Before conversion, we see the cross of Christ as the unfortunate end of a reformer-preacher. It has nothing to say to us. We trust human wisdom for life and happiness; we have no light on the soul. Here is the true meaning of that cross.

According to the Bible, alienation from God is entirely due to the problem of sin. But what is sin, why should it be so offensive to God, and what is the biblical method of bringing about forgiveness and reconciliation with God?

It may seem strange that God should reveal His purpose and plan for mankind in a book. Here are the reasons why this is precisely what we should expect and how the Scripture and their message are proved to be authentic, and vital to knowing God.

'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'

There are many substitutes for God in human society - things to admire, live, serve or possess. Perhaps they are preferred to the true God because they have no moral authority over us. Let Isaiah unfold the differences between these and the true God.

One human trait stand out in the Bible as the 'master sin', which leads to so many others and becomes more entrenched as time goes by, yet is widely promoted. But God's immeasurable love has provided a way of escape and eternal life.

What happens when the dream of life is over and the reality of God's existence dawns? The Psalmist describes the futility of a life lived without God, and the inevitability of final judgement. Will we face Christ the Lord as our Saviour or as our Judge? 'As a dream, when…

'And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.'

'Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.'

In the disastrous decision of the ungodly king who took Judah into 70 years of captivity we see the very influence that manipulates away from God, and into rationalism and atheism. Here are the 'levers' used by unbelieving society to keep us from God.