Speaker: Dan Evenhuis

Peacemaking explores what it means to be a peacemaker rather than simply a peacekeeper. We consider how looking beyond difficult behaviour can help us see the person, story and needs behind it, while recognising that understanding does not mean excusing harmful behaviour. Through Galatians 6, Romans 12, Jeremiah 29 and Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies, we explore healthy boundaries, empowerment, forgiveness and the importance of seeking help from others. Ultimately, Christian neighbouring is about more than avoiding conflict—it is about seeking the peace and flourishing of the people around us and allowing the love of Christ to become visible in our neighbourhoods.

In a culture obsessed with productivity and constant hurry, modern time-saving tools have left us more exhausted, distracted, and relationally isolated than ever. While we often claim we lack the time to build meaningful connections with those around us, the truth is that our packed schedules simply reflect misplaced priorities. Loving our neighbors cannot be outsourced to church programs; it requires the quiet, costly investment of personal relationships and real presence. Just as Michelangelo chipped away unnecessary marble to reveal the masterpiece within, Christ calls us to strip away the clutter, distractions, and unhelpful habits from our calendars so we can live out the core of the Gospel: loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Faith is not the rejection of reason, but rather the recognition that reason alone is not big enough to contain all of reality.

Christ suffered for us. We are to adopt His mindset. Make a decisive break with sin, and devote ourselves to loving and serving others in light of eternity.

While not all suffering is noble, Christians are called to endure suffering for doing what is right and following Jesus’ example of humble faithfulness, trusting God’s justice, living with integrity, and holding onto the hope that the risen and victorious Christ will ultimately vindicate those who remain steadfast.

When Matt suggested going through 1 Peter for our sermons… read more

Peter writes to a scattered and persecuted church as someone shaped by fire himself—losing his brother, facing persecution, and witnessing God’s grace reach far beyond Israel. He reminds believers that they are exiles, chosen by God and given new birth into a living hope through Christ’s resurrection. Their trials are refining their faith, and Peter urges them to live differently: to be holy, to love deeply, and to grow.