week by week in church, in small groups and other ministries, and one on one, so that we might worship Christ as a church, encouraging each other to walk faithfully with Christ, through prayer, the study and application of the Bible in our lives, loving and caring for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Revelation 14:7b Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.

Through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit we will instruct, encourage and assist people to grow in their knowledge of Christ and his Word, forming them into a people with a commitment and desire to love and serve God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Titus 2:7-8a In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. Hebrews 10:24-25b And let us consider how we may spur up one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together… but let us encourage one another.

2 Peter 3:18b But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God has graciously given so much to us – life, salvation, gifts, and resources. Following Jesus’ example we will give our time, gives and ourselves to serve God and others and building his Kingdom.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Romans 12:1, 5-8 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship… so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

This is so that our families, friends, neighbours, school-mates and work colleagues whether in Australia, or around the world may also come to know Christ, and of the great news and hope that can be found in Him.

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in [a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Luke 10:2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” (The Westminster Shorter Catechism)

Living for the glory of God is an act of complete surrender; declaring God sovereign over every aspect of our lives. As humble creatures of God’s creation surrendering our lives to allowing Him to shape them is an important means of glorying God.

Living for the glory of God also means to be a man after His own heart. In searching for a successor for the wayward King Saul, 1 Samuel 13:14 reveals that “the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart” and we all know that David went on to become a man with God’s passionate heartbeat.

Living for the glory of God we become good stewards of our God-given talents and time.

Living for the glory of God also involves giving him reverence as our Creator and Saviour, respect and acknowledgement for all the wonderful works He’s done in our lives, and most importantly making his name known to the world as we fulfil the great commission.

John Piper put it this way:

“God created us ‘in his image’ so that we would image forth his glory in the world. We were made to be prisms refracting the light of God’s glory into all of life. Why God should want to give us a share in shining with his glory is a great mystery. Call it grace or mercy or love—it is an unspeakable wonder. Once we were not. Then we existed for the glory of God! Therefore it is the duty of every person to live for the glory of God. ‘So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31). What does it mean to glorify God? It does not mean to make him more glorious. It means to acknowledge his glory, and to value it above all things, and to make it known. It implies heartfelt gratitude (Psalm 50:23). It also implies trust (Romans 4:20).” (Desiring God)