Discovery Church 633s34

25/05/2025 - Matthew Destry Big Idea: No one is too far gone to be transformed by the Spirit of Jesus. The story of Saul shows that transformation is not behaviour modification—it’s a collision with Christ. Acts 9:1-19 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptised; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. THE HUNTER OF CHRISTIANS (Acts 9:1–2) THE CONFRONTATION (Acts 9:3–6) III. BLINDED TO SEE (Acts 9:8–9) I AN OBEDIENT DISCIPLE (Acts 9:10–17) FILLED, HEALED, COMMISSIONED (Acts 9:18–19) VII. APPLICATION — How Does God Transform Us Today? Listen for the voice that calls you by name Don’t fear the disorientation Trust the body Receive the Spirit Come, creator…come, Holy Spirit (St AMBROSE)

18/05/2025 - Zeke Murley Acts 8:26 — From Revival to the Desert“Rise and go toward the south… This is a desert place.” Why do you think God would send Philip away from a fruitful ministry? Can you think of a time when God called you out of comfort into something unknown? What does this teach us about obedience? Acts 8:27–29 — An Unexpected Encounter“…an Ethiopian, a eunuch… seated in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah.” Who does Philip find in the desert—and why is this surprising? What stands out about the eunuch’s position, background, and setting? What does this suggest about who God sees and sends us to? Acts 8:30–31 — A Hunger for Truth“Do you understand what you are reading?” // “How can I, unless someone guides me?” What does the eunuch’s response reveal about his heart? Why is it important that someone sits with him rather than preaches at him? Who in your life might be reading, wondering, or seeking—and just needs someone to guide them? Acts 8:32–34 — Reading Isaiah 53“In his humiliation justice was denied him… For his life is taken away…” What kind of person is described in this Scripture? Why do you think the eunuch is drawn to this age? Have you ever read Scripture and felt like it was describing your story? Acts 8:35–38 — A Story That Includes Him“Then Philip… told him the good news about Jesus.” What happens when the eunuch hears the gospel explained? What does his immediate response to water and baptism tell us? What do you think he means when he says, “What prevents me?”  Acts 8:39 — A New Story Begins“He went on his way rejoicing.” Why is the eunuch now rejoicing? How does this age challenge the idea of who belongs in God’s family? Isaiah 56:3–5 — The Fulfillment“To the eunuchs… I will give an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.” What kind of hope is given to those who feel cut off or overlooked? What does this reveal about God’s heart for the excluded, the hurting, the forgotten? Final Reflection: Who are the people around you who may feel like a “dry tree”? Are you willing to be like Philip—sent to the unlikely places, ready to guide others to Jesus? What’s stopping you from stepping into the assignment God has given you?

11/05/2025 - Matthew Destry AGE: Acts 6:1–7 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers and sisters, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. Verse 1 – “In those days… the number of disciples was increasing…” The Greek word for “increasing” is πληθύνειν (plēthynein) “…the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews…” “…their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” Overlooked (παρεθεωροῦντο – paretheōrounto) implies ive neglect, not intentional malice. Verse 3 – “Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Not just capable. Not just willing. But Spirit-filled and wise. Verse 5 – “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…” Verse 6 – “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” Laying on of hands wasn’t just about blessing—it was about recognition, release, and commissioning. Verse 7 – “So the word of God spread… and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” The outcome of Spirit-led comion isn’t just care—it’s multiplication and credibility. Why didn’t women get picked to serve on the tables? Cultural Norms of Public Authority Specific Call to “Table” Management Continuity with Apostolic Witness Physical and Legal Constraints Functional, Not Ontological, Reason   Overlooked, but Not Forgotten The Problem of Growth (More People, More Problems) Hospitality as the Frontline of Comion Spirit-Led Leadership: More than Just Practical Prophetic Daughters and Spirit-Empowered Women APPLICATION: This age starts with overlooked women, and ends with multiplied disciples.

04/05/2025 - Jody Destry Scripture: Acts 3:1–16, John 14:12–14 Big Idea: I’m not powerful, but I am full of power. True boldness doesn’t come from personality or confidence — it comes from the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. Key Takeaways: – Your weakness is not a barrier — it’s the platform where God displays His power. – Peter healed the man at the Beautiful Gate not with silver or gold, but with faith in the name of Jesus. – The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things — not for our glory, but for God’s transformation in others. – There are people around us — like the man at the gate — waiting for hope. We are carriers of that hope. – Boldness starts with surrender, not with self-confidence. Reflection Questions: 1/Where in your life are you being invited to step out in Spirit-led boldness? 2/ What fears, beliefs, or limitations are holding you back? 3/ Who in your world might be sitting at a “Beautiful Gate” — waiting to encounter hope through you?

27/04/2025 - Zeke Murley Acts 1:1–2 — What Jesus BeganJesus’ work wasn’t finished at the resurrection—it’s still continuing through us. How is Jesus still working today, even though He is not physically present? What does it mean that Jesus wants to continue His work through you? Matthew 28:16–20 — The Great CommissionJesus commands His disciples to make more disciples. What are the three parts of the Great Commission? How would you describe your role in making disciples? What makes baptism such a powerful marker of faith? Acts 1:3 — Time of PreparationJesus prepares His disciples for their mission over forty days. Why do you think Jesus focused on preparing the disciples after His resurrection? Do you feel prepared to disciple someone else? If not, what needs to change? Acts 1:4–5 — The Promise of the Holy SpiritJesus tells the disciples to wait for the Spirit before moving forward. Why is it essential to wait for the Holy Spirit before stepping out in mission? How might resisting or grieving the Holy Spirit affect your life and ministry? Acts 7:51, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19 — Warning About the Holy SpiritResist, grieve, or quench the Spirit, and you lose His empowering presence. What does it look like to resist or quench the Spirit today? How can we cultivate lives that invite the Spirit’s work instead? Acts 1:6–8 — Divine Timing and Kingdom MissionThe disciples ask when the kingdom will come; Jesus points them back to their mission. What is the danger of focusing on when instead of what Jesus has called us to? How does God’s patience in waiting reveal His grace? Acts 1:9–11 — The Disciples Looking to the CloudsJesus ascends, and the disciples are caught gazing upward. Why do you think the angels challenge the disciples about looking at the sky? What are ways we can get distracted from the mission today? What would it look like for you personally to “stop looking at the clouds” and start moving? Final Challenge: Will you stop waiting… and start witnessing?

The Tragedy That Became the Cornerstone18/04/2025 - Matthew Destry AGE: MARK 12:1–12 And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant[a] to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes’?” THE HOOK: Comedy and tragedy coexist. Life is complex. So is God’s story. The cross is the ultimate paradox: the darkest day becomes the beginning of light. Tragedy and comedy are not enemies in God’s theatre—they are collaborators. Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 – “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh…” Application: What if the pain you’re experiencing isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of something redemptive? God’s presence isn’t limited to happy endings. He’s with us in the grief and the joy. POINT 1: GOD”S VINEYARD – ISAIAH 5 POINT 2: THIS SON IS THE “BELOVED SON” — GENESIS 22:2 POINT 3: “COME, LET US KILL HIM” — GENESIS 37:20 POINT 4: The sting in the tail: THE SON IS KILLED POINT 5: THE STONE THE BUILDERS REJECTED — PSALM 118 REFLECTION QUESTIONS Where in your life have you silenced the voice of God? Have you kept Jesus close… but not central? Have you let him be a part of your life… but not the cornerstone of it? Let the Spirit search you. CONCLUSION: THE PARABLES COME TO A HEAD Good Friday began like a tragedy. It ends like one too But three days later, the script flips. The rejected stone is raised. The dead son lives. And the greatest tragedy the world has ever known becomes the beginning of a comedy we call salvation. The curtain has not fallen yet. And the final act? It ends with a wedding.

Your Story Isn’t Over20/04/2025 - Zeke Murley John 20:1–10 — The Empty TombMary, Peter, and John find the tomb empty. What do you notice about how each person responds to the empty tomb? Why might Peter not say anything in this moment? What would seeing the empty tomb stir in you? John 18:17–18 — Peter’s DenialPeter denies knowing Jesus. What might be going through Peter’s mind after this moment? Have you ever tried to blend in instead of standing firm in faith? What does this age reveal about fear and failure? John 21:1–9 — Jesus Appears AgainThe disciples return to fishing. Jesus shows up. Why do you think Peter returns to fishing after everything? What’s significant about Peter’s reaction when he realizes it’s Jesus? How would you respond if Jesus showed up in an ordinary moment? John 21:15–17 — Jesus Questions PeterJesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Why does Jesus ask Peter the same question more than once? What might Peter be feeling during this conversation? What does it show us about how Jesus relates to our past? Romans 10:9 — The Invitation“Declare ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe…” What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord of your life? What might need to shift if that became your reality today? Final Question: If Jesus stood before you today and said, “Follow me”… what would you do?

Do It Scared13/04/2025 - Vincent Gulay Matthew 25:14–30 – The Parable of the Talents We are called to partner with the Holy Spirit and bring glimpses of Heaven to Earth—to imagine the Kingdom, and then participate in bringing it here. But at times, we can be held back by fear or a lack of understanding. So what should we do? The Parable of the Talents offers insight. In this story, the Master represents Jesus, the servants represent us, and the talents represent everything God has entrusted to us in this lifetime—our possessions, opportunities, skills, time, circumstances, and finances. What can we learn? Intimacy with the Master is vital—it fuels our hope, vision, and understanding of what to do next. Correctly identifying our ‘talents’ and removing limiting beliefs is essential. Investing boldly—wholeheartedly—is required. But fear can get in the way. Fear that God isn’t truly for us, or fear of what we might have to give up to follow Him. Fear of what we’ll uncover if we look deeply—what healing or growth might require (counselling, change, relearning). Fear of the risk and discomfort that comes with obedience and investment. So how do we move from who we are today—through the fear—towards who God is calling us to be? How do we live out our purpose? Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Remind your soul who God is. Renew your mind daily. Invest boldly—even while you’re still afraid. Through worship, testimony, and daily devotion, reconnect with His goodness. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Don’t just believe it once—remind your soul daily. Don’t live by old scripts like, “I’m not ___ enough.” Instead, ask: “God, what are You calling me to do?” Renewal leads to revival. Fruit follows mindset. 2 Timothy 1:6–7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” Courage doesn’t require the absence of fear. The call is not: wait until the fear is gone. The call is: do it scared. Let’s do this scared—together. Fear may not disappear. So practically, what does ‘doing it scared’ look like? It means we: Change our mindset Change our habits Change our behaviour And as we do, the Kingdom is outworked through us, with the Holy Spirit. We begin to see ourselves differently, too. Reflection Questions: Where is there misalignment between how I see God and what His purpose is? Where might I be misinterpreting the talents He has given me? Where am I not investing, even though I know I should be?

Ask Seek Knock 06/04/2025 - Zeke Murley Luke 11:1–13 | The Way of Prayer Perception of Prayer“Lord, teach us to pray…” (v.1) Why do you pray the way you do? Is your view of God shaping your prayer life—or is your experience shaping your view of God? Could it be that what you believe about who you pray to matters more than how you pray? Persistence in Prayer“Give us each day…” (v.3) What are you reaching for when life gets hard—a prescription or persistence? Do you want solutions more than you want to walk with the Solution-Giver? Could the daily repetition of prayer be God’s gift, not His delay? Posture in Prayer“I have nothing to set before him…” (v.6) Are you coming to God with demands, or with dependence? What if God isn’t looking for strength in your prayers, but surrender? Can you have the right words, the right discipline… and still the wrong heart? Promise of Prayer“How much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit…” (v.13) What if the thing you’re asking for isn’t really what your soul needs? What if God answers every prayer—by giving you more of Himself? Is it possible you’ve been knocking on the wrong door? Questions to Sit With This WeekWhat do I really want when I pray? Do I see prayer as access to God, or access to answers? Have I mistaken God’s silence for His absence? Would I be satisfied with getting what I asked for—but not getting more of Him?  

30/03/2025 - Jody Destry Scriptures: Matthew 13:44–46 – The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl Luke 9:23–24 – The call to take up our cross Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is a free gift of grace Philippians 3:7–14 – Counting everything as loss for the suring worth of knowing Christ Ephesians 1:7–8 – We are the treasure Christ gave everything to redeem Big Ideas: The Kingdom is a Treasure: Whether you stumble upon it unexpectedly or search for it with longing, the Kingdom of God is the most valuable treasure you’ll ever find. Joy Leads to Surrender: “In his joy…” he sold everything. True joy in Christ leads to wholehearted devotion—not begrudging sacrifice. Grace Is Free, But the Journey Is Costly: Salvation is a gift, but following Jesus means laying down everything else that might compete for first place in our lives. Jesus Went All In First: We are the pearl of great price to Him—He gave everything to make us His own. Joy Restores Our Sight: When joy is renewed, we see the Kingdom’s true value again. It lifts the fog and renews our love for Jesus. Reflection Questions: 1/ Have I lost sight of the treasure I have in Christ? 2/ What is God asking me to surrender in this season? 3/ Am I hesitating—or am I ready to go “all in” for the Kingdom? 4/ How might God be inviting you to trust that He is leading you into something better, not just harder? Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit renew your joy and restore your vision. If you are wrestling with the cost of surrender, ask God for courage and faith to respond to him with your ‘YES’.

Canceling the Debt: Forgiven to Forgive “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” – CS Lewis age: Matthew 18:21-35 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle s with his servants.[a] 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you   We’ve been forgiven much – our immense debt and God’s immense mercy “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” We should it on – Imitating the King’s mercy “Nothing makes us so like God as our readiness to forgive the wicked and wrongdoer.” John Crysostom There is judgement if we don’t Forgiveness heals communities Benefits: a/ Forgiving reflects God’s character b/ Forgiving is an act of faith in the Gospel c/ Forgiving keeps us anchored in humility Apply: i/ pray for God’s help and grace ii/ your own forgiveness iii/ make a decision to cancel the debt iv/ trust God’s justice v/ if possible, communicate forgiveness and seek reconciliation vi/ rinse and repeat

Turn A Blind Eye — Sermon Notes16/03/2025 - Ps Zeke Murley Turn A Blind Eye — Sermon Notes Luke (The Writer) Sets The Scene Jesus has begun his journey toward Jerusalem which is noted in the previous chapter, funnily enough, the beginning of this, Jesus is met with resistance from a Samaritan village.    The Samaritans and the Jews hate each other, because of a couple of reasons:  Historical Division –  Religious Disputes –  Mutual Hatred –  25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”  27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”  29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Luke 10:25–29 ESV   The Parable 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.  31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he ed by on the other side.  32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, ed by on the other side.  33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had comion.  34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.  35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’  Luke 10:30–35 ESV   What is the reason for this Parable?   A lawyer asking Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus is teaching about the eternal state of people’s souls, and to reduce this parable to a simple, do good to those in need misses the point.    You have a choice, to turn a blind eye or not. But rather than telling you what an opened eye looks like, I want to show you in this parable what a blind eye responds like.    Want the Blessing of the Kingdom, Without the Cost of the Kingdom   27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”  29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Luke 10:25–29 ESV   Weaponise the Word of God   This is not just a good answer he came up with, he quotes back scripture to Jesus.    5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.   Dt 6:5 ESV Confusion in Levitical Law – Who is my neighbour?  18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.  Leviticus 19:18 ESV   You Think Salvation is Gained Through Merit 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”  37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”  Luke 10:36–37 ESV “There is someone I love, even though I don’t approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is me.” C.S. Lewis – Mere Christianity

This week, we are encouraged by a friend of Discovery Church, Pastor Andy Flaherty, who is one of the Senior Pastors at Lighthouse Church in Wollongong. He shares with us the Parable of the Weeds, and reminds us that it's the fruit and how the fruit of the plant is used that indicates whether we are Wheat or Weeds.

The Vineyard Economy: When God Pays Differently23/02/2025 - Matthew Destry Jesus’ parable of the Workers in the Vineyard takes our understanding of effort and reward and flips it upside down. And the “sting in the tail?” It’s not just about work. It’s about grace, about who belongs in God’s Kingdom, and about the unexpected way that God’s generosity works. The Parable: Matthew 20:1-16 Who were the original hearers of this parable? The primary “targets” of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard were likely the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, particularly the Pharisees and other Jewish groups who prided themselves on their long-term faithfulness to God’s law. However, the message also had implications for the disciples and the broader Jewish audience. God’s Generosity is Not About Fairness, But Grace Challenge: Where in your life are you measuring God’s goodness by what seems “fair” rather than by His generosity? How can you shift to gratitude instead of entitlement? The Same Reward for Jews and Gentiles Challenge: Are there people or groups you struggle to accept as fully embraced by God? How does this parable challenge your view of who belongs? A Warning to the Disciples: Don’t Get Proud Challenge: Have you ever felt like your years of faithfulness should earn you more favour from God? How can you cultivate humility in your service to Him? The Beauty and Scandal of Grace Challenge: Who in your life needs to experience God’s grace through you? Are you willing to extend the same generosity God has given you? A Special Blessing for the Ones No One Will Hire Challenge: Who are the “unhired” in your world? How can you be part of bringing God’s generosity to them? And when we embrace this vineyard economy, something powerful happens: We find freedom from comparison. No more measuring ourselves against others—we’re free to celebrate God’s generosity to all. We trust God’s character more deeply. The landowner in the parable pays what he promised. God provides what we need, not what we think we deserve. We grow in comion. Grace received becomes grace extended. When we realise God’s generosity to us, we’re more willing to be generous to others. Conclusion: Embracing the Reckless Generosity of God

This Sunday, we are excited and grateful to be hosting Dan Fernandez—an incredible pastor, preacher, and communicator. Dan s us all the way from the USA, where he serves as the campus pastor at Life Pacific University and hosts the PreacherCo Podcast! Listen as he shares an amazing word from Luke 15.

09/02/2025 - Jody Destry Key Scripture: Matt 25:1-13 – The Parable of the 10 bridesmaids Jesus and his disciples are gathered together on the Mount of Olives – a place significant to the life and ministry of Jesus. It was here that Jesus often came to pray to his Father. It wa hear that Jesus often taught spiritual truths to the people who gathered to hear him. It was from the Mount of Olives that Jesus made his triumphal entry in Jerusalem as he prepared to lay his life down at the cross for us. And it was here that that the disciples witnessed Jesus ascend into heaven after his resurrection. In this moment, the disciples ask Jesus a question: ‘What will be sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ – in other words, they were asking Jesus when he would be coming back after his death and resurrection to once and for all seal the victory over evil and bring his followers into eternity with him. In answer to their question, Jesus tells them this parable (or story) to help them understand. The moral of the parable is this: We need to stay alert and be ready and prepared for Jesus’ return – whether it be soon or long in coming because there are significant consequences for those who are not prepared and found not ready when Jesus returns on the final the day. The Bible frequently uses wedding imagery to describe God’s relationship with his people. In the NT, Jesus is referred to as the Bridegroom and the Church (his followers) are referred to as the Bride. In this parable, The Bridegroom again is symbolic of Jesus, but in this instance, it’s the bridesmaids who represent individual believers/followers of Jesus. Why did Jesus feel the need to tell them this story and give them this prophetic warning? Jesus knew that his disciples would struggle to stay the course and could becoming easily distracted from the assignment he had given them. Jesus knows our propensity to grow weary, to become complacent and distracted too. Jesus was also addressing the behaviour of many of the religious leaders of that time who were known for not practicing what they preached. Their faith was all for show on the outside but underneath it was found to be shallow and inauthentic. Every parable has a sting in the tail: Jesus warned them that not everyone who professes faith in Jesus with their lips will enter the Kingdom of God. Some, like the five foolish bridesmaids, will find themselves on the outside looking in on the great celebration that’s taking place, wondering why they haven’t been let in. So, as modern-day followers of Jesus, this parable invites us to consider how we might be intentional about staying alert and ready and how to prepare well for Jesus’ return. Pursue true discipleship – Commit to cultivating a real and living faith in Jesus. – Practice daily rhythms of time with Jesus – scripture, prayer, worship – Guard your heart against complacency / auto-pilot faith – Plant yourself in community with others for ability and encouragement e.g a Discovery Group, a mentor Q: Am I performing Christianity, or am I truly walking with Jesus? Q: What is one way God is inviting me to pursue true discipleship this year? Keep growing and maturing in faith – Practice faithfulness in every season – “A long obedience in the same direction” – Stay teachable – Desire wisdom – Be intentional about your growth as a disciple Q: Am I bearing fruit? (Am I growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) Q: Am I relying on past spiritual experiences, or am I actively seeking fresh encounters with God? Q: Am I being obedient to what Jesus has asked of me? Be prepared for delays – Invest in spiritual habits that sustain you over time, not just in moments of need (keep your oil well stocked) – Learn the unforced rhythms of grace (walk at the pace of Jesus) – Send your roots down deep. Q: What regular rhythms currently help you stay connected to Jesus? (e.g. prayer, scripture, sabbath, etc) Q: Where do you see signs of spiritual fatigue or weariness in your life? Q: Are there any spiritual habits you feel prompted to deepen or recommit to? Q: What would it look like for you to live at Jesus’ pace – unhurried but purposeful? Live with urgency – Make the most of every opportunity – Love your neighbour today (not tomorrow or next year) – Be a diligent steward of your gifts and resources – Resist unhelpful distractions – Be continually filled with Spirit Q: What distractions need to be removed for you to stay focused on God this year? Q: How are you using your time, energy, and resources for God’s Kingdom? Q: Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus and how might you be intentional about being open and available to share your faith with them?

Can You Hear Me Now?02/02/2025 - Matthew Destry Matthew 13:1-17 What is a parable? παρά (para) – meaning “beside,” “alongside,” or “near.” βολή (bolē) – derived from the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning “to throw” or “to cast.” a/ Story / narrative (not like a metaphor) b/ Examples from everyday life c/ One main point (not like an allegory) d/ ‘Sting in the tail’ 2i. Why? Parables are not just illustrations; they are a form of spiritual discernment. They test the heart of the listener. To those with faith, parables illuminate the mysteries of the Kingdom. To those with hard hearts, parables obscure the truth, leaving them in their blindness. Isaiah 6:9-10: “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.” 2ii. The Parable of the Sower: A Parable About Parables The Parable of the Sower describes four different responses to the message of the Kingdom, just as people respond to parables in different ways: The Path (Hard Hearts) The Rocky Ground (Emotional, but No Root) The Thorns (Distracted Heart) The Good Soil (True Discipleship) How: Parables invite reflection and understanding for those willing to listen deeply. Revealing and Concealing: Spiritual Readiness: Fulfilment of Prophecy: Blessings for Disciples: Every Heart is Invited: Now: Do You Have Ears to Hear? “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:9) Pray: “Lord, give me ears to hear. Give me eyes to see. Make my heart good soil. Amen.”

This week, we heard from the lead pastors of our various ministries here at Discovery Church, as they shared what we’re believing for in 2025. I Believe 26/01/2025  Beck Lambert 1 Peter 2:4-5 “As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. From one location to two: Expanding our reach and presence. From Polish to Presence: In our gatherings, prioritising authentic encounters with God. From church engagement to community engagement: Through the legacy project and the work of DCC, creating spaces that reflect our commitment to belonging, restoration, creativity and Kingdom. From concert to cathedral: not just seeing God in the ‘big, loud and bold’ but also in the quiet, liturgical and routine. From comfort to cost: Challenging ourselves to give sacrificially and cheerfully. From roads to rivers: we are transforming our discipleship pathway and calling Discovery to connection in small groups, and making pathways of connection and community more simple and life-giving.

Renewal Season05/01/2025 - Doug Pors Renewal according to the dictionary. To resume something after an interruption. The action of extending the validity of something. The replacement or repair of something. AND: The state or process of being made spiritually new in the Holy Spirit. The call to continual spiritual renewal. How Confident in God are you for this next year? Are you listening to His voice as you plan 2025? Caleb, in Numbers 13, Trusted in God’s voice because he listened and saw the amazing things that God had promised. Before entering the Promised Land, The people forgot who God was to them, and so were easily led to distrust. Fear and anxiety ruled their hearts and minds Rather than a listening ear which leads to trust. Caleb: God will lead. He will give it to us. Listen and don’t be anxious. Our praise reminds our hearts of who God is. What needs to be removed from our hearts and minds for us to be renewed in our trust? How will we bring a listening, non-anxious presence to 2025? Renewal Season is about embracing a new TRUST in God’s already active plan for YOU. When God is with us, We can certainly do it! If you would like to know more about our ‘Launch Team for Discovery Church Frankston’ please let our Information Center team know your details, a registration for two information sessions on the 9th and 16th of Feb at Discovery Mt Evelyn, will be open soon also. We’d love to hear from you!

12/01/2025 - Zeke Murley Context After witnessing Jesus’ glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John return to a scene of need and failure (Matthew 17:1-13). A desperate father seeks help for his son, but the disciples are unable to heal him (Matthew 17:14-20). Despite their earlier success in healing and casting out demons (Matthew 10:1), they face a spiritual roadblock. Key Questions Why did the disciples fail when they had been given authority? What does Jesus’ frustration teach us about faith? Reflection Points When We Say “I Can’t” (v. 16) The disciples’ inability mirrors moments when we lose faith and stop praying for breakthroughs. Challenge: Is “I can’t” becoming “I won’t”? Are we limiting God by our doubt? Faith Like an Atheist (v. 17) Jesus rebukes a “faithless generation,” equating a lack of faith to disbelief. Reflection: Do we truly believe God can move mountains, or do we let fear stop us from praying boldly? The Tension of Faith and Healing God doesn’t always heal everyone, but our role is to pray and trust His will. Question: Are we a church that seeks God’s presence like a starving man seeks food? Faith as a Mustard Seed (v. 20) Misunderstood Faith: It’s not about how much faith we have but about who our faith is in. The Seed’s Design: Faith connected to God grows and fulfills its purpose, just as a mustard seed becomes a tree. Challenge: Shift from “I can’t” to “I can through Christ.” Final Reflection Faith isn’t about size or quantity but connection to God, the source of all miracles. Prayer Challenge: What would it look like for you to boldly pray, “God, do it again”?