Alice Springs Baptist Church

(Acts 17:16-32) As we continue to explore some of the key identity markers of who we are as Alice Springs Baptist Church, today we consider what it means for us to be Desert People. Iain takes the opportunity to consider the truth of Paul's encounter in Athens. That while the truth of the Gospel doesn't change, the way in which we share it has to reflect the people around us. Join us as we consider what we learn from Paul as we seek to share the Gospel with the community and people around us.

(Matthew 5:43-48) As we come to the end of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount, Si Duke takes the opportunity to unpack a very famous teaching of Jesus' - You have heard it said, love your neighbour but hate your enemy... Today Simon unpacks what this command and call to a different way of living means for us today and challenges us to consider what this kind of love looks like.

(Acts 15:1-29) What do we do when deep disagreement threatens our unity? In the early church, a sharp dispute over salvation forced a vital choice: top-down command or collective discernment. Join us as we explore why the "messier" path of listening to the Holy Spirit together is the way we as a Church seek to honour God's leading for us. Be encouraged as we see how God leads His people when we choose to listen as one body.

(Acts 3:1-10) As we continue to explore some of the key identity markers of who we are as a church, we come to the idea of On Mission Everyday. Here the idea that there is a secular/sacred divide is challenged. Today, Gavin dives into Acts 3 to see how Peter and John's ordinary afternoon walk turned into a divine encounter. What if being on mission isn't about doing more, but about shifting your posture to see God in the ordinary?

(Matthew 5:33-37) All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'." In a culture driven by image management and self-protection, Jesus invites us to build lives of deep reliability. Join us as Gavin unpacks this challenging teaching and we discover that becoming people of our word isn't just about better communication. Instead it's about reflecting the very faithfulness of God.

(1 Peter 2:9-10; Acts 2:1-13) As we begin our new series exploring who we are as a church, we encounter a title that might feel unsettling or reserved for a select few: A Royal Priesthood. As Iain unpacks this key identity marker, we are challenged to move past the stereotypes of robes and rituals to understand our true purpose as believers. We discover that when God calls us into His priesthood; He equips us in our weakness for His glory. Join us today as we explore what this key part of ASBC's identity means for us as a Church.

(Mark 14:12-24; Exodus 12:1-14) Have you ever felt like an outsider at the communion table, wondering if you truly belong? As we continue our journey through Mark, Iain Anderson explores how Jesus took a specific national celebration—the Passover—and blew the doors wide open. From the history of the important celebration to the presence of a betrayer, discover how Jesus invites everyone to experience God's salvation. Join us as we look at the gift of the Open Table.

(Matthew 5:27-28) As we continue our journey in Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount, we come to his challenging words about adultery, lust and eye-gouging. Yet, as Gavin unpacks this is not about shifting the checklist of what God asks us to do, it is about understanding what God intended these laws for in the first place. Join us as we unpack, consider and explore Jesus' words from Matthew 5:27-28.

(Mark 14:1-11) As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark Gavin takes the opportunity to consider the question; do we love the Kingdom, or the King? In today's passage there is an example of powerful love and devotion from a woman, that others look down upon. Yet this act, was a powerful example of her love for Jesus. Join us as Gavin unpacks this event, and what it means for us today

(Mark 13:1-37) Jesus' prediction of the Temple's destruction left the disciples desperate for dates and signs. In Mark 13, we often get caught in the same trap—obsessing over the "when" of the end times or retreating in fear. But what if Jesus' call to "be alert" isn't about decoding symbols, but about how we live today? Join us as Iain Anderson unpacks what Jesus was helping his disciples understand about what is to come, and what truly matters.

(Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Kings 11:1-8) As we continue to explore this series looking at Biblical Wisdom in practice, Mike takes the opportunity to consider Jesus' words from Matthew 5 challenging us to lamp on a table instead of under a bowl. Here is a reminder that while knowledge is important intellectually, unless we actually put it into practice we miss the point of what it is for. The wisdom God gives us and invites us to ask for is to guide our lives. Join us as we consider what it looks like to live our lives with living wisdom.

(Proverbs 11:2 / 1 Kings 3:5-15) Today we begin a new series where we will be exploring how the wisdom of proverbs applies to lessons that we can learn in the examples of those who are part of Scripture. Today Elijah is taking the opportunity to unpack the wisdom of Proverbs 11:2 and the lessons we can learn form King Solomon's example where wisdom was the thing that was treasured most. Join us as we consider what lessons we can learn for our own lives in this new year.

As we celebrate Christmas this year it can be easy to miss the depth and beauty of what this day is. Today Gavin unpacks the invitation to come and see what Christmas is about, and the joy that we experience on this day.

(Luke 1:18-45; Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 2:8-20) As we continue our journey sitting in the Christmas story, today Megan takes the opportunity to reflect on Mary's story. In amongst all of the miraculous and incredible events of her story, there are also so many days of challenge, struggle and ordinary! Join us as Megan unpacks some of the lessons for resilience we can find in Mary's story.

Christmas reminds us that God keeps His promises. Long before the manger, God spoke words of hope to a waiting world - and in Jesus, those promises were faithfully fulfilled. This sermon invites us to reflect on God's steady faithfulness, even when the waiting is long and the way forward feels unclear.

(Titus 3:1–9) As we come to the close of Paul's letter to Titus, we're reminded that God's work in us - and through us - is often unfinished. In Titus 3, Paul calls the church to live distinctively in the world, doing what is good, speaking with gentleness, and reflecting the grace of Jesus in everyday life. But before we rush into action, Paul invites us to remember something crucial: we've been there too. Once, we were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved by destructive patterns. The chaos and brokenness we now encounter in others was once our own story. That memory matters, because it shapes our posture. God's mission does not move forward through arrogance or superiority, but through humility and compassion.

(Titus 2:1-15) As we continue to explore Paul's letter to Titus, in chapter 2 Paul challenges the church in Crete to move beyond a superficial faith. Surrounded by a culture of dishonesty and excess, how do believers live differently? Join us as Mike unpacks why we are called to live a cleansed life.

(Mark 12:38-44) Many of us grew up hearing the story of the widow's mite as a challenge to "give until it hurts." But is Jesus really celebrating a system that leaves a widow penniless? Join us as Dave Clark re-examines Mark 12:41-44 and discover that Jesus isn't just praising her generosity; He is exposing the injustice of a religious system and calling us to notice and address the imbalances in the world around us.

(Mark 12:28-34) We often think of "love" as a feeling, but what if it is actually a series of choices? In Mark 12, Jesus gives us the greatest commandment: to love God with everything we have. But practically, this means preferring Him. It means preferring His presence, preferring His ways, and preferring His will over our own. Join us as we explore what it looks like to live a life that consistently prefers God above all else.

(Titus 1:1-9) Tonight we begin a new series, "Dear Titus: A Work in Progress". We begin by looking at the task Paul left for Titus in Crete: to "put in order what was left unfinished". Many of us can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the mission God has given us, especially when things feel incomplete. Join us as Iain unpacks Titus 1, and shares Paul's wisdom in dealing with this tension.

(Mark 12:35–37) We often look for a saviour who can fix our immediate problems—a "Messiah from man". The Pharisees in Jesus' day were no different, expecting a political hero descended from David. In this message, Gavin explores the question Jesus asks the teachers of the law in the temple courts : If the Messiah is David's son, why does David, speaking by the Holy Spirit, call him "Lord"? Join us as we discover the difference between the saviour we want and the divine Saviour we truly need.

(Mark 12:18-27) As we continue our journey through Mark's Gospel, Jesus once again has a group of Jewish leaders approach Him to put Him to the test. Today the Sadducee's approach Jesus with a question about marriage and the resurrection. Yet Jesus' response deal with the Sadducee's understanding, while also inviting them to see God as much bigger and greater than they saw Him. Join us as Gavin unpacks this challenging message inviting us to reflect on the gaps of understanding we have.

(1 John 4:1-6) As we continue our journey through 1 John, Gavin takes some time to unpack an often confusing idea that John speaks of - what does it mean to discern the spirits? Join us as Gavin unpacks what this means and provides guidance for how we are to trust in the Holy Spirit.

(Genesis 18:1-8) As we come to the end of our series following the life of Abram/Abraham who is living an available life amongst the world we come to a powerful example of the natural hospitality that Abraham showed to those who crossed his path. As we seek to also live available lives for God, Abraham's story shows us what hospitality looks like and means, and challenges us to bless the future of others with hospitality.

(Genesis 15:1-21) As we continue our journey through Abram's life and wrestling with what it means for us as a scattered church we come to a moment in which Abram is challenged. As Gavin unpacks this event today we are reminded again of the amazing grace that God has for His people today. Join us today and be encouraged as we see again who God is.

(1 John 2:18-27) As we continue our journey through 1 John, we come to a passage that can easily cause alot of speculation and fear amongst believers. Here John speaks of antichrists. Yet, our understanding of this term is not what we might naturally think. Join us as Gavin unpacks who these people are, and why we don't need to be afraid.

(Genesis 13:1-18) Today as we continue our journey through Abram's story, learning about how to be part of the Scattered church, we take the opportunity to engage in some theological reflection with Rob Pople, the principal at Araluen Christian College. Together Rob and Gavin unpack the challenges for Abram and Lot in choosing what land they would take, while reflecting on what this looks like for us today. Please join us as we engage with God's word together.

(Genesis 12:1-9) As we begin our series on The Scattered, we start by looking at the call of Abram. Here we are reminded that there is a missional call for us to be scattered, while still taking the opportunity to pause and remember God's goodness and faithfulness as we go. Join us as Gavin unpacks this tension, and the challenge of Abram's call.

(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.

(Colossians 3:12-14) Today as we pick up our series dealing with conflict, Gavin acknowledges the difficulty that is present in choosing to forgive others. While there might be a desire to, because we know it is the right thing to do, forgiveness is hard! Paul's words in Colossians however give us a beautiful opportunity to understand how we can prepare ourselves to forgive. Join us as Gavin unpacks the wardrobe of values we choose to wear that help us prepare to forgive.

(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 12:13-17) 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.

(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 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 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 11:27-33) 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 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 11:12-25) 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.

(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.

(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 1:12-18) 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 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.

(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 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.

(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.

(James 4:1-10) As we pick up our series on Pursuing Peace today, Philip Nippress takes the opportunity to unpack James' warning on quarrels and fights and how it relates to us as we seek to be people of peace. James warns us that conflict often comes from our own desires. Join us today as we unpack what this means, and how we can be aware of it as we seek to redeem conflict in our relationships.

(Genesis 29-31) Through Jacob's life we are going to see massive patterns of dysfunction, all these false starts, that nonetheless God is going to continue to work through. With our painful histories, blind spots, ignorance: God is faithful anyway.