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Are you standing on the edge of the unknown, wondering what the future holds? Join us as we explore the life of Abraham, a man called to leave everything behind and trust in Gods goodness without a map. Discover how stepping out in faith can lead to a deeper journey with the great "I AM." To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In a world constantly demanding our attention, Christmas invites us to stop, pause, and truly "behold." Discover how the Light of the World breaks through our darkest moments to rewire us for a complete and resilient joy. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Christmas often brings a mix of busyness and emotion, but what does it mean to truly "behold" Jesus in the midst of it all?. Join us as we explore how the light of Christ breaks through our darkness, from the Arctic Circle to the neurology of the human brain. Discover a joy that is more than just festive cheer, but a deep, biological response to being known and loved by God. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
The sermon from Deep Creek Anglican Church explores the significance of Jesus's birth, emphasizing the importance of understanding not just the "how" but the "why" behind the Christmas story. It explains that the glory of God is brought close to humanity through Jesus, who embodies grace and truth, allowing people to access God's glory and experience spiritual transformation. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Christmas takes us beyond the manger, into the glory of the Word made flesh. In John 5, Jesus meets a man stuck for 38 years and heals him with a single command. If youre tired of chasing pools that promise life, come hear the voice that says, Get up. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Christmas can feel like its just for kids, but this sermon shows how Jesus invites every one of us to become children of God, born again into his family. Walking through Johns Gospel and Nicodemus late-night questions, we explore what it means to be reborn by water and the Spirit. Be encouraged to behold Jesus, receive his gift of new life, and run into the arms of the Father who loves you. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In this Advent sermon, Pedram invites us to rethink waiting, not as passive frustration, but as a holy posture rooted in Christ's work in the past, present, and future. Through John 1 and the wedding at Cana, we see how Jesus meets our emptiness with overflowing grace and new wine. Come explore what it means to open your hands and let him turn water into wine in your own life. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In a world full of headwinds and distractions, how do we press on as a church community? Discover our vision for 2026 as we explore what it means to passionately pursue Jesus, convinced that He is not only good but good for you. Join us as we anchor our hope in the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Feeling exhausted, stretched thin or spiritually dry? This sermon traces the story of Sabbath from creation to Jesus and into our lives today, showing how Gods gift of rest can become a weekly cathedral in time that restores our bodies, souls and community. Discover practical ways to build a gentle, life-giving Sabbath rhythm into your week without adding more rules or guilt. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Do you feel disconnected by the rush of modern life? Discover how the spiritual practice of spending time in nature can reorient your heart toward God's rhythm and peace. Join us as we explore Psalm 104 and learn why noticing creation is essential for our spiritual formation. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Beck explores the practice of silence and solitude, why God longs to speak, how Jesus modeled withdrawal, and simple ways to find stillness in a noisy world. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Beck explores the practice of silence and solitude, why God longs to speak, how Jesus modeled withdrawal, and simple ways to find stillness in a noisy world. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Rachel unpacks Luke 12 and 2 Corinthians 8, showing how greed and fear can block generosity and how Jesus grace frees us to live the true good life, rich toward God, joyful in giving, and confident in the Fathers provision. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Rachel unpacks Luke 12 and 2 Corinthians 8, showing how greed and fear can block generosity and how Jesus grace frees us to live the true good life, rich toward God, joyful in giving, and confident in the Fathers provision. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Best-selling author and former cop Eric Tansey takes viewers inside newly released bodycam footage from Charlotte County, Florida — where Deputy Timothy Poole shot and killed unarmed Deep Creek resident Daniel Scott Burch. Tansey's law enforcement experience brings clarity to the split-second decisions and emotional chaos that ended in tragedy. In this episode, bodycam video showing the fatal encounter between and an unarmed Deep Creek man shot and killed after saying “Let's do it.” Tansey dissects use of force rules, tactics, body language, escalation, and officer decision-making under pressure that decides life and death. Was deadly force justified? Did the deputy have other options? What does the video reveal about modern policing, community tension, and how split-second choices define lives? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, host Thomas Arens sits down with Tom Van Atta, a passionate multi-species angler who specializes in chasing Northern Pike and Musky across the Mid-Atlantic. Together they dive deep into the thriving Pike fishery at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland — a hidden gem nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and one of the few lakes in the region where anglers can target these toothy predators year-round.Tom shares how Deep Creek's cool, clear waters and abundant forage create the perfect environment for trophy-sized pike. He breaks down his favorite seasonal patterns, lure choices, and key structure to focus on, while also offering insight into how this fishery has evolved through Maryland DNR's management efforts.Tom Van Atta bait Company: https://www.saddletrampbaitco.com/?fbclid=IwAR2jGiM2YwJyx_yfPBR_o1BDioDj-fh94so830FZzrmLttXbM36e6Ge3r7k Tom van Atta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_vanatta?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Pennsylvania Monsters YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_DeUx3vKAw Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!!https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.comJake's bait & Tackle website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Places you can listen to Fishing the DMV audio version: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1893009 Fishing the DMV YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/n3c-CFvmpFg Fishing the DMV Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/fishingthedmv/?utm_medium=copy_link#fishing #fishingreport #fishingtheDMVSupport the show
What is church for? Walking through 1 Corinthians 14, this message explores why intelligible, loving worship builds up believers and helps seekers encounter God. Expect a practical call to sing louder for their sake and to order our gifts so others draw closer to Jesus. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
What is church for? Walking through 1 Corinthians 14, this message explores why intelligible, loving worship builds up believers and helps seekers encounter God. Expect a practical call to sing louder for their sake and to order our gifts so others draw closer to Jesus. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In an attention-hungry world, this message unpacks 1 Corinthians 13 to show how giving attention, rather than getting it, forms a community of patient, kind, co-agency love. Hear how reordered loves free us from control and approval seeking, making space for others and revealing that God is really among you. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In an attention-hungry world, this message unpacks 1 Corinthians 13 to show how giving attention, rather than getting it, forms a community of patient, kind, co-agency love. Hear how reordered loves free us from control and approval seeking, making space for others and revealing that God is really among you. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul resets our expectations: the Spirit truly gives diverse gifts, but their purpose is unity and lifting up Jesus, not spiritual showreels. This message invites us to trade a consumer mindset for mutual service, honour the weaker parts, and ask a new question: How can I bless others with what Gods put in my hands? Listen in and be encouraged to be the gift you already are, for the good of all. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul resets our expectations: the Spirit truly gives diverse gifts, but their purpose is unity and lifting up Jesus, not spiritual showreels. This message invites us to trade a consumer mindset for mutual service, honour the weaker parts, and ask a new question: How can I bless others with what Gods put in my hands? Listen in and be encouraged to be the gift you already are, for the good of all. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In John 8:3136, we explore how Jesus words expose the lies that enslave us and point to the only freedom that lasts. Abiding in his teaching unmasks false masters and welcomes us as sons and daughters. If the Son sets you free, youre free indeed. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In John 8:3136, we explore how Jesus words expose the lies that enslave us and point to the only freedom that lasts. Abiding in his teaching unmasks false masters and welcomes us as sons and daughters. If the Son sets you free, youre free indeed. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Jesus declares, I am the light of the world. In this message from John 8, we explore what it means to walk in the light of Christwhere darkness is banished, life is given, and forgiveness is real. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Jesus declares, I am the light of the world. In this message from John 8, we explore what it means to walk in the light of Christwhere darkness is banished, life is given, and forgiveness is real. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In Galatians 6, we meet a community of the free: people yoked to Christs easy burden, carrying one anothers loads, and sowing to the Spirit. Hear how boasting only in the cross forms a church that rises, serves, and does good without growing weary. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In Galatians 6, we meet a community of the free: people yoked to Christs easy burden, carrying one anothers loads, and sowing to the Spirit. Hear how boasting only in the cross forms a church that rises, serves, and does good without growing weary. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Freedom isnt just freedom from, its freedom for. In Galatians 5, we explore how faith expressing itself through love becomes visible as the Spirit grows real fruit in us. Hear how serving one another, resisting the flesh, and walking by the Spirit makes freedom unmistakable in everyday life. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Freedom isnt just freedom from, its freedom for. In Galatians 5, we explore how faith expressing itself through love becomes visible as the Spirit grows real fruit in us. Hear how serving one another, resisting the flesh, and walking by the Spirit makes freedom unmistakable in everyday life. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
If you love Pixar, this one's for you.This epic episode of RGI, we are joined by two very special guests: her sister Jailyn (a self-declared Pixar expert) and Jackson, Brooke's boyfriend and cohost of the Two Tickets Please Podcast.Together, the four of us dive into the colorful world of Pixar—sharing our Top 5 Pixar movies of all time, favorite characters, and the most underrated villains in the Pixar universe.Oh, and don't miss the hilarious segment: “Who Knows Brooke Better—Sister or Boyfriend?”
Are you living like a slave or a son? In Galatians 4 we unpack how Jesus not only redeems but adopts usso we cry Abba, live free from fear, and inherit with Christ. Hear why going back to old chains makes no sense when everything the light touches is ours in Him. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Are you living like a slave or a son? In Galatians 4 we unpack how Jesus not only redeems but adopts usso we cry Abba, live free from fear, and inherit with Christ. Hear why going back to old chains makes no sense when everything the light touches is ours in Him. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Only faith brings freedom. In this message on Galatians 3, Megan traces Gods promise to Abraham, why the law cant make us right, and how Christ became a curse to redeem us. She closes with ten quick, practical ways we slip into law livingand how grace sets us free. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
Only faith brings freedom. In this message on Galatians 3, Megan traces Gods promise to Abraham, why the law cant make us right, and how Christ became a curse to redeem us. She closes with ten quick, practical ways we slip into law livingand how grace sets us free. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
From the school cafeteria to the Lords tablewhy fear shrinks our circles and grace blows them wide open. In Galatians 2:1121, discover what it means to be justified by faith, clothed in Christ, and seated at freedoms table. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
From the school cafeteria to the Lords tablewhy fear shrinks our circles and grace blows them wide open. In Galatians 2:1121, discover what it means to be justified by faith, clothed in Christ, and seated at freedoms table. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
What are you carrying? In Galatians 1, Paul shows how Jesus frees us from people-pleasing, striving, and guilt. Come hear how the cross lifts the weight. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
What are you carrying? In Galatians 1, Paul shows how Jesus frees us from people-pleasing, striving, and guilt. Come hear how the cross lifts the weight. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting.
In this compelling episode of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash teams up with renowned guide and instructor Mac Brown for another insightful Casting Angles segment focused on high water fishing strategies in the Great Smoky Mountains. Mac, who lives on Deep Creek in Bryson City and has been guiding Appalachian waters since the 1980s, reveals why experienced anglers should flip conventional wisdom during big rain events and head to lower elevations rather than seeking high mountain streams. Learn how massive brown trout emerge from hiding during flash flood conditions, creating feeding frenzies that represent some of the best fishing opportunities in Appalachia. Mac shares specific streamer fishing techniques including his go-to Black Ghost pattern, the importance of color contrast in turbid water and why upsizing flies becomes critical during high water events. Discover proven bank fishing tactics using jig hooks for fast-moving water, plus Mac's upcoming fall instructional offerings including his September advanced casting school, October guide school and a special wet fly fishing workshop with legendary angler Davy Wotton on Arkansas' White River - where Mac first learned to fly fish as a child.All Things Social MediaFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the Show Shop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!
From coffee aroma to Christs presence, Nick shares how a simple morning ritual became a cue to behold God, moving from performance to intimacy. Anchored in Mark 8:2226, Matthew 6, and Luke 9:23, this talk invites you to seek the kingdom first and begin again after every distraction, one honest prayer at a time. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting. Read the transcript Pursuing Gods Good Purposes Welcome Bible Reading (Mark 8:2226) Today's Bible reading comes from the book of Mark, and we're reading chapter eight, verses 22 to 26. If you have the Read Bible that is on page 1570. They came to Bethsaida, and some people bought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he put when he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, do you see anything? He looked up and said, I see people. They look like trees walking around. Once more, Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, don't even go into the village. This is the word of the Lord. Opening Coffee Illustration Morning church. How are we going? You all right? Okay. All right. Don't mind me. I'm just going to. While I kick things off for us. I'm just going to, make a coffee because I'm really thirsty, and I need one. No. Why am I making a coffee on stage? Well, I'm sure, like many of us, this is how our day starts. Maybe it's tea. Maybe it's coffee. Maybe it's something like this. But I think it's reasonable to assume that we're doing something fairly routine. So usually at home, actually, to confess, make an espresso machine. But I thought that would be a little bit difficult to try and bring down here. Then make that on stage would be a little bit more distracting, but that is okay. this is how my day starts, and in this space, I am intentionally wanting to invite God into my life as it's the first thing in my day. I make filter coffee. I make it all the time at church with the staff team. It's been really fun to share, you know, fun brews, really expensive beans, all these kinds of things. It's been a pleasure to show that to the staff team. Well, most of the staff team, I would like us maybe to take a moment to pray for Rachel at some particular point today. That would be great. No. In this space, I don't say the same thing every day, but what I do is say something along these lines. loving God, I welcome you in my life today. You are welcome in this place. I want to do what you have planned for me. I'm going to pray. Opening Prayer Church. As we get into our message today. Loving God, thanks for this time. Thanks that you are wonderful. That your works are wonderful. And. Yeah. Help us to seek you for your good purposes. Amen. Intentional Morning Practice So, as mentioned, this is my daily desire that I invite the Lord into my life through making coffee. you know, sometimes even say things like the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles Creed, all these kinds of things. I invite God to have his will in this place at the start of my day, and then to speak in for the rest of my day. so why am I preaching? Why am I talking about coffee today? Well, at the start of the year, the staff team we were talking about when we might like to preach and I really, really confidently stated that I would like to preach in the Stay Weird series and why I think it's just because I'm really happy to be associated with being weird. I feel like it's in my blood, in my DNA. No, not not just that. Also, because our October last year, Rachel, Mike, Nikki and I, we went to a conference called Renaissance where it was a really great weekend. We went in sort of like a ministry experience, and then we did a lot of things. So much of it was great, but I think the particular highlight was hearing from this man, this eyes, he's so gorgeous. I love this man. His name is Strawn Coleman. he's a musician. he's from he's from New Zealand. He's a beautiful man with a beautiful accent. but he actually didn't do any singing. He actually spoke on prayer and what it means to have an intimate prayer life with God. He's the founder and director of the Commoners Communion. It's called He's also involved with practicing the way, which is what a lot of our growth groups are going to be doing this term. So to be sure to get into that. Beholding Prayer (Strawn Coleman) this was his main message across the weekend. He wants prayer to be more than a mental dialogue, but as a way of existing with God in our everyday, ordinary lives. He calls this beholding, which is the title of one of his books, Beholding Prayer. So did I come out of this conference absolutely gushing on this man? Well, I'm not going to comment or deny that. is that weird to say? I don't know. I don't think it's weird. Maybe that's weird. I don't know who it is anyway, but I was inspired, right? I was inspired to read what he said. I came out of that weekend making a conscious effort to explore a deeper prayer life and all that comes with that. Intimacy, vulnerability, silence, prayer. And I set myself on the journey of seeking this. And I thought by the time, you know, maybe like six, eight months down the line, I thought, by the time I get to church today, I'd be like, great. I'm so excited to stand up here and share everything that I have learned. Well, that day is here, and I think it's fair to say the journey didn't go as planned, but I also think that is for the better. Taste and See Coffee as a Cue So morning starts. I make my coffee and as I said, the intention is to invite the Lord into this space. Psalm 34, verse eight. Taste and see that he is good. This is not me preaching a theology of coffee, by the way. although that sounds like a really good idea, someone should do that. This is me. What I love about coffee is mostly the smell, amongst the taste. Because. And actually, to do with my prayer life, I use the aroma, particularly. Filter coffee is particularly potent. I use that as kind of a way to connect back with God. I find in my prayers I'm deeply distracted all the time, and I use the aroma to function as an incense, and I want the smell to draw me back to the father. And then from there, my morning looks like hopefully some prayer, some Bible reading. At the moment I've been working through a podcast which just sort of does a little devotion on a particular part of the Bible each day. And yeah, that's been my intention to pray with God. And honestly, I don't I don't nail this every, every day. Habits, All-or-Nothing, and Grace And for my whole life for routines and habits. I've struggled with a bit of an all or nothing complex. And what I mean by that is I want to do a habit and I really want to do it well. And then I miss a couple of days, I slip up and then I just crash out of doing it. And it wasn't just for prayer and following God. It's kind of been for everything. To be honest, it's been for for trying to, like, practice a musical instrument, whether it's trying to do exercise. It's kind of just been with me and I don't really know why, but that's okay. It's been there. And in my journey of seeking Christ this year, he's actually shown me that. And God has shown me the lies in this thinking. In all of our shortcomings. God is ready to welcome us back with open arms like the prodigal son. You know, he looks down on us with so much grace. You know whether I'm coming back to God later that day. The next day. The day after. He simply just desires an intimate friendship with me. I love this quote from Rich Villegas. Also in practicing the way, as I learned from week one of our session just this Tuesday, a thousand distractions in prayer. A thousand reasons to come back to God. Seeing God in All Things So, through a single daily task, I invite the Lord into all of my life. And slowly and softly, I'm just seeing him more in in all things. So looking back now that looking back at October, it's clear when I set the goal of doing this, seeking God more. If I'm honest, I went in with my heart in the wrong place. I was seeking God, yes, but it kind of began with seeking him for my purpose. To learn to be better, to be more like Strawn. And I am relieved to say this did not go the way that I planned. You know, God, even in my wrong ideas, God kind of did. Just God in here is he's going to do. He got into my heart, my body and mind and and he showed me the ways of this, even in selfish pursuits. He can use your prayer and your life for good purposes. And Matthew chapter six teaches us this. Seek First His Kingdom (Matthew 6) So do not worry. Saying, what shall we eat? What shall we drink, or what shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things. And your heavenly father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. To seek his kingdom and his righteousness is to seek first God for his good. Purposes. And this call from Jesus sets us apart. In our world, we're in one where we're encouraged to think for ourselves, whether it be for material gain, our own sense of purpose, power, influence, emotional gain, security. Even in my prayer life, I was using prayer for just gaining, you know, spiritual knowledge and and wisdom and thank the Lord that he showed me the errors of that. Deny Yourself Find Freedom (Luke 9:23) And what is Christ say about this? Well, he calls us to deny yourself, deny gain for your purposes. Luke 923 Jesus said to them all, whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. This idea of of self gain is is not how we are supposed to be living. It's not how God intended. His. His good purposes are our gain and our path to victory and freedom. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. This call from Christ is for our benefit. This is for our good city alike are this amazing Christian song writing group and I love the music, particularly for their lyrics. And one song I've been adoring this year is called His Glory is My Good and I think I just love it for the title. I love saying that his glory is my good. There is. There is a precious freedom in wanting to live more like him and be more like him as we work towards holiness. Matthew six but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. You know, these verses encourage us to prioritize God and God's will go after his good purposes. And our other needs will be met. When Routine Becomes an Idol So last year, I convinced myself I had a thriving prayer life. In the mornings, I'd make my morning coffee. Please hold. Yeah, that was good. Make my morning coffee. And then I'd basically find a spot in my. In my room. In my living room. Sorry. In my living room. Rug on the ground. Particular cushion I'd sit on down on the floor and I'd be just doing some praying and meditating. I generally start about five minutes or so, and then slowly over time, I increased that timer, turned to ten minutes, turned into 15, turned into 20. And yeah, this was my prayer life and these are good things I was doing. But I realized my intentions were really unhealthy and my goal unintentionally became not spending time with God, but the amount of time. I was spending with God. I began to idolize routine and I honestly just lose sight of the true purpose I lost sight of of seeking God. I was seeking God for my good purpose. And it became became prideful. It was. It's a very worldly way of looking at spending time with God. It was it was consumerist. It was transactional. Transaction Culture Prayer Our world is is consumerist. And that, sadly, can affect the way we approach God. I mean, everything around us, we we pay for a service to happen. We work to get paid for our service. We use our screens as a transaction of distraction, escapism. We put things up on socials for often for a reaction, whether it be positive or negative, that is still a type of transaction. And we wanted to do this to receive something. In his book Beholding, Strawn, who I was talking about before, puts it like this the theology of consumerism subtly underlies much of the way we see the world experienced church, and sadly. How we pray. I'd go into prayer and meditation, seeking something, strength, hope or revelation. And I'd be just disappointed when that didn't happen. And and I wasn't disappointed in in God as much as myself, to be honest. I had this unhealthy assumption that I disappointed him, and I did make most of my time. I wasn't in tune, I was distracted. Sometimes I approached prayer for guilt, for lack of words or revelation. And with God there, there is not. There is no pressure for productivity or performance. You know, there is a worldly pressure in all our environments for productivity and performance, but not with God. That sets us apart. We can overanalyze and scrutinize our prayer lives. From a worldly perspective. But God is simply. Desires you just as you are. And this is from one of Strand's prayer books, which I just love. Saying these words, God, you're not a product to be consumed, but a wonder to behold. Father, make me your beholder. Psalm 34, verse eight. Taste and see that the Lord is good. His goodness is there for us to reach out and touch this creator. Overwhelmingly awesome. Magnificent. Worthy of our praise. God simply desires you. Mark 8: Intimacy Healing in Stages So our Bible reading today came from the gospel of Mark, and it points us towards God's desire for close relationship and intimacy with each of us. Mark eight, verse 22. They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. This man is brought to Jesus not by his own accord. And what is Jesus's first response? It's it's just to spend time with him. Away from the others. Intimacy, you know, to parallel Matthew chapter six, Jesus sought first an intimate friendship with the man as he does with you. We need to first seek Christ. Seek come from the Greek word. With few meanings, one of which is the desire to possess. We desperately need the desire to possess intimate friendship with God. I think this this space I'm talking about. Right? It's it's a pretty scary one because it talks about things like vulnerability and and intimacy. And I think that's really scary because it's often in these spaces right, where we. God reveals things about us that we actually don't want to admit about ourselves. It's those deep fears, those habits we need to change the things we are not ready to deny about ourselves. But it's a space. This is a space to be vulnerable with. The Lord is a space that overflows with beauty. And Mark 823 paints an incredible description of this. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Just think about that. If you couldn't see and you just your hand out. Jesus, take my hand. Lead the way. It's so beautiful. God is desiring you. The Power of Being With God And this is from Strawn. I was learning that the greatest power in prayer is just to be together with God, and that being with God is often as much the answer to the prayers we're praying as the answers we are seeking ourselves. Storm was an active touring musician for the first part of the 20 tens, and in about 2015 he became chronically ill, for which there wasn't any cure, and he stopped short of touring. Being on the road as a musician, and he didn't work in this time, and he spent extended stints at a Franciscan retreat. This is what his days looked like. He would journal, he would pray. He would look out the window, he would be silent and he would sleep, because that's actually all he was able to do at the time. And he documents in his book, he documents his anger about this, his lament in this space. He felt no answer to his prayers, no answer to his pain. And he writes how he gave up in praying for healing. He gave up. And he said instead a prayer of acceptance and everything. Changed. He thanked God for his life. And then he said this. Father, if this is it. If this is what my life will look like till the day I die. Financially strapped, vocationally stuffed, relationally strained and medically confused. Then it's okay. I have you. I have life. I have this beautiful world and my beautiful family. Let me be alive to enjoy and behold you. Whatever may come. That's awesome, isn't it? Prayer for strong became just sitting in front of the Lord. Just watching. Learning to discover that the beauty was just already present all around him, you know. He decided that his painting and this, this struggle was not going to affect his gazing at God. That's what he calls all this gazing at God. Reflection: What Would You Pray? Church. I wonder if I wonder if I had the prayer on the screen and put some empty spaces there, what would what would you put in there? Do you feel a weight of expectation to be dependable to those around you? Do you struggle to support those around you? Are you feeling pressure to provide? Do you? Do you fail to love yourself? Those deep parts of yourself? Do you feel held back by a lack of purpose? If I'm honest, church that is one. Being being held back by lack of purpose is something I am petrified about. I, I don't clearly know God's plan for me. I've never had a plan for me. I've never known what to do. And that is a deep. That's a deep fear that I carry. Right. Church. Well, we're set apart because these things, these burdens that we carry are insignificant compared to the wonder of Christ. You know, because Christ is so much bigger and better than these burdens that we carry. You know, we're invited to sit with him just as you are to be real with him in all my questions and challenges. I want to taste and see that the Lord is good. I will strive to do this. Psalms of Desire Praise Psalm 27. For one thing, I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord, and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 3423 I will extol the Lord at all times. His praise will be always on my lips. I will glory in the Lord. Let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me. Let us exalt his name together. Approach the Throne with Confidence Church, you don't need to have it all together to sit with God. We can boldly approach him with confidence. God does not require perfection. He just requires you. Hebrews 416. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. My name is Nick and I am a hot mess. But I'm a hot mess with God. The Lord is is desperate to to take you by the hand and have an intimate. Intimate friendship with all of you. Jesus Persistence in Healing So we took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he'd spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, do you see anything? He looked up and said, I see people. They look like trees walking around. What I love about this particular healing is that it's not immediate. It is in it's in stages, and it's done quietly in intimate friendship with God. Verse 25, once more, Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus just simply continued his good work in this man for his good. Purposes. I love this quote from Alan Cole in his commentary on this passage. It's so simple and so beautiful. Jesus did not desist until the man was fully healed. And it's so, so reflective of his pursuit of us. Jesus will not desist in his pursuit of you. And finally, in verse 26, Jesus sent him home, saying, don't even go into the village. For God, this this miracle is. It's it's not about the people. It's not about the people in the village. This was just something intimate between God and the blind man. And it shows us the friendship that we need to seek with God. Your relationship with Christ is unique to you and is always. Always chasing after you. Beholding Like Oxygen Through our pursuit of God for his good purposes. We will come to see him more and more in our life. You know, often I. I don't feel a thrill in my prayers. If I'm honest, I don't. I don't get revelation sometimes. There's not really a sense of encounter or or even like a direct sense of your spirit. And you know that. That's fine. What has formed in this journey is something more softly. I think it's it's a comfort in his omnipotence, which just means, like I'm comfortable knowing that he's everywhere around me. Here's another strong quote for you. Beholding prayer is a dis position of openness to God in every moment. Whether we see or feel him there or not. He's there like oxygen. You know, my hope and prayer is is not about seeking answers. Seeking revelation because his good purposes exceed my ideas of greatest purposes. You know, taste and see that the Lord is good. Judge. I've. This is a very big topic, and I'm not an expert. I've. I've barely scratched the surface. Let's let's be real here, but please read the word. Please seek this. Seek an intimate friendship with him. Because it is what matters. Our burdens are insignificant compared to our pursuit of this. Make sure you get to a growth group if you're not in one already. Get along to practicing the way because it kind of talks all about this in more detail. spend time gazing at God. Here's a few of my own terminologies that I have made so strong. Calls it Gazing at God. Here are some of mine. being bored with the Lord. Be a mess with the Messiah. Time out with the Trinity. Reveling with the Redeemer. Opportunistic omnipotence. Or you could pick something that doesn't use alliteration. Whatever works for you but church. Seek first his kingdom for his good purposes, because he is worthy of all of our seeking. We as Christians, we have a blessed assurance that there is a prize waiting for us at the end, an eternity with the father, the son, and the spirit. But even, even if there wasn't an assurance, to be honest, I I'd still seek Jesus, because he's worthy of all of my seeking, and he's worthy of yours. To finish, I'm going to invite the band to come on up church. I'm going to lead us in a time of prayer. I'm going to lead us in some adapted prayers from from Strawn in his prayer book. And please let us be seeking him in our prayers, our church, please, whatever posture you like. Let's pray, shall we? Closing Prayer Loving God. One thing we ask from you this only. Do we want to seek. That we may dwell in the house of the Lord. All the days of our lives. To gaze on the beauty of you and to seek you in your temple. To see that you are everywhere. Your dwelling place is all across, all around us. Thank you, God, for for my life, for our lives. Father, if if this is it, if this is what our lives look like, if this is what my life looks like until the day we die, then. It's okay. Help us to see that it's okay. We have you. We have life. We have this beautiful world. And let us be alive to enjoy you and behold you. Whatever may come. Amen.
Deep Creek: Part 2
Episode 401- "Christmas Edition Deep Creek Pt. 1" by Jerome
Thelma “Polly” Melton, 58, disappeared on September 25, 1981, while hiking the Deep Creek Trail in North Carolina with friends Trula Gudger and Pauline "Red" Cannon. Born February 26, 1923, in Alabama, Polly was known for her friendly and intelligent demeanor and had lived with her husband, Robert Melton, in an Airstream trailer near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each fall. On the day of her disappearance, Polly, a heavy smoker with health issues, walked ahead of her friends, vanished over a hill, and was never seen again. Search efforts revealed no signs of a struggle, though her scent was detected briefly on a tree. Authorities speculated she may have left the park voluntarily by vehicle, as her personal belongings, including ID, medication, and money, were left behind. Months later, a check made out to Polly was cashed in Alabama, fueling theories she started a new life. Despite reported sightings, her fate remains a mystery.Ossuary 6 - Air Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Contact us at: weeknightmysteries@gmail.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/weeknightmysteriesTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@weeknightmysteries
Due to some unexpected circumstances, I was unable to get an episode out this week. However, our friends, Lori and Jen at Dealing Justice have just dropped a new season and they were gracious enough to share their first episode from Season 3 with us! Fourteen-year-old Anthony Lamar Peterson went missing during the summer of 2005 while visiting family in Palatka, Florida. Days later, his unrecognizable body was found floating in Deep Creek, just miles from where he was last seen. In a bizarre twist, Anthony's remains would go unidentified for months, leaving his mother to search the small rural town in vain for her only son. Want more Dealing Justice? Listen on Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dealing-justice/id1504742935 On Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5O1nosWMRJcNMaFGIex5GQ?si=5aec44f5a7664bd0 Or Search Dealing Justice wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bill's wild trip to Deep Creek, Raiding the Algorithm, Alan Saunders, and more.
Bill is back from his family trip to Deep Creek where his daughter lost her phone to the waters and a bridesmaid trip was in dire straights after the bride also lost her engagement ring to the lake.
The world's woods are filled with innumerable dangers: from ravenous carnivores and rabid animals to snake bites, ticks, falling rocks, hidden cliffs or plain old getting lost and dying of thirst… the list goes on and on. But for all of the familiar ways the forest and its denizens can do us harm, it seems there are ominous unknown things that dwell in the shadows of the deep woods that are capable of doing so much worse than we ever imagined. The Cryptonaut Podcast Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/cryptonautpodcast The Cryptonaut Podcast Merch Stores:Cryptonautmerch.com - Hellorspace.com Stay Connected with the Cryptonaut Podcast: Website - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - YouTube