Northside Church - Sydney

Re-Tale Therapy - Rediscovering the Story Behind Christmas: The Power of Give 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 New 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 (1/3) Reading: Romans 8:31-32 (NIV)

The Miracle of Christmas...the miracle of the moment When you think about it, there were many options available for God to introduce His Son into the world: via an aristocratic family or with a huge fanfare of pomp and pageantry etc. But no, God chose humble, inconsequential people to play the key roles in that first Christmas drama. The miraculous thing is, that’s exactly the method He uses today to bring in His Kingdom rule. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: The Miracle of Christmas...the miracle of the moment (2/4) Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31(GNT)

The Search: Assurance In a world that seems to have so many competing truths, many ask "how can I be really sure about what is fact and what is fiction"? What does the Bible say about our search for assurance? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: The Search (4/4) Reading: John 20.24-30 (NIV)

The Miracle of Christmas...the miracle of the moment The timing for the arrival of Jesus was perfect, with the social, political and religious conditions lending themselves to a situation where ordinary people flocked to hear Jesus preach and teach. In that sense, it was a miracle! Today, when people are open and receptive to Jesus’ message, that's the time when God reveals Himself in all His fulness... Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: The Miracle of Christmas...the miracle of the moment (1/4) Reading: Galatians 4:1-11 (GNT)

The Search: For Other-Worldliness Am I what I acquire? Am I what I feel? Am I what I was born into? The list goes on. The search for our Identity seems to be one of the trademarks for the modern life. How does the Bible suggest we find it? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: The Search (3/4) Reading: Exodus 3:11-15 (NIV)

Baggage: "Faith To Empty Our Bags" Most experienced airline travellers know the secret of travelling light, in that they are constantly reviewing the contents of their bags and tryingg to avoid the penalties of "Excess Baggage". In life by God's grace, it's possible to adopt the same practice, but it takes faith, courage and surrender... Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Baggage: Live Free...Travel Light (4/4) Reading: TBA

The Search: For Other-Worldliness Whether it be Yoga, Religion or some other form of Spirituality… how do we account for the inner yearnings of the human heart, for something beyond the tangible world around us? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: The Search (2/4) Reading: Psalm 63 (NIV)

Baggage: "Bag Drop Off" There's always a sense of relief when we finally get to the point in our travels where we're able to drop our bags into the hands of someone else at the Check In counter. Up until then we've been lugging them ourselves but now, at the drop off point, we find release from the burden. Jesus Christ is able to bring that sort of release and freedom as He takes "the baggage" of our lives. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Baggage: Live Free...Travel Light (3/4) Reading: Luke 4:16-21 (GNT)

The Search: For Contentment Why does there seem to be a deep restlessness in the everyday person? Whether religious or not, everyone seems to be searching for that one thing that will really "satisfy". In week one of this new series, we look at happiness. How might the Bible inform our pathway to that elusive state called contentment? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: The Search (1/4) Reading: Psalm 1 (NIV)

Baggage: "Who Packed Your Bags?" It's one of the standard security questions as authorities try to ascertain the person responsible for the contents of our luggage. It's also an important questions when identifying the people and influences that have contributed over the years to the "baggage" we are carrying. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Baggage: Live Free...Travel Light (2/4) Reading: Matthew 11:25-30 (GNT)

Baggage: "What's In Your Bag?" Step one in knowing our life's baggage is lightened and ultimately removed, is to be honest about what we're "carrying". What are the things holding us back, causing us ongoing pain and disappointment? This proved to be a vital step for the man we read about in John 5. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Baggage: Live Free...Travel Light (1/4) Reading: John 5:1-13 (GNT)

Correlate: To The Ministry In a world where relationships are constantly blowing apart, staying together seems like the exception rather than the rule. What happens then when you take hundreds of people from differing backgrounds, and get them to do life together… how does that not self destruct? Discover this week, the dynamic behind one of the most mysterious bunch of relationships the world... the church. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Correlate (5/5) Reading: Romans 15:1-7 (NIV)

MD, MD, MD When Jesus changed the world, he did it with teenagers. Join us this Sunday morning as Kristyn Haddon our Youth Pastor, shares some of the amazing stories behind the scenes of our Youth Ministry and the biblical basis for it. We may discover, the strategy that is helping facilitate great growth in this area, may not necessarily be just for those under the age of 18. Speaker: Kristyn Haddon Reading: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Correlate: To The Weak Whether it's high-school, the workplace or a BBQ, we have a tendency to hang around those who are most like us. And yet, the message of Jesus changes that dynamic too...How do we relate across the barrier, of those who are noticeably different than we are? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Correlate (4/5) Reading: Romans 14:1-23 (NIV)

A Word In Season The Bible talks about the "word in season" - a message of encouragement designed to lift up and spur one another in the faith. This Sunday, Edwina Blair will be bringing a message designed to do just that as the Northside Family begin the transition into a new season of Kingdom effectiveness. Speaker: Edwina Blair

Correlate: To The World We've seen too many news stories of what can happen when a religious minority takes it upon themselves to enforce their view on the majority. How should a modern Christian relate to the world around them, whether people believe or not? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Correlate (3/5) Reading: Romans 13:1-4 (NIV)

"These Three Remain…" - A Celebration of Love Years ago the Beatles had a hit song entitled "All You Need is Love" and given the Bible asserts that God is Love, Christians would agree, Love IS all we need. The question is: how can we best express that love to one another? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: "These Three Remain..." - A Celebration of Faith, Hope and Love... (3/3) Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (GNT)

Correlate: To Friend and Enemy Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse? Is the bible "for real" or an ideal? How do you relate to people you really don't like, and yet still be sincere…. Is it even possible? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Correlate (2/5) Reading: Romans 12:9-16 (NIV)

"These Three Remain…" - A Celebration of Hope Many surveys conducted among young people around the world indicate they are deficient when it comes to Hope; they don't see a lot of hope for the future and they aren't confident about their prospects for long-term happiness. In light of this, the Christian Church has its workd cut out in helping people to discuss the Hope which is so central to God's Good News in Jesus. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: "These Three Remain…" - A Celebration of Faith, Hope and Love... (2/3) Reading: Romans 5: 1-5 (GNT)

Correlate: To God and Church From the moment we are born we are, thrust into relationship. We humans are relational beings… that is we are designed to be around others, and yet throughout life, that can be half the battle! In this new series, well explore why the message of Jesus effects how we relate to God, each other and the world around us. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Correlate (1/5) Reading: Romans 12:1-8 (NIV)

"These Three Remain…" - A Celebration of Faith A little boy once told his Kids Church teacher that faith was "believing in something when you know it isn't true!" Many people tend to think like that, whereas when the Bible talks about faith it's referring to belief in something we know to be true, but which has a huge element of risk and unpredictability about it! Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: "These Three Remain…" - A Celebration of Faith, Hope and Love... (1/3) Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-6 (GNT)

Paul's conversion on the Damascus Road is one of the most spectacular in the New Testament. During the experience he saw a powerful light from Heaven and actually heard the voice of God speaking! Now that is the kind of call most of us would love to receive...!

As we draw our series on the Holy Spirit to a close, we'll gain some insight into the way the "Other Guy" has been working amongst our community.

Jonah provides one of the most intriguing case studies of all the Bible characters, who had received a direct call from God. He was strongly resistant to the voice of God, tried to escape but ultimately had success with his mission.

They are constantly a point of confusion, even contention amongst Christians. They were back then. They are today. What are “Spiritual Gifts” and how does the Holy Spirit use them for the purposes of blessing the church and world around us? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Discovering the Guy behind Christianity (6/6) Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NIV)

Very few leaders in the Bible faced more hardship, setbacks and pain than Moses. However, in the midst of it all he discovered levels of faith and resilience he never dreamed possible. His example is an inspiration to us all. Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: God Calls Abraham (2/3) Reading: Exodus 3:1-6

Do you know what it’s like to be filled with joy? Do you experience genuine peace regardless of your life circumstances? Do you consistently respond with kindness no matter what you receive from others? Who does! Yet, we sometimes get so caught up in everything God wants us to do, that we lose sight of who God wants us to be. Do you know the difference? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Discovering the Guy behind Christianity (5/6) Reading: John 14:16-26 (NIV)

It’s winter. Not sure if this happens to you – but no matter how hot you run the heaters, the house cools down eventually. So too does your spiritual life… unless you keep fueling it. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Discovering the Guy behind Christianity (4/6) Reading: Ephesians 5: 15-21 (NIV)

On one occasion the disciples were enquiring about the "rewards" they might be able to expect as a result of following Jesus. The answer given by our Lord seems to be in conflict with some of His teaching on humility and servanthood. He told them: "Many who are now first will be last and many who are now last will be first..." How are we to interpret these words in the modern context? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Did Jesus Really Say That? (3/3) Reading: Mark 10: 23-31 (GNT)

At one time, Jesus said some very harsh things to a group of would-be followers who, on the surface at least, seemed to have valid reasons for delaying their response to Him. One man wanted to “bury his father” but Jesus told him to “let the dead bury their dead…” Why would Jesus say such a thing and what are the implications for 21st Century disciples? Reading: Luke 9: 57-62 (GNT) Series: Did Jesus Really Say That? (2/3) Speaker: Graham Agnew

Christianity is not a set of rules or regulations… it's a power. A power that changes you from the inside out. How does "The Other Guy" make that happen?

During His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: “Don’t throw your pearls in front of pigs!” It sounds very discriminatory, as through there are certain people who don’t deserve to hear “the pearls” of truth and wisdom found in the Gospel. What did Jesus mean and is there any message for us today? Reading: Matthew 7:1-6 (GNT) Series: Did Jesus Really Say That? (1/3) Speaker: Graham Agnew

What if what was missing in your Spiritual life was not something BUT someone? It’s all too easy to reduce Christianity to a set of rules or routines and yet it’s deeper than that. It’s more exciting than that! In this new series… we’ll take a look at the guy behind the guy of Christianity… the Holy Spirit. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Discovering the Guy behind Christianity (1/6) Reading: John 14:16-26 (NIV)

Speaker: Graham Agnew – Can I Keep Believing? Week 3: …when I see so much suffering in the world? Even for a person of strong faith in God, the stark reality of suffering and injustice in the world can be extremely confronting. We wonder why God allows so many negative and harmful things to take place? In response to this dilemma, what does the Bible have to say? Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Speaker: Sam Haddon – Open Skies: Dealing With Unanswered Prayer What do you do when you’re praying to a God that can do anything, but seems to be doing nothing? Reading: Psalm 77:1-10

Speaker: Sam Haddon – Can I Keep Believing? Week 2: …when my prayers go unanswered? It’s one of the great mysteries of the Christian life: why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? In many cases (from our perspective) they are very reasonable requests, but time passes and nothing seems to happen. Why? Fortunately the Bible does throw light on this difficult subject. Reading: Psalm 77:1-10

Speaker: Graham Agnew – Can I Keep Believing? Week 1: …when I read Bible passages that shock me? Christians believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God – and it is! However, that doesn’t mean every part of it is easy to understand, in fact quite the contrary! Many parts of this ancient book raise questions in the minds of modern day people and it’s important we develop an ability to interpret the Bible against the social, political and cultural dynamics of its day! Reading: Matthew 8: 28-34

Is there a way to see the message of Jesus in such a way, that you are not affected by either the successes or failures in your work? That is: as we finish this series, is it possible to find a freedom both IN your work, and FROM your work? Speaker: Graham Agnew Series: Finding Meaning Behind Your Work (6/6) Reading: Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Speaker: Graham Agnew – GALATIANS 2013 – Week 3: Grace To Serve Paul knew, as God’s children, we have received His Grace for specific purposes – one of them being our Service to other people. He put it this way to the Christians of Galatia: “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ…” (Galatians 6:2&3). In 2013, that’s a huge part of our calling, as members of the Body of Christ… Bible Reading: Galatians 6:1-10

If Christians are animated by different virtues, lifted by a different view of humanity, guided by different source of wisdom and perform to different audience – WHAT will be different about the way they act at WORK? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Finding Meaning Behind Your Work (5/6) Reading: Isaiah 58:3, 6-7 (NIV)

Speaker: Sam Haddon – GALATIANS 2013 – Week 2: Grace to Belong Paul had been part of a religion all his life but through the Grace of God in Christ he had come into a whole new experience of belonging….An experience in which he felt part of a Family, not just part of an organisation. He wanted the Galatians to experience the same and he put it this way: ”…you are no longer a slave but a child! Since you are His child, God will give you all that He has for His children..” That’s God’s promise for us as well… Bible Reading: Galatians :1-7

What happens when we discover that work that is good and purposeful in the eyes of God, is not reserved just for Christians? How does that shape and effect the way Christians view and engage the world around us? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Finding Meaning Behind Your Work (4/6) Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

Speaker: Graham Agnew – GALATIANS 2013: A Celebration of Grace – Week 1: Grace To Live Abundantly Paul was so aware of the love and Grace of God in his life it was as though he was experiencing a whole new level of existence. He put it this way: “It is no longer who live, but Christ who lives in me…”. For Paul (and for us) herein lies the secret to abundant living. Galatians 2:15-21

Should faith be a part of the workplace? The reality is, whether it’s a belief in God or not, Christians live amongst many underlying belief systems that impact the cultures we operate in. The question is then, does faith (or a lack of it) affect the way we work? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Finding Meaning Behind Your Work (3/6) Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Speaker: Graham Agnew – New Series: Life’s Too Short – Week 3: To Endure Stress and Worry Ask almost any group of people if they’re more stressed today than they were three or five years ago and in most cases they will respond with a resounding “Yes!” The fact is, that life seems to be getting faster and the pressures and demands on our time are constantly increasing. All this can lead to greater levels of stress and anxiety! Fortunately, the Word of God has some very practical answers… Matthew 5:25-34

Why is there the potential (or present reality), for our work to feel frustrating, pointless or even the distinguishing mark of our lives? If we learnt last week, that God’s plan for work, is for it to be a good and wonderful thing… then why do we encounter these problems? Does what you DO define who you ARE? Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Finding Meaning Behind Your Work (2/6) Reading: Genesis 11:1-9

Speaker: Graham Agnew – New Series: Life’s Too Short – Week 2: To Be Selfish On one occasion Jesus encountered an impressive young man who, on the surface of it, seemed to qualify for every blessing God was able to give. Unfortunately, Jesus uncovered the man’s greatest problem: selfishness! The outcome of his encounter is very sad – both for Jesus and the man himself. Reading: Matthew 19:16-26

Whether presently employed or not, we’ll spend more time at work, than with our family and friends. Why then, is work such a vital part of living a fulfilling life? Why can it be so challenging, and how can we find a freedom both IN our work and FROM our work? In this new series, we’ll seek to answer those questions by discovering the meaning behind our work, when we connect our’s to God’s. Speaker: Sam Haddon Series: Finding Meaning Behind Your Work (1/6) Reading: Genesis 2:1-3,15 (NIV)

Speaker: Graham Agnew – New Series: Life’s Too Short – Week 1: To Play It Safe In this series Graham will talk about how to avoid some of the pitfalls of life that rob us of blessing and a sense of fulfilment. The Word of God provides the ultimate answers! Reading: Matthew 25: 14 – 18 (GNT)