The cross of Christ is the crux of the Christian faith. In this service we reflect on a few of the many Old Testament events and figures which pointed toward the cross, and which help us to more fully grasp what was accomplished there - the "full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world".

10-04-20 - Lucas Durant

In the midst of unprecedented devastation God's people never lack hope. Whereas even in the midst of astounding prosperity, the nations have no hope.  The Day of the Lord will be a day of both well-deserved condemnation and gracious salvation.  

05-04-20 - Lucas Durant

If we cannot manipulate the Lord into doing our will (He cannot be controlled) or offer him something that he needs (He needs nothing from us), why does does the Lord relent from his judgment on his sinful people? He relents to bring glory to His own name, for His nature is always to have mercy, and He is abounding in steadfast love.   

29-03-20 - Lucas Durant

Joel is clear that the unprecedented devastation that God's people were facing was from the hand of the Lord. If God is the one superintending calamity, that should give us hope. It means that suffering is not a product of random chaos or of demonic attack, but an instrument of discipline in the Father's hand. By it He prepares us for the final judgement and teaches us to repent.

22-03-20 - Lucas Durant

What might God be teaching us in times of unprecedented devastation and how should we respond? The prophet Joel challenges us to face up to the devastation, and lament before the Lord. If we weep, wail and cry out for God's help, we will benefit in the midst of trials.  

15-03-20 - Lucas Durant 

Why does the gospel of Jesus, which is supposed to be 'good news', create such division? Because it is a public truth that demands a reordering of relationships and a reordering of priorities. Most people will not receive it, but by it some will secure an eternal reward.   

08-03-2020 - Lucas Durant

What should Christians expect as we go out preaching the message of repentance and faith? Jesus makes it very clear that we should expect harsh opposition. Yet Jesus sends his followers out with reassurances that let them face opposition with fearless confidence.  

01-03-2020 - James Hall

The Gospel is a message of reconciliation. By his death, Jesus has made a sufficient sacrifice to reconcile sinful humanity to a holy God. But this reconciliation must be received to become effective in the lives of individuals. How can people receive it? God sends us out as his ambassadors to make His appeal through us.

23-02-20 - Lucas Durant

How does Jesus feel as he looks around at the great mass of humanity with all all our anxieties, suffering, and sin? He feels gut-wrenching compassion for us. His compassion motivates Him to send out his followers on mission to proclaim the good news.

16-02-2020 - Lucas Durant

In his public ministry, Jesus indisputably established his authority over disease, death and demons. Many had seen him do the miraculous with their own eyes, and they could speak to the people who had been healed. Yet people responded to the evidence about Jesus in different ways. Those who sought Jesus with desperation found one thing, those who approached him with defiance found another.  

09-02-20 - Lucas Durant