Baptisms

Youth and young adults

Healing service

Grand Opening 

On Easter Sunday I called my sermon 'Get used to Different', a line I stole from The Chosen series. The scene from season 1, is one of my favourites. When Jesus called Matthew the tax collector to follow him, Peter questioned Jesus' choice because tax collectors were traitors of the Jewish people. He started to say how that was different to what he imagined Jesus would do, and Jesus responded with the line, "Get used to different". 

While that phrase isn't in the gospels, it's certainly there as a dominant theme. Jesus didn't fit into cultural norms, or anyone's preferences of how he should act. Jesus came to this world to make a difference in people's lives. When Jesus calls us to follow him, he really is calling us to get used to different because we can't stay the same walking with him in life. The moment we put walls around what Jesus wants to change, is the moment we get stuck in the sameness of life and stall in our faith. But who wants the same, when Jesus wants us to be different? 

Since we opened the doors of the new building, there seems to be a new work of the Holy Spirit as Jesus makes a difference in our lives. I have had many conversations where folks have shared how things are shifting for them. A new awareness of God, a greater experience of his love, a deeper sense that something fresh is building among us. Those who share these things are not people who don't have struggles or challenges, but quite the opposite. What's happening externally is different to what's happening in the heart. It's as though many are open and inviting Jesus to make a difference in them. Well Jesus can do nothing but change hearts like that. And if more and more surrender to his work, that spreads in a church and more and more are caught up in a movement of the Holy Spirit.

As we enter Term 2, I pray that as a church we would get used to different. That each Sunday we would come to church, expectant and open to God. That we would look for different people to welcome and connect with. That we would jump into something different, that maybe we pushed back on in the past. Jesus loves us so much, and he has so much freedom and life to offer everyone. Perhaps one of these lines might be your different:

• "I am going to get into a connect group this term and engage with others around the Bible."
• "I am going to attend a prayer meeting regularly to stand in the gap for our church and community."
• "I am signing up for the baptism class to find out if Jesus is calling me." 
• "I am jumping into Alpha to explore all my questions."
• "I am going to ask for prayer after a service."
• "I am going to invite someone to church or Alpha."
• "I am going to tell my work collegue about the difference Jesus has made in my life."
• "I am going to trust God with my finances and seek to live generously."
• "I am going to find out how I can serve God in the church."
• "I am going to make an appointment with a pastor to talk about what God is doing in my life and explore his leading."
• "I am going to restart a daily habit of reading my Bible and praying."
• "I am going to forgive that person and move on in my life."
• "I am going to admit my weakness and get help to overcome my addiction."
• "I am going to repent from that idol and seek Jesus and his Kingdom first."
• "I am going to start speaking and sending notes of encouragement to build up others as the Holy Spirit prompts me."
• "I am going to show God's love and friendship to that person who is alone." 
• "I am going to help someone grow in their new faith by meeting with them and praying for them often."
• "I am going to research and take an interest about what God is doing through his church in the world"

I could keep writing sentences, but you get the drift. As term two begins, let's get used to different, be different and make a difference. Whatever Jesus is saying right now, let's say, "Yes Lord, I will follow you into different". 

God bless, 

Marty

Over 400 people attended our three Easter services last weekend, and many more watched the live streams. We give thanks to God for the opportunity we had to share about our wonderful Saviour Jesus, God's love expressed through the cross, and the everlasting hope of the empty tomb. Thankyou also to our worship and tech teams, and to all who served to welcome and serve people. God’s presence was so evident as many gathered and responded to all that was said and done. Praise God for $2,150 given to Ferny Grove High chaplaincy at our Good Friday offering. May these funds sown into the next generation bear fruit as young hearts are offered love and hope.  

It was a massive joy and highlight to baptize Chris and Mel Goopy at the 8am Easter Sunday service. Our first baptisms in the new baptistry! They shared stories of God’s amazing work and grace in their lives, and how he opened their hearts to the reality of Jesus and the cross, which resulted in their salvations. Chris and Mel both spoke about how significant Alpha was in their spiritual searching. Chris said, 

Mel and I were introduced to the Alpha course in 2018 where we were able to ask many questions and have explained the difference between Christianity and religion and it all started to make sense - you don’t have to be an expert on the Bible, it’s simple, for John 3:16  states ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’

It was at the end of the 8-week Alpha course I said a prayer…on Pentecost Sunday and I made a personal commitment to following God. 

Today I make that commitment public by being baptised. Both Mel and I are extremely blessed to be able to make this commitment together on this very special day. 

In early term 2 we are holding an Alpha course and a baptism class. In the newsletter you can register for the Alpha dessert night on the 21st of April for yourself, or to bring a friend with you. Also, you are welcome to RSVP for the baptism class on the 25th of April. There is nothing better than following Jesus, who makes such an incredible difference in our lives. May God lead more and more to respond to his call this year.

As God grows our church, and more individuals and families make The Grove their spiritual home, term 2 is an opportune moment to rise up and invest our lives and resources in the Kingdom here. There are so many new opportunities to make a difference. 

This term Henry, our Youth and Young Adults Pastor, is launching a PM service led by young adults. We are so faith filled and expectant about all God is planning to do in the next generation. The night service will create a hub for them to come together to worship, hear God speak, and form a new congregation and community. May we see many young lives transformed by the Holy Spirit, baptized and commissioned to reach their generation. 

Along with Pastor Leigh, we are also praying God would raise up more to lead our children. We have such amazing spaces now. The new Sprouts room for little ones in their early years. And the Grove Kids rooms, where kids will learn about how awesome Jesus is and his great love for them. Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belong to such as these (Luke 18:16). Kids are at the very heart of the Kingdom, may we remove every barrier for them to come to Jesus.  

There are many other ways for people to mesh their lives with others for the sake of the gospel. Check out the ministry list in our newsletter, and pray asking Jesus to guide you. If you are new to The Grove, some things everyone can do straight away:

• Come regularly to church to worship, and stay after to get to know others.
• Remain open to God for him to work in your heart in a new way.
• Volunteer for a servant task to help maintain our church building and grounds.
• Join a connect group, or attend a prayer meeting.
• Contribute financially.
• Come to our next newcomers' lunch (date out soon).

Things are shifting as God is moving in many hearts and lives. May we embrace the opportune moment to be different as he Jesus works in us, and to make a difference as we respond to his call.  

God bless,

Marty

Prayer Notes - Giving thanks to our Saviour

1 Peter 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Praise and Thanks...

• That God sees each and every one of us on earth as His children. We give thanks for His love for everyone. No matter their background, past or present.
• Praise for the gift of His Helper, the Holy Spirit in our lives, guiding and leading us even when we don’t see it.

Praying for our Easter responses...

• That people would accept the gift of love they have been given by our Heavenly Father.
• That people from the community, greater Brisbane and our nation would know what it means to experience a relationship with Jesus.
• For the Holy Spirit to continue to guide us and lead us as we engage in intentional discipleship with those that make a decision to follow Christ.

Praying for Term 2...

• Kids' ministry
  • For many kids to learn about the love that Jesus has for them.
  • For them to know what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.
• Youth 
  • For the youth to gain wisdom and understanding of what walking with Jesus looks like.
  • That they can actually be a light to those in their family sharing the good news with them.
  • For God to show us what intentional discipleship looks like for a youth group.
• Youth / Young adults Night service
  • For God to go before us and lead us in preparation for launching a night service.
  • That the church would be used as one body with many gifts and talents to give glory to our Heavenly Father.
• For our community, that God would reach them wherever they are
• For our nation, that revival will take place in people's hearts and we will see people rise up to share the love of Jesus to others.

A huge thankyou to God and all those involved serving in practical ways to develop the building.