Discovery Church

Discovery Church

Discovery Church in Melbourne, Australia is a place to belong, be restored and create new life in Jesus. Our vision is Every Heart Found in Jesus' Story.

  1. Your story is part of God’s story

    21 Jun

    Your story is part of God’s story

    21/06/2026 - Matt Robinson Our community is spiritually hungry and looking for answers. It’s as Jesus said, the harvest is plentiful… it’s up to us to share with them the good news, the message of the one and only way, truth and life that is Jesus. Primary Text: Acts 26:9-23 Here we see Paul stand before a court room and share HIs testimony of how and why he came to believe and follow Christ. He demonstrates how we can use our story as a witness to who God is. Here are three thoughts that to encourage us around sharing about God: Don’t need a degree in theologyKey Text: ‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭25‬ We don’t need to hold all the answers to have qualifications, your story is unique to you, no one can dispute or argue against what you have lived. People aren’t looking for answers, they are looking for the answer, that there is a God who loves them. Consider how you first came to follow Christ. Your witness is your discipleshipKey Text: Mark 5:18-20 For this man, his next step in discipleship wasn’t to sit at Jesus’ feet but to sing of what Jesus had done for him. Be careful not to be so focused on your own faith that you’re not considering what you can do to share it with others. The World needs the TruthKey Text: ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14 The Gospel brings hope, freedom, unity, peace, joy, justice, healing and redemption. How will people come to know Christ unless they are told about Him? It’s often said the first step in someone’s coming to know Christ is by knowing and trusting a christian. This is how the gospel spread and the early church grew, from people sharing their stories about what God was doing in your life. Reflective questions: What’s your story? What is God doing in your life? Consider, what has God done in your life recently? What this could look like: I heard this on the weekend… (Share what you heard or chatted about at church/small group) I’ve been thinking about… (insert what God’s been speaking to you about) I’ve been praying for… When asked: “How was your weekend” you can talk about how you spent it serving coffees and chips. When people notice something different about you and ask “why are you always so… why do you…?” point towards your faith. It doesn’t take a preacher or evangelist to introduce people to Jesus, it takes anybody sharing about their story as a part of God’s story.

    32 min
  2. When the angel is delayed

    14 Jun

    When the angel is delayed

    14/06/2026 - Matthew Destry Text 1 – Daniel 10:2-9 (ESV) In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed,[b] and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. Context: This is the third year of Cyrus—two years after Cyrus’ decree for the restoration of the Jews had gone forth, in accordance with Daniel’s prayer. This is very close to the time when the first wave of Jews are returning from captivity and beginning the rebuilding of the temple (recorded in the first chapter of Ezra). We can tell our emotions what to doa/ You are in charge b/ Holding joy and grief together c/ the goal of prayer and fasting is CLARITY What we behold shapes usText 2 – Daniel 10:10-14 (ESV) And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” God often gives strength before He gives answersThere is more happening than what we can see – so keep prayinga/ the war in heaven: b/ keep praying From desiring to desired

    38 min
  3. The Dry Country

    7 Jun

    The Dry Country

    07/06/2026 - Matthew Destry Psalm 63:1-8 … A Psalm of David. When he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Context / exegesis “A Psalm of David. When he was in the wilderness of Judah.” A shepherd turned fugitive. Verse 11: “But the king shall rejoice in God…” “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” (2 Samuel 15:13) So, which one is it? Because whichever wilderness you choose, the lesson remains the same. God keeps bringing David back to the same classroom. Into the wild The wilderness reveals our thirst“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you…” (Psalm 63:1) True hunger refuses to settle for substitutes“Earnestly I seek you…” (Psalm 63:1) Hunger carries us through success and failureHunger remembers God’s faithfulness“So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.” (v.2) “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night…” (v.6) Hunger engages the whole person“My lips will praise you…” (v.3) “I will lift up my hands…” (v.4) “My mouth will praise you…” (v.5) “I remember you upon my bed…” (v.6) “My soul clings to you…” (v.8) God Himself is the reward“Because your steadfast love is better than life…” (Psalm 63:3) The satisfied become the sentAm I still hungry?

    34 min
  4. The people the world forgets

    31 May

    The people the world forgets

    31/05/2026 - Matthew Destry The Roman historian Pliny the Younger once wrote to Emperor Trajan trying to explain these Christians. He said “they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath… the contagion of this superstition has spread not only to the cities but also to the villages and farms.” They spread everywhere. Because the early church did not primarily see itself as a place people attended. It saw itself as a people who were sent. We gather to be formed. But we exist to be sent. Acts 13:1–3 “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” John 20:21 “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” Point 1: The church is called to form people, not just gather crowds Point 2: Sending flows from spiritual depth Point 3: Multiplication requires generosity and courage 1/ What does this mean for us personally? “Sending” does not begin when you move overseas or plant a church. It begins Monday morning. 2/ So what does this mean for us as a church? It means every person in this room has a role in the sending story. Some will go. Some will give. Some will lead. Some will pray.

    29 min
  5. Give me the springs

    24 May

    Give me the springs

    24/05/2026 - Matthew Destry Joshua 15:16–19 (ESV): “And Caleb said, ‘Whoever strikes Kiriath-sepher and captures it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife.’ And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.’ And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” setting the scene Caleb is stepping into promise. He’s one of the faithful spies. Years earlier, when everyone else shrank back in fear, Caleb trusted God. And now… after wilderness, after waiting… he’s receiving his inheritance. Land is being divided. Territory is being established. Promise is becoming reality. inheritance is not enough without provisionShe says: “Give me a blessing… give me also springs of water.” prayer and disappointment a/ Maybe for you, the ground feels dry in your faith. b/ Maybe it’s your home. c/ Maybe it’s your work. d/ Or maybe you can’t even name it clearly. And this is exactly where Pentecost meets this story. In Acts 1:8, Jesus looks at His disciples and says: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” You will receive power (provision) to be my witnesses (inheritance). bold asking within relationship – ask the FatherMatthew 7 – “Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? … If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” John 14:16–17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…” noticing what others miss – provision for the visionupper and lower springs — the generosity of GodDon’t just accept the land. Ask for the springs.

    35 min
  6. Gifts that flow: Do miracles still happen today?

    17 May

    Gifts that flow: Do miracles still happen today?

    17/05/2026 - Matthew Destry What is a miracle? A miracle is an act of God that goes beyond ordinary natural explanation and reveals His power, presence, or compassion. Three different views Christians hold Some Christians believe miraculous gifts largely ceased after the apostolic era. This is often called cessationism. Others believe all the gifts continue today exactly as they did in the New Testament. This is continuationism. And then many Christians sit somewhere in the middle. Open, but careful. The challenge everybody feels Because if miracles are real… why doesn’t God do them reliably over and over again? the text – 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (ESV) “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” manifestation of the Spirit1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV): “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” given for the common goodThe real question is not: “What gift do I have?” but, “What need can I meet?” what are the gifts?  word of wisdom word of knowledge faith gifts of healing working of miracles prophecy discerning of spirits tongues interpretation of tongues how are the gifts best expressed?in the gathered churchin small groups and teamsin everyday lifea simple filter – try to ask: * Is this loving? * Is this helpful? * Is this clear? * Is this the right moment? Romans 15:18–19 (ESV): “For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience, by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God…”

    36 min
  7. FORMED ON THE WAY: What the Road Teaches Us.

    10 May

    FORMED ON THE WAY: What the Road Teaches Us.

    10/05/2026 - Beck Lambert “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV) 1/ Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses Find Your People “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1, ESV) Look for people beyond, beside and behind you in your race. Beyond The “beyond” people are those with a witness that stirs us to run and finish our race. Beside “Beside” people understand your race because they’re running one just like it. Behind Don’t underestimate the difference your voice makes to someone who is “behind” you in the race. Who are you looking to for wisdom? Who are you sharing life alongside? Who are you investing in? Challenge for your week: Reach out to someone running ahead of you Spend time with someone you’re running alongside Make an investment in someone behind you   2/ Lay Aside Every Weight Bitter or Better “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely…” (Hebrews 12:1b, ESV) Sin – identify it, seek forgiveness, and walk with Jesus in repentance. Weight – Consolation and Desolation. Consolation – an inner “moving towards” God and others or Desolation – a “moving away” or sense of separation from God in my life. Examples of possible “weight” in your race: Habits or pastimes that aren’t sinful but lead you away from the Lord not towards Him. Unresolved hurt – carrying something that happened years ago that still slows your pace today. Overcommitment – saying yes to everything when you’re called to steward your time well. Comparison – comparing your everyday life to someone else’s highlight reel. Anxiety – overthinking everything, becoming trapped in your thoughts, being unable to move forward for fear of making the wrong decision. How we handle weight and sin determines whether we grow bitter or better. Reflection Questions: What’s a weight I’m carrying that I need to lay aside? Are there weights in my life that are resulting in desolation – a moving away from God and not towards Him?   3/ Run with Perseverance God Uses Every Season “…and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1c, ESV) Hupomeno – hupo, meaning “under,” and meno, meaning “to remain.” It literally means to remain under a heavy load.   Perseverance during hard times forms our character in ways that ease never can. Reflection Questions: What season are you in right now? What might God be forming in you through it? Do you need to give yourself grace today — the kind of grace Jesus gives you?   4/ Look to Jesus He Finished Well “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:2–3, ESV) Jesus’ best work was His final work. His strongest step was His last step. Fix your eyes on Jesus, he is the founder and perfecter of our faith. The One who has persevered will help us persevere. Reflection Questions: Who are my people? Who’s beyond me, beside me, and behind me in this race? And what’s one step I can take this week to connect with or invest in them? What sin or weight am I carrying that I need to lay aside? Examine your life. Is there sin that’s tripping you up on your race? What’s bringing desolation? What’s adding unnecessary weight to the race you’ve been called to? What would it look like to throw it off today? What might need to change so you can become better, not bitter? What might God be forming in me through my current season? Your race will look different in each season. No matter what part of the race you’re in, can you trust that God uses every part?

    35 min
  8. Temple to Habitation

    3 May

    Temple to Habitation

    03/05/2026 - Kyle Hanna A Place – the Temple 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 The purpose of the Temple is two fold: The heart behind the rules BuildingPriestsSacrificesThe narrative of God’s pursuit Eden (Gen 3:8)Wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22)Tabernacle (Exodus 25:8)A Place – Jesus John 2:18-21 Jesus the True Temple: Place People travelled to a localised place, Jesus went out to the people (Matthew 4:23)The temple bridged the gap of glory and brokenness, Jesus is the bridge (1 Timothy 2:5)Meeting place of holiness and humanity, Jesus was fully holy and fully human (Colossians 1:19)Priest Priests were intercessors in prayer, Jesus intercedes for us (Romans 8:24, Hebrews 4:14)Priests guarded holiness and sacred things, Jesus embodies holiness (John 2:13-17)Priests taught the Law, Jesus is the True Teacher (Matthew 7:28-29, John 17:17)Sacrifice The SubstituteThe New Co-ExistenceThe DwellingA People – Us Through Acts of the Apostles 2, God’s presence moves from being with His people to dwelling within them by the Holy Spirit—fulfilling the story from temple to Jesus to us.Because of Jesus, we now carry God’s presence into everyday life, not to contain it but to overflow—becoming a living, sent witness of His presence in the world.Reflection Questions for Small Groups If forgiveness wasn’t something you had to earn, but something offered freely—how would that change the way you see yourself?What would it look like for you to trust that your brokenness doesn’t disqualify you—but is actually the place where Jesus wants to meet you most?What parts of your life feel most “unworthy” or difficult to bring into the light? What do you usually do with those parts?When you hear that God’s heart is to be with you, not distant from you—how does that land?If Jesus doesn’t just show God’s heart but embodies it, what might that reveal about how God actually feels toward you?

    25 min

About

Discovery Church in Melbourne, Australia is a place to belong, be restored and create new life in Jesus. Our vision is Every Heart Found in Jesus' Story.

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