The God Story | Finding Your Place In The Story | Amy Nicholson | 29 March 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Finding Your Place in the Story Jesus loves us deeply - so much so that He didn’t leave us stuck in darkness. He came to bring us into light. “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” — Colossians 1:13 When Jesus arrived on earth, His message was simple but powerful: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In other words: everything that is broken is about to be made right. From Darkness to Light Through Jesus, we are invited out of darkness and into a new way of living - a new kingdom. But following Jesus doesn’t mean escaping the world. We don’t get “beamed up” to heaven the moment we say yes to Him. Instead, we are given purpose . We are called to live in the light while bringing that light into dark places - our workplaces, families, friendships, and communities. Breaking Free from Old Ways Throughout this series, we’ve explored what it means to leave behind the mindset of “Babylon” - the patterns of the world that shape how we think and live. We’ve learned: To remove what doesn’t belong  in us - harmful thoughts, attitudes, and habits To lead not just ethically, but redemptively To live differently from the world’s system The world says: Win at all costs Keep everything for yourself Work harder, do more, be better But the Kingdom of Light says: Serve others Give generously Live in rest, not striving Our lives are no longer defined by performance - but by the finished work of Jesus . You Have a Place in the Story It’s easy to believe that God has a purpose for other people . But struggle to believe it for yourself. Many of us carry quiet lies: I am unlovable I am unworthy I am helpless These lies keep us stuck. But the truth? God has always used unlikely people . Moses doubted his ability Gideon felt insignificant Ruth was an outsider David was broken Peter was inconsistent Paul once persecuted Christians Yet God chose them all. Why? Because God doesn’t call the qualified - He qualifies the called . The Donkey That Carried a King On what we now celebrate as Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem - not on a war horse, but on a donkey. A symbol of humility. A picture of His mission. The people expected a warrior king. But Jesus came as a servant King . He didn’t come to overthrow governments - He came to transform hearts . He came to lay down His life so that all people, everywhere, could step into the Kingdom of Light. And here’s the powerful reminder: If Jesus can use a donkey… He can use you. The Power of Your Yes Every single person has a role to play. Not everyone will stand on a stage - but everyone is called to make a difference. Sometimes it starts with one simple “yes.” One yes can: Create space for others to belong Open doors for transformation Change lives you may never even see We’ve seen this happen in our own community - especially through our youth. Lives are being changed. Confidence is being restored. Faith is being awakened. All because people chose to say yes. You Don’t Have to Do Everything You may feel like you can’t do much. That’s okay. You’re not called to do everything - but you are  called to do something. And together, as the Church, we can make a significant impact. So… What Is Your Yes? In Isaiah 6:8, we read: “Here I am. Send me.” That is the invitation. Not to have it all together. Not to be perfect. But to respond. To step out of fear. To let go of the lies. To trust that God can use you - exactly as you are. Your Next Step Take a moment and ask: What lies have I been believing about myself? Where might God be calling me to step in? What would my “yes” look like today? Jesus is inviting you into something bigger than yourself. You’ve been brought into the Kingdom of Light - not just to experience it, but to carry it. Jesus loves you. He has a purpose for your life. And your story is not finished yet.

The God Story | Breaking Babylon's Grip | Gareth Nicholson | 22 March 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify What story are you living in? Whether we realize it or not, all of us are being shaped by a narrative. A way of seeing the world that influences how we think, what we chase, and who we believe we are. The Bible calls one of those dominant narratives Babylon . And its message is simple: Get all you can. Serve yourself. Never stop striving. Sound familiar? It’s the air we breathe. It’s in our culture, our workplaces, our social media feeds - and often, if we’re honest, it’s in our hearts too. But Jesus offers a completely different way. Give all you can. Serve others. Learn to rest in God. This is the Kingdom way - and it leads to freedom. Let’s unpack three keys to breaking the grip of Babylon in our lives. 1. From Getting to Giving Babylon teaches us that more is better . More money. More stuff. More status. More success. Underneath that is a belief: “If I just had more, I’d finally be happy… secure… enough.” But we’ve all experienced the cycle: You want something → you get it → you feel great → and then… it fades. And you want the next thing. That cycle never satisfies—it just traps us. Jesus challenges this directly: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6) The Kingdom flips the script: Instead of getting , we are called to give . Generosity loosens the grip of fear: Fear of not having enough Fear of missing out Fear of losing what we have When we give, we declare: “God is my source, not my stuff.” What this looks like: Increasing your standard of giving , not just your standard of living Asking God, “Where can I be generous?” Learning not just to give - but also to receive with humility Generosity isn’t about losing - it’s about living free. 2. From Serving Self to Serving Others Babylon says: “Make it about you.” Protect your comfort. Get ahead. Win at all costs. And when things don’t go your way? Anger rises. Why? Because deep down, we start to believe: “It’s all about me.” But Jesus completely redefines greatness: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20) In the Kingdom, Greatness is found in serving. Jesus Himself modeled this - He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. What this looks like: Choosing inconvenience for the sake of others Serving without recognition or reward Practicing humility in everyday moments Serving shifts something in us. It breaks down pride. It softens anger. It reshapes our hearts. And it reminds us: We are not the center of the story - God is. 3. From Striving to Resting Babylon says: “Keep going. Keep pushing. Don’t stop.” Be productive. Be successful. Be the best. But underneath that constant striving is something deeper: Anxiety. Pressure. Exhaustion. We live in a world that celebrates being busy . But Jesus offers something radically different: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11) The Kingdom invites us to rest . Not because we’re lazy - but because we trust God. Rest is a declaration: “I am not in control - God is.” “My worth is not based on what I do.” “I am loved before I achieve anything.” What this looks like: Creating rhythms of Sabbath and stopping Setting boundaries around work and time Letting go of the need to prove yourself Rest isn’t weakness. It’s trust. A Different Way to Live Babylon produces: Fear  (I don’t have enough) Anger  (I didn’t get my way) Anxiety  (I can’t keep up) But the Kingdom produces: Freedom from fear Freedom from anger Freedom from anxiety This isn’t just about personal change - it’s about transformation that flows outward: Into our families Into our workplaces Into our communities Into our city As we live differently, we begin to reshape the world around us. Stepping into Freedom This isn’t about pressure. It’s not about what you have  to do. It’s about what God wants for you . Freedom. So take a moment and reflect: Where am I chasing more  instead of trusting God? Where am I putting myself first instead of serving others? Where am I striving instead of resting? Jesus invites you into a better story. A freer story. A Kingdom story. And it begins in your heart. Life Group Discussion Questions Which of the three areas stood out to you most: getting, serving self, or striving? Why? I⁠n what area of your life do you find it hardest to be generous? Can you share a time when someone served you sacrificially? What impact did it have on you? ⁠Do you feel more driven by peace or by pressure? Why? Take time to pray for one another - especially in the area each person identified (giving, serving, or resting).

The God Story | Leading In Babylon | Gareth Nicholson | 15 March 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Many people think the Bible is mainly about how to get to heaven one day. But the story of the Bible is far bigger than that. The Bible tells the story of a God who is becoming King through Jesus - bringing heaven to earth and inviting people to find their place in His story. From the beginning, God created humanity to live in relationship with Him. But when humanity turned away, that relationship was broken. In His mercy and creativity, God set in motion a rescue mission - a plan of redemption that ultimately led to Jesus giving His life on the cross so that people could be restored to God. Through Jesus, we are not only forgiven, we are also invited into a new way of living - one that reflects the kingdom of heaven in the world around us. But as followers of Jesus, we live in tension. We live in a world shaped by what the Bible often calls Babylon  - a system built on power, control, competition, and self-interest. Yet Jesus calls us to live differently. The goal is not simply to escape the world. The goal is to live in the world without becoming shaped by it , and to bring the kingdom of God wherever we go. Three Ways We Can Live In our relationships, workplaces, families, and communities, we tend to operate in one of three ways. Way of Living Core Idea What It Looks Like Exploitative Way I win, you lose. People are used as a means to an end. Success is about power, control, competition, and getting ahead. This is the way of Babylon. Ethical Way I win, you win. People are treated fairly and with respect. It values justice, dignity, and doing good, but the focus often remains on self-improvement and fairness. Redemptive Way I sacrifice so that you can win. This is the way of Jesus. It goes beyond fairness into sacrificial love, generosity, and serving others so that they can flourish. The redemptive way is rare, but when you experience it, it changes you. Creative Restoration Through Sacrifice The redemptive way can be summed up in one phrase: Creative restoration through sacrifice. Creative  – God has given each of us gifts, ideas, and opportunities to bring hope and solutions into the world. Restoration  – We participate in helping restore what is broken in people, relationships, and communities. Sacrifice  – Redemption always costs something. It requires serving, giving, and sometimes putting others first. This is exactly what Jesus did for us. Through His sacrifice, He made a way for people to be restored to God. And now He invites us to live in that same redemptive way. Your Life Is Part of the Story The gospel is not only about forgiveness and salvation. It also gives us a mission. Every day we have opportunities to bring the kingdom of God into the spaces we live, work, and lead. It might look like: Serving others in your workplace Using your skills to bless your community Being generous in times of need Encouraging and lifting up the people around you Because the truth is simple: God’s redemption story is still unfolding - and you are invited to be part of it. You are chosen. You are gifted. You are called. And the church - ordinary people following Jesus - is His plan to bring the kingdom of heaven into the world today. The question is simply this: Will you live the redemptive way? Because when we choose to live with creative restoration through sacrifice , we begin to see the kingdom of God break into the world around us. And that’s where real purpose is found. Life Group Discussion Questions Think of a time when someone went out of their way to help or sacrifice for you. What impact did it have on you? What makes the redemptive way (“I sacrifice so that you can win”) so powerful and memorable when we encounter it? Where in your life (workplace, family, friendships, church, community) do you feel God inviting you to live more redemptively? If everyone in our church began living the redemptive way more intentionally, what impact do you think it could have on our community?

The God Story | Living In Babylon | Gareth Nicholson | 08 March 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Finding Your Place in God’s Story When I was growing up, someone told me about the boogeyman. Maybe some of you heard that story too. As a child, it created a deep fear of the dark. I never wanted to be alone in the dark because I believed the story I had been told. Someone told me a story. I believed the story. And I lived according to it. The truth is, we all live according to the stories we believe. We believe stories about God, about ourselves, about the world, and about the future. Those stories shape the decisions we make and the way we live our lives. So the real question is: Are we living the right story? The Story God Is Writing To understand our place in the world, we need to understand the story God is telling. In 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 , the apostle Paul gives us a snapshot of that story: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here… God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ… We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” Right away, we see a few key themes: The old is leaving, and the new is coming God is reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus Followers of Jesus are invited to participate in this work The Bible’s story moves through several big movements: Creation:  God created the world, and humanity lived in unity with Him. Rebellion: Humanity rejected God, and sin entered the world. Redemption: Jesus came, died on the cross, and rose again to rescue humanity. Reconciliation: Right now, God is restoring people to Himself through Christ. Restoration: One day, Jesus will return, and all things will be made new. We are living in that “in-between” moment  — the time of reconciliation before the final restoration. So the question becomes: What are we supposed to do while we wait? Living Between Two Kingdoms The Bible describes a tension between two ways of living. On the one hand, there is what Scripture symbolically calls Babylon  — a culture defined by: self-reliance power and control materialism status and approval comfort and accumulation Sound familiar? On the other hand, there is the Kingdom of God , which operates in a completely different way: love instead of power service instead of status generosity instead of accumulation unity instead of division humility instead of self-promotion As followers of Jesus, we live in Babylon but belong to the Kingdom . The challenge is learning how to live faithfully in that tension. How Babylon Shapes Us In the book of Daniel, we see how Babylon attempts to shape God’s people in three ways: 1. Babylon Attacks Your Identity When Daniel was taken into exile, the first thing the Babylonians did was change his name . His Hebrew name honored God. His new Babylonian name honored their gods. This was an attempt to reshape his identity. The same thing happens today. Culture constantly tries to define us by: what we achieve what we own what others think of us our status or success But the gospel tells a different story. Your truest identity is not what the world says about you. Your identity is who God says you are. Through Jesus, you are: a child of God loved accepted forgiven secure Living from that identity brings peace, confidence, and freedom. 2. Babylon Shapes Your Thinking Daniel and his friends were placed into a Babylonian education system where they were trained in Babylon’s language, philosophy, and worldview. In other words, they were being indoctrinated . Today, our “Babylonian training” often comes through media, news, social platforms, and algorithms constantly shaping what we see and think. If we’re not careful, our understanding of the world can be shaped more by headlines than by Scripture. That’s why Romans 12:2  says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Followers of Jesus are called to think differently. 3. Babylon Wants Your Influence God has given every person gifts, talents, relationships, and opportunities. But Babylon wants those gifts used for one purpose: self . build your career build your comfort build your success build your reputation But God invites us to use those same gifts for something far bigger: His Kingdom. The Goal Is Not Escape Sometimes Christians can fall into survival mode: “Jesus, just come back and get me out of this place.” But the goal of the gospel isn’t to get us out of Babylon . The goal is to get Babylon out of us . And then for God to use us within Babylon  to bring His Kingdom. This is exactly what Daniel did. He lived in Babylon without becoming like Babylon. Through his faithfulness, even the king eventually recognized the greatness of God. From Survival Mode to Revival Mode Every follower of Jesus faces a choice. We can live in survival mode , just trying to hold on until Jesus returns. Or we can live in revival mode , asking God to use us right where we are. in our workplaces in our schools in our neighborhoods in our city God’s plan to bring renewal to the world begins with renewal in our hearts. Personal renewal always precedes public renewal. Three Ways to Live Faithfully in Babylon 1. Step Into the Kingdom The starting point is placing our trust in Jesus. Through faith in Him, God transfers us from darkness into His Kingdom. From that moment forward, we begin learning to live according to a new story. 2. Own Your Own-ables There are many things in the world we cannot control. But there are some things we can take responsibility for: our hearts our attitudes our words our choices our relationships We cannot change everything happening around us, but we can steward what God has placed in our hands. 3. Collaborate in Communitas God’s work in the world is never meant to happen alone. Throughout history, movements of change have happened when people come together around a shared purpose. William Wilberforce, for example, fought tirelessly to abolish slavery in the British Empire. But he didn’t do it alone — he worked alongside a group of committed believers who shared the same vision. The church is meant to function in that same way. Not just as a gathering place, but as a community of people committed to seeing God’s Kingdom come. Your Place in the Story God is writing a story that stretches across history. A story of redemption.A story of reconciliation.A story that is ultimately heading toward restoration. And the incredible truth is this: You have a place in that story. God has placed things in your hands: gifts relationships influence resources opportunities The question is simple: What will you do with them? Because the tragedy would be reaching the end of our lives and realizing we spent our energy building our own little kingdoms — while missing the eternal story God was inviting us into. But when we surrender our lives to Jesus and allow Him to shape our identity, renew our minds, and guide our influence, something powerful happens. God begins to use ordinary people… to bring His Kingdom into Babylon. Life Group Discussion Questions How do you think the stories we believe shape the way we live our lives? The message said we are “ambassadors for Christ.” What do you think it looks like to represent Jesus in everyday life? In what ways do you sometimes feel the tension of living in the world but belonging to God’s Kingdom ? What does it practically mean for you to live from the identity that God calls you His child ? How might God want to use you where you already are  (workplace, school, neighborhood, friendships)? What is one step God may be inviting you to take this week to live more intentionally in His story?

The God Story | A Tale Of Two Cities | Peter Molver | 01 March 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify What story is shaping your life right now? If you paused long enough to answer honestly, you might discover that the way you see the world, your workplace, your identity, your worth, and your purpose is being formed by a narrative you didn’t consciously choose. Scripture teaches that there are two competing stories — two kingdoms — running in parallel through human history and within each of our lives. One is the kingdom of Babylon. The other is the kingdom of God. The Bible as One Grand Story The Bible is not merely a collection of rules or moral teachings. It is a sweeping narrative that begins in a garden and ends in a garden city. In the opening pages of Genesis, God creates a world that is “tov” — good, whole, functioning as designed. Humanity lives in peace with God, with one another, and with creation. There is abundance, purpose, and harmony. In the final pages of Revelation, we see that vision restored: a renewed creation where there is no more death, pain, or decay. God dwells with His people again, and all things are made new. Between those two gardens lies the messy middle — a story of rebellion, redemption, rescue, and restoration. The Two Competing Kingdoms Within this grand narrative, Scripture reveals two opposing systems: Babylon: The Story of Self at the Center Babylon is more than an ancient city. It is a symbol for any culture that elevates human power, wealth, and self-sufficiency as ultimate. Babylon’s story says: You are the center of the universe Your worth is based on what you achieve Accumulate as much as you can Other people are rivals or resources There is never enough Success is measured by power and status Babylon rarely announces itself. It quietly reshapes our fears, ambitions, and definitions of success until we find ourselves living according to its values — sometimes even while standing in church with our hands raised in worship. The Kingdom of God: The Story of Restoration God tells a radically different story. In His kingdom: Your value is given, not earned The story is going somewhere — toward restoration People are image-bearers to be loved, not used Service replaces self-promotion Grace replaces striving Peace replaces anxiety Joy replaces emptiness This kingdom is not merely about personal salvation. It is an invitation to participate in God’s mission of renewing the world. The Tension We Feel Many of us experience a deep inner tension — a longing for things to be set right in a world that feels broken. The apostle Paul describes this in the Epistle to the Romans 8 as a groaning within creation and within us. This ache is not a malfunction; it is evidence. It reveals: Our identity  — We were made for God’s kingdom, not Babylon. Our direction  — The Spirit uses that discomfort as a compass toward restoration. Our hope  — Our story does not end in brokenness but in renewal. Like labor pains before birth, present suffering points toward future joy. Salvation Is the Beginning, Not the End Many people grow up believing Christianity is mainly about rule-keeping or securing a place in heaven. Others discover grace and stop there. But the gospel is bigger. Jesus did not only come to forgive sin; He came to launch the greatest rescue mission in history and invite us into it. Salvation is the doorway into a life of partnering with God to bring restoration wherever we live, work, and relate. Your role may not be full-time ministry, but it is deeply meaningful. When we understand the story we are part of, hope begins to spark: For marriages For families For workplaces For cities For nations A Modern Picture of Restoration Transformation is not theoretical. It can happen in real places. Consider the story of Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador. When he took office in 2019, the country was widely considered one of the most dangerous in the world, plagued by gang violence, corruption, and fear. Within three years, the nation experienced dramatic change. When asked about the secret behind the turnaround, Bukele described strategies and reforms — but he also spoke openly about prayer and seeking God’s wisdom. His leadership team reportedly spent hours on their knees, asking for guidance in seemingly impossible circumstances. Whether one agrees with every policy or not, the story illustrates a powerful truth: no situation is beyond God’s ability to restore. Hope for Our World — and Our Lives God is still at work. We see restoration everywhere: Broken relationships reconciled Addictions overcome Families healed Businesses transformed Hearts softened Forgiveness replacing bitterness The same God who began the story in a garden will finish it in a restored city. The Invitation: Come Out of Babylon Near the end of Scripture, a voice calls out in Revelation: “Come out of her, my people.” It is an invitation to refuse Babylon’s narrative and live as citizens of God’s kingdom — even while physically surrounded by a broken world. This decision is not about geography but allegiance. You can live in Babylon without letting Babylon live in you. Your choices today determine which story shapes tomorrow. The Bible’s story begins beautifully, passes through a difficult middle, and ends in breathtaking restoration. And God is inviting you to play a part in it. Life Group Discussion Questions In your own words, how would you describe the difference between “Babylon” and God’s Kingdom? ⁠Which story do you think has been shaping your identity and decisions recently? What fears, pressures, or desires tend to pull you toward a Babylon mindset? Where have you personally seen signs of God restoring something broken? What is one practical way you can “come out of Babylon” this week

Relationship Goals | Part 4: Beautiful Feet | Jaci Mun-Gavin | 22 February 2026 *With thanks to Life.Church  for the graphic and series concept Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Have you ever waited for news that could change your life? Maybe it was outside a hospital room, refreshing your inbox again and again, or holding your breath for test results. There are moments when everything in us leans forward, desperate for a word that will shift fear into relief, uncertainty into hope. In one powerful story shared in our recent relationship series, a mother hid behind a bedroom door with her young children during a home break-in, praying in silence as chaos unfolded outside. Then came the voice: “It’s me. They’re gone. You can open the door.” In an instant, everything changed. That’s the power of a messenger with good news. The Beauty of a Messenger Scripture captures this image vividly: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news…” - Book of Isaiah 52:7 In ancient times, messengers ran long distances to announce victory or warn of danger. The original marathon traces back to a runner sent from the Battle of Marathon to Athens to proclaim victory - news that meant survival, freedom, and hope. The Bible tells a similar story. Jerusalem lay in ruins, God’s people scattered and discouraged, wondering if God still ruled at all. Into that despair, the prophet Isaiah declared that a messenger would come with good news: Your God reigns. Redemption is coming. Hope is not lost. The Messenger We Were Waiting For Centuries later, that promise took on flesh in Jesus Christ. His message was simple but revolutionary: “The kingdom of God is at hand.” Not a political kingdom. Not a distant heaven.A new reality breaking into ordinary life - wherever God’s rule is welcomed. Jesus healed the sick, restored the broken, forgave the guilty, welcomed the outsider, and confronted injustice. Everywhere He went, the rule of God followed. He wasn’t just delivering good news. He was  the good news. An Upside-Down Kingdom Jesus described a kingdom unlike anything the world had seen: The greatest are servants Enemies are loved Forgiveness defeats evil Small seeds grow into world-changing trees Power is expressed through sacrifice This kingdom doesn’t arrive with force - it grows quietly in prepared hearts. And the ultimate act of this King was unexpected: He allowed Himself to be crucified. What looked like defeat became enthronement. What looked like the end became the beginning. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus absorbed evil and broke its power, opening the way for humanity to reign with God again - the role we were created for from the beginning (see Book of Genesis 1). What This Means for Our Relationships Throughout this series, we’ve said healthy relationships are: Christ-centered Character-forming Boundaried Mission-driven Mission is not just for pastors or missionaries. It is the calling of every follower of Jesus - whether single, married, young, or old. Our relationships exist not only to comfort us, but to create a spacious place from which we can bless the world. Three Ways We Respond 1. Receive His Reign Like opening the door to the voice that says, “You’re safe,” we choose to trust Jesus as King - not just in belief, but in daily surrender. 2. Reign With Him Humanity was always meant to reflect God’s rule on earth. Through Jesus, that calling is restored. We bring His peace, justice, healing, and hope into our homes, workplaces, friendships, and communities. 3. Run and Tell If you knew someone was trapped in fear while freedom waited outside, wouldn’t you go tell them? We are now the messengers. Our words, actions, compassion, and courage become the “beautiful feet” that carry hope to a hurting world. The Invitation Maybe today you feel like you’re still behind a locked door - held by anxiety, pain, disappointment, or fear. The good news is this: The King has come. Freedom is available. Hope is alive. The story of Scripture is the story of restoration - God bringing humanity back into a good and spacious life with Him. And now, that story continues through us. So the question isn’t only Have you received the good news? It’s also: Where is God calling you to carry it next? Life Group Discussion Questions What’s one piece of good news you’ve received that you’ll never forget? The message described messengers bringing life-changing news (see Isaiah 52). What stood out to you most about the idea of “beautiful feet” bringing good news? What does it practically mean to you to let Jesus reign in your daily life? Where do you sense God inviting you to step into spiritual authority — in your home, workplace, or community? What is one practical way you could “run and tell” this week — through a conversation, prayer, invitation, or act of kindness?

Relationship Goals | Part 4: Built To Go | Richard Mun-Gavin | 22 February 2026 *With thanks to Life.Church  for the graphic and series concept Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Have you ever torn a muscle so badly it reminded you that you’re not as young, agile, or flexible as you once were? It’s the kind of injury that exposes your limits - especially when you thought you were strong and prepared. Sometimes our spiritual lives are like that. We can train hard, show up consistently, and look strong on the outside - yet neglect the deeper mobility that allows us to move when it matters most. Then, when God invites us into something beyond our comfort zone, we hesitate. Not because we don’t love Him, but because we fear we might tear something we haven’t strengthened. As Free Church celebrates four years as a community, this is both a moment to celebrate beauty and a moment to remember purpose. You were never built just to gather. You were built to go. Inspired vs. Convinced Many believers are inspired by Jesus. But far fewer are convinced enough to rearrange their lives around Him. The apostle Paul writes that Christ’s love compels  us - not inspires us, not encourages us, but compels us. Conviction changes behavior. It reshapes priorities. It determines what we say yes to and what we say no to. It’s possible to attend church, serve on a team, and enjoy community - yet never step into the mission God designed those relationships for. God didn’t bring people together merely so they could enjoy one another. He brought them together for the sake of the world. Every relationship in the church is meant to become a bridge for someone else to encounter Jesus. God’s Heart: Seeing and Coming Down From the very beginning, God’s heart has been clear: He sees suffering He hears cries He is concerned He comes down to rescue This is the story of Scripture — a God who moves toward people in their pain to bring them into a “good and spacious land,” a life marked by sustenance and sweetness. And then He invites His people to carry that same mission forward. God’s mission always becomes the Church’s commission. We are the continuation of His rescue story on earth. The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation There’s a warning hidden in the journey of God’s people: if they didn’t remove what hindered them, those things would become like thorns in their sides and barbs in their eyes. In other words: You won’t see clearly You won’t walk properly Sometimes we want to add Jesus to our lives without removing what restricts our capacity for Him. We want inspiration without rearrangement. But growth requires both saying yes and saying no. When our lives are jammed full, we don’t have the space to walk with people toward Jesus — we can only point from a distance. God is looking for people who will bring others to Jesus, not just direct them. Four Commitments of a Church Built to Go 1. Commit to Growing Your Faith Faith grows under tension. Just like muscles remodel when stretched beyond comfort, faith grows when we step into places that require trust. That might mean generosity, hospitality, prayer, worship, sharing your story, or serving beyond what feels natural. If we only live where we feel confident, we don’t grow — we repeat. 2. Stretch Your Sphere As faith grows, influence grows. But expansion requires making space. Sometimes we must remove excess distractions, habits, commitments — to create room for what God wants to do through us. You can’t increase capacity without clearing clutter. 3. Go Beyond Your Boundaries Healthy boundaries are wise, but they were never meant to become walls that keep us from mission. Jesus crossed the greatest boundary — from heaven to earth — to reach us. Following Him means crossing lines of comfort for the sake of love: Opening your home Starting conversations Serving people unlike you Giving sacrificially A church built to go refuses to live a safe, sanitized, secluded life. 4. Carry People in Your Heart The gospel is not information. It is rescue. Rescue is personal. It is messy. It takes time. It involves walking with people through pain, doubt, and healing. This means: Sharing resources Making room in your life Praying persistently Choosing presence over convenience We don’t just point people to Jesus. We bring them with us. The Invitation to Free Church Free Church, you are beautiful. In four years, you have created a community marked by generosity, love, and hunger for God. But there is more. The invitation is not: Attend more Feel more inspired Enjoy community more The invitation is to become a people on mission. To be a church where every relationship becomes a pathway for someone else to encounter Jesus. To be a community that moves from inspired to compelled. Because you were never just built to gather. You were built to go. Life Group Discussion Questions What are you convinced of right now that is actually shaping your daily decisions? ⁠When was the last time you did something risky/uncomfortable for the sake of someone else’s faith journey? What would it look like to move from ‘pointing’ people to Jesus and actually ‘bring’ them with you? Is there someone God has placed on your heart to walk alongside toward Jesus?

Lent has traditionally been about what we give up in the 40 days leading up to Easter. It reminds us of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. It’s a time of heart preparation. What if this season is not just about subtraction? What if it is about re-lent-less transformation? What if we became relentless in saying no to the things that are discouraging, draining, time-wasting, and limiting, and instead were relentless in saying yes to Jesus? Over 40 days, starting Sunday 22 Feb until Easter, we will practice a different rhythm  We will be saying no to the things that diminish life.  And saying yes to the abundant life of Jesus. Download your 40 day devotional here, or pick one up this Sunday at Free Church. Take time to write down your responses in the morning and reflections in the evening each day on the pages provided. This is not about perfection or performance. It is about renewal, rebuilding, and restoration. It’s about relentlessly carrying hope in the dark. Are you ready to be re-lent-less?

Relationship Goals | Part 3: Boundary Keeping | David Molver | 15 February 2026 *With thanks to Life.Church  for the graphic and series concept Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Where there is no boundary, everything stays in play. When we don’t establish boundaries - in relationships, habits, time, emotions, or faith - things run wild. Nothing stops. Nothing resets. Everything spills into everything else. We become exhausted, confused, resentful, and stretched thin. God’s boundaries were never meant to restrict us. They were always meant to protect us. The First Boundary Humanity Broke From the very beginning, humans have struggled with boundaries. In the creation story, God gave Adam and Eve everything - except the fruit from one tree. It wasn’t punishment. It wasn’t cruelty. It was protection. Yet they crossed the line. Why? Because something in us resists limits. We want freedom without guardrails, enjoyment without restraint, intimacy without commitment, success without cost. We assume boundaries steal life from us - when in reality, they preserve it. Loving Yourself Enough to Have Boundaries Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God fully and to love your neighbor as yourself. Hidden in that statement is an assumption: that we love ourselves. But many of us don’t. We know our flaws too well. Our failures. Our thoughts. Our regrets. So we don’t prioritize what’s healthy for us. We don’t protect our time, our energy, or our hearts. Biblical self-love isn’t narcissism. It’s stewardship. It looks like: Taking responsibility for your emotions Guarding your mind Respecting your limits Stewarding your finances Saying no when necessary You cannot love others well if you are constantly neglecting yourself. Boundaries are not indulgence. They are responsibility. Boundaries Must Be Rooted in Something Solid Many of us try to set boundaries based on opinions, trends, or what someone once told us. Those boundaries don’t hold when pressure comes. Like a house built on sand, they collapse. But boundaries rooted in God — in His character, His wisdom, His design — become unshakable. When you love God first, you begin to see yourself as He sees you. You learn what is worth protecting. You understand that His limits are not arbitrary rules but life-giving guardrails. God’s boundaries don’t shift with culture, mood, or circumstance. They stand firm. Spiritual Boundaries That Sustain Us Healthy lives require spiritual boundaries: Time with God.  You cannot know someone you never spend time with. Quick prayers squeezed into busy moments cannot replace intentional presence. Rest . Rest is not laziness. It is obedience. God designed us with limits on purpose. Obedience. God’s instructions are not there to ruin our fun — they spare us unnecessary pain. Freedom from distraction.  Busyness is not spirituality. Exhaustion is not faithfulness. Even Jesus withdrew from crowds to be alone with the Father. Defined Relationships Thrive Where relationships lack definition, confusion grows. Boundaries protect: Romantic relationships Friendships Marriages Family dynamics Attraction is normal. Desire is human. But intimacy without boundaries often leads to regret. Clear expectations create safety. Unclear relationships create chaos. Love without boundaries eventually turns into resentment. The Power of Saying No “No” is one of the most liberating words you can learn. Saying no is not doing something to someone — it’s declining something that doesn’t align with what is healthy, wise, or right. You can say no to: Peer pressure Overcommitment Disrespect Temptation Exhaustion Financial irresponsibility And we must also learn to respect when others say no to us. Healthy boundaries go both ways. Boundaries Shape Identity What we say yes to and what we say no to forms who we become. Healthy lines produce healthy lives: Relationships become safe Love becomes sustainable Community flourishes Without boundaries, even good things can consume us. Jesus: The Model of Healthy Boundaries Jesus loved deeply — but He also: Said no Withdrew from crowds Prioritized time with God Stayed focused on His mission His boundaries didn’t push people away. They made space for genuine connection and purposeful living. A Call to Reclaim Healthy Boundaries Maybe you’ve crossed lines you wish you hadn’t. Maybe you’ve allowed others to cross yours. Maybe you’ve been running like those kids on the mini-cricket field — exhausted, unsure where one thing ends and another begins. It’s not too late to redraw the lines. God’s boundaries are not walls to trap you — they are fences to protect what is precious. When we learn to love God, and then ourselves as He loves us, we gain the courage to live within the limits that lead to freedom. Healthy lines create healthy lives. And sometimes, the most loving thing you can do — for yourself and for others — is simply to say no. Life Group Discussion Questions When you hear the word boundaries , do you feel relief, resistance, or confusion? Why? How does healthy self-love differ from selfishness? What might change in your life if your boundaries were rooted more deeply in your relationship with God? Where do you see the need for clearer boundaries in your relationships (family, friends, dating, marriage, work)? What is one practical step you can take this week toward healthier boundaries?

Relationship Goals: God's Design | Gareth Nicholson | 01 February 2026 *With thanks to Life.Church  for the graphic and series concept Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Relationships matter. Whether you’re single, dating, married, previously married, or somewhere in between - this series is for you. Because before relationships are about romance, status, or social media perfection, they’re about connection. And at the core of every healthy relationship is one essential truth: God is relational, and He designed us for relationships too. God’s Design: Not Alone, But Together In Genesis 2, God looks at Adam and says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”  He creates a helper corresponding to him. The Hebrew phrase used here - Ezer Kenegdo -doesn’t mean assistant or servant. It means fellow warrior . Someone who stands alongside, not beneath. Someone who fights with you, not against you. Marriage, according to God’s design, is a partnership. Two people standing shoulder to shoulder, united in purpose. But this message goes beyond marriage - it speaks to all relationships . The Illusion of “Relationship Goals” Scroll through social media, and you’ll see perfectly curated moments: matching outfits, sunset photos, smiling couples. We label them relationship goals . However, what we often don’t see is the story behind the photo - the tension, the frustration, the difficult conversations, and the real work. Healthy relationships aren’t built on appearances. They’re built on truth, commitment, growth, and grace . Wholeness Doesn’t Come From Another Person Culture tells us we’re incomplete without “the one.” But Scripture tells a different story. The idea that two halves make a whole comes from Greek mythology - not the Bible. Paul writes in Colossians 2 that our completeness is found in Christ . No person can complete you. Marriage doesn’t fix brokenness - it often exposes it. Biblical marriage is two imperfect people in covenant, each finding healing and wholeness in Jesus. A Biblical Framework for Relationships Scripture gives us clear relationship pathways: Marriage  - A holy covenant between a man and a woman, rooted in faithfulness and commitment. Singleness  - Not married and not sexually active, free to serve God wholeheartedly. Celibacy  - A calling for some, marked by devotion and purpose in God’s kingdom. Each path has dignity. Your marital status does not determine your spiritual effectiveness.  How you live within that season does. Relationship Goals That Actually Matter At Free Church, we’re redefining relationship goals. Not happiness. Not perfection. Not social media aesthetics. Instead, we’re focusing on four God-honoring goals: Christ-Centered  – Jesus at the center of everything. Character-Forming  – Allowing the Holy Spirit to shape who we’re becoming. Boundary-Keeping  – Creating healthy, respectful limits in relationships. Mission-Driven  – Living with purpose, for God’s glory. When Jesus is at the center, everything else flows from there—our values, decisions, actions, and influence. Being Christ-Centered Is a Lifestyle Calling yourself a Christian is not the same as living a Christ-centered life. A label is easy. A lifestyle takes intention. Whatever sits at the center of your life - self, status, money, success, even your kids - will shape how you live and how you love. Jesus invites us to place Him at the center so He can bring order, freedom, and life. So how do we start? Read the Bible and pray - every day. It doesn’t have to be long. It just has to be consistent. Even one minute a day can begin to re-center your life around Jesus. And if you’re married, there’s power in doing this together. Praying together softens hearts, builds unity, and makes it very hard to stay divided. The Ultimate Relationship Command Jesus summed it up best: Love God. Love people. But He added something important - love your neighbor as yourself . When we learn to see ourselves the way God sees us, we become healthier people who build healthier relationships. This series isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And it starts by putting Jesus back at the center. Life Group Discussion Questions What currently sits at the center of my life - Jesus, myself, success, approval, or something else? How does what’s at the center influence my decisions, priorities, and relationships? In what ways have I looked to another person to complete me instead of looking to Jesus? What would it look like practically for me to become more Christ-centered this week? If I’m married, how could praying or reading the Bible together strengthen our relationship? How does learning to love myself the way God loves me affect how I love others?

Relationship Goals: Part 2: Character Forming | Amy Nicholson | 08 February 2026 *With thanks to Life.Church  for the graphic and series concept Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Do people enjoy being around you? This question sits at the heart of our Relationship Goals  series, because every one of us is becoming someone - either by default or by design. God invites us to become people on purpose . Becoming by Design, Not by Default In 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 we read: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom… And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever‑increasing glory.” If you follow Jesus, you have access to the Holy Spirit — and where the Spirit is, there is freedom. Not instant perfection, but progressive freedom . God is continually shaping us to become more like Him. This transformation doesn’t happen by willpower alone. It happens as we live surrendered lives, allowing God to form our character day by day. So the question isn’t “Who am I right now?”  but “Who am I becoming?” 1. No One Becomes the Best Version of Themselves by Themselves You may have heard someone say, “I don’t need church — I just need Jesus.” While it’s true that salvation is personal, formation is communal . Scripture tells us that iron sharpens iron . Sharpening isn’t always comfortable. It involves friction. But it’s essential if we want to grow. God uses community — life groups, friendships, worship gatherings — to shape us. We’re encouraged by one another’s faith, strengthened by prayer, and lovingly challenged when our thinking is off. Left alone, we are incredibly good at lying to ourselves. Community helps expose those lies and replace them with truth. If you want to become who God has called you to be, don’t do it alone. 2. Your Voices Determine Your Choices Who you listen to matters. What you consume matters. The voices shaping you — podcasts, social media, Netflix, friendships — all influence the person you are becoming. As Scripture reminds us: “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) We live between two cultures: World culture , which often breaks down, distracts, divides, and promotes selfishness. Kingdom culture , which builds up, encourages, loves, serves, and makes space for people. Who you listen to has license  in your life. And over time, you become like the people and voices you allow closest to you. A kingdom culture calls us to serve instead of self‑promote, to love our neighbour, and to stand out rather than blend in. 3. Everything About You Says Something About You The way we speak, dress, act, listen, and respond communicates something — not just about us, but about Jesus. Scripture says: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) An ambassador represents someone else wherever they go. That means we don’t just reflect Jesus on Sundays — but on Mondays in boardrooms, classrooms, homes, and social spaces. Are we approachable? Are we warm? Do our words and body language reflect the kindness, grace, and patience of Christ? People may not yet know they need Jesus — but they are drawn to something different when they see His Spirit at work in us. So, What Do We Do With This? Start where we left off last week: Read your Bible  — begin with the Gospels and discover what Jesus is like. Then do what it says. Love your neighbour. Be unhurried. Look people in the eyes. Choose kindness. Refuse gossip. Serve others. As we behold Jesus, we become more like Him — and the world desperately needs people who reflect His love. So once again, we ask: Who are you becoming? Life Group Discussion Questions What do you think it is like to be on the other side of you  — at home, at work, at church, or in your friendships? If you are in a group setting with people you are comfortable with, you can ask each other this question. In what ways are you currently becoming someone by default  rather than by design ? Who are the primary voices shaping your thoughts, attitudes, and decisions right now? Are those voices helping you become more like Jesus? Where do you experience Christian community (church, life group, friendships)? How is that community shaping you — and how open are you to being sharpened? What is one simple, practical step you can take this week to not only read God’s Word, but do  what it says?

Fresh Start: Finding your Sweet Spot | Gareth Nicholson | 25 January 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Have you ever had a moment where everything just clicked ? In sport, they call it the sweet spot  – that perfect point of contact where effort feels minimal, impact is maximal, and everything works the way it’s meant to. The football flies effortlessly into the top corner. The cricket ball rockets off the bat. You barely feel the hit, but you see the result. But what if life has a sweet spot too? What if God has designed each of us with an optimal zone  – a place where we are most effective, most alive, and most aligned with His purpose? What Is a Sweet Spot? A sweet spot is the point or condition that produces the most effective and desirable outcome . Most sports equipment is literally engineered around this idea. When you hit the sweet spot, things feel natural and powerful. When you don’t, it’s harder, less effective, and often painful. The same is true in life. Many of us know what it feels like to be outside  our sweet spot: Things feel forced Progress is slow Effort outweighs fruit We’re tired, frustrated, or unfulfilled And at some point, no matter our age, we all ask the deeper questions: What am I here for? Is this all there is? Am I making a difference? Have I found my sweet spot? A Powerful Definition of Calling American theologian Frederick Buechner once said: “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” That’s a profound picture of purpose. Your sweet spot is not just about what you enjoy or what you’re good at. It’s the place where what brings you alive intersects with what the world desperately needs. So what does Scripture say about that place? God’s Big Plan: Reconciliation In 2 Corinthians 5:18–21 , the Apostle Paul gives us a clear picture of God’s purpose: “Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…” In just a few verses, Paul repeats the word reconciliation  again and again. That’s not accidental. It’s the heartbeat of the gospel. God’s great plan is this: To reconcile the world to Himself  through Jesus To heal what is broken To restore relationships To build a better future And astonishingly, God doesn’t just do  reconciliation - He invites us into it . What Does Reconciliation Mean? Reconciliation is about restoring a broken relationship. As Desmond Tutu said: “Reconciliation is not just about bringing people together. It is about healing the wounds of the past and building a better future.” That applies vertically (between us and God) and horizontally (between us and others). Through Christ: We are reconciled to God Our past is healed Our future is redeemed But it doesn’t stop there. Your Sweet Spot Revealed Here’s the part that may surprise you: Your sweet spot is being a peacemaker. According to Paul, every follower of Jesus is given: The message of reconciliation  (what we believe and proclaim) The ministry of reconciliation  (how we live and relate) We are called ambassadors for Christ  — representatives who reflect His heart to the world. When you live as someone who helps restore what is broken, you are operating in your sweet spot. It may not always be easy, but it is deeply purposeful. The Message vs. the Ministry Carrying the message  of reconciliation is often easier. It looks like: Understanding the gospel Sharing your faith Telling people that God is reaching out to them Living with visible hope But the ministry  of reconciliation? That’s harder. It means: Facing broken relationships Letting go of pride Releasing your right to be right Forgiving even when it costs you And yet, this is where transformation happens. Reconciliation Starts With God Being reconciled to God follows a simple but profound journey: Acknowledge  your brokenness and need for grace Believe  that Jesus has made a way through the cross Confess  Jesus as Lord and Savior Devote  your life to following Him Reconciliation begins with humility - releasing your right to be right. God has always been reaching out. The question is whether we will take His hand. Reconciliation With Others Forgiveness and reconciliation are related, but they are not the same. Forgiveness  can be one-sided - it frees your heart Reconciliation  requires both people and the work of the Holy Spirit As Scripture teaches, “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” You make the first move. You reach out. You release your right to be right. And when both sides are willing, reconciliation heals the past and creates space for a shared future. Living in Your Sweet Spot When you are reconciled to God and actively carrying the message and ministry of reconciliation, something shifts: Relationships begin to heal Purpose becomes clearer Your faith becomes tangible Life feels aligned rather than forced This is the place where deep gladness meets deep need. This is your sweet spot. Life Group Discussion Questions When in your life have you felt most “in the sweet spot” - where things felt aligned, meaningful, and effective? What was happening in you and around you at that time? How would you describe your current relationship with God? Do you feel reconciled, distant, or somewhere in between? What does it look like for you personally to “release your right to be right”? Where do you find that most difficult? Who in your life might God be inviting you to move toward in reconciliation - even if it feels uncomfortable or costly? What fears or assumptions hold you back from living as an ambassador for Christ in your everyday life?