Andrew Baker | Romans 8:24-30; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 — We all hope in something. But for the believer, our hope is more than a wishful expectancy. Through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we have been given new birth; saved through no doing of our own. And it is upon this foundation, filled with the assurance of His promise and the certainty of His purpose, that we have a living hope like no other.

Adam Ritchard | John 19:1-6,16-30; Genesis 3:1-15; Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:23; Matthew 26:39, 27:32 — Though sin entered the world through Adam, it is ultimately the sin of each one of us that sent Jesus to the Cross. But, through His pain and sorrow the debt of our sin has been paid in full once and for all. As we look upon the Cross this Good Friday, what will our response be to the one called Jesus?

Andrew Baker | Romans 8:18-23, 12:1-2; Exodus 32:1-12; Matthew 6:19,24,31-33, 17:24-27 — Having proclaimed our freedom and Sonship in Christ, Paul highlights the tension between this freedom and the groaning and bondage of creation. We may have been set free, but unless our hearts and minds are renewed we - like the Israelites and Egypt - still live as though we are captive to the world. Are you living in the freedom that Christ won for you?

Andrew Baker | Romans 7:19,24-25; 8:1-4,15-17 — For those who are in Christ there is no condemnation. We are free! Unlike the world’s version, this freedom is not based on unchaining human desire. Rather, it is anchored to the unconditional love of a God who has adopted us and called us - freed to be His very own sons and daughters.

Adam Ritchard | Romans 6:15-7:6; Titus 2:11-12; Matthew 6:24; John 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — Continuing his rich theological discussion, Paul describes how the grace extended through Jesus’ death and resurrection has released believers from the Old Testament law. We are now bound to Christ, that we would no longer serve sin but be slaves to righteousness. This is a radical shift, but do our lives truly proclaim our new allegiance - can we and others ‘spot the difference’?

Andrew Baker | Romans 6:1-14; 12:1; Jeremiah 2:12-13 — If grace in abundance has been gifted to us by God, should we keep sinning that grace might increase? Paul could not give a clearer ‘no!’. We are dead to sin and have been gifted a new life in Jesus Christ. A gift so great that our lifelong response of passion for Him should swallow up any fleeting passions of this world.

Andrew Baker | Romans 5:1-6:1; Jude 1:24-25; Thessalonians 5:23-24 — Since we have been justified by the righteous sacrifice of Jesus, Paul states that we who put our faith in Him stand in grace. But do we? All too often we fall back into striving as though we could justify ourselves. In this place called grace, all earning gives way to rejoicing in and receiving the abundant provision of life, freely given by our great God. Are you living in this place called grace?

Steve Lazar | Matthew 4:10b; 5:3-7,44; 6:25-33; 7:12; 25:44; 26:36-46 28:20 ; Luke 3:11; 6:27,31; 13:1-5 24:45-47, , Psalm 113:7-8; Galatians 6:7-8; Exodus 20:12 — Our modern context may look very different to New Testament Jerusalem. But as followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example. In every area of life and every situation we face: What would Jesus do? Hear from long term missionary to Mozambique, Steve Lazar.

Andrew Baker | Romans 3:21-26; 4:1-3,9-12,16-25 — Having established God’s provision of justification for all, Paul turns to the ‘how’ - how exactly do we receive the justification we so desperately need? More than just believing, and nothing to do with earning, the key to our salvation is faith: leaning on and living from His unshakeable promises.

Andrew Baker | Romans 3:19-26 — From the Garden of Eden to the present day, humankind longs to be ‘enough’. But as Paul makes clear, we have all fallen short and nothing we can get or do will ever justify us before a truly just God - nothing except His free gift: Through faith in Jesus, His righteousness is given to us. By His blood, the universal longing is ended. Through the finished work of the Cross, it is finished.