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. You can download the discussion guide 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.

Psalm 113 begins with praise and ends with hope. It celebrates a God who is high above all nations, yet bends down to lift the poor and the powerless. On the night before the cross, Jesus sang of a God who raises the lowly, even as he prepared to lower himself completely. This week invites us to magnify God not only in strength, but in humility, trusting that the God who stoops low is the God who saves. Songs Jesus The post Psalm 113 – The God who lifts us up (Brian Paris) 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 – 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.

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.

Jesus heals a man born blind using spit and mud. It is unusual and intimate, but it reveals the heart of a Saviour who steps right into our mess to bring sight and hope. While the disciples wanted to debate the cause of the man’s blindness, Jesus wanted to show them God’s work. Jesus does things in ways we do not expect, but his actions always lead us toward wholeness and trust. John 9:1-12 Strange things Jesus did. When Jesus 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 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 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.

Every building needs a cornerstone that sets direction and holds everything together. Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is the cornerstone of our faith. Without him, the whole building falls apart. This week we will ask, ‘What parts of my life are built on other foundations like success, money, comfort, or control, and how can I shift my weight onto Christ?’ If you are exploring faith, this is the invitation to start building your life on him. You can find our The post Christ the cornerstone (Laura Snook) 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 Kenosis (Kate Cathcart) 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 Jephthah’s daughter (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Christ has already triumphed over Satan at the cross, and one day the battle will be over forever. We fight from victory, not for victory. We will anchor the series in hope. Jesus wins. The enemy is defeated. We are called to endure and overcome as victorious children of God. One day, the war will end and we will reign with him forever. Our world is caught in a battle that cannot be seen with human eyes. The Bible show The post The final victory (Laura Snook) 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 From forgotten to favoured – the story of Mephibosheth (Ben Pearson) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Temptation and fear are two of the enemy’s fiercest weapons. God equips us with truth, faith, and his presence to overcome. We’ll talk about practical steps to live free from both of these things using faith and prayer. Our world is caught in a battle that cannot be seen with human eyes. The Bible show us the reality of spiritual warfare, the strategies of our enemy, the victory of Christ, and the weapons God gives us to stand strong. In The post Fighting temptation (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. God can open our eyes to the reality of this unseen war. The battle is real, but we are not alone. His power surrounds and protects us. Our world is caught in a battle that cannot be seen with human eyes. The Bible show us the reality of spiritual warfare, the strategies of our enemy, the victory of Christ, and the weapons God gives us to stand strong. The post The battle we cannot see (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Today we welcomed Pastor Margaret Pashley from Center for Change in Leyte, Philippines! During her message, Margaret shared the poem ‘Only One Life’ by C.T. Studd: Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord The post Ordinary people living for eternity (Margaret Pashley) 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 Psalm 46 (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 Stay focused on the great work (Laura Snook) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Making Jesus known isn’t just a one-off event where you tell someone the gospel. It’s about becoming your friend’s go-between for issues that sit between this world and the next. Sharing about Jesus can be weaved into an ongoing conversation where you help your friend make sense of issues in their life from your spiritual perspective. Practical service, God-given wisdom and prayer can be tools to make Jesus known to your friends. Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church The post Become a go-to chaplain (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.