The Exchange hosted by the Melbourne City Adventist Church

“I like God but not religion,” people often say. Is organised religion a necessary evil? Why and how did the early Christians organise themselves into a church? What were the results?

As part of our ongoing series on the History of Christianity, we will be looking at what took place in Acts Chapter Two and why the events that took place led to massive growth in the early church. Come join the discussion on what it means to experience spiritual revival in the present as we look see how God touched the lives of individuals in the past.

Believing in and sharing the story of Jesus in the first century was a dangerous task. What inspired the early Christians to share their stories? And how did that lead to a worldwide movement that became the Christian religion?

Christmas is a time when we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the greatest Gift of all. But Jesus Himself received an extravagant gift that reminds us of the true meaning of giving.

Sometimes prayer can feel a bit one sided and the awkward monologue can feel a bit forced. This Saturday we will talk about the art of listening in prayer.

Understanding, accepting, and adopting a different worldview, especially a Christ-centred one, can be overwhelming. Saul, once an avid persecutor of Christians, is blinded after being confronted with the reality of Jesus. Sometimes, God puts us through the experience of darkness so that we can better hear and share Him in the light.

Learning to trust God is one of the most rewarding and yet challenging lessons to learn. This week we will be discussing what it means to rely on God.

What makes you happy? What brings you down? Is there a "truth" that will make us happy, no matter what the circumstances? Jesus preached a famous sermon on "The Beatitudes" - how do the 8 blessings found there build the foundation for happiness?

Throughout history, religion has been misused for personal agendas. How did King Saul seek to manipulate God? Are we ever in danger of doing the same?

Famous last words. What were the precious last words of three criminals condemned to die? What insights do they shed on the power of our words?

Many people misunderstand and fear certain end-time prophecies in the Bible. For example, the "Mark of the Beast." But what do these symbols really mean? The story of Daniel's three friends in the fiery furnace elucidates the true meaning of "666."

If not money-making, pleasure-seeking, or meaning-chasing, what is the purpose of life? Is there something specific that God desires for each of us, and if so, what is it? Do we have a choice in this "calling"?

Is money really the root of all evil? Does it really provide us with security? Why do we use a financial framework to value human life? Jesus reminds us of money's limitations and the catalytic role money plays to distribute God's blessings. By warning us about greed Jesus gives us a new way to view money.

The famous story of Samson depicts Sam's demise in his haircut. However, the haircut was also his greatest need.

Why is it so difficult to change? What does the Bible mean when it says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17)?

Existentialism has influenced generations of thinkers. This weekend we will be looking at how boundaries that God set up facilitate freedom.

Consumerism threatens our personal values, the environment, and our relationships. Is there an antidote for this culture of acquisition? Could it be that God preemptively prescribed the Sabbath as a cure for consumerism?

Our guest speaker, Pastor Moe Stiles, will be sharing on the idea of HOPE

Moses, the Jewish leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt, makes a seemingly minor mistake while performing a miracle. The punishment seems disproportionally harsh. Yet in this judgment, mercy and truth meet to reveal a plan of grace.

Uncertainty in life, resolution in death. The story of King David and Bathsheba's first child is surrounded in mystery. Why did he have to die?

What did Jesus say about social justice and oppression? What is the line between giving too much and not doing enough?

Is Religion a Crutch? Is Jesus a figment of our co-dependency? Where does this criticism come from, and how can we know whether God is real?

In the story of the blind man of Bethsaida in Mark 8:22-26, it took Jesus two times to heal him. Why? What can we take away from this man’s story?

Have you ever heard the phrase “Jesus is the Light of the World”? What does it mean? And what does it have to do with the woman caught in adultery in John 8?

The sixth in a six part series by Pastor Roy Kim on the Problem of Evil.