Verso Church Podcast.

If the Bible only makes you feel comfortable, you might be reading it wrong. In this message from our Impact series, Chuck dives into Acts 3 to explore how the early church weren't held back by the safety of a "rational" worldview, but instead lived lives marked by genuine awe and supernatural power. Discover how to recalibrate your expectations and make space for divine appointments that disrupt your schedule and reveal the Kingdom at work.

The health of the soil a plant is rooted in can determine the fullness of life the plant lives out. Sometimes, that means uprooting a plant from bad soil, and repotting it into good soil. We, as followers of Jesus, must also be uprooted from our worldly desires and mindset, and be re-rooted in a Kingdom reality in which we are renewed, living out the work Christ has already done in us. In Colossians 3:1-11, Paul unpacks three stages of this journey.

As we continue our ROOTED series, this week we look at Colossians 2:6-15 where Paul reminds us that Jesus is enough in every way. We are rooted in Him, warned not to drift into empty ideas, and reminded that in Christ we have fullness, forgiveness, and new life. Our old life has been cut away, our debt cancelled, and the powers of darkness defeated through the cross. We are made complete in Him and called to live in that freedom and victory.

From the raw pain of "church hurt" to the beauty of radical community, in this message Taryn explores how the Holy Spirit transforms a broken collection of individuals into the "Beautiful Bride" of Christ. Discover how the secret of Koinonia - a supernatural, gritty partnership -allows us to move past our wounds and preferences to find true belonging in the family of God.

Colossians 1:24 - 2:5 stresses the importance of growing in our spiritual maturity as followers of Christ. We unpack 3 dynamics of the Kingdom that invite us to grow: participation (moving from confusing “whys” to commissioned “hows”), power (moving from striving “should dos” to empowered “get tos”) and proximity (moving from an isolated “I” to a connected “we”).

Ever felt like your situation is "dry bones" beyond repair? In this Easter talk, Chuck explores how Jesus’ resurrection serves as a "sample" of the hope waiting for us all, proving that no ending is too final for God’s intervention. Discover why the Holy Spirit is the ultimate raising agent, capable of breathing life into the parts of our lives we thought were lost forever.

Colossians 1:15–23 shows us that Jesus is not just part of our lives — He is the centre of everything. Life rarely drifts all at once. It happens subtly through busyness, distraction, and noise... until something begins to feel off. The Bible calls this a life that is off-centre. And Colossians 1 invites us to bring everything back to the centre.Who Jesus Really Is (v.15)Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is God made visible. Seeing Him rightly reshapes how we live.What Life Is About (v.16–17)All things were created through Him and for Him. In Him all things hold together. When Jesus is at the centre, everything finds its right place.When Life Falls Out of AlignmentSin is a misdirected life — living disconnected from God. Like a phone without signal, things still function but nothing flows properly.What Jesus Has Done (v.19–22)Through the cross, Jesus made peace and reconciled us to God. The gospel is not just forgiveness — it is restoration.The Invitation (v.23)Following Jesus is a daily returning. Small moments of turning back to Him reshape our lives over time.

Ever wondered what happens when a divine encounter hits your bank account? From cardigans and socks to radical generosity, Chuck explores how the Holy Spirit transforms us from consumers into "all-in" partners in God’s global family business. Discover how your small change can create massive, eternal impact and why the most generous people are always the most joyful.

Looking at the life of Queen Esther, Taryn explores why the first victory isn’t always the final breakthrough and what it means to "go again" when the stakes are highest. Drawing from Esther’s vulnerable plea for her people and a moving personal story of healing after twenty years of waiting, this talk encourages us to persevere through disappointment and trust in the God of Again.

This Sunday, we were privileged to welcome a guest speaker Pastor David M. from Grace Vineyard Church in New Zealand who challenged us to evaluate our spiritual fitness. While physical training is good, training for godliness is much better, promising benefits for both this life and the life to come.Is Jesus at Your Center?Using the lighthearted example of Pastor Chuck’s "legendary" physical fitness and his special Oura ring, our speaker reminded us that true strength begins in the spirit. He challenged us to consider whether Jesus is the absolute center of our lives or merely an "annex" or "granny flat" we visit once a week. God doesn't want to be an attachment; He wants to redecorate and take over the whole house.The Spiritual GymTo move from being a "Sunday Christian" to a spiritually fit disciple, we must engage in six key "spiritual exercises: "Worship: Utilising our entire being to honour God.Prayer: Engaging in a two-way conversation where we listen for His voice.The Bible: Consuming the "spiritual food" that gives us energy.Fellowship: Realising that the Christian life is a team sport.Giving: Ensuring God—not money—is the treasure of our hearts.Mission: Avoiding "spiritual obesity" by serving within the church and the world.••

In this session of our IMPACT series, as we continue to explore the book of Acts, we see how the Holy Spirit empowers the church to "blow their cover" and go public with their faith. We dive into the biblical significance of baptism - viewing it as a spiritual bath, a burial of the old self, and a badge of belonging to God’s family. Whether you are new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, discover why baptism is a powerful step of obedience and a vital witness to the world.••

What if the most powerful things God offers can’t be earned, only received? In this talk from our Impact series, Chuck explores the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the transforming power of God’s grace, and what it means to eagerly desire His presence. A message about generosity, purpose, and learning to hear the voice that changes everything.📖 Bible Passages Explored:1 Corinthians 12, verses 1-11Ephesians , verses 9-10Ephesians , verses 19-201 Corinthians 14, verse 1Acts 2, verses 14-18

Being rooted in Christ changes the way we walk – when we are planted in power, we love differently, we are strengthened to endure trials with joy and we see the impossible becoming possible!📖 Bible Passages Explored:Colossians 1, verses 9-14John 15, verses 4-8Hebrews 12, verses 1-2

Ever felt like your prayer life was stuck in a fog? In this talk from our Impact series, Chuck dives into the "gift of tongues," explaining its place as a beautiful, biblical tool for many believers. Whether it’s a language for others to hear or, more commonly, a private and precious tool to build your spirit, discover how this gift can help to build your connection with God when words fail.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Acts 2, verses 1-8 (NIVUK)1 Corinthians 14, verses 1-5, 13-19

Being rooted in Jesus means receiving our identity as God’s holy, faithful people, not through performance but through grace. As that grace is deeply understood, it transforms us from the inside out and enables ordinary, faithful disciples to play a vital part in God’s work, often unseen but deeply significant.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Colossians1, verses 1- 8 NIVUK••

In this message Taryn explores our deep need for the genuine, resurrection power of God to fill our lives. It invites us to slow down, trust the promise of Jesus, and wait expectantly for the Holy Spirit as a gift to be received -not something to be earned. This talk calls us into a posture of faith, surrender, and openness to the transforming power God wants to pour out.••

In this first message of our "Impact" series, Chuck explores the foundational truth that Jesus is not just a figure of history, but a living King who is actively at work in our world today. Drawing from Acts 1:1-5, we look at how the Early Church was fuelled by the power of the Holy Spirit and why that same power is essential for us to leave a "dent in the universe." Discover how we can step into the "Quiet Revival" happening across our nation and live the kind of lives for which the power of God is the only reasonable explanation.

WHO IS JESUS?: "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly". John 10v10. If you'd like to find out more, then visit https://www.verso.church/ JOIN IN: We want to help you get connected with all that's happening at church. Website: https://www.verso.church Facebook:   / verso.church  Instagram:   / versochurch  GIVE: Verso Vineyard Church has always been, and continues to be, financed through your regular giving. Giving to the church is our way of giving back to God for bringing faith, hope, healing and the love of his son Jesus to the world. To give online, visit: https://www.verso.church/give WHAT'S ON: Find more information on What on page at:https://www.verso.church/whats-on TESTIMONY Have a testimony? Email us at [email protected] Our passion is to be radically transformed into the likeness of Jesus as we encounter His presence, worship together, serve one another, walk in the truth of God's word and extend Jesus' love into our communities around us.

This talk encourages the church to step into the new year and a new season with faith, making space in our hearts and lives for God to work, refusing to hold back, and actively participating in His promises. Using Isaiah 54, it highlights God’s call to grow from the inside out, trust Him with the future, and prepare for increasing fruitfulness personally and corporately. ••

Have you ever felt like you’re waiting for a breakthrough that just won’t come? In this powerful message from our all-site service, Wendy H. explores the theme of "Expect the Unexpected" and how God’s timing is often far different—and far better—than our own.Drawing from the life of Moses and the prophecies of Isaiah, Wendy reminds us that even after 400 years of silence, God broke through the darkness at the perfect time. Whether you are walking through a season of "deep darkness" or simply waiting for your own "brass band moment," this talk will encourage you to seek a relationship with Jesus rather than just religious ritual.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Romans 12, verse 1 – Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice.Exodus 33 – Moses’ request to see God’s glory.Isaiah 9, verse 2 – The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.Hebrews 12, verse 2 – Jesus, the author and perfecto of our faith.

This is the Christmas message - but not the version wrapped in tinsel. This is the raw and real truth of the nativity: that the birth of Jesus was not a quaint moment but a cosmic confrontation. When Christ came, light clashed with darkness. A new King arrived, and the kingdoms of the world bristled. In this message, we move past sentimental imagery to rediscover the spiritual tension that surrounds the birth of Jesus. Herod is disturbed. Political powers are threatened. The arrival of the true King sparks resistance. And it still does. His coming always demands a response. This Christmas, we are invited not only to adore the baby in the manger but to crown Him King. For those who receive Him, Jesus brings peace, joy, and new life. But His coming also means surrender - because the crib, the cross, and the crown are inseparable. 📖 Bible Passages Explored:Matthew 2, verses 1-16Isaiah 9, verses 2, 6-7John 1, verses 4-5

Christmas is a cherished season, yet it doesn’t feel joyful for everyone. While it’s meant to be a time of celebration and connection with those we love, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. In this talk, we’ll explore the true meaning of Christmas—how God often works in ways that run counter to our expectations. We’ll look at how heaven came to earth in the most surprising way, beginning with God choosing humble shepherds as the first to hear the good news. We’ll also consider practical ways to walk closely with Jesus amid the busyness of the festive season.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Luke 2, verses 8–14

Our passion is to be radically transformed into the likeness of Jesus as we encounter His presence, worship together, serve one another, walk in the truth of God's word and extend Jesus' love into our communities around us.

Isaiah 40 presents a vision that calls the church to prepare the way of the Lord—as people of comfort, hope, and expectancy—to see transformation made a reality even in the face of brokenness, injustice and poverty. 📖 Bible Passages Explored:Isaiah 40 3-5 3 A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;make straight in the desert, a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”Isaiah 40: 1 -21 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for.1 John 3:18“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Quotes from:"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Desmond TutuThe resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of God’s new creation. The Church’s task is to implement the resurrection in the power of the Spirit.N. T. Wright

The Cross is not just how God forgives sinners — the Cross creates a people. Pentecost is not fireworks — it is the moment the message of the Cross becomes a community — the ἐκκλησία — the called-out assembly.Peter preached the Cross — the Spirit fell — and the Church was born.Acts shows this: Cross → Spirit → Church. The early Church wasn’t built by preference, style, branding, or personality — it was built on the Cross and resurrection of Jesus. The Cross is not a symbol — it is where love and justice meet.Lennox reminds us: the Cross is evidence — God enters history and takes evil seriously in Himself. Wesley reminds us: the Cross is power — grace not only pardons us, grace purifies us and breaks sin’s power.So the Cross answers the mind and the heart.The Cross is not only TRUE — the Cross is TRANSFORMING. Not only how you get to heaven — it’s how heaven gets into you.Therefore — come again to the Cross — not just to be forgiven — but to be remade into a new creation.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Acts 2, verse 36Romans 3, verses 25–26 (God is just & justifier)Galatians 2, verse 20 (crucified with Christ)Romans 6, verse 6 (old self crucified)1 Corinthians 1, verse 18 (the Cross is power)1 Corinthians 15, verses 3 & 4 (eyewitness gospel)

As we reach the end of this series, Jenna challenges us to continue to press in and press on in prayer. This talk reflects on Elijah’s prayer for rain, teaching us to pray with faith, humility, perseverance, and confidence in God’s promises. As our prayer “muscles” strengthen, we move from motivation to discipline - making prayer not just an act but a lifelong posture that sustains and transforms our walk with God.📖 Bible Passages Explored:1 Kings 18, verses 41–45 (NIV)James 5, verses 17-18 (NIV)Matthew 6, verse 6 (NIV) / Matthew 6, verse 6 (MSG)

“Many know how to pray to God — but do we know how to hear what He’s saying to us? Richard shares 10 ways God speaks and how to recognise His voice.”📖 Bible Passages Explored:Isaiah 30, verses 19 & 21Isaiah 50, verse 4Jeremiah 33, verse 31 Corinthians 14, verses 1& 3Romans 6.3-5 (MSG)

This week’s focus is intercession — prayer that moves beyond personal needs to carry the burden of others and contend for God’s purposes. In this season between senior leaders, God is calling our church to become intercessors. Intercession is not a job for a few “prayer warriors” — it’s the call of every believer to partner with Heaven for transformation.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Ezekiel 22, verses 30 (ESV)Genesis 18, verses 22-26 (ESV)Leviticus 10, verse 3 (ESV)2 Chronicles 7, verse 14 (ESV)Acts 12, verse 5 (ESV)Luke 22, verse 44 (ESV)

This message challenges us to move from praying for our needs to praying for God’s purposes. Rooted in the Lord’s Prayer, it calls us to contend for His kingdom on earth, to persevere in faith, and to partner with God in prayer to see lives and situations transformed.📖 Bible Passages Explored:Luke 11, verses 1-2 (NIV)Matthew 6, verses 9-13 (NIV)Matthew 6, verse 33 (NIV)1 John 5, verses 14–15 (NIV)

Biblical fasting is a call to feasting on God! Feasting?! Yes you read that correctly! This talk unpacks the gift God has given us in fasting to help us pursue him wholeheartedly, to stand firm in expectancy and prayer. 📖 Bible Passages Explored:Joel 2:12Ezra 8:21–23Luke 2:36–37How does seeing fasting as a gift from a good Father — rather than a religious duty — reshape your motivation?What areas of your life would you like to see grow (persisting in prayer, expectancy or other personal things), and have you tried fasting as a tool to help you in this growth? What would it look like for you to incorporate fasting as a rhythm in your discipleship, not just a one-time event? What impact do you think joining our corporate fast together as a church family have?

“What do you do when you’ve prayed, waited, and still nothing changes? Richard shares how to trust, pray, and keep moving when you’re still waiting for an answer.”

In this message, Clare invites us to “pick up our shovels” and press into the presence of Jesus. Drawing from Genesis 26, verses 17 - 25, she calls our church to a fresh season of prayer—prayer that forms us, sustains us, and brings living water in times of transition.Discover how God meets those who keep digging, how worship anchors us in uncertainty, and how we can contend for His presence in our homes, city, and nation.📖 Bible Passages Explored:John 15, verse 51 Thessalonians 5, verses 16 - 18Genesis 26, verses 23 - 25Romans 12, verse 1Hebrews 10, verses 24 - 25💬 Take Your Next StepHow will you “pick up your shovel” this week?👉 Share a prayer request or testimony in the comments.

At Verso Vineyard Church, we believe that every time we turn toward Jesus, we step further into the story He is writing over our lives. Our church has always been about creating spaces and places where people encounter Him, and as we step into a new chapter, we continue that journey - turning the page, trusting His leading, and embracing what He has next for us.For the past 7 years, Mark & Steph Helvadjian have faithfully led Verso Vineyard Church, leading us through incredible seasons of growth, transformation, and Kingdom impact. Under their leadership, we have expanded our reach, embraced a multisite vision, and created environments where lives are changed by Jesus. Now, as they step into a new season of God’s calling, we bless them with deep gratitude for all they have poured into this church.At the same time, we look ahead with anticipation, knowing that the next page in this story is beginning. Chuck & Taryn Freeland will be stepping into leadership as our new Senior Pastors, carrying the same heart for transformation, passion for Jesus, and vision for the future. They have spent years leading, planting, and growing churches, and we know that their experience, heart, and vision will build upon the strong foundation already in place.‍Moments like this remindu that God’s story is still unfolding. Just as Verso means "to turntowar," this transition is about turning our hearts toward His plans,trusting in His faithfulness, and walking into the next chapter together as a churchfamily. ‍This is a new season, butthe same faithful God. We step forward with expectation, knowing that as weturn toward Him, He continues to shape, lead, and transform us.

This week Mark looks at Hebrews 10:23, reminding us that our hope rests not in ourselves but in God’s unchanging faithfulness. To confess our hope means openly declaring that our confidence is in Christ alone — not just in words but in the way we live. We are urged to hold fast to that confession without wavering, even when life shakes us, because the One who promises is faithful. From His character and promises, to the cross and resurrection, to His daily presence in our lives, God’s faithfulness is sure. Together, as God’s people, we can encourage one another to stand firm and live as those whose hope is anchored in Hi

In John 21:15-19, Jesus prepares Peter for a life of surrender as he fully engages with a move of God in his time. God is moving in 2025, and now is the time to respond. We explore 3 invitations Jesus gave Peter, understanding that He is inviting us into these today also, as we engage with the move of God in our time:

In the book of Esther God is not mentioned explicitly but we can see Gods hand moving so clearly. God is calling us into a time of transition but let’s not be passive in this time, let’s be a people who are passionately stepping out of our comfort zones and giving God our yes even in our weakness and without first feeling fully qualified. God is always moving and we are empowered by him so let’s walk in that knowledge and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Luke 15 isn’t just a collection of parables—it’s the pulse of God’s heart.A shepherd risks the wilderness for one sheep.A woman turns her house upside down for a single coin.A father runs, robe in hand, to welcome a broken son.These aren’t just stories—they are God’s autobiography. They reveal a truth we easily forget: you are worth the search, worth the sacrifice, worth the celebration.

n Philippians 1:3–6, Paul gives us a powerful vision for Christian life and community — one marked by gratitude, partnership, and unshakeable confidence in God’s ongoing work. This message explores what it means to recognise God as the Author who begins good work in His people and the Finisher who will bring it to completion at the day of Christ. We see that the “good work” is not merely external but rooted in Christlikeness — a lifelong, Spirit-led process of becoming like Jesus. Paul’s language reminds us that faith is not a private journey but a shared one; we are called into partnership in the gospel, joined together in mission, perseverance, and hope. Even when life feels uncertain or incomplete, we can rest in the truth that God never abandons His work. Our role? To stay faithful, keep saying yes, and trust that the story He’s writing still unfolds.

This talk explores the story of Hosea as a powerful picture of God’s unshakeable love for us, even in our unfaithfulness. It challenges us to identify modern-day idols, embrace God’s refining love, and respond with repentance, knowing that restoration is always possible through His faithful pursuit.

Spot God’s Handprint in the lives of people around us. How can we prepare ourselves to join in?

In this message, we explore how money reveals far more than our spending habits — it reveals our discipleship. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This isn’t just about finances — it’s about what we trust, what we love, and who we’re really following. Jesus doesn’t come with guilt, but with an invitation to freedom. When we put Him first and live with open hands, we discover that generosity isn’t a pressure — it’s part of a joy-filled life of worship and trust.

Worship is our response to God. It’s our innate response, the correct response to who God is, one that reorients our hearts, redirects our lives, and ultimately will be our eternal response.

Worship is a lifestyle and a response to God’s worthiness, not just a Sunday activity. Corporate worship unites believers, shifts our focus from self to God, and leads to repentance, healing, and restoration. It challenges barriers like shame and comparison, inviting everyone to engage with willing hearts and authentic praise.

Worship is our priestly calling—not just singing, but ministering to God with our whole lives. As we behold Jesus—not glance, but gaze—we're transformed. Worship involves our hearts, our posture, our voices, and our affection. It’s not about us; it’s all for Him. And from that place, we love others well. In the Old Testament, worship was expressed through seven distinct Hebrew words, each revealing a different facet of praise: Halal means to boast or rave about God with joyful celebration; Yadah is the act of lifting hands in surrender and thanksgiving; Barak reflects reverent worship by kneeling or bowing; Tehillah refers to spontaneous, heartfelt songs of praise; Zamar is worship through instruments and music; Todah is offering thanks in faith before the breakthrough; and Shabach means to shout loudly in triumph. Together, these expressions remind us that worship involves our whole being—heart, soul, mind, and body.

In this opening message of our Worship Series, Mark lays the foundation by inviting us to see worship not as a moment, but a way of life. He reminds us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit — built to host the presence of God, not just attend services. Worship flows from identity: we are set apart to carry His name and presence. From there, we explore the idea that we are “priests first, shepherds second,” called to minister to the Lord before we minister for Him. When we love God first, everything else flows rightly. Finally, we’re challenged to value purity over perfection — God doesn’t want polish; He wants presence. Real worship means bringing our whole, imperfect selves before Him in love. The message is a call to reset our hearts and lives to truly become people who welcome and honour God’s presence every day.

In this talk, we step into Paul’s deep pastoral heart as he shares the struggle he carries for believers he’s never even met. His longing? That they would be strengthened in heart, united in love, and grounded in the full assurance of knowing Christ. Paul reminds us that the Christian life isn’t built on surface-level belief or individual effort — it’s rooted in spiritual unity and anchored in Jesus. And Christ isn’t just the centre of our faith — He is the treasure chest of all wisdom and knowledge. In a world searching for answers, Paul redirects our gaze: all that we truly need is found in Him. This message calls us to step out of isolation, lean into community, and re-centre our lives on the only One who satisfies.

We are commissioned to share and demonstrate the good news of the gospel wherever we find ourselves, yet if we are honest, we often find it hard to do so! In this talk we explore some of the truths that sets us free to be bold and courageous followers of Jesus, commissioned to share Him with the world! 

In this message from Colossians 1:3–14, we explore Paul’s powerful prayer for the church in Colossaians — a prayer that remains deeply relevant for us today. Paul doesn’t focus on external circumstances, but on the inner life of believers. His desire is that we be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, not merely for understanding, but so that we may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit and growing in relationship with Him. And in walking this way, we are strengthened by God’s power to endure with patience, joy, and thanksgiving. The talk this week invites us to reflect on what we’re filled with, how our lives are reflecting our connection to Jesus, and the deep assurance we have as those delivered into the kingdom of His Son. It's a call to Spirit-filled living grounded in grace, not striving.

Welcome to Verso Vineyard Church! Welcome home! Thank you for joined us today! At Verso, we’re a church passionate about becoming more like Jesus and inviting His presence into every part of our lives. Meeting across multiple locations, we love to worship together, serve others, and live out God’s truth in community.••✨ Discover More About JesusJesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)If you’re curious about who Jesus is, we’d love to share more. Visit: https://www.verso.church/ 🌟 Connect With UsWe want to help you stay connected and be part of all that’s happening at Verso Vineyard Church!Website: https://www.verso.church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verso.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/versochurch/❤️ giveVerso Vineyard Church has always been, and continues to be, financed through your regular giving. Giving to the church is our way of giving back to God for bringing faith, hope, healing and the love of his son Jesus to the world. To give online, visit: https://www.verso.church/give 📅 Stay UpdatedDiscover what’s happening at Verso Vineyard! Check out our What’s On page: https://www.verso.church/whats-on 🙌 Share Your StoryHave a testimony to share? We’d love to hear it! Email us at: [email protected]

Easter Sunday proclaims the victorious truth that Love Wins. Though Friday’s cross looked like defeat, Easter reveals the hidden triumph of love through Jesus’ resurrection. The empty tomb declares that death, fear, guilt, and shame have all been defeated by the love of Christ. This isn’t just history — it’s hope for today. Through Jesus, we’re invited into a new life, a new creation, not because we’re perfect, but because He is alive. Baptisms today boldly declare this victory: love has won in the hearts of real people. And the same love that overcame the grave is reaching out to each of us — calling us from Friday’s despair into Sunday’s hope. The risen Jesus doesn’t offer just a second chance, but a whole new life. The question remains: Has love won you?