Every Nation Brisbane

Starting Well, Running Well, Finishing Well

This week we are joined by special guest Sandra Sellmer-Kersten from Elijah House Ministries to help us navigate our daily challenges and to remember that God has called and anointed us for the race we’re running. We all have been given everything we need to fulfil our purpose. Don’t let fear hide you from your calling. Instead, trust in God's provision and face each challenge with the integrity and courage He has instilled in you. Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is with you every step of the way, transforming and guiding you to finish well.

 

Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. - 1 Samuel 10:6-7 (ESV)

Relationship Goals - Tender Teflon

This week Pastor Tina encourages us by the truth that God is deeply invested in every part of your journey, from the foundations of your childhood to the complexities of adulthood. Even when life’s experiences have left cracks in your trust and relationships, remember that God, the ultimate healer, can mend and rebuild your heart. Lean into His love, knowing that He is both your foundation and your guide, helping you navigate relationships with grace, wisdom, and a tender heart. You are being made new in Christ, and through Him, you can find the strength to forgive, to love, and to live with true confidence.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (ESV)

Relationship Goals - Love in the Age of A.I.

This week Pastor Neli reminds us of the importance of cultivating authentic, intergenerational relationships within our faith community. We are encouraged to be genuinely present for one another, balancing space and support as led by the Holy Spirit. Whether through sharing meals, supporting each other's endeavours, or simply being a listening ear, let's strive to be useful vessels for God's glory. As we build canopies of trust and let our guard down with the right people, we create a safe space for healing and growth. Let's embrace the challenge to love deeply, serve faithfully, and foster genuine connections that reflect Christ's love.

 

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.  And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,  correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. - 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (ESV)

Relationship Goals - The Four Loves

This week Pastor Neli helps us to navigate the different types of love God places in our lives. True friends are a gift from God, walking with us through life's storms and helping us build stormproof lives. Cherish the deep bonds of friendship, the oneness with a spouse, and the unconditional, sacrificial love that God has for you. Let God's agape love be the foundation of all your relationships, guiding you to love others as He first loved you. Embrace the assurance that you are deeply loved, cherished, and pleasing to God, and let this truth transform how you engage with those around you.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

Keep The Fire Burning - The Way of the Noble

This week Pastor Neli emphasises the importance of approaching God's Word with an open heart and a diligent mind. By doing so, we can grow in wisdom and understanding, allowing us to live out our faith more authentically and powerfully. Be encouraged to delve into the Scriptures with eagerness and discernment, trusting that God will reveal His truths to you and strengthen your walk with Him. Your dedication to knowing God’s Word will cultivate a noble character that honours Him in all you do.

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.  - Acts 17:10-11 (ESV)

Keep The Fire Burning - Jailhouse Rock

This week Pastor Neli helps us to reflect on the story of Paul and Silas in the prison.  Their unwavering faith and praise, even in the darkest of times, not only set them free but also brought salvation to the jailer who had lost all hope. Let this be a reminder to keep your vision, praise, and faith strong, no matter the circumstances. Trust in God's plan for your life, knowing that He can turn any situation around for His glory and your good. God is at work in your life and the lives of those you love, bringing hope and transformation where it's needed most.

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. - Acts 16:30-33 (ESV)

Keep The Fire Burning

This week Pastor Neli encourages us that God is actively working on your behalf, even when you can’t see it. Just as Peter and Cornelius experienced profound transformation and reconciliation through the Holy Spirit, you too can trust that God is at work in your life and relationships. Let go of your worries, knowing that God controls every situation. As you move forward, remain open to learning, listening, and loving those around you, especially in areas where healing and understanding are needed. Remember, God shows no partiality—His love and grace extend to all people, and through His power, you can make a meaningful difference in your community.

When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. – Acts 10:7-9 (ESV)

Keep The Fire Burning - Like Wildfire

We are joined by special guest Pastor James Byles who reminds us this week of the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah.  Let's remember that even in the face of great opposition and personal comfort, they responded to God's call with boldness and faith. Their dedication to rebuilding the temple and walls of Jerusalem symbolises the importance of addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of our communities. So let’s be encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, recognising and acting upon the needs around us with the same fervour and compassion. As Nehemiah prayed and sought God's guidance before taking action, let us also seek His direction and boldly participate in expanding His kingdom, knowing that His good hand is upon us.

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. - Nehemiah 1:1-4 (ESV)

Gather and Scatter

This week Pastor Neli helps us to remember the transformative power of Jesus and the incredible grace that He extends to each of us. Reflect on how far you've come in your faith journey and take heart in knowing that, despite our imperfections, God continues to use us for His glory. Embrace the call to gather in community, sharing in fellowship and generosity, and let the Holy Spirit guide you in creating spaces of welcome and support for others. Know that you are invited to deepen your commitment and actively participate in the mission of the church. Let this week be one where you invite others into the love of Christ, grow in your devotion, and experience the joy of being part of a vibrant, faith-filled community.

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. - Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)

Think Outside The Bucks - True Prosperity

This week Pastor Neli helps us to embrace the call to be faithful stewards of all God has entrusted to us— our time, talents, and finances. Remember that our relationship with God should guide how we manage these resources, using them not only to glorify Him but also to bless others. Just as Jesus taught, faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater responsibilities. Let our lives be trellised to His presence and principles, reflecting His generosity in everything we do. Trust in His provision and be encouraged that as we steward well, we pave the way for greater blessings and opportunities to serve His purpose.

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” - Luke 16:10-13 (ESV)