This page was established during the period where public gatherings for worship were disallowed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Now that we can gather for weekly services, it is no longer being updated.
A special message of support for our dear friends in Nepal – 26 November 2020
The Christian church in Nepal is struggling in these COVID-19 times. This video is a message of support as we approach Christmas, where we celebrate the coming of our Saviour Jesus to earth in humble human form – a baby.
A map for our church: Walking together in mission – Sunday 25 October 2020
God has opened doors for us in mission and outreach at Good Shepherd. The broader church at a NSW and ACT level is intentional in walking together in mission. What might this mean as we move into this new season here at Good Shepherd? We explore this in today’s upload.
Note that at Good Shepherd we are returning to more normal Sunday morning gatherings. In the near future we will be recording the message live from our Sunday gatherings to our website and YouTube channel. As such, this upload will be the last of our produced Church at Home uploads. Be sure to keep an eye open online for more messages coming to you soon, now from Sunday mornings.
The book of Acts and Nepal – Sunday 11 October 2020
Last week we saw that the book of Acts is not only an historic account, it is present reality in many parts of the church today worldwide. We also briefly met Pastor Rabindra from our partner church in Nepal, who shared a brief version of his story. Today we hear the full version of what The Lord is doing in Nepal through the ministry to which He has called Pastor Rabindra and the churches that he oversights.
See also:
- Children’s activity pack
- Nepal prayer points
- Pastor Rabindra’s story: full written version
- Pictures and maps from Nepal from Ps Rabindra
We are witnesses of these things (Acts 3) – Sunday 4 October 2020
Today we get to hear a short version of that church’s Mission Director, Pastor Rabindra Das, sharing his story. Be sure to join us next week to hear his full story.
Please click here to access the related prayer points poster and join in prayer for God’s work in Nepal.
Worst-Fruits, not Firstfruits: The Message of Malachi 1 − Sunday 20 September 2020
Time, talents and treasures… really? During COVID? Why, yes! Here’s why: the message of Malachi is not about money, it is a message about right relationship in the Kingdom. Kingdom giving is just one part of Kingdom life that flows from right relationship.
Today we look at the who, when and what of Malachi’s message, before unpacking its application for us in next week’s upload.
God wouldn’t use me because… I hated church – Sunday 13 September 2020
In this three-part series we explore the call of God. He can call anyone, any time – including you – to follow Him as a Kingdom operative for Christ. This week we explore the call of God on Paul, who hated church so much that he was zealously trying to exterminate it altogether, until he had an encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus Himself. And that changed everything. It still does.
For more on David Wilkerson’s and Nicky Cruz’s stories mentioned in earlier uploads in this series, check out this YouTube video: NY Gang Leader Turns to JESUS CHRIST! – Nicky Cruz – click here.
God wouldn’t use me because… I'm too young – Sunday 6 September 2020
In this three-part series we explore the call of God. He can call anyone, any time – including you – to follow Him as a Kingdom operative for Christ, but the biggest challenges in following His call are often self-imposed. This week we explore the call of God on Jeremiah, who felt he was too young to possibly be used by God for anything important. But then again, King David and Timothy were both thought too young, and look at what God did through them. There is no such thing as too young or too old to be used by God for His Kingdom.
For more on David Wilkerson’s and Nicky Cruz’s stories as mentioned in today’s and last week’s uploads, check out this YouTube video: NY Gang Leader Turns to JESUS CHRIST! – Nicky Cruz – click here.
God wouldn’t use me because… I have a shady past − Sunday 30 August 2020
In this three-part series we explore the call of God. He can call anyone, any time – including you – to follow Him as a Kingdom operative for Christ, but the biggest challenges in following His call are often self-imposed.
This week we explore the call of God on Moses, who certainly didn’t have the pristine history we sometimes assume, but who followed, even if reluctantly, the path The Lord had prepared for him and became one of the greatest figures of deliverance in the Bible. What is God calling you to do? If Moses could do it, you can too.
Corona and I (Part Two): Exploring a Christian response to pandemic – Sunday 23 August 2020
The Christian response to pandemics past has always been practical. But what does practical look like for us today? Join Pastor Paul with an open Bible and explore what it means as an individual believer to be practical by praying, providing and prioritising. And then what of the church collectively? We conclude with a call for the wider church to make the most of the opportunities that this challenging time has presented.
For a booklet on this two-part series, click here.
FOR CHILDREN: As this week's upload doesn't have a children's clip, please click here for an activity pack from Whirl, by SparkHouse.
Corona and I (Part 1): Exploring a Christian response to pandemic – Sunday 16 August 2020
The world seems to be falling apart around us – or at the very least our individual worlds are – due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Fear and worry are natural responses to second waves, record spikes, mass-lockdowns, and economic hardship, not to mention the grief of all who have lost loved ones.
Jesus told us that these kinds of times were to come, but our response as Christians is far from fear or worry. This week we open the door on this conversation as we explore Scripture. Be sure to join us next week for the main part of this two-part message.
For a booklet on this series, click here.
The Matthew 13 Kingdom parables: Week 3 - The treasure, the pearl and the net – Sunday 9 August 2020
As we conclude our look at the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13, this collection of three short parables tells us of the worth of being Christian and the hope we have at the end of the age.
The Matthew 13 parables – Week Two: Parable of the weeds – Sunday 2 August 2020
Most weeds invade a garden or a crop all on their own, but in this parable, Jesus describes a surprising case of deliberate agricultural sabotage. The weeds referred to in this parable are in fact a specific variety of plant that is hard to tell from the wheat itself. Join Pastor Paul with your open Bible and explore the meaning of this parable as Jesus unpacks it for His followers.
Note: This week’s CHILDREN’S CONTENT is an activity pack rather than a clip in the upload. The pack can be accessed by clicking here.
The Matthew 13 parables – Week One: Parable of the Sower – Sunday 26 July 2020
Have you noticed that this particular teaching-story told by Jesus is more about the soils than the sower? There's a good reason. It's about human hearts. What kind of soil best reflects your life at the moment? Join Pastor Paul with an open Bible and open heart to explore what Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Ecclesiastes – Manual for cynics, or lesson for learners? – Sunday 5 July 2020
Safe city in a chaotic world – Sunday 28 June 2020
Say ‘Psalm 46’ to someone who knows their Bible and they’ll probably be able to quote verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God.” But did you know that when we look at this short Psalm in its entirety, it becomes apparent that it is not a good idea to be at the receiving end of God when He says these words? Join Pastor Paul with your open Bible and explore why this Psalm is good news in such troubled times for us, but the nations that war against Him have it coming on that last great day.
I Am: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part Seven – Sunday 21 June 2020
Jesus calls Himself the True Vine. He calls us branches. Where the branch is connected to the Vine, there is life. Where it is not, there is no life, and that branch is cut off and burned. God is the Gardener who grows us as branches for fruitfulness. Where there is fruit, He prunes those branches so that there may be even more fruit. Join Pastor Paul with your open Bible as he explores this last of Jesus’ seven I Am sayings and be reassured that the trials you’re going through are worth the fruit.
I Am: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part Six – Sunday 14 June 2020
Ever want to see God? Jesus says look at Him, and you’ll see God right there too. The disciples were a bit slow to cotton on, and the message that God is accessed exclusively through Christ has never been popular to the world’s way of thinking. But that’s because it was never meant to be. It is, however, life-giving and eternally satisfying like nothing else. Join Pastor Paul with your open Bible as we examine Jesus’ claim to be The Way, The Truth and The Life.
I Am: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part Five – Sunday 7 June 2020
Bread. Light. Gate. Shepherd. So far we have explored these claims of Jesus about Himself. But the disciples were really in for a revelation this time: their Teacher has mastery over even death! Lazarus was dead, but now he lives. This was life-changing then, and still is today. Open your Bibles to John 11 and join Pastor Paul for a look at Jesus' claim to be the resurrection and the life.
This is Steve's faith story – what's yours? – Sunday 31 May 2020
What do sailing in the Pacific, escaping from the occult and being found by Christ in a shed group have in common? They are all part of the story of how one member of our faith family at Good Shepherd came to be part of God’s community. In this upload we take a break from our series on John and explore the power of testimony as we hear Steve share his faith story with us.
We also have a time for all ages to join together in a family devotion that has just been released from Grow Ministries for this time of COVID-19 lock-down restrictions being eased. Click here to access this devotional resource.
For the colouring in activity that goes with this week’s children’s talk, click here.
I AM: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part Four – Sunday 24 May 2020
When God said He would come to personally be the Shepherd of His people, He meant it, and Christ fulfilled it. Today we focus on Jesus’ claim to be the Good Shepherd. Join Pastor Paul with your Bible and explore Jesus’ outlandish commitment to His sheep, the intimacy this guarantees, and above all, the most radical thing that the Good Shepherd does for His sheep that no other shepherd ever would.
To download the activity sheet for the children’s talk in this video, please click here.
I AM: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part Three – Sunday 17 May 2020
Picking up from last week, Jesus the Light of the world gives sight to a blind man, but that doesn't impress the Pharisees. Join Pastor Paul in this week’s upload as he explores the fallout the healed man faced and Jesus’ hard-hitting response to the Pharisees as a result: “You’re the ones who are blind!” And worse, “You are false shepherds!” But His harsh words to them are also beautiful words of life to us today, as we will see with today’s I Am saying. Grab a Bible, pen, highlighter and a coffee or tea and let’s dive into some quality time with God in the Scriptures.
To download the activity sheet for the children’s talk in this video, please click here.
I AM: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part Two – Sunday 10 May 2020
You may have heard that Jesus described Himself as the light of the world. You may also have heard Christians call Jesus by this name. But the time and place in which Jesus says these famous words is highly significant. Join Pastor Paul as he explores this second of Jesus' seven famous ‘I Am’ sayings in John.
To download the activity sheet for the children’s talk in this video, please click here.
I AM: The seven sayings of Jesus – Part One – Sunday 3 May 2020
In part one of this series, we look at Jesus’ claim to be the bread of life. In this upload Pastor Paul takes us on a big picture tour of John’s Gospel and then drills down into the first of Jesus seven famous ‘I Am’ sayings in John. Get your Bible and notebook handy as we dive into some quality time in God’s Word and discover the bigger picture surrounding these famous words of Jesus.
To download the activity sheet for the children’s talk in this video, please click here.
The biggest invitation ever – Sunday 26 April 2020
What do you do when you're invited to the great banquet? The A-list invitees all knocked it back. Some of the B-list invitees did too. Some of their excuses seem reasonable, but then again, so do some of ours. If God has been calling you, how will you respond?
Shut in for mission – Sunday 19 April 2020
Social isolation. Could God still use us even when we are shut in at home? Could it be that this gives new opportunities for God to form us, and for Christ to share His peace and love with us? How are we called to respond? Join our guest preacher Pastor Will Frost, as introduced to you in this upload by Pastor Paul, as he explores these questions. Paul also chats with Will about life, study and faith.
Easter Sunday – 11 April 2020
The ultimate question. Easter. Usually a time of crowded churches. Some pastors attempt to secure your return attendance with slick productions and appealing aesthetics. But when Jesus had the biggest crowds, what did He do to gain repeat attendances? Shockingly, nothing. Like Jesus with the biggest crowds, we conclude this series by exploring some hard truths. But that’s not a bad thing. In fact, that’s the best thing you could do.
Good Friday – 10 April 2020
Accepted by a few. This Lent and Easter series has explored the rejection of Christ, but there were a few who had no idea that by the end of this one particular day, they would become sold-out followers of this man from Nazareth who claimed to be the Messiah. This message includes recommended resources for those questioning the authenticity of the Christian faith.
Maundy Thursday – 9 April 2020
Engaged and waiting. If there was just one day I could have Holy Communion, today would be that day. We explore the unique and surprising way Christ celebrated the Passover feast that would become The Last Supper. Holy Communion is more than ritual, tradition, or habit. It is a marriage contract with Christ as we await His return.
Deserted by His friends – Sunday 5 April 2020
You know those times you’ve vowed to stick with your mates, no matter what? Then the pressure hits and, well, you cave in and abandon them. Jesus’ disciples knew that feeling. In truth, we sometimes do too. True friendship has a price. Jesus knows. Why not reassess where your relationship with Him needs to be.
In his message, Pastor Paul refers to the resource, Growing Faith Moments: TIME OF CRISIS. Please click here to download.
Tortured by the Romans – Sunday 29 March 2020
They say ignorance is bliss, but how often is it just a convenient excuse? “I didn’t know…” But what happens when the truth is clear, this excuse dissolves, and we have a choice ahead of us? The Romans chose poorly, but you don’t have to.
