Jane Kang On Relearning Confidence and Contentment in God this Mother’s Day 

Ahead of Mother’s Day (Sunday 14 May), we will be posting interviews with Christian women who will share what this day means for them. Whether Mother’s Day brings about feelings of joy, grief or a mix of both, we hope that this series can be a celebration of all the mothers and mother figures in our lives.   

In our very first interview, Jane shares the joys and challenges of being a new mother and how her gospel convictions shapes both her current parenting decisions, and future hopes for her daughter. She also opens up about her struggle with conceiving, and how she relearned to ‘be still’ and find contentment and confidence in God – regardless of whether she bore a child or not. We hope you are encouraged by her story!  

Tell us a little about yourself! 

My name is Jane. I am married to Matt, and we have a 7-month-old daughter named Karis. I am a special needs teacher and a minister’s wife at Cheil English Ministry in Sydney’s inner west. I am an introvert who loves being around people and going for nature walks – be it a coastal walk, a bush walk, or even just around the neighbourhood. I have a huge passion for music ministry, and a big interest in how churches can better serve and engage with people with disabilities.

What are the joys and challenges of being a first-time Mum? 

From conception, to pregnancy, to birth, I have a newfound awe and wonder for the creation of life and the undeniable hand of God behind every little thing. Seeing Karis hit developmental milestones one by one, from lifting her head off the floor, smiling, sitting up, to crawling, and discovering the beauty in this world with her own eyes has been so wonderful. I have come to realise that these seemingly “little” things are rather extraordinary, and they are gifts to be received with thankfulness. Spending time with Karis, re-exploring the world through her lens and getting to know her budding personality has been my daily joy. 

Being a first-time mum has humbled me in so many ways. It has been challenging to remain focused in the Scriptures during my daily devotions, as I would often be distracted by a baby-related question to google or by what I need to do around the house before the baby wakes up from her nap. It has also been challenging to confront my sinful desires of wanting to be in control to avoid any parenting failures and wanting to be praised for my successes.  

I would often catch myself speaking ungraciously to my husband for doing things in a certain way that is not “my way” when he was only trying to help. I would see a glimpse of my heart that would gloat over the wins in parenting as if those were a direct result of my hard work and feel all self-righteous as a mum. Yet through these challenges, God has graciously brought to my attention the hidden sins of my heart that needs to be dealt with in repentance and faith. 

You experienced a long season of waiting before you conceived your first child. How did the gospel comfort you during this time, and is there anything you learned along the way?  

It took us a few years to conceive our child. Though most months passed by with a hope-filled heart, I recall a distinct time when the season of waiting became difficult for me. I remember constantly googling all things ovulation, fertility and conception in the hopes that it will give me answers.   

It was during COVID lockdown when I had the space to be more introspective. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions – of hope, despair, anxiety, comfort, sadness, gladness – as I would feel disheartened by the negative pregnancy tests yet be comforted by the truth that the Lord is the author of life who gives and takes away. I went for long, pensive walks and took my misery, hopes and desires to the Lord in prayer. And there I was able to see deep down into my proud and idolatrous heart stemmed from my unbelief in God.  

By the power of the Holy Spirit, I was able to take captive my thoughts to bring them under submission to what I know is true of Jesus. It became clear to me that the Lord had already given me the greatest gift in Jesus! I had forgotten the glorious truth that I, a sinner, have been reconciled to the Holy God through the finished work of Christ on the cross.  

I learned to trust in this God who saved me and set my hope fully on His goodness, power and glory. I learned to abide and find contentment in Christ alone as the greatest fulfilment of every longing and completion of everything that is lacking.  

I learned to ‘be still and know that He is Lord’, depend on His life-giving words and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to renew and transform my hardened heart. I re-learned that God gave me salvation in Christ and that is all I have ever needed and all I ever will. I was able to come out of that slump convinced yet again that my deepest need is met in Jesus, and this will remain true whether I was to bear a child or not. 

I would feel disheartened by the negative pregnancy tests yet be comforted by the truth that the Lord is the author of life who gives and takes away.

What does being a Christian Mum mean to you? What makes Christian motherhood distinct?  

Christian motherhood is distinct because under all the layers of being a mum, I have a rock-solid confidence that comes from knowing Jesus as my Lord and my Saviour (Rom. 8:28). If I was a house built on the mountaintops and a gushing wind swept over me; my roof and my walls may well be shaken. Yet I would not be uprooted because Jesus is my firm foundation.  

In a similar vein, as a Christian mum, I know that ultimately my daughter is not mine. She is His. The Lord formed her inmost being and He knit her together in my womb (Ps. 139:13). I can trust in His sovereign hand over her life. And like how my daughter is His, I am His too. I can cast all my anxieties on Him because He cares for me (1 Pet. 5:7). So even when I face the consequences of my inadequacies and imperfections, I can find my rest and fulfilment in Christ’s perfection and unfailing love. This not only lifts the burden off my shoulders, but it reminds me that the main character of my life’s story, including my motherhood journey, is Jesus. “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col. 3:1-4).  

As a Christian mum, I am called to raise Karis, by God’s grace, to become a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus. And if she is to marry and bear children, then I want to help her as much as I humanly can, to also become a Christian mum, and for her to give birth and raise future Christian mums and dads.  

Being a Christian mum means that I am committed to showing her Christ by modelling His truth, His love, and His forgiveness, and discipling her to follow Jesus. Being a Christian mum means that I am prayerfully shaping my child so that they can become faithful disciples of Jesus – who go on to produce faithful Christian disciples in their kids. 

“…even when I face the consequences of my inadequacies and imperfections, I can find my rest and fulfilment in Christ’s perfection and unfailing love. This not only lifts the burden off my shoulders, but it reminds me that the main character of my life’s story, including my motherhood journey, is Jesus.”

How does knowing God the Father shaped your parenthood so far?  

As someone full of flaws and shortcomings, I know for certain that I will make countless mistakes and pass regrettable moments as a parent from here on. But knowing God as my Father gives me confidence because He will guide me with His Word and His Spirit every step of the way, and I can rest in His perfect strength when I am weak. As a child of God, I can run to our heavenly Father and know that He will never leave me or forsake me in the valleys of parenthood and marriage. 

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32). God has brought forth a miracle of human life within me and more than that, He has delivered me from eternal death to life through Christ Jesus. Knowing God the Father shapes me to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him (Col. 3:17). I ought to loosen my grip on the gifts He has entrusted me with, including my child, and steward them well to bear fruit for His ultimate renown and glory. 

Enjoyed this read? Read the rest of our series!

Sylvia Siu on Finding Hope and Healing as a Motherless-Mother 

Sylvia shares the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of Christian motherhood, and how she’s learned to ‘grow up’ as a Christian mother. She also shares the grief of losing her own mother as a teenager – firstly through disagreements and ultimately in her sudden death. Sylvia then shares how God has helped her to face her grief in motherhood and offers words of comfort to women struggling with a strained mother-daughter relationship this Mother’s Day.

Rebecca Song on the Illusion of Control and Competency in Christian Motherhood  

Rebecca shares how motherhood revealed the pride in her heart and ‘completely obliterated’ her illusion of control and competency. She shares the challenges of bringing 3 children under 4 to church – and that her ‘success’ in doing so revealed her impure motives, legalism and self-righteousness. It was only when she confessed her sin and limitations as a mother, did she learn to treasure the body of Christ, and see gospel community in all its richness and beauty.

Esther Sylvester on the Eternal Value of Being ‘Just a Mum’ This Mother’s Day 

Esther Sylvester shares how the gospel gives eternal value to the unseen and invisible sacrifices of motherhood. She also opens up about the ‘exposing’ work of motherhood in bringing out the best and worst in her character, and how God has brought healing to her childhood insecurities, triggers, and Mum guilt. Finally, she shares what discipleship looks like in her imperfect home, and why being a ‘perfect Mum’ is not ultimately the end goal of Christian parenting and discipleship. 

Jane Kang shares how she's relearned to have confidence and contentment in God as a new mother this Mother's Day.

By Heidi Tai

Over 5,000 youth invited to ‘Meet Jesus’ at KYCK 

Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba. Founded in 1993, KYCK is a Bible preaching event aimed at inspiring high schoolers to live for Jesus alone.  

Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Each year, delegates are invited to hear and respond to God’s word through powerful Bible talks, uplifting worship in song, inspiring testimonies, and fun youth-appropriate activities.  

This year, guest speakers Seth Fellows (AFES), Josh Hayward (Christ Church St Ives), Dave Jensen (EV Church), Nathan Lee (Trinity Grammar), Ed Sowden (Bathurst Presbyterian) and Jonnie Wintle (Seaforth Anglican) invited delegates to ‘Meet Jesus’ in the Gospel of Mark.

The talks aimed to demystify the person of Jesus and to show us his powerful yet loving rule. We praise God that because of hearing His word, 81 teenagers decided to follow Jesus for the first time, 257 recommitted their lives to him, and 92 left the conference wanting to learn more. 

For teenagers who are already Christian, attending KYCK enables them to hear God’s word taught from someone new, thus allowing them to hear old stories with fresh perspective. Gathering at KYCK also serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their faith, and that their beliefs are shared by thousands across Australia. This encouragement is especially important for teenagers in smaller youth groups, isolated rural areas, or who face opposition for their faith at home or school.  

“KYCK feels like the only place other than church where you can connect with other people who have the same beliefs as you, whilst learning new things to take home and cherish. This was my first ever KYCK and it was certainly the highlight of the year. Definitely going to come back next year and be fully committed to listening to God’s Word, following Him and loving like Jesus did.” 

“KYCK has really changed the way I’ve thought about Christianity. I now have a newfound joy for worship and confidence to approach my non-Christian friends.” 

“I’ve made so many new memories, new friends and most importantly, renewed my relationship with God.” 

“Seth’s talks were amazing. He helped me view Jesus in a whole new perspective.” 

While KYCK is designed primarily for high schoolers, it also serves youth leaders who can take a break from planning and leading Youth Group that week. Instead, leaders are invited to spend quality time with their teenagers, and to deepen relationships through bonding, learning, sharing and praying together.  

A BIG thank you for KYCK 2. It was my first time, and the first time bringing our little youth group (4 teens + one other leader). It was a wonderful weekend of Bible teaching, music, fun, and time together. I was particularly encouraged by your commitment to being faithful to the Scriptures and your focus on Christ.

“What a weekend! We’re leaving with a challenge to answer: who is Jesus and what difference does that make to my life? Mark’s Gospel has spoken to us this weekend and we pray our youth will continue to listen to Him speak into their lives as we head back to Taree.”

Emersus Youth

Hosted as a hybrid event, youth groups can choose to experience KYCK in-person at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains, or KYCK Online; a high-quality livestream promising a ‘front row’ seat from the convenience of a living room or church hall. Delegates who joined KYCK in-person could take part in optional fellowship activities including an organised Prayer Gathering and a Saturday night BBQ which raised over $3,000 for Scripture teachers.  

Do you have a story of how God worked in you or your youth at KYCK 23? Let us know using the feedback form or by emailing kyck@kcc.org.au. We would love to hear from you! 

KYCK will return for a fourth weekend on the 22-24 September. Tickets are still available from our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/  

Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba.

By Heidi Tai

Over 2,300 Emboldened with a ‘Rock Solid’ Faith at Katoomba Easter Convention  

We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 adults, youth and children gathered at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) to be empowered by God’s word. Through powerful Bible talks, inspiring testimonies and uplifting worship in song, delegates were refreshed with compelling and respected reasons to trust God’s word in a world of confusion.  

Since 1962, KEC has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.   

This year, over 1700 delegates joined the Adult Program to hear from a wide range of international and local speakers. Through expository preaching, topical talks and inspiring testimonies, KEC speakers encouraged delegates to see God’s word as a ‘Rock Solid’ source of truth, goodness and beauty.  

Program highlights included Ed Stetzer’s “God Has Spoken” expository talks from the Psalms, Dan Paterson’s “Living Out the Truth in a World of Confusion” expository talks from the Gospels, Sam Chan’s “The Plausibility of Believing” short talks from the book of John, and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker’s personal testimony “How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus”.  

“Each speaker had an impact. Listening to Dan speak about his suffering and Sarah about her walk from atheism into Christianity was very encouraging.”

“All of the speakers were amazing. Ed, Sam and Dan all had different styles of preaching which was super refreshing each time they came up to speak.”

“I loved Dan Peterson’s talks illustrating the gospel and Jesus’ death and resurrection. The whole convention showed me how much God loves me and convicted me that I need to spend more time with Him.”

While adults enjoyed rich teaching and fellowship in the main session, over 580 children and youth were served by one of eight programs, ranging from Tiny Tots (up to 12 months) to Senior High (Year 10-12). Quiz Worx served the Primary Program with puppetry, music and stories while Tim Edwards taught Junior High, and Aaron Smith in Senior High. Powered by over 170 volunteers, KEC’s age-specific programs gives every family member an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel each Easter: 

“I’d spent well over a decade having the Bible well-taught at KEC by people who loved Jesus. I’m thankful that the leaders in the Kid’s Programs and speakers for the adults never shied away from the fact that life can be hard, but God and his word are true and unchanging, and that he is worth following.”

“My last year in the senior high program proved to me how special KEC is, particularly the incredible encouragement from those within my discussion group. It really prompted me to think deeply every day and to praise God for the amazing opportunities we have.”

While we live in a world of confusion and scepticism towards the Bible, it is our hope that KEC has given delegates a renewed confidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy, beautiful and good. It is our prayer that the church will have a ‘Rock Solid’ faith in God’s word, holding out the Bible as a treasured possession and worthy of wholehearted, joyful submission.  

Did God speak to you at KEC? Share your story with us here!  

Hear all the KEC talks with KCC+ 

The KCC One app has launched KCC+, a brand-new subscription service giving users faster and exclusive access to the latest KCC event talks. Available from a monthly annual subscription rate of $4.99, new subscribers will get instant access to our April catalogue which includes 13 talks and uploads from KEC 22, as well as all the KEC 23 talks in May.  

Learn more here: https://www.kccone.org.au/ 

Sign up to KCC+ here: https://www.kccone.org.au/users/sign_up  

“The talks were all just incredible and I can’t wait to listen to them all again on the KCC+ app. I am so grateful for the reminder that there is nothing I can do to earn or deserve God’s love and it is purely through His Grace that I am saved.”

We praise God that over the Easter long weekend, over 2,300 people gathered at KEC to be empowered by God’s word.

By Heidi Tai

Meet Onward 23 Speaker: Alan Au 

We are pleased to announce that Alan Au will be speaking at Onward Youth this June. 

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward Youth is an event helping high schoolers make sense of the culture and world around them with a gospel lens and equips them to stand firm for their faith.   

In 2023, Onward Youth will explore the theme, “True and Good – Can Christianity Be Both?” If following Jesus is a ‘good’ thing, why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting? If I struggle with these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?  

We are pleased to announce that Alan Au will be joining the Onward platform to address these questions and to unpack the tension of truth and goodness, and whether Christianity can be both.  

Alan has been leading Captivate Presbyterian Church in North Ryde for the last 6 years. He’s married to Beatrice, and they have three crazy kids. He dabbles in baking and Brazilian ju jitsu. He thinks that cheese Twisties are the bomb and chicken Twisties are an abomination. 

Alan spent most of his high school years wondering whether God’s love for him is true and has spent the rest of his life working out how to live out God’s love.  

Get a taste of his teaching here:  

‘The Search for HAPPY’ by Alan Au 

In this sermon series, Alan helps us to question how the “pursuit of happy” drives our decisions and pursuits, and whether this should be the meaning of life. He shows us the potential problems of making happiness our ultimate pursuit and contrasts it with God’s call for Christians to seek treasures in heaven and peace in Christ.  

YouTube video
What makes you truly happy? This was the first of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
YouTube video
How can we be truly happy in an unhappy world? This was the second of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
YouTube video
Will you pursue true happiness above all else? This was the final of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.

Hear Alan speak at Onward 23!  

Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June, 6:30-9:30pm at ‘The Concourse’ in Chatswood.  

For more information on the event, speakers, and ticket options please visit our website: https://www.onwardevent.com/  

Onward 23 – True & Good – Can Christianity Be Both?

Get to know our Onward 23 keynote speaker, Alan Au.

By Heidi Tai

KCC One Launches Exclusive Subscription Service  

The KCC One app has launched KCC+, a brand-new subscription service giving users even more access to exclusive content.  

KCC One currently serves over 5,590 users with free daily encouragement in video, audio and web formats. With the launch of a paid service, KCC+ subscribers can get even more and faster access to the latest KCC event talks, Bible series, devotionals, inspiring Christian stories and other exclusive content to help you in your everyday walk with God.  

According to KCC’s Executive Director, Jonathan Dykes, this new model is an affordable way of allowing users to get the best of the app while also helping KCC to continue its Bible-preaching ministry for years to come:  

“There’s plenty from past conventions to enjoy on KCC One for free, but KCC+ offers another level of content for our subscriber family.” 

“This new model will help us to better support the app’s development, introducing new features and offering high-quality content and services to help your everyday walk with God.” 

KCC+ will be available at a monthly rate of $4.99 (if signed up on an annual subscription), or $5.99 month-to-month. New subscribers will get instant access to our April catalogue containing: 

  • 13 talks and uploads from Katoomba Easter Convention 2022 
  • “Courage in Context” devotional series  
  • 3 x “Profiles in Courage” biographies of courageous Christians in Australia 
  • 6 x “This is Love” youth talks from KYCK 2013 

The May catalogue is also full of exclusive content, including the “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion” talks from Katoomba Easter Convention 2023 which only happened this month!  

Discover more of what you love. Join KCC+ today!  

“This app is brilliant. I am loving the archives of talks, it’s the biggest gift being able to revisit my favourite sermons from years ago! So nostalgic, and wonderful to hear an old message with a new perspective. Thank you for all that has gone into creating this app.”

KCC One launches exclusive subscription service from $4.99/month.

By Heidi Tai

7 Talk Titles Confirmed for Oxygen Conference

We are pleased to give you a sneak peek of the 7 talks confirmed for the Oxygen conference retreat this August.  

Oxygen conference for ministry leaders and workers is returning this August to refresh delegates in their zeal for God and the work that He has called them to do. This year, Oxygen will return as a 4-day conference retreat in the beautiful Blue Mountains. A line-up of guest speakers including Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine will speak on the topic, “Reshaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”.  

We are pleased to give you a preview of the talk titles confirmed for the weekend:  

‘A Ministry Leader’s Heart’ by Paul Tripp 

  1. The Heart of a Ministry Leader (Ezekiel 14:1-8) 
  1. The Ultimate Ministry Leadership Model (Isaiah 42:4, Matthew. 12:20) 
  1. Ministry Leadership and Spiritual Warfare (1 Peter 5:6-11)

‘Wisdom’ by Zack Eswine 

  1. Wisdom Practices for a Minister’s Life (Psalm 111:10) 
  1. Practicing the Beginnings of Wisdom for your own life (Psalm 34:11; 86:11) 
  1. Practicing the Consolations of Wisdom for the people you serve (Psalm 25:12, 14) 
  1. Practicing the Global Breadth of Wisdom for the generation you inhabit (Psalm 33:8) 

Check your heart for ministry at Oxygen

The Bible tells us that the heart is the centre of our being, and that everything in our lives, including our ministry, flows from it. Christian ministry comes with unique pressures, and while we may start off with a love for God and the gospel, over time, our hearts may become reduced into something less than what God wants it to be. 

This is why at Oxygen, ministry workers will be invited to slow down for a heart check. Through refreshing talks, practical workshops, and dedicated recreation and reflection time, ministry workers will be empowered and encouraged to continue labouring with hearts of Christ-like love, humility and faith.  

At Oxygen you can expect:  

  • A quiet, focused space to hear God speak 
  • Rich fellowship with ministry workers around the world 
  • Practical content to shape and guide your ministry  
  • Time for recreation, reflection and rest  

For more information about the speakers, program and tickets, visit our website: https://oxygenconference.com/  


 

Sneak peak of confirmed Oxygen talks by Paul Tripp and Zack Eswine.

By Heidi Tai

6 Ways to Prepare for Easter Convention This Weekend  

Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is right around the corner! Here’s 6 ways to prepare your hearts, minds and families for the long weekend with us.  

1. Secure your spot at the Easter Sunday Night Dinner 

Get the family together and enjoy a hot, catered dinner and fellowship with other attendees. The Easter Sunday Night dinner is separately bookable from your conference ticket registration. For attendees who have booked accommodation onsite with StayKCC (not including camping & CMS) and volunteers staying onsite, this has been included in your booking. 

Pricing:  

  • Adults and children over 12 years: $20 
  • Children (3-12 years): $15 
  • Children under 3 are free. 

If you have already purchased your KEC tickets and would like to add on the special night dinner, you can purchase directly through our ticketing system or give us a call on 1300 737 140. 

2. Meditate on passages that will be preached at KEC 23 

This year we are pleased to host a combination of local and international speakers and special guests including Ed Stetzer, Dan Paterson, Sam Chan, Malcolm Gill, Jonathan Dykes, Judith Calf and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker.  

Together, they will explore the theme, “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. To prepare your hearts for Easter, we encourage you to meditate on the passages that will be preached at KEC:  

  • Psalm 1  
  • Psalm 19  
  • Psalm 23  
  • Psalm 84  
  • Matthew 27:32-54  
  • Mark 14:66-72  
  • Mark 15:42-47  
  • Luke 24:1-12 & 36-49 
  • John 20:24-31  
  • John 8:40-48  
  • John 2:1-12  
  • Isaiah 55 
  • Psalm 119:105 

To see the 15 confirmed talk titles, click here.  

3. Prepare your tickets for entry 

Make sure your tickets are ready upon entry. If you registered on or before close of business 23 March 2023, please bring the tickets that you received in the mail. If you registered after this date, please arrive a little earlier on Good Friday morning to pick up your tickets from the Info Tent on site.  

4. Pack for all types of weather 

The weather in Katoomba can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack for rain, hail and shine! Don’t forget your rain jacket, warm clothes, and comfortable gear for enjoying the outdoors during free time!

5. Stay up to date with KEC on socials and the KCC One app 

Stay up to date with the latest KEC news, and interact with our live segments by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Download the KCC One App to gain daily encouragement from KCC’s library of sermons, topical talks, testimonies, and devotionals in audio, text and video formats.

6. Tune your heart for worship with our Spotify playlist 

Familiarise yourself with the songs being played at KEC by following our Spotify playlist.

There’s still time to join us!

At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendly program that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God.   

Dates: 7-10th April 2023     
Place: StayKCC, Katoomba      

There’s still time to join us! Register today: https://easterconvention.com/      

6 ways to prepare for Katoomba Easter Convention 2023

By Heidi Tai

10 Quotes to Inspire a ‘Rock Solid’ Faith in the Bible 

Trusting that the Bible is God’s good word to us can seem harder today than in the past. For this reason, we’ve found ten quotes to inspire a ‘Rock Solid’ faith in the Bible this Easter!

“There is an infinite majesty about every line of Scripture, but especially about that part of Scripture in which the Lord reveals Himself and His glorious plan of saving grace in the person of His dear Son Jesus Christ.” 
– Charles Spurgeon 

“We have 66 books written by 40 different authors, plus or minus, from three different continents over a 1,500-year period, and yet all these books are coherent. They tell one single story.” 
– Miguel Nuñez 

“We modern people think of miracles as the suspension of the natural order, but Jesus meant them to be the restoration of the natural order. The Bible tells us that God did not originally make the world to have disease, hunger, and death in it. Jesus has come to redeem where it is wrong and heal the world where it is broken. His miracles are not just proofs that he has power but also wonderful foretastes of what he is going to do with that power. Jesus’ miracles are not just a challenge to our minds, but a promise to our hearts, that the world we all want is coming.” 
– Tim Keller 

“The Bible never tells us to take a leap of faith into the darkness and hope that there’s somebody out there. The Bible calls us to jump out of the darkness and into the light. That is not a blind leap. The faith that the New Testament calls us to is a faith rooted and grounded in something that God makes clear is the truth.”  
– R. C. Sproul 

“If there is a God who created the universe, we cannot exclude the possibility of miracles. The One who made the laws of nature in the first place can surely intervene when he chooses.”  
– Rebecca McLauglin 

“The Bible has stood the test of time because it is divinely inspired by Almighty God, written in ink that cannot be erased by any man, religion, or belief system. Through the many dark ages of man, its glorious promises have survived unchanged. That is because God’s Word is pure—the beginning and the end. His written word has survived every scratch of the human pen.”  
– Billy Graham  

“These men’s writings do not read like the works of gullible, easily deceived or deceiving men. Their insights into human nature are profound. Their personal commitment is sober and carefully stated. Their teachings are coherent and do not look like the invention of unstable men. Their moral and spiritual standard is high. And the lives of these men are totally devoted to the truth and to the honor of God.”  
– John Piper 

“Bible literacy matters because it protects us from falling into error. Both the false teacher and the secular humanist rely on biblical ignorance for their messages to take root, and the modern church has proven fertile ground for those messages. Because we do not know our Bibles, we crumble at the most basic challenges to our worldview.”  
– Jen Wilkin  

“The best theology will not remove mystery from your life, so rest is found in trusting the One who rules, is all, and knows no mystery.” 
– Paul Tripp  

“The Bible is a God-breathed book which men spoke as carried along by the Holy Spirit. Scripture is not a little human and a little divine. The words are from God. He simply and gloriously used men’s brains (including their personalities and styles) to get his words down on paper.” 
 – Kevin DeYoung 

Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion 

Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is returning this Easter long weekend (7-10 April 2023) to explore the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”.    

Why do you believe the Bible? To our culture today, the idea that the Bible could be true, trustworthy, and inspired by God seems unbelievable. This is why in today’s world, it is vitally important for Christians to understand what they believe and why they believe it to be true.  

Whether you have been a Christian for many years, or still figuring out your faith, Katoomba Easter Convention is the place for you to grow a ‘Rock Solid’ faith in the Bible.  There’s still time to join us. Register today!  

10 quotes to inspire a 'Rock Solid' faith in the Bible this Easter.

By Heidi Tai

15 Talks Confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention 

We’re pleased to give you a sneak peek of the 15 talks confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC).  

Katoomba Easter Convention is returning this Easter long weekend to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. At KEC this year, delegates will be empowered to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.   

We praise God for our range of international and local speakers who have accepted the invitation to address this important topic. Here’s a sneak peek of the speakers and talks that will be covered this Easter long weekend: 

Ed Stetzer

Ed Stetzer is a Professor and Dean at Wheaton College where he also serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.  

Ed will share four talks from the book of Psalms:  

  • Psalm 1 – The ‘Rock Solid’ Word (TRSW) Focuses Our Direction to God’s Pathway 
  • Psalm 19 – TRSW Frames Our Decisions for God’s Honour 
  • Psalm 23 – TRSW Feeds Our Desire for God’s Presence 
  • Psalm 84 – TRSW Fuels Our Devotion to God’s Glory 

Dan Paterson 

Dan Paterson is the founder of ‘Questioning Christianity’, a ministry helping you connect the Christian story to life’s deepest questions. Dan will unpack the Easter story over three talks from the following books:  

  • Matthew 27:32-54 – Otherworldly Suffering 
  • Mark 14:66-72 & Mark 15:42-47 – Re-enchanting Humanity 
  • Luke 24:1-12 & 36-49 – Turning Graves into Gardens

Sam Chan

Sam Chan is the lead mentor and trainer at EvQ School of Evangelism, a ministry of City Bible Forum) and author of How to talk about Jesus (without being THAT guy). Sam will share three talks from the Gospel of John:  

  • John 20:24-31 – How do I know the Bible is True? 
  • John 8:40-48 – How do I know the Bible is Good? 
  • John 2:1-12 – How do I know the Bible is Beautiful? 

More talks from Special Guests!

PLUS, more talks from our Special Guests on a range of topics:  

Jonathan Dykes (Executive Director, Katoomba Christian Convention) 
The Bible in Everyday Life: Rain & Snow (Isaiah 55) 

Malcolm Gill (Lead Pastor, Multicultural Bible Ministry)  
The Bible in Everyday Life: Lamp & Light (Psalm 119:105) 

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker (Associate Professor of History and Western Civilisation, Australian Catholic University)  
How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus 
A Strong Foundation: How History Can Help us in a Confused World  

Judith Calf (Program Manager for Theological Education, Anglican Aid)  
Keep Them and Do Them 

There’s still time to join us at KEC! 

Dates: Easter long weekend, 7-10 April 2023 
Venue: StayKCC, Katoomba 

Katoomba Easter Convention is less than two weeks away, so don’t delay in booking your tickets. Register now at: https://easterconvention.com/ 

A sneak peek of the 15 talks confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) this April.

By Heidi Tai

True and Good. Can Christianity Be Both?

If following Jesus is true and good, then why does it sometimes feel so uncomfortable? Onward Youth returns this June to address this commonly asked question.  

Onward 23 Promo Video

True AND Good – Can Christianity be both?    

Christianity claims to be true and good.   

But sometimes, following Jesus leads us down narrow paths that doesn’t always feel very good.  

If following Jesus is such a ‘good’ thing, then why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting?  

And if I struggle with all these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?  

In a world that’s increasingly hostile towards Christianity, how can I live a life that displays the goodness of Jesus? 

Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June to address these commonly asked questions. Held at The Concourse (Chatswood), guest speakers Dave Jensen and Alan Au will address the tension of truth and goodness, and whether Christianity can truly be both.  

Delegates from Onward 22

Registrations open this Friday 31 March! 

Onward Youth is a one-night event that helps high schoolers make sense of the culture and world around them with a gospel lens and equips them to stand firm for their faith.  

In 2023, Onward Youth will:  

  • Engage teens with the goodness of following Jesus.  
  • Equip teens to know that following Jesus is good; and 
  • Empower teens to show their friends that Christianity is both true and good. 

Registrations will open this Friday 31 March. For more information, visit our website: https://www.onwardevent.com/  

If following Jesus is true and good, then why does it sometimes feel so uncomfortable? Onward Youth returns this June to address this FAQ.

By Heidi Tai