Join our engaging conversation where we delve into Sam's recent mission trip to Nepal. The Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 provided the basis for a Q&A on the 'why' behind the 'Go' into this nation, the youth disciple-making agenda, the holy spirit baptism moments, practical sound tech teaching workshops and times where God's 'I am with you' was experienced by Sam amongst a people set on fire for Jesus.

This week, Laura carries on speaking on the topic of 'Life is a Garden'. Her focus specifically is on Words, Health and Relationships. She speaks about God having principles....faith, love, mercy, sowing and reaping are examples. Her key scripture is Galations 6:7 (NIV) " Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows". Laura speaks how scriptures usually are instruction, prophetic word or principle - ie it works whether we believe it or not!

The message continues to focus on the principle of sowing and reaping, with audience participation for those who were there!

As the Southsea congregation took the opportunity to support the Great South Run outside the walls of our Sunday morning gathering, we also enjoyed taking in a morning with our Portsmouth congregation.

Following the new series looking at 'Life is a Garden', this week Ps Sean looked specifically at what we can sow with a focus on our finances.

Amongst many scripture references, Sean looks at Luke 6:38 (NIV) "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The law of sowing and reaping is as relevant today as it was thousands of years back when the scripture was written. He follows this with Matthew 6:19..."“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".

Ps Sean points out that there are two fields we can sow into - the immediate field in front of us and the eternal field beyond our temporal lifespan. Which is worth more to sow into? The Bible tells us to set our minds on Heavenly things, not earthy things. Gaining the whole world but losing our soul is not wise..

Ps Sean goes on to speak about the love of money and our love for the Lord. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) says "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Money helps us achieve many things, the key here is our heart attitude. Are we doing something because of our love of a monetary reward (perhaps), or our love for our Lord?

He ended with three key points on sowing with finances

• Get to give - not give to get
• Love is our motive - generosity, kindness, & love from the overflow of a grateful heart
• Joyful Obedience - have a merry spirit when giving

This is a challenging message!