GodFirst Parks

Don teaches on the life and freedom we find in Christ, and that the truth will set you free, as in John 8: "31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” "(John 8:31–32 ESV)We see in Romans 6: "23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Romans 6:23 ESV)Don explains that we cannot, ourselves, change our own identity or status from those bound by sin to those who are free. We need to be made to dwell forever in right standing with God. In Christ we are called children of God and then we are made free indeed, no longer bound by sin. We see this explained by Jesus in John 8: "34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." "(John 8:34–36 ESV)

Greg reminds us that Christ is the light of the world, God with us; “3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (⁠Hebrews 1:3⁠). The main passage reference comes from John 8, "12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. "(⁠John 8:12-30⁠) Greg reminds us of the Feast of Booths; which celebrates provision from God in the wilderness for the Israelites after having been led out of Egypt by God. Greg describes the giant candelabras which would be lit in the temple during the festival, bright lights celebrating the very presence of God that descended as a pillar of fire in the Exodus; “21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” (⁠Exodus 13:21-22⁠) The cloud and fire guiding Israel in the wilderness, represented the Shekinah Glory of God. Jesus when He says, “I am the light of the world”, tells us that He is the very representation of God with us; Emmanuel. When we put our faith in Christ, we are able to receive His very presence, believing in Him. May Christ be present with you to fill your hearts with the light of His presence and life in Him.

Reading from the Gospel of John, we continue with the Believe series from 2025. Dave begins by encouraging us in our belief referencing: ⁠John 20:31 ⁠— "31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." The main scripture reference is ⁠John 7:52 - 8:11⁠. In the story of the woman accused of adultery, Jesus deals with both public sin brought before Him and the hidden sin in the hearts of the religious leaders. Jesus, who is sinless, confronts exposed and hidden sin with grace and patience. God does not lower the standard or say that sin is unimportant. Instead, He responds with grace, patience, and an invitation to repentance. The cross is the basis for that grace: Jesus lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again so that we can be brought into right standing and relationship with God. The preach closes with the invitation to receive Jesus’ mercy, to trust Him as Lord and Saviour and to respond to His patience with faith and repentance.Note on ⁠John 7:52 - 8:11 - Dave explains that although the earliest manuscripts exclude this passage from John (as seen in bible footnotes) and though there is uncertainty about the placement and author of this passage we can reference it carefully as a valuable account which should be interpreted within the full context of the scriptures. We have confidence, in the commitment to the truth, the rigor and open acknowledgement of any uncertainty that biblical scholars have used to note and place the passage. We read this passage alongside the rest of scripture.

Guest pastor Dave Jones from Parkhurst Community Church teaches through the Gospel of Mark 9:14–29 (CSB), speaking about the abundant grace of Christ in desperate situations, for every area of need in our lives. Jesus wants to stir faith for what He can do in our lives.Dave asks us the question: “What things in your life would you bring to Jesus today if you were convinced He would do a miracle? Are there any areas of your life that you’re withholding from fully surrendering to Him because you’ve actually, given up hope that things can change?” In the scripture Jesus is revealed as Healer and Helper. That Christ is Lord over all things; God is sovereign over all things. Dave encourages us to have a renewed and fresh faith that Jesus is able to work miracles in our lives. To be able to trust in the power of Jesus when we are unable to change the situation ourselves. Christ shows compassion and gives us hope. "All things are possible for those who believe"We learn that prayer points our hearts to God and helps our unbelief, it allows us to trust in Him to trust that He will do what only He can do in our lives.

Josh Rous teaches on offence in the closing episode of the three-part series: CultureWe see that hurt is what happens to us; though offence grows when we rehearse the hurt and build our identity around it, and in some cases use offence as a source of power. Sometimes what seems to be righteous anger is offence which we hold onto. Referencing James 1:19-20 we see that it is good to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. When we trust God and his identity for us as sons and daughters, not seeking to build our own identity or approval in the world, then we are able to move toward living unoffendable lives, lives free from bitterness, where we no longer hold onto offence. When we allow our identity to rest in Christ, we are also able to celebrate the unmerited favour and grace extended by God to others around us. We no longer bring accusations of unfairness and no longer despise or envy those around us, to whom God has extended grace. When we are hurt and offended, it is not for us to avenge ourselves. We should instead overcome evil with good. As we see in Romans 12:17-21 "17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."Josh leaves us with these questions:What are you offended by? What is that offence producing in you? What would Jesus do with that offence?

Sello Simelane pauses to pray amid the ongoing gender-based violence and femicide crisis in our city. ||Referencing The Parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) we learn that the real question is not “Who is my neighbour?” and not about who belongs, but instead the real question is who behaves like a neighbour.Sello prompts each of us to choose to be a neighbour to those around us, to be the kind of person that moves towards others. ||In Luke 10:36-37, Jesus asks,36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” ||Sello poses the question “Will you be a neighbour?”, concluding that real faith rejects reducing foreigners—or anyone—to stereotypes or categories. God has shown us undeserved mercy, we are called to see people’s dignity, move toward their need with compassion, and live as merciful neighbours. || _____________________________________________________________

Beginning a new series Greg speaks into Corruption, Integrity and the Gospel. Greg teaches on how we escape the corruption present in this world and our own hearts; corruption which is the result of sin and evil desires. || Reading from 2 Peter 1:3-4 "3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." || Greg teaches that corruption is rooted in sinful desire and that often grows from small compromises over time, from sin within each human heart. || Greg brings hope of the Gospel that Jesus has paid for and set us free from our sin and given us a new identity. In Christ, we are able to live beyond our sin nature, we are made new, righteous and holy through His work.

GodFirst Church welcomes Pastor Rigby Wallace.|| Rigby teaches us about what it means to be distinctly different as believers, to live lives that are "not worldly, not crazy, but other, distinctly different." Rigby coins this as living as A Gospel-Strange People, because Jesus has given us a new identity.|| Our role as believers is to be who we are in our new identity in Jesus, a distinct people. Not to just try harder, but to be a people who are living in a new identity, showing that now we are God’s people, that now we have received mercy. A people who are learning to be unoffendable; because love covers a multitude of sins, people who love deeply and who extend true hospitality, who are faithful stewards who serve and use God given gifts and grace, and that in all these things that God would be glorified.|| 1 Peter 4:7-16:"7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Kenan takes us through the testimony of his faith walk. We learn about how God is there in the midst of our pain and brokenness. We learn why living one way in church and another way in the world cannot bring peace or fulfillment. That being busy in church activities is not the same as truly knowing God. Kenan encourages us the turning point in his faith walk came when he was empty, hurting, and honest before God, and that Jesus took our punishment and gave us righteousness, making a new life possible, which leads to devotion that points to God in all of how we live our daily lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31"31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Greg Tait teaches through scripture in 2 Corinthians Ch. 4 and how we as believers shine the light of Christ and the Gospel.Though we are like clay jars, we are filled with the Spirit of God shining light to all the world.So that the Gospel and the Glory of Christ will go out in all the world, even though we experience suffering, hardship and decay in this life."16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."