GodFirst Parks

GodFirst Parks

Sunday sermon series and other discussion topics from Godfirst Parks, part of the Advance network of international churches.

  1. Sep 27

    Culture Pt. 3 - Offence - Josh Rous

    Josh Rous teaches on offence in the closing episode of the three-part series: Culture We see that hurt is what happens to us; though offence grows when we rehearse the hurt and build our identity around it, and in some cases use offence as a source of power. Sometimes what seems to be righteous anger is offence which we hold onto. Referencing James 1:19-20 we see that it is good to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. When we trust God and his identity for us as sons and daughters, not seeking to build our own identity or approval in the world, then we are able to move toward living unoffendable lives, lives free from bitterness, where we no longer hold onto offence. When we allow our identity to rest in Christ, we are also able to celebrate the unmerited favour and grace extended by God to others around us. We no longer bring accusations of unfairness and no longer despise or envy those around us, to whom God has extended grace.  When we are hurt and offended, it is not for us to avenge ourselves. We should instead overcome evil with good. As we see in Romans 12:17-21 "17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Josh leaves us with these questions: What are you offended by? What is that offence producing in you? What would Jesus do with that offence?

  2. Sep 6

    Living Gospel-Strange Lives - Rigby Wallace

    GodFirst Church welcomes Pastor Rigby Wallace. || Rigby teaches us about what it means to be distinctly different as believers, to live lives that are "not worldly, not crazy, but other, distinctly different." Rigby coins this as living as A Gospel-Strange People, because Jesus has given us a new identity. || Our role as believers is to be who we are in our new identity in Jesus, a distinct people. Not to just try harder, but to be a people who are living in a new identity, showing that now we are God’s people, that now we have received mercy. A people who are learning to be unoffendable; because love covers a multitude of sins, people who love deeply and who extend true hospitality, who are faithful stewards who serve and use God given gifts and grace, and that in all these things that God would be glorified. || 1 Peter 4:7-16:"7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

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Sunday sermon series and other discussion topics from Godfirst Parks, part of the Advance network of international churches.

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