Simon preaching on Matthew 24v3-14. Find the reading at: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2024%3A3-14&version=NIV 📖

Advent reminds us we’re in a battle. Revelation 12 shows that the birth of Christ wasn’t sentimental but a cosmic act of sabotage against the powers of darkness. The nativity is a battlefield, not a postcard. Because Christ has already won, we stand firm by clinging to the blood of the Lamb and boldly sharing our testimony. Don’t be surprised by spiritual resistance this season — expect it and fight it with worship, witness and courageous perseverance.

As we begin Advent, Ant reminds us that Jesus is not distant. The One we wait for is already walking among His churches. Before we look ahead to His return, we’re called to recognise His presence in our midst today. The risen Christ stands among the lampstands refining His people, urging us toward holiness, rekindled first love, wholehearted devotion rather than lukewarm faith and steadfastness in trials. Advent starts with seeing where Jesus already is — with His people.

Simon concludes our series with the first commandment — “You shall have no other gods before me”. He reminds us that this command isn’t about restriction but about priority: letting the God who rescued us be at the centre of everything. As we mark Gift Day, Simon invites us to consider what it really looks like to put God first — in our love, decisions, resources, and hopes — living with reordered priorities that reflect His goodness and grace.

As we continue through the Ten Commandments, Lydia explores the second commandment — “You shall not make for yourself an idol”. She shows how idols aren’t just statues but anything we shrink God down into or trust more than Him. In contrast, the living God is beyond our control, full of love, power and compassion. Lydia encourages us to know God as He truly is, letting go of the substitutes we create and allowing His real character to reshape our worship, trust and daily lives.

Continuing through the Ten Commandments, Simon looks at what it means not to “take the name of the Lord your God in vain”. He helps us see that this command goes far beyond avoiding certain words — it’s about how we represent God in all we say and do. Our words reveal our hearts, and Jesus calls us to honesty, integrity, and reverence in every part of life. Simon invites us to use God’s name with truth, humility, and love that honours Him daily.

As we continue in the Ten Commandments, Mike explores God’s call to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy”. He reminds us that Sabbath isn’t about rules or guilt, but about rest, delight and trusting God with our limits. In Jesus, we see that Sabbath is ultimately about relationship — not restriction — and finding our rest in Him. Mike encourages us to pause, resist the pressure to always produce and receive the gift of God’s rest for weary hearts and busy lives.

As we continue our series on the Ten Commandments, Lydia helps us reflect on what it means to “honour your father and mother,” drawing from Ephesians 6. She reminds us that this command isn’t about blind obedience, but about learning to live in the light of God’s grace — even when family relationships are painful or complex. With compassion and realism, Lydia explores how we can keep pace with our parents in love, forgiveness and faith, trusting God to bring healing where it’s needed.