Special Topic Streams
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The Convention program includes 5 timeslots for streamed special topic sessions. In each of these timeslots, there will be 3 sessions running concurrently in different theatres at the Convention Centre, ie. one topic from of the following 3 Streams:
Stream 1 - Equipping your Walk: Study to show yourself approved
Stream 2 - Equipping your Life: God's practical wisdom in your life
Stream 3 - Equipping your Work: Its not all about me
NB. The timing of session topics during Convention will be determined closer to Convention according to the no. of people who indicate interest in attending each session.
Download a printable version of the sessions here.
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Is Bible prophecy still relevant?
Prophecies make up 27% of the Bible, which means more than one quarter of God's written word relates to events that occurred at times future to the written text, or to events that are still to occur. Are the prophecies correct? Which ones have been fulfilled? Which ones are yet to happen?
This session will look at why Bible prophecy is so important and why we need to understand it. We will also look at how to understand difficult prophecies and how they are relevant to our lives today. A sound understanding of Bible prophecy is the glue that ties the whole Bible together. This session will help us understand where it all fits in God's Great Plan.
Pastor Jock Duncan, Adelaide SA
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The Middle East in Bible prophecy
Have you ever wondered why the Middle East is such an ongoing international flashpoint? Since ancient times, the Middle East remains a political dilemma for world leaders. Situated at the crossroads of three continents, Africa, Europe and Asia, it has been traversed for centuries by armies, merchants and pilgrims. Jerusalem is the spiritual capital of Judaism, the birth place of Christianity and the location of one of Islam's most sacred sites.
The Bible provides a wealth of prophetic teachings regarding Jerusalem and the Middle East, from the days of Abraham to the 21st Century. We will look at why this relatively small parcel of land remains a stumbling block to international peace, despite the continuous efforts of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Diplomats and Religious Leaders.
Pastor Bill Allen, Sunshine Coast, QLD
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What does the future hold?
The Bible has a lot to say about the future of mankind on this planet, so what can we expect to happen over the next few years? We will examine what the Bible says and compare our findings with the forecasts of leading international bodies. These forecasts about global trends predict how the world will look over the next twenty years, and are used by governments around the world to help shape their policies and laws.
This session will look at how the nations are likely to align themselves leading up to the return of Christ, and how our future will unfold.
Pastor John Joske, Gold Coast QLD
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Creation - the 'how' and the wonder
With the theory of evolution accepted by a majority of scientists, is it still possible for rational people to believe that God created heaven and earth? This session will look at why many scientists reject the notion of Darwinian evolution and are now as ready as ever to accept God as creator. Recent discoveries in areas such as blood clotting and genetic processes will demonstrate the existence of a Creator and the truth of God's word.
Pastor David Kschammer, Adelaide SA
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A study of 1 John 1,2,3: love, sin and confession
The Apostle John was the disciple for whom Christ had special affection. John's letters to the early church are warm and give personal, grandfatherly advice from an old man to people for whom he had laboured his whole life. These chapters in 1 John are full of wisdom about true love, dealing with sin and keeping the church pure in doctrine by relying on truth. The challenges we face are the same as those in the early church.
In this presentation, we will identify the lessons in 1 John that show the importance of making our decisions in harmony with doctrine based upon knowledge of the truth. Love, a central theme of John's teaching, is shown to be what unites us, whilst setting the boundaries of true fellowship.
Pastor Chris Jose, Melbourne VIC
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Divine healing - a doctor's perspective
Is healing from God still something we can expect today? Dr Barnett will reassure us that this is indeed the case, using scriptures and personal testimonies. He will explain how our faith can be increased, and most importantly, how we can become confident about asking for a healing for others and ourselves. We will also look at helpful scriptures and behaviours that will help us see miracles in our lives.
Dr Darren Barnett, Adelaide, SA
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Dealing with long term needs
Some problems don't ever seem to go away. If we have been battling with an issue for a while, questions often start to rise in our minds. Confusion, worry, fear and doubt can all begin to undermine our faith. We can begin to lose our joy and confidence in the Lord - even start feeling unloved and unworthy.
This session will use some great examples from scripture to reassure us that God truly does want to provide the answer to our problems. If you have been dealing with something for too long, or if you want to know what to do when a problem does arise, then come and hear this Word of faith.
Pastor Alastair Campbell, Sydney NSW
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When you can't let go
So often we want to do the right thing, but sometimes it's just too hard. Our human bodies and human nature get in the way. So what can we do when we find ourselves addicted to something? It may be drugs, alcohol, pornography or even work. How can we reach the seemingly impossible high standard of Jesus Christ, who says that it is better to pluck out an eye than have it cause us to offend!
A man who was once a drug addict, but who is now completely free of his addiction is leading this session. We will learn how to achieve complete freedom from anything that might try to keep us bound.
Pastor Chris Kernahan, Adelaide, SA
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God's advice for a happy marriage
At times during marriage a husband or wife wears a mask even in front of their spouse and is unable to share their deepest feelings. After eating from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden, Adam hid because 'I was afraid because I was naked'. Sometimes people hide and live their life behind a mask of anger, self-pity, loneliness or something else.
This session will focus on how we can shed that mask and begin to experience freedom in this area of our lives. This session is being led by a husband and father who after many years of being proud, headstrong and 'lording it over' his family, realised that there was a level of relationship available that was much deeper and more blessed than he had imagined. It is based on scriptures that remind us of God's love and intimate care for us.
Pastor Lyle Willis, Coffs Harbour, NSW
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Living a happy and balanced life
Our western world is one of unprecedented wealth, education, leisure, health and longer lives. Yet this lifestyle has not brought with it the happiness expected by many. In many cases the more materialistic people are, the poorer their quality of life. This 'all about me' culture has not worked, and many find it a huge challenge to understand and find happiness and balance in their personal lives.
This session will show from scripture that there are in fact absolute truths about life. The word of God has clear and powerful directions, such that we truly can have a 'peace that passes understanding' and a 'joy that no man can take away'.
Pastor Bob Beverley, Canberra, ACT
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Revival around the world in the last year
This session will look at some of the great revivals that have been happening around the world over the last year. Come and hear from a variety of speakers about what God has been doing as His word is faithfully preached to all nations. We will hear speakers from some of our churches in places like Southeast Asia, Africa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, South America and Europe.
Speakers TBC: Known to be coming: Mark Lindal (Canada); David Elliot (USA & Brasil);
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Experiences from taking the gospel all over
Going out for the gospel requires sowing a seed through evangelism, planting a church through preaching, nurturing people through good teaching, and enduring until the Lord returns. Clear teaching is vital to ensure that preaching is effective and lasting.
This session will share rich and personal experiences of a man who has taken this commandment to heart. Pr Deane has been to many remote, distant and unique areas since being baptised and spirit-filled in 1971. These places have had diverse cultures and backgrounds, and sometimes heart-wrenching standards of living. Through it all the unchanging common salvation has been the constant weapon in working with, understanding, and seeing the salvation of so many people.
Pastor Deane Clee, Coober Pedy, SA
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Timothy: lessons from a servant like no other
So you want to be a great servant of God? Timothy became a pastor and evangelist at a relatively young age. While his ministry was prophesied over him beforehand, it still needed to be fulfilled by him.
The two letters sent to Timothy by Paul contain some of the most directly applicable scriptures for anyone who has a desire to serve. In this session we will be challenged by Timothy's example to increase our service to God, learn seven keys to being great servants of God, and realise the pitfalls to avoid.
Daniel Sunderland, Sydney, NSW
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Beautiful feet: sharing the gospel effectively
This session is for all those who know that, like Jesus, we need to be 'about my father's business'. It will examine what we need to know in order to preach the Gospel more effectively. This session will also include practical ideas and strategies to help us be more effective ambassadors for our living God.
Pastor Chad Haddad, Adelaide, SA
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Resources for Sunday School
Sunday School is a very important part of our fellowship. It provides us the opportunity to share the word of God with our children so that they can learn about Bible history, Jesus' ministry, and even seek for the Holy Spirit. This open discussion forum will share some of the resources that have been developed for Sunday School. Some may also like to consider how they may be able to help in completing the development of a full curriculum for our children.
Margaret Smith, Sydney, NSW
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