Rest·Awe Youth Talks

In week 2 of Deep Roots, Real Fruit, we explore the bible! why do Christians believe the Bible is God’s Word and why does it matter for our lives? Looking at 2 Timothy 3, we see that the Bible isn’t just a book of human ideas about God, but God revealing himself to us so that we can know him, be changed by him, and grow as his people.But why trust it? The answer ultimately comes back to Jesus. If Jesus really rose from the dead, then we can trust him, and if we trust Jesus, we can trust what he trusted.God has spoken. The question is: will we listen?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Deep Roots, Real FruitTopic: The BibleBible Passage: 2 Timothy 3:14-17Date: 31/07/26 T3 W2Website: restawe.com

How do you grow as a Christian? Can you become a better person just by trying harder?The Bible's answer might surprise you. Before it talks about growing good fruit in our lives, it says something far more confronting: dead things don't produce fruit.In the first talk of our new Deep Roots, Real Fruit series, we explore the heart of the gospel. Looking at Ephesians 2, John 15, and Galatians 5, we see that Christianity isn't about making ourselves better. It's about Jesus bringing dead people back to life. Only then does lasting change begin.Real fruit doesn't come from trying harder. It grows naturally in people who are deeply rooted in Christ.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Deep Roots Real FruitTopic: Deep Roots 1 - The GospelBible Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10, John 15:1-5, Galatians 5Date: 24/07/26 T3 W1Website: restawe.com

In Matthew 7:7-12, Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock, not because God is reluctant to listen, but because he is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to his children. This passage reminds us that prayer isn't about convincing God to care. It's about learning to depend on the One who already does.If you've ever struggled to keep praying or wondered whether God is really listening, this talk is for you.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - Built DifferentTopic: Praying PersistentlyBible Passage: Matthew 7:7-12Date: 26/06/26 T2 W10Website: restawe.com

"Don't judge"It's one of the most quoted phrases from the Bible... but is it actually what Jesus meant?In Matthew 7:1-6, Jesus doesn't tell his followers to ignore sin or stop using wisdom. Instead, he confronts a judgmental, self-righteous attitude that forgets the grace we've received from God.When we remember how much God has forgiven us, it changes the way we treat everyone else.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - Built DifferentTopic: Behold, the plank in thine own eyeBible Passage: Matthew 7:1–6Date: 19/06/26 T2 W9Website: restawe.com

In Matthew 6:19–34, Jesus challenges us to think about what we're really chasing. Everything this world offers eventually fades, but the things of God's kingdom last forever.The surprising part is that when our treasure changes, so do our worries. Jesus reminds us that we have a heavenly Father who knows what we need and invites us to seek his kingdom first instead of being consumed by what won't last.What has your heart? And is it worth living for?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - Built DifferentTopic: Treasure, Worry, and Living for God's KingdomBible Passage: Matthew 6:19-34Date: 12/06/26 T2 W8Website: restawe.com

Would you still pray if nobody knew? Would you still read your Bible? Would you still follow Jesus if no one was watching?In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus exposes the danger of performing our faith for other people. Giving, praying, and fasting are all good things, but they can become empty if our goal is to impress others rather than know God.Real Christianity isn't about putting on a spiritual performance. It's about a genuine relationship with your heavenly Father, who sees what no one else can.This passage invites us to ask an uncomfortable but important question: Who are you really living for?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - Built DifferentBible Passage: Matthew 6:1–18Date: 05/06/26 T2 W7Website: restawe.com

Content warning: This episode discusses anger, lust, and sexual sin.Anger doesn’t start with violence. Lust doesn’t start with actions. Both begin in the heart.In Matthew 5:21-32, Jesus goes beneath behaviour to our hearts. Where unchecked anger grows into destruction, and unchecked lust distorts our perception of people and the world.It’s confronting, because it includes all of us. No one is outside of what Jesus is saying here...But there is hope!Because Jesus doesn’t just expose broken hearts; he changes them. He lived with perfect purity, perfect forgiveness, and perfect love, and then went to the cross for imperfect people who haven’t.This episode isn’t about shame. It’s about honesty, grace, and the deep need we all have for Jesus to change us from the inside out.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew 5-7 | Built DifferentTopic: Anger, Lust, and Heart TransformationBible Passage: Matthew 5:21–32Date: 15/05/26 T2 W4Website: restawe.com

Do Christians actually need the Old Testament anymore?What even is going on with all the strange laws, sacrifices, and commands in the Bible? And when Jesus came, did he just get rid of all of it?In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus says something surprising:“I have not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets… but to fulfil them.”The Old Testament isn’t pointless or outdated. It was always pointing to Jesus.But Jesus also exposes something deeper: our problem isn’t just outward behaviour. It’s our hearts.And that leaves us with a question: If righteousness has to go deeper than appearances…who could possibly be good enough?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew 5-7 | Built DifferentTopic: Jesus, the Old Testament, and True RighteousnessBible Passage: Matthew 5:17–20Date: 08/05/26 T2 W3Website: restawe.com

Christians don’t get a neutral life. Whether you realise it or not, your life is already saying something about Jesus.In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls his people the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In other words, followers of Jesus are meant to stand out. Not by trying to be noticed, but by reflecting him in the way they live.Not blending in. Not pointing to themselves. But showing what God is like in a world that’s watching.So the question is: Does your life point to Jesus?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew 5-7 | Built DifferentTopic: Salt and Light - Reflecting Jesus In A Watching WorldBible Passage: Matthew 5:13–16Date: 1/5/26 Term 2 Week 2Website: restawe.com

We all have a picture of the good life.Success? Comfort? Approval? Control?But what if we’ve got it completely wrong?In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus lays out a picture of a good life. A blessed life.*Spoiler alert* It’s nothing like what we expect!The flourishing life isn’t proud, powerful, or put-together… but instead it's poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and even persecuted.It’s upside down. It’s confronting. And if we’re honest, it’s not how we naturally live.But here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t just teach this life - He lived it for us!So the question is: which version of the good life are you building your life on?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew 5-7 – Built DifferentTopic: The Good Life According to JesusBible Passage: Matthew 5:1-12Date: 24/04/26 T2 W1Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

What if your place with God depended on passing a test perfectly?No mistakes. No slipping up. No second chances.In Matthew 4:1–11, a similar test happens. But you aren't the one taking it. Jesus is tempted, pushed to the limit, and offered shortcuts to an easier life and glory.But where everyone else has failed - Adam, Israel, and us - Jesus doesn’t.He passes.Not just as an example, but for us.This changes everything. Because being right with God isn’t about how well you perform - it’s about whether you trust the one who already passed the test in your place!So when temptation comes, will you rely on yourself…or stand in Him?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - This Is JesusTopic: Jesus Passed the Test for UsBible Passage: Matthew 4:1–11Date: 27/03/26 T1 W8Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

Why would a perfect person be baptised for repentance?In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus steps into the water - not because He needs forgiveness, but because we do. Jesus chooses to stand in our place, identifying with sinners and committing Himself to a path that will lead to the cross.This is a different kind of greatness.A King who humbles Himself for his subjects.A Son who fully pleases God.And yet… faces God’s displeasure for us. for you.This is Jesus. Will you trust in Him?Speaker: David BurdisSeries: Matthew - This Is JesusTopic: The King who took our lowly placeBible Passage: Matthew 3:13-17Date: 20/03/26 T1 W7Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

What would you do if you knew a king was about to arrive… and you weren’t ready?In Matthew 3:1-12, John the Baptist appears in the wilderness with a blunt message: the King is coming. Get ready. Crowds come to hear him. Some repent. Others assume they’re already safe.But John makes it clear that heritage, religion, or appearances won’t prepare anyone for the arrival of God’s King. The only way to be ready is repentance - honestly turning from sin and returning to God.Because the coming King doesn’t just offer forgiveness.He changes people.The King is coming. Are you ready to meet Him?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - This Is JesusTopic: The King Is Coming. Are you ready?Bible Passage: Matthew 3:1-12Date: 13/03/26 T1 W6Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

When we look at the world, it can feel hopeless. Families fleeing. Leaders abusing power. Innocence crushed.In Matthew 2:13-23, we see a world in a similar situation. Jesus, the Son of God, is fleeing a violent king and living in humility and obscurity. But Matthew helps us see something bigger than the chaos: this is Jesus, the faithful Son, who enters the mess of our world and stays faithful.From fleeing to Egypt, to the tragedy in Bethlehem, to growing up in humble Nazareth, Jesus is faithful on our behalf. Because of Him, we can trust Him, have hope in Him, and look forward to a better eternity - even when the world fails.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew – This Is JesusTopic: The Faithful Son Who Brings HopeBible Passage: Matthew 2:13-23Date: 06/03/26 T1 W5Website: ⁠restawe.com

The Magi travelled from far away to worship Him.Herod felt threatened enough to try and destroy Him.How will you respond to Jesus?In Matthew 2:1-12, we see two completely different responses to the birth of Christ. Foreigners pursue him with joy, surrender, and worship. A king sees a rival to his throne.But this tension isn’t just historical - it’s personal.If Jesus really is the true King for all people, admiration isn’t enough.He deserves worship.How are you responding to Him?Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew - This Is JesusTopic: The True King For All People, Worthy Of Worship.Bible Passage: Matthew 2:1-12Date: 27/02/26 T1 W4Website: restawe.com

Trust often feels risky.We find ourselves fact-checking, double-checking, and looking for a track record - because trust grows where faithfulness is proven.In Matthew 1:18–25, we’re confronted with a scandal: an unmarried young woman found to be pregnant. It’s a moment where trust is tested. Yet in the middle of uncertainty and fear, we see trust and obedience flourish as a promise hundreds of years in the making is fulfilled.The virgin birth isn’t just a miracle story; it’s a sign that God keeps His word.In this episode, we explore what it means to trust this Jesus.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew – This is JesusTopic: The Virgin-Born King You Can TrustBible Passage: Matthew 1:18–25Date: 20/02/26 T1 W3 Website: restawe.com

Matthew’s Gospel opens with a long list of names and at first glance, it doesn’t seem very exciting.But this genealogy isn’t random. It tells a story.From Abraham to David to the exile, God made promises to bless, to send a forever King, and to bring His people home. For centuries, those promises seemed stuck...Until Matthew writes: “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.”Have a listen to this weeks episode to hear how Jesus is the promised blessing, the true King who brings freedom, and the way home to God.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew – This Is JesusTopic: Three Promises, One FulfilmentBible Passage: Matthew 1:1–17Date: 2026 Term 1 Week 2Website: restawe.com

Who are we at Rest·Awe Youth and why do we exist?Before starting at the beginning of Matthew, we went to the end. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus gives a mission to His disciples: go and make disciples.That mission shapes everything about who we are at Rest·Awe Youth. We’re not just a Friday night hangout - we’re a community gathered around Jesus, learning to follow Him and helping others do the same.In this episode, we explore what it means to be a disciple-making community, why inviting matters, and how each of us can play a part in seeing souls saved, lives transformed, and joy restored.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Matthew – This Is JesusTopic: A Disciple Making CommunityBible Passage: Matthew 28:18–20Date: 2026 Term 1 Week 1 Website: restawe.com

It’s getting harder to know what’s real - fakes, filters, and false claims are everywhere. When it comes to Jesus, we can easily wonder, “How can I have confidence in him?”Thankfully, the apostle John wrote his letter of 1 John to people facing similar uncertainties.In this Rest·Awe Youth Talk, we began our new series in 1 John by seeing that confidence in the real Jesus leads to fellowship, joy, and a faith that stands firm in a world full of fakes.Join us in studying 1 John 1:1–4, where John reminds us that faith in Jesus isn’t blind. He and others heard, saw, and touched the Son of God - the Word of Life who stepped into history.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: 1 JohnTopic: Intro to 1 JohnBible Passage: 1 John 1:1–4Date: Term 4 Week 1 (17/10/25)Website: restawe.com

What are you living for? Now or Eternity?Are you just drifting with the tide - chasing what won’t last - or are you swimming toward Jesus, the only path to eternal life?This week at Rest·Awe Youth, we opened Colossians 3:1-17 to see how Jesus frees us to live not just for now, but for forever. Have a listen and hear what it means to set your heart on eternity and swim against the tide.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Against The TideTopic: Living for EternityBible Passage: Colossians 3:1-17Date: Term 3 Week 9 (19/09/25)restawe.com

Relationships can be complicated. Friends drift, dating gets messy, families clash. The tide around us says 'put yourself first'.This doesn't work.Jesus calls us to something greater: to love God above all, and to love others out of the overflow of His love for us.This week at Rest·Awe Youth we opened Matthew 22:34-40 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to see how following Jesus transforms our relationships.Have a listen and discover what it means to go against the tide of 'me first' and live a life of love for God and others.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Against The TideTopic: How We Relate (relationships)Bible Passages: Matthew 22:34-40, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 15:12-13, Romans 5:8-9, Philippians 2:3Date: Term 3 Week 7 (05/09/25)Website: restawe.com

We’re all thirsty for something. We long for peace, love, belonging, purpose...But too often we run to the wrong wells: approval, relationships, success, or scrolling endlessly on our phones. They promise life but leave us empty.In John 4, a woman comes to a well, thirsty and weighed down by shame. Jesus meets her there and offers her living water that truly satisfies.This week at Rest·Awe Youth, we explored what it means to stop chasing satisfaction from empty wells and instead come to Jesus for the eternal life only He can give.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Against The TideTopic: Invite Night Gospel TalkBible Passage: John 4:5–14Date: Term 3 Week 6 (29/08/25)Website: restawe.com

How we speak matters.We’ve all felt the sting of careless words, and we’ve all said things we wish we could take back.This week at Rest·Awe Youth we opened Ephesians 4:25-32 and 1 Peter 3:15 to explore how followers of Jesus are called to use their words. Have a listen and discover what it means to speak the truth to build others up.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Against The TideTopic: How We SpeakBible Passage: Ephesians 4:25-32 + 1 Peter 3:15Date: Term 3 Week 5 (22/08/25)Website:⁠ restawe.com⁠

We live in a world that never looks up. Screens glow, feeds refresh, and our lives get swallowed by endless scrolling. Social media, games, notifications on repeat… They shape us more than we want to admit.Jesus calls us to something better: to focus our attention on Him.Speaker: Sam FosterSeries: Against The TideTopic: Phones & Social MediaBible Passage: Colossians 3:1-17 + Matthew 18:8-9Date: Term 3 Week 4 (15/08/25)Website: restawe.com

Stress is everywhere, and it’s exhausting.This week at Rest·Awe Youth, we explored how following Jesus changes the way we handle stress and reshapes our priorities. From Martha’s busy kitchen to Mary’s place at Jesus’ feet, discover what it looks like to stress less, trust more, and prioritise Jesus in a world pulling us in every other direction.Speaker: Sam Foster Series: Against The Tide Topic: Stress & Priorities Bible Passages: Philippians 4:6–7 and Luke 10:38–42Date: Term 3 Week 3 (08/08/25) Website: ⁠restawe.com⁠

What if forgiveness isn’t impossible, even when everyone else is weighed down by bitterness and resentment? In this Rest·Awe Youth Talks episode, discover how God’s forgiveness of us through Jesus empowers us to forgive others. Listen now to learn how His grace helps you swim against the tide of unforgiveness and forgive.Speaker: Sam Foster Series: Against The Tide Topic: Forgive Because God Forgives Us Bible Passages: Colossians 3:13 & Matthew 18:21-35 Date: Term 3 Week 2 (01/08/25) Website: restawe.com

Speaker: Sam FosterTopic: Introduction to Living Against The TidePassage: Romans 12:2 + 1 John 2:15-17Date: Term 3 Week 1 (25/7/25)Series: Against The TideWebsite: restawe.com

Speaker: Sam Foster,Topic: The Comission,Passage: Acts 1:1-11,Date: Term 2 Week 1 (2/5/25),Series: The ACTS of the Apostles

Speaker: Sam Foster,Topic: Mission Continued!,Passage: Luke 24:13-52Date: Term 1 Week 9 (4/4/25),Series: Who is Jesus in Luke

Speaker: David BurdisTopic: Mission Accomplished?,Passage: Luke 23:33-24:12Date: Term 1 Week 8 (28/3/25),Series: Who is Jesus in Luke

Speaker: Jamie Woods,Topic: The Mission of Jesus,Passage: Luke 4:16-21Date: Term 1 Week 7 (21/3/25),Series: Who is Jesus in Luke

Speaker: Sam Foster,Topic: Jesus,Passage: Luke 5:17-26Date: Term 1 Week 6 (14/3/25),Series: Who is Jesus in Luke

Speaker: Sam Foster,Topic: Joy Restored,Passage: Date: Term 1 Week 5 (7/3/25),Series: Who We Are at Rest•Awe.

Speaker: Sam Foster,Topic: Souls Saved,Passage: Romans 5:6-8,Date: Term 1 Week 3 (21/2/25),Series: Who We Are at Rest•Awe.

Speaker: Sam Foster,Topic: AWE,Passage: Proverbs 9:10,Date: Term 1 Week 2 (14/2/25),Series: Who We Are at Rest•Awe.

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Life and Faith at war over Christmas, Passage: Ephesians 6:10-24, Date: Term 4 Week 8 (6/12/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Isaac McGregor, Topic: Life and Faith at home, Passage: Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Date: Term 4 Week 8 (6/12/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: How to live, Passage: Ephesians 5:1-20, Date: Term 4 Week 7 (29/11/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: How not to live, Passage: Ephesians 4:17-32, Date: Term 4 Week 6 (22/11/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Unity and Diversity, Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16, Date: Term 4 Week 5 (15/11/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Proclamation & Prayer, Passage: Ephesians 3, Date: Term 4 Week 4 (8/11/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: God's New Household, Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22, Date: Term 4 Week 3 (1/11/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Raised with Christ, Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10, Date: Term 4 Week 2 (25/10/24), Series: Entering and Exploring Ephesians (EEE)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: How can I live my best life now?, Date: Term 3 Week 10 (27/9/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)

Speaker: Mike Hottinger, Topic: Does God care when we hurt?, Date: Term 3 Week 7 (6/9/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Formal Night, Date: Term 3 Week 6 (30/8/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Hasn't Science disproven Christianity? Date: Term 3 Week 5 (23/8/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Can Jesus be true for me but not for you? Date: Term 3 Week 4 (16/8/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)

Speaker: Sam Foster, Topic: Can we just be good without God? Date: Term 3 Week 3 (9/8/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)

Speaker: Isaac McGregor, Topic: How can I believe the bible is true? Date: Term 3 Week 2 (2/8/24), Series: Topical Term Three (TTT)