Daniel 6 contains the iconic story of Daniel and the lion's den. Does this story mean that we, too can escape certain death through faith in God? Of course not! It's meaning is much deeper and more profound than that. Join Steve as he delves deep into this surprisingly complex account.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar encounters the power of the God of Israel for a third and final time. What is God trying to teach this great king? What does Nebuchadnezzar learn? What can we learn, today, from this clash of human empire and divine sovereign? Join Malcolm as he delves into the drama of Daniel chapter 4.…

In his parable of the talents, Jesus describes three servants who are each given responsibility for a different amount of money. How does this apply to us, Jesus' modern-day followers? What are our "talents," and how are we to use them? Join Jacob (and some surprise guests) as he unpacks this important teaching of Jesus.…

When the leader of the mighty Babylonian empire creates a powerful symbol of his dominance, and demands that everyone bow down, no-one expects rebellion. Especially not rebellion from priviledged imigrants. And yet that's what we see from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. What is driving them? What can we learn from their situation and the way they h…

No sooner are Daniel and his friends installed as mystical advisors to the king, than they are sentenced to death for the other advisors not being able to explain a dream to the king. The way that Daniel responds to this life-and-death challenge reveals not only his character, but the reality of his God, as well. Join Steve as he unpacks how we, to…

In Daniel we encounter brave Jews, young men who are pressured by great empires to conform and obey, but who, longing for home, resist the pressure and remain faithful to God. What can we learn from these young men? Join Steve as he begins this journey into resistance and faith.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Jesus finishes his masterpiece sermon on the mount with a simple story that has almost become a children's story. But the parable of the two builders is not childish, but rather profound. Join Adam to find out how this story can transform us as he wraps up his rock-foundationed time at Burleigh with this final sermon.…

The final beatitude Jesus shares at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount is "blessed are the persecuted." Why would we be persecuted, and how can that be good? Join Graham as he unpacks this counter-intuitive observation from Jesus. There are two clips in this sermon (removed from the podcast to avoid copyright infringement), the first from Ray…

Jesus tells us in his beatitudes that "blessed are the peacemakers." But what is peace, what is a peacemaker? In a strife-torn world, one of the problems that makes peace so hard to achieve is our profound misunderstanding of the source of peace. Join Adam as he explores what peace truly is, and so how we may be peacemakers in a storm-tossed world.…

Simon Ward shares encouragement along with some of the important work Compassion is doing in partnership with Burleigh Church of Christ and other Gold Coast churches in Salatiga, Indonesia.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Who are the pure in heart, and why and how do they see God? Join Malcolm as he unpacks this deceptively simple beatitude, exploring topics as diverse as the "Beatific Vision" and Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD).By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In his 5th beatitude, Jesus claims that the merciful will receive mercy, and are thus blessed. But what is mercy? What does it mean to be merciful, or to receive mercy? Join Adam as he unpacks this potent beatitude and explores how it can transform our society when we live it out.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In our next practice in the Transformation Trek, we turn to Charity. What does this mean, and how is it unique to Jesus and his followers. After all, there are heaps of charities out there that are not Christian. Join Adam as he unpacks the distinctly Christian practice of Charity, and how it transforms us and our world.…

In the fourth beatitude Jesus explains how those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied. What does it mean to hunger and thirst like this, and what is satisfaction here? Join Matt as he explores the fourth beatitude and its profound impact on our lives.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

The third of Jesus' beatitudes talks about the "meek" inheriting the earth. But who are the meek? And what does inheriting the earth mean? Join Jess as she (and some puppets) explain to the kids and us what Jesus meant.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Jesus claims in his second statement of the Sermon on the Mount, that those who mourn are blessed. Huh? How could that work? Join Graham as he unpacks this deceptively simple claim. There were two videos in this message that we don't have a license for. You can watch Toby Mac's song here: https://youtu.be/s9bsjmZfIJU and his message here: https://y…

Jesus started his famous Sermon on the Mount with a series of statements known as the "Beatitudes." What are they? What do they mean? Who and what are they for? Join Adam as he kicks off our series on this world-transforming series of deceptively simple statements.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

On the first Easter Sunday, something happened that had never happened before, and has never happened since. Even though that event occurred almost 2000 years ago, it is still changing people's lives today. Join us as we here what that event was, how it changes the world, and hear from two people whose lives it has changed in recent weeks.…

On Good Friday we come together to reflect on Jesus hanging on the cross. Why is he there? What is he hoping to accomplish?By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In Jonah 3-4 the story resets. Jonah gets to Ninevah and makes his prophecy. But the whole time he is strill striving for control over himself and even God, and casting judgement on Ninevah. What does this say to us today? Are we just like Jonah?By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

God calls. Jonah flees. But the story doesn't end there, does it? What can we learn about God from his behaviour in the account of Jonah? Join Steve to find how amazing and (in some ways) scary the true God is.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

The book of Jonah is known for its spectacle: great storms, great fish, great cities. But these are not its core. Its true purpose is to explore the power of God in human repentance. In the depths, Jonah repents. Join Steve as he explores Jonah's psalm-from-the-belly-of-a-fish, and how it can transform 21st century Australia.…

The story of Jonah is so full of startling imagery that it has become a favourite kid's Bible story. But was it written just to be a children's story? If not, what is the vibrant plot and setting intended to convey? Join Steve as he unpacks the incredible relevance of Jonah to 21st century Gold Coast.…

Gathering together is about more than singing songs, listening to a sermon, and sharing communion. What else should we be gathering to do? This Sunday we sat around small tables and shared what these groups meant to us. This recording is Steve's explanation of how we hope this can grow us.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In John 17, Jesus prays the "high priestly prayer," an intercession for his followers, including his future followers down through history. What does he pray for? What does he want for us? He wants to send us out to finish the work he started! What an amazing opportunity! Join Steve as he unpacks what this means for us.…

In John 15, Jesus exhorts his disciples to "abide" in him, as he abides in his father. What does this strange demand actually mean? How do we abide in Jesus? And if we do, what happens to us? Join Steve as he unpacks this strange and profound teaching.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In his final message to his disciples, Jesus didn't try to varnish the truth. He challenged his disciples to trust him, even though he would be leaving them for a time. A significant part of his message is summarised in Jn 16:33, where he said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But…

In John 14, Jesus continues his last words with the disciples that run through chapters 13 to 17. Like anyone about to leave the world behind, Jesus is determined to leave those he loves with both a message and a gift. Of course, it is not surprising that Jesus' message and gift are extraordinary. Join Graham as he unveils the beauty and power of J…

In John 13 we find Jesus sitting down to eat his last meal with his disciples. You'd think he'd be taking the opportunity to really relax and enjoy this time. But instead he jumps up and engages in the most demeaning task imaginable (for the time): washing his disciples' feet. Why? What was the point? Join Malcolm as he unpacks why and how this men…

Jesus tells us to be anxious for nothing. How dare he? Doesn't he understand the pressures of a modern life?! Well, actually... Join Don to discover why Jesus' advice not only makes perfect sense, but can transform your modern life.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Come and see. That's the call from the angels to the shepherds, from the star to the magi, from the magi to Herod. The birth of Jesus was obscure, but it wasn't secret. And today, that obscure birth is recognised as one of the greatest pivot points in history. So, shouldn't we come and see what all the fuss is about?…

At Christmas our thoughts always turn to gifts. But God is always going to be the best gift giver. Join Steve as he reflects on the nature of Christ and the celebration of his birth.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

It's a question for the ages: is the classic movie "Die Hard" a Christmas movie or not? Well, it is now, as Steve guides us through the way that the Bible's portrait of The Dragon--the enemy of Creation--parallels the evil of Hans Gruber. Fortunately for us, Jesus is even more amazing than John McClane, and goes to even greater lengths to rescue th…

Our culture loves a competition, but competition comes at a cost. Consider the Christmas movie "Deck the Halls" (see https://youtu.be/b1obxXopRro ) where Buddy and Steve compete for best Christmas decorations with such ferocity that they destroy their lives. Competition of this type, driven by deep dissatisifactions, destroys any hope of peace.But …

n the movie Elf, "Buddy," a human adopted by Santa's elves, finds himself in a cynical New York, struggling to find hope, despite his knowledge of Santa's reality. In real life, the priest Zechariah finds himself in first century Jerusalem, struggling to find hope amidst God's silence. Yet both these people find hope despite their circumstances. Ho…

Christmas is a reminder that our Lord came to bless us, and we celebrate that by blessing others. But blessing others is more than just a Christmas thing. Join Steve as he unpacks the Spiritual habit or discipline of daily blessing others.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

When Jesus was called on to heal his great friend Lazarus, he dawdled and delayed until it was too late. But was it? Did Jesus let Lazarus die for a reason? Join Hayley as she shares about Jesus' radical intentions with the seventh sign of the Gospel of John.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In John 10 Jesus reveals one of his key roles: being the good shepherd who will never abandon his sheep, no matter the sacrifice required. Join Matt in his debut sermon as he explores what this means for us.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In chapter 9 of John's gospel, we find a vivid account of Jesus' healing of a man born blind. This is the sixth sign John records, and it completely upends the lives of his neighbours, parents, and the increasingly hostile Pharisees. But somehow the healed man comes through this turmoil in a very positive way. What did he have that these other peop…

The weight of sin can weigh us down, like the Gravitron ride, but Jesus offers us a way out. Find how with Steve as he explores John 8.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

In John 7, Jesus claims to be "living water." Why would he make such a claim, and what does it even mean? Join Graham as he unpacks the historical context and reveals the potent truth that Jesus was teaching, and how it still changes our lives today.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

This practice on our Transformation Trek is radically counter-cultural: the practice of living simply. Join Steve as he unpacks the Biblical practice of ensuring that we have one master: God.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Jonno rounds up the series on what it means to be a Church of Christ by zooming in on what it means to be a part of the community in Burleigh Heads. Church is important, but how and why? Join Jonno as he unpacks this.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

As we celebrate 140 years of Churches of Christ in Queensland, we should ask ourselves questions about why, how, what and who. Does the church have a purpose or is it as aimless as our society? Join Steve as he shares how Burleigh approaches the glorious responsibility of being Christ's representatives in our community.…

The Churches of Christ have been in Queensland for 140 years. That's a long legacy that we benefit from. What exactly is that legacy, and how does it work to transform lives for Christ?By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Jesus tells the crowds that swarmed around him after he miraculously feeds thousands that he, himself is the bread of life. What did he mean by this? What does this have to do with us?By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

An Unexpected Savior - Malcolm Lithgow by Burleigh Heads Church of ChristBy Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

Jesus is not known for playing it safe. His encounter at an ancient well in a foreign country was not played safe, either. Join Ian as he describes how Jesus used this encounter to smash down walls of prejudice, self-protection, and ignorance so that anyone could come to him.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

What is Jesus really doing when he "cleanses" the Temple? What is he saying about himself, about the worshipers, about the merchants, and about the Temple itself?By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ

How should we pray? Jesus' disciples, as first century Jews, had grown up surrounded by prayer, practicing it daily. Yet something about Jesus' practice of prayer caused them to ask him, "How should we pray?" Join Steve as he unpacks Jesus' approach to prayer.By Burleigh Heads Church of Christ