Slideshow image

Hey, it’s Josh from Breakthrough!

One of the many things I love about Breakthrough Church is that we get to live and enjoy Kingdom Life together, being part of God’s family, whether that is at Sunday church, life groups, or through the many outreaches and family events.

While these programs are amazing, I have the joy of being part of another weekly program: Breakthrough Academy.

This is where Ps Peter teaches the Word and goes deeper than he ever can on a Sunday. Along with Jordan, I am being trained up in understanding the Bible, equipping me to engage with the Word in a way that transforms how I read, meditate on, and apply it in my life.

This has been life-changing for me, and I would love to share a few insights that have shaped the way I approach the Bible.

If you asked me what has been the most impactful thing Ps Peter has taught me, many things come to mind, but the study of Acts and Paul’s letters has been the most transformative.

We explored each of Paul’s missionary journeys and examined the letters he wrote, understanding the history of the churches he planted and the situations they faced. Seeing what these early Christians experienced and how Paul responded changed what the text meant to me. The Word came alive in a new way. Time and again, I saw that the challenges they faced are challenges we still experience today. By diving deep into their circumstances, I was emboldened to take hold of Paul’s teachings and apply them to my life, gaining a deeper understanding not just of the Word of God, but of the life He wants me to live.

Here are a few quick points that have stayed with me:

  • The church Paul planted at Thessalonica was a new church, only 2–6 months old, but he could not return because the Jews from the local synagogue stirred up trouble. When Paul sent Timothy, he found that the church was thriving despite the pressures of the time. Paul was overjoyed and glad of their progress, especially that they were evangelising. This shows that even at the beginning, God equips us to grow, succeed, and further His Kingdom. We do not need to wait years or go through formal training to be fruitful.

  • In 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Paul is replying to previous letters, so we see a one-sided conversation where he addresses the questions and challenges the church faced. Yet even while responding, he also shares the things that are truly on his heart. This gives us insight into Paul’s heart—and ultimately God’s heart—and how He wants us to live.

  • In Galatians, we see a focus on the law and our freedom in Christ. Some Galatians were returning to the law, even though they were not all Jews. This reminds me to check my heart when I serve God and to ensure that my work comes from faith rather than obligation. “Work by faith”, not “work under the law". True fruitfulness comes from faith, not just effort.

  • Ephesians! Please read it again in this light. The book of Ephesians is when Paul writes what is on his heart. Unhindered and not having to deal with situations or answer questions, he shares about the important things and the things that are eternal.

Breakthrough Academy has been truly life-changing for me, and it is also heaps of fun to be part of. If you’ve never checked it out, I encourage you to join us and experience it for yourself.