Category: Blog - Page 11 - KCC | Katoomba Christian Convention

Understand Your Bible Better with Nancy Guthrie’s “The Divine Story”

Do you ever hear a Bible talk, and the preacher observes things in the passage that connect to other parts of the Bible, or the personal work of Jesus? Have you ever wondered how Bible teachers draw out themes from specific passages and link them to God’s larger story?

In this 8-part series, The Divine Story, Nancy Guthrie will show us the major themes in the Bible so that we can better see God’s divine story from Genesis through to Revelation.

As the new year begins, we invite you to join us in strengthening your spiritual muscles and to make it a commitment to better understand and treasure God’s word. Get a taste of what The Divine Story is all about here:

The Divine Story by Nancy Guthrie

Build a Solid Faith with KCC+

The Divine Story is part of our KCC+ February 2024 collection, ‘Building a Solid Faith’, available exclusively for subscribers. This series includes:

4 episodes of ‘The Divine Story’ tracing the major themes of the Bible (episodes 4-8 to be released in March).
11 ‘Unconditional Surrender’ bible talks by Peter Jensen, David Jones, and Kirk Patston on trusting in God’s promises and being inspired by people in Scripture who took God at His word.
3 ‘Rising Above it All’ talks by Paul Dale from the book of James about enduring life’s hardships with God’s help.

Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/

In this 8-part series, The Divine Story, Nancy Guthrie will show us the major themes in the Bible so that we can better see God’s divine story from Genesis through to Revelation.

By Heidi Tai

Matt Sparks to speak at Easter Convention 2024

We are pleased to announce that Matt Sparks will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with Tim Blencowe and John North, Matt will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.

Meet KEC24 Speaker: Matt Sparks

Matt is married to Tash, and they have three kids, living in Sydney’s eclectic Inner-west. In 2014, they took a leap of faith and planted Anchor Church in their small two-bedroom apartment with a team of 17 people praying for a powerful move of God. Today, Anchor is a growing movement of churches committed to planting vibrant, missional churches that form people into the image of Christ. He is passionate about the local church, the glory of God, and the Parramatta Eels!

Matt will be giving three talks in the evening at KEC. Get a taste of his teaching here:

Movies that Shape Culture

In this talk, Matt explores themes from our favourite blockbuster movies, and shows us how the messages of our culture as depicted in film, intersects with the gospel. By unpacking the popular theme of being “true to yourself”, Matt explains that movies reveal the values, dreams, hopes and wishes of our culture, and encourages Christians to watch with discernment and the gospel in mind.

Selah: Psalm 42

What do we do when we feel spiritually dry and drowning under life waves? In this sermon, Matt shares how Psalm 42 is an honest and determined cry to experience more of God—even when our faith is failing.

Deconstructing God: How can the Christian sex ethic be ‘good’?

In the ‘Deconstructing God’ series, Matt Sparks addresses some of the doubts of the Christian faith, and to provide good answers to questions that shake our faith. In a world which tells us that to deny your desires is damaging, or even dangerous, how can Christian sex ethic possibly be good news for those with same-sex attraction? In this talk, Matt addresses this important question and provides wisdom and comfort to Christians who are doubting the goodness of biblical sex ethics.

Experience KEC this Easter!

Katoomba Easter Convention offers you a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family in the Blue Mountains, to get away from life’s busyness and hear powerful, life-changing preaching every day.

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives.

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.

Experience a strengthening of your faith.

Experience encouragement for every member of the family.

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.

Experience KEC.

More info: https://easterconvention.com/

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, Matt Sparks!

By Heidi Tai

John North to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

We are pleased to announce that John North will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks, John will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.

Meet KEC24 Speaker: John North

John North was born in India to Australian missionaries and loves to teach God’s word in a penetrating way that changes people’s lives. He is the Director of EvangelismSHIFT International and the National Director of Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI) in Australia. For 30 years he has helped AFCI to build a team focused on accelerating the spread of the gospel through local churches.

John wrote GrowthWorks, a book to help you get back on the path of spiritual growth. He is on Hope 103.2 radio each morning in Sydney with the Time With God devotional spot.

John is married to Lois and they have four children. In his free time, John rides his mountain bike, plays games with his family, and reads.

John will be giving the four main morning talks across the KEC weekend.

Get a taste of his teaching from these ‘Time With God’ devotionals:

Getting Older
In this devotion, John opens Psalm 92 to explore the topic of ageing. In a culture obsessed with staying young, John shares God’s purposes for old age, and how we can grow stronger and more fruitful as the years go by. Tune in here.

God’s Purpose For You
In this devotion, John shows us through Jesus’ example, that God’s plans for us may include painful and difficult experiences. He then explains why through hard times, God is still worthy of our trust and how we can respond to God when we’re going through challenging times. Tune in here.

Reasons, Emotions and Faith
In this devotion from Isaiah 1:18-20, John explores the vital role that human reasoning and emotions play in our faith and affirms that God wants us to engage both our minds and emotions when walking with Him. Tune in here.

Peace For Today
What does it mean to have peace? Is ‘world peace’ truly possible? Can we have peace if we struggle with stress or anxiety? In this devotion from John 14:23-27, John explains the biblical definition of ‘peace’ and how we can have it today when we put our faith in Jesus. Tune in here.

Experience Katoomba Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives.

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.

Experience a strengthening of your faith.

Experience encouragement for every member of the family.

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.

Experience KEC.

More info: https://easterconvention.com/

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, John North!

By Heidi Tai

Tim Blencowe to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

We are pleased to announce that Tim Blencowe will be joining Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) as a main speaker. Along with John North and Matt Sparks, Tim will unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World’, helping delegates to navigate the ‘wisdom’ of the world and to win the battle against worldliness.

According to Tim, Easter is a time for Christians to reflect on God’s love and commitment to His people in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Though it may be our temptation to fill our lives with other loves, Tim hopes that KEC will help delegates to treasure Jesus—the One who promises deep satisfaction and contentment.

Meet KEC24 Speaker: Tim Blencowe

Tim and his family are part of the international community of Macquarie Baptist Church, where he serves as senior pastor and as a chaplain to Macquarie University. Tim was raised in a missionary family, has a background in high school teaching, and enjoys helping people embrace a living faith that integrates the whole of life.

Tim will be giving four short talks each morning over the KEC weekend.

Get a taste of his teaching here:

Let’s Talk About…Integrating Our Faith & Work

In this talk, Tim Blencowe joins the dots between Jesus and work, so that instead of compartmentalising faith and work, Christians can begin to see how their faith correlates with their day-to-day experience. Watch it here.

How It Ends

In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Tim encourages listeners to consider their mortality and the realities of death. He compares different religions and belief systems about death, concluding that the resurrection of Jesus is our greatest hope.

Experience KEC this Easter!

Join us as our speakers John North, Tim Blencowe and Matt Sparks unpack the theme ‘Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World.’

Enjoy praise and worship with over a thousand Christians each morning and evening. Hear personal testimonies that remind you of God’s sovereignty in our everyday lives.

Meet new people and form lasting friendships for years to come.

Experience a strengthening of your faith.

Experience encouragement for every member of the family.

Experience God’s beauty as you rest in the Blue Mountains.

Experience KEC.

More info: https://easterconvention.com/

Get to know our KEC24 speaker, Tim Blencowe!

By Heidi Tai

Pastoral Supervision: Protecting Your Heart to Go the Distance

In this workshop, “Pastoral Supervision: Protecting Your Heart to Go the Distance in Ministry” from Oxygen 2023, Susan Marcuccio invites ministry workers to examine their hearts for the things that have the power to end one’s ministry.

She begins by explaining that while there are many things that can affect our ministry—accusations, discouragement, conflict, sickness, moral failure, addictions—none of these external things hold the power to ruin our ministry because God is in control. Rather, it is the internal things of the heart—bitterness, unforgiveness, cynicism—that can grow and fester to make us lose passion for ministry.

Susan then explains the value of pastoral supervision in giving ministry workers a safe, trustworthy and confidential space to share how they are really going, and to guard their hearts so that they can go the distance in ministry.

Pastoral Supervision: Protecting Your Heart to Go the Distance by Susan Marcuccio

Oxygen 2023 Workshops Now Available on KCC+

This workshop is part of our KCC+ January 2024 collection, “Shaping Our Hearts”, available exclusively for subscribers. The collection includes 12 workshops from Oxygen 2023, designed to help workers understand the inner and outer challenges of ministry, while providing practical wisdom to renew and revive passion for the work God has called them to do. Here’s a preview of what’s available:

Why aren’t they singing? – Crafting a Sound That Invites the Congregation
by Grant Norsworthy

Mending the Broken Hearted: Trauma Informed Pastoral Ministry by Tim Dyer

Serving Confidently Amidst Strain, Uncertainty and Change by Grant Bickerton

Mental Health and Ministry by Miriam Chan

The Importance of Emotional Self Awareness for Healthy Ministry by Dave & Kathy Thurston

See the full list of workshops here.

Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/

Susan Marcuccio explains the value of pastoral supervision in helping ministry workers to guard their hearts so that they can go the distance in ministry.

By Heidi Tai

5 Christmas Quotes to Inspire Hope

As Christmas approaches, we invite you to prepare your hearts to meet Jesus afresh. Here are five quotes to guide your mind and heart to the hope of his birth at Christmas:

“In the birth of Christ, God chose to be like us. Submitting himself under the weaknesses that all humans experience which makes sense because a holy God has to be a humble God…God chose to be like you, so He could help you.” – Jackie Hill Perry

“The Christmas Story: There is hope for the weak, for those who’ve failed, for the wicked, the rebellious and those who are foolish and lost.” – Paul Tripp

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity–hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory–because at the Father’s will Jesus Christ became poor and was born in a stable so that thirty years later, he might hang on a cross. It is the most wonderful message that the world has ever heard or will hear.” – J. I. Packer

“You have heard the phrase in “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”— “Mild, he lays his glory by.” What does that mean? He did it voluntarily, willingly, and lovingly. No one forced him. It wasn’t just a duty. He faced unimaginable pain and death out of love for you.” – Tim Keller

“We find hope in the ancestry of Jesus that no matter what we’ve done or where we come from, we too can be included in Jesus’ family. Jesus does not look for people who are perfect and have never failed or made mistakes to be in his family. Instead, he is drawn toward people who recognize their failures and see their need for him.” – Nancy Guthrie

Hope Arrived! An Advent Series Available with KCC+

Hope Arrived! An advent series by KCC+

As Christmas approaches, we invite you to prepare your hearts to meet Jesus afresh.

‘Hope Arrived’ is our brand new, 4-part video and audio advent series that will guide your mind and heart to the hope of Christmas. It also features ‘He Entered Into’, a 15-day written devotional series to help you explore how Jesus entered our world to meet and save us.

Now exclusively available for KCC+ subscribers on the KCC One app. Sign up today: https://www.kccone.org.au/

5 quotes to guide your mind and heart to the hope of his birth at Christmas.

By Heidi Tai

Sam Allberry Confirmed to Speak at BASECAMP 2024

We are pleased to share that pastor, preacher and apologist, Sam Allberry, will be speaking at BASECAMP 2024 on the topic “Building Brotherhood”.

Sam speaks around the world and is the author of Seven Myths About Singleness, Is God Anti-Gay? and What God Has To Say About Our Bodies. He is also the co-host of the podcast You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Young Pastors. Sam is the Associate Pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville, a Canon Theologian for the Anglican Church in North America, and a Fellow at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics.

In 2024, he will speak at BASECAMP men’s conference, helping delegates to consider God’s design for brotherhood. Sam will share how men can better link arms with other men in their life with Jesus and become a brother that other men can trust and lean on.

Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, BASECAMP is an annual event for men to renew their strength in Christ. Since 1997, men of all generations and from across denominations have taken time out together to hear God speak. Each year, men have encouraged each other to run the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus.

BASECAMP will return in 2024 over two weekends in three different formats:

BASECAMP City (3 August 2024) – A one-day recharge held at the UNSW Roundhouse in Kensington
BASECAMP Mountains (9–10 August 2024) – An overnight retreat held at StayKCC in Katoomba
BASECAMP Online (9–10 August 2024) – An online livestream of BASECAMP Mountains that can be aired from your church hall, lounge room or shed!

Early Bird tickets are now available. Register today: basecampmen.com

Stay up to date with BASECAMP on Instagram or Facebook.

Sam Allberry will be speaking at BASECAMP 2024 on the topic “Building Brotherhood”.

By Heidi Tai

“A Reminder We Are Not Alone”: Zoe’s OneLove Testimony

In this interview, Zoe shares why she has continued to attend OneLove over the last 5 years and the impact that the teaching and fellowship has had on her faith and ministry. She also shares her sermon takeaways from this year, and the impact of being able to gather with like-minded Christian women at events like OneLove.

1. How many times have you attended OneLove, what made you attend this year?

I love attending OneLove and have been coming almost every year since I was in year 10, which means I have attended, online or in person, about 5 times! I came along this year because of how great the previous years had been! I also love the book ‘Gay Girl Good God’ by Jackie Hill Perry, so was keen to hear from her.

2. What was a highlight of this year’s conference?

This year’s conference highlight was hearing a multitude of women singing praises to God. It always gives me goosebumps. So thankful for the ability to worship our great God and for the great musicians to lead us in that.

3. What was something that struck you about the talks?

Something that really stuck me in the talks was the sheer power of God. I often forget His authority in the world, but the talks were a helpful reminder of how God has been working and is working in our lives. It was awesome to look at how he works all things for His glory and that nothing we do can stuff up the plan of God. What a relief! He knows us and yet uses us to bring about His purposes! What a powerful God!

4 How has OneLove encouraged your faith?

OneLove talks encouraged my faith, reminding me that despite being a sinful person, God chose to save me, and even more so, he decides to use me for his ministry. We are fragile jars of clay, but he made us ambassadors for Christ. He called us to spread the love of God with the world and he gives us the power of His son through the Holy Spirit. When there is great news like that, how could I not go out into the world to tell people about Jesus?

5. Why should women attend OneLove in the future?

Women should come to OneLove because it is a GREAT day that encourages and challenges you to live every day for God. The day serves as a reminder that we are not alone in the ministry of God. The world may persecute us but a conference like OneLove shows us that there are so many other Christians who are going through the same thing; working together for the same purpose of growing God’s kingdom. We are united in Christ; sisters in Christ. We are not alone in the Christian walk because we have a Christian family and, most of all, we have God!

Early Bird tickets now available for OneLove 2024

OneLove is a one-day event for all women to gather under life-changing preaching and enjoy fantastic fellowship. Whether you have been a Christian for many years or are still seeking answers about God, join us and be encouraged, refreshed, and renewed for the journey ahead.

Early Bird tickets are now available and include access to the event, a printed booklet, morning tea, lunch and a conference gift. Secure your tickets today: https://onelovewomen.com/

Stay up to date with OneLove on Instagram or Facebook.

Zoe shares the impact that OneLove has had on her faith and ministry.

By Heidi Tai

“High-Calibre Preaching by Women, to Women”: Becky’s OneLove Testimony

In this OneLove testimony, Becky shares how OneLove conference blessed her in a season where she is growing in faith and dependence on God. She shares her conference highlights, sermon takeaways, and why other women should consider joining her to hear “high-calibre preaching by women, to women” at OneLove 2024!

1. How many times have you attended OneLove, what made you attend this year?

This year was my second time attending OneLove. I came this year because a friend from regional NSW was keen to be encouraged by some quality Bible preaching. She travelled all the way to Sydney with her beautiful baby girl, and invited a couple of friends along, so we could be mutually encouraged and catch up for the day.

2. What was a highlight of this year’s conference?

I had no idea what the topic, or who Jackie Hill Perry was, walking in! Yet within minutes, I was captivated by how she could show us God’s Word in an authentic, gospel-centred, yet absolutely refreshing way. Drawing out the point – that we don’t just see God, but we, the undeserving sinners, are seen by God – was biblical, but so different to how Genesis 16 is usually preached.

3. What was something that struck you about the talks?

The idea that the all-powerful, holy God who no one could look upon and live, not Moses, Solomon, or David, let Hagar see Him. That Hagar, the Gentile slave woman, sees God and is seen by God.

4. Why should women attend OneLove in the future?

I’m the sort of person who cringes every time there’s a church “women’s event” because I assume there will be some sort of baking activity; hearing from one of the “token women Bible passages”; being expected to be touchy-feely because we’re women; and talk to a million strangers.

OneLove is not that sort of conference.

OneLove offers high-calibre preaching by women, to women. There is authentic acknowledgement of the challenges of the lived experience of being women, but the focus is always on gospel-centred truths. It’s intentionally curated to encourage women of all backgrounds and all life and faith stages.

So, if you are a woman who is keen to grow in your faith, and to be encouraged alongside 1000+ sisters in Christ, OneLove is for you.

OneLove 24 Registrations Opens This Friday!

Tickets will go on sale at 9:30am this Friday 8^th December from the OneLove website: https://onelovewomen.com/

OneLove 23 Highlights

Becky shares how OneLove23 blessed her in a season where she is growing in faith and dependence on God.

By Heidi Tai

Meet Our KEC24 Speakers

We are so pleased to introduce our speakers for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) next year. In 2024, John North, Matt Sparks and Tim Blencowe will join the KEC platform to preach on the topic “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”. Together, they will open God’s word to help believers hear God’s warning against worldliness while encouraging them to stay true to the course God has set before them.

Meet John North

John wrote GrowthWorks, a book to help you get back on the path of spiritual growth. He is on Hope 103.2 radio each morning in Sydney with the Time With God devotional spot. John is married to Lois and they have four children. In his free time, John rides his mountain bike, plays games with his family, and reads.

John will be giving the four main morning talks across the KEC weekend.

Meet Matt Sparks

Matt will be giving three main evening talks across the KEC weekend.

Meet Tim Blencowe

Tim will be giving four short morning talks across the KEC weekend.

Go Together. Grow Together.

At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by secular messages, values and ideals, KEC will help your family to start the year well, rooted in God’s word.

As always, the program will feature empowering Bible talks, inspiring Christian testimonies, uplifting worship in song, and breaks for relaxation and fellowship. With age-specific programs for everyone from toddlers to adults, all are welcome to join us this Easter.

Book your Family Package by 31st December 2023 and get FREE online access over the long weekend added to your booking (normally $60 in value). For more information visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/special-offer/

Meet our 3 speakers confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention 2024!

By Heidi Tai

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Understand Your Bible Better with Nancy Guthrie’s “The Divine Story”

Build a Solid Faith with KCC+

Matt Sparks to speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

John North to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Tim Blencowe to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Pastoral Supervision: Protecting Your Heart to Go the Distance

Oxygen 2023 Workshops Now Available on KCC+

5 Christmas Quotes to Inspire Hope

Hope Arrived! An Advent Series Available with KCC+

Sam Allberry Confirmed to Speak at BASECAMP 2024

“A Reminder We Are Not Alone”: Zoe’s OneLove Testimony

Early Bird tickets now available for OneLove 2024

“High-Calibre Preaching by Women, to Women”: Becky’s OneLove Testimony

OneLove 24 Registrations Opens This Friday!

Meet Our KEC24 Speakers

Go Together. Grow Together.

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About KCC

Articles Categorized: Blog

Understand Your Bible Better with Nancy Guthrie’s “The Divine Story”

Build a Solid Faith with KCC+

Matt Sparks to speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

John North to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Tim Blencowe to Speak at Easter Convention 2024

Experience KEC this Easter!

Pastoral Supervision: Protecting Your Heart to Go the Distance

Oxygen 2023 Workshops Now Available on KCC+

5 Christmas Quotes to Inspire Hope

Hope Arrived! An Advent Series Available with KCC+

Sam Allberry Confirmed to Speak at BASECAMP 2024

“A Reminder We Are Not Alone”: Zoe’s OneLove Testimony

Early Bird tickets now available for OneLove 2024

“High-Calibre Preaching by Women, to Women”: Becky’s OneLove Testimony

OneLove 24 Registrations Opens This Friday!

Meet Our KEC24 Speakers

Go Together. Grow Together.

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Stay Updated

Conventions

Resources

Support

About KCC