Talks

The final part in the series on Healthy Living and Healthy Giving – Matt had 4 points.
1. There’s More Joy in Giving Than Receiving
Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Far from losing out, generosity brings deep joy, wellbeing, stronger relationships and a healthier outlook on life. True happiness is not found in accumulating more, but in giving and a generous heart.
2. Trusting the Provider
Fear and scarcity can keep us from generosity. Jesus calls us to trust God as our loving Father and provider, adopting an abundance mindset rather than worrying there will never be enough. As we learn to trust Him, we can live with gratitude, contentment and confidence in His care.
3. The Kind of Giving that God Loves (2 Corinthians 8-9)
Biblical giving is regular, proportional, sacrificial, voluntary and joyful. God is not interested in reluctant or guilt-driven giving, but in hearts transformed by His grace. Our generosity is a response to the incredible generosity of Jesus, who gave Himself for us.
4. Giving that Unlocks the Supernatural (2 Corinthians 8-9)
Generosity has both practical and spiritual impact. As we sow generously, we help meet needs, inspire thanksgiving to God and experience His provision in our lives. God blesses us not simply for our benefit, but so that we can continue to be a blessing to others.

Matt continued the series on Healthy Living and Healthy Giving, exploring the connection between our hearts, money and possessions. Jesus speaks so much about money because He’s knows it’s connected to our Heart. What we treasure reveals what we value. Wealth often promises happiness, security and satisfaction that it cannot ultimately deliver – which is why Jesus warns His disciples to “Watch out!”
Matt highlighted two dangers (or ditches) that we can fall into: Greed, always wanting more, and Fear, worrying that we won’t have enough. Neither leads to the freedom Jesus wants for us. The antidote to greed is Contentment — being grateful for what we have and, importantly, being content with what we don’t have.
Matt encouraged three practical ways to live more contentedly: Hold possessions lightly, Live more simply, and Build in financial margin where possible. Rather than constantly asking, “How can I get more?”, we can ask, “How can I live with less?” Creating some space in our finances can also give us greater freedom to be generous and respond when others are in need.  Matt pointed out that we all have different circumstances, and we have to consider everything in the light of what we have.
Matt asked a number of searching questions at the end of the message – which we could use to examine our attitude and also our heart towards money, wealth and possessions.

The Connection Between Healthy Living and Healthy Giving - Part 1: Everything Belongs to God & The Principle of First

In this message, Matt explores how developing a healthy attitude towards money and possessions is an important part of following Jesus. Drawing on Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12, he introduces the biblical concept of Stewardship: the understanding that everything we have ultimately belongs to God and that we are called to be faithful Caretakers of the resources He has entrusted to us.

Through scripture, practical examples and a memorable story (about doughnuts!) Matt challenges the modern mindset of ownership and invites us to see money, possessions and opportunities from God’s perspective. The message also introduces the Principle of First, encouraging believers to honour God by putting Him first in their giving rather than offering what is left over. Ultimately, Matt reminds us that our thinking about money is not just a financial issue but a matter of Discipleship. The message concludes - inviting us to seek God’s specific guidance on how we can steward our personal resources effectively.

Our Special Guest Speaker - Stuart Bell explored what it means to be a healthy church, using Ezekiel 37’s vision of dry bones as a picture of how God brings life, growth and maturity.

He highlighted five key components:

1.    Structure (skeleton) – the frame determines the size of the body.

2.    Systems (Sinews/tendons) – the life flow of blood around the body. Love for one another.

3.    Style (Skin), Every Church has a unique DNA. Style or Skin which is unique.

4.    Spirit (the source of life), We need the breath of the Holy Spirit.

5.    Stature (Standing) – Healthy church has the ability to stand. An important posture.

Every person has a valuable part to play, with different gifts and abilities, and no one should compare themselves with others. Stuart encouraged us to be comfortable in our God-given identity and to connect meaningfully with our community. A healthy church grows in unity, love, maturity and service, equipping people to stand firm, deal with challenges, and make an impact in the community and beyond.

Matt encouraged us to consider what it means to be Fruitful in every season of life. Matt reminded us of our 2026 theme for the year.  He took us back to Spring when when we talked about the importance of being PLANTED in the church. And then later on when we explored the importance of being ROOTED in Jesus. He asked us to reflect: How is that going for you?

Then he talked about FRUIT!

Using the picture of seasonal fruit, Matt highlighted that while natural fruit comes in particular seasons, our 3 key scripture speaks of God’s people continuing to bear fruit in every season. This fruit is not about productivity, success, wealth or achievement, but about developing Christlike character, loving obedience and good works that glorify God. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control—can grow in us even during difficult or painful seasons.

The key is not striving, but remaining grafted into Jesus, abiding in Him. Matt encourages us to ask, “God, how can I be fruitful in this season?” and to enter the coming prayer season trusting His promise that we can be fantastically fruitful in every season.

Week 2 in our Summer Sundays - Kimberly and David talked about how they stay Planted and Rooted in God.  Click here to listen to their story.

It was wonderful to welcome Annie and Francis from Malawi on Sunday morning, Annie gave us many examples on how the money we have donated over the years has made a difference in Malawi through her organisation “HOPE MISSIONS”.
Francis in his own unique style, reflected on the theme “Planted in the church and Rooted in Christ”. He spoke about his own story and how his decision to follow Jesus 44 years ago has shaped his life. He described God’s faithfulness through hardship, illness, ministry and danger, emphasising that choosing Christ does not remove difficulties but that God always comes though!
He stressed that Jesus was and is both God and Lord, and that through His death and resurrection we are reconciled to God and become His children. From Acts Chapter 2 Francis talked about being rooted in Christ means that we: read Scripture, pray, fellowship and allow others to encourage and strengthen us. Francis passionately encouraged us to ensure that we have made the most important decision in life to Follow Jesus and make Him our Lord and our Saviour.

Week 3 in our Summer Sundays - Matt and Denny talked about how they stay Planted and Rooted in God. Click here to listen to their story.

Week 2 in our Summer Sundays - Emmeline and Christine talked about how they stay Planted and Rooted in God.  Click here to listen to their story.

Week 1 in our Summer Sundays - Debby and Anthony talked about how they stay Planted and Rooted in God.  Click here to listen to their story.