This episode begins with prayers in response to the tragic anti-Semitic attack at Bondi Beach. Stu Crawshaw and several congregation members lead us in prayer for victims, families, first responders, the Jewish community, and our city.

Why would the God of the universe, the all-powerful, all-knowing Creator before whom angels tremble, want a personal relationship with you? And maybe more importantly: why don't you want a relationship with Him?

In this final part of our "God, Why?" series, Ethan unpacks Romans 8:1-17 to explore both sides of this profound question. He begins by acknowledging what makes this question so difficult: God's overwhelming bigness and our crushing awareness of our own sin.

Drawing from Old Testament stories of people struck down for touching the Ark, priests entering the Holy of Holies with bells on their robes (so others would know if they died), and Moses glowing after encountering God, Ethan paints the picture of a God who inspires reverent fear. How could that God want simple little me?

Hosea 11 reveals God as the Father who taught His children to walk, who lifts them to his cheek and bends down to feed them. This isn't just New Testament love, this is the God of the Old Testament too. He's like Aslan from Narnia: not safe, but good. Big and powerful, yet inviting us to call him "Abba" Dad or Father.

Romans 8 tells us our minds governed by flesh are hostile to God, unable to please him. We can't just show God our carefully curated "friendship profile". God sees everything. Every thought, every action, everything we've done and will do. So why would he want us?

Because he loves us. And it's all we need.

But then Ethan flips the question entirely: Why don't YOU want a relationship with God? Not theoretically, but actually. What's getting in the way of that relationship right now? Is it the desires of the flesh stopping you? Being too busy? Fear? Conflict with Christians? Your own sin? God's already answered why he wants you, he loves you and offers eternal relationship where you'll walk with him forever, never needing to leave his presence.

So what's your answer?