Vision Christian Fellowship | Christian Church in Canberra - Podcast

Steve & Ros Lazar | Psalm 133:1-3; Matthew 5:13-16; Isaiah 60:1-2 — Jesus calls His followers to be ‘the salt of the earth' and ‘the light of the world'. This does not require us to drum something up from within ourselves, but rather to let the flavouring and life of Jesus' way flow from our lives to those around us. Whether to Mozambique or your neighbour next door, let your life be salt and light to the world. Hear reflections from long term missionaries to Mozambique, Steve & Ros Lazar.

Andrew Baker | John 15:1-8,16; Revelation 2:2-4 — Crying out for God to move powerfully in situations is good and right, but when prayer becomes solely about transactions and outcomes, we reduce God to a means for our own end. First and foremost, prayer is an invitation to unity; an act of abiding with the God who calls us to intimate relationship with Him. Effective intercession must start with the cry: “Lord, let my heart beat with yours”.

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 5:6, 6:5-18; Joel 2:12-13 — Fasting is a largely neglected spiritual practice in the modern church. But, alongside prayer, this unseen discipline is a key means through which God's power is enabled in our lives. Fasting redirects our hunger, deepens our devotion, exposes our sin, and releases the work of the Holy Spirit. As we enter a season of prayer and fasting, may God refuel and refire our hearts!

Adam Ritchard | Luke 11:1-13 — Jesus was devoted to prayer, so much so that His disciples specifically asked Him to teach them how to pray for themselves. Jesus' response emphasises that prayer is not an optional extra - it is a priority. We are to come before God in simplicity and sincerity; with tenacity and audacity; and with consistency and persistency. Lord, would you teach us to pray.

Andrew Baker | Ephesians 6:10-20 — Paul's concluding remarks to the Ephesians remind us that prayer is not an optional extra or a last resort. Prayer is a critical part of the armour that we as God's people need to stand firm against the powers of darkness. Far beyond duty, prayer is our priority and joy; a constant invitation to commune with the God who desires to bring His Kingdom near upon the earth.

Andrew Baker | Ephesians 4:1-16 — Growing in love as the Body of Christ cannot and will not happen in isolation. As Paul urges the Ephesians, this love is forged in the context of a community without spectators or consumers: a group of real, different, broken people, willing to put aside individual preference for the unifying truth of Jesus.

Andrew Baker | Ephesians 3:14-20 — To grow as God intends, Paul's desire for the Ephesian church and us as believers is to be grounded in and filled with the fullness of God's love. We cannot achieve this by striving or trying harder, but rather by learning to receive, with open hands.

Joshua Rowe | Ephesians 1:19-20, 2:13,19-22; Hosea 2:19-23, 4:13, 5:14; 1 Corinthians 1:18 — If we as God's people are to be built together effectively, none other than Christ must be our collective goal and foundation. As we behold Him rightly, may we submit to the kingship of Jesus the Lion, and receive the sacrificial mercy of Jesus the Lamb.Hear from guest speaker, Joshua Rowe.

Andrew Baker | Ephesians 2:19-22 — As we begin 2026, Paul's message to the Ephesians calls us to be a church of God's presence. We have been brought in as His people not just to hold good services and run effective programs, but to be built together into a place where He - the Living God - would dwell.

Andrew Baker | Matthew 2:1-6,11; Acts 17:26-28; Proverbs 9:10 — Matthew's inclusion of the wise men narrative assures us that Jesus' coming is not just for those with great knowledge or of a certain genealogy. It is for those who practice true wisdom: looking upward rather than inward; seeking and following Him; and overflowing with worship.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 35:1-10; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 5:10, 21:3; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 8:22 — The OT Prophets bear witness to a future in which all brokenness is healed, all creation is restored, and in which God will dwell forevermore with His beloved children. Our blessed hope is the Messiah who has come and who is coming again; who through love will make all things new.

Andrew Baker | Hosea 1:2-9, 2:14-20,23; Genesis 2:18-23; Ephesians 5:32; Deuteronomy 6:4-5 — The Old Testament prophecies point to a Messiah who would not only come to rule and reign, but to restore mankind back to the very purpose for which God created them - a relationship of communion and covenantal love.

Andrew Baker | Acts 2:4-12, 15:5,11-18; Isaiah 11:10, 49:6, 45:20-25; Zechariah 2:10-11; Jeremiah 16:19-21; Galatians 3:8-9,16,26-29; Genesis 11:1-4,8-9; Joshua 24:2; Deuteronomy 32:8-9; Psalm 82:1,6-8; Luke 4:17,22,24-27; John 11:49-52 — Across the breadth of prophetic scripture, we consistently see that God's plan was for a Messiah who would come to redeem and reconcile all nations - not just one people group. No one is beyond His loving pursuit, and no culture, language, or far-off land is beyond His reach.

Andrew Baker | Psalm 105:5 — As we look back on the highs and lows of the past year, may we do more than just ‘recall' what God has done. Rather, may our hearts be recalibrated as we call to mind the faithfulness of our covenant-making, promise-keeping God.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 9:2-5, 14:12-15, 24:21, 34:4; Ephesians 6:12; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Daniel 7:13-14,27, 10:12-21; Psalm 82:1; Jeremiah 10:11; Jude 1:6; 2 Peter 2:4; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 8:19-21; Colossians 2:13-15 — Throughout the Prophetic scriptures we see vivid descriptions of evil spiritual forces which oppose God, rebelling against His purposes and influencing earthly events. But alongside these depictions we also see the promise of a great cosmic reversal: a Messiah who would not only achieve salvation for a sinful humanity, but an ultimate and decisive victory over every force of spiritual darkness.

Adam Ritchard | 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; 2 Peter 3:1; Ephesians 3:18-19; Romans 12:1-2; Luke 9:23-25 — As humans we are prone to distraction and forgetfulness - we need reminders to stay on track. Paul's message to the Corinthian church is a reminder to all believers: Christ's restorative work on the Cross compels us to live as Christ's ambassadors, doing all that we do with Him as our master and His love as our motivation.

Adam Ritchard | Psalm 23:3, 51:12, 85:1-7, 126:1; Genesis 50:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Joel 2:25; John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:10; Acts 3:19-21; Revelation 21:5; Job 42:1-6,10 — Throughout scripture we see a God who restores and revives - in the midst of specific situations as well as the brokenness of humanity at large. While we wait in the tension between our life's circumstances and this unchanging truth, may His restorative power revive our hearts to a deeper revelation of Him.

Andrew Baker | Isaiah 9:2-7, 46:9-10, 53:4-6; Psalm 22:1,16, 110:1,4; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 5:5-6 — Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies point to the New Covenant's fulfilment through a Messiah - one who would come to reign and restore. But instead of sending a conquering oppressor, God came Himself; stooping low in human flesh to surrender His life in self-giving love.

Andrew Baker | Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:19-20; Deuteronomy 60:6; Isaiah 53:5-6 — Throughout the Old Testament Prophetic Books, we see God continually calling His people back to covenant relationship with Himself. But, knowing they would continue to rebel, God declared the promise of a new everlasting covenant: freedom from iniquity; forgiveness of sins; and a new heart.

Andrew Baker | Job 42:5; Matthew 26:30; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Song of Songs 2:16, 6:3, 7:10 — The Bible is not just a historical narrative about God and humankind. In the 'wisdom literature' books of Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, we see that God speaks directly into the depths of our human experience and the restless longing within each and every soul.

Adam Ritchard | Revelation 2:1-7; Luke 7:36-50, 10:38-42 — In John's Revelation, the Church at Ephesus was commended by Jesus for their hard work, patient endurance, hate of evil, and sound doctrine. And yet they had abandoned their first love - the love of Jesus. How do we heed this warning and keep ‘the main thing' the main thing; letting all that we do flow from loving Jesus as our highest priority?

Adam Ritchard | 2 Peter 1:8, 3:14-18; Philippians 1:6; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 6:1-2; Psalm 92:12-15; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:15 — To conclude his second letter, Peter instructs his readers to ‘grow' in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. As in nature, genuine spiritual growth requires hard work, careful attention, and lots of perseverance. But as followers of Jesus this growth is essential, not an optional extra. How are you growing?

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 9:35-38; Isaiah 6:1,8, 59:1; Genesis 18:14; John 4:35; James 5:16; 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Jesus saw the great ‘lostness' of humanity as an opportunity; a plentiful harvest ripe for the picking. As we consider how God's Great Story is still unfolding today, may we respond to this same opportunity as He did: with expectant faith, deep compassion, earnest prayer, and urgent action. Just as Isaiah proclaimed, may we too cry “Here I am Lord, send me!”

Andrew Baker | Esther 1:10-12, 2:5-9,17,21-23, 3:5-7, 4:13-16, 5:1-5, 6:1-2, 7:1-7, 8:5,11, 9:15-17; Luke 1:1-4; Ephesians 2:10 — Can God's promises still be fulfilled even when none shall call on His name? The book of Esther reminds us that God is not limited by borders or time or rulers or human faithlessness. He is sovereign over all, unfolding His purposes and plan through everyday ordinary moments - and inviting us to participate.

Andrew Baker | Ezra 1:1-4, 3:10-13, 7:1-6, 9:1-2, 10:7-11; Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:17-18, 6:15-16, 13:6-11,17-25,31 — King Cyrus rebuilt the temple; Ezra enforced the law of Moses; and Nehemiah repaired the city wall. But ultimately none of these external acts could truly change the hearts of God's people. As we see the brokenness of the world all around us, may we not fight external battles with revenge, resistance, and force. Rather, may we be stirred with Christ-like compassion to love and forgive those around us - that the light of the Gospel would be allowed to transform hearts from the inside out.

Dave Pellowe | Genesis 1:1, 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-6; Ephesians 5:22-33; Jeremiah 3:3 — The essence and purpose of marriage is increasingly lost in our modern culture. This sacred, self-giving covenant relationship was not created by man or government, but by the pre-eminent God of all.Hear from Dave Pellowe, Director of Church and State, a ministry founded to educate Christians about the Scriptural and historical basis for Christian influence in society & politics.

Allan Meyer | Genesis 9:18-25; 2 Samuel 18:33; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3 — When faced with the sin of their fathers, the sons of Noah and of David did not act rightly, committing sin of their own that ultimately lead to death. How can we learn to love the imperfect people closest to us without taking on their sin as our own?Hear from Allan Meyer, pastor and co-founder of Careforce Lifekeys.

Andrew Baker | Jeremiah 7:25-28, 29:11; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1-3,14; Amos 7:7-8 — The Old Testament prophets were instituted by God at a specific time and for a very specific purpose - to speak the Words of a gracious and just God to a people who would repeatedly refuse to listen. For the nation of Israel and indeed for us: our authority, guide, strength, and ultimate hope is not found in any ruler or culture or system of the world, but in the eternal Word of the living God.

Kathryn Hartley | 1 Kings 18:46-19:18 — Though he had seen and done many great things as the Lord's chosen prophet, Elijah found himself in a place of deep despair even wishing for death. But, rather than rebuke Elijah, God met him in the midst; caring for his physical needs, comforting him with nearness, and reshaping his perspective. When we, like Elijah, are at our wit's end, may we take comfort in the God who reaches down in love to care for our most vulnerable self.

Andrew Baker | Luke 1:26-33; 1 Samuel 8:1-22;2 Samuel 7:12-13; Amos 9:11; Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-2; Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:33 — From the time of the Judges, to Israel's sinful request, to the Davidic covenant - all of the Old Testament collectively and consistently looks forwards to the coming of the true everlasting King. On this side of the Cross, may we live each moment in light of the reality that Jesus is that King, and His Kingdom has come.

Kairos Kim | Genesis 22:1-14; James 1:2-4, 2:14-17; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 116:10; 2 Chronicles 20:20; 2 Samuel 24:24 — Even when commanded by God to sacrifice his own son, Abraham did not doubt God's goodness. Rather, by faith he believed that God would provide. When we hear God speak, may we too take Him at His word and put our faith into action, trusting that He is able to make a way in every circumstance.Hear from Kairos Kim, senior pastor of Hallelujah International Church.

Andrew Baker | 1 Samuel 1:10-11, 2:12,17,27-36, 3:1,4-10,19-20; 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Timothy 3:16 — Having been dedicated to the Lord and called from a young age, Samuel was used greatly by the Lord and recognised across all of Israel as an authentic prophetic voice. Why? Samuel's constant posture was one of leaning in and listening to God. Will we too have ears to hear the still small voice spoken through His word and Spirit?

Andrew Baker | Ruth 1:1-5,11-13, 2:2-3,8-10,14, 3:2-5,9, 4:3-6,14; Deuteronomy 7:3; Revelation 5:1-5, 19:7; Romans 8:3 — The book of Ruth recounts the hopeless plight of a family who had stepped outside of God's good intention, and yet who He graciously restored to safety, prosperity, and immeasurable blessing. Though small in size, this little book and its rich prophetic foreshadowing of Christ provides us with one crystal clear takeaway: God's heart is for redemption.

Robert Miles | Judges 2:1-5,16-19, 4:2-3, 6:12-16,21, 8:17,27, 13:16-23, 21:25, John 1:1,14,18, Colossians 1:15, 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:11-12; Luke 1:30-33 — The Book of Judges is a sobering read, recounting the continual fall of Israel into idolatry, immorality, rebellion and destruction - even after they had been given the Promised Land. This book should serve as a warning to its readers, especially in our modern cultural context: like Israel, will we reject God's good commands and reap the fruit of pursuing our own desires? Hear from Robert Miles, Messianic Pastor of Hineh Yeshua.

Andrew Baker | Joshua 1:1-9, 5:13-15 , 21:43-45, 23:14; Genesis 6:1-5, 15:13-16 — The book of Joshua records the journeys of battle and victory as Israel entered and took ownership of the Promised Land. But this is not an account of Israel's military prowess, but of Joshua's obedient faith and the unshakeable promises of our steadfast God.

Andrew Baker | Deuteronomy 6:1-9 — Standing between the wilderness and the Promised Land, Moses' unifying call to the nation of Israel is not to service or obedience or fear, but love; to love the Lord with all their soul, might, and strength. Where our human nature so easily defaults to performance and earning, may we constantly return to this greatest commandment; to the passionate love of our Lord and Saviour above all other things.

Adam Ritchard | Philippians 4:4; Psalm 32:11, 47:1, 66:1, 98:4, 100:1; Matthew 5:11-12, 2:10-11; Habakkuk 3:17-18; 2 Samuel 6:16-23; Nehemiah 8:9-12 — The biblical concept of joy is not dependent on circumstances but rather deeply rooted in God's grace. Appearing hundreds of times throughout scripture, rejoicing in the Lord is essential to guard our hearts, strengthen and mark us as God's people, and lead us to respond rightly to Christ.

Andrew Baker | Numbers 10:11-13, Deuteronomy 1:29-32; Isaiah 35:1-2,6-7, 41:18-20, 43:19-20; Psalm 84:5, 107:35-36 — Time and again throughout His ministry, Jesus drew His listeners to recall and learn from Israel's wilderness season. Why? In the wilderness we see God's faithful presence in the tension of the barrenness; His greater restorative purpose of which we are a part; and His extraordinary calling that plays out in the ordinary everyday. May we not shy away from the wilderness seasons of our own lives, but lean in to see our faithful God and the work He is accomplishing.

Kathryn Hartley | Acts 1:3-9, 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Ephesians 3:14-21 — The work of the Holy Spirit is not always loud, intense, and obvious. And if we assume it is then we will miss what He's doing. Jesus' description of the Holy Spirit's power does not revolve around signs and wonders, but rather the enabling of our effective witness to Himself - the Christ. Are we surrendered and receptive to this kind of power in the small moments of the everyday?

Andrew Baker | Numbers 10:11-13, 11:4; Deuteronomy 8:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 12:7-10; Genesis 1:1-2; Jeremiah 4:23-26, 31:10-14; Matthew 3:3, 4:4; John 1:14, 19:41, 20:14-15; Romans 8:22; 1 Peter 1:8 — The book of Numbers records how God led Israel into the wilderness before entering into the promised land. Throughout Scripture and in our lives today, we see that God uses the wilderness seasons as an integral part of His redemptive purposes - not to punish us, but to work in our hearts and reveal our ultimate need for Him.

Adam Ritchard | Job 1:13-21, 35:9; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Romans 5:3; James 1:2; Acts 16:24-31; 2 Samuel 24:24; Psalm 42:5-6, 102:3; Hebrews 13:15; Daniel 3:16-18; Matthew 26:30 — As believers, we live in the constant tension between Christ's victory and freedom, and the earthly reality of brokenness and pain. Scripture reveals the significance of the songs we bring to God in the depths of these ‘night' seasons; the sacrifice of praise that is costly but of supreme value to Him. Anyone can praise ‘when the 'sun is shining', but in the darkness of the night will we find our song of praise?

Andrew Baker | Exodus 25:8, 40:34; Numbers 1:1; Leviticus 16:8-10,29-30; Hebrews 9:22, 10:4; Genesis 3:21; John 1:29; Revelation 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2:2 — The Book of Leviticus is foundational for our understanding of the Gospel. It reminds us of the pervasiveness and seriousness of sin. It outlines the provision of a Holy God who maintains justice while dwelling amongst a sinful people. And ultimately it points to Christ crucified; that there is nothing but the blood of Jesus that can truly deal with our sin.

Andrew Baker | Exodus 19:5-6, 25:8, 28:29, 33:14-16, 40:34-35; John 1:14, 2:18-22; Revelation 1:4-6, 5:10, 21:3; Matthew 6:9-10; Genesis 1:26, 2:15; Hebrews 7:17-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16 — Mankind was created in God's image; literally, to bear His representation and carry His presence on Earth. Adam, Aaron, and the nation of Israel all failed to completely fulfil this priestly role, but Jesus came as the perfect presence-bearer and mediator, our great high priest. May we follow Jesus' example, responding to this divine priestly calling to carry the precious, powerful presence of God to the world.

Andrew Baker | Exodus 19:3-6; Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:14; Colossians 1:20; John 16:7, 17:20-21; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 7:23, 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 3:14-19, 5:32; John 14:2; Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 19:6-9 — Beginning at Mount Sinai and littered throughout both Testaments, God (and Jesus) clearly describes Himself as the husband, lover, and bridegroom of His chosen people. For God did not create humans to be obedient slaves, but rather to be His treasured possession.

Adam Ritchard | 2 Chronicles 20:1-22; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Numbers 28:11 — We must not have a small or reduced picture of worship, for it is a powerful weapon which must be wielded rightly. Worship focuses our hearts, gives us right perspective, steadies our gaze, and invites the Lord to do what only He can.

Andrew Baker | Colossians 2:13-15; Romans 5:20, 8:31-39; John 11:25-26; 1 John 3:16, 5:19 — The resurrection is the defining moment of the Biblical narrative. God stepped into human history; lived, died, and rose again to rescue and redeem us. Through the resurrection Jesus won the decisive victory over sin, death, and evil.

Adam Ritchard | Matthew 27:11-54; Isaiah 55; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 6:23 — The Cross of Calvary is confronting. We are confronted by the injustice and brutality of Christ's death. We are confronted by the ugliness of our sin that deserves such a penalty. We are confronted by Christ's divine humility contrasting our human pride. And we are confronted by the immeasurably high price He paid to save you and me.

Andrew Baker | John 12:12-15; Luke 19:37-40; Galatians 3:9; Genesis 15:13-16; Exodus 2:23-25, 7:17, 8:10,22, 9:14,29, 10:1-2; Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Ephesians 6:12 — From the Exodus of Egypt to Palm Sunday, scripture's declaration is of a God who not only fulfils His promises and plans, but in doing so demonstrates the ultimate triumphant victory of Christ over all other powers and authorities. To Him be all glory and dominion forever and ever, amen!

Selwyn van Wyk | Psalm 147:3; Revelation 18:2; Matthew 9:27-30,36, 10:8, 15:8,21-28,31; Luke 4:41; Deuteronomy 7:22-23; Ephesians 6:18 — The reality of demonic possession and deliverance is clearly found in scripture, but often ignored in the modern church. What can we learn from the Biblical accounts in question, and how can we strike the right balance on this polarising topic? Hear from Selwyn van Wyk, author, speaker, and founder of Unseen Realm Ministries.

Adam Ritchard | Revelation 4:1-5:14; John 4:23-24; Genesis 12:1-8 — In Revelation we see a picture of unceasing worship of the One seated on heaven's throne. What could our earthly worship possibly add to this picture of perfection? As we explore this question over the coming series, let us consider Abraham. In and out of season, Genesis records him building an altar to the Lord. These were intentional acts of worshipful devotion; establishing places of encounter, remembrance, and surrender.

Andrew Baker | Genesis 11:1-9,28 12:1-3, 22:15-18; Matthew 24:35; Deuteronomy 32:8-9; Joshua 24:2; Galatians 3:7-9,16,28-29; John 11:49-53 — In the Abrahamic covenant we see God fulfil an incredible promise: through an aged, idol-worshipping, faithless man (and his barren wife), God established a people of His own through whom all nations would receive salvation. From Abraham to Christ, God's covenant promises are founded upon His faithfulness and centred around His gift of grace, all to achieve redemption for a fallen and broken mankind.