Luke Watts, Lead Pastor at CityReach Marion, begins our new sermon series in John's Gospel. John the Apostle had a clear purpose in his account of Jesus' life - to provide example, witness, and opportunity for people to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing, they might have life in his name (John 20:31). His introduction to this purpose is to who Jesus really is, and that it really matters - he is the only way to become a child of God.

Will Hall from Compassion Australia shares with us about the 3 spaces of mission. It begins where God's people gather - today, that's the church, to prepare us to go into the marketplace where we demonstrate and proclaim Jesus, and then also erquips us then to be ready when we are invited into spaces where God is not known.

God's compassion reaches further than our own. John Warner from Bush Church Aid Society reflects on Jonah's anger when God showed mercy to Nineveh, revealing how difficult it can be to accept grace for those we believe deserve judgment. Since Christ died for us while we were still His enemies, how might His mercy move you to show compassion to someone you find difficult?

If you are in Christ, you do not stand condemned. John Ewers from Destiny Rescue Australia draws from Romans 8:1–11 to remind believers that the Holy Spirit already dwells in them as Helper, seal, and enabler. Rather than living from fear, failure, or the flesh, you are called to walk by the Spirit, repent when convicted, and bear fruit that witnesses to the world around you.

If the world is reading your life, what is it seeing of the Spirit at work in you?

Every good story longs for a happily ever after, but the closing chapters of Esther refuse to tidy up the mess. On the very day enemies hoped to destroy God’s people, the reverse happened, and relief came in full. As Luke Watts walks through these final scenes, the brutal details aren’t softened, because they carry a weightier truth: God never saves halfway, and He never judges halfway. That same completeness reaches its fullest expression in Jesus, where nothing was held back for your rescue. Warning is a gift, and today is the day you’ve been given.

If God doesn’t deal in half-measures, what will you do with Jesus today?

When the crisis seems tangled and unfinished, Esther reminds believers that God can still be working through the mess.

Darren Western traces the moment when Haman’s plot is exposed, his own gallows become his end, and yet Esther must plead again because the danger to her people remains. From there, the sermon presses toward courageous faith: seeking God’s presence before crisis, using what we have to bless others, and finding hope in the greater victory of Jesus. Listen or watch for a steady reminder that God is committed to his people.

God has made us for honour, but Esther 5:1–6:13 shows how quickly the desire for recognition can become twisted.

Luke Watts traces Esther’s risky approach to the king, Haman’s fragile joy, Mordecai’s unexpected honour, and the sleepless night that reveals God’s providence at work. As Haman’s hunger for glory exposes the selfishness of the human heart, the sermon points to the only King who can take our dishonour, remove our curse, and clothe us in righteousness.

Esther 4 brings God’s people to a moment of crisis. Haman’s law threatens the Jews with death, Mordecai mourns in public, and Esther must decide whether to stay silent or risk her life for her people. Luke Watts shows how Esther responds with courage, trust in God, and love for others. Esther’s brave action points us to Jesus, the true King, who gave His life to save His people.

What does it look like to trust God and do the right thing when staying safe feels easier?

Pride is never harmless. In Esther 3, Haman’s wounded pride becomes rage, manipulation, and a plot to destroy God’s people. James March shows how pride corrupts the heart, blinds judgment, and dehumanises others. Yet even when evil appears unchecked and God seems silent, His sovereign purposes are still at work, pointing us to Jesus, the humble Saviour who forgives, humbles, and transforms His people.