THE GREAT EXCHANGE

Background Story: Hannah was the second wife of Elkanah and prayed for years for a son. God has granted her request and she named her son, Samuel meaning “heard by God.”

"When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.” 23 “Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. ​24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25 When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.
2 Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 1:21-2:221 

Big Idea: Every day we give these blessings back to God.

After years of praying, Hannah receives the son she has always desired and instead of keeping him for herself, she says, “now I give him to the Lord.” What a beautiful example of the great exchange that happens every day in the Christian’s life. As we live for God, we receive from Him and then we give back. We receive and we give again. Day after day, the great exchange continues.

It starts at the time of salvation. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. When we receive His gift of salvation and accept the forgiveness of sins by grace, we surrender our lives to Him. The great exchange continues as God blesses us with things like talents, material blessings, and relationships. Instead of hoarding them for ourselves, we open our hands presenting everything back to Him for Him to use for His glory.

This great exchange is a life of thankfulness and surrender. True fulfillment, contentment and purpose exist in giving God access and permission to every aspect of your life. Hannah said in chapter 2:2 after receiving the baby she wanted her whole life, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you.”

What’s amazing is, Hannah’s story didn’t end here. We see in 1 Samuel 2:21, “And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters.” God’s blessings continued to follow Hannah as she continued to live faithfully for Him. As we live for Him faithfully, we will say like David in Psalms 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Takeaway Verse: "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Heb 12:28.

​(From devotions4teens.com)

Whether we are playing a game, driving a car, or baking a cake, there are certain rules that must be followed for our safety as well as our success.
The Bible teaches that the Christian life is one of constant growth. When you were born again, you were born into God’s family. It is God’s purpose that you will grow into fill stature and become mature in Christ. It would be against the law of God and nature if you were to remain a baby and thus become a spiritual dwarf. In 2 Peter 3:18, the Bible says that we are to grow. It implies steady development, constant enlargement, increasing wisdom.
For one to grow properly certain rules must be observed for good spiritual health.

1. Read your Bible daily. Do not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy your conscience. Hide the Word of God in your heart. It comforts, guides, corrects, encourages – all we need is there.
2. Learn the secret of prayer. Prayer is communicating. Every prayer that you pray will be answered. Sometimes that answer may be “Yes” and sometimes “No,” and sometimes it is “Wait,” but nevertheless it will be answered.
3. Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8), and what a comfort that should be to the weakest of us. Stand aside and let Him take over all the choices and decisions of your life.
4. Attend church regularly. The visible church is Christ’s organization upon earth. Christians need one another, we need to gather together to worship God and nothing can take the place of church attendance.
5. Be a witnessing Christian. We witness in two ways: by life and by word – and the two, where possible, should go hand in hand.
6. Let love be the ruling principle of your life. Jesus said to those who followed Him, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another.
7. Be an obedient Christian. Let Christ have first place in all the choices of your life.
8. Learn how to meet temptation. Temptation is not sin. It is yielding that is sin. Let Christ through the Holy Spirit do the fighting for you.
9. Be a wholesome Christian. Our lives and appearance should commend the Gospel and make it attractive to others.
10. Live above your circumstances. Don’t let your circumstances get you down. Learn to live graciously within them, realizing the Lord Himself is with you.

​(Billy Graham 1953)

This topic came up in our weekly church Life Goup Bible Study while going through 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16. 

The Study guide is Titled "Marks Of A Mighty Church, and the chapter was titled, Committed to the Standard of God. Verse 9 discusses leadership in ministry and their finances.

Paul in this instance notes that though there should be support financially, in this case he derived it from other churches and personal tent making. The tent making does not come across as a normal standard, nor the fact that he did not expect finances from  the Thessalonians, who lived in a bustling economic community. We are not sure of the reason why, but perhaps other religions there were led by leaders in it for the money, but certainly Paul wanted to state the integrity of his message and motive.

As we look at Scripture concerning the topic of finances and supporting those in ministry, here are some things to consider...

The Apostle Paul, in his letters and teachings, did address the topic of financially supporting those in ministry. He emphasized the importance of supporting and providing for those who were dedicated to spreading the Gospel and serving the Christian community. Here are some key principles and passages related to this:

1. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14: In this passage, Paul defends the right of ministers to receive financial support. He uses the analogy of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd to highlight that those who work in ministry should receive their livelihood from the ministry they serve. He argues that those who preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel. 
7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?  8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? 
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.


2. Galatians 6:6: Paul encourages believers to share all good things with the one who teaches. This implies financial support for those who are engaged in teaching and ministry work.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.


3. 1 Timothy 5:17-18: In this passage, Paul speaks about honoring elders who lead the church well. He specifically mentions that "the laborer deserves his wages," suggesting that those who serve in leadership and teaching roles in the church should be compensated for their work by  the church.
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”


4. 2 Corinthians 11:7-9: Paul mentions that he did not burden the Corinthian church financially while he was with them but received support from other churches. This demonstrates that he recognized the importance of financial support for those in ministry.
7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.


5. Philippians 4:14-18: In this passage, Paul thanks the Philippians for their financial support during his ministry. He acknowledges their partnership in the Gospel and highlights the idea of sowing and reaping, suggesting that those who support ministry work will receive a spiritual harvest.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 

Overall, the Apostle Paul believed in the principle of financial support for those in ministry, and he taught that it was both reasonable and necessary for the functioning and growth of the early Christian communities. This support allowed ministers and missionaries to devote their time and energy to spreading the Gospel without being overly burdened by financial concerns. However, he also demonstrated a personal example of working as a tentmaker to support himself when necessary, which showed the importance of self-reliance when circumstances required it.

Learn to know those in leadership over you along with their needs and prayerfully support them in line with Scripture, learning to live by faith as even they do.

At a time when the mobile phone seems to have all our attention for work and social activity, it's time to down the phones a few hours a day and engage one another in the home!

Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy and enduring relationship, and nowhere is it more important than in the context of couples. Strong, open, and effective communication is the lifeblood of a successful partnership, helping couples navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of life together. In this article, we will explore the vital elements of healthy communication in the home for couples and how it can strengthen the bonds of love and understanding.

A. Active Listening

One of the most fundamental aspects of healthy communication within couples is active listening. It involves genuinely paying attention to your partner when they speak, not just hearing the words, but understanding their emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Avoid interrupting or formulating your response while your partner is speaking, as this can hinder effective communication. Active listening involves making eye contact, nodding to show you're engaged, and asking clarifying questions to ensure you understand their perspective.

B. Open and Honest Dialogue

Healthy communication in couples is built on a foundation of openness and honesty. It's crucial to create an environment where both partners feel safe expressing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or criticism. Encourage open dialogue by setting aside dedicated time to talk and discuss important matters, and be honest about your own feelings and concerns. Sharing both positive and negative feelings fosters an atmosphere of trust and vulnerability.

C. Respect and Empathy

Respect and empathy go hand in hand with effective communication in relationships. It's essential to treat your partner with respect, even when you disagree. Empathy, or the ability to understand and share in your partner's feelings, can help you connect on a deeper level. Put yourself in their shoes, acknowledge their emotions, and validate their experiences. This can lead to a sense of validation and emotional support within the relationship.

D. Non-Verbal Communication

Effective communication in couples isn't limited to words alone; non-verbal cues are equally important. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Often, these non-verbal cues can reveal more about a person's feelings than their words do. For example, a simple smile can convey warmth and love, while crossed arms and a defensive tone might indicate tension or disagreement.

E. Conflict Resolution

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, and healthy communication includes the ability to resolve conflicts constructively. When disagreements arise, focus on the issue at hand, not on attacking each other. Use "I" statements to express how you feel and avoid placing blame. Seek compromise and common ground, and remember that the goal is to find a solution that works for both of you, not to "win" the argument.

F. Time and Space

Balancing togetherness and individual space is crucial for healthy communication. Make time for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, but also respect each other's need for personal time and space. Maintaining a sense of autonomy can reduce tension and help you appreciate the moments you spend together even more.

G. Feedback and Adaptation

Regularly seeking and providing feedback on your communication can help your relationship evolve. Discuss what's working well and what could be improved in your communication style. Be open to adapting your approach based on each other's preferences and needs. This ongoing process of refinement can help you grow and strengthen your connection over time.

To summarise, healthy communication in the home for couples is the cornerstone of a strong, loving, and enduring partnership. By actively listening, maintaining open and honest dialogue, showing respect and empathy, being mindful of non-verbal cues, and resolving conflicts constructively, couples can build a solid foundation for their relationship. Remember that communication is a dynamic process that requires effort and constant improvement, but the rewards of a deeper, more intimate connection are well worth the investment. By nurturing healthy communication in your relationship, you can create a loving, supportive, and lasting bond that stands the test of time. Why not dig into your Bible and study Ephesians 4 to give you some added insight.

Speak to one of our Pastors should you two require counselling or feel it will assist and improve your relationship with each other.

“The Purpose of Scripture is not simply to be Informed, but to be Transformed!”


We have reorganized our mid week Bible Study at the Church premises, to Home based transformation groups and are kicking off with the amazing Book written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica!

Join us as we engage in encountering God's Word with a study aimed at life transformation. We want believers to not just be informed, but transformed.

If you feel in life that something needs to change, then this is for you.

Contact Pastor Wayne on 083 386 9374 or [email protected] to find a group near to where you live.

​This is your invitation, all welcome!

Community and relationships hold immense importance within the context of the church, playing a pivotal role in both individual spiritual growth and the overall mission of the church. Here are several key reasons why they are essential:

1. Spiritual Support and Growth: In a church community, individuals can find support and encouragement for their spiritual journey. Sharing experiences, doubts, and victories with fellow believers can strengthen one's faith and provide valuable guidance.

2. Fellowship and Belonging: The church is often described as a family of believers. Building relationships within the church offers a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. This fellowship can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and the Christian faith.

3. Accountability: Healthy church relationships provide accountability. When members commit to supporting one another, they can help each other stay on the right path and avoid temptation. Accountability promotes personal growth and spiritual maturity.

4. Service and Ministry: Many church activities and ministries rely on the cooperation and collaboration of members. Relationships within the church enable individuals to work together effectively, enhancing the impact of their collective efforts in serving the community and advancing the church's mission.

5. Teaching and Discipleship: Within the church, more experienced believers can mentor and disciple newer members. These relationships facilitate the transfer of knowledge, values, and wisdom from one generation of Christians to the next, ensuring the continuity of the faith.

6. Emotional and Practical Support: Life is filled with challenges, and church relationships provide a support network during difficult times. Members can offer emotional comfort, practical assistance, and prayer, helping each other navigate life's ups and downs.

7. Evangelism and Outreach: Strong church relationships can lead to effective evangelism and outreach efforts. When members have positive, authentic relationships with non-believers, it becomes easier to share the gospel and invite others to experience the love of Christ.

8. Unity and Diversity: A diverse church community reflects the rich tapestry of God's creation. Relationships within a diverse church promote unity in Christ, demonstrating that people from different backgrounds and walks of life can come together as one body.

9. Worship and Celebration: Coming together as a community to worship and celebrate is a fundamental aspect of church life. Shared worship experiences deepen the sense of community and provide an opportunity for collective gratitude and joy.

10. Strengthening the Church's Witness: A church characterized by strong, loving relationships is a powerful witness to the world. It reflects the transformative power of the gospel and attracts others who are seeking meaningful relationships and spiritual truth.

In summary, community and relationships are the lifeblood of the church. They foster spiritual growth, provide support, enable service, and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world. The church, as a community of believers, thrives when its members prioritize and nurture these relationships, ultimately fulfilling its mission to bring people into a closer relationship with God.

At Lagoonside church endeavour to mirror these by the grace of our God. Like the disciples said, come and see.

Scripture provides principles and teachings that can guide the believer's behaviour and attitudes in any area of life, including the workplace. Here are a few key principles from the Bible that can be applied to the workplace:

1. Work as unto the Lord
As Christians we should approach the work context with diligence, integrity, and excellence, considering it as an opportunity to serve God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

2. Honesty and integrity
God's Word emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including work. Proverbs 11:1 states, "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." As Christians we are called to be trustworthy and to conduct ourselves with integrity in our interactions with colleagues, clients, and employers.

3. Treating others with respect and fairness
The Bible teaches that Christians should treat others with love, respect, and fairness. This applies to how Christians interact with their coworkers, subordinates, and superiors. Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule, says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them."

4. Diligence and responsibility
The Bible encourages Christians to work diligently and responsibly. Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor." As believers, we are called to be diligent, responsible, and reliable in our work.

5. Prioritizing God and maintaining ethical standards
While the workplace may present various challenges and temptations, we Christians are called to prioritize our relationship with God and maintain ethical standards. Colossians 3:17 advises, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

It is important to note that the practical application of these principles may vary depending on the specific circumstances, job responsibilities, and workplace policies. Christian, you are to seek to live out your faith in a manner that aligns with these biblical principles while also respecting the rules and expectations set by employers.

From the young toddler who just learned the word “no” to the older child acting out in willful defiance, all parents face the challenge of disobedient children. And, at the heart of the matter, disobedience is not just a child issue.

The Bible shows us we all battle the desire to rule ourselves and do as we please because we all are born into sin and rebellion (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:3; Romans 3:10; 7:17–21). This battle against self-rule can wage an all-out war on our children if their disobedience is left unchecked; a war that will affect their future relationships with teachers, employers, friends, spouses, aging parents, and even their Heavenly Father. Yet, when we turn to the Bible, we find great hope in the fact that God gives the tools to train and discipline disobedient children and even promises blessing to those who learn and grow in obedience.

The command to honor and obey parents permeates Scripture, beginning in Exodus when God gives the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) all the way through the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 5:16; Proverbs 1:8; 6:20–21; 23:22) and into the New. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul reaffirm the fifth commandment (Matthew 15:4; 19:19; Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20). Children are encouraged that their obedience will bring blessing (Exodus 20:12; Jeremiah 35:17–19; Ephesians 6:3; Colossians 3:20), while disobedient children who dishonor their parents are admonished that their behavior will bring punishment and shame (Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 21:18; 27:16; Proverbs 10:1; 15:5; 20:20; 30:17; Matthew 15:4). Widespread disobedience to parents will characterize society in the end times (2 Timothy 3:2).

The nation of Israel, whom God calls His children (Exodus 4:22), provides an example for disobedient children. Repeatedly, God commands Israel to obey Him, promising great blessing for obedience and dire consequences for disobedience. In Joshua’s day, Israel obeyed God and was blessed with victory over their enemies (Joshua 11:23). Later, as the whole book of Judges shows, Israel’s disobedience brought trouble.

The Bible teaches the necessity of correcting disobedient children. Discipline is a part of life for everyone, and those who rebel against the authority of parents are to be chastised. Proverbs 19:18 says, “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; / do not be a willing party to their death.” In this verse, discipline of a child is presented as a matter of life and death. Disobedience, left unchecked, will lead a child to eventual ruin. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, / but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Here, love and careful discipline go hand in hand. The idea is refuted that a “loving” parent will never discipline a child. To turn a blind eye to rebellion is to hate the rebellious child.

Ephesians 6 is a key passage. Verse 1 speaks to children: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord.” That is, obedience to one’s parents is the God-given duty of every child. As long as the parents’ commands do not violate God’s Word, the child should obey. Verse 4 speaks to fathers: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” It is the duty of fathers to train their children in a godly way and to instruct them in the Lord’s Word. In so doing parents set their children up for the best chance for a long and prosperous life in this world (verse 3)—and treasures in heaven, too (Matthew 6:20; Galatians 6:8–9; Ephesians 1:3–4).

Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the LORD are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.
Hosea 14:9

The book of Ephesians is one of the letters written by the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. It contains six chapters that address various themes and instructions for believers. Here is a summary of the key points in the book of Ephesians:

Chapters 1-3:
- The letter begins with Paul praising God for the blessings He has bestowed on believers through Christ. He emphasizes God's plan of salvation, predestination, and the redemption offered through Jesus' sacrifice.

- Paul highlights the unity of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, in Christ. He explains that through Christ's work, they are reconciled to God and brought into one body, the Church.

- The Apostle prays for the Ephesian believers, asking God to grant them wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of His great power and love.

Chapters 4-6:
- Paul shifts his focus to practical instructions for Christian living. He urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, emphasizing unity, love, and the importance of using their spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ.

- He encourages believers to put off their old sinful behaviours and put on righteousness, honesty, and kindness. He addresses specific areas of life such as anger, dishonesty, sexual purity, and relationships.

- Paul instructs husbands and wives on their roles within marriage, parents on raising their children in the fear of the Lord, and slaves and masters on their conduct in the workplace.
​
- He also discusses the spiritual warfare that believers face, emphasizing the armor of God and the power of prayer.

Throughout the book, Paul emphasizes the grace of God, the work of Christ on the cross, and the unity of believers in the body of Christ. He encourages us as believers to live out our faith practically, demonstrating love, humility, and obedience to God's commands. The letter to the Ephesians serves as a guide for believers to understand our identity in Christ and to live in accordance with God's purposes and plans.