Many people feel a deep feeling in their soul that "there must be more to life than this?" Whether it's because of the pain and tragedy that we experience, or because the 'moments of joy' don't seem to last long enough, there is something in us that cries out for something greater - some have called this "the God-shaped hole in our hearts." This talk is an introduction to the course and encourages guests to come and ask any questions they have - even if they seem really simple or really feisty - and see whether Jesus Christ could be the answer to the "God-shaped hole."

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There is no doubt about it, Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most influential men ever to have walked planet earth, so influential that he split time in two (B.C + A.D). However was he more than just a man? Many say he was just a "good moral teacher." However, is that really a fair thing to say about him, given all that he said and all that he did? This is a crucial question, as Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Christian faith and he claims to give both life in all it's fullness now, and eternal life. Could Jesus really be more than a good teacher or carpenter?

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The cross is arguably the most gruesome form of execution known to man, far worse than the electric chair or gallows, yet it stands as the symbol at the heart of the Christian faith and many people wear it on a necklace around their necks, which seems very bizarre when you compare it other forms of execution. But it is the symbol of Christianity for a very good reason because the claim is that through the cross God and mankind can have a relationship again, now and forever. Could such weakness and shame bring about such good?

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Death is the one thing that we can all be certain of in life. We know that one day we will die and we may already know many friends and family that have already died. Humanity seems to have no answer to it, it is our master! Yet throughout his life Jesus confronts death as if he is in control and then seemed to defeat death through his own resurrection. As ridiculous as this may seem at first, could it be true? Because if it is true, then maybe it provides the answer for the day death comes knocking on our door!

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There can be no doubt about it, the presence of evil and suffering in the world constitutes the greatest challenge to the Christian faith and it leads many people to doubt or deny the existence of God. However does a world without God make it any better, in fact can we even talk sensibly about evil and suffering if God doesn't exist? it is my contention that, because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus, Christianity has answers to this huge question that no other religion or worldview can offer.

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Apart from a great pub meal and a walk on Ilkley Moor, the Alpha Day Away is great fun because it looks at what it means to be "spiritual" and what it means to be "filled with the Holy Spirit." Most people I speak to say that they can't live up to their own standards, let alone God's standards, well the answer Jesus gives to living life to the full and living God's way is to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Often people think that Christianity is a crutch for the weak, that helps those who can't help themselves. In one sense this is true but in another sense following Christ is far from "an easy ride" or "an attractive alternative when life sucks." Jesus makes some incredible and challenging claims for those that want to follow him. It will be worth it and it will be rewarding, but it will be tough, and we must count the cost before embarking on the journey. So what does it mean to be a Christian, and what does it mean to count the cost and follow Christ?

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