FEATURED MESSAGES

Join us at thelivingroom.church God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us. But when we talk about the will of God for our lives, really we're talking about two categories – God’s revealed will and God’s concealed will. There are specific callings God will place on our life (concealed will), but to find and walk in them it's crucial to do what he’s already told us to do (revealed will). In this message we look at five areas of the Christian life God uses to guide us towards his specific will for our lives.

United: Connected by Covenant - challenges us to examine whether we approach church as a contract or a covenant. In this message, we are reminded that as members of Christ's Body, our commitment to one another matters. We are called to be relationally connected, divinely empowered and mutually devoted, allowing God's covenant love toward us to shape the way we live with one another as His Church. Small Group Discussion Questions 1. Do I approach church more like a covenant relationship or a consumer contract? Read Acts 2:42–47 and Acts 4:32. A contractual approach asks, “What am I getting from this?” while covenant asks, “How can I contribute to what God is building among us?” Think honestly about your own church life. When church is enjoyable and meeting your needs, commitment can be easy — but what happens when it becomes inconvenient, challenging or disappointing? What does your response reveal about how you understand belonging? 2. What do I do when church doesn't go the way I want it to? Read Philippians 2:3–4 and Romans 12:10. The sermon describes contract thinking as becoming frustrated when our expectations or preferences are not met. What are some church preferences that we can accidentally turn into demands — music, preaching style, programs, leadership decisions, personalities, service times or how things are done? How can we distinguish between a genuine issue that needs addressing and simply not getting our own way? 3. When I am hurt or offended, do I cancel people or work toward reconciliation? Read Matthew 18:15 and Colossians 3:12–14. What is your normal instinct when someone in church hurts, frustrates or disappoints you - avoidance, gossip, withdrawal, confrontation, forgiveness? What would a mature, biblical response look like? 4. Am I protecting unity with my words and motives? Read Ephesians 4:1–3, 29 and Proverbs 16:28. The sermon challenges believers who call a church home to pray for its protection and unity, be careful with their words and examine the purity of their motives. Before speaking about another person, leader or situation, what questions should we ask ourselves? For example: Is it true? Is it necessary? Have I spoken directly to the person? Am I trying to resolve something or recruit someone to my side? 5. Is Jesus enough to keep us together when everything else changes? Read Colossians 1:17–18 and Hebrews 10:23–25. The sermon asks whether Jesus would still be enough if programs, preferences and familiar ways of doing things were stripped away. What things can become more important to us than Jesus without us realising it? If Jesus truly remains the centre, how should that affect the way we respond to change, disagreement and seasons when church life feels uncomfortable? Activation 1 — The Covenant or Contract Heart Check Give everyone a sheet of paper and create two columns: CONTRACT THINKING and COVENANT THINKING. Ask everyone privately to think about their own church relationships and finish these statements honestly: Contract: “I become frustrated with church when…” Contract: “I am tempted to withdraw when…” Contract: “Something I expect other people to provide for me is…” Then move to covenant: Covenant: “One relationship I need to invest in rather than withdraw from is…” Covenant: “One responsibility I need to take instead of expecting someone else to carry it is…” Covenant: “One way I can strengthen our church family this week is…” Finish with Philippians 2:3–4 and pray: “Jesus, show me where I have approached Your Church as a consumer rather than as part of Your Body. Teach me to love Your people with covenant love.” The goal is not guilt; it is to identify where our thinking needs to move from “Church exists for me” toward “We belong to Jesus and therefore belong to one another.” Activation 2 — Choose Conversation Over Cancellation Ask everyone to prayerfully identify one strained, disappointing or unresolved relationship within their Christian community. It does not need to be a major conflict—it may simply be someone they have avoided, judged, become critical of or quietly disconnected from. During the coming week, take one covenant step. That might mean arranging a conversation, asking a genuine question rather than making an assumption, apologising for your part, forgiving someone, praying blessing over them, or simply reaching out instead of continuing to withdraw. Before doing anything, use these three questions: “Am I trying to understand or simply prove that I'm right?” “Will my response protect relationship and unity?” “What would the love of Jesus require from me here?” Then read Ephesians 4:2–3 each day that week and ask the Holy Spirit for the humility, patience and love required to live it. That directly reinforces the sermon’s central challenge: covenant doesn't mean we never have problems; covenant changes how we behave when the problems come.

Common Heart. Common Purpose. is a deeply personal message about what it means to belong to, strengthen and faithfully steward the local church. In a season of challenge and necessary change, the message calls the church family to move forward with greater integrity, accountability, commitment and unity. Small Group Discussion Questions 1. Are we attending church, or are we helping carry the church? Read Acts 2:42–47. The early believers were devoted to teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity and one another. What is the difference between simply attending church and actively belonging to a church family? In what areas are you already contributing, and where could God be inviting you to become more involved? 2. What does shared responsibility look like in practical life? Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–27. Paul describes the church as one body with many different parts. What happens when certain parts of the body expect others to carry all the responsibility? What gifts, abilities, experience, resources or time has God given you that could strengthen the church family? 3. How do we personally protect the unity of the church? Read Ephesians 4:1–3 and John 17:20–23. Jesus prayed specifically for the unity of His people, and the sermon highlights how important it is for each person to protect what Jesus is building. What behaviours strengthen unity? What behaviours quietly damage it? Think practically about gossip, offence, criticism, unresolved conflict, assumptions and the way we speak about others. 4. How should we respond when the church goes through difficulty, change or correction? Read James 1:2–5 and Proverbs 12:1. This sermon openly acknowledges that mistakes were made, lessons were learned and changes are now necessary. How do we respond maturely when weaknesses are exposed—in our own lives or within a church community? How can humility, repentance and accountability actually make a church stronger rather than weaker? 5. What does faithful stewardship mean for every believer? Read 1 Peter 4:10–11. Stewardship is not only about finances or leadership positions; it includes whatever God has placed in our hands. What have you been entrusted with—time, influence, relationships, spiritual gifts, practical skills, finances or leadership? What would faithful stewardship of those things look like in this season? 6. Is Jesus truly our first point of reference? Read Colossians 1:15–18 and Proverbs 3:5–6. The sermon says that on every issue, our first question should be: “What is God saying and what is God doing?” When making decisions, dealing with conflict or responding to change, what usually becomes our first point of reference—our feelings, preferences, past experiences, other people’s opinions, or Jesus? How can we practically put Him first? Activation / Application — “Protect the Unity” Read Ephesians 4:2–3 together. Ask everyone privately to consider: Is there anything in my attitudes, conversations or relationships that could weaken the unity of the church? This may include: - an unresolved offence - criticism - gossip - withdrawing instead of communicating - assuming someone’s motives - refusing to forgive - speaking negatively about leaders or other believers - allowing personal preference to become more important than shared purpose Then ask each person to identify one action of reconciliation or unity they will take within the next seven days. It might mean having a conversation, apologising, forgiving someone, refusing to participate in gossip, encouraging someone they have been critical of, or simply praying blessing over someone they have struggled with. Finish by praying together: “Holy Spirit, make us one. Give us a common heart and a common purpose. Help us protect what Jesus is building and faithfully carry our part.”

Join us at thelivingroom.church Part 1 in a 3 part series looking at breaking demonic strongholds. What you put your faith in will keep you in captivity OR guarantee your freedom. Jonah is not listed in the Hebrews 11 'hall of faith' – but his faith was astounding. Consider his story: his situation was hopeless. Anyone else would've given up and waited for their inevitable death in the belly of a whale at the bottom of the ocean. But Jonah knew the principle of "setting his mind on things above" and speaking faith in the face of fear. Jonah was a rebel and ran from God. Jonah was STILL a rebel by the time his story abruptly ends. But ultimately Jonah knew that the words he spoke in faith would come to pass, because God is good. There's a valuable lesson here for us. We can speak words of faith (God's language) in the face of the enemy's lies and the hardships we see in front of us. Or we can speak words of death (the enemy's language), and stay in spiritual bondage. Speaking God's truth in the face of enemy lies is a decision we all have the choice to make. And when we choose to SPEAK in faith – "God's language" – the Holy Spirit renews our minds, and transforms us into PEOPLE of faith.

RELOAD challenges us to recognise that the way we see a situation can determine how we respond to it. Through the story of the twelve spies in Numbers 13 and later an encounter with Rahab in Joshua 2, this message calls us to stop being impressed by the size of our problems and instead become increasingly aware of the greatness of our God. Whatever giant we face—relationships, finances, health, disappointment, fear or uncertainty—we can stop, RELOAD, and look again, choosing faith over fear and responding to what God has said rather than simply what we can see. Home Church Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean to have the “eyes of your heart” enlightened? Read Ephesians 1:18–19. What is the difference between seeing something with our natural eyes and seeing it through the eyes of faith? Can you think of a time when God changed the way you viewed a difficult situation? 2. What determines your perspective when you face a giant? Read Numbers 13:27–33. The twelve spies all saw the same land, the same cities and the same giants, yet they came back with very different conclusions. What caused Caleb to respond differently from the other spies? What does this teach us about the relationship between perspective and faith? 3. How can something be a fact but not be the final truth? The sermon acknowledges that the obstacles Israel faced were genuinely real. The giants existed and the cities were fortified. Yet God's promise was also real. How can we acknowledge difficult facts without allowing them to become greater in our minds than God's character and promises? Connect: Numbers 13:30; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1 4. What can unbelief cause us to miss? Read Joshua 2:8–11. Rahab revealed that the people of Jericho were already terrified of Israel because they had heard about God's power. What does this tell us about what might be happening “behind the scenes” even when we cannot see it? In what ways can fear and unbelief keep us from stepping into something God is inviting us toward? 5. Which voice tends to speak loudest when you are under pressure—fear, feelings, opinions or faith? The sermon says, “Fear screams loud. Opinions scream loud. Emotions scream loud. But faith is often a brave quietness, full of trust.” What practical things help you quiet the other voices and become more aware of what God is saying? Connect: Isaiah 26:3–4; Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7 6. GIANT OR GOD — which one is shaping your view? Read Romans 8:31. What “giant” are you currently facing that has begun to dominate your thinking? How would your attitude, prayers or actions change if you viewed that situation from the perspective that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Activation / Application Exercises 1. RELOAD — Look Again Give everyone a piece of paper and divide it into two columns: WHAT I SEE | WHAT FAITH SEES In the first column, write one current situation honestly—the facts, fears, obstacles and things that feel impossible. Don't minimise the reality of the situation. Then pray: “Holy Spirit, enlighten the eyes of my heart. Help me see what You see.” In the second column, write what you know about God's character, His promises and His ability in relation to that situation. Add one or two Scriptures that speak into it. Finish by writing: “I will not allow __________ to determine what I believe about God. I choose to RELOAD and believe __________.” Encourage each person to keep that statement somewhere visible during the week. 2. GIANT OR GOD? — Seven-Day Faith Challenge Ask everyone to identify one giant currently occupying too much of their attention. It might be a relationship, financial pressure, health concern, disappointment, fear, family situation, ministry challenge or an uncertain future. For the next seven days, whenever that giant begins to dominate their thoughts, practise this simple three-step response: STOP — recognise when fear is shaping your perspective. RELOAD — deliberately turn your attention back to God. LOOK AGAIN — speak a Scripture or truth about who God is over the situation. A great starting declaration is Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” At the next Home Church Gathering, have everyone briefly share: “What changed when I stopped staring at the giant and started looking at God?”

"Preparing the Way for the King" challenges us to look honestly at the condition of our hearts and remove anything that hinders our relationship with Jesus. Drawing from Luke 3:4–6 and the ministry of John the Baptist, this message explores what it means to fill the valleys, level the mountains, straighten the crooked paths and smooth the rough places in our lives. Through repentance, humility and the help of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to confront sin, pride, compromise and spiritual neglect—not to run from God, but to draw closer to Him and receive His grace, forgiveness and restoration. The King is coming; the question is, are we preparing the way for Him? SUGGESTED HOME CHURCH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. “Search me, God.” — What might God be trying to show me? Read Psalm 139:23–24. David invited God to expose what he could not see in himself. Why do you think self-deception can be so difficult to recognise? Is there an attitude, habit, hurt, unforgiveness or compromise that the Holy Spirit may be bringing to your attention right now? Connect: Psalm 139:23–24; John 16:13 2. What “valleys” need to be filled in our lives? Read Luke 3:3–6. The sermon describes valleys as areas that have become low through ongoing sin, unrepented sin or neglect of our spiritual health. What can cause our passion for Jesus to slowly decline? What does genuine repentance look like beyond simply feeling sorry? Connect: Luke 3:3–6; Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9 3. What “mountains” of pride need to come down? Read James 4:6–10. The sermon describes the mountains and hills as pride, ego, self-righteousness and the determination to do things “my way.” Where can pride quietly show up in Christian life—in our relationships, our opinions, our response to correction, or even the way we judge others? What would humility look like in that area? Connect: James 4:6–10; Philippians 2:3–5 4. Are there any crooked or rough places where our lives have become inconsistent? The sermon challenges the inconsistency of praising God in one moment but blaming Him when life becomes difficult, or declaring surrender while compromising when something better comes along. Where are Christians most tempted to “blend in” with culture rather than live distinctly for Jesus? What helps us remain faithful when obedience costs us something? Connect: 1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 12:1–2; James 1:22 5. If Jesus came today, what would He find in us? Read Luke 18:8. The sermon asks, “How are you preparing the way for the King?” and challenges us to be ready, holy and set apart for Him. What does being “ready for the King” look like practically—not someday, but in our ordinary lives this week? What is one area where you want Jesus to find greater faithfulness in you? Connect: Luke 18:8; Matthew 24:42–44; 2 Peter 3:11–14 Activation / Application #1 - “Prepare the Road” — Personal Holy Spirit Audit Give everyone a few quiet minutes with Luke 3:4–6. On a page, write three headings: VALLEYS — MOUNTAINS — CROOKED/ROUGH PLACES. Under Valleys, ask God to reveal anything neglected, wounded, sinful or spiritually dry. Under Mountains, ask Him to expose pride, control, self-righteousness or “my way” attitudes. Under Crooked/Rough Places, identify inconsistency, compromise or areas where what you say you believe and how you live do not line up. Then choose one thing, not ten, and write: “Jesus, this week I will prepare the way for You by…” Finish by praying Psalm 139:23–24 together. The sermon ultimately calls people not to run from God when He exposes something, but to come toward Him and receive forgiveness, restoration, grace and mercy. #2 - Recognise → Repent → Recover → Rejoice Use the four-part process from the sermon as a practical prayer exercise: RECOGNISE — “Holy Spirit, show me what is getting in the way.” REPENT — name it honestly and turn from it. RECOVER — receive God’s forgiveness and ask Him to help you establish a new pattern. REJOICE — thank Him that conviction is an expression of His love and that His grace restores rather than condemns. The group can spend 5–10 minutes praying individually, then come back together and finish with thanksgiving. This reflects the sermon’s emphasis that preparation for more of God involves a continuing process of recognising, repenting, recovering and rejoicing.

Join us for the final message in a 3-part series looking at how we can dwell in a place of reverent awe before God. We'll look at a final “symbol of the cross” God placed in nature, pointing us toward Jesus’ final atonement on our behalf. We also dive deeper into looking at idolatry and how what used to be subtle… is now anything but. And we explore the concept of ‘holiness’ and how we can use the Hebrew understanding of the word to deepen our relationship with Abba Father.