As we continue Meandering Through Mark, this week we dive into Mark 7 exploring the concept of - No Matter how much we wash our hands, it doesnt change the state of our heart. Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes Mark 7v 1-23 NIV 7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus  2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.  3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.  4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.[ a ]) 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips,    but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain;    their teachings are merely human rules.’[ b ] 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” 9 And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe[ c ] your own traditions!  10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’[ d ] and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’[ e ]  11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—  12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother.  13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” 14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this.  15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”  [16]  [ f ] 17 After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable.  18 “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?  19 For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.) 20 He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.  21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,  22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Where we find ourselves in this story: The world at large endured the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and during that time we were washing our hands and sanitizing at every opportunity - though once the virus took hold, handwashing and sanitizing could not remove it. This virus very quickly became suffocating, defeating and absolutely debilitating. Is this not the state of man at large – us walking around on a daily basis with a state of virus; a hardened heart, a bitter anger, an evil thought or deed unfulfilled promise all of which become crippling, suffocating and defeating. And every day we return to our sinks in hope that by washing our hands - the choke hold would be released In Mark 7 we see how the disciples were ridiculed by the Pharisees and the leaders of the time when they were seen to eat without washing their hands – at that time a very strict procedure was followed prior to eating or returning from the marketplace, all of which had become religious law: a very specific, certain way of doing things. Jesus goes on to explain to them that nothing that comes from the outside can defile a man – that which defiles a man comes from the inside. He describes how they have elevated the traditions of man, and in doing so completely thrown out the word of God. He points us to the condition of the heart where foolishness, envy, sensuality, murder, jealous, greed, deceit and arrogance can take hold – that the real Sin comes from inside out, not the outside in. No Amount of washing your hands will change the state of the heart Jesus is the one who makes unclean - clean, he is the one that can soar through a heart riddled with anger, bitterness, sin and arrogance and restore the heart to purity. That’s where Jesus wants us, a heart ready to be filled with him – rather than stuck in doing things in hope those things are the “fix”. He is the one and only true fix! Perhaps you find yourself in a space where you are in a state or Virus - a hardened heart, a bitter anger, an evil thought or deed unfulfilled promise ~all of which become crippling, suffocating and defeating. A Reassurnace: Ezekiel 36:25-27 25  I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.  26  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  27  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Perhaps you find yourself in a space where you: Come to church, attend a Life Group, Tithe - and you need a fresh wind of God in your heart! Have a scar, an impurity - an experience, memory, or current state that has become so heavy and tiring to carry - like a stone in your chest - you need to be vulnerable just one more time to allow God to soar in and take victory over what is holding you down! Have an idol in your life that has claimed your worship, time, finance,s and vision, but it leaves you feeling empty and isolated - today is the day that you can turn your eyes towards Jesus and allow him to fill you from the inside out! Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. This is the power of the gospel. We come to a place where we are truly dead in our sin. Broken, battered, and wrapped up in a sheet. God takes all of that, says tell me of this – tell me where your heart is at – do you love the Lord your God with all your Heart, mind and soul – are you willing to lay that all down, bare your heart just one more time so that the Lord your God can restore you from the Inside out! LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. Additional questions to discuss S - Surrender      What is that thing that keeps your running back to the basin? K - Kneel             What is standing in the way of you accepting that Jesus is the one who can cleanse and restore you? O - Own Up         Name the thing that has been keeping you at the basin, the first step is admitting where you are and allowing Jesus the space to take the victory! O - Obedience    What do you feel God is calling you to do now, knowing the above? N - New               In Jesus, he makes everything New, what is something you can hold onto as God sets your Free and restores you from the inside out?

This Sunday we had Craig and Andy Clark from Urban Life Church join us for our 3rd Birthday Celebration. Craig shared two messages and you can catch up on them here: 08:30 Service: ​Looking Beyond the Chaos 10:30 Service: Looking Beyond the Brokenness I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. The Lord's answer. 2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. 4 “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright — but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness Habakkuk 2:1-4 NIV Here are some of the key insights : In a time of corruption, chaos, and injustice, Habakkuk laments to God because God appears indifferent. Habakkuk asked questions of God, but didn't question God! Free Church is to be a beacon of light in a chaotic world Ink it, don't just think it Every disruption is an opportunity It's time for the Church to rise and be what God has called us to be Knowledge informs, but revelation transforms Verse 4 is the middle of the book - the hinge - on which the reformation started 'but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness' In between salvation and grace is calling and purpose - a daily, minute-by-minute journey Many people drop what is in their hand to go after what is in their heart, but only God can meet the true desires of the heart, and only you can do what is in your hand. So do what is in your hand Habakkuk sang it before he saw it He walks forward by looking back to see what God has done (joining the dots) Get every broken person in the area and bring them here, because God is close to the broken Religion will take us away, but a relationship will bring us close Brokenness is not a barrier to God, it is a bridge For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Isa 9:6-7a (NIV) There is no end to the shalom (peace) of God LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. Additional questions to discuss Can you relate to Habakkuk? Why or why not? What did God say to you through the message(s) on Sunday? What do you see when you close your eyes and look with your heart?

MARKed by Faith - Chester Mupaya Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||   iTunes Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. --------- 30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. 5 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” Mark 6:6-12,30-37 (NIV) In this chapter, we see Jesus shift from preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, and driving out demons himself to sending out his disciples to do the same. Jesus calls the disciples to him He demonstrates the Kingdom to them He imparts authority to them to go and do the same Before they go, He instructs them to take nothing with them but their sandals and a staff. He tells them to leave behind the things that one would usually take on a trip (money, a bag, a change of clothes, food etc..) - he forces them into a place of lack so that they must depend on his Word and provision. This is a powerful picture of a readiness to go and a total dependence on God to provide. They could not take any credit for themselves, as they had no provision, planning, or preparation for the mission but for the authority given by Jesus. When they returned, they had many stories of what had been accomplished, powerful testimonies of the Kingdom breaking out... however, just a short while later, when confronted with the multitudes that needed feeding, they seemed to have forgotten all about the power and authority in which they had been operating in. When Jesus said "You give them something to eat" the disciples looked at the lack - this seems to be the default setting of their hearts, and of ours too most of the time... The story that we are invited into is one of Interrupting evil! Advancing the Kingdom! Changing the spiritual atmosphere!   Living in the power and authority that Jesus gives requires faith and belief in who Jesus is, what He has done, and that He is with us. We shouldn't be looking at our lack! What might God be calling you to, and what are you trying to bring with on the mission that needs to be left behind? LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. In order to facilitate a deeper conversation with your group members, consider using the SOAP. Use the SOAP framework on Mark Chapter 6 Scripture  - Read the chapter of scripture out loud (you can share the reading, a few verses each) Observation - Have each person share an observation; something in the Scripture that stands out to them Application  - Discuss how you can apply what has been shared in your own life Prayer - Pray with your group about what you have learned or how you can apply what you have learned in your life Additional questions to discuss Is looking at "lack" your default setting? What hinders you from operating in the power and authority of Jesus fully? What practical step can you take this week to step into His power and authority in a greater way?

MARKed by Mercy Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:1-20 (NIV) See also Mark 4:35-41 and Mark 5:21-43   The book of Mark is named after John Mark who is believed to have been a companion of the Apostle Peter who dictated these eyewitness accounts to him. Likely written in the AD50's, from Rome. This part, end of Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 is one of my favourites.   Mark had a nickname "stubby fingers" - (David Pawson)  So, we have Stubby fingers and a fiery fisherman making sure these things are written down for us so that we know "Who this (Jesus) is"! Maybe the conversation went something this....   Peter, tell me again about the day Jesus got in the boat. You know, THAT day!   Well, it goes like this… Huge crowds were pressing in on Jesus. He asked for a boat and we pushed off from the Capernaum shore. He taught all day, parables about people's hearts, and the kingdom. That evening, he asked us to take him across the sea - to the gentile side, which was really crazy the 10 cities, with all their Greek and Roman ideals were despised and avoided by us Jews.   He fell asleep in the boat, and all of a sudden one of those Galilee storms blew in (because of the terrain). We thought it was the end for us, meanwhile Jesus was sleeping. When we finally woke him in desperation he challenged us on our faith and then ordered the wind and the waves to be still.   We asked, "Who is this?!" Only later did we remember all the Psalms like this one   28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalms 107:28-29   He was showing us who he was, but we didn't even realize.   When we got to the other side after this, a mad guy came running at them out of the graveyard - cut & bleeding, chains hanging from his arms and legs. He seemed to have a supernatural strength, most definitely possessed, he had been cutting himself. The demons in him knew who Jesus was - the "Son of the Most High God" they called him Jesus commanded the impure spirit out of him, and they (Legion) begged go into a huge herd of pigs (2000 or so, would be about R5MZAR in today's terms). The pigs took off into the sea, the end of that enterprise! The guy was completely transformed, healed, and in his right mind. He wanted to come back with us and be a disciple, but Jesus told him to go and share his story in the 10 cities.  (Later on, crowds came from the cities to meet Jesus). Meanwhile, the pig herders and city people were upset and asked Jesus to leave. It seemed like they preferred their pigs to the presence of the kingdom.  So we got in the boat and never returned. Back on the other side, the crowd was waiting. Jairus begged Jesus to come and heal his very sick daughter, but on the way, an unclean woman in the crowd touched Jesus cloak ( Tzitzit are called the “wings” of the garment  - Mal 4:2 …with healing in his wings) - she was completely healed. By the Jairus daughter was dead, but Jesus chased everyone out, took her by the hand, and told her to get up to everyone's astonishment.   This day was a THAT day!   This is a story of  Clean and Unclean   Jesus goes to the unclean place (Gentile side) - he brings freedom and healing - the unclean is purged (pigs symbolic perhaps?) He is touched by the unclean woman - she is healed and made clean He touches the unclean (dead) body of the young girl - and brings her back to life   It is a story of falling at His feet   The demoniac fell at his feet -  The demoniac's life was marked by mercy. The woman fell at his feet - The woman's life was marked by mercy. Jairus fell at his feet. - Jairus and his daughter were marked by mercy. The people of Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave, and he didn't return.   It is a story of contrast - the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Heaven   Storm to  Peace Destruction to Restoration Sickness to Health Death to  Life   It is a story of assault on evil - some things can only be changed by Jesus.   Where do you find yourself in the story? Disciples DANGER: Familiarity, missing who Jesus really is APPLICATION: Practise reverence Demoniac Powerless. Isolated Tormented. Maybe not visible on the outside but on the inside - oppressed APPLICATION: Name it. Fall at his feet. People pray for you in the name of Jesus Gerasenes People - upset at the disruption Jesus brings When Jesus confronts evil, things will be disrupted DANGER: We prefer our pigs (piggy banks) rather than the presence of God. APPLICATION: Repentance Desperate - Woman in the crowd / Jairus -  desperate APPLICATION - Go to Jesus, fall at his feet.   This is Jesus, who confronts and defeats evil, this is the Kingdom Evil brings disorder, destruction, chaos, and death. Jesus brings peace, order, healing, and life. Meet him, call out to him come to him, allow your story to be marked by mercy. We remember and celebrate his victory over sin and death by breaking bread and sharing communion together. Each week in our life groups present a moment to break bread and share a meal with Jesus at the center of the conversation. LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. In order to facilitate a deeper conversation with your group members, consider using the SOAP. Use the SOAP framework on Mark Chapter 5 Scripture  - Read the chapter of scripture out loud (you can share the reading, a few verses each) Observation - Have each person share an observation; something in the Scripture that stands out to them Application  - Discuss how you can apply what has been shared in your own life Prayer - Pray with your group about what you have learned or how you can apply what you have learned in your life Additional questions to discuss Which of the people in the story do you relate with most?

BenchMARK Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes 1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”    9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”    10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that,   “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,  and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”    13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” Mark 4:1-20 (NIV) Jesus tells this parable at the stage (following Mark 3) where there is polarization - some love him, others hate him. This is a Benchmark  of responsiveness to Jesus and the message of the Kingdom The Farmer (God) Sows the word (Logos) There are three Greek words used for our English 'word'. Graphe (written), Rhema (spoken), and Logos ("The substance of the interior reality of the speaker is in the words".  - Mike Masa) It is the personal wisdom and power in union with God Even Jesus preaching was not 100% effective (Michael Eaton).  Only 1 in 4 soil types produced a harvest! But this is not a shotgun approach, hoping some seed finds good soil, but an abundance of a generous sower.  The word of God is always 100% accurate with the potential to be 100% effective. The variable is the human heart and how each heart chooses to respond to the Word (Jesus)   The four heart benchmarks are: Resistant (pathway) Immature (rocky ground with a little soil) Disordered (overtaken by thorns) Accepting (good soil that produces a harvest) The opposition: Birds of the air - Satan Sun - troubles and persecution) Thorns - worries, distractions, and temptations in life Resistant Heart - Reinhardt Unforgiving / Offended / Bitter Unbelieving Pride Self-righteous Self-reliant Selfish Prejudiced Unrepentant Says "I don't need Jesus" or "My will be done"   Immature Heart - Inatjie All in / all out Superficial Easy swayed Impatient Give's up easily Avoids suffering - pursues happiness Doubtful Says "Jesus, don't you care?"   Disordered Heart - Dylan Disordered priorities Distorted desires Driven (comfort, power, approval) Anxious / Worried / Overwhelmed Says "Jesus must fit into my world" Accepting Heart - Andile Hears, accepts, and produces a harvest Obedience More and more like Jesus The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23) Says "Your will be done" WHY DOES THIS MATTER?   Our hearts are seedbeds for revival. Stories from churches around the country are that many are coming and responding to the word. Here at Free Church, as we turn 3, there has been a 150% growth in attendance since year 1. Is this a short-lived seed sprouting, or could it be the start of revival? Our city needs Jesus! Seeing the change that we desire begins in our heart's response to the Gospel. The will of God is that by the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, the people of God look increasingly like the Son Of God ~ Oom Les They will be called oaks of righteousness,    a planting of the Lord    for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins   and restore the places long devastated;they will renew the ruined cities  that have been devastated for generations. Isa 61:3-4 (NIV)    Cultivating Good Soil (Invitations) takes some work! Guard your heart [Prov 4:23] Slow down [Matt 11:28] Repentance [Ps 51:10, Rom 12:1-12] Name your sin before God and others (James 5:16, 1 John 1:9-10) Reprioritize - Kingdom first  [Matt 6:33] Read/listen to the Bible (slowly & out loud)  [Rom 10:17]  the spoken word Grow in Community (e.g. Life Group)  [Ephesians 4:11-13] Practice Humility by Serving (join the Dream Team) [Gal 5:13] Practice Generosity (give of your time, finances, and abilities)  (2 Cor 9:6-12) Practice Gratitude (1 Thes 5:18) Worship (lifestyle, the gathered Church) Be quick to forgive (give up your right to be right)  Col 3:13 Read stories/biographies of those who have gone before (Ps 107:2) Prayer (use Matt 6:9-13) LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. In order to facilitate a deeper conversation with your group members, consider using the SOAP. Use the SOAP framework on Mark Chapter 4 Scripture  - Read the chapter of scripture out loud (you can share the reading, a few verses each) Observation - Have each person share an observation; something in the Scripture that stands out to them Application  - Discuss how you can apply what has been shared in your own life Prayer - Pray with your group about what you have learned or how you can apply what you have learned in your life Additional questions to discuss Where is your heart on this Benchmark? What will you do to cultivate good soil?

Mark My Words Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes Do you remember I time when someone shared something really important, and to add emphasis, they said "Pay attention! Don't miss this! Mark my words!". Mark my words - used to tell someone to listen to and remember what one is saying. The "Jesus version" of "Mark my words" is " Truly I tell you" For example:   Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3 (NIV) If Jesus said it, it's worth paying attention to! This week, take time to read Mark Chapter 3. There will be time in space in Life Groups  to read and dig in more around the table over dinner. Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:20-35 (NIV)   As Jesus grows in popularity, Mark records five clashes with the teachers of the law / Pharisees (Mark 2:1 - Mark 3:6). They are unhappy because He claimed to have the authority to forgive sins He ate with tax collectors and sinners His disciples didn't fast like them He and his disciples picked grain on the Sabbath He healed a man's hand on the Sabbath So the Pharisees set aside their differences and team up with the Herodians, to start to plot to kill Jesus.  As crowds came from all over, the religious leaders came from Jerusalem, and even Jesus' family came from Nazareth (perhaps his brothers were trying to get Mary his mom to call him to order), Jesus appointed the 12 apostles that he would disciple closely.   When he goes back into Capernaum, perhaps back to Simon's house, the religious leaders, trying to explain how he does what he does, accuse him of being possessed by Satan.   Jesus responds with three "Mark my words" truths:   1/ Jesus has come to bring FREEDOM Strongman = Satan House = strongman's kingdom / domain of darkness Possessions = People Jesus renders the strongman powerless so that people can be FREE (All the strongman has left are the lies that he speaks, so one has to walk out of the house, and shut out the lies!) Many might stay in the house, listening to his lies, not believing they are free! Fear, shame, and guilt can keep you there!   2/ FORGIVENESS is available where ever there is repentance Every sin can be forgiven - this is good news! The only unforgivable sin, then, is to continue to wilfully reject Jesus; to equate the testimony of the Spirit to Satan, and to believe that Jesus is impure. It is not a moment, or a specific phrase or action,  by the trajectory of an unrepentant heart (Likely if someone asks - "Have I committed this sin?" It's a clear sign that they have not!   3/ Jesus is creating a new FAMILY An invitation into the FAMILY of Jesus. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36   The mark of belonging to this family, a description not a prescription,  is not just walking in freedom, not just being forgiven, but doing the will of God.   Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2   The will questions - Am I? Offering myself to God, pursuing holiness? Not conforming to the world Allowing the Spirit to renew and change my mind? Then…! You are positioned to test!   The "will" test Is it WISE? Does it line up with the WORD? Is there WARMTH toward others?   RESPONSE to these "Mark my words" Walk in Freedom? Repentance & Receiving Forgiveness  Joining the Family of Jesus and allow that evidence to show in your life. LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. In order to facilitate a deeper conversation with your group members, consider using the SOAP. Use the SOAP framework on Mark Chapter 3 Scripture  - Read the chapter of scripture out loud (you can share the reading, a few verses each) Observation - Have each person share an observation; something in the Scripture that stands out to them Application  - Discuss how you can apply what has been shared in your own life Prayer - Pray with your group about what you have learned or how you can apply what you have learned in your life Additional questions to discuss In what area might you feel like you are sitting in the strong man's house? Have you felt like you might have committed the unforgivable sin? Do you think there is evidence of doing the will of God in your life?

Mark 'n Plan! This story from Mark Chapter 2 about people who are willing to ' maak 'n plan' to get their friend into the presence of Jesus. Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes This week, take time to read Mark Chapter 2. There will be time in space in Life Groups  to read and dig in more around the table over dinner. Have you ever experienced a time when you couldn't get to where you needed to be on your own and needed someone's help? A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 (NIV) Which part of this story did you like best? Where might you find yourself if you think about all the people in the story? The Crowd : All kinds of needs, full of curiosity but also an accessibility barrier There for themselves, not yet mobilized on mission No compassion in a crowd! Is there an area in your life where you might be like the crowd? attitude/ego? body language? self-centered? dissonance? What would it look like for you to get out of the way so that people can see Jesus? The Critics : The teachers of the law, sitting...! Critical Spirit "Thinking to themselves"... superior A religious mindset says - "God owes me" Is there an area in your life where you might be like the critics? What would it look like to be less critical, less religious? The Carriers : the 4 men - Mark 'n plan! Determined, Creative, Resourceful, Faith-Filled, Risk Takers What could you do with what you have to help people get to Jesus? You’re the plan A for someone! Serve on the Dream Team? Open your home? Fetch people and bring them to church? Carry them in prayer? Persevere? Inconvenience yourself for the sake of others? The Constrained: the man on the mat Helpless and hopeless alone, but moved to the feet of Jesus by others He must have been so glad that they didn’t give up and think "This is too much effort" Jesus meets the deepest need - Your sin is forgiven The physical healing was secondary Carried in, Called Son, Sins forgiven, Walks out free 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 The best decision you can make, for yourself and everyone in your life, is to follow Jesus. Maybe there is something that you need to say to Jesus today: I haven't been living for you. But from today, that changes. There are some things I need to confess. Today I'm repenting. I want to receive your forgiveness of my sin I am moving from crowd to carrier LIFE GROUP GUIDE Like last week, set aside time to break bread at the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. In order to facilitate a deeper conversation with your group members, consider using the SOAP. Use the SOAP framework on Mark Chapter 2 Scripture  - Read the chapter of scripture out loud (you can share the reading, a few verses each) Observation - Have each person share an observation; something in the Scripture that stands out to them Application  - Discuss how you can apply what has been shared in your own life Prayer - Pray with your group about what you have learned or how you can apply what you have learned in your life Additional questions to discuss Have you been able to slow down since last week? What one thing can you do to "Mark 'n plan" and use your resources to get people to Jesus?

On your Mark, Get Set. S.L.O.W. Catch Up On the message here: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes This week, take time to read Mark Chapter 1. There will be time in space in Life Groups  to read and dig in more around the table over dinner. Every new year, things get off to a flying start all in the name of productivity. You have PERMISSION TO SLOW DOWN! Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. Psalms 39:6 “Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Dallas Willard Hurry causes us to miss what God is up to in the mundane moments of life. A slowed-down spirituality is key to formation (becoming more like Jesus) On Mark - is (possibly) the earliest gospel written, probably - mid 50s AD from Rome - He records Peter's accounts of Jesus - Mark documents the things that changed everything for them because they knew that if others could read this, it would change everything for them too… - The theme is about being a follower of Jesus - a way of life. He makes it clear that discipleship is about a relationship with Jesus that forms you you, not just following a bunch of rules Don't settle for the title of "Christian", but the transformed life of a follower! Reality Check: If our lives don't look different to someone who doesn't follow Jesus, why would anyone want to follow him because of us The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, Mark 1:1 The beginning of the good news The "good news" is not just that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. The good news is that Jesus brought the Kingdom of God to earth. Mark 1:14-15 The invitation: Repent - change the way that you think Believe - Gk pisteuo - entrust your life About Jesus the Messiah Messiah = anointed one, Jesus: Jeho-shua : Jehovah is salvation Jehovah is a Tetragrammaton of YHWH Jesus: Yahweh is salvation The Son of God In contrast to Augustus Caeser - son of the gods 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. Mark 1:9-13 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17 BE before do… Before you do ANYTHING, God affirms His love and your identity. Everything else must flow from this. On your mark. Get set. Slow. Prayer: Eph 3:14 — Eph 3:21 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. LIFE GROUP GUIDE This week, set aside time to intentionally break bread together around the table. As we break bread; our dining tables become sacred spaces of celebration and remembrance of our hope in Jesus. In order to facilitate a deeper conversation with your group members, consider using the SOAP. Use the SOAP framework on Mark Chapter 1 Scripture  - Read the chapter of scripture out loud (you can share the reading, a few verses each) Observation - Have each person share an observation; something in the Scripture that stands out to them Application  - Discuss how you can apply what has been shared in your own life Prayer - Pray with your group about what you have learned or how you can apply what you have learned in your life Additional questions to discuss Do you feel hurried / rushed most of the time? Do you think slowing down is important to spiritual formation? What one thing can you do to SLOW DOWN? What stood out to you this evening? What are you going to do about it?

Message Notes 05/01/2025 - Gareth Nicholson Catch Up On: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes 43% of adults in 2024 feel more anxious than they did in the previous year, reflecting a consistent rise in anxiety levels. ( Psychiatry.org )   Modern-day living is a margin monster!! It matters…  because margin is capacity for safety!      28  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  29  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)   28-30  “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matt 11:28-30 (MSG)   Jesus had a full life but never seemed to be in a rush. He had margin.   We Choose Rhythms of Grace We choose to fall into step with God's unforced rhythms of Grace, prioritizing progress above perfection.   The Kingdom advances through margin!     1/ Margin is a choice If you don't plan how you will spend your time, someone else will do it for you. 2/ Healthy Relationships Require Boundaries Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. Prov 25:17   3/  Saying no doesn't mean you are not a nice person Saying yes to everything and everyone opens you up to being taken advantage of.   4/ Don't Compartmentalize Your Life  Following Jesus is a way of life, not limited only to certain parts of your life  5/ Slow Down  Walk, don't run! Be present, don;t multitask,   6/ Say yes to things that form you in the way of Jesus  Not to fill spaces on your calendar but create space to be open to be filled by the Spirit 15  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  16  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  17  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  18  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,  19  speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,  20  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5 (NIV)   What one change do you need to make to create margin, so that 2025 really can be the year to thrive?   Photo by SHVETS production

Message Notes 29/12/2024 - Amy & Gareth Nicholson Catch Up On: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes On 7 Jan 2024 we shared a message " 2024 The Year of More. " More faith, more formation, more freedom. We a asked two questions Q1 Who are you becoming? Q2 What battle are you facing? And we shared a framework for battle armor and strategies, and to help shape you into the person you want to become - by reading a familiar book (Psalms) in a fresh way. So, on the last Sunday of 2024, we've got two more questions... What has changed? What has not changed? Who have you become? What battles have you won? What battles are you still fighting? God doesn't change, his purpose doesn't change, his love doesn't change! “I the LORD do not change Mal 3:6 8 “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel. Isaiah 46:8-13 And he invites us to change  So God doesn’t change, but we change, and He changes us! Why does this matter? Because we will change by design or by default by a-plan or a-pathy! 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 What are the areas where you want to see more change?  The first step to achieving any change areas is to identify them. Write them down. Ask God to show you what needs to change, and how to see the change happen!

Message Notes 25/12/2024 - Gareth Nicholson Catch Up On: YouTube   || Spotify   ||  iTunes Messiah in a Manger: You've heard this story... but take a look with fresh eyes!   ​1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. Luke 2   Luke's historical anchors mean - "This can be trusted!" Not once upon a time… a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. Caeser Augustus (Octavian)  - the powerful, political saviour conducts a census, not for record keeping but for tax!   4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David , because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  Luke 2   God uses the most powerful man in the world, to get a pregnant lady to travel 150km on foot, so that the prophecy from Micha 5:2 will be fulfilled.   2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,  though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old,  from ancient times.” Micah 5:2  Luke 2   Things might seem chaotic, and out of control, but God is always at work to bring about his purpose.    8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. (The first preaching of the Gospel) 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2   Shepherds were believed to be 1/ Social outcasts 2/ Unreliable witnesses 3/  But the Bethlehem shepherds were the keepers of the temple flock! Brian Simmons in the TPT footnotes on Luke 2 mentions that the passover lambs would be wrapped in cloth.     8 As for you, watchtower of the flock*, stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem. ” Micah 4:8   Migal Eder:Tower of the flock, outside Bethlehem The symbolism of the shepherds seeing Jesus wrapped in cloth in the place of a passover lamb is powerful! 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.  Luke 2   God is always at work, and using the most unlikely people to bring about his purpose. The Gospel demands a response! Will you "go" and worship the King?   “Their zeal in  glorifying and praising God  is an implied reproof of our indolence (avoidance of activity), or rather of our ingratitude. If the cradle of Christ had such an effect upon them, as to make them rise from the stable and the manger to heaven, how much more powerful ought the death and resurrection of Christ to be in raising us to God?” (Calvin)

Simple obedience leads to significance. Message Notes 22/12/2024 - Amy Nicholson Catch Up On: YouTube   || Spotify   | |  iTunes As we unpack the Christmas story, we see this BIG, SIGNIFICANT moment in History unfold which will change all eternity.  Yet God uses the unassuming, the unassuming, the insignificant to change the trajectory of all eternity. And in the midst of the splendor and spiritual hype, God silently speaks to Simeon, no hype at all. God makes him a promise that he will see the Messiah before he dies. S Luke 2: 25 - 35 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.   It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.   Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.  ( Jesus, you can take me now) For my eyes have seen your salvation,   (Prophetic - Isaiah 53)     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, (Prophetic - Isaiah 49:6)    and the glory of your people Israel.”   The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.    Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,   so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Psalm 22 describes the crucifixion - He knows how this could pierce a mothers heart) Simeon doesn’t base His prophetic word on anything other than the word of God. No fanfare, no hype. He anchors them in the scriptures that speak about Jesus.  Christ in the midst of Chaos - In the chaos of the season, the truest thing about you is what God says about you. The Word:  Simeon knew the word of God and heard God's words. Power He sees the Messiah - that’s God's gift to him.  He could have left it there… but when he sees that the promise keeping God has kept his promise Simeon can’t be quiet and he begins to prophesy.  His prophecy is not pulled out of thin air, it’s linked and tied in with what Scripture saus The Walk  (in obedience): Simeon didn’t work at the temple, He felt the Holy Spirit tell Him to go there. Maybe he had other plans and important things to do,. But he had chosen to walk in obedience to God and so he did. He went to the temple. The Wonder:  Simeon may not have had an angelic visitation, but God fulfilled a desire in his heart to see the Messiah before he died. He got to behold the wonder of the Saviour who had come and who was going to change everything. He was one of the first to know. The wonder is not found in the elaborate moment, the wonder is found and treasures in the simplicity of the word and the walk… when we get God's word into our hearts and we walk in obedience to Him, we will see the wonder… and wonder doesn’t mean hype. This Christmas don’t focus on the hype,  Get the Word  of God in you, because when you need it, it will flow out of you. Walk  every day in step with the Spirit and walk in obedience to Him. The Wonder  of God will transform your life and you will lead a life of simple significance.