The two criminals also being crucified at the same time, the bored soldiers loitering around the execution site, and the crowds who swung by to see the spectacle, had no idea that anything of importance had been accomplished.

It looked very much like another dead Jew on a Roman cross. Nothing to write home about. But God was at work preparing for a new era, unlike anything the world had seen before. The resurrection of Jesus Christ began a new era when all people can meet God, one-on-one!

It doesn’t matter if this Easter feels spectacular or fairly uninspiring, be assured that every moment you give thought to Jesus Christ, every time you honour Him and seek Him, every day you turn your heart again towards Him, He is accomplishing His purpose in you.

You are the reason He became a man, suffered and died on a cross. He loves you that much, even if it doesn’t feel that way to you.

Perhaps the greatest words in history, “It is finished,” were spoken by Jesus Christ as He was dying on the cross. What He finished enables you to have the opportunity to know God and His mercy, forgiveness and love. Forever.

This Easter, I invite you to explore what Jesus finished and how it can be the start of something that will change your life forever.

Rev. Mark Wilson
National Ministries Director
Australian Baptist Ministries

The post Easter Message 2024 appeared first on Australian Baptist Ministries.

Whose silent cries for help are being crowded out by my responses to the demands of my lifestyle?

As part of Common Grace‘s lent teaching series, Rev Keith Jobberns discusses the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).  Click here to see the video.

This parable tells the story of a rich man, whose life is focussed on his wealth and lifestyle. Outside the gates to his house lies Lazarus, a poor man who was “covered with sores”. In the story, both men die. After death, the rich man is in pain and separated from relief: his wealth could no longer gain him the comfort he lacked. The true poverty of his self-absorbed lifestyle becomes apparent in this section of the story. Having lived a life where he was distracted by wealth, he missed the opportunity to connect with the values of the Kingdom of God and thus enjoy a truly abundant life. In contrast, Lazarus now receives the comfort he lacked when he lay outside the rich man’s gate and was overlooked.

As we exist in a world where we are bombarded by information and messages from many sources, it is common to become distracted and absorbed by our day to day life. This can leave us with little space to see opportunities to live out the values of God’s Kingdom. In today’s parable, Lazarus lay just outside the rich man’s home: within sight, yet easy to ignore. What are some of the injustices that are within your sight, but are easy to ignore? Who are the hurting people you walk by every day and leave on the outer?

The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus presents us with a pertinent reminder to look outside the busyness and distraction of our lives. It is normal to dwell in a bubble of people and lifestyle. The invitation to participate in God’s Kingdom may be on our doorstep, just outside the bubble.

The post Lent Reflection for Common Grace appeared first on Australian Baptist Ministries.

The 2019 Easter video theme focuses on the experiences we have of brokenness in life, and how Jesus and the other story of the gospel responds to the gap between what should be, and what is. The Other Story video could be used in your church services over Easter, made available on social media, your church website and to your church family to share with their friends. It will also sit on the Other Story website to share with those who don’t  know Jesus, at  www.otherstory.com.au and www.facebook.com/theotherstoryau

Crossover and Will Small have also produced a sermon guide to assist you in using the video in your church service, and a post card invitation to help you invite people along to your church events over Easter. You can find these resources at www.crossover.org.au/easter

The post The Other Story of Easter appeared first on Australian Baptist Ministries.