Vision Church Podcast | Christian Church in Canberra

Kathryn Hartley | Acts 1:3-9, 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Ephesians 3:14-21 — The work of the Holy Spirit is not always loud, intense, and obvious. And if we assume it is then we will miss what He’s doing. Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit’s power does not revolve around signs and wonders, but rather the enabling of our effective witness to Himself - the Christ. Are we surrendered and receptive to this kind of power in the small moments of the everyday?

Andrew Baker | Numbers 10:11-13, 11:4; Deuteronomy 8:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 12:7-10; Genesis 1:1-2; Jeremiah 4:23-26, 31:10-14; Matthew 3:3, 4:4; John 1:14, 19:41, 20:14-15; Romans 8:22; 1 Peter 1:8 — The book of Numbers records how God led Israel into the wilderness before entering into the promised land. Throughout Scripture and in our lives today, we see that God uses the wilderness seasons as an integral part of His redemptive purposes - not to punish us, but to work in our hearts and reveal our ultimate need for Him.

Adam Ritchard | Job 1:13-21, 35:9; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Romans 5:3; James 1:2; Acts 16:24-31; 2 Samuel 24:24; Psalm 42:5-6, 102:3; Hebrews 13:15; Daniel 3:16-18; Matthew 26:30 — As believers, we live in the constant tension between Christ’s victory and freedom, and the earthly reality of brokenness and pain. Scripture reveals the significance of the songs we bring to God in the depths of these ‘night’ seasons; the sacrifice of praise that is costly but of supreme value to Him. Anyone can praise ‘when the 'sun is shining’, but in the darkness of the night will we find our song of praise?

Andrew Baker | Exodus 25:8, 40:34; Numbers 1:1; Leviticus 16:8-10,29-30; Hebrews 9:22, 10:4; Genesis 3:21; John 1:29; Revelation 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2:2 — The Book of Leviticus is foundational for our understanding of the Gospel. It reminds us of the pervasiveness and seriousness of sin. It outlines the provision of a Holy God who maintains justice while dwelling amongst a sinful people. And ultimately it points to Christ crucified; that there is nothing but the blood of Jesus that can truly deal with our sin.

Andrew Baker | Exodus 19:5-6, 25:8, 28:29, 33:14-16, 40:34-35; John 1:14, 2:18-22; Revelation 1:4-6, 5:10, 21:3; Matthew 6:9-10; Genesis 1:26, 2:15; Hebrews 7:17-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16 — Mankind was created in God’s image; literally, to bear His representation and carry His presence on Earth. Adam, Aaron, and the nation of Israel all failed to completely fulfil this priestly role, but Jesus came as the perfect presence-bearer and mediator, our great high priest. May we follow Jesus’ example, responding to this divine priestly calling to carry the precious, powerful presence of God to the world.