4th March 2026

Come Lord Jesus

Once again our newsfeeds are filled with evidence of the brokenness of our world as increased geopolitical conflict spills over yet again. In 2026, this is all captured on video and streamed to our devices, along with all the political masquerading and social media opinions that accompany it.

Over two thousand years ago the disciples of Jesus asked outright for insight on the future 'end of the age'. Jesus famously responded,

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." - Matthew 24:6-8

Jesus prepares his followers for the reality of geopolitical instability and conflict. And he instructs his followers against being alarmist, giving into despair, or being over confident in the timing of his return when such things take place. As his response goes on, Jesus encourages his followers with the certain hope of His return and highlights the importance of their readiness. Our readiness is, in part, demonstrated in our prayer life.

This year we have set prayer as one of three key focus areas, using the phrase "prayer as our first response, not our last resort". Once again this week gives us opportunity to have a pray first response as followers of Jesus. Stop and pray for God's Kingdom to come, His will to be done on earth (in the political halls of power, in the military decision making rooms, in the Middle East and to the ends of the earth) as it is in heaven.

Parenting Encouragement

From Travis

One of my treasured photos (I'll admit that I do a have a few on that list!) came from a calm morning of connection with my son. Wanting to capture the memory, I snapped a quick phone photo towards the end of an unhurried explore and play in a park. That day it was just the two of us, with nowhere else to be and nothing needing our attention than each other.

Like most parents, I entered fatherhood with a strong desire to be the best, most loving Dad I could be to our kids. And like many parents, I quickly worked out that there was no real playbook for parenthood - that the "best, most loving Dad" version of myself was something that came easy in some moments but was more of a personally stretching desire in others.

Throughout parenting so far, one of the most positive and encouraging supports has come from friendships and conversations with other parents. We're meant to do this in community with others!

This Saturday afternoon we are hosting a space for parents to gather together. This will be a time to share our joys and wisdom with one another, and to acknowledge our current challenges all with a view to be equipped to better. Special guest Kaylene Harry will be with us to encourage us, speak into us as parents and help us feel supported in our parenting roles.

We would love to see you there. It is meant to bless parents with children of any ages. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed at the thought of coming along... unironically, this is definitely for you! Let us know you can make it here.

Resources from Sunday

Last Sunday we explored Jesus' teaching on the Holy Spirit from John ch's 14-16. The New Testament is then filled with the record of the Holy Spirit's impact among the Early Church, with further teaching from the Apostles on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. If you would like to explore this further, below are a selection of verses that are a good place to start.

To help encourage you to keep growing in your awareness and connection to the Holy Spirit in your life, below is a lengthy quote from Natalie Breckenridge on the believer's "walk" with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit

He is the Spirit of the Living God.

He convicts without condemning.

He corrects without humiliating.

He comforts without weakening.

He commands without chaos.

He is not hype. He is holy. Being led by the Holy Spirit is not being unpredictable. It is being aligned. It is not emotional instability. It is spiritual sensitivity. It is the discipline to pause when others react. The boldness to speak when others shrink. The restraint to stay quiet when your flesh wants to win.

It is discernment in rooms that look impressive but feel off. It is clarity when opinions are loud. It is obedience when it costs you comfort. Acts 1:8 says you will receive power. Not attention. Not popularity.

Power.

The Holy Spirit does not just make you louder. He makes you stronger. He does not make you dramatic. He makes you discerning. He does not inflate your ego. He anchors your identity.

He will lead you into conversations you did not plan. He will give you words that carry weight. He will check you before you respond. He will redirect you when your pride wants control.

He steadies your emotions. He sharpens your instincts. He strengthens your spine.

Being Holy Spirit-led means you move with conviction instead of crowd approval. It means you obey without constant validation. It means you trust His whisper more than public opinion.

Let them misunderstand your discipline. Let them question your boundaries. Let them call you intense.

You are not here to be impressive. You are here to be led. You do not carry a mood. You carry the Holy Spirit. And He is not a vibe.

He is sovereign.

Thailand Global Exposure Trip

In January 2027, Johnny Sharpe and Danielle Lamrock will be taking a small team to Thailand for three weeks. This trip will focus on helping to teach English at a school near Chiang Rai, and visiting Muana and Villy's mission projects in Chiang Mai.

If you have a heart for Thailand, a heart for God's Mission, or are keen to learn more about serving God overseas, a Global Exposure trip would be a great opportunity for you to learn and explore, and to use your gifts and abilities in a new context. Find out more by emailing Johnny here.

Update: Admin & Operations Manager

Thank you to all who have been praying for our search for an Admin and Operations Manager to join the pastors and staff team. A recommendation from the Search Team is now with the Board and we hope to update you soon.

This Week

Parenting Workshop (Sat 7th Mar, 2pm)

Come and hang with a bunch of other parents as we support and encourage one another in the beautiful (and stretching!) role as parents. Afternoon tea included and kids looked after, with special guest presenter Kaylene Harry. Learn more and RSVP here.

Welcome Lunch (Sun 8th March, 11:30am)

If you have joined NVBC recently and haven't been to one of our welcome lunches yet, we'd love to host you for lunch after the morning service on March 8. RSVP here.

Sunday Services (Sun 8th Mar)

This week Kaye Ryan is preaching from John chapter 15 and we will share in Communion together at both services.

In MARCH

Church Family Lunch & Dinner (after the services 22nd March)

Plan to stick back after the services on Sunday 22nd March for lunch together after the AM and dinner together after the PM. We will also have baptisms in the PM Service that day!

If you are keen to chat to our pastors about being baptised this year, let us know here: https://www.nvbc.info/baptism

For all other upcoming events, visit:

https://www.nvbc.info/whatson

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