Jonah is in the belly of a fish with nowhere left to run. His prayer shows us what we deserve from God and what we actually get; but also something more uncomfortable: it's possible to cry out to God for rescue while still holding back the very thing He's asking for.

When we don't like what God has to say, the temptation is to run. Jonah 1 shows us that running from God impacts more than just ourselves, but the God we run from is the same God who pursues us.

We all understand the effects of Adam’s failure. We see them every day in a world marked by sin and death. But Romans 5:12-21 shows us something even greater: Jesus Christ is the Better Adam whose perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection secure eternal life for His people. Discover how and why Christ’s work does not merely undo Adam's damage, but overwhelms it with grace.

When someone comes to trust in Jesus there is the great promise of forgiveness and eternal life. The benefits of being made right with God, however, are not things simply limited to the future, they begin right now. In Romans 5 we have a listing of multiple benefits to those who trust in Jesus. These benefits help us to live life now finding our confidence in God’s love for us.

Having a right standing with God is something to be deeply grateful for. Trusting in Jesus alone and receiving the gracious gift of forgiveness is indeed worth celebrating. As we celebrate, however, it is easy to think in the process that we have actually done something of merit that contributes to our position. In Romans 4, Paul writes to correct this line of thinking by reminding us that our position as God’s children is not a result of our good endeavours but like Abraham, comes through trusting God’s promises and plan.

It is always a relief to hear good news after hearing bad news. In Romans 1:18–3:20, Paul has outlined the bad news of our deserved judgment before a Holy God. There is no amount of good work that we can do to appease God’s judgment and we are in dire straits. In Romans 3:21–31 we finally arrive at the good news. God has done something about our problem. In this passage that we discovered the good news that we can be delivered from God’s wrath. This is through faith alone, grace alone, in Jesus alone. Great news for all who will accept this wonderful God’s gift.

Everyone stands before God with no excuse, the verdict is guilty. Only when we understand there’s nothing we can do to save ourselves, will we run to the One who can.

One of the most common descriptors people use of themselves or others is the nature of their religion. Of the major religions in the world, there are some similarities but also many differences when it comes to faith. While religion is normally assessed as being personal and a way one encounters the divine, in Romans 2:17–3:8, the Apostle Paul points out three significant short-comings regarding religion. Paul’s discussion comes in the context of humanity’s common shortcomings when it comes to a relationship with God.

The main thrust of the book of Romans is to provide Paul’s clear explanation of the ‘good news’ which he was proclaiming and hoping to continue to proclaim. In order to provide the good news of the gospel, however, he begins in the first three chapters by providing the ‘bad news’ of our sinfulness. In order to establish just how sweet the gospel is, Paul begins in Romans 1:18–32 by showing how bitter life is when we choose to live apart from God. This is all designed to lead us to see God’s mercy in Jesus and the sweet salvation he provides to all who will believe.

What is it that causes you to commit to something? Or to have deep convictions? For Paul, it’s nothing other than the good news of Jesus Christ!

When someone builds a structure the first and most important part of the process is the underlying basis, the foundation. In perhaps the most of Paul’s letters to the early Christians, the letter to the Romans, Paul lays the foundation of the Christian Faith. He reveals that the message is one of ‘Good news.’ This good news, or gospel, finds its origin in God, is revealed throughout history in God’s plan, and focuses on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Romans 1:1–7, Paul provides the theological summary or foundation upon which this rich book is going to build.

All of us have a time limit for life. Some will live long lives, others short lives, but 100% guarantee all of us have an expiration date, a terminus, a date with death. This is a problem for all of us. No matter how much we strive, no matter our background, our skill set, our income, we all will face the inevitable perishing.
It is the context of death that Luke 24:1–12 is set. Just days earlier, Jesus of Nazareth had been killed. He was dead. Laid in a tomb. As this chapter reveals, however, history was about to change forever. Jesus defeats our great foe death. In doing so he not only reveals his power, but provides hope for all who will trust in him. Death, it will be seen, doesn’t have the last say over God’s people. This brings great hope.

A Good Friday message from Luke 23:32-43 exploring the repeated call for Jesus to “save himself” and why he chose not to. While others mock and misunderstand, one dying criminal recognises the truth that Jesus stays on the cross not out of weakness but to save others. This sermon invites us to see our need, stop trying to save ourselves, and trust the one who refused to save himself so that we could be forgiven.

Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Because he has ransomed/redeemed us in full, we are secure in him and no longer need to chase significance. That frees us to stop grasping and start serving.

While many people approached Jesus to test him, one man came to Jesus with a sincere and heart-felt question, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ The desire to live with God in his forever kingdom is something that this man, and most people since him, have wanted clarity on. How does one enter a relationship with God? How can we know with certainty that we will live forever with God in his kingdom? Jesus answers this man, but in doing so surprises both the questioner and his own disciples.

One of the most difficult yet joyous areas of life is Marriage. Marriage, God’s ordained institution between a man and a woman, can be a wonderful expression and reflection of the very character of God. It speaks of love and sacrifice. As broken people, however, we all contribute to a world whether things don’t always work out the way that we prayed or hoped. Marriage is one such example. As Christians, how are we to view marriage? What are we to do when things don’t go to plan? What does God expect marriage to look like?
It is the areas of marriage, and divorce, that are the focus of Mark 10:1–12. In this section Jesus gives a counter-cultural perspective on what discipleship looks like regarding the union of marriage.

What does greatness look like? Jesus’ answer may surprise you.