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Josh Rous teaches on offence in the closing episode of the three-part series: Culture We see that hurt is what happens to us; though offence grows when we rehearse the hurt and build our identity around it, and in some cases use offence as a source of power. Sometimes what seems to be righteous anger is offence which we hold onto. Referencing James 1:19-20 we see that it is good to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. When we trust God and his identity for us as sons and daughters, not seeking to build our own identity or approval in the world, then we are able to move toward living unoffendable lives, lives free from bitterness, where we no longer hold onto offence. When we allow our identity to rest in Christ, we are also able to celebrate the unmerited favour and grace extended by God to others around us. We no longer bring accusations of unfairness and no longer despise or envy those around us, to whom God has extended grace.  When we are hurt and offended, it is not for us to avenge ourselves. We should instead overcome evil with good. As we see in Romans 12:17-21 "17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Josh leaves us with these questions: What are you offended by? What is that offence producing in you? What would Jesus do with that offence?

Sello Simelane pauses to pray amid the ongoing gender-based violence and femicide crisis in our city. || Referencing The Parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) we learn that the real question is not “Who is my neighbour?” and not about who belongs, but instead the real question is who behaves like a neighbour. Sello prompts each of us to choose to be a neighbour to those around us, to be the kind of person that moves towards others. || In Luke 10:36-37, Jesus asks, 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” || Sello poses the question “Will you be a neighbour?”, concluding that real faith rejects reducing foreigners—or anyone—to stereotypes or categories. God has shown us undeserved mercy, we are called to see people’s dignity, move toward their need with compassion, and live as merciful neighbours. || _____________________________________________________________

Beginning a new series Greg speaks into Corruption, Integrity and the Gospel. Greg teaches on how we escape the corruption present in this world and our own hearts; corruption which is the result of sin and evil desires. || Reading from 2 Peter 1:3-4 "3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." || Greg teaches that corruption is rooted in sinful desire and that often grows from small compromises over time, from sin within each human heart. || Greg brings hope of the Gospel that Jesus has paid for and set us free from our sin and given us a new identity. In Christ, we are able to live beyond our sin nature, we are made new, righteous and holy through His work.

GodFirst Church welcomes Pastor Rigby Wallace. || Rigby teaches us about what it means to be distinctly different as believers, to live lives that are "not worldly, not crazy, but other, distinctly different." Rigby coins this as living as A Gospel-Strange People, because Jesus has given us a new identity. || Our role as believers is to be who we are in our new identity in Jesus, a distinct people. Not to just try harder, but to be a people who are living in a new identity, showing that now we are God’s people, that now we have received mercy. A people who are learning to be unoffendable; because love covers a multitude of sins, people who love deeply and who extend true hospitality, who are faithful stewards who serve and use God given gifts and grace, and that in all these things that God would be glorified. || 1 Peter 4:7-16:"7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Kenan takes us through the testimony of his faith walk. We learn about how God is there in the midst of our pain and brokenness. We learn why living one way in church and another way in the world cannot bring peace or fulfillment. That being busy in church activities is not the same as truly knowing God. Kenan encourages us the turning point in his faith walk came when he was empty, hurting, and honest before God, and that Jesus took our punishment and gave us righteousness, making a new life possible, which leads to devotion that points to God in all of how we live our daily lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Greg Tait teaches through scripture in 2 Corinthians Ch. 4 and how we as believers shine the light of Christ and the Gospel. Though we are like clay jars, we are filled with the Spirit of God shining light to all the world. So that the Gospel and the Glory of Christ will go out in all the world, even though we experience suffering, hardship and decay in this life."16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Don teaches through 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 "3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." The Thessalonian church was recognized for faith, love, and hope. The church should be known in the city for lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the entry point into God’s chosen people. The gospel is more than words; it carries power. A transformed life is the strongest evidence of the gospel.

|| The Glorious Church, Pt 5: Devoted, Not Just Involved || The early church’s powerful fellowship was not manufactured by effort, but flowed naturally from their awe at Jesus, his resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. _________________________________________________________ True fellowship means sharing life, not just sharing space. The early church didn’t just attend together — they devoted themselves to Jesus and to one another. _________________________________________________________ In a world drowning in loneliness, Acts 2 shows us a better way: devotion, not just involvementshared life, not just shared spacegenerosity, not graspingwonder, not guiltThe church becomes beautiful when Jesus becomes the center.

Greg Tait takes us into the next installment of the Glorious Church Series teaching us that church reflects Christ best when every member is equipped, connected, and using their gifts in love for the building up of the whole body. We are all part of the ministry; God equips all believers to serve and build his church in unity. The sermon closes with prayer for everyone going out to the new church plant in Fairland. (34mins) Ephesians 4:11–16 (NIV)"11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

Don warns against consumerism, comparison, and self-belittling, and calls believers to faithfully use their gifts for the good of the church and the glory of God. ||Everyone matters in the body of Christ. God gives different gifts to different people, but all of them are important for the building up His Church and People.|| "11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." 1 Corinthians 12:11

19th July 2026 - Join us in celebrating the appointment of Sello Simelane as an Elder in GodFirst Church.

Dave teaches on unity as believers in Christ; in this second installment of the Glorious Church series. Ephesians remind us: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." God has already created this unity; our job is to protect and preserve it.

The Glorious Church, Pt. 1 - Greg Tait Beginning a new series we learn about the Glorious church, that in Christ we have been built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. ||"But now in Jesus Christ you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” || God has put to death the hostility between us and Him and between each other. Ephesians 2:21-22 "21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

God can do more than we can imagine || God is still working in us || Trust God in seasons of waiting and disappointment || Give God glory now || Ephesians 3:20–21:“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Life Verse - Mutsa Danha The wilderness season is not wasted; it is used by God to strip away false comforts and teach deep dependence. || “God used a wilderness season to teach me how to be completely dependent on him for all things.” God proved faithful in provision, restoration, and breakthrough, showing himself as Father, Provider, Healer, and Protector. Deuteronomy 8:1–3 — “Man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”