Discovery Church Podcast

What is prayer to you? What is your earliest memory of prayer? How would you describe your own experiences of prayer?

Easter Sunday. The evidence for, and implications of the resurrection.

Good Friday at Discovery Church

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”

Do you over-value the seen over the unseen? So our belief of God is based in the ability to see him, know him, understand him, discern what he is doing. Just show me you are moving, just show me miracles, signs and wonders. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Mt 5:8 ESV What is a pure heart? PURE (KATHAROS) & HEART (KARDIA) PURE HEART (KATHAROS KARDIA) The good life is for those who have been pruned to the deepest part of their being. Allow God to enter into those deepest parts of your life and prune it back, prepare you, do a deep work in you. Hard Heart or Pure Heart? God is not that hard to find

Ep 4/ Contagious Community - Acts 2:42-47 - The eternal impact of a devoted community. What is the priesthood of all believers and how are we invited to be part of a contagious community? Join Jody and the Discovery girls as they explore this and more.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

We're joined by guest speaker Ash Barker. Ash Barker is immersed in the multi-racial and multi-religious inner city neighbourhood of Winson Green, Birmingham (UK) as the Founding Director of Newbigin House.

My Father’s Business - Luke 2:41-52 - Join Jody and the Discovery girls as they explore identity, calling & clarity and ask the question: who's agenda are we living for?

Matthew 5:5 — “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Devotion and Discipleship - Deuteronomy 6:4-15 + Luke 10:26-28 - What does living a life fully sold out for Jesus look like? What is wholehearted devotion? How do we balance head and heart? What's the invitation for us to model devoted discipleship to the next generation and to the person next door. Join Jody and some of the Discovery girls as they explore these Q's and more.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted’ (NIV) Matt 5:4

Extreme PDA - Luke 7:36-50 - A sinful woman anoints Jesus with her tears and his feet with her hair! This response to Jesus made everyone in the room uncomfortable EXCEPT for Jesus. Why? Join Jody and some of the Discovery girls as they explore what this encounter teaches us about radical devotion and how it challenges us to think about how we come to Jesus.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Discipleship isn’t something you do, it’s who you are called to be

What needs to decrease in me in this year to make room for God’s will and work to increase in my life? What needs to be less, removed or surrendered in my life in 2024 to see an increase of God’s presence, power and purpose?

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

How do we receive Jesus this Christmas? The gifts Jesus receive give us some helpful ways to receive him. Gold: A Gift for a King Frankincense : A Gift for a Priest Myrrh : A Gift for someone who is to Die

When did the first Nativity take place in the bible?

Jesus birth was an interruption (on a grand scale) Today marks the first weekend of Advent – (latin) Adventus – Ad = ‘to’ and Venire’ = ‘come’ or’ to arrive/arrival’ Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparing for the arrival of Jesus – our Saviour on that first Christmas morning. It’s also the start of the new liturgical – the Christian calendar. The Christmas story is a sacred story but one we can easily become overfamiliar with. Let me encourage you to experience it with fresh curiosity this year.

26/11/2023 - Matthew Destry 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. 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 is an acceptable offering to God? Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:1-7 a/ What is God’s mercy? “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14 b/ What is true worship? Sacrifice “I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” Hosea 6:6 Reasonable service The son of God – a living sacrifice “How can the body become a sacrifice? Let the eye look on no evil, and it is a sacrifice. Let the tongue utter nothing base, and it is an offering. Let the hand work no sin, and it is a burnt offering. But more, this suffices not, but besides we must actively exert ourselves for good; the hand giving alms, the mouth blessing them that curse us, the ear ever at leisure for listening to God” (Chrysostom). c/ The proper use of the mind — to know God’s will 1/ Good 2/ Pleasing 3/ Perfect (complete)

Do you like standing out, or blending in?

Life with Jesus is an invitation to intentional living. We are not merely spectators in the world but active participants in God’s Kingdom Mission (the bigger story) and called to glorify him in all things. Join the conversation as Jody chats with Jo and Gabi about how we live “on purpose” in our families, workplaces and neighbourhoods.

What happens when we fall asleep spiritually?

Special Guest Andrew Drummond from Kardinia Church joins us to speak about the life of Peter, a life of faith, courage and responsiveness to Jesus.

What is the cause of international conflict and where is God in the midst of it all? Genesis 25:24-33 This prophetic poem, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is addressed to the people of Edom, and shows us just how bad things can get when brothers turn against each other. This prolonged antagonism between Judah and Edom is in evidence in Obadiah, serving as the prophecy’s framework. It serves as a cautionary tale to us about watching our relationships and living with humility. The vision of Obadiah… a/ Who will bring me down to the ground? Edom leaning on their strength: the danger of pride. b/ A word to the ‘wise’ Edom leaning on their own wisdom: the danger of knowledge. c/ Where are you now when I need you? Remember, O Lord, what the Edomites did on the day Jerusalem fell. ‘Tear it down,’ they cried, ‘tear it down to its foundations!’ (Psalm 137:7). Sins of omission and sins of commission: when doing nothing is worse than doing something d/ Your wine shall turn to poison God’s justice is coming: be ready e/ God is King A new kingdom: not David, not Israel, but the Lord. Empathy Romans 12:15-16 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Responsibility Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Story Hebrews 12:14-17 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

3 John, a reference letter from John

What would you tell someone if you only had one A4 page to do it?

Today we are going to look at one of these small books of the NT where the apostle Paul writes a letter to his friend in the hope that he will respond well to a situation that would have been very serious indeed. Philemon, written by Paul to his friend in ministry. The letter is sent personally to Philemon but most of Paul’s letters, were addressed to churches to be read out to the members in which ever house they met in. Philemon hosted and possibly led a vibrant house church in Colossae Paul greets Philemon’s family, his wife Apphia and son Archippus and also the Church that meets in their house, but the subject of the letter is for Philemon.

We find this fascinating and interesting passage of scripture that has a whole teaching that Jesus brought to his disciples. The context for this passage is the disciples ask Jesus about their status in the kingdom of heaven.

Matt is joined by Doug and Zeke to unpack Sunday's Father's Day message "Just a Phase?" exploring the 4 key phases of manhood, Beloved Son, Cowboy, King and Sage.

Father’s Day 2023 — A biblical framework for growth

Jody is joined by Doug and Tiani to unpack Sunday's message "Word's to build a life on" about building our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus’ teachings.

Building our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus’ teachings sets us up to weather life’s challenges and invites us to experience health, wholeness and flourishing in our relationships, marriages & families.

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. Exodus 3:13-15 (ESV)

In this message we're looking at Jehovah Shammah which means 'The Lord is there', and how this name of God impacts our past, present and future, and places us back into community.

Why do bad things happen to good people? “The genius of Christianity is that religion by itself makes you as bad as everybody else. In fact religion can make it worse, because it can make you a Pharisee, but the doctrine of the grace of God says that you’re saved by sheer grace. That humbles you but affirms you at the same time. You’re so bad that Jesus had to die for you, but so loved that Jesus was willing to die for you”. -Timothy Keller

God cares about your wellbeing and is deeply interested in every area of your life. ‘Rapha’ – Hebrew word – Used 60 times in the OT. Meaning – to repair / restore / heal – to bring something back to its original state. Jehovah Rapha – The Lord is my healer The Lord who heals The Lord who restores broken things

What’s in your hand? The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” The staff: 1/ The staff was carried everywhere – God is with you 2/ The staff was used by travellers – God is moving you forward 3/ The staff was used by shepherds – God cares for you 4/ The staff was a symbol of authority – God will lead you 5/ The staff was ordinary yet miraculous – God will use you

Names in the Bible are significant, and not static. El Adonai YHWH (Yahweh) Jehovah But the significance of these names goes beyond their literal meanings. They embody theological and relational aspects of God’s character, revealing His attributes, roles, and interactions with humanity.

A conversation about how we can learn more about Indigenous Australia.

1 Missed Call: how a divided heart is hindering your prayers, and what to do about it

How has God called you to a specific purpose or mission in your life? Reflect on the moments or encounters that led you to where you are today. How has God’s calling transformed your perspective and priorities?

Key Scriptures: Acts 1:12-14 Acts 2:1-13 Acts 2:14-41 What is Pentecost? Pentekoste (Greek) – meaning 50 5o days after Easter An agricultural festival – wheat harvest the birthday of the Christian Church and the start of the mission of the Church to the world marked by the sending of the Spirit

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Who is a person who has had a significant impact your life? Whose ripples you are living in the wake of? Scripture is full of stories of people who encounter God and are changed and transformed because of that encounter. But it never stops there…. an encounter with God is never an isolated event…it always has a ripple effect.

The life of a follower of Jesus depends upon the power and presence of the Holy Spirit - but how? How does God empower us, and how does the Bible say we are changed in the process of following Him?

How fun is pottery? Forming something from a lump of clay and making something with a purpose. But this object only has purpose when it is filled. How are we being filled? And are the ways we are filling ourselves serving us well? Richard Rohr said’ Unless we are led to the limits of our present game plan… we will not search or find the real source.’ The refilling of the Spirit, ‘the real source’, is an action of surrender of our will, hearts and world to Him, so that we are equipped to preach the good news of the kingdom.

WHO is the Holy Spirit? WHAT is he like and WHAT does He do? We worship a triune God – a God who is 3 in 1 (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) Each equally and fully God, but with a different expression of God and his nature towards us. We are designed for relationship with each person of the Godhead – with every part of who God is. When part of that is missing or lacking in some way we miss out on the fullness and the depth of that relationship.

How do we hold the tension between Friday and Sunday? Between death and life? How do we hold hope for better days for for healing, while also accepting that we’re not all healed now? How do we now live in God’s new world?

The majority of adults believe in a literal resurrection. But very few understand what that means for their life. We can mentally assent to the resurrection - yes, it happened. But the big question is - so what? Today, we will study together why the resurrection of Jesus matters. And we will walk through the seven points Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 15, to see what difference the resurrection can make in our world, what it means for us, and what we need to do next.

All-powerful - All-knowing - All-present - And yet here, God seems like none of those things. Indeed, we have been influenced by Greek philosophy which has led us to accept the doctrine of impassibility - that God is separate from humankind and therefore doe not and cannot experience pain. He is literally incapable of suffering. But he came to earth as a man, to suffer for us.

The way we see Jesus for who he really is, is when we see ourselves for who we really are.

If we look at the biblical story of where God lives – what we discover is that God has lived in a few different places over the course of history. But God’s heart and intention from the beginning was always to dwell with his people… So, Garden, tabernacle, Temple 1 & 2, The Word became flesh

Acts 16:25-34 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer[a] called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 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. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. Taking your life or giving it to Christ

In this conversation we explore what it looks like to belong with others, and create belonging for others.

When has been a time in your life when you have taken a risk in your faith? Sometimes the biggest mountain to conquer when taking a risk is conquering our fear and doubts. Focus: Peter a man who was given an opportunity to step out and take a risk in his spiritual journey to leave behind what he knew, what made sense in the natural to move towards something he hadn’t done before. Matthew 14:27-35

Data tells us what things are, stories tell us what things mean. One big truth: there is one unifying story that envelops all of human history, and it finds its beginning, middle and end in the person of Jesus. One cultural crossing: We are servants, not superstars We are His church, living out His mission in the world, awaiting (and hastening) His return What does the story require of us? How are we best found in the story? A Biblical narrative template: Creation — Fall — Recreation (Freedom, slavery, redemption)

What are the ‘senses’ that tell you that you’re home? What are the ‘senses’ that tell you that you’re lost? Big story: a study in getting lost Luke 15:11-32

The human heart has been created with connection and purpose in mind. We’ve been created: In the image of God – the desire for belonging (community) To seek restoration (answers to life’s problems) And to desire creativity (to make a contribution) Jesus offers this. So, Why doesn’t every heart come? Why isn’t everyone here?

1 big truth about God (theological truth) A life in God is not a prize to be earned, but a gift to be received 1 story : David vs the giant — 1 Samuel 17

The 3 Markers of the Loveless Church What You Say is More Important Than What You Do (Eloquence) We are never alone. God's character remains constant. God's grace is sufficient. God loves you and he sent his Son for you. God is making all things new. Jesus came to save you. He is the way the Truth and the life.

What are the old covenant mindsets that, are restricting your relationship with God? Who are the people in your life that aren’t really helping you to be a disciple of Jesus? What obsolete ideals and thoughts do we have that need to disappear so that the new covenant of light and life, can be a reality in our everyday discipleship? NEW COVENANT = New Beginning = Freedom, Grace Light and Life!

Our lives are filled with big decisions, but none more significant than the decision of delight. What do we give our hearts to? What will we find joy in? The answer to these questions will radically shape our happiness, joy and fruitfulness for the year ahead.

Guest Speaker Ash Barker joins us from the UK with a unique look at the role the Shepherds play in the Advent story as we head towards Christmas.

Isaiah 9:1-6This passage was written at around the time of the fall of the northern kingdom, to Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah in 701 b.c, to the period of the Exile — around the time of Israel’s exile to Babylon.The first question we might ask is: who is the prophet talking about? Who is the son that will be born?Two ways to understand OT prophecy…two meanings: now and not yetone: the time and culture of the daytwo: the cosmic meta-narrative ‘in Christ’

The rhythm of work and rest was created by God and embedded in the creation story. God modelled a rhythm of rest to us from the beginning of time. God didn’t rest because he was tired – He’s God – he doesn’t get tired. So what was the purpose of this rest? To stop, to step back and to delight the creative work he had just completed. (He saw that it was good!). Everything God does is intentional.

We live in a world divided, a world rapidly splintering as individualism becomes the norm. We're rejecting community and, consequently, becoming less than human. How does the gospel of Jesus free us from these chains? How can we move from survival to serving one another?

What does a thirsty man do to get rid of his thirst? He drinks.What does a hungry man do to get rid of his hunger? He eats.Key Scriptures about The World:1 John 2:15-16Romans 12:2Mark 8:36Colossians 3:2James 4:4John 16:33John 3:16-7Key Scriptures about the Word of God:Hebrews 4:122 Timothy 3:16-17Psalm 119:105Isaiah 40:8Matthew 24:35Romans 10:17

What does the bible say about spiritual health and wellbeing? What does being spiritually healthy look and feel like? How is your spiritual health right now? (How is it with you soul? Really??)Our spiritual health and well-being matters to God. He is the author and image of wholeness, health and well-being. Being made in God’s image means we have been created for that same wholeness, wellness and health.