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.

Lindy Wilson explores the biblical metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasising that connecting with God is less about spiritual techniques and more about developing an intimate relationship. Drawing on the imagery of sheep dependence, she reveals how God speaks not through grand gestures, but through gentle whispers in everyday moments. Using a compelling comparison between the Holy Spirit's loving guidance and the enemy's condemning voices, Wilson invites listeners to trust God's character, recognise His compassionate communication, and remain close to Jesus like sheep staying near their protective shepherd.

Mark Sayers dives into the intriguing theme of decay and renewal, using personal anecdotes and the second law of thermodynamics to explore spiritual implications. He reflects on the story of Joseph of Arimathea as a symbol of bold faith, urging listeners to emerge from passive waiting into active belief. The discussion highlights the cyclical nature of change and the importance of maintaining faith amid disillusionment. As Easter approaches, Sayers encourages a courageous embrace of renewal and the revitalizing power of resurrection.

From Bridgetown Church, Portland, Oregon, Gerald Griffin shares how suffering and hope can coexist within us, expanding our souls and making us more like Jesus. Drawing from the story of a father honouring God's goodness at his son's funeral, Griffin explores how the church in Smyrna's persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) reveals that faithful endurance through trials releases a beautiful fragrance. Griffin challenges us to see the kingdom of God not as distant but present all around us, closer than we think—an invisible reality more real than what we see. Through personal stories of transformation and Dallas Willard's teachings, he reminds us that the ultimate reward for faithfulness is Jesus Himself, both now and eternally.

Explore how authentic encouragement can deeply influence our identities and personal growth. The discussion reveals how many people feel 'encouragement-starved' and the power of genuine support during tough times. Learn about the difference between hollow compliments and heartfelt words that uplift. Insights on the importance of community and scripture as sources of encouragement underscore their role in fostering resilience. Discover how to cultivate a culture of encouragement that helps individuals and communities thrive.

Mark Sayers dives into the church's vital role as God's witness, addressing its mission of compassionate engagement. He highlights the urgent need for spiritual renewal in Australia amidst materialism. Fascinating stories of faith, particularly from Gen Z, reveal unexpected spiritual inclinations. The conversation encourages active community service and emphasizes prayer as essential for addressing modern challenges. Additionally, uplifting trends like increased baptisms offer renewed hope, inspiring listeners to share their faith confidently in a chaotic world.

Pastor Mark discusses the surprising ways God's Kingdom manifests through everyday people. He notes Australia’s growing interest in Christian schools, hinting at a potential spiritual revival. Personal stories and a Malaysian testimony illustrate how God works through weakness. The conversation shifts to the challenges of faith within familiar settings, examining how perceptions of Jesus can change. Listeners are encouraged to find God's influence in daily chaos and to embrace their unique contributions to community transformation.

In a world increasingly marked by isolation, the need for authentic community shines through. The discussion dives into modern individualism and its role in rising loneliness, highlighting the importance of connections within the church. Fascinating insights reveal how metaphorical underwater cable sabotage mirrors societal fragility. The concept of oikos showcases how faith nurtures relationships while challenging the trend of solitary living. Solutions include forging non-tech small groups to rebuild meaningful interactions and foster belonging in faith communities.

Mark Sayers delves into how God's movements can grow from humble beginnings to city-wide impacts, drawing on Melbourne's revival history. The importance of personal transformation as a catalyst for spiritual renewal is explored. He reveals how Jesus chose ordinary disciples, proving that dedicated individuals can drive significant social change. A humorous anecdote about a failed pavlova leads to discussions on discerning true quality in church experiences. Ultimately, the focus is on reflecting God's image and prioritizing a vibrant relationship with Him over societal pressures.

Pastor Trudi Sayers explores Psalm 46, revealing God as our ultimate place of safety and belonging. Through personal stories and biblical insights, she invites listeners to surrender their struggles and find peace in God's presence, offering a powerful message of hope, trust, and spiritual homecoming.