Dave, a former atheist and Australian Army officer, now works as a communicator of the Christian faith with Evangelism and New Churches. He was also the main speaker at the recent Hope for the Illawarra Youth event.

With a relatable and passionate style, Dave challenged our students to consider the big questions of life: What is the meaning of your life? Why are you here? He reminded us that being at ICS on that day was no accident but a part of God’s deliberate plan. “God knows you and cares for you,” he told students.

Dave invited students to reflect deeply on two significant questions:

1. Are you going to heaven when you die?

Dave shared that many people respond with, “I hope so.” But he urged students to know that through Jesus, we can have certainty and confidently say, “I know so.”

2. If God met you at the doorway to Heaven and asked, “Why should I let you in?”, what would you say?

Dave contrasted two possible responses:

Option ME – “I’m a pretty good person. I haven’t done anything too terrible. I can get in on my own merit..”

Dave explained that many people imagine a scale of goodness they believe qualifies them for heaven, but that is not the way that this works. Dave reminded everyone that the standard set by Jesus is perfection. No one can achieve this on their own. Our sin creates a barrier in our relationship with God.

Option HE – trusting in what Jesus has done and understanding the significance of God’s plan for salvation.

Dave shifted the focus to the power of Jesus’ sacrifice. He shared insights into the events of the crucifixion, highlighting how Jesus took on the punishment for our sins. Through the darkness of his final moments, Jesus became the substitute for each of us, ensuring that we do not have to stand before God judged by our mistakes, our sins. Jesus took our place, and through his death, our sins laid to rest. Sin has been defeated, and we can find forgiveness and eternal life through surrendering to Jesus.

It was a deeply moving and challenging message. We are thankful for Dave’s willingness to speak so honestly and openly about life, faith, and the hope we have in Jesus.

A fitting reminder comes from Romans 5:8:

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."