What Matters

Power to Run!

26 weeks ago we began a journey exploring the Acts of the Apostles in our morning services at Newlife.  We called the series Uprising, as we saw the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, turn their world upside down.  This is the last message in that series.  As we conclude, we reflect on the model of Paul's life - who preached the gospel right to the end.  In the power of the Spirit he ran.  And so must we.  Listen in: Download Power to Run

Power to Engage

Paul had an amazing encounter with the people of Athens.  Starting with a reference to their statue to an 'unknown God', Paul shares with them the Good News.  The Holy Spirit uses Paul to engage them in the grand story of God's saving grace. Listen in as Orrell Battersby, our new church plant minister, shares a powerful message from this text: Download Power to Engage

Power to Respond

The Apostle Paul was and is a spiritual giant.  He was an evangelist, missionary, pioneer, innovator, author and pastor.  In the power of the Holy Spirit he changed the course of history.  His example can teach us what it means to respond God's call.  Listen in to find our more: Download Power to Respond  Or you can read the manuscript of the message here: Download Power to Respond

Power to Worship

Paul and Silas found themselves locked up in prison in Philippi.  Through the night they worshipped God in song.  Then, a most remarkable jail break eventuated.  Listen in as Ralph Mayhew reflects on how the Holy Spirit empowers us to worship: Download Power to Worship

Power to See Visions

Paul had plans to preach the gospel in Bithynia, but God thwarted those plans, instead giving him a vision that lead to a world-changing trip to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).  We had plans for Graham Leo to preach this passage, but Graham was suddenly unwell and Melissa Lipsett stepped in at the 11th hour to open God's word.  You can hear her message here: Download Power to see Visions

Power to Agree

Someone has said that community is not so much the absence of conflict, but the presence of a reconciling spirit.  This we we explore how the Holy Spirit empowered the early church to come to a point of agreement in the midst of a passionate dispute.  Listen in here: Download Power to Agree  Or download the manuscript here: Download Power to Agree

Power to Interpret

The New Testament is awash with references to the Old.  One commentator calculates that 10% of the New Testament is direct quotes ar allusion to Old Testament Scripture.  Saint Augustine has famously said that 'In the Old Testament the New remains hidden; in the New Testament the Old is laid bare.'  When Paul preached in the power of the Holy Spirit he would interpret Old Testament Scripture in the light of New Testament events.  And we can do the same.  Listen in here: Download Power to Interpret  Or download the manuscript here: Download Power to Interpret

Power to Send

The church at Antioch fasted, prayed, heard from God and then sent out Paul and Barnabas on a missionary adventure that changed history.  The Holy Spirit sends the church into mission.  This message includes an interview with Newlife's newly appointed Church Planter, Orrell Battersby.  Listen in here: Download Power to Send  Or you can download the manuscript here: Download Power to Send

Power to Intercede

John Stott has said that 'prayer is the only power the powerless posses.'  So it was that the Jerusalem church gathered to pour out their heart to God in prayer as their friend and leader languished in prison (Acts 12).  In some mysterious way their intercessions were a catalyst for Peter's miraculous release.  Listen in to find out more: Download Power to Intercede  Or read the transcript of my message here: Download Power to Intercede

Power to Grow

From Pentecost the early church spread rapidly through the Roman empire.  Very quickly it established strongholds in the burgeoning urban cities like Antioch.  Listen in as Pastor Melissa Lipsett reflects on the Power to Grow: Download Power to Grow  You can read the manuscript of Melissa's message here: Download Power to Grow