A Week of Prayer & Fasting We’re setting aside time to seek God together through a week of prayer and fasting . This is an invitation to slow down, refocus, and realign our hearts with God’s will for our lives and our city. Dates: Monday 26 January – Sunday 1 February Why We’re Praying & Fasting Throughout the week, we’ll use The Lord’s Prayer  as our framework, with a desire to: Bring glory to God Humble ourselves and surrender to His will Grow in intimacy with Him See His Kingdom come through renewal, rebuilding, and restoration in our city Pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus This week isn’t about obligation or manipulation. God is far more interested in the devotion of our hearts than the duration or details of our fast. Choosing Your Fast You’re encouraged to prayerfully choose the fast that seems right for you. This may include: Fasting one meal a day Fasting for a full day Fasting for three-day, five-day, or a full-week fast Soul detox fast Check out the resources below to learn more! Ask God to lead you, and remember that fasting can also be practiced at other times throughout the year as part of your ongoing spiritual growth. Gathered Prayer Moments We'll gather together for three early-morning prayer times: Monday 26 Jan | 06:00–06:45 Free Church Office (Southdowns Office Park) Thursday 29 Jan | 06:00–06:45 Free Church Office (Southdowns Office Park) Sunday 1 Feb | 06:00–06:45 Trinityhouse Centurion (Sunday location) Life Groups - use this week to pray together and share what God is teaching you. Prayer & Fasting Resources To support you through the week, we’ve created: A teaching video  to introduce prayer and fasting You can find the teaching video here: YouTube | Spotify | iTunes A prayer and fasting guide — a downloadable booklet with a simple prayer model, practical fasting tips, and space to journal. Printed copies will be available on Sun 25 Jan at both services. Whether this is your first time fasting or a familiar practice, these resources are designed to help prayer become a life-giving, everyday rhythm , not a guilt-driven obligation. We believe that when prayer and fasting are approached with the right heart, they create space for God to move deeply in us and powerfully through us. We’d love for you to journey with us!

Fresh Start: New Year. New You. | Gareth Nicholson | 18 January 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |   iTunes | Spotify There’s something deeply frustrating about realizing that something is broken - especially when it’s beyond your control to fix. You expect things to work out a certain way. You have dreams, plans, and expectations - and then suddenly you discover something is wrong. Something is broken. Something needs fixing. For some, that realization comes early. For others, it arrives later in life. You look back and think, “If I could just do that again… if I could undo that decision… if I could have that conversation one more time.” Underneath all of it is a shared human longing: I wish I could start over. Not a Repair - A New Beginning Here’s the good news of the gospel: Christianity doesn’t offer renovation, refurbishment, or repair. It offers something far more radical. The gospel of Jesus Christ promises not a fix-up, but a fresh start . Scripture tells us that humanity has a deeper issue than surface-level behavior. There is a brokenness within us - what the Bible calls sin. While many belief systems teach self-improvement or self-effort, Christianity declares something entirely different: By God’s initiative and power, He recreates us. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) This is not metaphorical language. To be “in Christ”  means to be fully covered, enclosed, and sustained by Him - like being inside a train that provides direction, power, and movement. If you’re on the platform, you can watch the train go by. But once you step inside, you move with it. And when someone steps into Christ, something unprecedented happens. The Bible doesn’t say you become a better version of yourself. It says you become a new creation  - something that did not exist before. Anyone Means Anyone This promise is radically inclusive. “If anyone is in Christ…” That means no matter your past. No matter what you’ve done. No matter what’s been done to you. You don’t disqualify yourself. God doesn’t refurbish the old you - He creates something new. The old has passed away. The new has come. Why Don’t I Always Feel New? This is where many people get stuck. You may be in Christ, yet still feel like the old version of you shows up far too often. Old habits. Old wounds. Old ways of thinking. Here’s the tension Scripture invites us to live in: You are  a new creation - and you are becoming  the new creation you already are. It’s like marriage or parenting. The moment you say “I do,” you are married - but you spend years learning how to live that reality out. Identity comes first. Growth follows. The same is true in Christ. The power of sin is broken, but transformation unfolds as your identity reshapes your behavior. Identity Before Behavior Most of us try to change the wrong way. We focus on behavior instead of identity. We treat symptoms instead of addressing the root. But Scripture invites us to reverse the order. When identity changes, behavior follows. Instead of saying: “I’m just an angry person.” “I’m bad with money.” “I’ll always struggle with this.” What if you began to declare what God says is already true? “I am a new creation.” “I have the peace of God.” “I have the mind of Christ.” The apostle Paul modeled this daily: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) As identity aligns with truth, behavior begins to change. The Battles You’ll Face Being a new creation doesn’t remove resistance. Scripture tells us we face three ongoing battles: The world system  - a culture that tries to shape you back into the old you. The flesh  - old patterns that still need to be put to death. The enemy  - an accuser who wants to keep you stuck in guilt and defeat. But none of these have ultimate power over you. If God has made you new, no one can unmake you. Two Shifts That Change Everything As we step into a new season, here are two shifts worth making: 1. From Suspicion to Trust.  Stop measuring your faith by feelings. Trust God’s Word over your experience. Declare what Scripture says is true - even before you see it. 2. From Guilt to Gratitude.  Guilt may feel motivating, but it leads to stagnation. Gratitude leads to transformation. The gospel is not about earning God’s favor - it’s about receiving His grace. Grace is always bigger than your sin. Always. Life Group Discussion Questions Where in your life does something feel “faulty” or broken right now? What stands out to you about the promise of being a new creation  — not repaired, but recreated? Would you honestly say you are in Christ , or standing near Him? What helps you tell the difference? In what areas of your life do you still feel like the “old” you shows up regularly? Where might God be inviting you to shift from behavior change to identity change?

Fresh Start: Shift Your Perspective | Gareth Nicholson | 11 January 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |   iTunes | Spotify The other day, as we were leaving from our holiday house, it was still dark, so I flipped the lights on so that we could pack. Bad idea. There was a swarm of angry bees everywhere. 🐝 I froze. Because last time I got stung, my face swelled up badly. That memory kicked in fast. Suddenly, a moment in the present was shaped by something from the past. And that’s when it hit me. Most creatures live purely in the present. They react to what’s happening right now. But humans are different. We can reflect on the past , live in the present , and imagine the future  - all at the same time. That’s a gift. But it’s also a responsibility. Wisdom lives in what we might call holistic time : Reflection informs prospection  (how we think about the future) Prospection redeems reflection When reflection has no future focus, it often turns into regret: “I should’ve… I would’ve… I could’ve…” And when prospection has no reflection, it turns into fantasy - or worse, a repeat of old mistakes. A fresh start doesn’t come from ignoring the past or wishing for a better future. It comes from learning how to hold the past, present, and future together  in the right way. Imagine Your Future for a Moment Take a second and think about this: Where do you want to be one year from now? What would you wish you had done differently? In your habits? Your finances? Your relationships? Your walk with God? This is usually where New Year’s resolutions come in… and also where they fall apart. Why Resolutions So Often Fail 1. We struggle to stick with them. We start with the best intentions, and then life happens. And often the areas we most want to change feel too big  to tackle - marriage tension, anger, burnout, finances. 2. We underestimate how much change is actually possible. Most of us assume our future self will be very similar to our past self. We think change is linear and limited. But psychologist Daniel Gilbert says it best: “Human beings are works in progress that mistakenly think they’re finished.” When we look back five or ten years, we’re usually shocked by how much has changed. Yet when we look forward, we assume not much will. The problem isn’t that we’re unfinished. The problem is thinking we are  finished. You’re not behind. You’re not too far gone. You’re just not done yet. A Fresh Start Begins With a New Perspective Real change doesn’t begin with behaviour - it begins with vision . The apostle Paul writes: “From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way ” 2 Corinthians 5:16 (CSB) Paul’s entire worldview shifted when he encountered Jesus. Nothing changed more than how he saw . Imagine a piece of artwork on an easel - covered, facing the wrong direction. From one angle, you can’t see it properly at all. But from the right angle, everything becomes clear. There are two ways of seeing life: A worldly perspective A God-shaped perspective If you want a new life, you need a new lens . Because your perspective: Shapes your identity  (who you think you are) Informs your values  (what matters most) Directs your decisions  (how you live) Drives your behaviours  (why you do what you do) Change your perspective, and you change your life. The Gospel: God’s Big Plan The Gospel invites us into a bigger story: God loves you Jesus gave His life for you You’re invited to live not for yourself, but for Him Your past does not  define you Your future is not just a small improvement on yesterday - it’s filled with God’s purpose and potential Imagine if God’s big plan is actually true. I’m convinced with every fibre of my being that it is. Two Shifts for a Fresh Start As we begin this FRESH START  series, here are two practical shifts to make this week: Shift 1: From Intention to Action We all want change. But transformation begins when we stop waiting for the “right moment” and start taking the next step . Jesus said the difference between the wise and foolish builders wasn’t knowledge - it was action (Matthew 7). Shift 2: From Blame to Responsibility Your past is not meant to be a prison - it’s a teacher. Blame shows up when: Problems are always external Our story centres on what was done to  us Defensiveness becomes our default response You can’t change what happened - but you can  reframe its meaning. That’s your responsibility. Life Group Discussion Questions Looking Back What is one moment from the past year that shaped you in some way? Looking Ahead Where would you like to be one year from now? Perspective Is there an area of your life where you need to see things more through God’s perspective than your own? Taking Action What is one small step you can take this week toward the change you want to see? Responsibility What is something from your past that God might be inviting you to learn from rather than live in?

Watch or listen on YouTube , Spotify , or Apple Podcasts . Join the Free Church WhatsApp Community to stay updated on all that's coming up in 2026! Matthew 7:24-27 describes Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing that hearing His words is insufficient; true wisdom lies i n  hearing and doing  them , like building a house on rock for stability, versus hearing but not doing, which is like building on sand, leading to collapse in storms.    Last week, in  Part 1: Tracing the Trail , we spent some time evaluating the lessons of the past year and listening for what God has already spoken through our experiences.   This week, in Part  2, we are working on planning the path .   Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;   in all your ways submit to him,  and he will make your paths straight.   Proverbs 16:9 – "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."   We are submitting our new goals to God and seeking a path of wisdom rather than just "hustling."   4 questions under each of these 4 headings: Follow Jesus, Know True Identity, Grow in Freedom, Go Live With Purpose. FOLLOW JESUS (Direction | Relationship | Devotion) How will I stay close to Jesus? What would it look like for Jesus to have first place in my ordinary days of 2026? (Time, attention, rhythms—not just Sundays.) Which spiritual practice will anchor my walk with Jesus this year? (Scripture, prayer, Sabbath, fasting, silence, community)   What distractions or competing voices do I need to limit in 2026 intentionally?   When 2026 gets busy or hard, what will help me remain faithful rather than reactive?   KNOW TRUE IDENTITY (Values | Truth | Belonging)   Who am I becoming as a child of God?   What lies about myself do I need to stop agreeing with in 2026? What truth does God want me to live from this year—not just believe?   Which identity statement best describes how I want to see myself by the end of 2026? (e.g. “I am secure in Christ,” “I am called,” “I am deeply loved.”)   Where am I still seeking validation from people, success, or performance instead of God?   GROW IN FREEDOM (Healing | Habits | Transformation)   What needs to change so I can live a lighter and healthier life? What patterns, habits, or wounds do I want God to bring freedom in during 2026? What is one area where obedience would lead to greater freedom this year? What do I need to release, forgive, or repent of in order to move forward unburdened? Who will help me stay accountable and supported as I grow this year?   GO LIVE WITH PURPOSE (Calling | Contribution | Impact) Where is God leading me in 2026? Who is God placing in my life this year that I am responsible to love, serve, or disciple? What gift, passion, or burden do I sense God highlighting for this season? If I’m faithful in small steps, what could obedience look like by the end of 2026? What would make 2026 feel meaningful—not just successful? Final reflections:    By the end of 2026, what do I hope is different  in my walk with God and my impact on others? What is one word or phrase that will guide how I live this year?   As we follow Jesus, know who we are in Him, grow in freedom, and go live with purpose, 2026 becomes a year of alignment, not just activity!

Watch or listen on YouTube , Spotify , or Apple Podcasts . This is part 1 of a 2-part series, where we take time to reflect on the year that has been rather than rushing into next year's planning. We are asking, what did this year actually teach me? Not just what did I experience—but what did I learn ? The Biblical foundation is from Proverbs on pursuing wisdom intentionally: Proverbs 4:7 “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”   Wisdom isn’t accidental; it’s something we choose to pursue, especially when we slow down to reflect.   Proverbs 4:26 – "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."   Taking inventory of where we’ve walked, what we’ve learned, and what we need to leave behind.   Proverbs 20:5 “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”   Reflection is the work of drawing out what God has been shaping in us—our motives, growth, and blind spots. Reflection Process Setup You will need a notebook, a pen, and some dedicated time. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in this process. Start by creating a timeline for the 2025 year Use your calendar to review meetings/events Draw a timeline from January to December Above line: note down highlights, successes, breakthrough moments, God speaking  Below line: valley moments, pain, struggles, failures (low moments) The Timeline helps bring full-year experience to mind. Nine Reflection Questions How faithfully did I follow Jesus this year? Moments of obedience despite difficulty/cost Areas of drift into comfort, routine, legalism, self-direction  What drained me, and what gave me life? What/who drained you vs gave you life Helps discern what to release vs protect/prioritize What did God teach me about Himself, myself, and His ways this year What did God teach about Himself, yourself, His ways Which biblical truths became foundational (not just known) Character formation: How did I become more or less like Jesus this year? Who did you become this year (not achievements) More/less loving, patient, generous, dependent on God, anxious Growth patterns: Where did I grow—and where did I resist growth? Areas of growth vs resistance to growth Reveals obedience vs pride/fatigue patterns Healing needs: What needs healing, repentance, or releasing? What needs healing, repentance, or releasing Wounds, unforgiveness, negative patterns, habits requiring freedom Kingdom impact: Who or what did God use me to impact or influence this year? Who moved closer to Jesus because of your life? How did you make the world better; live out kingdom purpose? Influences on you: Who or what influenced or impacted me the most this year? Name 2-3 people who impacted you most toward Jesus Friends, mentors, and encouragers to be grateful for Carry forward vs lay down Reflecting on your answers, what might God want you to take into 2026? What does He want you to leave behind in 2025? Next Steps Part 2 coming next week: looking ahead to 2026 - Planning the Path Goal: Spirit-led wisdom for growth in Christ-likeness, identity, freedom, purpose, and to shift eternity and make kingdom difference.

Watch/Listen to the message here: YouTube | Spotify Do you know what your name means? My name, Gareth - (Welsh, medieval times) "might" of a spear-ruler with the "calm" of a gentle knight!    While names today are highly personal and often chosen for their popularity in antiquity, names were often seen as functional blueprints  for a person’s identity, destiny, or social status. In ancient cultures, a name wasn’t just a label; it was believed to capture the essence  of that which was being named. The Meaning of Jesus’ Name Do you know what the name Jesus means?! Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”   Luke 1:31-32  Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David Jesus comes from the Hebrew “Yeshua” - a combination of Yahweh + Shua (salvation) Means “Yahweh saves” or “I AM saves.” Same name as Joshua in the Old Testament Every time we say “Jesus,” we declare that God brings salvation The Seven O Antiphons (Great O’s) Ancient prayers from the 6th-8th centuries form verses of “O Come Emmanuel.” Each focuses on a different messianic name (title) for Jesus: O Sapienta (Wisdom)  - Jesus as truth, Word of God, Logos O Adonai (Lord)  - Mighty rescuer bringing order from chaos O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse)  - Royal lineage of David, brings followers into royalty O Clavis David (Key of David)  - Has the key to set captives free, overcome sin & death O Oriens (Morning Star)  - Light of the world, illuminates darkness O Rex Gentium (King)  - King of all nations, brings unity as the cornerstone O Emmanuel (God With Us)  - Saves through presence, God becoming human, continued through the Spirit Hidden Message in the Antiphons First letters in reverse order spell “ERO CRAS” (Latin) Translation: “Tomorrow I will come.” Promise looking ahead to Christmas - Savior will come Christmas means the wait is over, salvation has arrived! Application Jesus provides everything needed: Wisdom, order from chaos, royal family invitation Freedom from sin and death, light in darkness Unity in his kingdom, constant presence through the Holy Spirit May these truths become real, God’s grace and favor

Unexpected Grace: Mary Christmas | Gareth Nicholson | 21 December 2025 Watch/Listen to the message here: YouTube | Spotify | iTunes Matthew opens the New Testament with Jesus’ genealogy — a family tree filled with scandal, brokenness, and grace. Unexpectedly, women are named: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth… and finally Mary. Mary: Likely 13 years old From Nazareth  — a nowhere town Poor, unknown, without status Chosen by God to carry the Messiah Human opinion saw scandal. God saw purpose. Truth #1: No One Is a Nobody From a human perspective, Mary was insignificant. From God’s perspective, she was chosen. God does not measure worth by background, wealth, or reputation. Every person is created in the image of God . In Christ, ordinary people step into royalty . You are not a nobody from nowhere in God’s eyes. Truth #2: People’s Opinions Change — God’s Does Not Mary was judged, doubted, and talked about — even by Joseph initially. Later, opinions changed. Human opinions are unstable and externally driven. God’s opinion of you is constant : loved, accepted, favored. Living for people’s approval leads to insecurity. Living from God’s approval brings freedom. Don’t let the opinions of people set the agenda for your life. Truth #3: God’s Grace, Not Our Goodness Mary was not sinless or perfect — she calls God her Savior  (Luke 1:47). Grace is unearned. God’s work in your life is not based on your track record. Comparison kills joy and distorts calling. Failure does not disqualify you when grace defines you. You are part of God’s story because of His goodness, not yours. Truth #4: Worship God — Not the Gift Mary’s story also warns us of a trap. God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Over time, people may elevate the vessel instead of the source. Worshipping people destroys both the worshiper and the one being worshiped. Mary was blessed — but never meant to be worshiped nor prayed to. There is: One God and one mediator between God and mankind — Jesus Christ  (1 Timothy 2:5) You don’t need another person to reach God.👉 You have direct access  to the Father through Jesus. Reminder Jesus: Came as the Son of Abraham (blessing) Came as the Son of David (king) Lived a sinless life Died in our place Rose again to begin a new creation Access to God is not based on your performance — but on Jesus’ finished work . As we move into the new year: Remember: You matter You are loved, chosen, and valued You have a unique role in God’s kingdom story Don’t waste your life fearing opinions or idolizing people Walk with confidence, humility, and faith

Unexpected Grace: Hesed | Gareth Nicholson | 14 December 2025 Catch Up on: | YouTube This Christmas series, Unexpected Grace , reminds us that when God’s extraordinary grace collides with broken people , unexpected things happen. As we trace the family tree of Jesus in Matthew 1, we discover flawed people, messy stories, and surprising grace. If God can use people like that  in the story of Jesus, how much more can He use you and me? Matthew opens the New Testament with these words: “An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.” Instead of beginning with miracles or angels, Matthew begins with names —a lineage full of scandal, outsiders, and redemption. Today, we focus on Boaz and Ruth , and the grace of God that weaves broken lives into His redemptive story. The Meaning of Hesed : God’s Unexpected Grace At the heart of Ruth’s story is the Hebrew word ḥesed . Ḥesed  describes: God’s steadfast love Covenant faithfulness Mercy, kindness, loyalty, and grace Love that is undeserved, unearned, and unexpected There’s no single English word for it— ḥesed  is all of these together. And we see it lived out through people, not just spoken about. Where the Book of Ruth Fits in the Story Ruth sits between Judges  and 1 Samuel : Judges: chaos, anarchy, no king, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” Samuel: The Rise of King David Ruth acts as a bridge —showing how God brings redemption and leadership out of disorder. Fun insight: In the Hebrew Bible, Ruth follows Proverbs 31 , connecting wisdom and virtue with Ruth’s character. She embodies faithful, courageous, and wisdom-filled obedience. A Story Born Out of Crisis A Poor Decision A man leaves Bethlehem  (“house of bread”) in Judah  (“land of praise”) during a famine and moves his family to Moab —a land historically associated with incest, immorality, and hostility toward Israel. This decision is driven by fear , not faith.It ends in tragedy: The man dies His two sons die Naomi and her daughters-in-law are widowed and destitute Ruth’s Courageous Choice Naomi returns to Judah after hearing God has been faithful again to His people. Both daughters-in-law begin the journey with her—but only Ruth stays . “Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16) Ruth chooses: A foreign land A new God A future she cannot control She refuses a victim mindset and chooses faith over fear . Gleaning on the Edge of the Field Ruth arrives in Bethlehem: A widow A foreigner Poor and vulnerable She goes to glean—picking up leftovers during harvest, a provision God had built into Israel’s law for the poor and foreigner (Leviticus 23). But gleaning is dangerous for a woman, especially a foreigner. Boaz: A Picture of God’s Heart Ruth “just happens” to glean in Boaz’s field—a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. Boaz: Notices Ruth Protects her Invites her from the edge into the center Provides food, dignity, and safety Speaks blessing over her “May you receive a full reward from the Lord… under whose wings you have come for refuge.” This is ḥesed in action . Four Ways Unexpected Grace Works in Our Lives 1. Decisions: Fear or Faith? Contrast the decisions: Elimelech leaves the promised land in fear Naomi returns in humility Ruth chooses faith Orpah turns back Faith-based decision-making asks: Have I waited? Do I have a word from God? Have I sought wise counsel? Unexpected grace flows when we turn toward  God, not away from Him. 2. Generosity: Who’s on the Edge of Your Field? Generosity is: Giving away what you’d rather keep A mindset, not an amount Central to how God’s kingdom advances Boaz didn’t just leave scraps—he invited Ruth in . Questions to ask: Who is living on the fringes of my life? Who can I invite to my table this season? Where can I offer protection, provision, and dignity? 3. Blessing: The Power of Your Words Boaz didn’t remind Ruth of her past—he spoke hope into her future. Your mouth carries life and death . You can build up or tear down Encourage or discourage Heal or wound Simple challenge: Put the phone down. Stop scrolling. Send encouragement. Speak life. Bless intentionally. 4. Redemption: This Is the Gospel Ruth arrives with: No status No money No future Boaz redeems her. But the deeper truth? You are like Ruth. And Jesus is like Boaz. We arrive at Jesus broken and empty—and He says: “You’re welcome. You belong.” This is the Christmas story. This is the redemption story Conclusion: There’s a Place for You in the Story If God can use: Ruth the outsider Rahab the prostitute Broken people in Jesus’ lineage Then He can use you . As you move toward a new year: Choose faith over fear Be generous with what you have Speak blessings freely Step into redemption God is still writing His story—and there’s a place for you in it.

Unexpected Grace: The Break Up | Gareth Nicholson | 07 December 2025 Catch Up on: | YouTube |   iTunes | Spotify We’ve all been there. A moment, a decision, a comment, a relationship, a choice you wish you could undo. Maybe it's something recent. Maybe it’s something from years ago. Or maybe you’re living in that season right now - carrying the weight of “I should have… I could have… I wish I hadn’t…” There’s a word for that cycle: rumination . It’s when a negative thought captures your mind and spirals you downward, over and over again. Neuroscientists even say that 80% of our thoughts as humans are negative . So most of us spend enormous energy revisiting regrets, replaying mistakes, and rehearsing the things we wish we could change. But the message of the gospel is radically different: Mistakes are inevitable. Mercy is available. Misery is optional. Through Jesus, we don’t have to live trapped by rumination or regret. His mercy frees us to rise above the weight of our failures. Unexpected Grace in the Christmas Story This is why our Christmas series is called Unexpected Grace . Because when God’s extraordinary grace collides with broken people, unexpected things happen. And nowhere is that more visible than in Jesus’ own family tree. Matthew opens the entire New Testament not with angels or shepherds - but with a genealogy. And tucked inside that list of names are some surprising, even shady , characters. People like Tamar… and today’s focus: Rahab . Rahab was a Canaanite woman, a prostitute living in the city of Jericho - someone no one would expect God to use. And yet, when two Israelite spies arrived at her door in Joshua 2, everything changed. Rahab’s Choice Rahab had heard the stories of the God of Israel: He parted the Red Sea. He defeated powerful kings. He led His people through the wilderness. While Jericho trembled in fear, Rahab responded in faith . She protected the spies. She asked for mercy. She tied a scarlet cord in her window - a sign that she believed God would save her. And He did. When Jericho’s walls fell, hers remained standing. Archaeologists say one section of Jericho’s wall still appears preserved. Could it have been Rahab’s home? We don’t know for sure - but it’s a beautiful picture of how God protects those covered by grace. Rahab wasn’t just rescued. She was brought into God’s family , married an Israelite named Salmon, became the mother of Boaz, the ancestor of King David, and ultimately was written into the lineage of Jesus Christ Himself. From prostitute→ to protector→ to ancestor of the Messiah. That’s the power of unexpected grace. What Rahab Teaches Us 1. You always have a choice in how you respond to God. Everyone in Jericho heard the stories. Only Rahab responded with surrender. We all face the same choice: Will I build walls around my heart, or will I surrender to the God who saves? 2. Your past does not disqualify you. Rahab didn’t let her track record convince her she wasn’t worthy of grace. She didn’t clean herself up first or change her life before stepping into God’s story. She said yes - and then transformation came later. In Hebrews 11 - the “Hall of Faith” - Rahab’s name appears alongside heroes like Abraham, Moses, and David. The text still calls her “Rahab the prostitute,” not to shame her, but to highlight how far grace brought her. Your label is not your identity. Your past is not your future. Your mistakes do not disqualify you. 3. Grace invites you to break up with what holds you back. Hebrews 12 encourages us to lay aside every weight that slows us down. Some of us are running the race while carrying baggage we were never meant to bear - guilt, regret, shame, self-disqualification, old mindsets, destructive habits. Maybe it’s time for a breakup. A breakup with: The belief that you’re not good enough The lie that your past defines your future The rumination that keeps looping your mistakes The voice that says God can use everyone… except you Rahab’s story shows us: You don’t have to clean yourself up to come to God. But walking with Him will begin to clean you from the inside out. Your Name in His Story Just like Rahab, your story doesn’t end with your mistakes. When you say yes to Jesus, your name becomes part of His story - a story that stretches into eternity. This is my prayer for our church: That years from now, heaven’s genealogy would read something like - “And through their faith… through their obedience… through their courage… the kingdom of heaven was built in Centurion in 2025, 2026, 2027…” If God can use Rahab, He can use you. If His grace transformed her life, His grace can transform yours. So maybe today is the day to break up with the things that have held you back - and step fully into the unexpected grace of God. Life Group Discussion Questions What is God asking me to lay down so I can make room for what He wants to grow in me next year? How have I experienced spiritual growth this year, and where do I sense God inviting more growth? Who in my life can I encourage or support as they pursue their own spiritual growth? How can I keep my heart open and expectant for what God wants to do next? How do I respond when the Holy Spirit prompts me - do I hesitate, or do I move?

Unexpected Grace: Getting Honest | Gareth Nicholson | 30 November 2025 Catch Up on: | YouTube |   iTunes | Spotify When God Meets Our Hidden Skeletons Do you have any skeletons hiding in your family closet? Stories you’d rather people didn’t know about? Or maybe - if your family seems spotless, you’ve got a few skeletons tucked away in your own . We spend an astonishing amount of time managing shame, hiding our failures, and maintaining the illusion that we have it “all together.” But the truth is this: When God’s extraordinary grace collides with ordinary broken people, unexpected things happen. This Christmas series, Unexpected Grace , invites us to peel back the layers we hide behind and see the heart of the gospel: a God who steps into human brokenness - not to shame us, but to redeem us. The Story Beneath the Story of Christmas The Bible isn’t a rulebook. It’s the greatest love story ever told - between God and His people. It begins with unity , authority , and tranquillity  in the Garden of Eden. Things were tov - good, whole, functioning as they should. And it ends in Revelation with these three restored. But in between? Human rebellion fractures everything. Broken relationships, distorted authority, disrupted peace-and yes, skeletons in the closet. Throughout the Old Testament, we meet figures like Abraham and David-good, faithful people, yet unable to restore what was lost. Each had flaws, failures, and shadows. So God Himself steps into the story through Jesus Christ. This is what Christmas celebrates: God becoming human to restore unity, reclaim authority, and rebuild tranquillity. A Family Tree Full of Scandals Matthew begins his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus. But instead of sanitising it, he highlights  some of the messiest people in the family line. People with pasts. People with secrets. People who made decisions they’d rather forget. Among them is the shocking story of Judah and Tamar - a story filled with grief, deception, abandonment, injustice, and scandal. And yet, these two are intentionally included in Jesus’ lineage. Why? To show us that God’s grace works through imperfect people , not around them. Judah: A Man Who Ran, Hid, Numbed, and Judged Before his transformation, Judah does what so many of us do: 1. He hides. He lies to his father about Joseph’s fate. He hides the truth, hides his emotions, hides the pain. 2. He runs . When grief and guilt become too heavy, he leaves home instead of facing it. 3. He numbs. He distracts himself with busyness, parties, and pleasure - anything to avoid dealing with his internal turmoil. 4. He judges. Condemning Tamar for what he thinks is immorality, he deflects attention from his own brokenness. Sound familiar? We hide. We run. We numb. We point fingers. All in an effort to maintain a fragile façade of togetherness. The Turning Point: “She is more righteous than I.” Everything changes when Tamar reveals the signet ring and staff - the proof that the child she carries is Judah’s. In a single moment, Judah confronts the truth: “She is more righteous than I.” Humility. Honesty. Vulnerability. This is where transformation begins - not in perfection, but in acknowledgement . Judah stops running and starts repenting. And grace rushes into that open space like a waterfall. From that moment on, his life changes trajectory. He becomes a man who protects, leads, and even offers his life for his brothers. What Grace Really Does Grace doesn’t ignore sin. Grace transforms sinners. It doesn’t sweep your past under a rug; it rewrites your story. Psalm 32 describes this beautifully: “Blessed is the one whose sin is forgiven.” “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away.” “But I acknowledged my sin… and You forgave.” Hiding drains us. Confession frees us. Grace restores us. Your skeletons aren’t too dark for God. Your failures aren’t too deep. Your past isn’t too messy. The moment you acknowledge your brokenness is the moment grace begins its work. Your Name Belongs in His Story Just like Judah and Tamar, your story - broken parts and all - can be woven into the story of Jesus. Not because you deserve it. Not because you’re perfect. But because grace reaches into the places we’d rather hide and transforms them from the inside out. This is Unexpected Grace . And this Christmas, may you experience the freedom of opening the closet door and discovering that God is already there - ready to forgive, restore, and redeem. Life Group Discussion Questions What “skeletons” or hidden areas of brokenness am I still trying to manage on my own? Not the polished story I tell people - but the things I hide, numb, or run from. What am I afraid people might think if they knew?  In what ways do I respond like Judah - hiding, running, numbing, or judging - instead of facing what’s going on inside? Where have I been trying to manage shame instead of inviting God’s grace to touch it? Where do I feel the life “draining out of me” because I’m keeping silent or carrying things alone? What would humility look like for me today? What would it look like to say, like Judah, “I’m the one who needs grace. I’m the one who’s broken.” What am I resisting acknowledging? Where can I see signs of God’s unexpected grace already at work in my life? Where has He been transforming me slowly over time - shifting my heart, redirecting my steps, softening places that were once hard?

ReJOYce: God ReJOYces Over You! | Jax Armstrong | 23 November 2025 Catch Up on: | YouTube |   iTunes | Spotify More Than a Feeling: The Joy That Holds Us Happiness is wonderful - but it’s fleeting. Two bites of chocolate… gone. A handful of jelly babies… gone. That perfect first sip of coffee… gone by the last. Happiness is tied to moments and circumstances. It comes from the outside in, and no matter how tightly we try to hold it, it slips through our fingers. The goalposts move: the car, the house, the new golf clubs, the yellow dress - and somehow, it’s still not enough. We’re left asking, “Is this all?” As humans, we keep chasing happiness. As Jesus-followers, we’re invited into something far deeper, steadier, and stronger. We get true JOY - the kind that moves from the inside out. A joy that is indescribable, uncontainable, unwavering. A joy we can choose, that overflows, and that stands firm even in trials. When Joy Doesn’t Feel Like Joy I’ve always thought of myself as a naturally joyful person. But even the most “yellow” hearts face moments where joy feels far away. A few months ago, standing in worship with our Youth, singing “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength” , I suddenly realised I didn’t feel strong at all. The weight of my thoughts, past hurts, and the heaviness of stories in the room became overwhelming. How could I sing “The joy of the Lord is my strength” when I didn’t feel joy… or strength? In that moment, surrounded by people carrying their own stories - loss, pain, shame, regret, fear - I found myself desperate to understand what God meant when He said: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” A Story of Restoration To understand this phrase, we turn to Nehemiah 8 . Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, had one of the most trusted - and dangerous- jobs imaginable. Yet his heart wasn’t captured by the palace, but by the brokenness of Jerusalem, 1,280 km away. God stirred Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of the city, and in only 52 days, the impossible became reality. But rebuilding the wall wasn’t the end - God wanted to rebuild the people. Ezra stood and read the Law of God from morning to midday, reminding the people of who God is and how they had wandered. Conviction gripped them, and they began to weep. But then this moment : “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10 Their tears were real. Their sin and separation from God were real. But God wasn’t interested in their despair - He was after their restoration. The joy of the Lord isn’t a feeling we try to conjure up. It is God’s own joy over His people - and that joy becomes our strength. A Father Who Delights in His Children C.S. Lewis described joy as “an experience so deep you long to return to it again.” It’s like a child running into their father’s arms - and the father kneels down with sheer delight, arms wide open. That is God’s posture toward us. Even when I stood in worship that day feeling empty, the Father still leaned in with delight. His joy didn’t depend on my mood or circumstance. It flowed from who He is - not from how I felt. Scripture shows us this over and over: Isaiah 42:1  - God delights in His Son. Zephaniah 3:17  - God delights in us , rejoices over us, and even sings over us. A God who sings over His people. A God whose joy is constant even when ours isn’t.A God who reaches down into the rubbish, ruin, and rubble we sit in… and restores us. Living From Joy, Not For Joy When we know God delights in us, everything changes. We stop trying to achieve  joy. We begin to live from  joy. We no longer stand empty-handed, hoping God will fill us. We stand on a foundation that is already overflowing - His strength, His joy, His delight. Here are three practical ways to step into that joy: 1) Recognise the Joy – “A Letter to Your Yellow” Call out the gold in others. Encourage. Speak life. Your joy in God becomes a reflection of His joy in them. 2) Reside in the Joy – Gratitude Ground yourself in the present. Share one thing each day that brings joy. Lean into your faith journey - join a Life Group, take the next step, reach out for prayer. Joy grows where faith grows. 3) Extend the Joy – Especially This Christmas Who can you bring joy to? A friend who needs a walk…A child who would love the Christmas lights…A family who needs an invitation…Small acts become holy moments. Joy extended is joy multiplied. A Joy That Changes a City Imagine a community that lives from supernatural joy - not circumstantial happiness. A church pinned to something steady in a blurred and uncertain world. A people whose joy becomes : A light on a hill.Hope in darkness. A living testimony of a God whose joy never runs dry. It’s More Than a Feeling As Motseki reminded us: “It’s more than a feeling!” God’s joy is everlasting.Self-sustaining.Poured over us.Rooted in grace. And because of that joy, we find strength. A Final Invitation Maybe today you feel like you are standing at the base of the wall - surrounded by rubble, weighed down by your story, feeling far from joy and even farther from God. Hear this: God is joyful over you. He delights in you. He sings over you. And He strengthens you. You need only say, “Here I am, Father.” True joy - supernatural joy - is found in Him. And His joy is yours. Life Group Discussion Questions When have I felt far from joy or strength? How does it change my perspective to know that God delights in me ? What “rubbish” or “ruin” do I feel surrounded by? What keeps me at the base of the wall? A spoken word years ago? A narrative I’ve believed? A fear or shame? What simple step could I take this week to “extend joy” to someone?

ReJOYce: Unshakeable Joy | HloHlo Moroeng and Mantsha Pheeha | 16 November 2025 Catch Up on: | YouTube - 08:15 / 10:00 |  iTunes - 08:15 / 10:00 | Spotify - 08:15 / 10:00 Message 1: 1. Joy Grows Through Testing (James 1:2 - 7) The Bible doesn’t pretend life is easy. Instead, it tells us what to do  when hardship comes: Troubles are not a one-time event - they are part of the journey. “Consider” is a choice. You can choose to worship your troubles, or you can choose joy. Endurance grows only when it is stretched. No resistance = no strength. Joy is not an emotion. Joy is spiritual endurance in motion. When you don’t know what to do, God invites you to ask for wisdom - single-minded, undivided, faith-filled wisdom. 2. Habakkuk’s Turning Point - “Yet I Will Rejoice” (Hab. 3:17 - 19) Habakkuk wrestled with God. He struggled with how God worked, why God allowed injustice, and why God used imperfect people for His purposes. But something shifted in his heart: Even if the orchards are empty, Even if there is no cattle in the barns, Even if life does not look like I hoped… “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” Habakkuk realised: God may not rescue me from the season, but He will strengthen me through it. That is joy. 3. The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength (Nehemiah 8:10) Joy = strength. Not happiness. Not positivity. Joy sourced from the Lord Himself. A joyless, defeated, dejected Christian isn’t just lacking energy - they are lacking strength . True strength flows from joy anchored in Jesus. 4. Joy Killers: Worship, Offense, Worry W - Worshiping Your Troubles When your whole narrative revolves around your problems, you’re worshiping them. Trouble seeks your attention and wants to dictate the direction of your life. Let God reclaim that space. O - Offense One of the greatest joy killers in the kingdom. Offense grows → bitterness grows → joy dies. Offense is a choice. Releasing it is a choice too. W — Worry Worry creates spiritual paralysis. Jesus told us not to worry because He knew it would rob us of joy. Philippians 4 shows us the antidote: Don’t worry about anything. Pray about everything. Prayer guards your heart and mind with supernatural peace. 5. Choose Joy Daily (Philippians 4:4 - 7 & 1 Thess. 5:16) Joy isn’t automatic. It’s chosen. How to choose joy: Start your day with thanksgiving Memorize one joy-focused scripture Sing joyful songs, especially when you feel the opposite Pray consistently Guard your heart from offense Let go of worry before it roots itself Joy is an intentional spiritual practice. Message 2: 1. Looking at your life's moments We all have moments where we pause and ask: “What am I doing with my life?” “Am I serving God? Am I doing well? Am I a good parent? Do I even have a career?” In those moments, we often revert to human measurements: Time spent, productivity, bank accounts, career progress. The things of God cannot be measured by physical measurements. Time in church, worship, prayer, the Word - they produce things you cannot see immediately. Time in worship, prayer, fasting, the Word - always matters. Even when the fast isn’t perfect. If you ate by mistake, continue after the meal. Never assume these moments are wasted or unproductive. 2. INVISIBLE TRANSFORMATION Sometimes God works in silence - no word, no prophecy, no preacher saying anything. But transformation still happens. People from your past may look at you and say: “You’ve changed. You’re not the same person.” Why? Because Jesus quietly changes hearts . We often only see the change when we look backward. 3. SCRIPTURE: JAMES 1:2 - 4 - UNBREAKABLE JOY “Count it all joy…” You choose  what to count it as. You can say: “God has forsaken me.” But James says: Count ALL of it joy. Not just blessings - trials too. Trials look different: Marriage issues Work stress People talking badly about you Broken relationships Repeated losses in the family Even when people speak death over your situation God is still at work. What trials produce: Patience  - the kind of success cannot create Endurance Maturity  - “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” Faith - Trials deepen gratitude. Trials teach endurance. Trials build an untouchable joy. 4. FINAL SCRIPTURE - HABAKKUK 3:17 - 19 Even when: Fig tree doesn’t blossom Fields produce nothing Flocks disappear “Yet I will rejoice.” God becomes: Strength Stability Source of joy Sure footing 5. Encouragement Life will bring trouble - Jesus said it would. But we do not walk through it alone. Joy is not the absence of difficulty; Joy is the presence of Jesus strengthening us in the middle of it. Choose joy. Choose it daily. Choose it on the mountaintop and in the valley. The joy of the Lord really is your strength. Life Group Discussion Questions Think about a recent trial or challenge. How did it affect your joy? Did you try to “count it all joy”  during that time, or did you focus on the negative? How do you respond when your circumstances don’t match your prayers? Do you find it difficult to believe in God’s promises that you cannot see yet? How can remembering His past faithfulness help you rejoice in the midst of present difficulties? How will you practically demonstrate unbreakable joy in your words, actions, or attitude?