Every Nation Brisbane

This week Pastor Neli invites us to an enriching experience of diving into God's word. There are blessings of delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night.  Embrace the life-changing potential of scripture, and be reminded in every age and place, that the Bible has supernaturally transformed lives, offering joy and eternal life to all who engage with its timeless truths. So let's take this encouragement and embrace the transformative power of God's word as we navigate life's journey with faith and hope. 1 Blessed is the man    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,    and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree    planted by streams of waterthat yields its fruit in its season,    and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers.4 The wicked are not so,    but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,    but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:1-6 (ESV)

This week Pastor Neli invites us into a space of encounter with God, reminding us of the importance of making time for God both in the good times and amidst the busyness of life. Drawing from Jesus' example of retreating to desolate places for prayer and rest, be encouraged to cultivate a designated space and time for daily encounter and reflection with God.  Just as Jesus prioritised communion with the Father even amidst crowds and demands, we're reminded to seek God's presence when life is both abundant and overwhelming. So, whether life is thriving or bustling, let's carve out moments to be still, to encounter God, and to find solace in His presence, knowing that He is always there, ready to meet us in the quiet spaces of our hearts. Now many saw them going and recognised them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. - Mark 6:33-34 (ESV)

This week Pastor Neli reminds us of the journey we're on as a community committed to honouring God and living out the Gospel. Despite life's challenges, we're encouraged to embrace joy in trials, knowing they produce endurance and growth. Through faith and action, we navigate the tension between grace and works, understanding that both are vital in our Christian walk. Remember, you're fearfully and wonderfully made, and your journey with God is a progression toward restoration and fruitfulness. So let's lean into God's Word, grow in character, and continue to shine His light in our world. You're not alone in this journey; we're in it together as a Christ-centered family. Stay encouraged, stay connected, and keep pressing forward in faith! Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Gospel in Action. This week Pastor Nelly shares powerful insights, reminding us of the transformative nature of the gospel. We're crafted for a purpose, yet often, we seek fulfilment in fleeting things—property, provision, and partnerships—forgetting that true satisfaction lies in Christ alone. Let's not be like those who missed the banquet because they were full on worldly pursuits. Instead, let's hunger for the feast of God's presence, inviting others to taste and see His goodness. Together, let's embrace the gospel of restoration and be vessels of reconciliation wherever we go. You are made for worship, made for glory—so let's live out that purpose this week, shining brightly with the love of Christ! Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  - James 5:7-9 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Gospel in Action. This week Pastor Neli challenges us to examine our hearts and our relationship with the world. It is important to live in alignment with God's purpose for our lives. From understanding the four facets of the Gospel – creation, fall, redemption, and restoration – we are empowered to live victoriously in Christ. Remember that God has called you for a purpose, and His power is available to you for every situation. Let's walk in the freedom and restoration that the Gospel offers, being vessels of His love and redemption wherever we go. What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. - James 4:1-3 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Gospel in Action. This week Pastor Neli helps us to reflect on the call to live out your faith through actions, free from favouritism. Allow the essence of the Gospel—grace, redemption, and restoration—to resonate deeply within you and recognise the profound impact of God's love in your life. Embrace the truth that your story is being rewritten by His grace. Let your life be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, as you embody grace and extend it to others.  What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. - James 2:14-17 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we commence our new series this Resurrection Sunday, Gospel in Action. This week Pastor Neli reflects on the profound reality of Jesus' resurrection and the transformative impact it has on our lives. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a distant deity; he is alive, present, and intimately involved in every aspect of our existence. Embrace the truth that Jesus is Lord, and let this knowledge guide your thoughts, words, and actions. Let worship be your response to his unfailing love and grace, and may it ignite a fire within you to live boldly for him. Be encouraged to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus, allowing his presence to permeate every area of your life. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, We Are. This week Samantha Thomas reflects on the profound significance of the Next Generation in God's redemptive plan.  Embrace the truth that God's love extends through generations, weaving a beautiful tapestry of faithfulness and continuity. Take heart in knowing that God's presence transcends time, guiding each generation with His unchanging love and grace. As you encounter the challenges and joys of life, remember the invitation to witness God's redemptive power at work within the Next Generation. Be encouraged to engage with youth in your community with a heart filled with love, understanding, and a desire to impart the timeless truths of the Gospel.  Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” - Acts 17:29-31 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, We Are. This week Pastor Neli reminds us that worship extends far beyond the confines of a church service or a fast paced Christian songs; it encompasses the entirety of our lives.  Let's challenge ourselves to identify and dethrone the idols that subtly vie for our attention and allegiance, whether it be our careers, families, or societal expectations. Instead, let's offer our lives as living sacrifices, glorifying God in every decision, action, and thought. Remember, true fulfilment and joy are found not in the fleeting promises of this world, but in the eternal embrace of our loving Creator. So, as we navigate the week ahead, let's anchor ourselves in worship, trusting in God's faithfulness, and allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. - Psalm 27:1-4 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we Continue with our current series, We Are. This week Pastor Neli reflects on the essence of familial bonds within the church community. It is genuine love, abhorrence of evil, and dedication to goodness which are foundational pillars of Christian relationships. You can rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and steadfast in prayer, knowing that God hears and answers. Even in moments of challenge or persecution, choose to bless and overcome evil with good. As you walk in harmony with your spiritual family, may you find strength and encouragement in the bonds of Christ-centered love. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. - Romans 12:9-13 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, We Are. This week Pastor Neli discusses the power and potential of sharing the word of God, despite opposition and persecution. Your life carries a message, therefore it is vital to ensure that it aligns with the Gospel message of creation, redemption, and restoration. When we reflect the image of God, we convey His nature and message. This may attract opposition, but take heart, for we know that the Lord is with us, transforming lives through His presence within us. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. - Acts 13:47-49 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we commence our new series titled, We Are. This week Pastor Neli explores the significance of discipleship through the lens of Every Nation Brisbane's values and vision.  Discipleship is a transformative journey of character formation. It is not a checklist but a lifestyle that mirrors the teachings of Jesus. It's about being in close proximity to Christ, allowing His word to penetrate our hearts and minds, and replicating His actions in our lives. Take heart, for through discipleship, we are not alone. Stay the course, embrace the journey, and let His light shine through you. While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. - Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Neli compares a Christian’s journey as a race with the perseverance required in sports competitions.  It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, feeling like we're constantly running a race with no finish line in sight. The truth is, we are part of something much bigger. We are training to become champions. Our journey as Christians is likened to running a race, with strict training, obstacles, and a finish line that promises a prize beyond measure. Let's stay focused, let's keep running with endurance, and let's remember that the journey is worth it, for the prize is eternal. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. - Revelation 21:5-7 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Neli, helps us to reflect on the powerful words from the Book of Colossians, to take heart in the profound truth it conveys. Even though there may be trials and doubts that attack us, we are reminded that through Christ's sacrifice, we have been transformed from a state of alienation and hostility to one of reconciliation and holiness before God. Let us draw strength from this truth, knowing that no matter what challenges we face, we are not alone. Let's lean into this community, offering support and encouragement to one another, and let's remember that through Christ, we are empowered to overcome every obstacle and stand blameless before our Heavenly Father. Keep the faith, for God's grace is more than sufficient for all our needs. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. - Colossians 1:21-23 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Neli brings a powerful message of encouragement to our hearts. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are reminded of the shortcomings of the old priestly system, marked by mortality and the need for continual sacrifices. The eternal priesthood of Jesus offers us a promise of salvation, atonement, and unhindered access to God's presence. Let this revelation fill your hearts with gratitude, for in Jesus, we are not only set free from the limitations of the past but also embraced by a love that is eternal. Let the assurance of Jesus' enduring priesthood be a source of strength, hope, and unwavering faith in your journey of holiness. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:23-25 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Neli offers insights on holiness and the rituals prescribed by God for approaching the sacred space. As we navigate our spiritual journey, let us recognise the gravity of holiness and the need for sincere repentance. Just as Aaron meticulously prepared to enter the holy place, may we approach our relationship with God with reverence and humility. Remember, even in our shortcomings, God provides a path to atonement and cleansing. Let the pursuit of holiness be a continuous journey, marked by sincere reflection and repentance. The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the Lord and died, and the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. - Leviticus 16:1-2 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Neli encourages us to recognise the value of holiness, understanding that God's commands reflect His nature. Despite challenges, steadfastness in faith is emphasised, urging us to be vigilant against compromising our faith in comfortable situations. True holiness comes from aligning oneself with God rather than personal efforts. How do you recognise God's call to holiness?  So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. - Genesis 3:6-8 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we continue with our current series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Tina delves into the transformative power of singing a new song to the Lord, drawing inspiration from the Book of Psalms. There is an authority of God's voice and we should recognise He invented music as a means of expression. It is important to live a lifestyle that reflects God's glory, strength, and power, and the pursuit of experiencing God's best. Our songs are not merely words but a lifestyle that introduces others to God's beauty and faithfulness so embrace the continuous renewal God offers. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! - Psalm 96:7-9 (ESV)

Join us at Brisbane Central as we commence a new series, Set Apart. This week Pastor Neli emphasises the transient nature of life and the need to align personal plans with God's will. Prioritise relationships, both with God and fellow believers. Be encouraged to shift from pursuing personal prosperity to building the kingdom of God, advocating for a life lived in love rather than fear. View this year through a relational lens, focusing on how your lives reflect love for God and others.  Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. - James 4:13-17 (ESV)