This series outlines how we describe ourselves as a gathered and called group of believers who follow Jesus here at Stirling Family Church.

Statements of Vision help us to be unified, and to run together.  Statements of vision help us to see the bigger picture, while managing the everyday moments.  Statements of Vision give guidance to manage conflict in a way that honours the long term - in other words, we can say no and yes with conviction and confidence and respect.  Statements of Vision help us to keep the important things in priority with the urgent matters that arise.  Statements of Vision help us to protect the peace and blessing of shared unity, reduce our desire to seek other calling and remain content and excited by what the Lord has called Stirling Family Church into.

February is all about how we describe ourselves as Christ-Centered, Spirit Led and People Focused.  May we be more fully aware of what these descriptors mean, and may we live up and into them, that by following the example of Jesus, we might love one another, and serve His cause.

February is about seeing the forest....and the trees!

What is rest?

Is it relaxing? Holidays?

Is rest doing nothing? or sleeping?

What is rest?  Is rest different for you when compared to another?

Why does someone say gardening is restful, when it is tiring?

Why does another say they feel restful when you think how after knowing what they are or have been doing?

How can Jesus rest, and sleep, on the boat during a storm?  That doesnt make sense!  Jim Varsos shared this lovely gem:

There is a word Greeks use for rest, ἡσυχία – hesikhia – meaning stillness, rest, quietness, a state of inner peace and tranquillity.

Hesikhia emphasises the importance of silence and solitude as a means of fostering spiritual growth and connection with the divine. We see this when Jesus was asleep in the boat during the storm.

This will most certainly keep us awake and we will need God’s rest to carry us through.

Rest is quality, but also a quantity.  Rest is tangible, and yet intangible.  Rest is a science, and also an art.

Rest is personal, also shared.  Rest can be given, and received.  Rest can be subjective, and be objective.  Rest can be a journey, and the destination.

Could I create more rhythm in this post, and in my life, around rest - probably...

But the question remains, what is Rest?

Great question...because if i cannot grasp true rest, then what I think I need to do to feel rested is not really going to sustain or satisfy.

This January, we will look for wisdom in the Bible and see what it says abour rest knowing its probably not what we think it is, but definitely what we need!

With Christmas here, we will consider the power of promise, and that is the promise of a saviour, Jesus.

Promises have power even before you see the promise fulfilled.

Think about a child who is promised they will receive something...Before the promise is given, there is a sense of anxiousness and expressed desire to show let the parent know that they really want or need something.  But in that emotion and reality, the child receives a promise, that what was desired will be given in due course...Promise has power - power to bring peace, power to bring anticipation, power to bring joy...

This Christmas, we will focus on how the promise of Jesus brings us hope, peace and joy!

Join us for Advent Devotion on Sunday evening, and our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day gatherings as we celebrate and worship Jesus.

The below are some resources and media that may help with further exploring 2 Thessalonians.

Listening to 2 Thessalonians

• YouTube - ESV
• YouTube - NIV

Overviews of 2 Thessalonians

• Bible Project - 1 Thess
• Bible Project - 2 Thess
• Chuck Swindoll - 2 Thess
• Gospel Coalition - 2 Thess
• Thessalonian Course - Gospel Coalition

Stirling Family Church Audio Recordings

• Listen to an Audio Message

Stirling Family Church Powerpoints in PDF

• 29 Oct - Grace First & Last
• 22 Oct - Slackers
• 15 Oct - Hearts
• 8 Oct - Glory
• 24 Sep - Ecclesia
• 17 Sep - Lawlessness
• 10 Sep - 2nd Coming
• 27 Aug - Testimony
• 13 Aug - Grace First

Selected End Times related Books

• Thessalonians Study Guide
• History and Eschatology
• Surprised by Hope
• The Last Days
• The Final 50 Events in World History
• The Seven Churches
• The Four Views

Specific Teachings

• Not Before Lawlessness
• An Evening of Eschatology
• The Last Days
• Does the Bible Predict the End of the World
• Bible Project on Book of Revelation - Pt 1
• Bible Project on Book of Revelation - Pt 2
• Bible Project - How to Read the Bible: Apocalyptic Literature
• Bible Project - The Day of the Lord
• Signs of the Times

Are you interested in attending a Forum/Workshop on End Times in 2024?

• Yes, I want to register my interest.

The Church has had three names as I understand, and in 2023, we return to the previous name of Stirling Family Church.

These three words contain quick information that describe us:

1. Location   2. Relational   3. Church

We are located in Stirling, we are family and we gather together as Church.

However a name is just a title.  What matters about a name is what it represents.

And Stirling Family Church represents a committed and faithful gathering of followers of Jesus, who are committed to loving the Lord and loving one another.  That committment doesnt mean we are perfect, but it is our desire and intention to practice the love of Christ who first loved us.

Stirling Family Church represents a history of ministry throughout the Hills region and the plains.  This ministry includes raising up and sending leaders and missionaries and going into the world with the message of the Gospel.  This ministry means believing in the promises of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the place where we are planted....on a hill, overlooking a village called Stirling.

Stirling Family Church is a place committed to be a house of prayer of all nations, worshipping Jesus and trusting in His commands and ways.

Welcome to Stirling Family Church.

May you sense the presence of God as you gather with others to worship the Lord.  And may you know His love surrounding you and His peace that surpasses all our circumstances.

So is Stirling Family Church, as a name the return of the old, or the old being made new?  It doesnt matter because Jesus is at work making all things new and we are here to testify of His goodness and witness the 'new' taking place in our midst.

Blessings,

Ben & Bec Bonython.