession. Having sought the Lord earnestly, the church is now ready to take the message out. It is to go out from the home and the church walls into the marketplace. In these few verses, the Spirit guides us in how we are to do this...

'Shaking the gates of heaven!' Colossians 4:2-4 As Paul comes to the concluding segment of his letter, he gives some rapid-fire application. His first concern is that the church at Colossae would become a praying church. Here we have not simply a call to prayer, but an urging of 'devotion to prayer'.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

02/04/2023 - Nathan Vella - Working in Jesus Name

'Parenting, in Jesus' Name' Colossians 3:20-21 In these two verses, Paul addresses both children and parents. 1) Children are shown by the Holy Spirit to be meaningful members of a local church and are therefore addressed personally concerning God's will for their lives. 2) Parents are also addressed, with a focus primarily on Fathers. Fathers are not to be so consumed with their job outside the home that they neglect their ministry in the home.

Colossians 3:18-19 The power of the gospel can be seen in the transformation of a local church. However, the clearer evidence of the gospel's footprints is seen through transformed households. We gather as the church once a week. We wear the garments of Christ in our homes every day. If the gospel is going forth in power, there will be a shift in the home! Band to come up immediately after the speaker finishes in prayer

12/03/23 - Nathan Vella - One Spark and there is Wildfire John 4: 39-42

Colossians 3:15-17 Paul zeroes in on what it means to have the presence of Christ truly present in our gatherings. It is to have: Christ's Peace ruling, Christ's Word indwelling, and Christ's glory controlling us.