Thrive Church SA Podcast

Title: Faithful When We're Faithless Speaker: Ps Amy-Jane DumaDescription: We all experience seasons—moments where faith feels strong and others where fear, disappointment, or uncertainty make it hard to believe. In this powerful message, Ps Amy-Jane reminds us of an unchanging truth: God remains faithful, even when we feel faithless.Through personal stories and the life of Peter, we see that God's faithfulness isn't dependent on our performance—it's rooted in His character. His love sees us, pursues us, and restores us.Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”Key Thought: God's faithfulness is not dependent on our faithfulness.3 Truths About God's Faithfulness: • He sees you – Even in your weakest, most faithless moments, God looks at you with love, not condemnation. • He pursues you – When you drift, He draws near. His love doesn't give up on you. • He restores your purpose – God doesn't just forgive; He reaffirms your calling and trusts you again.Illustration: Like sitting on a chair without hesitation, we can trust God to hold us—even when we can't see or feel Him. His faithfulness remains constant.Application:

Jesus Over Everything | Easter Sunday 2026 What changed when the power of God returned to the tomb? Everything.In this Resurrection Sunday message, Ps. Byron Chicken unpacks the life-changing reality that Easter is not only about an empty tomb, but about the power of God breaking into human history and proving that Jesus is over everything.Looking at Matthew 28 and key New Testament passages, this sermon explores three great enemies every person faces:1. Jesus is over sin Sin is more than bad behavior. It is saying no to God and yes to ourselves. It is the root of our brokenness, damaged relationships, and inner struggle. But through the resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin. Its grip can be weakened, its destruction can be stopped, and our lives can be changed as we become more like Christ.2. Jesus is over Satan The resurrection declared Christ's victory over the enemy of our souls. Satan may still accuse, but his accusations have lost their authority. The courtroom is closed, the sentence has been served, and because of Jesus, we now live from a place of grace, victory, and freedom.3. Jesus is over death Death no longer has the final word. Through the resurrection, death has been turned from a full stop into a comma. For those who belong to Jesus, death is no longer the end, but the doorway into eternal life in the presence of God.With humour, hope, and powerful illustrations, Ps. Byron reminds us that what looked like defeat on Friday became total victory on Sunday. Jesus is over sin. Jesus is over Satan. Jesus is over death.If you are feeling spiritually dry, disconnected, or ready to make Jesus Lord over your life, this message is a powerful Easter reminder that resurrection power changes everything.Scripture references: Matthew 28:1–7, Romans 6:5–11, Colossians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 15:51–57⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

What makes Good Friday “good”? In this powerful Good Friday message, Ps. Candice Chicken unpacks the tension of the cross: physically, it was a horrific day of suffering, sorrow, and grief — but spiritually, it was astounding.Looking at Isaiah 53, this sermon explores the deeper meaning behind Jesus' crucifixion and why His death was unlike any other. While crucifixion was common in the Roman world, what made Jesus' cross different was the spiritual reality of what took place there.In this message, we discover two life-changing truths:Jesus is over our suffering Jesus carries our weakness, enters our sorrow, and brings healing and wholeness through the cross. Whether you are facing anxiety, grief, disappointment, fatigue, illness, or deep personal pain, this message is a reminder that you do not suffer alone.Jesus is over our sin Ps. Candice explains the biblical meaning of atonement, showing how the Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward Jesus — the spotless Lamb of God who gave His life once and for all. Through His blood, our sin is forgiven, our shame is removed, and we can be made right with God.This message is both deeply reflective and full of hope, ending with a call to respond to Jesus and receive His forgiveness, freedom, healing, and grace.Key Scripture: Isaiah 53 Also referenced: 2 Corinthians 12, Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 21If this message encouraged you, be sure to share it and join us again as we continue the Easter journey.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

Ps Candice Chicken continues our Us – Growing Greater Relationships series with a powerful message on the difference between relationship breakers and relationship builders.In a world that often pushes selfishness, grudges, hurtful words, and distracted listening, Jesus shows us a better way to live and relate. This message unpacks four relationship breakers that damage connection, and four relationship builders that bring healing, strength, and unity.In this message, you'll discover how to: • Put others first instead of living “me first” • Extend grace instead of holding grudges • Use words to build up instead of tear down • Listen with your heart instead of being distractedPs Candice reminds us that healthy, life-giving relationships do not happen by accident. They are built as we follow the example and teaching of Jesus. With practical daily questions and simple habits, this message helps you identify one area to work on and start making changes immediately.This sermon also carries a heartfelt call to reconciliation — not only with others, but ultimately with God. Through the story of a father and son restored after years of distance, we're reminded that it's never too late for healing, forgiveness, and peace.If you're longing for stronger relationships, deeper connection, and a more Christ-centered way of living, this message is for you.Let Jesus show you a better way to build.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

Friendship might be one of the most overlooked gifts God has given us.In this message, Ps Byron Chicken unpacks insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development—an 80-year study that found the single greatest predictor of a good life is not wealth, success, or fame, but friendship. Deep, meaningful relationships shape our joy, resilience, health, and ability to walk through hard seasons well.But in today's culture, real friendship is under pressure. We live in what many call a “friendship recession”—a time marked by busyness, disappointment, emotional exhaustion, shallow digital connection, and the breakdown of the natural structures that once helped friendships grow.Through Scripture and the story of the paralyzed man carried by his friends to Jesus in Mark 2, this message reminds us that friendship is worth fighting for. Real friends carry us when we are weak, help us overcome obstacles, and move us closer to Jesus.Ps Byron shares practical wisdom on how to build close, life-giving friendships using the acronym C.L.O.S.E.:Consistency – Show up regularly and stay present Likeness – Build around shared interests and common ground Openness – Be vulnerable and honest Shared Space – Prioritise face-to-face connection Engagement – Show genuine interest in one anotherThis message is both a challenge and an encouragement: pray for godly friendships, choose to become a better friend, and don't let disappointment stop you from receiving one of God's best gifts.You don't need more connections. You need a few people who will walk with you until you become who God has called you to be.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

What comes out of you when life squeezes you? In this message, Ps Hein Bruyns shares a powerful truth: healthy relationships start with personal healing. Too often we blame others, our past, or our pain for what spills out of us—but Jesus shows us that what's inside our hearts eventually shapes every relationship around us.In Us Starts With Me, Hein unpacks how blame blocks healing, why our relationships bear the fruit of what's happening inside us, and how Jesus invites us into real restoration. This message is honest, practical, and full of hope for anyone wanting stronger marriages, friendships, family relationships, and inner wholeness.If what's broken in us can eventually break us, then what's healed in us can eventually heal us.In this episode:Why blame keeps us stuckHow inner pain affects outer relationshipsWhat Jesus teaches about healing the heartWhy healing starts with taking responsibilityHow to come to Jesus for real restoration3 practical ways to pursue healing:Come to Jesus with authenticityReveal your struggles in safe communityKeep returning to His presenceKey Scriptures: Luke 6:43–45 Matthew 7:1–6 Matthew 11:28–30 James 5:16 Psalm 145:18This message will encourage you to stop fixing your eyes on everyone else, bring your heart honestly to Jesus, and let Him begin a work of healing that overflows into every part of your life.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

We live in a world where connection has never been easier—yet meaningful relationships often feel harder than ever. In this message, Khulu Duma launches the series “US: Growing Greater Relationships” by addressing a modern challenge many of us face: the divide created by our screens.Relationships matter deeply, but our devices can quietly pull our attention away from the people who matter most. Phones, laptops, TVs, and even smartwatches can interrupt conversations, reduce face-to-face interaction, and create habits that slowly distance us from those we love.Research shows the average person touches their phone between 90 and 150 times a day, and in some cases up to 300 times. These habits are reinforced by dopamine loops created by notifications, messages, and endless scrolling. The result? Technology begins to shape our attention and becomes the “frame of reference” in our daily interactions.But here's the tension: we need our devices. They help us work remotely, connect with family across the world, capture memories, and access learning tools. The real issue isn't eliminating technology—it's mastering it instead of being mastered by it.Drawing from First Epistle to the Corinthians 6:12, we're reminded: “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial… I will not be mastered by anything.This truth leads to a powerful challenge: Master the screens that divide us.In this episode, we explore five practical ways to reclaim connection:• Create Phone-Free Moments – Some moments should belong to people, not screens. • Start and End the Day Without Screens – The first and last moments of the day shape our focus. • Practice Intentional Checking – Technology should serve us, not control us. • Protect Deep Connection Time – Relationships grow when we give people our full attention. • Have a Weekly Digital Reset – Regular breaks from technology help our minds and relationships reset.Just as the Berlin Wall once divided families for decades before suddenly coming down, the barriers created by screens in our lives can also be torn down. With intentional choices and God's help, we can rebuild connection and strengthen the relationships that matter most.Ultimately, the greatest connection we can have is with Jesus. When our relationship with Him is restored, it begins to reshape every other relationship in our lives.If you've ever felt distracted, disconnected, or pulled away from the people you love, this message will help you take practical steps toward closing the divide and building greater relationships.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

In a world full of noise, pressure, and uncertainty, many of us search for peace in quieter environments, better circumstances, or a break from the chaos of life. But what if true peace doesn't come from calm surroundings?In this powerful message, Donovan Cogill shares a personal story from a retreat where everything on the outside was perfectly peaceful—yet his mind was anything but. Through the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35–41, we discover that real peace is not found in the absence of storms, but in the presence of Jesus.Even experienced fishermen feared for their lives when a violent storm hit their boat—yet Jesus was asleep. His confidence came from knowing the Father's will and knowing who He was. The storm may have interrupted the journey, but it could never cancel the promise of reaching the other side.This message unpacks two powerful truths about Greater Peace:1. Greater Peace Through Confidence Jesus trusted the Father's will and knew His identity. In the same way, we can face life's storms with confidence when we remember who we are in Christ: • A child of God • Chosen and secure • More than a conqueror • Christ lives in usWhen we know who we are and whose we are, the storm loses its power to define us.2. Greater Peace Through Confrontation After calming the storm, Jesus asked the disciples a challenging question: “Where is your faith?” He wasn't ignoring the storm—they were real. But Jesus was confronting something deeper: fear.Fear grows when we believe we are alone. But the truth is, we are never alone—Jesus is in the boat with us.The message also reflects on the life of Horatio Spafford, who wrote the famous hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” after losing his daughters in a tragic shipwreck. Even in devastating loss, he experienced a peace that could only come from God's presence.Peace is not found when storms disappear. Peace is found when we recognize who is in the boat with us.If you're facing pressure, uncertainty, or fear today, be encouraged:Greater Peace is not just a promise—it's a Person. His name is Jesus.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

Episode Title: Greater TransformationThere are moments in life when everything shifts because of one interaction, one conversation, one unexpected encounter. In this powerful message, we unpack John 4 and the story of the woman at the well—an ordinary day that turned into a life-changing encounter with Jesus.She came carrying a jar. Routine. Shame. Disappointment. Survival.She left with living water—and a testimony.This episode explores how greater transformation begins with great grace from God and results in great works for God.Key ScriptureJohn 4 (The Woman at the Well)3 Movements of Greater Transformation1️⃣ Jesus Meets UsJesus “had to” go through Samaria. Not for convenience—but for a divine appointment.Before we ever seek Him, He seeks us. Before we clean ourselves up, He meets us as we are.Grace always starts the conversation.“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 “We are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe, yet more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope.” – Tim KellerPractice this week: Start each day with a simple prayer: “Jesus, meet me at my well today.” Invite Him into your routine. Give Him permission to interrupt you.2️⃣ Jesus Changes UsJesus lovingly confronts the woman's past—not to shame her, but to free her.Transformation is free. Surrender is costly.We often pray: “Jesus, fill me… but don't touch this.” “Change me… but don't ask me to surrender that.”The jar represents the temporary things we keep returning to—relationships, control, ambition, comfort, hidden compromise.Living water and the jar cannot coexist.“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” – Dallas WillardPractice this week: Ask the Holy Spirit: “What jar are You asking me to put down?” Don't defend it. Surrender it.When the jar goes down, freedom begins.3️⃣ Jesus Sends UsAfter her encounter, the woman runs back to town:“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did!”The one who avoided the crowd is now gathering a crowd.Transformation isn't complete until it overflows. A surrendered life becomes a sent life.One conversation led to a town believing.You don't need a theology degree. You just need your story.Practice this week: Pray: “Lord, give me one name.” One person to share your story with.Big IdeaGreater transformation starts with grace from God—but it must result in works for God.Jesus meets us.Jesus changes us.Jesus sends us.You never know who might encounter Jesus because you encountered Him first.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

Greater Things: From God, For God!Vision Sunday 2026 | Ps Byron ChickenWhat does it look like to live a life marked by Greater Things?In this Vision Sunday message, Ps Byron unpacks one of the most daring moments in Scripture — Peter stepping out of the boat — and shows us how expectation and obedience work together to unlock greater things from God and for God.Key ScriptureMatthew 14:21–33 (Peter walks on water)Message HighlightsPeter wasn't reckless — he was expectant.Greater things are released when expectation meets obedience.Peter believed he could do what Jesus was doing — and acted on it.Faith isn't passive; it moves toward Jesus.Big IdeaGreater Things = Expectation + ObedienceHow We Grow in ExpectationFaith memory: Remembering what God has already done builds faith for what He will do next.Bold prayers: If Peter never asked, he never would have walked.God's promises: What we feed on shapes what we expect.Expectation is the key that opens the door to see the whole room — not just the keyhole.Obedience ReframedObedience isn't restrictive — it's liberating.What is birthed in expectation must grow up in obedience.One step of obedience can set up a lifetime of victory.What Holds Us BackFear of lossFear of uncertaintyDesire for controlImpatience with God's timingDistraction and busynessGreater Things From GodDeeper intimacy with JesusSpiritual transformationFreedom and deliveranceProvision beyond human calculationRestoration beyond lossFruitfulness and lasting impactPeace and stability in chaosGreater Things For God — TogetherWe're not consumers — we're contributors. As a church, we step into greater things together through:Serving our cityHope Bags & food reliefSHINE literacy outreachCherished ministryLife GroupsServe teams & worshipKids ministryMissionsPractical compassion initiativesLooking AheadLaunching three servicesPraying toward a third Thrive campusClosing ThoughtGreater things don't happen by accident. They happen when ordinary people choose to expect boldly and obey courageously.Let's get out of the boat — together.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

Episode SummaryThis episode invites listeners to drop the pressure of perfection and instead pick up a “compass faith” — a daily, relational journey of obedience with Jesus.Main Themes1. Why Resolutions FailWe promise to be better, but life doesn't promise to be easier.Resolutions assume we have control — but we don't.Life is too unpredictable for “planner faith”.2. Planner vs CompassA planner assumes control and fixed outcomes.A compass assumes direction and daily alignment.Jesus invites us to follow Him as our true north, no matter what.3. Obedience > SacrificeFrom the story of Saul:Saul sacrificed but didn't fully obey.Partial obedience is still disobedience.God desires hearts that follow Him, not just religious activity.“Obedience is better than sacrifice.” – 1 Samuel 15:22Three Differences Between Sacrifice and Obedience1. Outward vs InwardSacrifice: External actions, religious performance.Obedience: Flows from inward transformation.2. Human Effort vs Divine PowerSacrifice: Striving in your own strength.Obedience: Trusting God's power and guidance.3. Earning Blessing vs Walking in BlessingSacrifice: Trying to earn God's favour.Obedience: Realising that following God is the blessing.The Principle of AlignmentTo walk in obedience, we must stay aligned with God — like regular wheel alignment for a car. Life's “potholes” knock us off course, so we need constant realignment.Five Practical Ways to Align with God1. Align Your Heart – WorshipGive God the first few minutes you already have each day.Worship realigns your heart with God's presence.2. Align Your Mind – ScriptureRead one verse or passage daily.Ask: “How does this change how I live today?”3. Align with Others – CommunityChoose one person and one rhythm.Ask weekly:What did I do well?Where did I drift?4. Align Your Voice – PrayerPray in natural pauses (car, lunch break, before sleep).Simple prayers: “God guide me. God help me obey.”5. Align Your Actions – ReflectionOnce a week, ask:Where did I sense God's leading?Where did I resist God's leading?What one adjustment can I make next week?Powerful Illustration – Jackie PullingerA missionary who obeyed a simple calling to go to Hong Kong without a plan, funding, or structure. Her obedience led to:She didn't have a planner — she had a compass.Final InvitationJesus doesn't want your perfect plans — He wants your daily obedience.Not big promises. Not religious performance.Just a simple, honest “yes” every day.Choose direction, not perfection.Choose obedience, not sacrifice.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

What if blessing isn't something we chase—but something we choose?In this powerful and deeply honest message, Ps Candice reflects on a painful 2025 and invites us into a better way forward for 2026. Drawing from the life of Jacob in Genesis, she unpacks what it truly means to choose blessing—not by striving, stealing, or forcing outcomes, but by pursuing the presence of God.This sermon is for anyone who has wrestled with disappointment, grief, unanswered prayers, or uncertainty about the future—and is still daring to believe God has more.Key ThemesChoosing blessing in the midst of hardshipWrestling with God instead of walking awayThe power of perseverance and transformationIdentity change before blessing flowsPursuing the face of God over the hand of GodScripture FocusGenesis 32:22–31 – Jacob wrestles with GodPsalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God”Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, O God…”Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me…”Big IdeaWe don't choose blessing by buying it or stealing it.We choose blessing by choosing the presence of God.When we pursue His face, His provision follows.The Path to Blessing: B.L.E.S.S.A practical framework for pursuing God's presence:B – Be still before God Create space to encounter Him in the quiet.L – Listen for His voice God speaks in everyday moments—learn to recognize His voice.E – Examine your heart Invite God to search you, convict you, and lead you into repentance.S – Surrender your will Let go of control and choose God's way over your own.S – Seek His presence continually Daily devotion and weekly gathering shape a blessed life.Memorable Quotes“A limp with God is better than no limp without God.”“Don't let go in the middle of the wrestle.”“We don't pursue the hand of God—we pursue the face of God.”“When we get the order right, we will be blessed.”Final InvitationThe starting point of a blessed life is saying yes to Jesus. Blessing flows from relationship, not performance.About This MessageThis sermon is part of the Choose Well series and was preached at Thrive Church. It's a call to step into 2026 with faith, honesty, and a renewed commitment to God's presence.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

CHOOSE GOD!Trading the Sacred for the SecularOne decision. One moment of weakness. One bowl of stew. Esau's choice echoes through history—and challenges us to examine our own.In this message from the Choose Well series, we explore how shortcuts cost more than we realize, and how choosing God over self leads to life, legacy, and blessing.

⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

Walk In The Light!Main Text: John 12:35–36, 46Christmas is a season full of lights — decorations, celebrations, and festive cheer — yet for many people, it can still feel like one of the darkest times of the year.In this powerful and hope-filled message, we're reminded of a simple but life-changing truth: the presence of light doesn't change a life — responding to it does.Drawing from Jesus' words in John 12, this message invites us not just to admire the light, but to walk in it.In this episode, you'll discover:Why light is more than decoration — it's directionHow walking toward the light brings clarity, freedom, and peaceWhy small, faithful steps matter more than perfect conditionsHow the light of Christ shapes who we're becomingWhy God's invitations often come with a window of opportunityWhat it means to respond to Jesus now, not laterWhether you're feeling hopeful, heavy, curious, or searching, this message offers a gentle but clear invitation: step out of the darkness and walk with Jesus — the Light of the World.“Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” — John 12:36If you're in a season of uncertainty, pressure, or transition, this episode will encourage you to take your next step — not in fear or pressure, but in faith and hope.