The Lakes Church Cairns

We will discover Jesus' teaching on money and possessions, including the worries they tend to produce in peoples' lives. We'll learn how this section of the Sermon on the Mount (6:19-34) connects with the larger biblical story. Study Season – Sermon on the Mount Do you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible to understand and apply it? From July 5 – August 16 we're hosting another Study Season, each Sunday night in the church hall. We'll have in-depth teaching and The post Study Season – Wealth and worry (Kira Giles, Isaac Snook, Elena Beath, Jonte Hovenden appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

In Genesis 26, Isaac reopened the wells his father had dug, uncovering life-giving water that had been there all along. This message explores how God may be inviting us to rediscover callings, gifts, dreams and foundations of faith that have become buried over time. Rather than always asking God for something new, perhaps he is placing a shovel in our hands and inviting us to uncover what he has already given. No matter where you've come from, you'll find a The post Dig up old wells: rediscover what God has already given you (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will examine the Lord's Prayer, located at the centre of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13), and see how Jesus' instruction to pray like this reveals his desire to transform people into those who trust God, love others, and participate in the work entailed with bringing God's Kingdom to earth, as it is in heaven. Study Season – Sermon on the Mount Do you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible to understand and apply it? From July 5 The post Study Season – The Lord's Prayer (Jo Johnson) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

No matter where you've come from, you'll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church family with us. Our church community is here to love people and invite them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus. Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church The post God invites you to pray specific prayers (Dan Dubbeld) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will see how Jesus warns against using traditional religious practices to signal virtue and gain social favour. We'll learn how this section of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1-18) connects with the larger biblical story. Study Season – Sermon on the Mount Do you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible to understand and apply it? From July 5 – August 16 we're hosting another Study Season, each Sunday night in the church hall. We'll have in-depth teaching and The post Study Season – Warnings about religious practices (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will see how Jesus understood ancient Old Testament law about oaths, retaliation, and neighbourly love. We'll learn how this portion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:33-48) connects with the larger biblical story. Sermon on the Mount: how Jesus sees the world. Jesus' famous Sermon on the mount isn't a list of rules or religious ideas. It's an invitation into a transformed life with him at the centre. Jesus paints a vision of a completely different kind of The post Jesus teaches a different way to fight (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will engage with Jesus' teaching about murder, adultery, and divorce. We'll learn how this portion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-32) connects with the larger biblical story. Study Season – Sermon on the Mount Do you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible to understand and apply it? From July 5 – August 16 we're hosting another Study Season, each Sunday night in the church hall. We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on Jesus' famous Sermon on the The post Study Season – Murder, adultery & divorce (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will dig into Jesus' understanding of righteousness, or ‘right relating' with others, and see how he advances the story of the Old Testament Torah and Prophets by showing what true righteousness looks like. Sermon on the Mount: how Jesus sees the world. Jesus' famous Sermon on the mount isn't a list of rules or religious ideas. It's an invitation into a transformed life with him at the centre. Jesus paints a vision of a completely different kind of life The post Jesus and the Torah / the Old Testament law (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will dive into an in-depth exploration of Jesus' nine beatitudes in Matthew 5. We'll see how these short wisdom statements imagine a new social world grounded in true justice, peace, and love. We'll discover how this first section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) connects with the larger biblical story. Study Season – Sermon on the Mount Do you enjoy digging deeper into the Bible to understand and apply it? From July 5 – August 16 we're The post Study Season – The Beatitudes (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We will explore Jesus' announcement of God's Kingdom—both its intense challenge and its comforting promise—and discover the significance of the Sermon on the Mount within the larger biblical story. Sermon on the Mount: how Jesus sees the world. Jesus' famous Sermon on the mount isn't a list of rules or religious ideas. It's an invitation into a transformed life with him at the centre. Jesus paints a vision of a completely different kind of life and world – one shaped The post Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

No matter where you've come from, you'll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church family with us. Our church community is here to love people and invite them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus. Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church The post Hope is one of the most valuable currencies a Christian can hold (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Peter Shurley has spent many years travelling Australia as a Christian musician, songwriter, and communicator, and he shared both music and a message with us. No matter where you've come from, you'll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church family with us. Our church community is here to love people and invite them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus. Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church All music used by permission (CCLI #67413 and #491511). The post Transformation (Peter Shurley at The Lakes Church) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Doubt is something most people experience, but few people talk about. This week we explore what to do when questions, uncertainty, or struggles with belief arise, and how doubt doesn't have to pull you away from Jesus but can actually become part of a deeper, more honest faith. Doubt can be a sign that your faith is growing beyond simple answers. Every meaningful relationship in your life involves trust before certainty.Ultimately the question is, “Can you trust Jesus?” Real faith The post How to deal with doubt as a Christian (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Following Jesus isn't sustained by good intentions but by staying connected to him. In the busyness of everyday life, it's easy for faith to become distant or routine. This week we explore simple, life-giving rhythms that help you stay close to Jesus, so your faith isn't just something you visit, but something you live from. John 15:4-5; Luke 10:38-42; Psalm 1:1-3. How to follow Jesus (for real) Following Jesus isn't just something you believe, it's something you live. In this The post Staying close to Jesus (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Is your life too full, chaotic or busy? It might be that you've said yes to too many good things. This week we welcomed Steve Drinkall from Churches of Christ in Queensland who explored how Jesus didn't do everything available to him, but intentionally said no to some really good things. Jesus was disciplined to do only what God had called him to do. No matter where you've come from, you'll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church The post You can't live well without saying no to good options (Steve Drinkall) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Faith isn't just private. It shapes how we live at work, at school, and in our relationships. But for many of us, this is where following Jesus feels most uncomfortable. This week we look at how to live out your faith in the real world with authenticity, courage, and grace, so that your life points to Jesus in a way that is both natural and meaningful. You can download the discussion guide for the series here. How to follow Jesus The post How to follow Jesus in public (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We all face decisions about direction, relationships, and the future. But how do you actually know what God wants? This week we unpack how God leads ordinary people in real life. Rather than waiting for a sign or a voice from the sky, we'll explore how God guides us through Scripture, wisdom, community, and the quiet work of his Spirit. Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1-2; John 10:27. You can download the discussion guide for the series here. How to follow Jesus The post How do I know what God wants? (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

A lot of people believe in Jesus, but few actually follow him. There's a difference. Jesus didn't call people to agree with him, but to follow him with their whole lives. This week we explore what it means to move from belief to real, everyday faith. When you live like Jesus' apprentice, it changes everything about your faith. We will help people begin to prepare for baptism on June 7. Luke 9:23; Matthew 7:24-27. How to follow Jesus (for real). The post A faith that actually follows (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Psalm 117 & 118 are songs of deliverance and ultimate victory. Psalm 118 in particular speaks of suffering, trust, and a future that God will bring about despite opposition. Jesus sang these words knowing he would soon be rejected, crucified, and raised. As the series concludes, we are invited to magnify Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith and to place our lives confidently in the hands of the God who brings life out of death. Songs Jesus sang: The The post Psalm 117 & 118 – The stone the builders rejected (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Psalm 116 is a deeply personal song of rescue, gratitude, and costly devotion. It speaks of loving the Lord in the midst of pain and choosing faithfulness even when life is fragile. Jesus likely sang this psalm knowing his own death was near. This week invites us to magnify God with honest worship, learning to sing even in the valley and to respond to grace with surrendered lives. To see Dan's notes that he mentioned, follow this link: https://thelakes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/psalm-116-sermon.pdf Songs The post Psalm 116 – A song in the valley (Dan Dubbeld) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Psalm 114 and 115 recall God's power to save and confront the temptation to trust in idols that cannot speak, see, or help. As Jesus walked toward betrayal and suffering, he sang of a living God who acts on behalf of his people. This calls us to examine where we place our trust and to magnify the God who is present, powerful, and worthy of our confidence when fear closes in. Songs Jesus sang: The psalms sung on the night The post Psalm 114 & 115 – Held when we are afraid (Brian Paris + Jonte Hovenden) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Songs Jesus sang: The psalms sung on the night before the cross On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus and his disciples sang hymns together. These songs, Psalms 113–118, were familiar prayers of praise, trust, suffering, and hope. In this series, we listen to the songs Jesus likely sang on his way to the cross and discover how they magnify God, shape faith in suffering, and invite us to follow Jesus with honest, resilient worship. Psalm 113 – The God The post Songs Jesus Sang (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Find hope when life hurts. Find meaning when things feel uncertain. This Easter weekend, we will explore ancient songs that speak honestly about suffering, trust, and hope. Through Psalm 22 and Psalm 16, we will reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus and discover why Easter still matters for real people, real pain, and real life today. Whether faith is familiar, fragile, or something you are still exploring, you are welcome. Easter Sunday is a celebration of hope that The post Easter Sunday 2026 (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Find hope when life hurts. Find meaning when things feel uncertain. Good Friday is a day that does not rush past pain. Psalm 22 gives words to suffering, abandonment, and unanswered questions. These are the words Jesus cried from the cross. This service will be reflective and honest, creating space to acknowledge loss, grief, and the weight of the world, while pointing toward a God who is present even when he feels distant. No matter where you've come from, you'll The post Good Friday 2026 (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Hebrews ends by fixing our eyes on Jesus. He is our example, our strength, and our destination. Magnifying Jesus means laying aside what distracts us and running with perseverance. A focused life makes Jesus visible to the world. Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus. When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see him clearly, trust him deeply, and make him visible to others. As Jesus comes into focus, our worship deepens, our confidence The post Jesus is worth following (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and thought; “What does that even mean?” or “I can't believe that's in the Bible!” Starting on February 15 we'll have a Study Season in the church hall on Sunday nights for six weeks We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on strange and difficult passages in the Old Testament with the goal of becoming more comfortable with the stories that seem strange or that challenge us.  The post Study Season – Judah and Tamar appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Today we welcomed Simon Ward from Compassion Australia. Please contact us to find out more about Compassion and the partnership we have with them, sponsoring children in Cebu, the Philippines. You can watch the full video that Simon showed of Edward meeting his sponsor family here. No matter where you've come from, you'll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church family with us. Our church community is here to love people and invite them to join us in The post The exchange of the cross (Simon Ward from Compassion) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and thought; “What does that even mean?” or “I can't believe that's in the Bible!” Starting on February 15 we'll have a Study Season in the church hall on Sunday nights for six weeks We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on strange and difficult passages in the Old Testament with the goal of becoming more comfortable with the stories that seem strange or that challenge us.  The post Study Season – Genocide in the Old Testament appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Because of Jesus, the way to God is open. We are invited to draw near with confidence, hold fast to hope, and encourage one another toward visible faith. As Jesus is magnified, our faith becomes shared, active, and outward-looking. Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see him clearly, trust him deeply, and make him visible to others. As Jesus comes into focus, our worship deepens, our The post Jesus opens the way (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and thought; “What does that even mean?” or “I can't believe that's in the Bible!” Starting on February 15 we'll have a Study Season in the church hall on Sunday nights for six weeks We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on strange and difficult passages in the Old Testament with the goal of becoming more comfortable with the stories that seem strange or that challenge us.  The post Study Season – Times that God tried to kill someone who was doing what he asked appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

The old covenant pointed forward. Jesus completes the story. Hebrews shows us that forgiveness is not repeated effort but a finished work. Magnifying Jesus means letting go of guilt, performance, and self-effort, and living as people who are truly free. Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see him clearly, trust him deeply, and make him visible to others. As Jesus comes into focus, our worship deepens, The post Jesus is enough (Dan Dubbeld) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and thought; “What does that even mean?” or “I can't believe that's in the Bible!” Starting on February 15 we'll have a Study Season in the church hall on Sunday nights for six weeks We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on strange and difficult passages in the Old Testament with the goal of becoming more comfortable with the stories that seem strange or that challenge us.  The post Study Season – Strange animal attacks appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Jesus stands between us and God, not as a barrier but as a bridge. He sympathises with our weakness and invites us to approach God with confidence. When Jesus is magnified, prayer becomes honest, grace becomes accessible, and shame loses its power. Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see him clearly, trust him deeply, and make him visible to others. As Jesus comes into focus, our The post Jesus is our great high priest (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and thought; “What does that even mean?” or “I can't believe that's in the Bible!” Starting on February 15 we'll have a Study Season in the church hall on Sunday nights for six weeks We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on strange and difficult passages in the Old Testament with the goal of becoming more comfortable with the stories that seem strange or that challenge us.  The post Study Season – Does God changes his mind? appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Unbelief shrinks our vision, but trust sharpens it. Hebrews warns against hardened hearts and invites us to fix our thoughts on Jesus. Magnifying Jesus means choosing trust over striving, obedience over comfort, and learning to live from a place of faith-filled rest. Hebrews 3:1–4:13 Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see him clearly, trust him deeply, and make him visible to others. As Jesus comes into The post Jesus is our rest (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and thought; “What does that even mean?” or “I can't believe that's in the Bible!” Starting on February 15 we'll have a Study Season in the church hall on Sunday nights for six weeks We'll have in-depth teaching and discussion on strange and difficult passages in the Old Testament with the goal of becoming more comfortable with the stories that seem strange or that challenge us.  This first study covers one The post Study Season – Darkest chapters of the Bible (Judges 19-21) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Jesus does not save from a distance. He steps into our humanity, our weakness, and our suffering. Hebrews reveals a saviour who is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. As we magnify Jesus, we are invited to bring our real selves to him, trusting the one who truly understands. You can find the discussion guide here: https://www.thelakes.church/hebrews Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see The post Jesus became like us (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Hebrews opens by declaring that Jesus is not one voice among many. He is God's final and fullest revelation. Greater than prophets. Higher than angels. This week invites us to decide where Jesus truly sits in our lives. Magnifying Jesus begins by giving him first place, not leftover attention. You can find the discussion guide here: https://www.thelakes.church/hebrews Hebrews: Jesus in sharp focus. When faith becomes blurry, Hebrews adjusts the lens. This series magnifies Jesus so we can see him clearly, The post Jesus is greater (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Our focus for 2026 is simple: to magnify Jesus. Magnifying Jesus will make him clearer, closer, and more visible in our lives. We will see him for who he really is. Like adjusting a lens, magnification can bring Jesus into sharp focus which will help us magnify him to others. We want Jesus to be clearer in our worship. More visible in our lives. More central in our decisions. More evident in our love for others. When Jesus is magnified, The post Magnify Jesus: our focus for 2026 appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Jesus storms into the temple, clears out the noise and drives away the distractions. His passion is jarring, but it reveals his deep desire for people to have a clear path to God. Jesus removes whatever gets in the way of people encountering his presence. John 2:13-22 Strange things Jesus did. When Jesus surprises us, he shows us what God is really like. Jesus said and did things that often left people confused. But every time he acted in a The post Jesus made a whip (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

When Peter stresses about paying taxes, Jesus sends him fishing and provides a coin in the most unexpected way. This strange provision shows that Jesus sees our needs, meets them in surprising ways and reminds us to trust his care and sovereignty. Matthew 17:24-27 Strange things Jesus did. When Jesus surprises us, he shows us what God is really like. Jesus said and did things that often left people confused. But every time he acted in a strange way, he The post Jesus paid tax with a fish (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

When a woman is dragged in front of a crowd for judgment, Jesus doesn't join the angry mob. Instead, he kneels down and writes in the dust. His quiet, unusual action exposes hypocrisy and lifts shame. Jesus chooses mercy when everyone else wants condemnation. His grace has the final word. John 8:1-11 Strange things Jesus did. When Jesus surprises us, he shows us what God is really like. Jesus said and did things that often left people confused. But every The post Jesus wrote in the dust (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

From a distance the fig tree looked healthy, but it had no fruit. Jesus uses this surprising moment as an example of spiritual emptiness and religious performance. Jesus wants more than the appearance of faith – he wants genuine growth. He calls us to a life that bears real fruit, not just leaves. Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 Strange things Jesus did. When Jesus surprises us, he shows us what God is really like. Jesus said and did things that often left The post Jesus cursed a fig tree (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Strange things Jesus did. When Jesus surprises us, he shows us what God is really like. Jesus said and did things that often left people confused. But every time he acted in a strange way, he was revealing something true about God and about us. This series invites us to look again at five moments where Jesus behaved in ways no one expected. Jesus' strange actions will lead us to trust him more deeply, follow him more closely and see The post Jesus spat in the dirt (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

His name will be (A Christmas series at The Lakes Church) Names and labels often define us in ways that we don't even realise. Long before Jesus was born and lay in a manger, there was a promise about who he would be. A prophet named Isaiah said, “His name will be, ‘Wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” When he was actually born he got the name Jesus, but he lived up to his full title in The post Prince of Peace – Christmas Day (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

His name will be (A Christmas series at The Lakes Church) Names and labels often define us in ways that we don't even realise. Long before Jesus was born and lay in a manger, there was a promise about who he would be. A prophet named Isaiah said, “His name will be, ‘Wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” When he was actually born he got the name Jesus, but he lived up to his full title in The post Everlasting Father (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

His name will be (A Christmas series at The Lakes Church) Names and labels often define us in ways that we don't even realise. Long before Jesus was born and lay in a manger, there was a promise about who he would be. A prophet named Isaiah said, “His name will be, ‘Wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” When he was actually born he got the name Jesus, but he lived up to his full title in The post Mighty God (Geoff Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

His name will be (A Christmas series at The Lakes Church) Names and labels often define us in ways that we don't even realise. Long before Jesus was born and lay in a manger, there was a promise about who he would be. A prophet named Isaiah said, “His name will be, ‘Wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” When he was actually born he got the name Jesus, but he lived up to his full title in The post Wonderful counsellor (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

God's church grows into maturity when we are united in truth, grounded in love, and each doing our part. Unity in essentials, freedom in non-essentials, and love in all things is what keeps our community strong. This week we will commit ourselves to God's building project through serving, encouraging, forgiving, and loving. Every person has a part to play, and there are many more people God wants to reach through us. What gift has God given you and how will The post Built together in love (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

We are all sinners saved by grace, forgiven through Jesus' death and resurrection. The church is not a club that we join, it is a people saved to belong to God. Communion and baptism remind us of who we are and whose we are. This week we will reflect deeply in communion and remember our baptism, or consider baptism for the first time. If you have been searching for a place to belong, God's invitation is open to you. You The post Baptism & communion are living signs of grace (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

God shapes his people through his Word and his Spirit. The Bible equips us with truth and the Spirit empowers us with gifts to build the church. We are not left to guess what God wants because he speaks and guides. This week is about opening ourselves more to God's Word and to God's Spirit, whether we are learning for the first time or deepening our walk with him. Unless the Lord builds What makes a church strong? Not our The post Spirit and Word build the house appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.