Jesus moved the stone. He didn’t need to, as John tells us he could just show up in places with his resurrected body (John 20:19), but he did. He did this to show how comprehensively he has beaten death, but more than that, to ensure that even the doubtful would know that he is alive. There was an empty tomb left in the garden as a testimony to God’s offer to the world to believe in him ..read more

Jesus’ side was pierced to prove that Jesus truly was dead, but also, John tells us, in fulfilment of prophecy, that ‘not one of his bones will be broken’ and ‘they will look on him whom they have pierced.’ This detail is provided to us so that we may believe. The spear highlights to us the sharpness of the suffering and the significance of Jesus’ death. It was painful, but it was planned ..read more

Queen Esther and Mordecai’s courage and faithfulness to stand up for their people - the Jews - will be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. Hope will always arise ..read more

King Xerxes responds to Queen Esther’s plea for mercy, issuing a new decree to allow the Jews to defend themselves. The tables turn and the Jews stand in victory against their enemies with a joyous celebration and feast ..read more

Queen Esther reveals Haman’s evil intention to the king. The king is furious and orders Haman's execution on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Will Esther's courage and strategic revelation shift the fate of the Jews ..read more

Queen Esther plans her strategic plea to save the Jews. King Xerxes learns of Mordecai’s foiling of the plot to kill the king and orders him to be honoured, sparking Haman’s jealousy as he is instructed to parade Mordecai through the streets ..read more

Mordecai learns about Haman's decree to destroy the Jews. Distraught, he urges Queen Esther to intercede with the king on behalf of her people. Will Esther risk her life and find the courage to approach the king ..read more

Xerxes' search for a new queen continues through a beauty contest. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, wins the king's favour and becomes queen. Meanwhile, Mordecai discovers a plot against the king and foils it ..read more

King Xerxes hosts an extravagant 180-day-long feast for all his officials and servants in an indulgent display of power. The king calls for Queen Vashti to join him to show off her beauty, but she refuses resulting in her dethroning and sparking the king’s anger ..read more

VISION SUNDAY. Preacher: Zech Sargent. Visit www.cityonahill.com.au for more about our mission to know Jesus and make Jesus Known ..read more