Douglas North Audio
Leading Elder: Adrian Porter
The Power to Change
April 7, 2024 • Chris Staples • Romans 7:17–23, Romans 8:1–11, Galatians 5:16–25, John 16:13, Mark 9:24
Feeling stuck in a cycle of wanting to do good but ending up doing bad? In this message from our "Making Disciples" series, Chris Staples dives into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Chris explores Romans 7 and 8, highlighting the internal struggle between our desires and God's will. Chris reminds us that through Jesus' sacrifice, we are no longer condemned by this struggle. The Holy Spirit offers the power to change, setting us free from the grip of sin. Key Takeaways: 1. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the desires of the flesh and live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1-11). 2. By following the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:16-25). 3. The Holy Spirit changes our desires and equips us with the ability to live a life pleasing to God (John 16:13, Mark 9:24). Are you ready to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? Listen to this message and discover how the Holy Spirit can empower you to change your desires, your abilities, and ultimately, your life. This message is a powerful reminder that with God's help, we can overcome any obstacle and live a life that glorifies Him!
Good Friday Family Service: The Easter Story
March 29, 2024 • Panda Dooley • John 3:16–17
Calling all young adventurers! Join Panda this Good Friday for a fun-filled exploration of the Easter story! In this special family service, we'll learn all about: Jesus' incredible journey: We'll travel back in time and discover why Jesus came to Earth and the amazing things he did. The true meaning of Easter: Panda will explain, in a way kids can understand, the sacrifice Jesus made and why it's so important. Celebrating with joy: Even though Good Friday is a solemn day, we'll also hear about the amazing promise Easter brings! This service is perfect for families with children of all ages!
Follow Me
March 17, 2024 • Stuart Nelson • Ephesians 5:18–21, Hebrews 13:17, John 8:12, 1 Samuel 14:6–10, Luke 10:38–42
We need to be wise in who we follow. Who is the person you have decided to follow all the way? We need people around us to grow. What does your walk with Jesus look like? We should aim to use our ears twice as much as our mouth, as we have two ears and one mouth. "Know this, my brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (James 1:19). At all times we need to follow Jesus first and our leaders second.
Sunday is Special
March 10, 2024 • Chris Staples • 1 Corinthians 5:4, 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Hebrews 10:24–25, Acts 20:7
Is Sunday just another day of the week? In this sermon from our "Make Disciples" series, Chris Staples argues that Sunday holds special significance for Christians. He dives into three key reasons why gathering together on Sundays is crucial for our spiritual growth and for making disciples. 1. The Power of Jesus is Present: The Bible reminds us that when we come together in Jesus' name, his power is present (1 Corinthians 5:4). This creates an atmosphere where we can experience God's healing, miracles through the Holy Spirit's gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), and be built up in our faith (1 Corinthians chapters 7-11). 2. Sundays Offer Opportunities for Discipleship: Sunday gatherings allow us to learn from one another (1 Corinthians 11:1) and function as the body of Christ, each part contributing its unique gifts (1 Corinthians 12:27). We can encourage one another in our walk with Christ (Colossians 3:16), be equipped through God's word (2 Timothy 3:16), and be challenged to hold fast to the faith (2 Timothy 4:3-4). 3. Sundays Can Be a Place to Find Faith: Our gatherings can be a powerful witness for those seeking Jesus. The open and welcoming atmosphere (1 Corinthians 14:24-25) combined with the encouragement and support we offer (Hebrews 10:24-25) can create a space where people can encounter God's love and choose to follow him. Don't underestimate the power of Sundays! Listen to this episode and discover how actively participating in your church community can fuel your faith journey and empower you to make disciples for Christ.
Mentor
February 25, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Hebrews 6:1–3, 1 Corinthians 4:15–17, Matthew 28:19–20
If you don't change how we worship, it's like building your house on sand. Build strong foundations in others. Develop a life time of learning culture in ourselves. Develop a disciple making way of life. What can I do today? Invest ourselves in community life and have a next generation basis. We live in a broken world, so mentors are needed to speak into their lives.
Be Baptised
February 18, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Matthew 3:13–17, Acts 1:4–5, Matthew 28:19, Romans 13:13–14
We want to make mature Christians who can cope with what the world sends against us. Worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and mission. Too remember,, three ships and m&m's. The key scripture for this series is Matthew 28:19. The bible says when you are born, you are born in sin. The natural ability to sin is within us. Being baptised in Christ, you are covered in Christs holiness. Jesus although tempted was pure, he took all of our sin away. Have you been renewed and had your sins forgiven? 1) You need to be born again. 2) You must ask. 3) You must surrender. 4) You must be willing to obey the Holy spirit. Be Baptised!
A Jesus Culture Church
February 11, 2024 • Chris Staples • Matthew 28:18–20, 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Romans 8:13–14, Philemon 8–19
In this episode of the "Make Disciples" series, Chris Staples dives into the exciting concept of building a Jesus culture church. He takes inspiration from Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, and Philemon's letter to explore three key pillars of creating a community centred around Jesus and his teachings. 1. See Potential in Everyone: Staples reminds us that Jesus saw potential in everyone, like the fishermen Peter and Andrew he called to be his disciples. He encourages us to follow suit, recognizing the unique gifts and abilities within each member of our church community. 2. Give Ourselves: Building a Jesus culture church requires sacrifice and dedication. Staples emphasizes the importance of following Christ's example and giving ourselves wholeheartedly to serving others, just as Paul did for Onesimus in the book of Philemon. 3. Live in the Power of the Holy Spirit: True transformation comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Staples draws from Acts 1 and Romans 8 to underscore the importance of being led by the Spirit, putting to death the desires of the flesh, and embracing the truth that sets us free. This episode will challenge and inspire you to: * Recognize the potential within others in your church community. * Consider how you can personally contribute to building a Jesus culture. * Seek the power of the Holy Spirit to guide you in your walk of faith. Are you ready to be part of a church that reflects the heart of Jesus? Then listen to this episode and join Chris Staples on this journey of making disciples and building a vibrant Jesus culture church.
Heart Condition
January 28, 2024 • Adrian Porter • Matthew 13:3–4, Matthew 19:21–22, Matthew 13:5–6, Romans 10:9, Hebrews 12:1
God is moving in power and opening up the door of opportunity. He will us a disciples and bring people out of the darkness into the light. He wants us to grow but whilst we are on earth we are on virtual 'L' plates. The spirit part of our heart comes alive when we welcome Jesus into it. God has the heart of the father. God loved you when you were hard hearted, even before you let Jesus into your life. Then when someone is caring, their heart softens. God is working in the back ground. Your heart can be transformed in a moment by letting Jesus Christ into your life.
Commissioned for Love
January 14, 2024 • Adrian Porter • 1 Corinthians 12:27–28, Romans 10:13–15, Mark 12:30–31, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 12:12
Worship: Love God; Ministry: Love others; Commissioned for discipleship; Mission: go and make disciples; Fellowship: baptising them; Discipleship: teaching them,
The Big If...
January 7, 2024 • Adrian Porter • John 13:34–35, John 8:31–32, Joshua 1:8, Philippians 3:7–8, Matthew 16:25–26
In this first episode of the "Make Disciples" series, Adrian Porter tackles the big question: "What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?" He explores five key conditions that Jesus himself laid out in the Gospels: 1. Love for one another: As John 13:34-35 states, our love for each other is a hallmark of being Jesus' disciples. This love should be sacrificial and unconditional, just as Jesus loved us. 2. Rooted in God's word: John 8:31-32 tells us that true disciples abide in Jesus' word, seeking truth and freedom through his teachings. Joshua 1:8 further emphasizes the importance of meditating on God's word day and night for success and prosperity. 3. Denying yourself: Taking up your cross and following Jesus requires self-denial, as Luke 9:23-24 and Philippians 3:7-8 make clear. It's about prioritizing Christ above all else, even our own desires and comforts. 4. Putting Jesus first: Luke 14:25-26 challenges us to put Jesus above even our closest family and even our own lives. This doesn't mean hating them, but rather recognizing that our ultimate loyalty belongs to Christ. 5. Taking up your own cross: Following Jesus isn't always easy. It often involves sacrifice and hardship, as Luke 14:27 and Matthew 16:25-26 remind us. But ultimately, true discipleship leads to finding our lives in Christ. Porter concludes by inviting listeners to reflect on these questions: 1. What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Jesus? 2. How are you living out the five conditions mentioned in the sermon? 3. What resources can help you get more rooted in God's word? This sermon is a thought-provoking and challenging start to the "Making Disciples" series. It's sure to inspire you to examine your own walk with Christ and consider how you can grow as a disciple.