Hi Church,
Blessings and love to you today. It was such a delight on Sunday to shake hands with most people who attended on the exit to Tea and Coffee time. It reminded me just how important is single person who calls Grace Church home. I see it as a privilege and joy to be your Pastor. Please don’t hesitate to connect with me should you have a simple or special need. If I can help I will.
Another great joy was presenting so many young people to Church for all types of different reasons. First our Youth Missions Outreach team, then Induction into Staff leadership for Josiah Hindley and third, saying thank you for his service but sadly saying goodbye to Benjamin Campion as he heads to Newcastle for his new Job. The Holy Spirit was moving and releasing prophetic words as we laid hands on people.
Robert Harrison delivered a great teaching as he tackled the importance of Discipleship as one of our three pillars that upholds our vision. This is a summary from my notes: -
Discipleship is not a single moment but a daily journey of following Jesus. Salvation is the beginning, yet each day we are invited to walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh (Romans 8:1-5). It is a rhythm of surrender—asking ourselves, who we are following today? and then quietly reflecting before God at day’s end, did I follow you today?
This journey rests on firm foundations. Repentance is an ongoing turning toward Jesus, who declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Baptism in water is a joyful, outward expression of our decision to follow Him (Matthew 28:19). We are also called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, receiving power to live boldly and faithfully as witnesses (Acts 1:8).
As disciples, we grow by knowing the heart and priorities of Jesus—through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship. God’s Word shapes us and gives life (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Matthew 4:4). True discipleship transforms how we live: becoming doers of the Word, servants of others, and people who reflect Christ through the fruit of the Spirit. Salvation is only the beginning; becoming a true disciple is the lifelong call.
As a follow on for discipleship, we will have special evenings of teaching provided by experienced bible teacher Randolph Kubicek. This will begin on Sunday 1 March and go for 6 Sundays, it will cover, Total Renewal of the Spirit, Soul, and Body as a new creation person in Christ, “that we may have the heart of Jesus to seek and worship the Father in Spirit and Truth.” If you desire to grow, then don’t miss this exciting teaching series at Grace from 5:00pm for 1 hour.
Let’s Press in to Push out with Faith, Hope and Love to a world that needs it.
Blessings
Ps Greg and Amanda