Where can I find freedom? The Rolling Stones sang about freedom, singing:

I’m free, to do what I want, any old time

And this is the sort of freedom that many people desire. Follow our passions and desires; and live a life not constrained by rules, authorities or others. Freedom to do whatever I want. But…is this really freedom?

For if we just do what our passions desire, maybe we’re not free — for as secular public commentator and author Clive Hamilton observes:

“We cannot be free if we are slaves to our passions.”

So, where can true freedom be found?

Well, Jesus claims that if you follow Him, then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Jesus offers freedom — freedom from our past and our passions, to serve the truth and to serve something bigger than ourselves. Freedom is found in Jesus.

Listen to this episode of God in 60 Seconds below.

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Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Robert Martin oversees the work of City Bible Forum in Melbourne and is the host of the Bigger Questions radio show / podcast.

Feature image: averie woodard on Unsplash

Who was Jesus? He was a remarkable man—but His true identity has occupied thinkers for centuries.

This question can actually be answered by reflecting on some of the astonishing claims Jesus made about Himself. In fact, Jesus once made the audacious claim to be able to forgive sins—something only God alone can do.

So, at this point, Jesus was effectively claiming to be God.

So who did Jesus really think He was? Well, there are three ways of assessing Jesus’ astonishing claim:

• First, Jesus was wrong about being God and he knew it, so he was a liar.
• Second, Jesus was wrong and he didn’t know it, so he was crazy.
• Or third, He wasn’t wrong at all. He was speaking the truth, and if so, then He would truly be the Lord.

Liar, lunatic, or the Lord — the only three options.

So, who do you think Jesus was?

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

Feature image: Photo by Sára Sedlmajerová on Unsplash

About the author: Robert Martin oversees the work of City Bible Forum in Melbourne and is the host of the Bigger Questions radio show / podcast.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!  (Psalm 34:8, NKJV.)

The establishment of Christianity is the most significant fact in the whole history of the world.  And it happened so strangely!

A handful of people who had been discouraged and broken-hearted were suddenly transformed. They went about telling people that they had seen their dead friend walking, talking, and glorious.

These witnesses voluntarily encountered recurring danger. They undertook tremendous labours, sustaining reproach, suffering, and frequently, martyrdom. They had no certain end in life except for ridicule. All for the sake of a dead man whom they claimed was now alive. This strange story has changed the course of history, revolutionised the way we live, and changed millions of lives for the better.

Christ’s Resurrection Power has Transformed Millions of Lives. 

The reserve in the resurrection accounts in Scripture is very striking. If I had been writing them, I would have had the risen Christ drop in on Pilate one dark night, and Herod on another. But there is no such spectacular stuff in the Gospel record. So factual is the record, that it says that on one occasion when Jesus appeared, there were some who doubted it was he (Matthew 28:17).

However, there is another evidence open to all – that of experience. “Taste and see.” Throughout the ages, millions of transformed lives have testified to Christ’s resurrection power. This power is now available to all who will believe. – Des Ford (adapted)

Reflection: Have you met the risen Jesus? Millions have, what about you? With sincerity of heart, ask the risen Lord to reveal himself to you, and he will.

Article supplied with thanks to Dr Eliezer Gonzalez.

Feature image: Canva

“Weren’t the Gospels of Jesus written a long time after His life?”

Well, the final form of the Gospels were most likely written around 30 to 60 years after the events they record.

This may sound like a long time, but it’s actually inconsequential.

The ancient world was predominantly an oral culture. Historical events were commonly and accurately transmitted without being written down. But details of Jesus’ life were eventually written down, 30 to 60 years later, because the eyewitnesses were dying out and the believers wanted to preserve their testimony.

But the fact is, most history is written many decades after the events – and we never think to challenge its authenticity.

Laurence Rees published a book on Auschwitz 60 years after the Holocaust, yet no one suggests that this history is invalid. Otherwise, no history could ever be written.

The Gospels were written later, but this timeframe doesn’t diminish their trustworthiness at all.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

Feature image: Photo by Anthony Garand on Unsplash

About the author: Robert Martin oversees the work of City Bible Forum in Melbourne and is the host of the Bigger Questions radio show / podcast.

Easter is celebrated in various ways: indulging in chocolate, enjoying the company of family and friends, taking time to relax on the public holiday, and (or) the remembrance of the most brutal death in history.

Whether one believes Jesus to be the Son of God or simply a man, it is undeniable that his death, the crucifixion, was like no other.

“And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,  and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” Matthew 8:28-29.

The crucifixion was the most shameful way to die, reserved for the worst non-Roman criminals. To hang naked on a cross exposed to onlookers and the stigma in being a criminal.

Despite the horror of Jesus’s death, there is a message of hope and joy. Through the torture, Jesus sacrificed himself for humanity. A sacrifice that spans through eternity. The gift of repentance, forgiveness, and therefore, salvation. Easter’s everlasting gift.

So, this Easter, I hope you feel God’s presence and experience his love. That you may come to realise, like the Roman centurion did, that:

“Truly this man was the Son of God.” Mark 15:39, Matthew 27:54.

Article supplied with thanks to Life FM in Adelaide.

Feature image: Golden sunlight casts a warm glow on the rippled dunes of White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA. Photo by Joseph Corl on Unsplash

As Easter approaches, many of us are looking forward to a break from work, chocolate eggs, and hot cross buns.

But for Christians, Easter is much more than a public holiday, it’s the most important celebration of the year. For others, though, Easter might feel confusing or even irrelevant. So we had a chat to Pastor Adam Meredith, from Red Door Community Church, to unpack what Easter is really about and why it still matters today.

What is Easter All About?

Easter is at the heart of the Christian faith, says Adam. It tells the story of Jesus Christ’s journey to the cross, his crucifixion, his burial, and his resurrection on the third day.

“This story has stood the test of time. It’s not just an ancient tradition, it’s the foundation of Christian belief,” said Pastor Adam.

The Easter story is told over a series of key events that Christians call Holy Week:

• Holy Thursday: This commemorates the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples.
• Good Friday: This is the day Jesus was crucified and died on the cross.
• Easter Saturday: A day of quiet reflection as Jesus lay in the tomb.
• Easter Sunday: The day Jesus rose from the dead, a celebration of new life and victory over death.

“These traditional days help people connect with the deeper meaning of Easter,” said Adam. “They’re not just about remembering history, they invite us to reflect on what Jesus’ journey means for us today.”

Why Did Jesus Die?

For many people, especially those unfamiliar with Christian beliefs, the Easter story can raise big questions. One of the most common is: Why did Jesus have to die? And why in such a brutal way?

“It’s a great question,” Adam said. “The Christian faith teaches that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. That combination made him the only one capable of being the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sin.”

He explains that sin is not just about individual wrongdoing. In the Bible, sin refers to a deeper problem, a separation between humans and God caused by our brokenness.

“All of us fall short of God’s perfection,” Adam said. “Jesus stepped in to bridge that gap. He took on the penalty of sin so we wouldn’t have to. That’s what happened on the cross.”

Because Jesus was sinless and innocent, his death carried the weight of justice and forgiveness. And his resurrection proved his victory over sin and death.

Is Easter Still Relevant Today?

For Christians, Easter is more than a historical event. It’s a present-day reality.

“The Easter story isn’t just something to understand in your head,” said Adam. “It’s something to receive in your heart. It’s personal.”

He explains that Jesus’ death and resurrection offer a pathway to a restored relationship with God, not just for people in the past, but for anyone today.

“If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus died for your sins and rose again… that’s the Christian message,” he said. “It’s about transformation. Something that happens in the human heart when we say yes to that truth.”

What About People Who Are Still Exploring?

Not everyone listening to the Easter story will immediately connect with it, and Pastor Adam acknowledges that faith is a journey.

“I can’t force someone to believe,” he said. “It has to be a free choice. All I can do is share the truth and invite people to respond.”

He encourages people who are curious to start by asking questions, even the ones that seem hard or uncomfortable.

“Faith begins with curiosity,” Adam said. “If you’re wondering if God is real, ask him. Pray a simple prayer like: God, if you’re real, show me. If this story about Jesus matters, help me understand why.”

Where Can You Learn More?

Pastor Adam understands that walking into a church can feel intimidating, especially for someone new to Christianity. That’s why he recommends the Alpha Course, a free, informal series designed to explore life, faith, and meaning in a safe and welcoming environment.

“Alpha is one of the best resources out there,” he said. “It’s designed for people who are exploring and want to ask honest questions. And no question is too simple or too tough.”

He also encourages people to talk to someone they know who’s a Christian: “Ask them, ‘Why do you believe?’ That conversation can be so powerful.”

Final Thoughts

Easter is more than a long weekend or a tradition. It’s a story of hope, sacrifice, and new life. And according to Pastor Adam, it’s a story that invites every one of us to respond.

“Jesus died for you. He rose again. And he wants a relationship with you,” he said. “That’s what makes Easter so powerful.”

If you’re curious about faith, have questions, or want to know more, consider checking out alpha.org.au, or simply reach out to someone you trust.

As Pastor Adam puts it, “You don’t need all the answers. Just start the journey.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Photo by Bill Gullo on Unsplash