Manningham Christian Centre

Part 1 — What You Receive Matters (James 1:21-25) We all know the feeling of hearing something true, nodding along, and forgetting it by lunchtime. James calls that a mirror problem. In Part 1 of this two-part study closing out James chapter 1, we unpack the implanted word — a seed grafted into your soul with the power to save it — and why hearing was never meant to be the finish line. Three points: The Seed, The Selfie, and The Steady Gaze. James 1:21-25, NKJV. Part 2, "What You Spray Matters," follows next episode.

What's really going on when someone goes under the water? In this episode, Ps Matthew Wyatt separates baptism from the traditions we've often confused it with — christenings, dedications, and "just what our family's always done" — and walks through what Scripture actually says it is, why Jesus commanded it, and what it asks of us afterward. Drawing on pictures from Noah's ark, the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, and Paul's writing on being "buried and raised" with Christ, this message makes the case that baptism was never meant to be a box to tick — it's a funeral for your old self and a birth for the new one. Expect some honest reflection on tradition versus Scripture, a story or two that'll make you laugh, and a straightforward challenge for anyone who's been putting the decision off. A message for anyone who's ever nodded along at a baptism without quite knowing what it meant.

In this powerful message, Laurence Hirsch of Celebrate Messiah unpacks the rich significance of the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Atonement — two ancient appointed times that call us to wake up, examine our hearts, and get ready for what's coming. Laurence shows how these feasts speak directly into our everyday walk with God, and points forward to their ultimate fulfillment: the "Last Trumpet Call" at the return of Jesus. A timely, stirring word for anyone longing to live ready for His coming.

Have you ever seen faith from a father toward their child? This sermon from Andy Furlong show the heart of not only Abraham but the way in which our Heavenly Father has woven His love for you into the fabric of the history of the world.  This is powerful!

Have you ever wondered why extraordinary people are the way they are? It is often that they are extraordinary at doing the ordinary things consistently.  Sam Wishart leads us through how someone can live an extraordinary life by reading the Bible. Not only that how it impacts tha lives of those around them. If you have been through seasons on struggling to consistently read your bible then this message will help you all the way!

ARISE: To Be First | James 1:9-20 | Manningham Christian Church Where does sin actually come from — and who's really to blame when we fall into temptation? In this message from our ARISE series, we dig into James 1:9-20 and uncover three truths: the world's ranking system gets completely flipped in Christ, sin has a genealogy that starts small and ends in death, and God — the Father of lights — never changes, no matter how much everything else around us does. We land it all in two of the most practical verses in James: be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

WISDOM IN THE STORM | James 1:5-8 If your trial has left you more confused than complete, James has a next step for you: stop guessing, start asking. This week we look at what it means to ask God for wisdom - and why faith that wavers with every bit of bad news can never quite receive it. Continuing our series through James 1, we pick up right after "count it all joy" (James 1:2-4) to ask the question every honest believer eventually asks in a trial: what do I do when I don't understand what's happening? In this message:

Arise in Faith | James 1:2-4 | Manningham Christian Centre Trials aren't here to break you — they're here to reveal you. In this message from James 1:2-4, we unpack what it really means to "count it all joy" when life gets hard, why testing reveals character rather than creating it, and how patience does its full work in us so we end up lacking nothing. Three things testing does in you:

Most people want to be devoted to God. Very few are willing to do what Mary of Bethany did. She broke open a jar worth a year's wages and poured it all over Jesus' feet — in public, without explanation, while people around her openly questioned whether she had lost her mind. And Jesus looked at her critics and said: wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told as a memorial to her. Not Paul's conversion. Not Peter's confession. This woman's act of devotion. Remembered everywhere, forever. In the final installment of The Devoted Life, we close out eight levels of devotion with the three that most people never reach — not because they aren't available, but because they require something the earlier levels don't:

Most of us don't struggle to believe in God. We struggle to feel like we're enough for Him. In this message from The Devoted Life series, we follow the Apostle Peter — the most relatable figure in the entire New Testament — from a fishing boat on the Lake of Gennesaret all the way to a beach breakfast with the risen Jesus. His story is messy, honest, and full of falls. And it's one of the most powerful maps for devoted life the Bible gives us. Together we trace four of the eight levels of devotion woven through Peter's journey:

In this powerful message, Rod Walsh from Creation Ministries International (CMI) tackles one of the most debated questions in the church today: did God create the earth in six literal days, or over millions of years? Rod examines the scientific and biblical case for a young earth, unpacking key discrepancies and assumptions behind old-earth dating methods, and shows why the six-day creation account in Genesis holds up to scrutiny. Recorded live at Manningham Christian Centre's Sunday Service, July 11, 2026.

Are you devoted to God — or just attending? There's a difference. And most of us know it. The Devoted Life is a three-part series that traces eight levels of devotion using some of the most powerful stories in the Bible. In Part 1, we open with the Apostle Paul — a man who went from violently hunting down Christians to declaring that his entire former life was worthless compared to knowing Christ. His story isn't just inspiring. It's a map. In this message we uncover the first three levels of devotion:

You believe worship matters. So why is it so hard to fully enter in? In Part Two of ARISE: The Call to Worship, we get honest about something most of us have never stopped to examine — the conditions we quietly place on God before we'll respond to Him. If I feel like it. If I like the songs. If I don't look awkward. If God shows up. Sound familiar? Those aren't just preferences. They're terms. And it's time to drop them. Paul and Silas were flogged and chained in a prison cell at midnight — and they sang. Not because the conditions were right. Because they knew something about worship that changed everything. This message will show you what they knew. In this sermon we unpack: — The difference between a conditional worshipper and a passionate one — Why your voice in corporate worship is never just about you — What the throne room of heaven sounds like — and why your voice belongs in that sound — How Spirit-and-truth worship doesn't just express your faith — it grows it — The one question that will reframe why you walk through the doors on a Sunday This isn't about becoming a better singer. It's about becoming a surrendered one. He is worthy. That's enough. It's time to arise. ─────────────────────────────

What if you were never meant to sit on the sidelines of your own faith? In Part One of our brand new series ARISE: The Call to Worship, we open in 1 Peter 2 and discover something that changes everything — you are not a spectator. You are a living stone. And the God of the universe has been looking for a home in you. This message will challenge the way you think about worship, about why you gather, and about what is actually at stake when God's people come together with wholehearted hearts. Because here's the truth: the life of a church will only rise as high as its worship. And God is not looking for perfect singers — He is looking for surrendered hearts. In this sermon we unpack: — Why God has always been searching for a dwelling place on Earth — The epic biblical journey from Eden to the Church that puts YOU in the story — Why your worship is never just personal — it is part of something far bigger — What it means to be built together as a spiritual house for God's presence Whether you've been in church your whole life or you're just beginning to explore faith, this message will call you higher. You were made for this. It's time to arise. ─────────────────────────────

"The light precedes the arising" - Tim Lord shares this powerful message about responding to the Glory of God in our lives.    This is about allowing the Glory of God to increase in our lives. The divine light that never fades along with all of the biblical promises at work!

ARISE TO THE WORD | How to Make the Bible Personal — Sam Wishart The Bible is the most purchased book in history. But for many of us, it can also be the most unopened. In this message, Sam Wishart unpacks how to move beyond simply reading the Bible and into a place where Scripture comes alive — personally, practically, and powerfully in your everyday life. Because the Word of God was never meant to sit on a shelf. It was written for you. In this message we explore: Why so many Christians struggle to connect with the Bible consistently Practical tools to help you read Scripture in a way that actually sticks How to move from information to transformation Why making the Bible personal changes everything How the Word of God speaks directly into your story Whether you're brand new to the Bible or you've been reading it for years, this message will give you a fresh hunger for God's Word and practical steps to make it a daily reality.

ARISE TO PURPOSE | Arise & Shine — Living the Life You Were Made For You were not made by accident. You were made on purpose, for a purpose. In this message, we dive into what God says about your life — not what you feel in your hardest season, but what the Creator of the universe declares over you. From Ephesians 2:10 to Isaiah 60:1, the Bible is clear: you are God's masterwork, designed with intention, wired with gifts, and called to shine. But here's the hard truth — you cannot fulfil your God-given purpose from the sidelines. Too many of us are waiting for the perfect moment, the right season, the ideal circumstances. Meanwhile, the candle God placed inside us is sitting under a basket. In this message we explore: Why you were designed on purpose, for a purpose What the apostle Paul's struggles teach us about staying the course How every area of your ordinary life can become an act of worship How your spiritual gifts are signposts to your calling Why the church grows when everyone carries something Whether you're in a season of doubt, burnout, or simply going through the motions — this message is your invitation to arise.

What if everything we've been calling "ministry strategy" is just love with a plan attached — and we've forgotten which one is supposed to lead? In this powerful message, Kellie Wishart, CEO of Carenet, challenges us to rethink how we show up in service, in leadership, and in community. Drawing from the heart of Scripture, Kellie reminds us that love isn't a tool we use to accomplish kingdom work — love is the kingdom work. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He didn't hand us a framework. He gave us a posture. Love God. Love people. Everything hangs on this. Whether you're a ministry leader, a volunteer, or simply someone trying to figure out how faith shows up in daily life, this message will stir something in you — and maybe rearrange your priorities in the best possible way.

Before you can step into your purpose — you need to know who is being called to arise. In this message, we unpack one of the most powerful truths in Scripture: that through faith in Jesus Christ, you have been begotten of God. Not a servant. Not a stranger. A child. An heir. And from that unshakeable identity, you are called to arise into the good works God prepared for you before you drew your first breath. This sermon covers: ✦ The biblical meaning of begotten — and why your true identity changes everything ✦ Why comfort is often the greatest enemy of a purposeful life (the hard truth nobody wants to hear) ✦ Two anchor truths from Scripture on purpose — and two practical action points to live them out this week ✦ A powerful real-life example from right here in Melbourne, Australia Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:10 | John 1:12–13 | 1 John 3:1–2 | Galatians 4:7 | Jeremiah 29:11 | Romans 8:28 | Philippians 2:13 | Micah 6:8 You are not random. You are not accidental. You are God's handiwork — and today, you are invited to live like it.

ARISE TO LOVE | Perfect Love Casts Out Fear — 1 John 4:18-19 Is your relationship with God driven by love — or quietly controlled by fear? Fear that you're not doing enough. Fear that you've fallen too far. Fear that His love is somehow conditional on your performance. In this message, Ps Matt Wyatt at Manningham Christian Centre unpacks one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18-19) You'll discover why God is always the initiator and you are the respondent — and why getting that the wrong way around leads to an exhausting, works-based faith that was never meant for you. Ps Matt also confronts two hard truths that many Christians never face: ✦ Fear disguised as humility — and how it keeps you distant from God ✦ How fear silently poisons the way you love the people around you This sermon ends on one of the greatest identity declarations in the New Testament — Romans 8:15-17 — and the truth that you did not receive a spirit of bondage to fear, but the Spirit of adoption, by which you cry out: Abba, Father. You are not a slave trying to earn your place. You are a child who already belongs. Arise to Love.

But We See Jesus | Perspective and Hope | MCC Morning Service When you look at the world around you — the wars, the suffering, the unanswered prayers, the injustice — what do you see? It's easy to feel overwhelmed by how broken things look. But Scripture gives us a powerful shift in perspective: "But we see Jesus." In this message from Hebrews 2:8–9 and 1 Corinthians 15:24–25, we explore the tension between what we know to be true and what we see with our eyes. God has placed all things under Christ's feet — yet not everything looks that way right now. Authentic faith doesn't require us to deny that reality. Instead, it calls us to fix our eyes on the One in whom everything will ultimately be made right. We look at what it means that Jesus is reigning now — not waiting to become King, but actively working to subdue all opposition to God's purposes. His Kingdom is growing, and we are called to co-labour with Him. Whether you're carrying anger, doubt, fear, pride, or anxiety — this message is for you. Because when we behold Jesus, everything changes.

What if the reason so many of us feel like we're living at a fraction of what God promised is because we've welcomed Jesus as Savior — but quietly kept Him at arm's length as King? In this message, we unpack the Model Prayer — "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" — and ask the question: can you sincerely pray that prayer if you haven't yet let the King come? Drawing from the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Matthew 13, we look at three powerful truths:

Have you drifted from the closeness you once had with God — without even realizing it happened? In this message, we explore what it means to return to your first love. Drawing from the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, the story of King David and Bathsheba, and Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13, we unpack the honest truth about distraction, self-preservation, and what it actually looks like to draw near to God again. This message is for anyone who is still showing up — but knows something has quietly shifted in their heart.

This Sunday, we were truly blessed to welcome the incredible Dr Allan Meyer to Manningham Christian Centre, as he delivered a powerful and deeply personal message that left hearts stirred and spirits renewed. Dr Meyer opened up about a defining moment in his own life — a moment where he stood at a crossroads and had to make a deliberate choice about how he was going to live. That pivotal moment, he called his Day of Visitation — the day everything changed. Drawing from this deeply honest testimony, Dr Meyer reminded us that our lives are a letter, read by those around us — including those who are watching from the margins, the broken, and even those behind prison walls. Whether we realise it or not, the way we live as followers of Christ speaks louder than any sermon, any program, or any outreach effort. His message was a timely and convicting reminder that Christianity is not just what we say — it's what others see. And the impact of a life genuinely surrendered to God is far more powerful than we could ever imagine. If you've ever wondered whether your faith makes a difference — this message is for you.

What if the greatest barrier between you and God was already removed — 2,000 years ago? In this message, we explore one of the most revolutionary truths in all of Scripture: that through Jesus, ordinary people now have bold, direct, uninhibited access to the very throne room of God. No priest required. No protocol to navigate. No distance to maintain. Drawing on Hebrews 10:19-22, James 4:7-9, Isaiah 6, and 2 Corinthians 3:18, we unpack what it actually means to draw near — and why doing so changes not just how we pray, but how we worship, how we see ourselves, and how we live. This isn't about religious performance. It's about Divine Proximity.

DRAW NEAR TO GOD | A Sermon from James 4:7–10 (NKJV) | Manningham Christian Centre "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8 What does it actually mean to draw near to God? It sounds simple — even romantic. But James, the half-brother of Jesus and one of the early church's most practical voices, makes it clear that drawing near is not passive. It's not a feeling. It's a posture, a pursuit, and a daily decision. In this message we unpack James 4:7–10 across three powerful movements: ▶ POINT 1 — Drawing Near Requires Recognizing Who God Is Before nearness comes submission. Before closeness comes a reckoning with the holiness of God — and the breathtaking reality that this same holy God made a way to bring you close through the cross. ▶ POINT 2 — Drawing Near Requires Honest Hands and an Undivided Heart James confronts the "double-minded" believer — the one trying to hold God in one hand and the world in the other. The distance you feel from God isn't because He has moved. It's because you're trying to stand in two places at once. ▶ POINT 3 — Drawing Near Is an Active, Ongoing Pursuit James says "draw near" — not "arrive." This is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. Like any relationship that matters, closeness with God grows through consistent, intentional pursuit. And the promise is clear: He will draw near to you.

Description (using the third title as an example): Are you exhausted from trying to earn God's favor? In this message, we explore The Art of Surrender — a countercultural invitation to stop striving and start resting in the presence of God. Through three transformative principles, we'll discover what it really looks like to surrender our whole lives to Him:

Are you feeling distant from God? Overwhelmed by life's pressures and distractions? In this powerful message, we explore what it truly means to draw near to God and how He promises to draw near to you.  

Are you feeling distant from God? Overwhelmed by life's pressures and distractions? In this powerful message, we explore what it truly means to draw near to God and how He promises to draw near to you.  

Are you ready for breakthrough? Join us for this powerful 25-minute teaching on Prayer and Fasting using the biblical Daniel Fast!

In Part 2 of The Fire of Forgiveness, we witness the shocking moment when a servant forgiven millions immediately demands payment of pennies—grabbing his fellow servant by the throat. This powerful message on Matthew 18:28-35 exposes how quickly we forget grace and reveals the devastating consequences of unforgiveness: it tortures the one who holds it, keeps others in prison, and blocks God's work in our lives. You'll discover why your unforgiveness hurts YOU more than them, how bitterness binds both the forgiver and the unforgiven, and receive two profound challenges to release those who've wounded you. If you've been holding onto hurt, this message will set you free. #Forgiveness #Matthew18 #UnforgivenessHurts #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Bitterness #Grace #Freedom #SpiritualGrowth #JesusParables

In this powerful two-part sermon series on Matthew 18:21-35, we explore Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant—a story that reveals the shocking size of our forgiven debt and challenges us to extend the same radical grace we've received. Discover how unforgiveness tortures the one who holds it, restricts what God wants to do in others, and blocks our own prayers. This message will challenge you to identify your "hundred-denarii person" and release them through the fire of forgiveness. If you've ever struggled to forgive someone who hurt you, this sermon will help you see your pain through the lens of God's impossible mercy toward you. #Forgiveness #Matthew18 #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Sermon #Grace #Mercy #ParableOfJesus #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchSermon

The Parable of the Lost Sheep like you may never have heard it. The Good Shepherd deals with religiosity. 

Have you read in the bible about how the fire of God appeared to people and what effect it had? Ps Catherine Warren from Northern Lights Church, Halifax England shares this impacting message about what happens when we allow the fire of God in our lives.

Have you ever read the Christmas Story with Holy Spirit as the main character? Holy Spirit moved in power to bring about the miraculous events that we now know as the story and miracle of Jesus' conception and birth.  Ps Matt shares about how Holy Spirit works in our everyday life just like Elizabeth, Mary and Zach and Joseph.   

Have ever thought about your cultural heritage, what about your family heritage? Have you every thought about you spiritual heritage?  Jesus came as the greatest gift, your inheritance and life giving savior. Listen as Ps Matt shares the powerful story that was told 800 years before it happened.

The Apostle Paul instructed the younger Timothy the fan the flame, take responsibility and allow the Lord to teach him. What a wonderful encouragement for us today.  Ps Matt shares personally about the impact of this scripture in 2 Tim 2 and how bringing focus grows us in the Kingdom.   

Have you ever thought you had potential but not known how to walk in it? It might be that you need to know your God given gifting and how to operate it! Ps Matt shares a few things that may help you in operating in your spiritual gifts. Join us today for what will be a powerful time of Worship and the Word!

It's one thing to know that you're gifted but its another thing to use it well. Ps Matt Teaches on 6 steps to activating your gifting and begin with the most important thing of all... Listen to find out

God has equipped His church with everything thing that it needs. He has not left us powerless and without help. He has given us all gifts to be used for the glory and advancement of His Kingdom. What gift do you carry? Ps Matt Wyatt helps define the gifts and shares some story both in the bible and experiences had as we unpack the amazing way God moves in and through us all.

Ps Matt shares about the gifts of the Godhead. This will help you find purpose and clarity in your calling and direction!

Most people can relate to Father God because we are aware of the concept of a father. Even Jesus can be someone that we relate to as He is described like a brother - but what about Holy Spirit? How do we live a life engaged with Him in such a way that we can serve God more effectively? 

Even the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. Jesus gave great insight in showing us to boldly pray, persistently and with understanding. Ps Matt unpacks a chapter in Luke where Jesus instructs us practically and powerfully.

In this series called "Holy Spirit is a Person" we are discussing how the bible describes the role we play in relation the work of Holy Spirit throughout our prayer life.    In other words - Holy Spirit takes your prayer into a whole new level.

Jesus promised to send Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is a person who is a third part of the godhead. Tune in and hear Ps Julie point the way that we can be open to encounters with Holy Spirit and live a life full of powerful truths. 

Sometimes its hard to know what to pray, who should we be p[raying too and how do we acknowledge the three parts of God. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity and yet have different roles. Ps Mat is at the beginning of speaking about spiritual gifts however first it is important to understand that Holy Spirit is a person with feelings, emotions and thought!!

To know the Father is to know Jesus. Listen to a special interview between Sam Wishart and Ps Matt Wyatt as they reflect of fatherhood and the impact it makes in knowing and walking with God the Father.  Join us for a Special 'FATHER'S DAY' Service. We can't wait to celebrate all the men in our lives with you!

Have you ever wondered how Jesus spoke to Father God and how it relates to you and I? Ps Matt unpacks John 17 in three powerful sections that equips you to connect with the Kingdom. Join us for what will be a powerful time of worship and preaching of the Word. We can't wait to see you!

Which Kingdom will you choose to partner with? Prayer ensures that you align with holiness and growth in the Kingdom of Heaven. Listen as Ps Matt leads in a powerful moment and is shifting people's situations.

Be inspired by Psalm 91 - the ultimate call to worship that encourages us to worship from every sphere of our life. Here Ps Matt takes some thoughts from Ps Tim Keller that through difficult times worship is the key to staying at peace and rest in God.    Worship transforms us into the likeness of the image of God!

Sometimes worship is an emotional response and sometimes it is a choice. Which response do you lean to?