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

“For me, growing up on Boigu Island was like living in heaven on earth”, says indigenous evangelist, Laurel Pabai.

Located in the northernmost tip of Queensland’s Torres Strait Islands and just six kilometres from Papua New Guinea, Boigu Island is where Laurel was born and raised, among idyllic natural beauty, within the love and strength of her indigenous culture and community.

This week on our Helping Hands Easter special, we join Laurel as she returns home for the first time in 20 years.  We journey with her through emotional reunions with family, see her reconnect to indigenous tradition and culture, and see how she shares the Easter story with family and friends.

As the tiny single turboprop Cessna aircraft starts its descent towards Boigu Island’s airstrip, Laurel’s excited anticipation at being so close to home is evident in the upturned corners of her wide smile and the joy in her eyes. They reflect happy memories of home bubbling ever closer to the surface of her mind.

Once on the ground, Laurel immediately sees changes and improvements in her community. It now has many “Queenslander” style homes (raised off the ground so the flow of cool air can bring relief from the intense tropical heat), plantations of fruits and vegetables to sustain daily life, and greater employment, evidenced by buildings for a supermarket, ranger headquarters and a police station.

“The yarning circle of the First Nations Peoples of Australia is (for) storytelling and the passing of culture to the younger generations.”

“Time flies! You know, I get busy with my evangelism work. You’re not realising that there are family that are getting old because in your head you are thinking they are still young! It’s exciting. It’s a great time to come back and really get reconnected back into the culture … To us, culture is a way of life.”

While reliving childhood memories and reflecting on culture, Laurel invites us into a yarning circle.

“The yarning circle of the First Nations Peoples of Australia is (for) storytelling and the passing of culture to the younger generations,” says island elder, Uncle Fred Pabai, “making sure that our culture is alive … It’s the survival kit to the community to maintain and to be able to come together as one and unite.”

Storytelling is an importance part of all indigenous cultures across Australia, Uncle Fred says it is how indigenous people share and learn important cultural knowledge and history.

Uncle Fred acknowledges the role the Christian faith plays in the Boigu Island indigenous community, and invites Laurel to share the Easter story.

“With the Christian faith coming in, it’s good for the community,” says Laurel, referencing the Easter story as a light in the darkness that brings joy.

Laurel shares the Easter story in plain English, using an Easter story booklet produced by Bible League. The Plain English Version (PEV) of the Bible is an English translation designed for Indigenous Australian’s whose mother tongue is an Aboriginal language.

“It’s written in English,” says Laurel, “and it is easy to understand because it’s written in the English that we speak,” continues Laurel.

Laurel and Uncle Fred read the Easter story in English and talk about the Easter story in their native language.

“Because of the way it’s written, they now understand what the true meaning of Easter is.”

See the BIBLE LEAGUE – EASTER AT BOIGU ISLAND story and the full catalogue of Helping Hands documentaries at helpinghands.tv. Catch up on full episodes of Helping Hands on 9NOW.

Article supplied with thanks to Helping Hands TV.

Feature image: Supplied

About the Author: Helping Hands is an Australian produced TV program that airs on 9GEM, Channel 9 and 9NOW, and showcases people and organisations who make the world a better place.

This smooth chocolate bark gets its perfect texture by using raw cacao butter and cashew butter. By adding a mixture of roasted nuts, seeds, berries and salt, you have a nutritious, delicious and healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp almonds, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsp macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1 – 2 Tbsp goji berries, or dried blueberries
• 180g cacao butter
• 1/2 cup cashew butter/spread, pour off oil that maybe sitting on top
• 1/2 cup cacao raw powder, or to taste
• 4 Tbsp maple syrup (100%)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (organic)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt, plus extra to spinkle on top

Directions

Preheat oven to 170c. Place the nuts and sunflower seeds above (or your choice of nuts) on a lined baking tray and roast in the oven until lightly brown (keep an eye on them so not to burn). Set aside to cool.

Select a baking tray with sides. Use a sheet of baking paper to cover the base and sides, so the chocolate is contained. I’ve used a 32 x 22cm (9 x 13in) tray.

Chop the cacao butter into small pieces or use cacao buttons. Add to a small saucepan over very low heat.

Use a spatula to stir the cacao butter to help it melt, don’t allow the butter to go over 40c if possible. You will need to take the saucepan off the heat from time to time, stirring continually until melted. (I use a digital thermometer to stick in the saucepan to check the temperature as I go, but not necessary).

Once the cacao butter is completely melted, pour it into a blender.

Add the cashew butter, coconut oil, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt, to the blender. (This will cool the cacao butter down a little, which you want). Slowly bring the blender to 3/4 speed and blend for 12 – 14 seconds.

Pour the chocolate over your prepared tray. Sprinkle the nuts, seeds and berries evenly over the warm chocolate. I like to then sprinkle a little Himalayan salt over the top, but optional. Tap the tin on the counter to allow the toppings to sink into the chocolate.

Place in the fridge or freezer to set. Once set, cut or break into serving size pieces and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Serve straight from the fridge!

Article supplied with thanks to The JOYful Table.

About the Author: Susan is an author of The JOYful Table cookbook containing gluten & grain free, and Paleo inspired recipes for good health and wellbeing.

Feature image: Supplied

This smooth chocolate bark gets its perfect texture by using raw cacao butter and cashew butter. By adding a mixture of roasted nuts, seeds, berries and salt, you have a nutritious, delicious and healthy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp almonds, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsp macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1 – 2 Tbsp goji berries, or dried blueberries
• 180g cacao butter
• 1/2 cup cashew butter/spread, pour off oil that maybe sitting on top
• 1/2 cup cacao raw powder, or to taste
• 4 Tbsp maple syrup (100%)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (organic)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt, plus extra to spinkle on top

Directions

Preheat oven to 170c. Place the nuts and sunflower seeds above (or your choice of nuts) on a lined baking tray and roast in the oven until lightly brown (keep an eye on them so not to burn). Set aside to cool.

Select a baking tray with sides. Use a sheet of baking paper to cover the base and sides, so the chocolate is contained. I’ve used a 32 x 22cm (9 x 13in) tray.

Chop the cacao butter into small pieces or use cacao buttons. Add to a small saucepan over very low heat.

Use a spatula to stir the cacao butter to help it melt, don’t allow the butter to go over 40c if possible. You will need to take the saucepan off the heat from time to time, stirring continually until melted. (I use a digital thermometer to stick in the saucepan to check the temperature as I go, but not necessary).

Once the cacao butter is completely melted, pour it into a blender.

Add the cashew butter, coconut oil, cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt, to the blender. (This will cool the cacao butter down a little, which you want). Slowly bring the blender to 3/4 speed and blend for 12 – 14 seconds.

Pour the chocolate over your prepared tray. Sprinkle the nuts, seeds and berries evenly over the warm chocolate. I like to then sprinkle a little Himalayan salt over the top, but optional. Tap the tin on the counter to allow the toppings to sink into the chocolate.

Place in the fridge or freezer to set. Once set, cut or break into serving size pieces and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Serve straight from the fridge!

Article supplied with thanks to The JOYful Table.

About the Author: Susan is an author of The JOYful Table cookbook containing gluten & grain free, and Paleo inspired recipes for good health and wellbeing.

Feature image: Supplied

The Chosen series has taken the world by storm with a story that dates back over two centuries and is beloved by millions of Christians throughout history.

Dallas Jenkins developed this series using a crowdfunding method that has garnered a devout following around the globe. While making Jonathan Roumie and the rest of the cast internationally recognisable and bringing the story of Jesus into homes, unlike any other time in television history. Along with 5&2 Studios conquering the world of television, they have found that launching the series in cinemas has given them even more access to audiences who love or may just discover this timeless narrative.

The fifth season has been packaged under the label of Last Supper. A portion of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem spans all four gospel accounts. It proves to be the stepping stone towards the eventual crucifixion of the Saviour. Dallas Jenkins opens with the disciples sitting at the table with Jesus as he shares some of his most famous teachings. Yet, the episodes weave through the moments from when the Messiah and his followers entered the city to the events, including the supper and his eventual betrayal. The cinematic release consists of the first two episodes of the series. It will leave viewers yearning for the following chapters to be released.

One of the clear benchmarks of this cultural phenomenon is the commitment to quality and how the creators have innovatively honoured history. Jesus’ teachings are never compromised, but they are given new life as the emotion of each situation provides a three-dimensional aspect to these familiar texts. Humour, drama, and action are added to keep the audience engaged regardless of familiarity with the story. These theatrical releases will appeal to devoted fans. They should catalyse those just beginning the pilgrimage to look into the first four seasons. Granted, these productions are made for the series and have an episodic feel. Yet, this will not detract from their watchability, entertainment and inspirational value.

The Chosen: Last Supper—Episodes 1 and 2 — have something to offer those willing to get their tickets and experience their favourite series on the big screen with friends and family. It is a cinematic encounter that will reward and challenge all who are willing to travel into Jerusalem with Jesus and his disciples.

Reel Dialogue: Can we take artistic license with the Bible’s stories?

This has been a debate since the beginning, especially when the Bible’s words were on the big screen. Some of the first films ever produced were Bible stories, and they continue to be a source of inspiration for creatives to create screenplays and movies. Over the past century of cinematic history, the discussions about how far to take the artistry with these beloved texts continue.

No one can argue the influence of Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, The Passion of the Christ, the Jesus film and even The Chosen on people’s lives throughout history. Yet, all had their critics for their interpretations of Bible stories. So, how does someone discern how far is ‘too far’ in the artistry? There is a subjectivity to it all, but a few things may make it easier to know how to answer this question.

The first question is whether you know your Bible well enough to understand the difference between mere interpretation and Biblical fact. Before judging a film’s accuracy, the challenge is for people to study their Bible and know how to discern the differences.

Secondly, if there are extra-Biblical elements, do they complement or detract from the message? Again, you need to know your Bible to answer this question. Still, this is an important question to ask when watching depictions of the Bible. Thankfully, the team at The Chosen have done their due diligence to complement the words of the Bible instead of detracting from their intentions.

Finally, if watching the Bible on screen is too much for you, don’t watch. The Lord has given you the freedom to make decisions for yourself. These three questions will help viewers understand the question of artistic license and hopefully challenge us all to read the Bible.

The Chosen—Season Five does artistically add story elements. Still, its purpose and intentions are meant to lift up Jesus’s person. The series does not compromise the Saviour’s message. Instead, it has managed to get His story before audiences worldwide.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”  Philippians 1:9-10

For those looking more information about Jesus, the Third Space team is here for you. We would love to chat with you about this and more.

If you would like to discuss the topics from this film and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

All images: Movie publicity

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.