The Journey Home

Sunday round up — 3rd May 2026

Pastor John Powell

This Sundays Round Up is not just a recap but a marker in the ground for future generations. It felt like the turning of a page in a book which started before the beginning of time — there was a shift in the atmosphere, a moment when heaven leaned close to see what would happen next.

After a deeply emotional and liberating weekend away at Ffald‑y‑Brenin, the ladies returned carrying something fresh — a lightness, a freedom, a softness of spirit that was contagious. As we gathered for worship, it felt as though the whole church inhaled a breath of new life. There was a spring in our step, the kind that comes only when burdens have been laid down and the soul has been unclenched.

You could feel it: something is stirring at Church on the Move.

Something is awakening.

And then Joel rang the bell.

It was not as a symbol, not as a gimmick, but as a declaration: “God is on the move.”

It was a call to attention — a reminder that when God moves, His people must move with Him.

The last few weeks have been preparing us for this moment. We’ve been learning to cultivate the ground of our hearts, to grow in grace, to build community, and to root out the little foxes of confusion that try to steal the fruit of what God is doing. All of it has been leading to this message from Pastor John — a message about understanding our role in the coming move of God and learning how to follow where He leads.

The Father’s Heart — The Mission of the Son

John began by taking us straight to the heart of the Father in John 3:13–17.

Jesus did not come simply to teach or to heal. He came on a mission — a mission rooted in the Father’s longing to bring His children home. Like the prodigal son in reverse, Jesus left the Father’s house to go and retrieve the lost. There is a Father standing at an open doorway, waiting for His children to return.

John shared a story of a man who had lost his father — "he was the last man who wanted me to do better than himself". That simple statement struck me. It revealed something profound about the Father’s heart: He wants His children to flourish.  He wants them to rise higher, go further, and walk in the fullness of what He created them to be.

When Jesus says, “What you do in My name…” He is revealing a Father who delights in the success of His children.

And this mission was not random. It was prophesied. Over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament pointed to the coming of the Son — spoken thousands of years before His birth. Every one of them declared the same truth:

The Son will return in victory and take you home.

Even when it feels like He’s not showing up, He is always faithful. John reminded us that we are not far off the moment when the Father will say to the Son, “Go bring them home.”

The True Shepherd — The Doorway Matters

From there, we moved to John 10:1–14, where Jesus describes Himself as the True Shepherd who leaves the ninety‑nine to find the one. The sheepfold is the earth. The sheep astray is us.

But the detail that stood out this week was this: The true Shepherd always enters by the door.

He doesn’t climb over the wall. He doesn’t force His way in. He doesn’t manipulate or coerce.

He comes through the legitimate doorway — the one established by prophecy, righteousness, and obedience.

The journey home is not bound by time or space. Jesus leads us from hell to heaven, from death to life, from lostness to belonging. Religion says you can earn it. Jesus says you can’t. It is His righteousness that carries you home.

The Tabernacle — A Pattern for Our Journey

John then took us into the Tabernacle — not as an ancient structure, but as a living pattern for our daily walk with God.

The Tabernacle is a map of the journey of Christ, and it becomes a map for our own transformation.

Jesus was on the throne before time began. He knew who would hear His voice and who would reject Him. And from that high place, He called you.

“My sheep know My voice.”  

And so, the journey begins at the throne.

The Veil — The Great Separation

The outer court represents earth — the realm of flesh, humanity, and the beginning of the journey.

Jesus left His heavenly throne, ripped through the veil which seperates Heaven from Earth, passed the altar of incense, the lamp of the Word and table of communion, the laver of revelation, the place of His own sacrifice, and through the gateway of salvation.

There is no other way in. No back entrance. No shortcuts. No alternative routes.

Jesus didn’t come to create rules — He came to bring life in full.

And intimacy at the Earthly throne means you can bring Him your good, your bad, and your ugly — and worship without shame which is only possible through Christ. And when He enters through the door you recognise the True Shepherd.

Watchmen — Opening the Door

Isaiah is full of raw, radical statements. John reminded us that if we are in any doubt, we must become watchmen over our own thoughts and words — guarding what we speak, guarding what we believe, guarding what we allow to shape our hearts.

The Watchmen open the door.

The Old Testament prophecies of Jesus were spoken by watchmen. John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah and declared, “Prepare the way. Open up the door.”

With all 300 prophecies behind him, he could speak with absolute confidence: “Speak and it will be done. Ask and the door will be opened.”

When Jesus entered the Outer Court — the earth — the devil could not touch Him. He set the captives free because He came through the legitimate doorway, fulfilling every prophecy spoken over Him.

And just like Jesus’ life, ours can look chaotic, out of sync, or “off track.” But everything God has spoken over you will be fulfilled in perfect time.

From the Throne to Sheol

John then took us deeper into the mystery of salvation.

Jesus came from outside of time to call the sheep. Outside the Tabernacle tent — Sheol — represents the lowest place. Jesus travelled from the highest place (the throne) to the lowest place (Sheol).

And God takes us on the reverse journey.

We are born into the lowest point — flesh, sin, brokenness. But at salvation, He begins lifting us. Our old self is nailed to the cross with Him. We die with Him. We rise with Him. We become brand‑new creations.

Our journey through the Tabernacle begins — moving toward intimacy with the Father at the altar.

Intimacy — Recognising the Father’s Voice

Intimacy is not a feeling. It is a posture.

It is offloading your burdens. It is being released from their weight. It is learning to recognise the Father’s voice.

John asked a simple but profound question:

How would you enter your earthly father’s home?

With confidence. With belonging. With ease.

God is your Abba Father. Don’t compare Him to your earthly father — let Him reveal what a real Father is. Walk in newness of life.

There is nothing He will hold back from His sons and daughters.

From day zero of salvation, you receive everything you need — though it may take time to understand and use the gifts.

In the Spirit, you are already seated with Him in heavenly places. So pray from that position. Stand from that position. Live from that position. You already have the faith and gifts you need.

Psalm 23 — The Mapped‑Out Journey

Psalm 23 reminds us that He has already mapped out our path — the paths of righteousness - the valleys, the rivers, the mountains.

There is only one way: Jesus.

But like Israel following the pillar of fire in circles, God sometimes takes us on the scenic route to teach a whole generation to trust Him — even when the path doesn’t make sense.

The journey is long-term, not overnight.

Every time you think you understand Him, He surprises you.

Every challenge becomes a lesson.

Every valley becomes a testimony.

Every step becomes a blessing.

There is no other way but through and with Jesus. And the Father is calling you home.

Closing Prayer

“What seemed impossible before is not impossible to You. Thank You for the journey I uniquely have with You. With fresh eyes I see the path clearly. Thank You for resurrection power — available through Your Spirit, overflowing so I can be a blessing to others. I will count it all as blessing, not sacrifice.”