Good Friday is a heart-rending vision of humanity at its worse. The execution of a man that is the very best of what we can be. He showed welcome and compassion to the outsiders, he devoted himself to healing the bodies of the sick, and the hearts of the broken. He offered forgiveness and restoration to the sinful, spoke up for the poor and oppressed and challenged the systems and people that were oppressing them. He called others to follow his way of love. And he was killed for it. The darkness of Good Friday, in some ways, feels like it’s never left us. As I’ve spoken to friends and family i ..read more

A transcript of Naomi Wolfe's reflection can be downloaded here.    In our last teaching video in our 2024 ‘Surprising Hope’ series, Naomi Wolfe reflects on 2 Corinthians 4:16-28 and the eternal hope we have in Jesus.   Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthia ..read more

A transcript of Rev. Mitch Forbes' reflection can be downloaded here.    In today’s teaching video Rev. Mitch Forbes reflects on Hebrews 6: 17-20 and the secure hope we have in Jesus.   In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast ancho ..read more

Rev Dr Christine Redwood, Lead Pastor at Seaforth Baptist Church, reflects on the importance of gender equality and power of collaboration for the flourishing of our church and broader communities.  _________   On International Women’s Day, I occasionally see posts celebrating particular women (like a sister or a wife). It can be easy to focus on individual women we admire, but that can mean we miss or deny the real challenges facing women in our communities. We are not a gender equal society or even church. That’s what this day is about. I remember feeling isolated as a fe ..read more

A transcript of Safina Stewart's reflection can be downloaded here.    In today’s teaching video Safina Stewart reflects on Hebrews 10:19-25 and the confident hope we find in Jesus.   Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscien ..read more

As we mark International Women's Day 2024, Abbey Sim charts a history of women forming community, championing justice and following Jesus.  ____________ On March 8, 1917, female textile workers rallied in Petrograd, Russia, for peace, food security and an end to the czarist regime in their country. Within the week, women were granted the right to vote. The early development of International Women’s Day is closely connected to these demonstrations. They showcase the power of ordinary people in coming together to bring about change, justice, equality and inclusion. On March 8, 1919, my grea ..read more

  A transcript of Belinda Grove's reflection can be downloaded here.    In today’s teaching video Rev Belinda Groves reflects on Psalm 46:1-7 and the hope we find in Jesus amidst the chaos.   God is our refuge and strength,     an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way     and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,  though its waters roar and foam     and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God ..read more

  A transcript of Jarrod McKenna's reflection can be downloaded here.    In today’s teaching video Jarrod McKenna reflects on Isaiah 42:1-4 and the hope we find in Jesus as the just Messiah.    Here is my servant, whom I uphold,     my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him,     and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out,     or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break,     and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out ..read more

  A transcript of Ben Chong's reflection can be downloaded here.    In today’s teaching video Ben Chong reflects on Lamentations 3:21-24 and the persevering hope we find in Jesus.    Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:21-24 Ben Chong, Director of the SURRENDER Leadership program, shares a moving personal reflection on findin ..read more

GERSHON NIMBALKER For our last Advent 2023 devotional, Gershon Nimbalker reflects on the transcendent hope and joy of Jesus’ birth into our common home. Transcendent Joy in Our Common Home After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21 For a child has been born for us,    a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;    and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His a ..read more