In this this KYCK 2023 talk from Mark 3, Nathan Lee shares how the Pharisees became “villains” when they hardened their hearts towards God, turning His loving command of Sabbath rest into an exhausting “system” for God’s people. He invites youth to consider whether they may be living like the Pharisees and if their rule-keeping reflects a heart that truly loves their God and neighbour. Finally, he encourages youth to meet Jesus—the hero who forgives villains.
A Hero Among Villains by Nathan Lee
Key Quotes:
“The Pharisees are watching because it’s the Sabbath and they are looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, to get Him in trouble. By their standards, by their rules, by their system, healing this man would be classified as work. Jesus knows this, but he doesn’t back down.”
“The Pharisees had missed the whole point of the Sabbath. It was never meant to be about following the system. It was meant to be about rest.”
This talk is part of our KCC+ December collection which includes 12 talks from KYCK 2023 and a 4-part video Christmas devotional series. Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/
Nathan Lee shares how the Pharisees became “villains” when they hardened their hearts towards God and encourages youth to meet Jesus—the hero who forgives villains.
By Heidi Tai
KCC 2023 Christmas Gift Ideas
Ahead of Christmas, we are pleased to share our hand-picked list of Christmas gift ideas. This year, we have chosen to spotlight some resources that have encouraged us to remember the amazing truth of Immanuel—that God is with us and why this is good news for all people.
This book by Alison Mitchell clearly and faithfully communicates the Christmas story to children. The gospel is shared using simple language and beautiful illustrations and will help children to see how the Christmas story fits into God’s bigger story of salvation for all people—including the littlest ones! You can purchase the book from The Wandering Booksellerhere.
Authored by Laura Wifler (Risen Motherhood), this book teaches toddlers (aged 1-3) that they can run and talk to God about anything because Jesus makes it possible. Laura takes children on a journey from the start of the Bible story to the end, helping them to see that God is always present and can enjoy talking to Him about anything, anytime, anywhere. You can purchase the book from The Wandering Booksellerhere.
‘The ABCs of the Attributes of God’ are designed to bring the unchanging character of God to life for kids. With inviting designs and simple, concise definitions, children ages 4 to 12 will learn what it means that God is omnipotent, just, and all-knowing, and where we see each attribute in Scripture. Purchase the cards from Tiny Theologianshere. Tune into the free podcast here.
From the creators of ‘The Jesus Storybook Bible’ is an interactive book that celebrates Christmas and the Advent season. The book highlights the significance of the Nativity, reaffirms the spiritual meaning of Immanuel, and shows children that even the Old Testament stories points to Jesus. The book includes hands-on activities and 16 push buttons that activate Christmas music and narration. Purchase the book from Kooronghere.
The Val Marie Paper ‘Teen Prayer Journal’ encourages teenagers to seek God during their impressionable and transitional years. Formatted with relevant prompts sections including ‘My Future’ and ‘My Identity’, this journal encourages teens to grow in discernment as they seek out God for themselves. You can buy the journal from More Than Wildflowershere.
Equip your teenager with this concise read by respected apologist, Rebecca McLaughlin. This book outlines the evidence that Jesus was a real person, explains the reliability of the Bible’s accounts of his life, and why believing in a virgin birth is not as ridiculous as it might sound. This book shows that there is a rational basis for the belief that the world’s most famous story is fact, not fantasy-and how those events in history can infuse our lives today with meaning and joy. Purchase the book from Kooronghere.
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) This beautiful, brush lettered paper print reminds believers why the birth of Jesus is such good news: It’s evidence that God is faithful to every promise and trustworthy in our past, present and future circumstances. Available in A4 and A6 size here.
If God is with us, how come we don’t experience Him in the day-to-day? What exactly does a relationship with God look like, and how is it even possible? In this book, Tim Chester explains the three persons of the Trinity and shares how we can respond to them in our daily lives and contexts. By sharing biblical truth, practical tips and reflection questions, Tim helps readers to interact with their Creator and to enjoy an authentic relationship with Him. Purchase the book from Kooronghere.
If God is with us and for us, why is it still so hard to trust Him sometimes? Why do we doubt that he wants the best for us? Like Eve in the Garden, why do we assume that God is holding out on us? In this book, bestselling author and OneLove 23 speaker, Jackie Hill Perry, explains that we don’t trust God because we misunderstand his holiness. Walking readers through Scripture, Jackie shows us that God being “holier than thou” is the best news in the world, and the key to trusting Him. Buy it from The Wandering Booksellerhere.
In this moving and intellectually stimulating book, the late Tim Keller takes readers on an illuminating journey into the surprising background of the nativity scene. By highlighting Jesus’ family line and the inclusion of women in gospel genealogies, Keller reveals how the Christmas story points to God’s grace, and how we can experience it in a deeper way. Purchase the book from Kooronghere.
If there’s one name for Jesus that captures the whole heart of God, it is Emmanuel – God with us. No other name similarly expresses the fullness of God’s eternal desire for His image-bearers. He’s always wanted us to be with Him. In this gorgeously illustrated Advent, bestselling author and artist, Ruth Chou Simons, invites readers to explore what it means to intimately experience God’s presence in our daily lives and to discover the true miracle behind Christmas. Purchase the book from Kooronghere.
None of these gifts catch your eye?
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Our hand-picked list of Christmas gift ideas for every member of your family!
By Heidi Tai
Worldliness: What’s the Problem?
At a time when Christianity is deemed outdated and irrelevant, the church has the important task of making the gospel relevant to unbelievers. While this is a good thing, we need to take seriously God’s warning of worldliness—when the world’s way of thinking and living becomes your own.
The drift towards worldliness can be slow and subtle. Perhaps we become attracted to the “wisdom” of Google, trusted friends, pop culture or self-help gurus, so that we begin to question God’s loving wisdom. Perhaps we begin to withhold truth and compromise on core values to preserve our reputation and relationships.
In a prosperous country like Australia, the world’s wisdom can look so attractive, sound so plausible and feel so good. Without ongoing vigilance, we can find ourselves drifting with the world’s current and settle for living as the world does—so much so that sin begins to look normal, and righteousness feels strange.
Far from an innocent ‘lifestyle choice’, God makes it clear in His word, that for His people, the world is a competing loyalty. Anyone who loves the world cannot be a friend of God (James 4:4). It’s one or the other, which means there is everything at stake in that choice.
So how should Christians resist the gravitational pull of the world? How do we spot where the world has pulled us in and has shaped our thinking and living? How do we stay true to the course God has set out for us? What does ‘holiness’ look like in the 21st century?
Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC is an annual event to help delegates grow in their relationship with God. For many families, KEC has become an important family tradition (here’s 5 reasons why)—a way for parents to communicate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the prioritisation of spiritual growth each year.
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.
To receive the latest KEC updates including updates on 2024 speakers, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
How should Christians resist the gravitational pull of the world? How do we spot where the world has pulled us in and has shaped our thinking and living?
By Heidi Tai
On the Value of Child-Like Faith in Ministry by Zack Eswine
In this talk “Recovering Our Ambition” from Oxygen 2023, Zack Eswine encourages ministry leaders to consider the value of growing a “child-like faith” in ministry. Opening Psalm 131, Zack helps delegates to see that although the world celebrates leaders who are ambitious and powerful, the Bible esteems kings and leaders who are humble and dependent before God.
Video: Recovering Our Ambition by Zack Eswine
Key Quotes:
“Child-like faith is advanced Christianity.”
“In each area of our life, the great provision of God is that we grow to become like a weaned child.”
This talk is part of our KCC+ November collection, “Shaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”, available exclusively for subscribers. The collection includes 18 talks from Oxygen 23 including:
3 talks by Paul Tripp – “The Heart of a Ministry Leader”, “The Ultimate Ministry Leadership Model”, and “Ministry Leadership & Spiritual Warfare”
4 talks by Zack Eswine – “Recovering Our Humanity in Ministry”, “Recovering Our Wisdom for Ministry”, “Recovering His Love”, “Recovering Our Ambition”
“The Non-Negotiables of Christian Ministry” short talks by John Lennox and Miroslav Volf
PLUS more by Malcolm Gill, Kirk Patston, Jonathan Dykes, Kathryn McCarthy, Anna Powell, Sarah Irving-Stonebreaker, Russell Schmidt and Glen Scrivener
Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/
Zack Eswine encourages ministry leaders to consider the value of growing a “child-like faith” in ministry.
By Heidi Tai
Paul Tripp on “The Heart of a Ministry Leader”
In this talk from Oxygen 2023, Paul Tripp encourages ministry leaders to test their hearts and motivations for gospel ministry. Opening Ezekiel 14:1-8, Paul points ministry leaders to God’s promises of sanctification, while encouraging them to answer some important questions: What rules me? What causes the rise and fall of my heart in ministry? Could it be that it’s something other than the Saviour?
Video: The Heart of a Ministry Leader by Paul Tripp | Oxygen 23
Key Quotes:
“One of the blessings of your life and ministry is that you serve a dissatisfied Saviour, who will not give up, who will not quit, until finally every microbe, in every cell in your heart is owned and ruled by Him, and Him alone.”
“There is a war in ministry. It’s not your war for respect. It’s not a war with the culture for the sake of the Gospel. It’s not that battle you may have with other leaders, or somebody in the congregation. It’s this deeper war. It’s war for the practical, street-level, functional, effective control of your hearts.”
“Where does God need to recapture you once again, so that ministry would not be about you, but be about His glory?”
Oxygen 23 Talks Now Available on KCC+
This talk is part of our KCC+ November collection, “Shaping Our Hearts for the Work We Do”, available exclusively for subscribers. The collection includes 18 talks from Oxygen 23 including:
3 talks by Paul Tripp – “The Heart of a Ministry Leader”, “The Ultimate Ministry Leadership Model”, and “Ministry Leadership & Spiritual Warfare”
4 talks by Zack Eswine – “Recovering Our Humanity in Ministry”, “Recovering Our Wisdom for Ministry”, “Recovering His Love”, “Recovering Our Ambition”
“The Non-Negotiables of Christian Ministry” short talks by John Lennox and Miroslav Volf
PLUS more by Malcolm Gill, Kirk Patston, Jonathan Dykes, Kathryn McCarthy, Anna Powell, Sarah Irving-Stonebreaker, Russell Schmidt and Glen Scrivener
Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/
In this talk from Oxygen 2023, Paul Tripp encourages ministry leaders to test their hearts and motivations for gospel ministry.
By Heidi Tai
KYCK 2024 Bookings Opens in 7 Days
KYCK conference is returning in 2024, with tickets and on-site accommodation bookings opening next Tuesday 7 November, 9:30am AEDT.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is an annual event that challenges and equips teenagers to boldly live the Christian life. Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. 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.
KYCK 4 Delegates
At KYCK this year 6,400 delegates across 240 churches gathered at KYCK to hear and respond to God’s word. The Bible talks encouraged youth to ‘Meet Jesus’ in the Gospel of Mark. By God’s grace a total of 122 teenagers decided to follow Jesus for the first time, 485 recommitted their lives to him, and 130 left the conference wanting to learn more.
KYCK will return in 2024 on the following four weekends:
Weekend 1: 12–14 April
Weekend 2 & Online: 19–21 April
Weekend 3: 26–28 April
Weekend 4: 27–29 September
The theme will be ‘In the Beginning’ with guest speakers preaching from Genesis 1-3. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 7 November, 9.30am AEDTand will be available until they are sold out.
For more information on ticket prices, accommodation options, and our cancellation policy please visit the website: https://www.kyck.org.au/register/
Nancy Guthrie on “What Does God’s Love Look Like?”
In this highly popular talk, “What Does God’s Love Look Like?”, Nancy Guthrie unpacks the story of Hosea and Gomer, to highlight God’s faithful love towards unfaithful people. With humility and gentleness, Guthrie urges delegates to examine their hearts for idols, and to return to the God who offers so much more in the gospel of grace.
Key Quotes:
“This story in Hosea is not about what God might ask you to do for Him. It’s actually about what He has done for you. We’re meant to observe Hosea and see what our true Husband’s persevering love looks like in the face of our unfaithfulness.”
“Do you find it hard to see yourself as a woman who has loved other gods? Idols are not necessarily bad things; they are often good things that have become ultimate things.”
“The question that you and I have to ask ourselves is: Have I allowed something else, or someone else, to become the love of my life in the place that should be reserved for God alone?”
This talk is part of our KCC+ October collection, available exclusively for subscribers. The October catalogue includes:
4 x ‘Untangling Emotions’ talks from BASECAMP 2023
3 x ‘True Love’ talks from OneLove 2014
3 inspiring testimonies from OneLove 2023
4 x ‘Guidance’ talks by John Chapman
4 x ‘The God Who Commits’ talks from Katoomba Easter Convention 2011
Access this and much more from only $4.99 / month (on an annual KCC+ subscription). Learn more: https://www.kccone.org.au/
In this OneLove talk, Nancy Guthrie unpacks the story of Hosea and Gomer to highlight God’s faithful love towards unfaithful people.
By Heidi Tai
“I Felt So Much Love”: Freya’s KYCK Story
In this interview, Freya describes the highlights of her first KYCK conference, the impact of meeting Jesus and attending a local youth group and why it is “100% worthwhile” for teenagers to join her at KYCK 24! We hope you are encouraged by her story!
1. How many KYCKs have you been to?
This was my first KYCK! I definitely will be coming back!
2. What is your favourite part about KYCK?
My favourite parts about KYCK were the fact that everyone came together as a Christian community, and the worship with music! With every song, I felt so much love and that I had found purpose in my life following the word of Jesus! I also loved the speakers and how they opened my eyes to different topics and expanded my knowledge of what it means to meet Jesus!
3. Tell us how you met Jesus!
I became a Christian at my Youth leader’s house! It was a fun afternoon with ping pong, handball and delicious food when we split up into groups and started asking questions that we had always wondered about everything to do with Jesus and the Bible.
I had many questions, but when it came to my turn, I asked a question I had been thinking about for a long time: “How can I strengthen my relationship with Jesus, and when can I consider myself to be a Christian?”. My friend’s mum asked me whether I wanted to take that leap of faith and open my heart to Jesus. I said “Yes”!
We went over to a quiet part of the house with my friend, and I spoke to Jesus, praying that he would let me into his heart in the same way that I was opening my heart to him, and in that moment, I felt his presence. I felt so overwhelmed and joyful as I knew that I would have a life with Jesus in it!
4. How has meeting Jesus changed your life?
Meeting Jesus has changed my life dramatically for the better! Ever since I started going to my local youth group, I had felt that it was the place that I would fit in! I never feel ashamed or alone, and I can always tell that a time with Jesus is a special time to cherish!
5. What would you say to someone on the fence about attending KYCK?
I would say to someone who isn’t sure whether they should come to KYCK or not: Just do it! You will never regret a fun time and the experience that you have and the people that you meet will make it 100% worthwhile! There is so much to be learned and so many exciting ways to praise and rejoice in Jesus’ love!
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is an annual event that challenges and equips teenagers to boldly live the Christian life. Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. 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.
KYCK will return in 2024 across the following weekends:
Weekend 1: 12–14 April
Weekend 2 & Online: 19–21 April
Weekend 3: 26–28 April
Weekend 4: 27–29 September
The theme will be ‘In the Beginning’ with guest speakers preaching from Genesis 1-3. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 7 November, 9.30am AEDT and will be available until sold out. To sign up for the latest updates, visit our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/
Freya shares highlights of her first KYCK conference and why it is “100% worthwhile” for teenagers to join her next year!
By Heidi Tai
“A Life Changing Event”: Lucy’s KYCK Testimony
In this interview, Lucy describes the “indescribable impact” of KYCK conference, how Jesus is her hope with ongoing health issues, and why she wants everyone to experience what she has over the last 7 years at KYCK. We hope you are encouraged by her story!
1. How many KYCKs have you been to?
KYCK 23 was my 7th KYCK, and I have loved every single one—right back to KYCK 17 when the theme was “Standing for the King”.
2. What is your favourite part about KYCK?
The best part about KYCK is the people. A few thousand of us get together, and despite never meeting before, we are in the same place for the sole purpose of getting to know Jesus better and to praise him as one church. There is something uniquely incredible about hearing thousands of joyous voices raised together in worship of one King—all sharing the same hope and so loudly you can barely hear your own voice. It’s a feeling I will never forget.
3. How has meeting Jesus changed your life?
Throughout my life, I’ve had underlying issues with health. In the past few years especially there’s been a sizable escalation, to the extent of which my everyday life has become very difficult. A lot of the time I feel like I’ve lost hope, or that I have no worth or purpose in this world, but those feelings are often short lived. That’s the wonderful thing about Jesus, he gives hope in even the direst of situations, and he brings light to the darkest of nights.
Even though my life is harder now, I wouldn’t change anything, because God has used my experience in miraculous ways. I’m able to understand and empathise in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without my struggle, and being able to serve the people around me is worth every bit of it. I’m able to survive my experience because I have the God that created everything on my side.
As Jesus brings me so much joy, I’m able to love people with a kind of love that comes from him: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). That’s the other amazing thing about Jesus, he’s a relational God. He cares for me, as an individual. He doesn’t care about all the terrible things I’ve done in my life; he loves me as myself, deeply flawed as I am.
Jesus has changed how I look at the world and how I can relate to it and has filled my cup with so great a hope and joy I can pour it freely without worry into the lives of every person I encounter. I am not perfect, but my God is. And that is more than enough.
4. What would you say to someone on the fence about attending KYCK?
The joy found in that hall – and even on the dreaded hill – is something extraordinary and infectious, something I wish every person would be able to experience.
For almost every person I’ve talked to about this, KYCK has been a life changing event, and for me personally, the impact this conference has had upon me and my journey with Jesus is indescribable. Each year, KYCK reminds me just how incredible our God is, and how kind, loving, and servant hearted his people strive to be.
At KYCK 2022, I had a medical issue in the hall just before one of the sessions, and a group of youth I’d never met before came and found me afterwards to make sure I was okay and give me a card they’d made. I still have that card, and I carry the love those people gave me everywhere I go. They gained nothing from seeking me out, but they still did without any hesitation or prompting.
It’s rare, I think, to gather with a group of thousands, and have every single one of them care about you personally, and yet, this has been the case for all 7 of the KYCKs I’ve been to. Whether you’re a Christian or not, KYCK is something I think every person should have the chance to experience. It’s an awesome way to meet Jesus for the first time, for growing in your faith, and for anyone who’s simply considering Jesus.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KYCK is an annual event that challenges and equips teenagers to boldly live the Christian life. Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. 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.
KYCK will return in 2024 across the following weekends:
Weekend 1: 12–14 April
Weekend 2 & Online: 19–21 April
Weekend 3: 26–28 April
Weekend 4: 27–29 September
The theme will be ‘In the Beginning’ with guest speakers preaching from Genesis 1-3. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday 7 November, 9.30am AEDT and will be available until sold out. To sign up for the latest updates, visit our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/
Lucy describes the "indescribable impact” of attending KYCK conference over the last 7 years.
By Heidi Tai
Free Online Access for KEC 24 Family Package Bookings
Registrations are now open for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2024, with a bonus offer of free online access* (valued at $60) available for Family Package bookings secured by 31st December 2023. Attending all sessions with young children isn’t always possible, so this add-on will give families flexibility to access sessions missed at KEC.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, KEC is an annual event to help delegates grow in their relationship with God. For many families, KEC has become an important family tradition (here’s 5 reasons why)—a way for parents to communicate the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the prioritisation of spiritual growth each year.
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.
Each year, KEC invites gifted Bible teachers to preach on relevant topics. In 2024, the program will be built around the theme: “Conquering Worldliness: Resisting the Gravitational Pull of the World”, with delegates invited to consider how they can remain faithful as Christians in an increasingly secular world.
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 Keenites (toddlers) to adults, all are welcome to join us this Easter.
