Alice Springs Baptist Church

**Apologies for the poor audio quality of this recording.** (John 10:1-10) In John 10, Jesus speaks about sheep, shepherds, thieves and a gate. These images are not random. They come in the middle of a confrontation about who truly belongs to God and who has the right to lead His people. Join us as Iain explores Jesus' declaration, “I am the gate for the sheep,” and considers what this image reveals about who He is.

(Luke 10:38-42) The story of Mary and Martha is familiar, but it is also easy to flatten into a simple contrast between being busy and being spiritual. As Jesus enters their home, both sisters respond to Him in different ways. But what is Jesus actually affirming, and what is He challenging? Join us as Iain explores this short encounter and asks what it might reveal about the way we respond to Jesus.

(Luke 23:32-43) As we continue our Unique to Luke series, looking at the neighbours and outsiders that Luke highlights in his Gospel, Iain brings us to two criminals crucified on either side of Jesus. Both men are looking at the same Jesus. Both are facing the same moment of disconnect: this is not what I expected from the Messiah. And yet their responses could not be more different. How often do we find that the Jesus we imagine doesn't match up with the Jesus we experience? Join us as Iain unpacks this scene at the cross and asks what we do in those moments when we don't understand what Jesus is doing.

(Revelation 19:11-21) As we come to the end of our series through Revelation, John gives us a dramatic picture of Jesus as the victorious rider, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For Christians living under the crushing power of empire, this was a vision of hope. But before we can understand Jesus' victory, we need to understand the kind of King who is riding the horse. Join us as we explore Revelation 19 and discover how Jesus challenges our assumptions about power, kingdoms and what it really means to win.

(Luke 16:19-31) As we continue our Unique to Luke series, we come to Jesus' confronting parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, a story found only in Luke's Gospel. Two men are separated by a great chasm. But as the story unfolds, we discover that perhaps the chasm had been there all along. The rich man knew Lazarus' name, yet only seemed to truly see him when he needed something from him. Join us as we explore the way Jesus' parable reveals a challenge around how wealth, power and comfort can shape the way we see the people around us.

(Luke 15:11-32; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:1-4) Fatherhood can carry very different experiences and emotions for each of us. Yet throughout Scripture we see the significant role fathers can play in loving, guiding and shaping the lives of their children. Beginning with Jesus' picture of a father who continues to love a wayward son, Philip explores what Scripture teaches about the responsibility of fathers, the influence they can have, and the importance of combining love, instruction and appropriate boundaries. Join us as we consider the importance of fatherhood, and the wider community that helps children grow towards maturity and faith.

(Revelation 13:1-18) Revelation is full of strange images, but they were not given simply to satisfy curiosity about the future. They were written to strengthen faithfulness in the present. In Revelation 13, John describes beasts, marks and the number 666. Rather than chasing speculation, this message explores what these images revealed about empire, allegiance and deception, and how Christians can recognise counterfeit kingdoms when they appear. Join us as we consider what it means to remain faithful to Jesus when other powers compete for our allegiance.

(James 5:13-18) James tells the church to pray for one another and says that prayer is powerful and effective. But what do we do when faithful prayer does not bring the answer we hoped for? Drawing from his own experiences, Mike explores prayer as relationship with God and with one another, and why praying for each other is essential to life as the Body of Christ. Join us as we explore what life in a one another community looks like.

(Revelation 4-5) Revelation was not written to satisfy our curiosity about the future, but to strengthen our faithfulness in the present. For Christians living under the power and persecution of Rome, the question was pressing: Is God really in control? Revelation 4-5 pulls back the curtain and gives them a very different picture of reality, revealing who is truly on the throne and what His rule looks like. Join us as we explore the throne room of Revelation and the surprising picture of the King who conquers not by taking life, but by giving His own.

(Galatians 6:1-10) We are gathered by a loving God into community for a life-changing, neighbourhood-changing, nation-changing redemptive purpose. But none of us can live out that purpose on our own. In Galatians 6, Paul calls followers of Jesus to sow to please the Spirit, while also carrying one another's burdens and gently restoring those who become caught in sin. What might it look like for accountability to be less about keeping people in line, and more about helping one another continue to live by the Spirit? Join us as Simon explores why we need one another, and why sometimes the hardest but most necessary work is talking.

(Hebrews 10:19-25) As we continue to explore the One Another commands of the New Testament, we come across 2 similar ones that are paired together in Hebrews 10. 1. Spur one another on towards love and good deeds. 2. Encourage one another. While they seem pretty self-explanatory, there is alot more going on here than at first glance, join us as Iain unpacks and explores what these commands mean, and what they look like in our lives.

(Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:9-16) When we look at the early church, we see a community that loved each other so genuinely that the surrounding world couldn't help but take notice. But what happens when loving one another moves past warm feelings into practical, uncomfortable reality? Are we truly honouring others above ourselves, or just going through the motions? Join us as Iain launches The Gathered series and we begin exploring what a 'One Another' Community begins to look like.

(Revelation 1:1-20) Many of us were taught to read the Book of Revelation as a frightening, detailed timetable of future events. But what if it isn't a complex puzzle to solve, but a pastoral letter written to strengthen exhausted Christians? Today, Gavin kicks off our new series, exploring the book of Revelation. In it we will see how apocalyptic literature uses vivid symbols not to satisfy our curiosity about the future, but to build our endurance in the present, and just maybe be encouraged ourselves.

(Mark 1:2–13; Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 8:26–38) What does baptism mean, and why do we practise believer's baptism at Alice Springs Baptist Church? In this message from our We Are series, we consider what Scripture makes clear, why faithful Christians have reached different conclusions, and why we understand baptism as a personal response to God's saving work. Join us as Gavin explores what Scripture says about baptism, and take the opportunity to celebrate what God has done in our lives.

Wisdom in Practice | A Generous Life Proverbs 11:24–25 | 1 Kings 17:7–16 What if generosity isn't about losing something—but about discovering the life God designed us to live? Our world tells us that security comes through accumulating, protecting, and preserving what we have. But the wisdom of Proverbs points us toward a very different economy—one where those who refresh others are themselves refreshed. In this message from our Wisdom in Practice series, we explore the remarkable story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, discovering that generosity isn't first about money, but about trusting the God who provides. Together we'll discover: * God invites us to live by His economy, not the world's. * Generosity begins with trusting the God who provides. * We were created to both refresh others and be refreshed ourselves. Whether it's our time, relationships, abilities, finances, or hospitality, every resource we've received is an opportunity to participate in God's generous kingdom.

Proverbs 15:1-2 | John 8:1-11 How do we respond when we're criticised, misunderstood, or confronted? In those moments, our words have the power to either escalate conflict or bring peace. Proverbs reminds us that “a gentle answer turns away wrath,” and in John 8 we see Jesus model that wisdom perfectly. In this message from our Wisdom in Practice series, we explore how Christ demonstrates strength under control through His response to the woman caught in adultery, and what that means for our conversations today. Together we'll discover: * Every response holds the potential to heal or destroy. * Gentleness often requires us to create time and space. * Replace reckless folly with righteous fruit. Jesus never compromised truth, nor did He weaponise it. His example calls us to speak with both grace and wisdom, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our words for the good of others.

Proverbs 3:5-6 | Matthew 26:36-46 What does it really mean to trust God? It's easy to say we trust Him when life is going well. But what about when the future is uncertain, suffering is real, or God's path seems difficult? In this message from our Wisdom in Practice series, we explore one of the Bible's most well-known passages - Proverbs 3:5-6 - and see it lived out perfectly in Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Together we'll discover that: * Everyone puts their trust in something. * We submit to the God whom we know. * The straight path isn't always the easy path. Ultimately, God doesn't call us to have all the answers - He calls us to trust a trustworthy God.

(1 Thessalonians 5:12-22) As we conclude Paul's letter to the church in Thessalonica today, there are so many ideas that we could focus on. So many things Paul encourages us to do or not do. Today Megan focuses on 3 of the things that Paul speaks about, the things that speak to the position of our heart and challenge us not to just tick something off a list but to BE. Join us as we unpack what it means to BE patient, BE joyful & BE thankful.

(Ephesians 6:10-17 & John 8:31-32) As we continue exploring the Armor of God, tonight Iain unpacks the important misconception we often have about this armour, as well as what the Belt of Truth means and how we wear it. Join us as we continue to explore how to be prepared and ready to stand firm in the spiritual battle.

(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) As we approach the end of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church, he takes the opportunity to encourage them to be ready for Jesus' return. As he does so he also encourages them about the Armor of God and the need to encourage one another. Join us as Philip unpacks this part of the letter, and encourages us to be ready for Jesus' return

(1 Thessalonians 4:13–18) What does Christian hope look like in the middle of grief? As we continue our journey through 1 Thessalonians, Dave explores how heartbreak and hope can coexist, even when loss feels overwhelming. Join us as we consider Paul's promise of resurrection, the hope of Jesus coming to renew all things, and how we can face grief honestly while learning to carry hope alongside it.

(Ephesians 6:10–17; Romans 10:14–15) What does it mean to be ready for a spiritual battle? In this message, we explore Paul's image of the “shoes of the gospel of peace” and why the gospel is both our defence against the enemy's lies and good news we carry to others. Join us as we consider how to stand firm, respond with truth, and keep our shoes ready for the people God has placed around us.

(1 Thessalonians 4:1–12) What does growth look like when it feels slow, ordinary, and unfinished? In this message from our 1 Thessalonians series, we explore Paul's call to live in a way that pleases God “more and more.” Join us as we consider what it means to grow quietly as we seek to honour God with our whole lives.

(1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13) What happens to love when the people we care about are suddenly out of reach? In this message from our 1 Thessalonians series, we explore Paul's experience of being "orphaned" and separated from a young church facing immense pressure. We unpack the powerful truth that true Christian love doesn't stop when presence becomes impossible. Join us as Gavin unpacks how to transition from up-close influence to loving at a distance through earnest prayer, active encouragement, and a refusal to become passive.

In this message, Rupert opens Scripture to explore the reality of spiritual warfare and the hope, protection, and identity found in Christ. Looking at passages including Ephesians 6 and 1 Thessalonians 5, Rupert unpacks the “helmet of salvation” and reminds us that the Christian life is not passive - it is a daily journey of discipleship, perseverance, and learning to stand firm in God's strength.

Love Up Close | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13 Series: Thessalonians – Faithfulness Under Pressure What does missional love actually look like up close? In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul doesn't mainly remind the church what he taught - he reminds them how he loved. Writing to a young church facing pressure and uncertainty, Paul reflects on a ministry marked by courage, authenticity, vulnerability, and deep spiritual investment. Love up close creates the conditions where people can encounter the gospel as real.

(1 Thessalonians 1:1-10) As we begin a new look into Paul's letters, we are introduced to a fresh, young church that faced immediate and intense hostility for their allegiance to Jesus. Yet, despite severe suffering, their lives were profoundly transformed. As Philip unpacks 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 today, we are challenged by their exemplary work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of hope. Join us today and reflect: has the power of the Gospel truly transformed your life?

(Judges 4:1-24) In the midst of iron chariots and twenty years of cruel oppression, where do we find hope? As we dive into the account of Deborah, Barak, and Jael, we are confronted with a cycle of rebellion and the persistent, merciful rescue of God. Today Naomi explores the tension between our doubts and God's certain victory. Are we focusing on the enormity of the chaos, or on the God who goes before us? Join us as we look beyond the surface of this history to see how God is still calling us to surrender and reclaim our focus on Him today.

(Leviticus 10:1-7) Have you ever been convinced that you knew better than the instructions you were given? In this message, we explore the sobering story of Nadab and Abihu, who offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord and faced immediate judgment. This challenging passage from our Desert Pain series reminds us that God is not a peer or a magic solution, but a Holy King who is set apart. Join us as we discuss the importance of reflecting God's holiness to the world and the call to submit our desire for control to His sovereign ways.

(Numbers 21:4-9) Sometimes the very thing we are most afraid to look at is the very thing we need to face to find healing. In this message, we continue our Desert Pain series by looking at the strange story of the bronze snake on a pole. We explore the human tendency to complain and self-diagnose, the difference between regret and true transformation, and the powerful fulfillment of this story in Jesus Christ. Join us as we learn what it means to glance at our sin but fix our eyes on our Savior.

(Judges 3:12-30) We often have a specific image of what a "hero" looks like, but God's idea of who can be used for His purposes is often vastly different from ours. In the second installment of our Judges series, we meet Ehud—a man dismissed by many because of a perceived weakness, yet chosen by God to bring salvation to Israel. Join us as we explore how God redeems the very things the world overlooks, using our limitations and unique traits to fuel His plan and inspire courage in those around us.

(Exodus 19, 24 & 32) Relationships are rarely as simple as a romantic comedy; they require work, commitment, and faithfulness through the "ups and downs." In this message, we continue our Desert Pain series by looking at the marriage-like covenant between God and His people. While God rescued Israel from slavery and invited them into a unique relationship, the people struggled with the "wait" and turned back to old ways. Join us as we explore the reality of broken covenants, the pain it causes God, and the ultimate way back through Jesus Christ.

(Numbers 11:31-35) The desert journey wasn't just about getting the people out of Egypt; it was about getting Egypt out of the people. In this message, we explore the "Graves of Craving"—a sobering moment in Israel's history where "enough" was no longer sufficient and desire became destructive. We often think security comes from having more, but God invites us to trust that His daily "manna" is exactly what we need. Join us as we learn that true freedom isn't found in satisfying every appetite, but in trusting that what God provides today is enough.

(Judges 1-3:11) The Book of Judges is a messy, violent cycle of human failure—hardly where we expect to find role models. Yet, in the story of Othniel, we discover the "Comeback Judge." Are you stuck wishing things were how they used to be, or are your arms free to embrace what God is doing today? Join us as we explore why your contribution isn't over and how the Spirit empowers us for what God currently has for us. Please note: Introducing this video was the following Bible Project Video: Book of Judges Summary: A Complete Animated Overview. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOYy8iCfIJ4

(Mark 16:9-20) We often prefer a tidy ending, but the Gospel of Mark concludes with a mystery that leaves us hanging. Why does the earliest manuscript end with fear and silence, while later additions offer theological clarity and a call to action? Join us as we explore the "extensions" of Mark's Gospel and ask: how will you choose to end the Jesus story in your own life?

(Mark 15:42-16:8) On Resurrection Sunday we rejoice; He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! And yet, while we know on Friday that Sunday is coming, for Jesus' followers, this was not their experience. Instead as we follow their story we learn lessons about waiting in the times of uncertainty, while still embracing the hope of the empty tomb.

(Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-5) Have you ever been blamed for something that wasn't your fault? Our natural instinct is to fight for immediate justice and fairness, but Jesus models a different path. In the face of a corrupt trial, false accusations, and extreme hostility, Jesus demonstrates when to remain silent and when to boldly affirm the truth. Join us as we explore how to navigate the "gap" between injustice and vindication, learning to trust the Holy Spirit when our own reputations are on the line.

(2 Samuel 12:1-15; Psalm 51) Have you ever missed an important message because the signal was garbled or distorted? In our spiritual lives, sin acts like distortion on a loudspeaker—it garbles the truth about who God is and who we are. Using the story of King David's failure and his subsequent prayer in Psalm 51, Iain explores how we can clear the distortion in our lives. Join us as we learn what it looks like to hold the tension of our own brokenness alongside the overwhelming goodness of a God who restores.

(Mark 14:43-50) We often assume the betrayal of Jesus was simply about greed, but what if there was a far more dangerous threat at play? When Jesus refuses to be the Messiah we want Him to be, we are faced with a critical choice: do we try to force Him into our own agenda, or do we receive the real Jesus? Join us as we explore the moment of arrest and ask the challenging question: Am I following Jesus, or am I trying to make Jesus follow me?

(Mark 14:32-42) Most of us pray for God to take the pressure away, hoping for a quick exit from our struggles. But Gethsemane isn't a story about avoiding pain; it's about navigating through it. When life gets heavy and the "oil press" begins to crush, what is revealed in your heart? Join us as we explore how Jesus models a faith that doesn't remove suffering but invites us to meet God right in the middle of it.

(1 Samuel 3:1–10) In a world that constantly bombards us with social media, news, and endless "static," how do we actually hear the voice of God? This week, Iain looks at the story of young Samuel to discover how we can tune out the distractions and find the signal we were created for. Are you ready to retune your life?

(Mark 14:27-31, 66-72) Most of us have moments we wish we could undo - words spoken or opportunities missed that shape how we see ourselves long after they've passed. As we look at Peter's moment of greatest failure, we ask: why did all four Gospel writers choose to lay this shame bare? Join us as we explore how the Kingdom of God turns our weakness upside down and find a way forward from regret.

(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