Encounter Church Henley Welcomes Guest Preacher: Jacob Blackwell

In this episode, Jacob Blackwell from Encounter Church Henley takes us on a 43-degree road trip to Canberra to illustrate a vital spiritual truth: we often prioritize our temporary comfort over our actual necessities. When the "fuel light" of our lives starts blinking, where do we turn for sustenance?

Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Psalm 1, Jacob breaks down the two distinct ways we can navigate life: the self-sustaining path of worldly wisdom and the "blessed" path of delighting in God’s instruction.

In this message, you’ll discover:

• The Comfort Trap: Why we often choose financial or job security over the spiritual fuel we actually need.
• Meditation Reimagined: Why biblical meditation isn't about emptying your mind, but "filling and chewing" on the Word (and what it has to do with fine wine).
• Well vs. River: Why our culture’s "self-care" often leaves us at an empty well, and how to root yourself by the flowing stream of the Gospel instead.
• No Accidental Saints: A challenge to be intentional about the direction of your "strongest thoughts."

Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry or just trying to figure out which "road" you’re currently walking, this message is a refreshing invitation to stop striving and start drawing from a source that never runs dry.

Encounter Henley Welcomes Preacher: Angus Green

Have you ever noticed that even after the best meal of your life, you’re eventually hungry again? In this episode, Angus Green from Encounter Church Henley dives into the difference between temporary satisfaction and eternal fulfillment.

Starting with a passionate (and highly debatable) ranking of the best chicken schnitzels in Adelaide and a memorable steak in Florence, Angus transitions into a powerful reflection on John 6. He challenges us to look past the "perishable bread"—productivity, social media, and even busy church service—to find the only source that truly sustains: Jesus, the Bread of Life.

In this episode, we explore:

• Provision vs. Presence: Why we often treat God like a "genie" for our needs rather than a person to be with.
• The Burnout Cycle: Recognizing the "soul-tiredness" that comes from trying to fuel our lives on our own strength.
• Empty Cisterns: Identifying the "wells" we return to that never actually hold water.
• The Work of God: Why Jesus "blew up" the idea of religious performance and replaced it with a simple invitation: Believe.

Encounter Henley Welcomes Guest Preacher: Rev. Nick Patselis

This podcast episode features a guest message from Rev. Nick Patselis (Minister of Woodside Uniting) as he launches the new series, "Life to the Full." Nick brings a refreshing, humorous, and deeply practical look at what it means to live an abundant life in a world designed to distract us. From his son’s nickname for Encounter Church—"The Party Church"—to the accidental spiritual lessons learned from raising chickens, this message challenges us to check the "fullness" of our own lives.

Episode Highlights

The "Two-Year" Mark

Nick observes that the initial energy of any launch—a new church, a new job, or a new relationship—often begins to dip around the two-year mark. He explores how we can maintain the "Life to the Full" that Jesus promised, even when the "newness" wears off and the routine sets in.

Busy vs. Full

We often measure a "full life" by the number of blocks filled in our digital calendars. Nick reclaims the definition:

• A Busy Life: Back-to-back meetings, nights out, and a constant sense of rushing.
• A Full Life: A life overflowing with joy, peace, compassion, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Voice of the Shepherd

Drawing from John 10, the message highlights the difference between the Shepherd who calls us by name and the "thieves" that climb over the fence. Nick discusses the modern "thieves" of our time:

• Digital Distraction: How our phones and algorithms (like a Bad Bunny playlist) "discipline" our attention.
• The "Holes in the Fence": Our tendency to look for escapes when we don't like the "food" in our current season.
• The Fear Response: How we are often baited into spiritual "phishing scams" that steal our peace.

"Jesus calls us to have life to the full—not just when we birth something, not just when we launch something, but all the time."

Encounter Henley Welcomes Senior Pastor of Encounter Church Adelaide: Mike Wardrop

In this episode, Senior Pastor Mike Wardrop digs past the "passe" catchphrases to uncover the gritty, historical reality of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Speaking from his own experience as a young Christian and now as a seasoned pastor, Mike explores why we often struggle with anxiety despite having "victory" verses at our fingertips.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Danger of Proof Texting: Why pulling a single verse out of context can lead to a shallow faith, and how to embrace "The Whole Counsel of God."
• Historical Context: A look at Robert Estienne, the French printer who (in 1551) created the chapter and verse system we use today, and why it matters for our interpretation.
• The Reality of Paul’s "All Things": Understanding that Paul wrote about strength and joy while under house arrest in Rome (c. AD 60), facing trial and potential execution.
• The Secret to Inner Peace: Practical steps to shift your mind from "strongest desires" (often selfish) to "deepest desires" (the things of God).

"Our strongest desires are not our deepest desires. Only the peace of God can carry you through a time of suffering." — Mike Wardrop

Encounter Henley Welcomes Preacher: Emma Petrie

We’ve all seen it: "Be strong and courageous." It’s on mugs, t-shirts, wall art, and as Emma discovered, even toilet seat covers. But is this verse just a "self-help" mantra to make us feel better, or is it calling us to something much deeper?

Emma shares a hilariously relatable story about her "Type A" packing habits—including why she packs six pairs of underwear for a two-day trip—to illustrate our human obsession with comfort and control. She challenges the idea that "Be strong and courageous" is a pep talk for self-confidence, revealing instead that it is a command rooted in God's presence.

Key Insights

• The Danger of Comfort: Culture promises comfort (the absence of pain), but God promises His presence (the assurance of relationship).
• The Three-Part Movement: Emma breaks down Joshua 1:9 into three distinct sections:

1. The Reminder: "Have I not commanded you?"
2. The Command: "Be strong and courageous."
3. The Source: "For the Lord your God will be with you."

• Presence Over Relief: Real courage isn’t an emotion we manufacture; it’s a posture we choose because we know who is walking beside us.
• Anchored in the Word: Drawing from A.W. Tozer, Emma explains how meditating on Scripture is the primary path to recognizing God's presence in our lives.

"Comfort whispers to me: 'If I'm prepared enough, nothing can catch me off guard.' But the truth is, no amount of packing will protect me from the unexpected." — Emma Petrie

Encounter Church Adelaide Welcomes Senior Pastor: Mike Wardrop

In this powerful message, Pastor Mike Wardrop explores the "Looking Down" epidemic. Whether it’s the distraction of the pocket-sized computers in our pockets, the weight of depression, or the exhaustion of living without a clear direction, many of us are trapped in a cycle of spiritual stagnation.

But a life of distraction is not inevitable. It is not God’s best for you.

Drawing from Psalm 121 and the story of Elisha and the chariot of fire, Mike challenges us to lift our eyes higher than our natural sight allows. We aren't just called to live by the "Law" (what not to do); we are called to live by Revelation—the divine instruction that tells us where to go.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Three Pillars of "Looking Down": How distraction, depression, and a lack of direction create a "cruel cycle" fueled by the attention economy.
• AI Slop for the Soul: Why meandering through "repetition and Netflix" leads to spiritual deadness.
• The Elisha Perspective: How to move from seeing only the "enemy armies" in your life to seeing the "chariots of fire" surrounding you.
• Revelation vs. Regulation: Why the Holy Spirit offers a higher vision than simple reward-and-punishment living.
• Encounter 2026: A look into Encounter Church’s pioneering vision to multiply resilient disciples across Adelaide.

"Sunday is coming." No matter how much your 2025 felt like Good Friday, 2026 is the year to lift your eyes and look through the eyes of Christ.

Enounter Henley Welcomes Pastor: Tex Horner

In this episode, Pastor Tex Horner explores the weight of public declarations and the freedom found in intentional servitude. Drawing from his own milestones—his wedding day and his ocean baptism—Tex discusses why making a "big choice" actually protects us from the exhaustion of having too many options.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The "Too Much of a Good Thing" Effect: Why absolute autonomy and endless choices often lead to stress, emotional exhaustion, and poor decision-making.
• The Power of Prisms: How choosing a specific path (like marriage to one person or discipleship under Jesus) creates a framework that makes future decisions clearer and simpler.
• Joshua’s Line in the Sand: A deep dive into Joshua 24, where an aging leader challenges a nation to "choose today whom you will serve."
• The Idol Audit: A candid look at what we worship today—money, fame, comfort, or even our partners—and why none of them are designed to sustain us like God can."We are all going to serve someone. If we don’t choose who we serve, we will end up serving something regardless. Isn't it better to have a say?" — Tex Horner

How to Make "Green Light" Choices

Tex wraps up the message with three practical "Text-isms" to help you align your daily actions with your heart's intentions:

1. Pray About It: Seek God’s vision before your own logic.
2. Establish Non-Negotiables: Identify the things you are simply not willing to compromise on to protect your vision.
3. Identify Your Idols: Be honest about what you are putting ahead of your relationship with God.

Encounter Church Henley Welcomes Preacher: Angus Green

In the kickoff of our brand-new series, "Quotable," Angus Green pulls apart the context of this iconic verse to reveal a message that is far richer, deeper, and more challenging than a simple motivational slogan.

In This Episode:

• The Koorong Cliché: Why we love putting "encouraging" verses on knickknacks and why taking them out of context can actually be damaging to our faith.
• The Reality of Exile: Discover the world behind the words. This wasn't written to a student choosing a career; it was written to a people who had lost their homes, their identity, and were facing 70 years of captivity in a foreign land.
• Machashavot Shalom: Angus breaks down the Hebrew meaning of "plans to prosper." Hint: It’s not about getting rich; it’s about Shalom—wholeness, peace, and right relationship with God.
• Faithfulness in the Waiting: How God plays the "long game" and why His faithfulness isn't measured by our comfort, but by His presence in our circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

• "God's faithfulness is not measured by our circumstance. It is measured by Him being with us in our circumstance."
• Promise #1: Faithfulness. Even when God seems silent or the "exile" feels permanent, He has not forsaken you.
• Promise #2: Restoration. Exile is never the end of the story. God redeems the years the locusts have eaten, ultimately through the work of Jesus.