This Sunday at 3C South Coast, Kurt Jackson brought a message that felt like both a comfort and a correction — the kind that gently pulls you back into the safety of God’s arms. It wasn’t about trying harder, or about digging deep to find some hidden grit. It was about remembering where strength actually comes from.
“Finally, my brethren and my sister, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
That verse doesn’t tell us to be strong in our own willpower. It points us straight to God’s strength — His might — as our true foundation. And if we’re honest, many of us needed that reminder. Life has a way of making us default to self-reliance. We make plans, manage pressure, carry burdens, and only later realise we’ve been living like God is a last resort instead of our first refuge.
Communion: a holy pause for the heart
The service opened with communion and a call to look inward. Not with condemnation. With honesty. It was a moment to bring our hearts before the Lord and allow Him to work in the places we can’t fix on our own.
Communion reminds us that transformation doesn’t start with us getting everything right — it starts with Jesus making a way. As we come to His table, we remember His sacrifice, and we give Him room to change what needs changing.
“Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28
Jesus is the Source
Kurt kept coming back to this truth: Jesus is the Source. Not a supplement to our strength — the Source of it. When we live connected to Him, we live from fullness. When we drift into self-sufficiency, we end up running on empty.
This is where faith becomes practical. When Jesus is your Source, it affects more than Sunday worship. It touches Monday morning attitudes. It shapes how you speak to your family, steadies you under pressure, and softens you when you want to harden. It gives you courage to obey God even when it costs you.
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Your conduct tells a story
One of the most searching parts of the message was the focus on conduct. Not as a performance. As a reflection. Your conduct shows who you believe God is.
Kurt challenged us with something that lands deep: does your life still point to Jesus when things feel unfair, heavy, or confusing? When the pressure hits, what comes out? Because that’s often the real report of what we’re relying on.
Conduct isn’t only what you do. It’s the spirit behind it. The tone, the reactions, the words, the choices — especially when no one is clapping for you.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
And this doesn’t happen by accident. It comes through daily renewal — choosing, again and again, to turn from old patterns and let God reshape your inner life.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
Thankfulness: a doorway for God’s work
Kurt spoke about thankfulness in a way that felt real — not fake smiles, not denial, not pretending everything is fine. Thankfulness is a spiritual choice. It honours God in the middle of hard moments and builds faith when you feel weak.
He pointed to Jesus feeding the 5,000 — not as a cute Bible story, but as a living principle. Jesus gave thanks first, and then provision multiplied.
“And He took the five loaves and the two fish… He blessed and broke them.” Luke 9:16
Gratitude shifts the heart. It reminds you that God is present and able. God is working even when you can’t yet see it.
If you want a beautiful companion read that ties in with this posture of surrender, here’s one you’ll appreciate from Ps Charné Pretorius.
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Holiness begins on the inside
Another strong thread was holiness — not as appearance, but as inward shaping. Holiness shows up when the inside of your life starts matching the presence of God you claim to carry. It’s not perfection, it’s surrender. It’s allowing God to work in your character so your conduct carries His fragrance.
“Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16
God is your refuge, not just your idea
There was a tender moment when Kurt spoke about God as refuge — not theory, but a real place of safety. Some people walked in with heavy regrets, old wounds, and private battles. The Word didn’t push anyone away. It welcomed us back to the truth that God is near and trustworthy.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
That means you don’t have to hide from Him when you’re struggling. You can run to Him.
The Holy Spirit empowers real living
Kurt reminded us that the Holy Spirit is not optional for the believer. The Spirit of God regenerates us, strengthens us, and makes our lives useful for God’s purposes. We don’t live the Christian life by effort alone — we live it by empowerment.
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” Acts 1:8
Strength grows through simple, faithful habits
The message ended with a call back to the basics — not because basics are small, but because they carry power:
- Obedience to the Word
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 - Consistent prayer
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Meditating on scripture
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… then you will make your way prosperous.” Joshua 1:8
These habits don’t earn God’s love. They keep you connected to His strength.
For Cell Leaders: Short Guide
Read: Ephesians 6:10 together. Ask: What does “strong in the Lord” look like in real life this week?
Key beliefs and mindsets
- God is my Source, not my backup
- Weakness is not failure; it’s an invitation to trust
- God is present in trouble
- I can stand firm through His power
Key attitudes and behaviours
- Choose gratitude daily
- Speak like someone who belongs to Jesus
- Pray consistently
- Make room for the Holy Spirit to lead your reactions
Activation: Let each person name one area where they’ve relied on themselves. Pray for fresh strength and a grateful heart.
If someone wants to give their life to Jesus, share this link kindly. If anyone needs prayer, counselling, or a chat with the team, send them here.
Prayer for Standing Strong in the Lord
Lord Jesus, we come back to You as our Source.
Forgive us for trying to carry what You never asked us to carry alone. Strengthen us in Your might. Renew our minds and shape our conduct so our lives reflect You, even under pressure. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, and place deep gratitude in our hearts.
Be our refuge and our help today.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
