Hundreds at Ipswich Corn Exchange

 

On Saturday night a good crowd gathered at the Corn Exchange to hear Stephen Gaukroger and the Saltmine Theatre Company. The audience was taken on a journey through the Bible, stopping to take in God’s creation and the way humanity has continually messed up life through sin.

 

On the way, Stephen Goukroger asked some difficult questions – “Are Christians hypocrites?” Often yes, but that doesn’t mean that what they claim is not true. And “Has science disproved God?” No, it cannot, as it only answers different questions – many good scientists are Christians.

 

The key question should be “Is Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection really true?” If it is, it should transform our lives! Stephen explained how some common “explanations” of the resurrection explained simply don’t stack up, and how many people had found the truth of the living Jesus in their own lives. He then threw out the challenge to take this message seriously this Easter and to decide once and for all – does it fit? Is it true?

 

 

 

On Sunday a full Corn Exchange welcomed Stephen and the Saltmine team again, this time with the Ipswich Community Gospel Choir. Following community singing and some exciting and inspirational music from the choir, Saltmine Theatre brought to life the story of the Prodigal Son, which was to be a theme for the following talk.

 

Speaking without notes, Stephen Gaukroger then explained that Passion for Life is about help – how we can find hope for our lives, like the younger son in the story. Christianity is not about trying to be good, or being born in Britain, or thinking Jesus is a good man.

 

He said “Some people thought Jesus was crazy, or just bad – but the only explanation of his life that makes sense is that he was the son of God”.

 

“The may be people here who have been in the church for many years, but who have become the older brother, cynical about many things. How different the church would be if there were no older brothers”.

 

“And some people want the luxury of not deciding, like the younger brother. But Christianity forces us to decide - we are all on a journey and must not wait until it is too late. When you become a Christian you see the world in colour, not just black and white. It can’t really be described; one has to take a step, experience it to understand”

 

 

“It has been great the way all the churches have come together for this event. I believe Christians in Ipswich want to work together in this way” – Nathan Simmonds, leader Ipswich Community Gospel Choir

 

“Stephen Gaukroger is very natural and completely believes in what he is saying” - The Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr. David Goldsmith

 

“I have been really encouraged that we have had the opportunity to get to the core of the Christian message. Thank you so much to the churches that have been wonderfully supportive” – Andrew Docherty, Chair Passion for Life Committee

 

“I really loved the Gospel choir – they were great!” – Emily Hannah of CYM

 

“These have been a great few days here in Ipswich. I pray that God will bless the town and the churches here” – Stephen Gaukroger