Bay Vineyard Sermon Audio

Ryan traces the origins of the Spirit's gifts through Scripture, highlighting that we are all invited into the powerful and often surprising work of the Holy Spirit. He reassures us that even if we haven't yet recognised our own specific spiritual gifts, we are still deeply valuable to God's work. What we offer isn't reliant on our own wisdom but on the empowering presence of the Spirit.

This Pentecost Sunday, Sam celebrates the birthday of the Church by unpacking the story of Pentecost — a moment that begins with power, draws us into deep community, and calls us to lasting practices of faith. He invites us to normalize a radical devotion to Jesus, shifting from a passive church to one that leans in with intention. He reminds us that Pentecost isn't just a moment in history, but a movement that shapes our lives today.

Guest speaker Aaron Hardy explores the character of the prophet, emphasizing that their role is deeply rooted in embodying the way of Jesus. He explains that the prophetic life is about how faithfully we live in step with Christ's example and the way of Jesus is prophetic as it leads us into ordinary life.

Sharon talks us through the gift of prophecy and how hearing God's voice can feel distant and challenging. She reminds us that God is always present and inviting us into deeper connection. Through leaning in, practicing, and becoming intentional, we can learn to recognize His voice in everyday moments and grow in our prophetic gifting.

Sam continues the Gifts of the Spirit series by emphasizing that all spiritual gifts (except for the gift of tongues) are meant to build up and bless others in the body of Christ. He explained that the gift of tongues serves to deepen our personal and intimate relationship with God through private prayer. All of these gifts are exercised not by our own strength, but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Guest speaker Annette Harvey discusses the many gifts of the Spirit, reminding us that while there are various spiritual gifts, they all come from the same Holy Spirit. She explains that these gifts are both blessings and tools meant to be used for God's purposes and offers practical insights into how we can begin to discover and grow our giftings.

Sam launches the Gifts of the Spirit series with a powerful reminder to live deeply, intentionally and passionately oriented around Jesus. He encourages us to lean fully into the gifts we've been blessed with and let the Holy Spirit take full control, for these gifts are not for us alone, but to glorify Christ and build up His Church.

This Easter Sunday, Sam emphasizes the hope we have through Jesus' resurrection and why it really matters, as it assures us of renewed, resurrected bodies in the future. He encourages us to celebrate the end of Lent with joy, because Easter marks the beginning of new life and lasting hope.

Kara concludes our Words of the Cross series, exploring the final words Jesus spoke on the Cross and how these words laden with love, meaning and power apply to our lives today

Fraser examines Jesus' words to his mother and the beloved John. He highlights themes of spiritual connection during silence and overcoming distractions that can hinder our relationship with God. Jesus' compassion, even in His suffering, models how we are called to care for others, despite our differences, while staying focused on God's love.

Sam reminds us that while death is an inevitable part of life, it is not the end. Through Christ's resurrection, we have the hope of a renewed earth, resurrected bodies, and eternal life in God's presence. This hope transforms our view of mortality, encouraging us to live with anticipation of the glory to come.

Sam launches the "Words from the Cross" series, beginning with 'Forgiveness". He emphasizes that Jesus' act of forgiving those who crucified him teaches us to forgive those who wrong us. By following Jesus' example, we show love and grace, offering forgiveness even when it's difficult.

Jill Weber encourages us to embrace a contemplative approach in our response to God, urging us to "gaze" upon His presence and reflect deeply. She reminds us that by slowing down and being present we can grow closer to God, allowing His love and guidance to shape our lives.

Ryan continues our "We are because HE is "series by calling us into a countercultural community, explaining that we are designed to live and act together, just as Jesus did with his disciples. We hear from 3 amazing members of our church community who share how being part of a community has shaped their walk in faith.

Jen continues the "We are because He is" series, exploring Jesus' compassion and how that informs our priorities as his followers and his church. She describes how we can overcome fear as a barrier to being compassionate people.

Sam explores what it means to be a courageous people, explaining how we hold to the historic faith with joy, boldness, and confidence in a time of widespread compromise, particularly in the areas of scripture, sex, money, and power.

Sam continues the vision series by exploring what it means to be a "contending" people. He unpacks why we are praying for an outpouring of the Spirit that revives the church and rewires culture.

Sam continues the vision series (We are because HE is...), exploring what it means to be a people who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. He describes how the Holy Spirit awakens us, forms us and empowers us.

Sam takes us on a journey through the big story of Scripture, culminating in the life of Jesus. He explains how that story shapes our passion for being charismatic and contemplative, our call to be contending, compassionate, and courageous, and the importance of being anchored in community.

As we light the candle of Love, Charlotte reflects on the heart of Advent—becoming people of Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love. She reminds us to slow down, delight in His coming, and carry His love to those around us.

Sam Harvey steps out of his sabbatical to guide us through the tragic events of the past week. Sam shares from Scripture and personal experience, reminding us to turn to God in our lament and showing us that it is possible for grief and joy to coexist this Advent season.

Kara shares a powerful message about the extraordinary gift of peace that Jesus brings. As the Prince of Peace, His birth fulfilled the promise of "Peace on Earth." She explores what it means to experience peace amidst the busyness of December and reflects on how we can live with God's peace every day, no matter what our circumstances.

Guest speaker Dr Joseph McAuley describes the "moment before The Moment" and urges us to "make a joyful noise to the Lord" while we wait with expectation and hope, rather than angst and distress, this Advent season.

Ryan concludes The Final Word series by discussing Jesus' prayer in John 17, encouraging us to be unified in our faith. He explains that we find unity in our identity, purpose and relationships and turn to unity through Truth, Trinity and Protection.

Guest speaker Bron Tait continues the Final Word series by encouraging us to renew our minds with the word of God and enter a partnership with Him. She urges us to abide in Jesus and remain in God so that we will bear fruit and show ourselves to be His disciples.

Charlotte shares how Jesus knows His trajectory and is secure in His identity - He humbles Himself to wash His disciples' feet, teaching us that true identity is found in God. We are called to serve with humility and love, just as Jesus did. In following His example, we live out our purpose and share His love with others.

Guest speaker Gradon Harvey describes the storms mentioned in the Bible, which are symbolic of the storms we face in life. He emphasizes that the promises of God provide us with hope and strength to rise above them. Importantly, he reminds us that we don't have to face these storms alone but with God, faith, and the support of our community.

Luke explores the last words Jesus offers to His disciples before His crucifixion. He reminds us how the Holy Spirit is a gift from God who comforts us, teaches us and also equips and empowers us to share the good news of Jesus with the world.

Jen calls us to love one another, as Jesus commanded, particularly by demonstrating agape love—a self-sacrificing love modelled by Jesus. She explains that God's love language is obedience, emphasizing that loving God and obeying Him are inseparable.

Ryan's launches "The Final Word," series by exploring three key aspects of our relationship with Jesus: Personal, Powerful, and Painful. He delves into Jesus' final teachings in John 13 to 17, revealing a profound invitation to deeper intimacy with the Trinity and highlighting Jesus' extraordinary promises - some of the most remarkable words spoken during his time on Earth.

Sam shows us that true life comes from following Jesus, through imitating His selfless love for others, blessing them sacrificially, and sharing in His suffering.

Ryan concludes our Devoted Discipleship series by championing community and reiterates the importance of having friendships of depth and vulnerability, using Jesus as our model.

Guest speaker Jacinda Lilly explains how having "rhythms of intention" or a "rule of life" can help shape our discipleship journey, whilst reflecting on our current rule of life can help us make space for God.

Sam encourages us to let our sin propel us towards God and explains how His loving embrace and unconditional love are the way in which we walk into wholeness and life.

Charlotte reminds us that being a follower of Jesus doesn't exempt us from pain and suffering and explains how we encounter God in our pain, by learning to pray through it and share it with others. Chrissy bravely shares her personal experience of grief.

Jen guides us through the nine disciplines of following Jesus and explains how we, as a community, can utilize them to draw closer to God.

Sam invites us to consider the trajectory of our character formation and encourages us to normalise our fight to have healthy souls. We are in a battle with the world, the flesh and the devil, but God is with us!

Dan reminds us that the church is a counter-formational culture. It helps to create flourishing individuals who become their true selves and serves as a vessel for Christ's formation.

Sam encourages us to orient our lives around Jesus and be radically devoted to Him, emphasizing the need to be sacramental people. In doing so, we will be rewarded with the fruits of the Spirit (love, peace and joy).

Sam talks us through the six stages of faith and encourages us to have long obedience in the same direction, in order to live a life of love with Jesus.

Luke highlights the gifts that we both give and receive from God. He describes that God's gift to us is mercy, urges us to dedicate our lives to God, and encourages us to discover and enhance our spiritual giftings.

Sam shares the amazing work that Manawa Ora, our church trust, has been doing in the community over the past few years. He encourages us to find time in our daily lives to reflect Jesus, who emphasized caring for the poor and marginalized throughout his ministry.

Spencer Nutsford from World Vision encourages us to support the children of Alito, a village in Uganda. He suggests that we focus on "what is in front of us" when feeling overwhelmed trying to tackle large scale social issues.

Scottie reminds us that the church is the training ground for mission, and "mission starts with you." He explains that there is unity within diversity, and we are a diverse community centred under Jesus.

Maja advocates for equity over equality for individuals in the church with diverse disabilities, explaining that equity involves providing tailored support to meet specific needs, ensuring everyone can fully participate in church life. She challenges us to adopt this mindset, fostering an inclusive and welcoming community.

Sam explores how a theology of work is central to our participation in God's mission. He explores how having integrity in our work, a bias towards the margins, and seeing our work as worship are key dynamics that see us live more intentionally.

Members of the Bay Vineyard Church community courageously share their testimonies on how God is shaping, restructuring, and healing their lives. These beautiful and inspiring stories serve as a reminder of our profound gratitude to God and the importance of pausing, reflecting, and sharing our journeys.

Aaron highlights the difference between walking obediently with God and simply doing things for Him. He encourages us to allow God to take residence in our lives whilst acknowledging our brokenness.

On Pentecost Sunday, Glenn encourages us to intentionally and purposefully pursue God, and to actively engage with the Holy Spirit as a conduit of our faith.

Sam encourages us to embrace sanctification, whilst warning against the pitfalls of addiction and stoicism, urging us to have a Christian mystic approach that finds spirituality both vital and energising.

Luke describes how his life has been marked and shaped by the power of God, and shares insights into how to engage with the Holy Spirit and not resist it.