OneLove speaker Lizzy Smallwood on life, faith and why Jesus is better than the cult of "Self Love"23/4/2019 We are thankful to God that Lizzy Smallwood will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at OneLove women's conference. In this interview, Lizzy shares about life, faith and how Jesus promises so much more than the cult of "Self Love".  1. What takes up your time during the week? So, as the wife of a Christian Minister, it's different every day and I love that because I think I have a random personality. Monday is Women's Bible study in the morning and a family food shop in the afternoon (which I find strangely soothing) before picking up my 9 year old Beatrice from school. Tuesday involves running the Parent & Toddler group at Church and then trying to do some studying in the afternoon; reading & preparing for talks. Wednesday and Thursday I teach in the local primary school and running the Junior Choir. Wednesday night we always have about 12 people from Church for supper. Friday is a mash up of checking on my very spritely 86 year old mother and getting ready for the weekend and church on Sunday. Saturday is a day off with the family and then Sunday is church. We have lunch every Sunday after the service which is a great way to get to know people. There are groups using the house throughout the week so there is a constant stream of people through the door which makes life very colourful and nicely messy. We are a very culturally diverse church which means we get cooked some amazing food by some amazing people.  Lizzy with her husband and children. 2. How did you come to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Like many, I was brought up in a Christian home and always knew about the Lord Jesus. I used to pray a prayer of commitment in the back of a little leaflet called "Journey into life" regularly - just in case. I finally understood that Jesus died on the Cross once for all my sin on the eve of my 11th Birthday on a Christian youth camp. I was a fairly nice teenager - didn't do anything particularly shocking so bumbled along, always at church & youth group, ticking all the right "keen youth" boxes. But I think there was a flaw in my understanding - in my heart - and it was that I was happy to have Jesus as my Saviour but didn't really think too hard about what it meant that he is my King. So then I went away to university and did the Prodigal Daughter thing. I thought I needed to be in the bar witnessing to my friends and just wandered off the path - I never stopped believing the Gospel was true but I knew my behaviour didn't match up to what I said I believed. So I shut up about what I believed and drifted further and further away from the Lord. Finally, having done all the stuff the world and Satan say is such fun and finding actually it's just a big fat lie and leaves you feeling wretched, the Lord, in his mercy, grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and pulled me up out of the pigpen. Although I would never recommend a spell away from the Father, in God's glorious economy I finally understood grace and that I bring nothing to the party and it is all Him. Being nice, being brought up by Christians, being in church a lot, being married to a minister isn't it. Doing loads of stuff for the Lord isn't it. Giving talks to women in Australia isn't it. It's all grace. It's all Jesus. 3. Who is someone who has inspired your walk with Jesus?
Her excitement in anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face confronted how comfortable I am in this world, how easily I forget: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God..." And her funeral, which she had planned down to the last detail was all about Jesus (except maybe her 1970's Motown Disco playlist at the refreshments after the service). 4. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing women in the Western church today? The challenges are many and varied but I think the one I come across daily is the cult of "Self Love". I see it in the way we raise our children to believe they are the centre of the universe with the resulting carnage in homes and schools. I see it in the way we deal with each other in church - falling out over the slightest misjudged comment or perceived offence. I see it in the way we deal with the problems and issues living in a fallen world throws up. The irony is that believing the world, the flesh and the devil's lies about 'self' leads to fear and anguish - not freedom and happiness. Eventually, I think the cult of "Self Love" will be realised as the cause of some mental health issues, addictions and the breakdown of family life. The world tells us that we are special, that we deserve to be happy, that we deserve to be treated in a certain way by those around us because we are worth it. We are constantly told we need to work on our self esteem; our self confidence, our self worth or our self actualisation. This all sounds well and good until you realise it actually doesn't work in practise. This is because in order for us to do whatever we want to feel good about ourselves, we are going to make a lot of people around us unhappy. It is a counsel of despair. I'm either going to make you more insecure as I place my worth and my happiness above yours or I'll become more insecure as you don't treat me the way I have been led to believe I should be treated. As Sharon Hodde Miller helpful puts it in her book Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You: "The reason self-preoccupation causes insecurity is that it raises the stakes - on dating, parenting, working, and serving - by turning it all into a referendum on our worth. Every slight, every rejection, every awkward interaction must be about us.” One of the most helpful books I have read on this was Timothy Keller's "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness". It outlines how God calls us into the bigger story - His story - where we learn to live for him instead of ourselves, as we were designed to before we went for self rule. When we shift our focus off ourselves - our fears, our appearance, our success, our self-doubt - and fix our gaze on Christ alone, we encounter the freedom we were created to have. When we learn what it means to be "In Christ" and we find our identity and security and worth in Him; as we learn to serve rather than be served, we will finally learn to be free of me. If we could learn to live this out as women of Christ I really think it would transform our families, our churches and attract a lost generation to Christ. 5. What can women expect from your talks from Hebrews this year? I want all women - but especially those who might be feeling discouraged and worn down - to be blown away once again by Jesus Christ. I want them to know who He is; what He has done and how He is all we need to persevere in the Christian life and to cross the finishing line. So I hope we will meet Jesus again in his word and get a glimpse of his greatness. That we will become ‘besotted with’, ‘captivated by’, ‘hooked on’ Jesus again, and as a result - perseverance will rise in our hearts and we will leave determined to keep on trusting in Jesus and following Jesus even through the dark cold winter nights of the soul. Early Bird tickets now available! Whether you have been a Christian for many years or are still seeking answers about God, come to OneLove and experience life changing preaching, inspirational testimonies, delicious food, amazing music and fantastic fellowship! This year we're excited to have Bible teacher Lizzy Smallwood open up the book of Hebrews to encourage us that there is purpose in our perseverance, and Anne-Sophie Rowcroft will share with us from her experiences as a missionary in West Africa. OneLove will be held on Saturday, 31 August 2019 in the heart of the city, at the beautiful Sydney Town Hall. CLICK HERE to register now. Stay up to date with OneLove women's conference:
0 Comments
 Photo: Tobias Moore (Unsplash) Balancing life on the edge of eternity can be a difficult thing. We can feel torn between our present life on earth and our future reality with Christ in eternity. Like exiles and foreigners, we can feel caught between worlds as we long for Jesus to bring us into our spiritual home. While some days on earth are joyful and fulfilling, other days can feel lonely and disheartening. Although we know that God is with us, our hearts, minds and bodies continue to fight against sin and death. At Katoomba Easter Convention, we will be exploring the theme 'Life On The Edge Of Eternity'. To prepare your heart for KEC, here are 9 promises to spur you on as you wait on the edge of eternity:
 Join us at Easter Convention!Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together. Join us at Katoomba Easter Convention 2019: www.easterconvention.com What characterises a man of faith? Paul Tripp to address this topic at BASECAMP this August.28/3/2019 
What defines a man of faith? What does it look like to live as one? What traits should characterise a faithful and godly man?
This year, Dr. Paul David Tripp will return to the KCC platform to address men at BASECAMP men's conference. He will be speaking on the theme 'Portrait of a Man of Faith', to address how biblical faith gives men a new identity that is very different from the way the surrounding culture defines a man. The Bible is clear that faith is not just something you do with your brain, but a commitment of your heart that radically changes the way you live your life. This year at BASECAMP we will consider core characteristics in the life of a man that only grow out of the soil of faith in God. Watch the promotional video for BASECAMP 19 here: Bring a group to BASECAMP this year!
BASECAMP is better with your brothers! We encourage Group Leaders to make the most of our Group Deals for each of our events:
BASECAMP Mountains (2-3 August) Group Deal: Purchase 5 or more tickets upfront during Early Bird to "hold the rate" all the way up to the conference for any additional tickets you need! Valid from 1 March 2019. Just call the KCC office to purchase your additional tickets. Register now! BASECAMP Sydney (10 August) Group Deal: Get every 10th ticket in your cart FREE automatically at checkout! Invite a first-timer or bless a brother in need with this free ticket. Valid from 1 March 2019. Discount automatically applied at checkout. Register now!
We are thankful to God that Tony Payne will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Tony shares on life and faith, and how the resurrection gives him hope in a jaded world.
As you get older...it's easier to become jaded and depressed about the future and indeed of Christianity...But the more starkly and realistically you come to appreciate the nature of sin and its consequences, the more brightly shines the hope of the resurrection.
1. What occupies your time during the week?
This year, I’m dividing my time between two organisations—Matthias Media and Moore College. I’ll be be spending about half of my time as a Writer and Director at Matthias Media, mainly responsible for generating new resources and projects to help churches in the great task of making disciples. The other half will be as the Director of the Centre for Christian Living at Moore College, plus also helping out with some lectures in ethics. I know the Bible says that you can’t serve two masters, and that you will hate the one and love the other. But I honestly love both of my masters this year!
2. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to KEC, but it was a regular part of our yearly rhythm as a family in the past. And I think the benefits we experienced were the ones that most people testify to: a time to pause amid the furious regular pace of life to think and pray and refocus; an opportunity to hear God’s word powerfully taught and be challenged about our walk with Christ; a time of fun with our kids, especially mixing with other families; a chance to catch up with many old friends!
3. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
I think Phillip Jensen has probably had the biggest influence on my Christian walk: as a teacher and example and encourager. He’s now hit 70, but is still as insightful and passionate as ever for the gospel and glory of Christ.
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How does the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
More than anything it gives me hope. As you get older (I’m 56 now), I think it's easier to become jaded and depressed about the future — of our society, and indeed of Christianity. Somehow things don’t seem as rosy and hope-filled as they were in your 20's. You run up against the stubborn realities of sin, corruption, dishonesty, foolishness and all the rest—not only in your own life and those around you, but in the world more generally. But the more starkly and realistically you come to appreciate the nature of sin and its consequences, the more brightly shines the hope of the resurrection, and the more urgent becomes the work of the gospel. That’s how it is for me anyway.
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
For me, the most significant is the discipline of continuing to meet in prayerful, word-based fellowship with other Christians. Talking about the encouragement we get from brothers and sisters in the Christian community, especially when we have doubts or struggles, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: "The Christ in own own hearts is weaker than the Christ in the Word of the brother”.
There’s a lot of truth in that. We can get the wobbles quite easily; we need the Word to come to us from outside—on the lips of our brothers and sisters, whether in preaching or in mutual encouragement and conversation—to help us persevere. I think that is the main means God has used to help me persevere in Christ over all these years.
6. If you could give some pastoral advice to your younger self, what would it be?
That’s a toughie. The easy answer is ‘read the Bible and pray more’ — and that would be true. It’s always true! But I think I’d say two particular things to my younger self:
1. Watch less television, and spend the time you save talking to people more, and reading more. 2. Be stronger in saying 'No' to various good and worthwhile opportunities and activities (including in church life), so as to focus more effectively on the things you’re most responsible for (especially shepherding your family and focusing on the key ministries you’re responsible for). Hear Tony speak at KEC!Meet KEC19 Speaker, Tony Payne from kcc on Vimeo. Join us at KEC 19!
Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together. Register today at: www.easterconvention.com. On Tuesday 04 December 2018, KCC’s development application to upgrade its Katoomba site was refused by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.
The application process has involved many professionals who have partnered with KCC and worked tirelessly and diligently to pursue this vision for the convention site. At the meeting, the panel chairman acknowledged the excellence of the design, and voted for a deferral to allow KCC time to work with local council and Rural Fire Service to amended plans, however the remaining four panel members voted for a refusal. Further details are included here in our full statement. The KCC board and management are considering its options in light of this decision in consultation with its advisors, and an update will be provided in due course. KCC would like to thank all of its supporters and those directly involved in the process and planning to date and invites continued prayer for pathways forward and decisions about the best use of the site.
We are thankful to God that Geoff Harper will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Geoff shares on life and faith, and gives us some advice on how we can persevere and be spiritually disciplined ahead of eternity.
1. What occupies your time during the week?
I teach Hebrew and Old Testament at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. I also write whenever I can carve out some space. Current projects include an edited volume which explores interpersonal forgiveness and a book on teaching Leviticus aimed at pastors and Bible teachers. Coming from an island nation I enjoy the ocean - so swimming, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling are on the menu as often as I can swing it. 
2. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
KEC offers the chance to gather with Christians from other churches and regions and is an implicit testimony to what God is doing outside of our own contexts. That is deeply encouraging. The opportunity to sit under good teaching and to sing and pray together is not something to which we all have equal access. KEC can thus be a place of refreshment and re-invigoration to aid us in the tasks God has called us to in our own context.
3. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
Many people have: some living, and many more through what they have written. Above anyone else, I am blessed to have a godly wife who is not afraid to call me out when I'm wrong or to point me to the gospel. There are plenty of times when either (or both!) has been required. The writings of C.S. Lewis and Martyn Lloyd Jones have also been of immense benefit over the years. Each has, in his own way, demonstrated the importance of a sound biblical understanding coupled with perceptive thinking. While I may not agree with everything, they have certainly helped me sort out my own muddled thoughts as well as inspiring me in my role as a teacher and preacher. 
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How does the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
I hope it gives an overall shape and purpose to my life. The important things are those that will last, they are the ones to invest in. I try (and often need reminding) to work knowing that my labour in the Lord is not in vain and with the goal of hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
It's hard to go past the key 3: prayer, the Bible, and Christian fellowship. Each of these has been vital for my faith, yet also requires constant attention and investment. Whenever things feel "wobbly," it's usually because one of these three is suffering. At the same time I tend to get bored with routine, so variation is key. For example, I don't follow any particular Bible reading plan. I do, however, keep a track of what I have read to ensure I keep reading through the whole of Scripture (I keep track of what we read with the kids for the same reason).
6. If you could give some pastoral advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Take personal holiness seriously and strive for it, rather than just assume it will happen by itself. Be aware that the patterns you form early on will have an impact on the rest of your life - for better and for worse. Hear Geoff preach at KEC 19!
|
| We are thankful to God that Peter Adam will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Peter shares on life and faith, and gives some great tips on how we can persevere in the Christian life ahead of eternity. 1. What occupies your time during the week? I have retired from full-time paid employment, so I now work at 2/3rd time; speaking at conferences, preaching at churches, training preachers, training and mentoring ministers, writing, and praying. Other than that I sleep, eat, walk the dogs, play the piano, catch up with friends, go to concerts, and read a lot! |  |
2. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
Many people have enriched my life. I came from a non-Christian family, so every Christian I meet is an inspiration and an encouragement. The man who converted me then met with me once a week for three years to disciple me, teach me the Bible, help me to pray, to answer my questions, and keep me accountable. And he prayed for me!
Many people have enriched my life. I came from a non-Christian family, so every Christian I meet is an inspiration and an encouragement. The man who converted me then met with me once a week for three years to disciple me, teach me the Bible, help me to pray, to answer my questions, and keep me accountable. And he prayed for me!
3. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
It is encouraging to meet with lots of other Christians from different churches, and experience our unity to Christ. It is good to hear different people giving Bible talks, to benefit from different perspectives and different people. It is good to make new friends, and good for us to pray together and praise God together.
It is encouraging to meet with lots of other Christians from different churches, and experience our unity to Christ. It is good to hear different people giving Bible talks, to benefit from different perspectives and different people. It is good to make new friends, and good for us to pray together and praise God together.
"Each morning I pray that this day would be my best day of loving and serving God." - Peter Adam
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How do the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
Hugely. There are some sins which I don't commit because I know that one day the secrets of all our hearts and lives will be exposed when Christ returns. I know that any sacrifice or suffering or self-denial is worth it, because I am not living for this life but for the next. Having Jesus as my Lord means I don't need the approval of others: his 'Well done' will be worth waiting for. And I look forward so much to seeing the church, the glorious bride of Christ, in all her splendour! I look forward to my resurrection body, free from sin and frailty. And I look forward to seeing the glory of God covering the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Hugely. There are some sins which I don't commit because I know that one day the secrets of all our hearts and lives will be exposed when Christ returns. I know that any sacrifice or suffering or self-denial is worth it, because I am not living for this life but for the next. Having Jesus as my Lord means I don't need the approval of others: his 'Well done' will be worth waiting for. And I look forward so much to seeing the church, the glorious bride of Christ, in all her splendour! I look forward to my resurrection body, free from sin and frailty. And I look forward to seeing the glory of God covering the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Peter (left) with good friends Kanishka and Sam at Langham Preaching Training Conference in Sri Lanka.
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
I keep myself accountable to my friends. I try to continue to grow continually as a believer in Christ, and in usefulness in ministry. I repent of my sins everyday, and put sin to death everyday. I find all my consolation and comfort and joy in God, the father of mercies. I try to grow in love, humility, contentment, patience, forbearance and forgiveness. Each day I praise God, confess my sins, thank him, trust him, cry out to him, turn to him, live in his presence, live by his power, trust his inspired Scriptures, offer my body as a living sacrifice, and pray for others and for myself. I engage in life-long learning about God, about the Bible, about God's world, about other people. Each morning I pray that this day would be my best day of loving and serving God.
I keep myself accountable to my friends. I try to continue to grow continually as a believer in Christ, and in usefulness in ministry. I repent of my sins everyday, and put sin to death everyday. I find all my consolation and comfort and joy in God, the father of mercies. I try to grow in love, humility, contentment, patience, forbearance and forgiveness. Each day I praise God, confess my sins, thank him, trust him, cry out to him, turn to him, live in his presence, live by his power, trust his inspired Scriptures, offer my body as a living sacrifice, and pray for others and for myself. I engage in life-long learning about God, about the Bible, about God's world, about other people. Each morning I pray that this day would be my best day of loving and serving God.
Join us at KEC 2019!
Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Register today at: www.easterconvention.com.
Stay up to date with Katoomba Easter Convention on social media:
BASECAMP is back in 2019 and we're offering Super Early Bird tickets until midnight, 28 February.
Since 1997, men of all generations and from across denominations have taken time out together to hear God speak at BASECAMP. Each year, men have gathered to encourage each other to run the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. According to Chester, a long-time delegate, BASECAMP is a great spring board to building relationships with other men that you can walk with beyond the conference:
Since 1997, men of all generations and from across denominations have taken time out together to hear God speak at BASECAMP. Each year, men have gathered to encourage each other to run the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. According to Chester, a long-time delegate, BASECAMP is a great spring board to building relationships with other men that you can walk with beyond the conference:
BASECAMP Testimony 2017 - Chester from kcc on Vimeo.
Choose your venue!
BASECAMP is held across two weekends in August. Choose the format that works for your group:
BASECAMP Mountains will be held on the 2-3 August 2019, and is an overnight retreat held at the KCC Conference Centre in the Blue Mountains. Free parking and on-site, catered accommodation options are available. The official program will start at 7:00pm on Friday evening and finish at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon.
BASECAMP Sydney will be held on the 10 August 2019, and is a one day recharge held at the UNSW Roundhouse in Kensington. The official program will run from 9am - 3pm.
BASECAMP Mountains will be held on the 2-3 August 2019, and is an overnight retreat held at the KCC Conference Centre in the Blue Mountains. Free parking and on-site, catered accommodation options are available. The official program will start at 7:00pm on Friday evening and finish at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon.
BASECAMP Sydney will be held on the 10 August 2019, and is a one day recharge held at the UNSW Roundhouse in Kensington. The official program will run from 9am - 3pm.
Register for BASECAMP 2019!
Super Early Bird Tickets are $85pp and includes access to all talk sessions, morning tea and lunch. Over 300 men have already secured their seats for this year!
Register today and save: www.basecampmen.com
Stay up to date with BASECAMP men's conference:
Archives
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
RSS Feed