As a Christian, you face the daily tension to conceal your true identity in Christ because we live in the atmosphere of hostility, hatred and rejection towards Jesus and the gospel. Too often our response to this tension is one of compliance and comfort rather than courage and boldness. As we delve into Esther 2:19-3:15 we’ll get to grips with 7 insights on how to navigate this tension.

As you open your eyes each day are you shocked and saddened by the darkness of world. - Objectification is normalised - Reality TV shows mean people are forced to perform for our entertainment - People pursue beauty as the be all and end all - We become so used to the darkness that we seek safety & refuge In the end, we have sinned, we have been sinned against and we carry that shame. It’s a spiral that just keep on getting deeper and deeper. Yet there is hope, hope in the darkness, hope even within our failures, hope when we have been sinned against. Listen to the sermon to find out what this hope is - who this hope is.

In Esther Chapter 1 we find... 1) A kingdom celebrating self 2) A kingdom portrayed as invincible 3) A kingdom portrayed as inescapable. A kingdom blinded by its own self indulgence. In many ways it’s much like the prevailing culture we live in. The big question is... Do you succumb to the temptation to give in to the kingdom of self? Listen to the sermon to hear more of how we might fall for the same things as King Ahaseuerus and how there is a better & truer King that we should worship.

We’ve spend recent weeks considering Our Mission in light of Jesus Mission. When Jesus died, rose again and ascended into heaven the mission did not end. The mission continues snd there are two responses Some will believe and some will reject But in the midst of it all… You are called to proclaim Jesus in the reality of how people will respond. As you read Acts 4 you can begin to see how Jesus doesn’t leave his people helpless. Dig in and find out how you can be bold for mission. We’d really encourage you to listen to this message and consider the significance of what Jesus mission means for you and your Gospel Community

As someone who follows Jesus and calls Him their Lord and their Saviour, you kind of expect them to be singing of Him, telling others about Him, shouting loudly from the rooftop. Too often we don’t see ourselves as missionaries or we think we can leave it to those who are living and speaking for Jesus already. BUT Jesus calls each and every person who believes in Him to share Him with others, to speak of Him, reflect Him, live your life in light of Him. So how is your heart? Does your love for Jesus stir you up to mission? As you read Luke 14 you can begin to see what mission for Jesus looks like.

Mercy from Jesus leads to worship of Jesus and mission with Jesus in the everyday things of life. What would it look like in your life to radically abandon your own life mission to follow Jesus on His mission?

As we look back over the promise of the coming Christ, and celebrate his coming on Christmas Day, we want to not rush out of Christmas and walk into the worthless resolutions that cause us to miss and forget the point of Christmas altogether. In Isaiah 12, we find a song that captures the comfort and hope of the promise God has made in the midst of the darkness. This song rings true for every believer - we have a God that not only makes promised but a God that keeps his promises. What Joy! What Hope! Let’s move into a New Year with hope and longing, with purpose and with joy - with a reason to sing!

All too often we see, sense, feel, and experience conflict in our lives. We end up full of anxiety and crippled by fear. The coming of Jesus, brings with it the peace that is beyond all understanding. In the midst of conflict you can stand at rest, in complete peace.

This year your life may have been filled with pain and sorrow. It’s a reality that affects us personally in all sorts of different ways. As we enter into the season of Advent, we start by reflecting on the joy that can be found in the midst of sorrow.