There was a special atmosphere at Manorbier Gospel Church on Good Friday evening as believers met for a candlelit celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Rev. Jonathan Fiddy described some of what Jesus went through for our sake; cruel and barbaric punishments which the Romans had reserved for the worst offenders.
Worse than that was his temporary separation from God the Father, who cannot look upon sin.
Yet Jesus underwent this willingly because it was the only way of paying for the sins of the world. Mr. Fiddy said that the blame for Jesus's crucifixion does not rest with a Roman governor or a crowd of Jews; everyone is to blame because the punishment for sin is death, and that punishment was laid on Christ Jesus.
At the cross the victory was won, but the story doesn't end there. On Easter Sunday there were a good number of children present as worshippers celebrated Jesus's resurrection from the tomb.
Jonathan Fiddy set forth some of the many proofs that exist for the resurrection, saying that the evidence is so overwhelming, it could be proven in a court of law.
"Any member of clergy who does not believe in the resurrection should leave the ministry and get an honest job," remarked Mr. Fiddy.
He went on to describe how in baptism believers demonstrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Going down under the water represents a death to the old sinful nature, while rising from the water represents the start of a new life in Christ.
There were plenty of songs of praise and prayers of thanksgiving, as well as two short poems.
This Sunday, the service will be at the usual time of 10.15. Manorbier Gospel Church can be found at the start of the road which leads to Manorbier Garden Centre and the Railway Station. For further details, contact Rev. Fiddy on 01834 871975.