It's Christmas Eve and we reflect on if Christmas is really worth it.

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In this episode we reflect on the 3rd Sunday in Advent focused around joy. John the Baptist “denied his own comforts and was prepared to die for what he believed because He wanted to share this joyful news with others.”

Jesus has been sharing his message with all who have ears to hear (and eyes to see). Though many have rejected the message, many have accepted and received Jesus. However, they still do not fully see who Jesus is (illustrated literally when Jesus heals the blind man).

Peter is the first to confess Jesus is the Christ, but even He doesn't fully understand as Jesus follows this by explaining that he must die and that the trust cost of discipleship that that we pick up our cross and follow him – making ourselves a living sacrifice, being willing to give up our individual ambitions (and more), and willing to go where Jesus leads us.

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Pastor Jonathan takes us through Mark 7 when Jesus has an interaction with a Phoenician woman seeking deliverance for her child from a demon. At first, it appears that he is being very harsh and dare we say possibly racist? Her child was healed because of her faith, and we learn what Jesus was communicating and that our task is to share hope, peace, joy, love and light with the world.

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This week we are joined by the Rev. David Fuller who brings a message of the immense power of forgiveness that Jesus provides and how our Christian lives should demonstrate that.

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In this episode the Rev. Lynne Ellis joins us as we continue through the gospel of Mark. We look at how knowing the Lord is about expecting the unexpected, and also how Jesus exercised his authority, challenging the expectations of the day. He also leaves us with the challenge to feed on things that draw us closer to God so we can be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2)

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In this episode, the Rev. Lynne Ellis takes us through Mark 6: 1-6 when Jesus tried to minister in his own home town the atmosphere of doubt was not conducive to miracles. We are challenged to have faith in the absolute authority of God to heal and answer our prayers and what that should look like as followers of Jesus.

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In this episode we are joined by the Rev. Lynne Ellis as we go further into the book of Mark and look at to how the heart of faith knows that God alone has the power to do all things.

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As we continue through the book of Mark, our passage Mark 4:35-5:19 again answers the question: Who is Jesus?

The first thing we see is human reactions to human circumstances – Jesus (and the disciples) are tired by the burden of ministry. But rather than finding rest, they encounter a storm (as is so often the case). The disciples panic and rebuke Jesus for his lack of awareness.

We then see the divine reaction. Jesus commands creation to be calm and creation obeys. Jesus then rebukes his disciples for their lack of faith (their lack of awareness). But the disciples are starting to see more of who Jesus is and respond with due reverence our Lord and Saviour.

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