Embracing the Cross: The Call to Communion and Commitment

In this first Easter message, Pastor Mark Sayers explores the provocative painting "The Shadow of Death" by Holman Hunt to reveal how the cross of Christ casts its shadow over our everyday lives. Beginning with the story of Hunt's controversial depiction of Jesus as a working carpenter, Mark unpacks Luke 9:18-25 to demonstrate how Jesus' call to "take up your cross daily" challenges both our pursuit of happiness and our attempts to be good people in our own strength. This sermon invites listeners to discover the paradoxical truth that surrendering our will to Christ is both harder and easier than living according to the world's standards. Join us for a fresh perspective on how the cross transforms not just our eternal destiny, but our daily discipleship.