Alice Springs Baptist Church

(1 John 1:5-2:2) As we begin our journey through the letter of 1 John, tonight Iain takes the opportunity to unpack the powerful and beautiful language that John uses in 1 John chapter 1. Here we are shown 3 fundamental truths, that challenge us to consider our own hearts, and the masks which we try to hide behind.

(Mark 12:13-17) Today we continue to follow along with Jesus' last week and we encounter a moment where some Pharisees and Herodians are sent by the leaders of the Jews to trap Jesus with a question about imperial taxes. Yet knowing their intent, Jesus not only sidesteps the trap but chooses to turn it into a teaching about our relationship with the world. Join us as Iain unpacks what Jesus is speaking about, while also inviting us to consider what it looks like for us to engage with the things of the world.

(Genesis 32:22-31) As we come to the end of our clasping the heel series we encounter Jacob's most famous story. A night-time wrestle with the God of the Universe. Gavin takes the opportunity to unpack how this is an invitation from God to wrestle about the things of faith, and that it doesn't always come easily. Jacob's story is one that gives our stories hope as we engage with the things of God. Join us as we explore this desire for more in this powerful story.

(Mark 12:1-12) As we continue to explore Jesus' last week in Jerusalem we come to a challenging and directed parable. In the parable of the Tenants, Jesus challenges the hard hearts of the Teachers of the Law, Elders and Chief Priests while also inviting us to reflect - How do we respond to accountability? Join us today as Iain unpacks this parable and invites us to reflect on our own journey with God.

(Micah 6:1-8) As we conclude our short series on the Prophet Micah, we come to one of the most famous passages of the prophet. Here Mike takes the opportunity to unpack how God is not simply after lip service, or for us to go through the motions while our minds are elsewhere. Instead, God is wanting is to be engaged and focused on Him. Join us as Mike unpacks what this message meant to Israel at the time, and how it applies to us today.

(Mark 11:27-33) As we continue to explore Jesus' final week we come to a situation in which Jesus is questioned upon whose authority He is doing what He is doing. As we pause and read this passage we see that Jesus' response is a powerful lesson in how we should respond when questions are asked. Join us as Gavin unpacks how Jesus responds, and challenges us to consider; What question is God asking us?

(Micah 4:1-5) As we continue to explore the major themes of Micah's prophetic ministry, we are reminded that not only does he challenge the people that destruction is coming, there are also passages that speak to incredible hope for the people of God. As Philip takes the opportunity today to unpack Micah 4:1-5, we unpack some of the hope that he shares as he looks to the future fulfilment of God's kingdom bringing hope to all people and nations.

(Mark 11:12-25) As we continue to explore Jesus' final week in Jerusalem we come to a strange series of events. Jesus curses a fig tree, flips tables in the temple and then speaks to the disciples about the power of prayer. What is going on with all these events? While seemingly random and unconnected, Jesus is actually revealing and speaking to God's heart for His people. Join us this morning as Dave Clark takes the time to unpack and challenge us to consider what these events from Jesus mean for us.

(Micah 2:6-11) Tonight we begin a new 3 week series looking into the Old Testament prophet, Micah. Here we are not doing a deep dive into the whole book, but instead choosing to consider some of the major themes that come out of the book, and considering how they relate to us as the people of God today. Here in chapter 2 we see Micah challenging the prophets of his day with their attitudes at allowing injustices to reign down upon the people. Here we are forced to consider the question, do we do the same thing?

(Mark 11:1-11) Today we come to an incredibly important event in Jesus' ministry, one that is recorded in all 4 Gospels, His triumphal entry to Jerusalem as King. As we come to this event that we remember each year on Palm Sunday, we also encounter another challenging moment where the disciples receive a confusing command from Jesus. Will they listen in spite of their confusion? Join us as Megan unpacks this event, and invites us to consider how we respond to God's call on our lives.

(Mark 10:46-52) As we come to the end of a key section of Mark's Gospel we are introduced to a blind man by the name of Bartimaeus sitting outside of Jericho. Once again we witness Jesus bringing sight to a blind man, proving that He is the messiah, and yet this passage is about so much more than a healing. Join us today as Iain takes the opportunity to slow down this account, and unpack what is going on.

(Mark 10:35-45) As we pick up our Gospel of Mark series once again, Gavin is unpacking a strange situation between James, John and Jesus that happens on the way to Jerusalem. These two disciples come to Jesus and ask him for positions of power. Yet, this request comes from the wrong understanding of the power Jesus brings. Join us as Gavin unpacks how Jesus responds to this request and encourages us about the ways Jesus meets us in our misunderstandings, and guides us to Himself

(Ecclesiastes 3:1:-14) As we come to the end of our 4 week series exploring the words of Qoholet; the Teacher, we come to a very famous passage of Ecclesiastes which reminds us of the tension that comes from the pain of time. We all encounter specific moments, and seasons in our lives, and yet we also have eternity in our hearts. We live in the midst of these competing forces, and so what are we meant to do about this? Join us as Gavin unpacks these verses, and the message God has for us.

(Ecclesiastes 2) *Please note that there are some gaps in the start of this message due to technical issues* As we spent time in community with each other at Church Camp Iain continued our series exploring the limitations of who we are. Today we unpack the things that Qoholet pursues in seeking to bring meaning to their life. Join us as Iain shares about the 3 things Qoholet pursues, and the tension that comes from how God created us.

(Ecclesiastes 1:12-18) As we continue our series engaging with Ecclesiastes we have the privilege of hearing Melinda Cousens, current Director of Ministries with BCSANT sharing with us on the weariness of wisdom. Today we unpack the various tensions that come from seeking knowledge. As The Teacher in Ecclesiastes shares, seeking wisdom can lead to grief and sorrow! Melinda takes the opportunity to unpack the various tensions at play, and to offer a suggestion of what it looks like to live in the middle of them.

(Colossians 3:1-15) As Gavin finishes our series in Colossians we encounter chapter 3 and a challenge from Paul to consider who we truly are. Are we living in the old clothes and ways of living that we used to live in before Jesus, or have we chosen to put on the new wardrobe He purchases for us with His blood? Join us as we look at and explore what Paul has to say to us today

(Ecclesiastes 1:1-14) As we begin our new series exploring the strange words of Ecclesiastes found in the Old Testament, we come face to face with the words of Qoholet, the Teacher, as he wrestles with the limitations that we all face in life. Today as Gavin unpacks some background for the series and begins to look at Ecclesiastes 1:1-14 we encounter the reminder that these limitations that we face are not there to depress us, but to remind us of the constant truth of God.

(Colossians 2:6-15) As we continue our journey through some of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that Paul is sharing with the Colossian church, we come to chapter 2. Here Mike takes the opportunity to remind of the truth that Christ is Enough, that we don't need fear that will lead us into legalism. Instead, we are able to worship God without needing human made rules. Join us as we consider this important and encouraging truth.

(Ephesians 4:1-16) Today we have Mikey Lindsey, one of our Mission Partners from MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) joining us to share and unpack the beautiful truths about unity that are found in Ephesians 4:1-16. As he does so, he also takes the opportunity to share a little about MAF, the work they are doing and what is coming up for him and Naomi as they step forward into their next steps.

(Colossians 1:15-23) As we look at the first of 3 'treasures of wisdom and knowledge' that Paul shares with the church at Colossae, we see Paul sharing the beautiful words of what is believed to be an ancient church hymn. Rather than trying to share some new idea, Paul is inviting the church to pause and consider 'Who is this Jesus that you worship?' Join us tonight as Iain begins this new series in Colossians and unpacks the beautiful reminder that Paul has as he seeks to encourage.