Courage and Faith: Strength in God's Presence

In the final message of the "Compelling Church" series, Mark Sayers explores the concept of a spiritual "monastery" at the centre of church life, drawing parallels to how historical monasteries preserved faith during cultural collapse through prayer and holy patterns. As Melbourne's winter approaches, Mark and Trudi introduce a new series called "The Furnace," inviting listeners into a four-month journey of intentional prayer to reignite spiritual passion and overcome what Joshua faced: fear and discouragement. Through examining God's promise that "I will never leave you nor forsake you," Mark challenges believers to become spiritual "pillars" who create space for flourishing in their communities by maintaining a furnace of prayer at the center of their spiritual lives—not through their own strength, but through the compelling presence of Jesus.