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