Follow The Fire | amy Nicholson | 21 June 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify Follow the Fire What if God is speaking more often than we realize? Life is noisy. Between work, family, notifications, deadlines, and endless distractions, it's easy to move from one day to the next without ever slowing down. But what if, in the middle of our ordinary routines, God is trying to get our attention? In Exodus 3, Moses is tending sheep when he notices something unusual - a bush that is on fire but isn't burning up. Instead of carrying on with his day, he stops. He becomes curious. He moves closer. And that's where everything changes. The fire speaks. Moses encounters the living God, receives a new identity, discovers his calling, and begins a journey that would change history. The turning point wasn't that God suddenly appeared; it was that Moses chose to stop and pay attention. The Fire Still Speaks Many of us wish we could have a dramatic "burning bush moment." We long to hear God's voice clearly and confidently. The encouraging truth is that the same God who spoke to Moses is still speaking today. God is deeply personal. He knows each of us intimately and communicates in ways that draw us closer to Him. While our experiences may look different from Moses', His desire remains the same - to reveal Himself and lead His people. The challenge is rarely that God is silent. More often, we're simply too distracted to listen. Seeking God's Voice Following God begins with intentionally seeking Him. Seeking isn't passive - it requires purpose. It means creating space to hear His voice above the noise of everyday life. God speaks through many different avenues: His Word, which is living and active. Times of worship that lift our eyes back to Him. Other believers who encourage, challenge, or speak truth into our lives. Moments of quiet reflection where we intentionally remove distractions. The question isn't whether God is speaking. The question is whether we're making room to listen. God Is a Consuming Fire The burning bush reminds us that God is not only personal - He is holy. Throughout Scripture, God is described as a consuming fire. He is loving, compassionate, gracious, and patient. But He is also majestic, powerful, and worthy of reverence. Sometimes it's tempting to become overly familiar with God, forgetting the awe that should accompany His presence. The God who welcomes us is also the Creator of the universe. He is both near and holy. This understanding transforms our worship. We don't gather simply because it's part of our weekly routine. We gather because we are responding to a God who deserves our wholehearted devotion. Following the Fire After meeting God, Moses didn't simply have a remarkable experience. He spent the next forty years following Him. The Israelites moved when the pillar of fire moved. They waited when it stopped. God's presence became their guide through every wilderness, every obstacle, and every miracle. Following God still looks like that today. It means trusting Him when the path ahead isn't clear. It means saying "yes" when He calls and laying down our own plans when He leads in a different direction. As a church, we're stepping into a season we've simply called Follow the Fire. It's an invitation to seek God's voice together, trust His leading, and believe that His plans are better than anything we could design ourselves. We don't know every step ahead, but we know the One who leads us. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12 reminds us to throw off everything that hinders and to fix our eyes on Jesus - the One who began and perfected our faith. When our faith grows tired, we remember His faithfulness. When uncertainty comes, we trust His unshakable Kingdom. When distractions compete for our attention, we choose once again to follow the fire. God is still speaking. The question is: Will we stop, move closer, and follow where He leads? Life Group Questions Have you ever had to completely change your plans because something unexpected happened? How did you respond? Moses noticed the burning bush because he stopped and paid attention. What are some of the biggest distractions that keep us from noticing God at work in our daily lives? In what ways have you experienced God speaking to you in the past (through Scripture, worship, other people, prayer, circumstances, or something else)? Moses followed God's leading for the next forty years. Why is following God often more about daily obedience than one dramatic decision? What is one distraction you need to put aside this week to create more space to hear God's voice?

I AM THE TRUE VINE | Gareth Nicholson | 14 June 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify Connected to the True Vine "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener." - John 15:1 There is something fascinating about a vineyard. Every season serves a purpose. Autumn brings harvest. Winter brings pruning. Spring brings new buds, and summer brings growth. Vineyard owners carefully tend every vine because their goal isn't simply more grapes - it's better fruit. It's no surprise that Jesus chose this imagery when speaking to His disciples. In John 15, just after the Last Supper and moments before His arrest, Jesus shares one of His most powerful teachings: "I am the true vine." At first glance, it seems like a simple metaphor. Grapes grow on branches. Branches must stay connected to the vine. Disconnect the branch, and no fruit will grow. But Jesus is inviting us into something much deeper. The Choice to Stay Connected Jesus describes three types of branches: A branch connected to the vine but bearing no fruit. A branch connected to the vine and producing fruit. A branch disconnected from the vine altogether. The lesson is simple: fruit only grows where there is connection. A branch cannot produce grapes through effort. It doesn't strain, strive, or force fruit into existence. It simply remains connected to the source of life. The same is true for us. Many of us spend our lives trying harder - trying to be more patient, more loving, more self-controlled, more faithful. Yet Jesus points us toward a different way. Rather than striving through self-effort, He invites us to remain in Him. The goal is fruit. Fruit requires connection. And connection is a choice. Christ in You -and You in Christ One of the great mysteries of the Christian faith is that Christ lives in us, and we live in Him. The Apostle Paul writes: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) When we place our faith in Jesus, His life becomes our life. His wisdom, peace, strength, and presence are available to us. But there is another incredible truth: we are also "in Christ." Over and over again, Paul uses that phrase throughout his letters. Being in Christ means living under His covering, His righteousness, His grace, and His love. Jesus isn't calling us to work harder. He's calling us to trust deeper. The Christian life isn't about trying to manufacture fruit. It's about allowing the life of Christ to flow through us. What Does Fruit Look Like? If someone looked closely at your life, what would they find growing? Paul gives us the answer in Galatians 5: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These qualities aren't produced through willpower. They are evidence of a healthy connection to Jesus. Fruit takes time to grow. Just as a vineyard doesn't produce a harvest overnight, spiritual maturity is a process. Growth is often slow, sometimes invisible, but over time the evidence becomes clear. Jesus said His followers would be known by their fruit. The question isn't whether fruit appears instantly. The question is whether we are staying connected to the Vine. The Importance of Abiding Jesus repeats a key phrase throughout John 15: "Remain in me." To abide means to dwell, remain, stay connected, and cultivate intimacy with Him. So how do we do that? Jesus gives a practical answer: "If you remain in me and my words remain in you..." (John 15:7) Abiding begins with God's Word. When we regularly spend time in Scripture, we allow God's truth to shape our view of Him, shape our understanding of ourselves, and transform the way we live. The Word cleanses us. The Word reminds us who God is. The Word renews our minds and strengthens our faith. In a world constantly competing for our attention, Jesus calls us back to the most important thing: staying connected to Him through His Word. The Word of God transforms. The words of the world push us toward performance. One brings life. The other brings pressure. When the Gardener Prunes Pruning can feel painful. In a vineyard, pruning removes healthy growth so that future harvests will be even better. It looks drastic from the outside, but the gardener understands what the vine needs. Sometimes God leads us through seasons that feel exactly like that. Opportunities end. Plans change. Comforts disappear. Things that once seemed fruitful are removed. In those moments, it's easy to ask, "Why is this happening?" But pruning isn't punishment. Pruning is preparation. The Gardener sees what we cannot see. He removes what is unnecessary so that greater fruit can come in the seasons ahead. If you're in a pruning season right now, trust the Gardener. His goal is not your discomfort - it's your growth. When You Feel Fruitless Perhaps the most encouraging part of Jesus' teaching is for those who feel connected to Him but see little fruit in their lives. Sometimes life becomes heavy. Disappointment, grief, failure, or hardship can weigh us down until we feel like a branch dragging through the dirt. Yet the heart of the Father is not to discard us. The image is one of a loving gardener who lifts up the branch, cleans it off, repositions it, and helps it receive life again. You are valuable to Him. You are not forgotten. You are not useless. You are not beyond restoration. The Father delights in lifting weary branches back into a place where they can flourish again. Stay Connected John 15 ultimately brings us back to one simple invitation: Stay connected to the Vine. If you've drifted, come back. If you've neglected God's Word, start again. If you're in a pruning season, trust the Gardener. If you feel weighed down and fruitless, allow Him to lift you up. Jesus' promise remains unchanged: "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." (John 15:5) The goal is fruit. Fruit requires connection. And the invitation today is to remain in the True Vine. Life Group Questions If you could grow any fruit in your backyard, what would it be and why? Why do you think Jesus emphasizes the word "remain" or "abide" so many times in John 15? What does "staying connected to Jesus" practically look like in your daily life? Why do you think spiritual fruit grows slowly rather than instantly? Have you ever experienced a "pruning season" where God removed something from your life? Looking back, what did you learn? The message spoke about needing a "fruit inspector." Do you have people in your life who can lovingly speak truth into your spiritual growth? What is one area where you need Jesus to either connect you, prune you, lift you up, or help you bear fruit?

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE | Gareth Nicholson | 07 June 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify Jesus: The Way, The Truth, and The Life In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, and ideas, one question remains as important as ever: What is truth? Today, many people believe that truth is something personal and flexible. What's true for one person may not be true for another. Culture, circumstances, and individual experiences often shape how we define right and wrong. Yet Jesus made a bold declaration that cuts through the confusion: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Jesus didn't claim to know the truth or teach a truth. He claimed to be the truth. The Search for Truth Our culture increasingly promotes the idea that truth is something we create rather than something we discover. We're told to follow our hearts, define our own identities, and determine our own paths. But what happens when everyone creates their own truth? Without an absolute reference point, truth becomes dependent on culture, circumstances, and personal preference. The result is confusion, uncertainty, and a growing inability to distinguish between what is true and what merely feels true. Jesus offers a different foundation. He invites us to anchor our lives not in shifting opinions but in an unchanging person. The Lies We Believe When we're unsure about truth, it creates space for deception. From the very beginning, the enemy's strategy has been to plant seeds of doubt and lies. Many of us unknowingly live under false beliefs such as: I'm not worthy. I'll never change. I'm powerless. I'm alone. Nobody understands me. God could never use someone like me. The danger of believing these lies is that they begin to shape our identity. The more we believe them, the more they become our reality. But Jesus said: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Freedom comes when we replace lies with truth. A lie only has power when we agree with it. In the same way, truth transforms us when we choose to believe it. Jesus is the truth that breaks chains, renews minds, and restores identity. Our Biggest Problem Isn't That We're Bad Many people spend their lives trying to become better versions of themselves. We work hard to improve our behaviour, manage our mistakes, and become more moral. But Scripture presents a deeper problem. The issue isn't simply that we are bad. The issue is that, apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead. Sin doesn't merely make us bad people. Sin makes us dead. The Apostle Paul writes: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins... But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ." (Ephesians 2:1,4-5) No amount of self-improvement can solve spiritual death. Good behaviour cannot produce spiritual life. Only Jesus can. Through His grace, God does for us what we could never do for ourselves: He makes us alive. The Appearance of Life It's possible to look alive on the outside while being disconnected from the source of life. A bouquet of flowers may appear vibrant and beautiful, but once cut from its roots, it is already dying. For a while, the signs of life remain visible, but the connection to the source has been lost. In many ways, this mirrors our world today. We often see the appearance of life, success, and fulfilment, but underneath there is a deep spiritual emptiness. Life was never meant to be lived independently from God. Jesus alone is the source of true and lasting life. Jesus + Nothing = Everything One of the most powerful truths of the Gospel is its simplicity. We often try to add things to Jesus: Jesus plus good works. Jesus plus religious performance. Jesus plus self-effort. Jesus plus success. Jesus plus possessions. Jesus plus approval from others. Jesus plus spiritual alternatives. But none of these things can save us. Jesus plus anything else ultimately leads to disappointment. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. Everything we need for forgiveness, purpose, identity, freedom, and eternal life is found in Him. The invitation of Jesus is not to work harder but to trust Him completely. A World Searching for Answers Across the world, there are signs that people are searching for something deeper. Many are discovering that self-made truth and radical individualism cannot satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. People are hungry for meaning, purpose, hope, and truth. The answer is not found in another philosophy, trend, or self-help strategy. The answer is Jesus. He is still calling people to Himself. He is still bringing freedom to the captive, hope to the broken, and life to the spiritually dead. Our Invitation As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of pointing others to Him. We don't need theological degrees or perfect answers. We simply need to share our story. We can tell people how Jesus met us in our struggles, changed our lives, and became our way, our truth, and our life. In a confused and searching world, our message remains clear: Jesus is the way. Jesus is the truth. Jesus is the life. And through Him, we find the Father, discover our true identity, and receive the eternal life we were created for. The invitation remains open to everyone: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13) Will you trust Him today? Life Group Questions Have you ever witnessed a dramatic transformation in a person, family, or community? What stood out to you? Can you identify an area of your life where you need to trust Jesus as the "I AM" right now, rather than waiting for a future solution? Why do you think the gospel brought transformation not only to individuals but also to entire villages and communities? What challenges can prevent us from sharing the life and hope we have in Christ? How can our Life Group be a source of "zoe" life in our church, neighborhood, or workplace? If the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, how should that change the way we live, pray, and engage with the world around us?

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE | Paul Van Coller | 31 May 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify I Am the Resurrection and the Life "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'" — John 11:25 There is something extraordinary about watching the gospel transform lives. Not simply changing beliefs, but bringing real, tangible life where there was once darkness, fear, and hopelessness. Last year, a mission team traveled into a remote area of Zambia where many people had never truly heard the gospel. Some knew about demons and witchcraft, but knew nothing about Jesus. As the team shared the good news of Christ, entire villages responded with joy and faith. One village headman had a severely swollen leg. After accepting Christ, he was offered prayer for healing. Surprisingly, he refused. He explained that he had previously sought help from a witch doctor and believed that if his leg were healed, he would owe the witch doctor a cow. Having just surrendered his life to Jesus, he wanted nothing more to do with the darkness of his past. His response revealed a powerful understanding of repentance. He understood that following Christ meant leaving his old life behind. Determined to meet this witch doctor, the team eventually found him. As they shared the gospel, he became visibly uncomfortable. Holding his head, he admitted, "What you're saying is the truth, and it's hurting my head." That day, both the witch doctor and his friend surrendered their lives to Christ. A few weeks later, the former witch doctor was baptized and given a new name: Godfree, because God had set him free. Today, Godfree is leading a church. He has contacted former clients and fellow witch doctors, encouraging them to burn their charms and trust in Jesus instead. What once spread darkness is now spreading light. Only God can do that. The Gospel Changes Everything Throughout Scripture and church history, we see the same pattern repeated: when Jesus enters a life, transformation follows. Years ago, another village received the gospel. The community was impoverished, disorganized, and struggling. After embracing Christ, something remarkable happened. When missionaries returned weeks later, they hardly recognized the village. It was clean. No one had instructed them to clean their surroundings. No development program had been introduced. Yet something had changed on the inside, and it began to affect everything on the outside. Over the following years, families grew stronger, children became healthier, schools were established, and leaders emerged. What was once one of the poorest villages became one of the most flourishing communities in the region. The gospel doesn't simply improve behavior; it brings life. The God of "I AM" In John 11, Martha is grieving the death of her brother Lazarus. She believes in a future resurrection, but Jesus redirects her attention. He says: "I am the resurrection and the life." Martha was looking toward a future promise. Jesus pointed her to a present reality. This echoes God's introduction of Himself to Moses in Exodus 3: "I AM WHO I AM." God is not merely the God who was or the God who will be. He is the God who is. He is present. He is active. He is working now. Many believers have faith for what God will do someday, but struggle to trust Him for today. Yet Jesus reminds us that the power of resurrection is not merely a future hope; it is a present reality found in Him. More Than Biological Life The New Testament uses different Greek words for life. One is bios, referring to physical, earthly existence. The other is zoe, referring to the very life of God - eternal, divine, supernatural life. When Jesus declares, "I am the life," He is speaking of zoe. This life cannot be destroyed by suffering, sickness, disappointment, or even death itself. It is the same life that raised Jesus from the grave. It is the life that transformed villages, healed broken families, and changed the hearts of former witch doctors. It is the life available to every believer. From Death to Life Jesus says in John 5:24: "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." The moment we place our faith in Christ, we cross from death into life. That life begins transforming us from the inside out. For some, the change is dramatic and immediate. For others, it is gradual. But it is always real. The testimony of every believer is ultimately the same: Christ came in. Christ changed me. Christ gave me life. Rivers of Living Water The gospel was never meant to stop with us. Jesus said: "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38) The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. The same resurrection life that raised Christ from the dead now dwells in us. We are carriers of hope. We are carriers of life. We are carriers of the presence of God. Every day, we encounter people who are hurting, discouraged, fearful, or searching for meaning. We don't merely offer advice or encouragement - we carry the life of Christ. The world is desperately searching for hope. Jesus is that hope. A Question for All of Us The story of transformed villages is inspiring, but it also raises a personal question: What are we doing with the life we have received? If Christ has brought us from death to life, then that life should overflow into our homes, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. The gospel remains as powerful today as it was when Jesus first proclaimed it. It still rescues. It still heals. It still restores. It still transforms. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. And through His Spirit, that life now lives in us. Life Group Questions Have you ever witnessed a dramatic transformation in a person, family, or community? What stood out to you? Can you identify an area of your life where you need to trust Jesus as the "I AM" right now, rather than waiting for a future solution? Why do you think the gospel brought transformation not only to individuals but also to entire villages and communities? What challenges can prevent us from sharing the life and hope we have in Christ? How can our Life Group be a source of "zoe" life in our church, neighborhood, or workplace? If the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, how should that change the way we live, pray, and engage with the world around us?

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD | Gareth Nicholson | 24 May 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify Hearing the Voice That Leads to Life In John 10, Jesus makes one of the most personal and powerful statements in all of Scripture: “I am the good shepherd.” At first glance, being compared to sheep may not feel flattering. Sheep are often seen as weak, dependent, and directionless. But when Jesus used this image, His audience understood something deeper. Sheep were valuable. They were known personally by their shepherd. They depended on the shepherd not only for protection, but for food, water, peace, and life itself. And maybe that’s more true of us than we would like to admit. We Are All Following Something Jesus says: “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.” The question is not whether we are following something. The question is what - or who - we are following. Every day, voices compete for our attention: Fear Culture Success Trauma Approval Anger Social pressure Past pain Some voices lead to anxiety, emptiness, and destruction. Jesus describes them as “thieves and robbers” that come “to steal, kill and destroy.” But the voice of the Good Shepherd is different. He leads toward life. Not just survival. Not temporary happiness. But abundant, eternal life. The Difference Between Good and Bad Shepherds Jesus contrasts Himself with hired hands and false shepherds. Bad shepherds: Exploit people Protect themselves first Run when pressure comes Abandon others in moments of danger Use leadership for personal gain But Jesus says: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This is what makes Jesus unlike every other leader. He does not sacrifice the sheep for Himself - He sacrifices Himself for the sheep. He protects. He provides. He stays. He leads. He loves. Even to the point of the cross. When Hurt Makes It Hard to Trust For many people, the idea of a “good shepherd” is difficult to believe because life has introduced them to bad ones. Some have experienced hurt in churches. Others carry wounds from parents, authority figures, leaders, or relationships that were supposed to be safe. Some know the pain of abandonment. Some know manipulation. Some know anger, addiction, betrayal, or abuse. And often, those painful experiences become a filter through which we see God. But human failure is not the reflection of God’s heart. Jesus is not the abusive shepherd. He is not the absent shepherd. He is not the manipulative shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd. And through the healing power of the Holy Spirit, God can remove the barriers that pain has built and restore our ability to trust Him again. The Shepherd Who Never Runs In Ezekiel 34, God speaks against the shepherds of Israel who abandoned His people. Then He makes an incredible promise: “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” Centuries later, Jesus stands in John 10 and declares: “I am the good shepherd.” This was more than a metaphor. It was a declaration of identity. Jesus was revealing that God Himself had come to lead, rescue, and restore His people. And unlike every earthly leader, He would never abandon His flock. One Shepherd, One Flock Jesus also says something deeply important: “There will be one flock and one shepherd.” This means the Church belongs to Jesus. Not to personalities. Not to platforms. Not to denominations. There is one Shepherd. And His heart is always to bring more sheep home. That means the Church should be a place where: wounded people find healing, lonely people find family, broken people discover hope, and new people are welcomed with grace. Because every sheep matters to the Shepherd. The Promise of the Good Shepherd Jesus promises His sheep: abundant life, eternal security, relationship with Him, and a voice they can learn to recognize. “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” Life may still contain hardship, grief, and struggle. But the Good Shepherd holds His people securely. He does not abandon them in suffering. He walks with them through it. And as we learn to recognize His voice above all others, we discover the peace, safety, and purpose only He can provide. Final Thought You are like a sheep. Not helpless or worthless - but deeply in need of a Shepherd. And the good news of John 10 is this: You have one. Jesus is the Shepherd who knows you, calls you by name, protects you, provides for you, and laid down His life so that you could truly live. The invitation remains open: Will you trust His voice? Life Group Questions If you could choose any animal to describe yourself, what would it be and why? The message spoke about how past hurt can become a filter through which we see God. Have you experienced that in any way? Why is it sometimes difficult to trust leadership, authority, or even God? What are some “voices” that compete for your attention and influence your decisions? How can we learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in our everyday lives? Who in your life might need encouragement, care, or shepherding from you this week?

I AM THE DOOR [GATE] OF THE SHEEP | Peter Molver | 17 May 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify There’s something deeply painful about rejection. Most people, at some point in life, know what it feels like to be excluded, overlooked, or made to feel like they don’t belong. Maybe it was because of your background, your finances, your mistakes, your race, your struggles, or simply because someone decided you weren’t “enough.” Rejection has a way of making us believe access is reserved for other people. And in John 10, Jesus speaks directly into that reality when He declares: “I am the gate.” — John 10:9 This was not just a poetic statement. It was a bold and revolutionary challenge to the systems of exclusion that existed in His day. A World Built on Restricted Access To fully understand Jesus’ words, we have to understand the environment He was speaking into. At the time, the Jewish people believed God’s presence was centered in the temple. Access to that presence came through layers of separation and qualification. There were gates for Gentiles, gates for women, gates for men, gates for priests, and finally the Most Holy Place - a place only the high priest could enter once a year. Access to God felt distant, restricted, and controlled. Beyond the temple itself, religious leaders had built an overwhelming system of laws and traditions around God's original commands. What may have started as a sincere desire to honor God eventually became a burden that excluded people rather than welcomed them. The Pharisees became gatekeepers. And in John 9, we see the devastating effect of that system. Jesus heals a man born blind. Instead of celebrating the miracle, the Pharisees interrogate him, shame him, and ultimately throw him out of the synagogue. This man wasn’t just removed from church attendance - he was pushed out of community, belonging, and social life. It’s directly after this moment that Jesus says: “I am the gate.” Jesus Confronts the False Gates Jesus was exposing a painful truth: people had turned access to God into something complicated, controlled, and exclusive. But Jesus came to restore what had been lost. He was saying: No more barriers. No more human gatekeepers. No more earning your way into God’s presence. No more systems deciding who is worthy. Jesus Himself became the access point. Through Him, anyone could come into the presence of God. This is why His words would have felt so disruptive to the people listening. During the Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot), the Israelites were celebrating how God once led His people out of slavery, dwelt among them, protected them, and provided for them in the wilderness. For generations, they had longed for God to do it again. And now Jesus stood before them, declaring: “I am here. I am the gate. Access is open again.” The Gate Is Open to Everyone One of the most beautiful things about Jesus is who He welcomed. Again and again throughout the Gospels, we see Him moving toward the very people society pushed away. The blind man who had been rejected. The Samaritan woman at the well. The tax collector ashamed of his past. Children with no status to offer. The lost son returning home in failure. The weary and burdened crushed under religion and life. Jesus never demanded perfection before access. He invited people to come exactly as they were. In John 6:37, He says: “Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away.” The original language carries the strongest possible emphasis: Never ever. No fine print. No hidden conditions. No qualifications. Just an open invitation. The Gate Was Never Locked from God’s Side So many people still carry the belief that God is distant, disappointed, or difficult to approach. Sometimes those beliefs come from painful experiences with people who misrepresented Him. Sometimes they come from religious pressure, shame, fear, or internal lies we’ve believed for years. But Jesus reveals a very different picture of God. He describes Himself as: Gentle. Humble. Welcoming. Safe. Life-giving. He says the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy - but He came so that people may have life, and life to the full. Not survival. Not obligation. Not fear-driven religion. Life in abundance. Three Invitations This message leaves us with three important invitations. 1. For Those Who Have Been Hurt Maybe someone made God feel inaccessible to you. Perhaps religion became heavy instead of life-giving. Maybe you were judged, excluded, manipulated, or made to feel unworthy. Jesus’ words still stand: “I am the gate.” Not the opinions of people.Not systems.Not shame. Jesus Himself is your access to the Father. 2. For Those Who Have Become Gatekeepers The Pharisees didn’t begin with evil intentions. Over time, their desire to protect truth became control. It’s possible for any of us to drift into creating barriers for others. Sometimes through judgment. Sometimes through pride. Sometimes through fear or insecurity. Jesus calls us to soften our hearts and make room for people, as He did. The Kingdom of God was never meant to be guarded by human superiority. 3. For All of Us Jesus is inviting every one of us into deeper relationship with Him. Not secondhand faith. Not borrowed opinions. Not empty religion. But a real experience of His presence. He invites us to come and discover for ourselves: His peace. His freedom. His provision. His presence. The invitation is still open. The gate is still open. And access has never been easier than simply coming to Jesus. Life Group Questions Share a story of where someone welcomed you when you felt rejected. Have you ever felt like access to God was difficult or reserved for “better” people? What kinds of “gates” or barriers do people experience today when it comes to faith or church? What does it practically mean to you that Jesus says, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away”? Have you ever unintentionally acted like a “gatekeeper” toward others? What are practical ways we can help people feel welcomed and seen?

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD | Gareth Nicholson | 10 May 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify There’s something about light that captures us. The speed of it. The beauty of it. The way a sunrise slowly pushes back the darkness of night. Light gives us sight, direction, warmth, and life itself. Without light, we wouldn’t be able to see the world around us. In many ways, everything we know about the universe comes through light. And yet, as beautiful as light is physically, it also speaks deeply to something spiritual inside all of us. Because we know what darkness feels like, too. Darkness feels like despair. Confusion. Fear. Grief. Isolation. Betrayal. Hopelessness. Maybe you’ve experienced moments where life suddenly felt dark - a difficult diagnosis, the loss of someone you love, broken relationships, disappointment, anxiety, addiction, shame, or simply feeling lost and overwhelmed. The truth is, we live in a world filled with darkness. But the good news of Jesus is this: Darkness is not equal to light. Darkness is simply the absence of light. And wherever light appears, darkness has to flee. God Has Always Been Bringing Light Into Darkness Throughout Scripture, we see God continually bringing people out of darkness and into light. In the book of Exodus, the Israelites spent 430 years enslaved in Egypt. Their freedom was gone. Their hope had faded. Their identity had been stripped away. But God spoke to Moses through a burning bush and sent him back into Egypt to lead His people out of captivity. After the plagues came upon Egypt, the Israelites finally left slavery behind. And as they journeyed through the wilderness, God led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The fire was more than guidance - it was a reminder: God was with them. God had not abandoned them. There was hope ahead. For generations afterward, Israel celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, remembering the time God led them through darkness with His light. But over time, the celebration became routine. The people found themselves oppressed again - first by empires like Babylon and Assyria, and later by Rome. After centuries of silence, many likely wondered if God would ever move again. Then Jesus stepped onto the scene. “I Am the Light of the World” During the Feast of Tabernacles, giant flames would be lit in the temple courts, illuminating Jerusalem and reminding the people of the pillar of fire in the wilderness. It was in this exact moment - with the imagery of fire and hope surrounding Him - that Jesus declared: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 What a statement. Jesus wasn’t simply offering advice or inspiration. He was announcing that He was the fulfillment of everything they had been waiting for. The presence of God had come near again. The light had entered the darkness. And the darkness could not overcome it. From Darkness to Light The story of the Bible begins in darkness. In Genesis 1, the earth was formless and empty, darkness covering the deep - and then God spoke: “Let there be light.” And the story ends in Revelation with the promise that there will be no more night because God Himself will be our light forever. From beginning to end, Scripture is a story of God bringing light into darkness. And through Jesus, that invitation becomes personal for each one of us. Three Invitations for Us Today 1. Behold the Light Sometimes the light is right in front of us, but we still don’t see it. John writes that Jesus was the true light coming into the world, yet many did not recognize Him. It’s not always that the light is absent - sometimes there are things blocking our view. Unforgiveness. Offense. Hurt. Shame. Sin. Disappointment with God. Hardness of heart. Like an eye mask blocking out sunlight, these things can stop us from truly beholding Jesus. The invitation is to allow the Holy Spirit to remove whatever is clouding our vision so we can truly see Him for who He is. Because when we find the light, darkness loses its power. 2. Bring Things Into the Light Jesus said that whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness. Following Jesus means more than simply knowing about Him - it means walking with Him, surrendering to Him, and allowing Him to transform us. And as we walk in the light, we begin bringing hidden things into the light, too. Shame grows in darkness. Strongholds grow in darkness. Addiction, guilt, fear, and secrecy thrive in darkness. But when things are brought into the light, they lose their power. Freedom begins when honesty begins. There are moments when courage looks like saying: “I need help.” “I’m struggling.” “I’m hurting.” “I can’t carry this alone anymore.” Jesus doesn’t expose us to shame us - He brings things into the light so He can heal us. 3. Be the Light Jesus not only said, “I am the light of the world.” He also told His followers: “You are the light of the world.”— Matthew 5:14 As we follow Jesus, His light begins shining through us. We become carriers of hope in a dark world. That means the light isn’t meant to stay inside church walls on Sundays. We carry it into our homes, workplaces, schools, friendships, and communities. We become light when we: Love people well Speak hope and identity over others Encourage the brokenhearted Step outside our comfort zones Forgive Show compassion Bring peace where there is division When followers of Jesus live this way, people encounter Him through us. The Light Still Shines Maybe today life feels dark. Maybe you feel tired, overwhelmed, disappointed, or stuck. The invitation of Jesus remains the same: Come out of the darkness and into the light. Because darkness has never been stronger than light. And there is no darkness so deep that the light of Jesus cannot reach it. Life Group Questions If you could describe this season of your life as either “light” or “dark,” what would you say and why? The message said darkness is not equal to light; darkness is simply the absence of light. How does that change the way you view difficult seasons? The Israelites celebrated God’s faithfulness year after year, but eventually it became routine. Have you ever experienced faith becoming routine or mechanical? What are some things that can block us from seeing God clearly? In what ways can you be a light in your workplace, family, school, or community this week?

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE | Gareth Nicholson | 03 May 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify The Bread That Truly Satisfies We all understand the importance of what we eat. Our bodies need fuel to function, and what we consistently consume shapes our health over time. The same is true spiritually. What we feed our spirit will ultimately determine the direction and quality of our lives. Jesus addresses this directly in John 6 when He says, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life.” It’s a powerful invitation to evaluate not just what we are consuming physically, but what we are consuming spiritually. Two Types of Food At the core, there are only two types of “food” we can pursue: 1. Food that perishes - This is a long list: status, success, wealth, relationships, approval, comfort, control. These things aren’t necessarily bad, but they were never meant to sustain us. They satisfy temporarily but always leave us hungry again. Over time, they expire. 2. The Bread of Life - Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.”Unlike everything else, He is the only source that truly satisfies the deepest needs of our hearts. He doesn’t expire. He doesn’t leave us empty. He leads to life - real, lasting, eternal life. What Are You Feeding Your Spirit? Just like physical health isn’t built on one good meal a week, spiritual health isn’t sustained by occasional moments with God. It’s not about intensity - it’s about consistency. Many of us intend to spend time with God, but distractions quickly take over. Before we know it, what was meant to be nourishment becomes replaced with noise - messages, media, and endless scrolling. We end up spiritually undernourished, trying to live on scraps instead of being sustained. The question is worth asking: What are you regularly feeding your spirit? Where do you go to be filled? What are you craving? Jesus: Greater Than What Came Before In John 6, Jesus doesn’t just perform a miracle - He reveals who He is. During Passover, a time when people remembered God’s provision through Moses, Jesus positions Himself as something greater. Where Moses pointed to provision, Jesus is the provision. He doesn’t just give bread - He is the Bread. He invites people not into a system or a set of actions, but into relationship. When asked what they must do to receive this life-giving food, Jesus responds simply: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.” What Does It Mean to “Eat”? When Jesus speaks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, He’s not speaking literally - He’s speaking relationally. To “eat” is to believe. To “drink” is to trust. It’s about placing your full dependence on Him - trusting that what He did on the cross is enough, and that He alone can satisfy. Two Paths, One Choice From the very beginning, humanity has faced the same decision: Will we trust God, or will we try to define life on our own terms? Choosing independence leads to brokenness and spiritual death. Choosing dependence on Jesus leads to life, restoration, and closeness with God. Jesus makes a profound promise: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” No matter your past, your doubts, or your current condition - He invites you in. A Healthier Spiritual Diet If we’re honest, many of us recognize areas where our spiritual diet needs to change. Maybe we’ve been relying on things that leave us empty. Maybe we’ve been inconsistent in spending time with God. Maybe our appetites have been shaped by convenience rather than truth. The invitation isn’t to strive harder - it’s to return to Jesus. To build rhythms that nourish your spirit: Spend time in God’s Word Create space for prayer and reflection Be part of community Choose what feeds your faith, not just your feelings Final Thought Your spirit needs fuel. What you consume consistently will shape who you become. Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers more than a temporary fix - He offers lasting satisfaction, deep fulfillment, and eternal life. So the question remains: What does your spiritual diet look like? Life Group Questions What’s your go-to “comfort food” and why do you love it? When you hear the phrase “you are what you eat,” how do you think that applies spiritually? What do you find yourself craving spiritually right now? In what areas are you tempted to choose independence from God rather than dependence on Him? What would it look like for you to prioritize “whole food” spiritually instead of “fast food”?

Hope In The Dark: Hope That Rebuilds | David Molver | 26 April 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube | iTunes | Spotify “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” — Isaiah 61:4 There’s a sign you often see around construction sites: “Caution: demolition in progress.” It’s a warning - but it’s also a promise. Something is being torn down because something new is about to be built. Ruins Are Not the End For many of us, life doesn’t always go the way we expected. Sometimes what once felt strong and certain ends up in ruins. The word “rebuild” in Isaiah 61:4 carries a powerful meaning: to restore, to establish, to make something endure. Because ruins are not the end of your story. But here’s the part we don’t always expect: Before God rebuilds, He often clears. Not with force or destruction - but through truth. In Acts 19, when the gospel reached Ephesus, it didn’t just inspire people - it disrupted everything. Idols were exposed. Systems were challenged. People began questioning what they had built their lives on. The result? Chaos. But underneath the chaos, something deeper was happening: false foundations were being shaken. What Are You Building On? Whatever sits at the center of your life shapes everything else. If it’s money, everything is built around gain. If it’s image, everything is built around appearance. If it’s comfort, everything is built around ease. But if God is at the center, everything is built on truth, purpose, and eternal value. Sometimes God lovingly tears down what cannot last so He can rebuild what will. He clears: Lies we’ve believed Fear that’s shaped us False identities we’ve carried Hidden pain we’ve ignored Because the foundation determines everything. Healing Happens in Motion One of the biggest lessons in my journey was this: healing doesn’t only happen in stillness - it often happens in movement. I thought I needed to be fully healed before stepping back into serving. But God showed me something different. Healing came as I showed up. Healing came as I served. Healing came in community. We often wait until we feel “ready” or “perfect.” But that moment never comes. Instead, God invites us into small, faithful steps: showing up being present building rhythms choosing obedience Because while big moments may start the story, daily rhythms build the house. When Everything Feels Shaken In Acts 19, the riot in Ephesus was driven by fear - fear of loss, fear of change, fear of losing identity. And that still happens today. When what we’ve built our lives on gets challenged, it can feel like everything is falling apart. But what if the shaking isn’t destruction? What if it’s mercy? What feels like disruption may be renewal What feels like loss may be freedom What feels like chaos may be construction God doesn’t waste the hard moments. He uses them to strengthen what He’s building in us. A Story of Rebuilding Brian’s story reminds us that rebuilding looks different for everyone. From hardship and rejection to finding community and purpose - his journey is a powerful picture of what God can do. Because no matter how broken things may seem, God still restores, renews, and rebuilds. The Truth About You Maybe your story feels like: loss disappointment rejection starting over Maybe you’ve believed: “I’m not enough.” “I don’t belong.” “God couldn’t use someone like me.” But those are not the final words over your life. The truth is: You are loved You are seen You are wanted You are not forgotten You are not disqualified You are not too far gone Not because of what you’ve done.Not because of what you can offer. But simply because you were created by God - and deeply loved by Him. God is still rebuilding. And your story isn’t finished yet. Life Group Questions Are you more of a “DIY person” or someone who calls in help? Why? In Acts 19, people reacted strongly when their way of life was challenged. Why do you think change can create fear or resistance in us? Can you identify an area in your life where God may be “clearing” something out right now? Is there an area where fear has been holding you back? What would it look like to trust God in that space? What truth from tonight do you want to hold onto this week?

Hope In The Dark: God Restores Our Ruins | Dominique Molver | 19 April 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify Hope in the Dark: God Restores Our Ruins “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:4 (NIV) There are moments in life when everything feels like it’s fallen apart. Dreams collapse. Trust is broken. The future you imagined disappears. And in those moments, it’s easy to ask: Where is God in all of this? This is the tension we explore in our series, Hope in the Dark - the reality that even in our most painful seasons, God is still at work, restoring what feels ruined. When Trust Is Broken Leroy’s story begins in a place many can relate to - hurt, rejection, and deep disappointment. After being pushed out of a community he had trusted for years, he found himself angry at God and unable to trust people again. Church became something he avoided, something he believed was just a system that would eventually hurt him again. And yet, even in that place, God was still gently at work. Through a simple invitation from a friend, Leroy gave church another chance. What he found wasn’t perfection - but people. Community. Space to belong again. Slowly, something began to shift. Through serving, relationships, and being part of a team, Leroy experienced what he once thought was impossible - healing. Restoration. A renewed sense of purpose. What once hurt him became the very place God used to rebuild him. What Restoration Really Means When we hear the word restoration , we often think of something being quickly fixed. But biblical restoration goes much deeper than that. The Hebrew idea of restoration means: To renew To rebuild To make new again To restore its original purpose Restoration doesn’t ignore the pain - it acknowledges it. It doesn’t rush the process - it redeems it. It’s not about patching things up. It’s about becoming whole again. The Process of Restoration In Scripture, we see this clearly in the life of Paul (formerly Saul in Acts 9). His transformation wasn’t instant - it was a process. And interestingly, it mirrors how physical healing works in the body. Inflammation Phase (The Clearing Out/The Painful Beginning) When Saul encounters Jesus, everything in his life is disrupted. He’s blinded, disoriented, and completely stopped in his tracks. This is the beginning of restoration. Just like the body removes damaged tissue after an injury, God begins to remove what cannot remain - old mindsets, lies, and broken foundations. It’s uncomfortable. It’s disorienting. But it’s necessary. Proliferation Phase(The Fragile Middle/Rebuilding Phase) God begins to speak identity and purpose over Saul - even before he fully understands it. “This man is my chosen instrument…” At this stage, things are new but fragile. Growth is happening, but slowly. Trust is being rebuilt. Faith is forming. This is where many people feel stuck, wondering if anything is really changing. But this is where foundations are being laid. Remodeling Phase (The Stretching And Strengthening Season) Over time, Saul becomes Paul - a man of deep faith, resilience, and impact. But that strength didn’t come easily. It came through challenges, pressure, and perseverance. Just like muscles grow under resistance, faith is strengthened under pressure. What feels heavy might not be breaking you; it might be building you. Where Are You in the Process? If you’re honest, you might find yourself somewhere in this journey: In the clearing phase  - where everything feels messy, painful, and uncertain In the rebuilding phase  - where things are shifting, but still fragile In the strengthening phase  - where life feels heavy and stretching Or maybe feeling far from God altogether Wherever you are, the truth remains the same: God restores ruins. Not just some ruins.Not just easy ones. All of them. Your Next Step You may not be able to change what has happened to you. But you can choose how you respond. Restoration begins with a simple, honest surrender: “God, here I am.” You don’t need to have it all together. You don’t need to fix yourself first. God meets you right where you are - in the middle of the mess, the questions, and the pain. Just like He did with Saul.Just like He did with Leroy. Just like He is doing right now. If God can restore what feels completely broken…If He can rebuild what feels beyond repair…If He can bring hope into the darkest places… Then there is hope for you too. Life Group Questions What’s something small that recently brought you joy? How would you describe “restoration” in your own words after hearing this message? Which phase of the restoration process (inflammation, proliferation, remodeling) do you feel like you’re currently in? How does Paul’s story challenge or encourage your view of transformation and growth? Is there something God might be asking you to let go of in this “clearing” phase?

Hope In The Dark; Hope That Renews: Breaking Lies And Walking In Truth | Gareth Nicholson | 12 April 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify A Hope That Renews Easter reminds us of one powerful truth: the tomb is empty. Jesus is not there. He is alive. This moment in our calendar isn’t just something we remember - it’s something we step into. Because of the cross and the resurrection, an invitation is open to all. Jesus gave His life, rose again by the power of the Holy Spirit, and now invites us into a new way of living - a life empowered by His Spirit. This is what we often call creation 2.0 . And with that invitation comes a calling. Our Calling: Renew, Rebuild, Restore At Free Church, our vision comes from Isaiah 61:4: “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” This is the “job description” of those who follow Jesus: to renew, rebuild, and restore. But today, let’s focus on one word: renew . The Hebrew word used here - hadas - means to restore something back to its original intent. Not a surface-level fix, but a deep, internal transformation. Something broken is brought back to the way God designed it to be. And this applies to everything: Cities Communities Relationships And most importantly… our lives Without Jesus, life can feel like a ruined city - walls broken, things in disarray. But through Him, what was once broken becomes a place where God dwells. Where Renewal Begins: Your Mind Romans 12:2 puts it like this: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Renewal starts in your thinking. What you think shapes how you live. What you believe flows into your behavior. Think about it: When you believe something is wrong, you react emotionally and physically. When you assume rejection, you withdraw. When you feel inadequate, you strive or compare. Your thoughts aren’t passive - they are powerful. The Power of Thought Research shows that thoughts actually form physical pathways in your brain. The more you think a thought, the stronger that pathway becomes - like a well-worn trail. Healthy thoughts → healthy patterns Toxic thoughts → destructive patterns But here’s the good news: your mind can be renewed. Through the Holy Spirit, those pathways can be rewired. The Battle We All Face Many of us live with internal narratives we don’t even question. Often, they sound like this: 1. “I am not enough.” You feel inadequate. You compare. You strive to prove yourself. 2. “I am alone.” You feel isolated, even in a crowd. You believe no one truly understands you. 3. “I am powerless.” You feel stuck. You believe you’ll never change. These aren’t just thoughts - they’re lies. And when we agree with them, we give them power. But the truth of the Gospel speaks louder: You are fully known and fully loved You are never alone - God is with you You are not powerless - the Holy Spirit empowers you A Practical Path to Renewal So how do we actually renew our minds? Here’s a simple, powerful process: 1. Notice Become aware of what you’re thinking. Ask: What am I thinking right now that’s shaping how I feel? 2. Name It Put words to it. Ask: Is this true, or am I believing a lie? 3. Ask for Truth Invite God to speak. Ask: God, what is Your truth in this moment? 4. Replace It Don’t just remove the lie - replace it with truth. Choose to agree with what God says. 5. Act on It Live from that truth. Ask: If I really believed this, how would I live differently? From Confusion to Clarity In Acts 8, an Ethiopian man is searching for God but feels confused. Then Philip comes alongside him, explains the truth of Jesus, and everything changes. He moves from confusion… to clarity. From searching… to rejoicing.From hesitation… to immediate action. That’s what renewal looks like. Living with a Hope That Renews Because Jesus is no longer in the tomb, you don’t have to stay stuck. Your mind can be renewed Your patterns can change Your life can be restored This isn’t a once-off moment - it’s a daily process. As you notice, name, replace, and act on truth, you begin to walk in the life Jesus has made available. A life of renewal.A life of freedom.A life filled with hope. Life Group Questions What stood out to you most from the message on “A Hope That Renews”? Which of the three lies do you resonate with most right now: I am not enough I am alone I am powerless Why do you think that is? How do those thoughts affect your relationship with God, yourself, or others? This week, what is one thought pattern you want to pay attention to? How can this group help you stay accountable in renewing your mind?

Hope In The Dark | Gareth Nicholson | 05 April 2026 Catch Up on: | YouTube |  iTunes | Spotify He Is Not Here: The Foundation of Our Faith I believe there’s something deep in every human heart that longs for the presence of God. And that’s a powerful truth - because God shows up where He is wanted. But we live in a culture filled with skepticism. Not just toward Christianity, but toward faith, institutions, and religion as a whole. Many people today aren’t rejecting faith after deep study - they’re reacting to fragments. What you might call “TikTok theology”: surface-level opinions shaped by short clips, soundbites, and secondhand interpretations. And often, the Bible becomes the target. People say things like: “The Old Testament is full of violence - how can that align with a loving God?” “The Gospels contradict each other.” “There are confusing or outdated commands - how do you explain those?” But here’s the reality: many criticisms of Christianity come from taking small pieces of Scripture out of context, without understanding the bigger story. Back to the Beginning Let’s go back to the early church. The first followers of Jesus didn’t have a Bible like we do today. There was no neatly bound collection of Scripture. What they had was something far more immediate and powerful: They had a person. And they had an event. The Bible, as we know it, came later - a collection of eyewitness accounts, written down and compiled over time. It’s inspired, powerful, and essential. But it’s not the foundation of our faith. The foundation of the Christian faith is Jesus , and one defining moment: The resurrection. Why the Resurrection Changes Everything The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” That’s a bold statement. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead: Faith is meaningless Preaching is pointless Hope is empty But if He did rise? Then everything changes. Faith has a foundation. Hope becomes unshakable. Life gains purpose and direction. Christianity doesn’t stand or fall on philosophical ideas - it stands or falls on a historical claim: that Jesus went into the grave and came out again. “He Is Not Here” Imagine the scene. Jesus’ followers had just watched Him die. The grief, the confusion, the hopelessness - it would have been overwhelming. Saturday was silent. A day of waiting. A day of wondering, What now? Then Sunday morning. Some women go to the tomb, carrying spices to prepare His body. But instead of finding death, they encounter something unexpected. The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. And they hear these words: “He is not here.” Four words that changed everything. Not anxiety. Not panic. Not loss. Victory. The Implications of an Empty Tomb If Jesus were still in the tomb: There would be no lasting hope No victory over death No eternal life But because He is not there: Death has been defeated Hope is alive Fear no longer has the final word And it’s not just about what we’re saved from - it’s about what we’re saved for . Saved From… and Saved For Yes, Jesus saves us from: Sin Shame Fear Separation from God But He also saves us for  something: A new identity A restored relationship with God A life filled with purpose A Spirit-empowered future If Jesus had only died, He would have been a martyr. But because He rose, He is King . A Personal Invitation It’s easy to think this message is for someone else. “But you don’t know my story.”You don’t know what I’ve done.” You’re right - but Jesus does. And He chose the cross anyway. The message of the gospel is this: Every person has fallen short. The cost of sin is death. But the gift of God is life through Jesus. And this gift is available to everyone . Romans 10:9 says: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Not some. Everyone. Because He Is Not There… Because He is not in the tomb: You can live with hope You can walk in freedom You can experience healing You can discover your purpose This is the foundation of our faith. Not just a book. Not just a belief system. A person. An event. An empty tomb.