Northside Church - Sydney

A recurring theme throughout the pages of the Bible - and especially in the teachings of Jesus, is that of unity. Jesus prayed for His disciples and pleaded with His Father "that they might be one". The Body of Christ is always at it's most effective when there's harmony and unity among its members. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: In Case You Missed It Week 2: The Strength of Unity is Incalculable

Trusting The Unseen – Faith as Conviction Some people, when faced with tough circumstances, are crushed, while some on the other hand emerge even stronger. How do you live a life of such centredness and balance, fearlessness and greatness, that you can face anything? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Trusting the Unseen - Faith As… Week 2: Faith As Conviction

During his 16 years of ministry at Northside, a number of themes have kept recurring in Graham’s weekly sermons. In this, his final series as Senior Pastor, Graham re-visits four of those themes as a way of reinforcing to the Northside congregation what he believes to be the essential truths of Christianity. There’s not been a time in recent history, when the Church in Australia has experienced more criticism and derision than it is right now. It raises the question: “What is the future of the Church in this country?” Graham will leave us in no doubt as to where he believes the Church is heading. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: In Case You Missed It Week 1: The Church of Jesus Christ Will Prove Invincible

Trusting the Unseen: Faith as Understanding Some people when faced with tough circumstances are crushed, while some on the other hand emerge even stronger. How do you live a life of such centredness and balance, fearlessness and greatness, that you can face anything? Reading; Hebrews 11:1-7 (NIV) Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Trusting the Unseen Week 1: Faith As Conviction

Defining Moments – I Can Graham had just graduated from Theological College in Melbourne and was filing out of a huge hall with his fellow graduates, while the congregation sang the old hymn “Be Thou my Vision”. It was at that defining moment Graham sensed God was asking “Can you accept a vision from me to build a great church?” His quiet, inner response was “I Can” and that moment has helped shape Graham’s entire ministry. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Defining Moments Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 (GNT)

Graham was standing next to a beautiful young woman at the front of a church in Ipswich, Queensland, when the minister asked the question: “Do you take this woman to be your wedded wife?” He answered with an emphatic “I Do” and that response began a union now in its 42nd year. In Graham’s own words, the impact of this defining moment on his life and ministry has been incalculable. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Defining Moments - I Do (2/3) Reading: Proverbs 18:15-24 (GNT)

Graham was 15 when he stepped forward at the close of a service in a small church meeting in Wiley Park and answered “I Will” to the question posed by the Minister: “Will you now take Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?” This defining moment was to ultimately lead to a lifetime of service and ministry. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Defining Moments - I Will (1/3) Reading: Romans 5:1-11 (GNT)

Do you sometimes find people infuriating to the point where you seriously wonder if you’re the only “normal person” in your family, work place, and among your friends? What does the Bible say about getting on with others? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Am I The Only Normal Person Left?

As Christians we have resources, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word of God, enabling us to effectively get along with others – irrespective of who they are and what they may have done. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: GETTING ALONG... A Biblical perspective on Relationships - Getting Along - with the person whom I have hurt and offended... (4/4)

As Christians we have resources, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word of God, enabling us to effectively get along with others – irrespective of who they are and what they may have done. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: GETTING ALONG... A Biblical perspective on Relationships - Getting Along - with the person who has frustrated me... (3/4)

An Unconventional Freedom – For Servanthood Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: An Unconventional Freedom (5/6) Reading: Mark 10:35-45 (GNT)

Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: GETTING ALONG... A Biblical perspective on Relationships - Getting Along - with the person who has hurt me... (1/4) As Christians we have resources, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word of God, enabling us to effectively get along with others – irrespective of who they are and what they may have done.

An Unconventional Freedom – For Good Not Evil Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: An Unconventional Freedom (4/6) Reading: Romans 12:14-21 (NIV)

You and I have an enemy and we are in his cross hairs on a daily basis. Thankfully we are blessed with protection from the Armour of God and while every piece is vital to our spiritual survival, there is one piece in particular that can make us bulletproof to the enemy and will ensure that we stand firm in our faith with a consistency that leads to a victorious life. Speaker: Edwina Blair Series: Bulletproof

Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: An Unconventional Freedom Reading: Romans 8:1-17 (NIV)

The events of that very first Easter Sunday form the very epicentre of the Christian Faith! As Paul says: “If Christ be not raised, our faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 5:17). In other words, without the Resurrection, Christianity is reduced to little more than an attractive moral and ethical code – but with no power to live it out. The Empty Tomb is the most important of all the Easter locations! Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: On Location at Easter (4/4) Reading: John 20:11-18 (GNT)

A reflective service including music, dramatic presentation and an Easter message. Speaker: Graham Agnew

The Cross changes our relationship with God and to God. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: An Unconventional Freedom (2/6) Reading: Romans 5:1-10 (NIV)

Theologians have grappled with the death of Jesus for centuries, trying to put into words what it meant for the Son of God to die for the sins of the world. However, at the bottom line, it’s not so much an explanation we need but rather, courage to accept the invitation which the Cross extends – namely: to be reconciled to God, through Christ’s death. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: On Location at Easter (3/4) Reading: John 19:16-22 (GNT)

The Cross. It is one of the most universally recognised symbols in the world. It’s found in paintings, jewellery stores, neon lights, buildings and much more… yet, what happens when it finds its way into your life? As we head towards Easter, are you open to discovering the “Unconventional Freedom” the Cross can bring to your life today? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: An Unconventional Freedom (1/6) Reading: Galatians 5:10-13; 6:14-16 (NIV)

Jesus’ mock trial was held in Pilate’s Palace, but as we study the conversation between the two men it begs the question: who really was on trial? Pilate is compelled to do some unexpected soul-searching as he tries to ascertain exactly who Jesus is. What to do with Jesus is something everyone must face at one time or another... Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: On Location at Easter (2/4) Reading: John 18:28-38 (GNT)

Graham will challenge us all to have a serious look at how we view prayer. Are our prayers all “one way traffic” or are we also listening to God…responding to His voice? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Headlines

The most striking aspect of our Lord’s time in the Garden of Gethsemane is the way His humanity is put onto centre stage. It’s clear, from a human perspective, He did not want to go through with the Cross. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: On Location at Easter (1/4) Reading: Matthew 26:36-46 (GNT)

Temptation in its many forms is an ongoing source of struggle for us all. The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted and tested, just like us – so it’s reasonable (given He was both human and divine) to ask how He handled the pressure? We just may find help for ourselves, when we’re tempted… Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Coffee with Jesus

When you hear the word hospitality, you may think of a work party or a luxury hotel and yet, the Bible's definition differs dramatically. Why is it that Christians are always welcoming strangers into their places, and how can this practice impact your life? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Why Do Christians... (6/6) Reading: Hebrews 13:1–14 (NIV)

Many Christians struggle with the notion of "God's will for my life", so in a quiet moment with Jesus over coffee, it seems like the natural question to ask. How is He going to answer? What are the key elements in discovering God's will for our lives? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Coffee with Jesus (3/4) Reading: John 14:1-7 (GNT)

Why Do Christians....Forgive Being slighted or hurt by others in this life is the given. How you go about healing the fallout is the variable. Whereas, many think of the act of forgiveness is a private and reactive response, Christians see it as a corporate and proactive discipline. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Why Do Christians... (5/6) Reading: Matthew 5:21-26(NIV)

Coffee With Jesus Many Christians struggle with the notion of "God's will for my life", so in a quiet moment with Jesus over coffee, it seems like the natural question to ask. How is He going to answer? What are the key elements in discovering God's will for our lives? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Am I doing what you want me to do? (2/4)

Why Do Christians…Make Friends A common drawback to the Sydney life is that many newcomers say it is so hard to make friends. Yet, here in the church we have a context where your school, country of birth or social status is no longer the basis for connecting to others. Why is that? Join us as we look at the practice and power of Spiritual Friendship. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Why Do Christians… (4/6) Reading: Galatians 5:26–6:5(NIV)

Coffee With Jesus So, you find yourself about to sit down and have a coffee with Jesus and it suddenly hits you: “Why ME?” Of all the people He could be talking to in this way, why has He agreed to do coffee with me? What is it about me that would lead Him to do this? What does He think of me? What does He want from me? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Coffee With Jesus: Why would you want to have coffee with ME? (1/4) Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 (GNT)

Why Do Christians…Eat Bread/Drink From Cups Communion, (or the Eucharist to use the old language), is a fundamental feature of many churches, and a highlight at Northside every week. How could, what looks like an outdated practice of eating bread and drinking grape juice, actually bring you a freedom and joy that may not have yet been discovered? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Why Do Christians… (3/6) Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:18–34 (NIV)

The Table: Why Christians Take Communion It is a highlight of Northside’s service every week, yet is it just tradition or something more? What does it mean when we “take communion”? Why do Christians drink from cups and eat bread during the Sunday service? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: The Table (1/1) Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:18-34 (NIV)

Why Do Christians…Give In a world where so many aim to hang on to their wealth vigorously, there is a Family of people (Christians) who are trying to vigorously give it it away each week…. WHY is that, and how can it change you for the better? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Why Do Christians… 2/6) Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:4-11 (NIV)

When…You Serve Service is at the heart of the Christian lifestyle. Jesus Christ set the standard when He said: “the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve…” Having said that, how we serve and the attitude we have in our service can have a profound effect on our effectiveness. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: When… (3/3) Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 (GNT)

Why Do Christians…Sing Christians can do a lot of crazy looking things. From singing in church, to giving away their money, to hanging out with people the have nothing in common with. Is this just a matter of hanging on to irrelevant traditions, or is there a far deeper dynamic to it all, that could radically change your life this year? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Why Do Christians… (1/6) Reading: Psalm 95 (NIV)

When…You Give The issue of money, especially our giving to the Lord’s work, has always been a controversial issue within the life of the church. People are very sensitive about what they give and how they give – but it need not be so. The Bible lays down clear guidelines about what should happen when we give…. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: When… (2/3) Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 (GNT)

Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving – In Your Work Christianity exploded during a time not that different from today… everyone’s religion was personal and there were many God’s to choose from. Yet, it wasn’t just the attractiveness of the Christian message that took off. Plenty of accounts reflect the power of what happened when people were “Planted” in Christian Community. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving (4/4)

When...You Pray To this day, the "model" prayer given by Jesus to His disciples provides the most effective framework for prayer anyone could ever find. It covers all of the essential components of prayer - both in respect to our needs and those of others... Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: When... (1/3) Reading: Matthew 6:5-15 (GNT)

Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving – In Community Christianity exploded during a time not that different from today… everyone’s religion was personal and there were many God’s to choose from. Yet, it wasn’t just the attractiveness of the Christian message that took off. Plenty of accounts reflect the power of what happened when people were “Planted” in Christian Community. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving (3/4) Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-5,9-10 (GNT)

God’s New Thing – The New You In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes followers of Jesus as “new beings”, whom God is “constantly renewing in His own image”. It’s a powerful description of our life in Christ and one which opens up unlimited possibilities for for growth and renewal…if we’re willing. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: God’s New Thing (3/3) Reading: Colossians 3:8-14 (GNT)

Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving – In Truth In a world that is constantly moving, what if in 2014 you were a person who was resolute in the face of challenges, calm in the midst of chaos, unsinkable under the weight of pressure? It’s possible… when you discover how to be “Planted” Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving (2/4) Reading: James 1:18-27 (NIV)

God's New Thing - The New Perspective One of the most serious of all conditions affecting God's people is "hardening of the attitudes"! Sure the Gospel message never changes, but how we package and present it must be constantly under review. Flexibility and a willingness to risk are key requirements for the Christian who wants to experience freshness and vitality in their journey with Christ. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: God's New Thing (2/3) Reading: Matthew 9: 14-17 (GNT)

Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving – In God In a world that is constantly moving, what if in 2014 you were a person who was resolute in the face of challenges, calm in the midst of chaos, unsinkable under the weight of pressure? It’s possible… when you discover how to be “Planted” Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Planted: Finding Stability in a World That’s Moving (1/4) Reading: Psalm 1:1-6 (KJV)

God’s New Thing – The New Direction When God talks about “making a road through the wilderness” and “providing streams of water in the desert” He is clearly indicating there’s a new direction available to His people. Now it’s possible to go through the wilderness areas that were impossible before; now there’s not only a roadway but there’s refreshment as well. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: God’s New Thing (1/3) Reading: Isaiah 43: 18-21 (GNT)

Standing at the Threshold: And New Hope As the smell of pine needles starts to fade, and the bins full of wrapping paper and half-eaten turkey go out, the mood post-Christmas changes from celebration to contemplation. In this brief New Years series, we ponder the Bible's insights into those threshold moments, between the pains of unmet expectations, and power of new hope. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Standing at the Threshold (2/2) Reading: Ephesians 1:13-23 (NIV)

Standing at the Threshold: Of Unmet Expectation As the smell of pine needles starts to fade, and the bins full of wrapping paper and half-eaten turkey go out, the mood post-Christmas changes from celebration to contemplation. In this brief New Years series, we ponder the Bible's insights into those threshold moments, between the pains of unmet expectations, and power of new hope. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Standing at the Threshold (1/2) Reading: Mark 5:25-43 (NIV)

Re-Tale Therapy - Rediscovering the Story of Christmas: Wow Starts Now One of the great challenges of Christmas shopping is not only the parking, but untangling the true message of Christmas from the advertising. In this series, we’ll take the Christmas campaign title of three major retailers and give them a bit of ‘Re-Tale Therapy’. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Re-Tale Therapy - Rediscovering the Story Behind Christmas: Wow Starts Now (3/3) Reading: Matthew 1:20-23 (NIV)

The Miracle of Christmas - the miracle of the manger “God with us…”, in the form of a baby no less! How outrageous! How unbelievable! How miraculous! That’s the miracle of what the theologians call “The Incarnation”: God in human form. The reality of this theological truth has profound implications for every human being in that there is no aspect of our humanity God has not experienced and does not understand. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: The Miracle of Christmas - the miracle of the manger (3/3) Reading: Luke 1:6-14 (GNT)

Re-Tale Therapy - Rediscovering the Story Behind Christmas: The Power of Give In a world where relationships are constantly blowing themselves apart, luckily Woolworths is "Bringing Christmas Together" this year! Surely it takes more than some fresh food and bon bons, to mend those relational divides at Christmas right? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Re-Tale Therapy - Rediscovering the Story Behind Christmas (2/3) Reading: Colossians 1:19-23 (NIV)

The Miracle of Christmas...the miracle of the message Why would the God of the Universe, the All Powerful One want to have an intimate relationship with humankind? At the heart of the miracle of Christmas is the fact that He does and that’s the central message of this Season! We aren’t worthy of His love, grace and mercy but He lavishes these things on us anyway and wants us to aspire to the greatness we are destined to achieve in Him.   Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: The Miracle of Christmas...the miracle of the message (3/4) Reading: Hebrews 1:1-9 (GNT)