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In this special commissioning service for Hunter Christian School, Simon Herd explored Matthew 5, focusing on the call to be salt and light. He emphasised that a disciple’s identity must precede their activity, serving as a "blueprint" for a collaborative life where the Spirit works from within. Using the analogy of salt in Chicago, Simon described how salt transforms the structure of ice and provides traction, just as believers should preserve and add "flavour" to society. He compared being "light-bearers" to the Olympic torch relay—carrying a flame from its origin to act as a "GPS" directing others toward Jesus. Simon also highlighted Jesus’ "coaching" method of asking questions to prompt growth and challenged the staff to be "one percenters," aiming to improve their spiritual best by 1% every day.

Matthew 5:1–16; Ephesians 3:20; Isaiah 42:6; Genesis 1.

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Grant explored Knowing the Spirit’s Presence, defining the Trinity as a mystery where God exists as a self-sufficient "God of Love". Because the Spirit dwells within us, our bodies are "temples" providing constant, direct access to the "Most Holy Place". Grant used a radio analogy to encourage believers to find their unique "channel" for hearing God’s voice clearly. He noted that supernatural acts like healings and visions continue today, serving as evidence of the Spirit's ongoing power in the church. The message concluded with a call for the vital balance of Word and Spirit to avoid legalistic dryness or spiritual instability.

1 Corinthians 6:19; John 14:16–17; Hebrews 10:19–22; Acts 2:1–21; John 14:12–14; Acts 15:28; Luke 9:1.

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Andrew opened the series by introducing Mayfield Baptist’s 2026 vision: "Remember the Lord". He emphasised that spiritual maturity requires both Spirit and Word, as focus on one without the other leads to either "dryness" or instability. Drawing from John 16, he explained that Jesus’ departure was "advantageous" because it allowed the Holy Spirit to move from being with followers to dwelling in them, making every believer a living temple. Andrew addressed the mystery of the Triune God, using metaphors like water and steam to describe how the Father, Son, and Spirit work in relational unity. He described the Spirit as the Paraclete (Advocate) who provides comfort, guidance, and conviction. The message concluded with practical "filters" for discerning God’s voice: it must align with Scripture, produce spiritual fruit, and mirror the character of Jesus.

John 16:6–15; Genesis 1:26; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 10:27; Joel 2:28; Colossians 3:16.

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In the final message of our January series on Practicing The Way - Scripture, Nathan explored the discipline of memorising Scripture, defining it as "hiding God’s Word in our heart" so it is accessible anytime and anywhere. He emphasised that memorisation is the key to moving from head knowledge to heart knowledge, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring peace and guidance during life's "wilderness" moments. Using the example of Jesus' temptation, Nathan showed how memorised truth acts as a spiritual sword to counter the lies of the enemy. He introduced the Navigator’s "Hand" illustration, explaining that while hearing and reading provide a loose grip on the Word, memorisation provides an "80% retention" grip that truly anchors the soul. Nathan challenged the congregation to build new "neural pathways" by intentionally "fattening" themselves with the Word, ensuring that their default thoughts align with the character of Christ.

Matthew 4:1–11; Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 6:16; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:11.

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In the third instalment of our series, Simon anchored us in Deuteronomy 6, exploring Moses’ final sermon to a new generation on the banks of the Jordan. He highlighted a radical shift in the biblical narrative: the first command to not just fear or obey God, but to love Him wholeheartedly. Simon described the Bible as a "Love Letter" from a relational God, meant to move us beyond "slaving away" like the elder brother in the prodigal son story. He provided a technical look at how we study this "letter" by explaining the spectrum of Bible translations—from Literal (word-for-word like the KJV/RSV) for deep study, to Dynamic (thought-for-thought like the NIV), to Paraphrase (idea-based like The Message) for fresh perspective. Simon encouraged using resources like The Bible Project to understand different literary styles and reminded us that while we "impress" the Word on our hearts through modern habits, it is ultimately God who "circumcises the heart." Discipleship is not a ritual or a "heavenly slot machine," but a response to a God who desperately wants to be in a relationship with us.

Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Deuteronomy 30:6; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 22:37; Matthew 5:18; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26.

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In the second message of the "Practicing the Way" series, Grant explored the practice of biblical meditation, contrasting it with secular mindfulness. While modern culture encourages emptying the mind, Grant emphasized filling it with God’s Word, using the Hebrew concept of hagar—to chew on truth until it becomes part of us. He introduced the ancient rhythm of Lectio Divina (Read, Meditate, Pray, Contemplate), using metaphors of a garden and a feast to illustrate moving from observation to resting in God’s presence. Grant challenged us to move beyond skimming for information and toward "eating the book," allowing the Spirit to renew our minds and transform our character. By ingraining Scripture into our hearts, we find rest for our souls and a deeper, life-changing interaction with the Living Word of God.

Psalm 1:1–2; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 77:12; Jeremiah 6:16; Deuteronomy 11:18; Philippians 4:8; 1 Timothy 4:15; Luke 12:24; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:2; Matthew 12:43–45.

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Andrew launched the "Practicing the Way" series by defining discipleship as an apprenticeship focused on learning the ways and words of Jesus. He honoured the legacy of William Tyndale, reminding us that while Scripture is now easily accessible, its availability was won through great sacrifice. Andrew explained that the Bible is both human and divine, requiring diligent exegesis to find original meaning and hermeneutics to apply it to our modern context. By fulfilling the moral, ceremonial, and civic laws, Jesus became the centre of the scriptural story, transforming it from mere information into a tool for spiritual formation. We were challenged to engage deeply through practices like memorisation, reading whole books, and joining community groups to foster a "year of the Word." Ultimately, immersing ourselves in Scripture allows the Spirit to reshape our character into the image of Christ.

Matthew 5:17–20; Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 24; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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In the final message of 2025, guest speaker Andrew Margetson reflected on the profound paradoxes of Jesus being both infinitely strong and remarkably kind. He explored how the immortal Creator became a vulnerable creature, contrasting the season’s spiritual peace with modern stressors and materialism. Andrew illustrated Christ's strength through His victory over wilderness temptations and His authority over the storm (Matthew 8), while highlighting His kindness through tender interactions with the marginalised, like the Samaritan woman. This combination of absolute power and perfect love serves as a reminder to run to Jesus with our burdens. As we close the year, we are invited to surrender our disappointments to a Saviour who is both all-powerful and completely available to guide us into 2026.

Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 8:23–27; Matthew 9; John 4; John 8; Genesis 1