Alice Springs Baptist Church

(1 Samuel 4:1-11) NOTE: We apologise that the beginning of this message was lost due to audio issues. The people of Israel sought to employ the ark of the covenant, representing the presence of God, as a tool for military victory against the Philistines. But God's presence would never be limited to such a box, nor would he be willing to be employed as a tool without respect to his rule and character. We too need to be challenged not to use or abuse the presence of God when it comes to our own theological convictions or practice, ensuring the essentials stay at the core. God is not a tool to wield for our own agenda.

(Exodus 19:1-6, 20:1-21) As the Israelites complete their forty day journey and camp of at the base of Mt Sinai, God offers these former slaves the most profound invitation - to enter into a special covenant with Him and become a royal priesthood. So often we can picture the Ten Commandments as a frustrating set of rules that ultimately restrict our freedom. But these dehumanised and demoralised people will discover, like we do, that to be human, to be released from slavery, is not to do whatever we want, but to live as God created us to live: God's rules are for our release.

(Exodus 17:1-7) As we near the end of our series following the people of Israel on their exodus from Egypt, we reach the third and final test God had for them. He had tested their hearts, their souls and now it was time to test their might. This third test sees the people of Israel questioning God's character, are you really with us here? God's response is a powerful reminder of who He is to the people of Israel, as well as a powerful reminder for when we encounter the deserts that cause us to question who He is. Join us today as Gavin unpacks this message and shares with us who God is.

(Exodus 16:1-21, 35) As the People of Israel move on from Elim they encounter their next test. This time God is testing their souls, will they trust God to be the one who provides for them or will they continue craving for more? This is a challenge that goes all the way back to the early chapters of Genesis. As Gavin unpacks, this is still a challenge for us today that we need to continue trusting in God to provide what we need.

(Romans 6) As we continue our journey through the book of Romans we have reached Romans chapter 6. Tonight Megan unpacks this chapter where Paul is looking at the fallacy of thought that says, if God's grace increases because of sin then shouldn't we just keep sinning? Instead Paul takes the opportunity to unpack the great truth that God's grace has freed us from being slaves to sin and what that truly means.

Tonight Gavin took the opportunity to interview Anthony - a missionary working in South East Asia, working alongside people and being an example of Jesus in all that he does.

(Exodus 15:22-27) As we continue our journey out of Egypt with the Israelites in the First Exodus we come to a time of wandering without water in the desert. Today Gavin unpacks the first of 3 times that God tests His people, inviting them to trust in Him. Here at the waters of Marah (Bitter springs) God is testing the people's heart. Will they seek to follow Him and His word, or instead seek other help?

(Exodus 14) As Simon Duke continues our series exploring the Book of Exodus and God's invitation to the people of Israel to trust in Him they encounter a significant challenge - The Red Sea. Here they are trapped between the water, and Pharaoh's army approaching them. God's solution? An invitation to the people of Israel... Stop... Be Still... and see who I am to you. Join us as Simon unpacks the invitation that God extended to the people of Israel, and the invitations that He extends to us today.

(Romans 5:1-11) As we continue our journey through the book of Romans, exploring the Deep Truths that are revealed through it, we come now to Romans 5. A place where Paul celebrates the incredible fact - We have peace with God! During the rest of this passage he shares 4 important truths and ideas that we have because of this peace. Join us as Iain unpacks these truths and the celebration they are for us.

(Exodus 1-12) As we begin a new series today on the First Exodus, Iain unpacks the beginning of the story of Exodus found in chapters 1 to 12. Here we see a people oppressed who have had their dignity removed. As we continue to explore these chapters we see that there is a God who sees, cares and wants the best for the people of Israel... and for us today. A Home Group discussion guide is available https://www.alicebaptist.org/resources/sermons/

(Romans 3:21-4:25) In today's message Gavin picks up our series on Romans again with Romans 3:21-4:25. While this section is specifically addressed to Jewish Christians, it has some important understandings for us as Gentile believers. Namely, a warning for us to not fall into the same trap that the Jewish Christians had. Also, an encouragement that we are all accepted by God. Join us as we continue to unpack this letter.

(Luke 24:1-12) On Resurrection Sunday Gavin unpacks the truth and hope that is found within the empty tomb. The truth that declared the tomb was empty, is the same truth that gives us incredible hope for victory in our lives today! A home group discussion guide for this message is available below

(Luke 23:32-43) In this year's Good Friday message we have a performance challenging us to consider our role in what happened that first Easter. Then Gavin unpacks a message of invitation focussing on the thief that was crucified next to Jesus.

(Matthew 13:31-32; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, Hebrews 11:13, Isaiah 55:11, Mark 4:26-29, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) Today we had the privilege to interview David Blackman about his many years of working amongst Alyawarr people translating scriptures into their local languages. In doing so we reflect on the challenges of ministry, considering what success in ministry looks like and the importance of having a team to work with.

(Leviticus 16 & Hebrews 9-10) Tonight as we begin turning our eyes to the Easter weekend, Gavin asks the question... how do we find hope in a bleeding man on the cross? What is this actually all about? Join us as we unpack what the idea of the cross and atonement is about by looking at the shadow that God gave the Israelite people back in Old Testament times.

(Luke 15:11-32) Tonight we are continuing our Complex Parables series with the 3 parable in a set - The parable of the lost sons. In this message Mike unpacks the unfair forgiveness that is demonstrated by God to us, and the cause for celebration that is.

(Mark 1:40-45) As we continue our journey through Mark's Gospel we come to a place where Mark's fast-paced narrative slows right down to focus on an encounter that Jesus has with a man pushed to the fringes whose appearance not only disrupts but derails Jesus' ministry. In this message Megan unpacks what it looks like to follow the ways of Jesus when disruptions appear, even when the effects seem overwhelming.

(Mark 1:29-39) As we pick up our series on the Gospel of Mark, Gavin unpacks a fascinating passage which challenges us to consider how we are following the Ways of Jesus. In Mark 1:29-39 Jesus responds to the demands of those around Him with compassion, but then balances it with a discipline of inaccessibility. How do we find this balance in our lives? Today we unpack the importance and need of this balance

(Luke 15:1-10) Tonight Gordon Thompson picks up our series exploring Jesus' complex parables. Stories that challenge our understandings and help reveal important spiritual truths. In this message we unpack 2 of 3 stories about something lost and in doing so are revealed to the heart of God that seeks to relentlessly seek us out, and then celebrate in our finding. In these parables we find our worth in God's eyes.

(James 5:13-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 46:1-3, 10) Today we are continuing our series on spiritual disciplines; The practical acts we can choose to engage with that will help us intentionally focus our attention on God. In today's message Gavin is interviewing on of ASBC's elders, Amanda Dunn as she unpacks her experiences with prayer, and her passion for engaging with God in this way with some wonderful, practical experiences.