Hunter Christian Church

Doubt or Distance?In a world where everything is questioned, it’s no surprise that faith can feel uncertain too. We’ve been trained to investigate, to look for proof, to weigh both five-star and one-star reviews before we trust. So when it comes to God, many of us quietly ask, What’s actually true?Thomas understood that tension—and more than that, he gave it a voice. When the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord,” his response was simple and honest: “I wasn’t there… unless I see, I won’t believe.” He said out loud what many of us feel but often keep hidden. It wasn’t stubbornness—it was the gap between what he hoped was true and what he had personally experienced.But beneath his words was something deeper: Thomas’ real issue wasn’t doubt—it was distance. He hadn’t seen Jesus. He hadn’t had the encounter the others described. What he longed for wasn’t just answers, but presence.That gap is familiar. It shows up in unanswered prayers, unexpected grief, strained relationships, or dreams that never came to life. Often, we don’t lose faith because we stop wanting to believe, but because our reality doesn’t match our expectations. And instead of voicing that, we tend to hide it.But Thomas didn’t hide. He brought his doubt into the open—and Jesus met him there.When Jesus appeared, He didn’t rebuke Thomas. He invited him closer. “Put your finger here… stop doubting and believe.” Jesus closed the distance.This is the heart of faith: not pretending certainty, but bringing our honest questions to Jesus. Faith isn’t blind; it’s trust formed in relationship. As Hebrews reminds us, it’s being sure of what we hope for, even when we cannot yet see it.So whatever gap you’re carrying today, don’t keep it hidden. Bring it to Jesus. He still meets people there.Mark 

Have you ever considered that sometimes Jesus is closest when He feels hardest to recognise.On the road to Emmaus, two ordinary followers walk away from Jerusalem—away from the place where everything had happened. The cross. The empty tomb. The rumours of resurrection. They’re not running toward hope… they’re processing disappointment.“We had hoped…”Those three words carry so much weight. Hopes about how God would move. Expectations about how life would turn out. And when reality doesn’t match what we imagined, it’s easy to quietly walk away—still talking about Jesus, but no longer expecting Him.And yet, this is where the story turns.Jesus comes alongside them. Not in a dramatic moment. Not with overwhelming power. But quietly… walking, listening, asking questions. He was present, even when they didn’t perceive Him.Maybe that’s true for us too.Maybe the issue isn’t that Jesus is absent—but that we’ve missed Him in the ordinary. In the conversation. In the long drive. In the middle of our questions. Even in the disappointment.And maybe faith isn’t always about having clarity. Maybe it’s about learning to trust that He is near, even when it’s hard to see.So this week, slow down long enough to notice.  And in whatever you’re walking through, make this your prayer: “Jesus, help me to see You… even when it’s hard.” Walking the road with you,Mark

Let’s pick up where we left off. After Resurrection Sunday—where we remembered Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrated His victory—we now find ourselves in John 21, the final chapter of John’s Gospel.The disciples, unsure of what to do next, return to fishing. After a long, unsuccessful night, Jesus appears on the shore (though they don’t recognise Him at first) and tells them to cast their nets again, leading to a miraculous catch. It mirrors the moment when He first called them—but this time, they respond differently. They recognise His voice, and Peter rushes to Him. It’s a reminder that Jesus meets us where we are and gently calls us forward.We also see growth in the disciples. The first time, their nets broke under the weight of the miracle—but now, they hold. They’re ready. It’s a picture of how God develops us over time, often revisiting lessons until we grow.Finally, Jesus restores Peter after his denial, asking him three times, “Do you love me?” This isn’t about shame—it’s about restoration and calling. Peter isn’t disqualified, and neither are we. When we turn back and reconnect with Jesus, He restores us and leads us forward.Jesus is still our Shepherd—guiding, growing, and caring for us every step of the way.Bless ya Church!Dave

Last week I watched Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. It’s about man creating a man. The story shows that man is a terrible creator. He does not create Frankenstein with unconditional love but with ego.When the creature doesn’t meet expectations, he’s abandoned and left in loneliness. The story raises questions about what it means to be human and highlights the responsibility creators have toward what they create.It’s a great reminder that God created man and did not abandon him. Even when we rejected our creator, God pursues us. He did not create us for his own ego but for relationship. Luke 10:25-37 involves a conversation between Jesus and a religious person. It explains God’s command to love at personal expense. This command was at the heart of Jesus' own teaching. It’s the simple gospel. Love God - love people. This is the goal of the follower of Jesus but it’s a goal we have constantly failed because of sin.This is why the gospel is good news. Jesus came to overcome sin and teach us how to love. Following Jesus is a heart thing. It’s a decision you make to place him on the throne of your heart. The leader of your life. This position will alter the entire way you live and invites the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out. True change in a human heart is real change in the world. This is the new humanity. If we love, we will feed the hungryIf we love, we will help the poorIf we love, we won’t kill or murderIf we love, we won’t stealIf we love, we will be generousIf we love, we will forgiveWe can only love like this when we receive God’s abundant love for us. So today - when you say yes to Jesus and  live according to this love, you become part of the NEW HUMANITY.Now that’s good news worth sharing!!!! Sez

My hope is that as we read through Matthew 27–28, you were encouraged and a little challenged,  as we focused on the time between the crucifixion and resurrection—“ Black Saturday.”We see two responses to Jesus. Those who didn’t believe, who were still fearful and unsettled, even taking steps to secure the tomb. It shows that many people then and now wrestle with the question: What if Jesus really is who He said He is? On the other hand, the disciples—despite walking closely with Jesus—were afraid and unsure. Even after all they had seen, they struggled in the waiting. This reflects our own “Saturday” seasons, where God can feel distant, yet we know Jesus does not change, only our trust and faith in Him does. Then comes Sunday—Jesus rises, just as He promised. Hope is restored, faith is renewed, and we’re reminded that even without seeing, we are blessed when we have faith in HIM.Let this encourage us to trust Him, especially in the waiting, and to hold onto faith in every season.Bless yasDave

Good Friday reflection, How do you respond to Jesus and the cross.

The Joy of a Peaceful Mind. In my early 20s, I anchored my life in Philippians 4 which is a blueprint for a sound mind. I didn’t just read it; I let it shape how I think. Over time, I saw the truth of The Bible come alive. God’s Word is living and active, like a double-edged sword. Not harmful, but healing. Like a surgeon’s knife, it cuts away what doesn’t belong so clarity, peace, and truth can take root.Philippians is a letter of joy, and chapter 4 reveals the pathway to peace. On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem as King, with people declaring peace yet surrounded by uncertainty. It mirrors our own lives. There is always something to worry about, but worry keeps us stuck in a mental loop trying to control the uncontrollable. Instead, we’re invited into something better.It’s about seeing life from Gods perspective which produces joy. A mind that knows this truth will be in peace. Follow the instructions in Philippians 4: 6-9. Talk to God honestly, thank Him intentionally, and fix our thoughts on what is true. Our minds are often crowded with fear, comparison, and noise, but truth anchors us. Emotions may go up and down, but truth remains steadfast.When we choose It’s possible to feel sadness and still carry joy. As Hebrews reminds us, Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” Seeing life from God’s perspective transforms our minds and a mind grounded in truth becomes a mind at peace.So if you are struggling with worry today - choose surrender. You don’t need to be in control. Do what you can and hand it over to God. He is so trustworthy. Sez 

How good has it been going through the letters written by Paul to the Philippians?  This last Sunday was chapter 3. I love how God’s word teaches us about His character and about ourselves at the same time. The two main points from Sunday were found in verse 8 and verse 12. Verse 8 ALL things are rubbish (dung, poop) outside of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Paul had many reasons to boast, from who he was, to his standing in the community and even his adherence to religious expectations, but he counted it all loss, as garbage, compared to what it means to have Jesus as Lord and Saviour. I want to ask you what gets in your way? What has higher priority in your life than Jesus? Because that is what is ruling your life instead of Him. I used a basic example of an app that I thought had value in my life, but when confronted with the choice between it and Jesus - after some strong discussion, I yielded to Jesus. For you, it could be work, finance, family, gaming, hobbies, sport, friends - yep, i had a slide for this but forgot to reference it - these are not necessarily bad things, but are they in the place of Jesus in your life? Verse 12Jesus has laid hold of each of us for a purpose. What is yours? We each have the same reasons,  the same as Paul - to be made new, to be made into His image, to be His witnesses, to help others to conversion, to join in His suffering, and thereby His resurrection.  But how that is outworked might be specific to you. Lay hold of that. Jesus has laid hold of you! Which is not a touch footy term, it is a grab and tackle to the ground action, there is no question about it. Love you church Ps Ally 

First of all what an inspiration the church in Philippi is! It was small—around 75–100 believers—but it was growing despite strong persecution. Paul writes this letter while in prison, yet his message is full of joy and encouragement because the mission of Jesus was still moving forward. In Philippians 2:1–4 Paul gives a powerful picture of Christian community. If we are truly united with Christ, we should be marked by encouragement, love, compassion, and humility—valuing others above ourselves and looking out for their interests, not just our own.Unity like this doesn’t happen automatically. It grows through humility, sacrifice, and serving together for the sake of the Gospel.It’s a powerful reminder that following Jesus isn’t about serving ourselves, but about loving and serving others as Christ did.Homework for the week:Spend some time soaking in Philippians 2:1–4. Read it slowly, reflect on it, and ask God to shape your heart through it.As we lean into Him, humility, kindness, and unity will grow—and our lives will begin to shine in a world that often focuses only on self.Thanks for being part of this journey together.Dave

Citizens of Another KingdomIn a world where identity is often tied to nationality, status, and security, Paul writes to believers in Philippi with a startling reminder: their truest citizenship is in heaven. Philippi was a proud Roman colony. Roman citizenship meant protection, privilege, and belonging. It shaped how people saw themselves and how they behaved.Yet from a Roman prison cell, Paul calls the church to live as citizens of another kingdom.This wasn’t poetic language. It was a shift in allegiance.Heavenly citizenship reshapes everything. It reshapes our relationships — we see others not as competitors or inconveniences, but as partners in the gospel. It reshapes our circumstances — even hardship can serve God’s purposes. It reshapes our identity — “For to me, to live is Christ.” When Christ defines us, we are no longer controlled by success or threatened by loss. And it reshapes our conduct — our lives begin to visibly reflect the values of our true King.Citizens live differently because they belong somewhere.The question Philippians invites us to consider is simple: what kingdom shapes your instincts? What governs your reactions, your ambitions, your loyalties?When Christ becomes our life, everything else finds its proper place. Our security rests not in temporary passports or shifting circumstances, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God.Today, live aware of where you truly belong.What would change in your life this week if you consciously lived as a citizen of heaven?

Holiness begins here: in the renewal of the heart.To be holy isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be set apart. It looks a lot like repentance. Turning away from our behaviour into our true identity - a child of God. We are called to be holy. It’s living with a heart that values what God values—a heart that fears breaking His. Holiness looks like integrity, truth, and a radical love that overflows toward others. Holiness costs us selfishness but gives us freedom.

Have you been feeling challenged by recent world events? Are you like me, and feeling the squeeze of the slipping moral/ethical values in our world and wonder, what's going to be next?It also seems that revival is stirring around the world, with university campuses having open worship before starting the academic year. Salvations and baptisms around Australia and other places are increasing....If we read the unfolding events of Gideon in Judges 7... and then look back at the lead-up to these events in Judges 6, we see that God had a plan to rescue His people. He needed people to hear and respond to the plan. This plan was impossible for man to do, and totally reliant on God to move. An amazing victory occurred at the end. I'm prompted to believe that while things may be growing dark in the world around us, God has a plan for our ultimate well-being. It might get uncomfortable in the meantime.... but God's goodness and His plan will have an amazing ending. Let's lean in to listen, do what He asks, pray for our families, communities, and the world, encourage each other... and trust the promises in His word - that His plan ends better than we could imagine. 

God’s desire has always been for His children to grow into maturity — to become true sons and daughters who reflect His heart and carry His authority. When Jesus began His ministry, His message was simple: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). He was calling people to change their thinking — to see life from God’s perspective and live under His loving rule.In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus described what life in this Kingdom looks like: loving your enemies, blessing those who persecute you, forgiving instead of judging, and showing mercy rather than retaliation (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:37–38). This is what maturity in the Kingdom looks like — reflecting the Father’s heart.We grow into mature sons and daughters not by striving, but by surrendering to the Holy Spirit. As we allow Him to transform us, we begin to live and love as our Father in heaven does.

Paul’s message hits hard: faith isn’t passive — it’s active. He calls us to be living sacrifices, not just living for ourselves, but surrendered to God in everything.It starts with renewing your mind, so you can discern truth in a world full of noise, fear, and contradiction. (Sound familiar?) When you’re rooted in Christ, you see clearly.Then Paul reminds us: we’re not solo Christians. We each bring something — gifts that build up the Church. Don’t sit on them. Use them. Your design is on purpose.And the real marker? ❤️ LOVE. Not fake love, but the kind that refuses to repay evil with evil. We overcome darkness with good.Paul then talks about submitting to authority — not to blindly obey, but to live respectfully and courageously for God.And in chapters 14–15: stop dividing over minor stuff. Love each other. Carry each other. Stay on mission, “by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God.” 🙌There’s a lot in here friends!

Romans 9 kicks off with Paul asking the question of God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting that not all descendants of Abraham are “true” members of God's people. Which brings up the hardening of hearts question, which then leads to the theories about divine justice and free will. The beauty of His word is that the whole bible tells us His nature, so when we reference scriptures like 1 Timothy 2:4-5 and John 3:17 we know that God’s desire is that ALL will be saved.  Romans 10 highlights the importance of proclaiming the gospel, “ faith comes from hearing the message of Christ”. Paul insists that anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved, and as believers, our goal is to get that message out! Lastly Romans 11, he clarifies that God has not rejected Israel; their unbelief opens the door for ALL. The covenant with Abraham was for all nations, and God's plan always included reaching Gentiles while ultimately restoring Israel. Paul emphasises that salvation is by grace, not works. He reminds us never to become self righteous or prideful, but to remain thankful to be grafted into God's family. He concludes with a promise that Israel will eventually be brought back, fulfilling God’s covenant of forgiveness.

Paul connects the story of Jesus back to Adam, the first man, who fell into sin and caused humanity to struggle with sin. In Romans 5, he explains that Adam's disobedience resulted in everyone becoming sinners, while Jesus, referred to as the "New Adam," through His obedience provides a way for people to be made righteous. This is significant because it illustrates a change from being “sinners" to being seen as “righteous/Sons/saints" through Christ.  Paul emphasizes that through Jesus, believers have been released from the old laws and live according to the Spirit, which leads to life. This new identity means there is no condemnation for those in Christ, who are now seen as children of God rather than slaves to sin. 

Romans begins with a powerful reminder, our righteousness has been given to us through faith in Jesus, not by our works. Navigating that freedom in Him can sometimes be challenging, like it was for the Jews and Gentiles, who struggled to put their “old ways” behind them and embrace a new day in Christ. Let me encourage you again with this powerful verse, Romans 2:16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declaresIt’s all about the secret place of our hearts. Jesus’ judgment or discernment is given to us with compassion and grace, our goal is to act out our walk in faith, letting our works become a sign of our love and surrender to Him, preparing us THE CHURCH, as His beautiful bride

There is a divine invitation that requires our personal response. There is a closeness between Heaven and earth at the moment, let’s lean into that! Psalm 27:8 the psalmist responds in his heart, as we often do, but having the right heart posture - while a good start - is not the same as actually spending the time in communion with Him. He wants to fill us with His spirit, but we settle for less than that. The Holy Spirit is a gift that has been given, regardless of how you believe that happens or when, He is not for the shelf or our pocket but for our empowering and constant companionship. We do not want to be those who have a form of godliness but deny its power as 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says. But rather in constant relationship with Him as described in John 17:20-23, listening and responding to His whispers throughout our day - what a glorious privilege. Take the time this week to “Come Away” with Him, to open the door as He knocks, to dine with Him. Just you and Him. Jesus paid the price for us, and if we acknowledge and receive that then He deserves all of us, not just the parts we’re willing to give to Him - ALL. 

Have you ever looked at the world and thought, something’s not right? Leaders abuse power, systems crush the vulnerable, and injustice runs rampant. These cracks in society aren’t new. In Ezekiel’s day, the leaders were corrupt, the priests ignored truth, the prophets lied, and the people were selfish. God surveyed the scene and said: “I looked for someone… to stand in the gap… but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30) What a chilling statement. God longed for someone to pray, to act, to hold the line—but found no one willing. History shows us people who did stand in the gap: William Wilberforce fought slavery for decades. Dietrich Bonhoeffer resisted Nazi evil at great cost. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke for justice when silence was safer. Each looked at broken walls and said, not on my watch. But ultimately, there was a gap no human could fill—the one between a holy God and sinful humanity. Into that gap stepped Jesus. On the cross, He became our Mediator, reconciling us to God once and for all (1 Timothy 2:5–6). Now the invitation comes to us. The gaps in our world are real—spiritual, relational, cultural. And God is still looking. To pray for those who can’t pray for themselves. To stand beside the broken and the lonely. To point people to Jesus, the only true bridge. You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to be willing. The question is: when God looks at you, will He find someone ready to stand in the gap?

Psalm 23 isn’t just a nice verse on a tea towel—it’s an invitation to do life with the Good Shepherd. Calling- God Calls You By Name Capacity- Out of Your Comfort ZoneComfort- And empowers you with His Holy Spirit! As you listen take a moment to think about where are you today—embracing your calling, stretching your capacity, or receiving His comfort?

In a time of political upheaval and spiritual opportunity, can we see what God is doing and have the conviction to respond accordingly?Our challenge is to remain spiritually sensitive—to hear God’s voice above the noise, to understand the uncertain times we live in, and to faithfully respond to His call.

Kicking off the year and series on what it is to be a "follower" of Jesus.