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Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! We hope you will join us as we celebrate our Risen Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. At the empty tomb, we find the passion of Christ burst forth in glorious day! For up from the grave He arose triumphant over His foes. As we reflect on this day it not only gives us hope for today it provides hope for the future. For like Jesus we too will rise again. So, have you heard? Jesus Christ is risen today! Hallelujah!
As we continue with our Places of the Passion Sermon Series, we find ourselves at Golgotha (the place of the skull) or we may know it as Calvary (Latin meaning skull). The cross is never easy. It is repulsive and ugly. A symbol of the worst kind of torture, injustice, and brutality. And yet it is the central symbol of our faith. Join us as we venture to the cross and find there faith and love intersecting and announcing triumph.
There are two emotions or thoughts we could have as we move into Pilate's Judgment Hall. We can either search for the truth about Jesus the Christ or fear what will happen. Earth's kings and rulers joined forces to destroy the Lord's Anointed, the Messiah. The nations raged against Him and people plotted in vain against Him. And yet, full authority was given to Him. Such a plan God had in mind from the beginning of the world to ransom souls through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Truth always overcomes fear.
If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, then you are a witness to what He has done for you. Your life, your marriage, your work, your actions, your statements all ought to bring to light the love of Christ. However, we often feel like the disciples looking on at Jesus in the courtyard of the Sanhedrin afraid to speak up, afraid to stand up, afraid to give our lives for the Gospel. Join us this week as we walk into the courtyard with Peter and find the courage to be unafraid witnesses for Jesus today.
We find ourselves in the Garden of Gethsemane this week. The prayers Jesus prayed give us insight into His nature, His heart, and His mission on earth. The prayers of Jesus also inform and encourage us in our own prayer lives. In today's message, we dive into the topic of cultivating prayer. Far more important than where, when, and in what position to pray is the fact that Jesus prayed and so should we.
This week, we are traveling about 2 miles east of Jerusalem to the small village of Bethany. There are about a dozen references found in the Scriptures of this town. It was the home of Simon the leper, it is the place where Mary anoints the feet of Jesus. It is where preparations start for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But most of all it is probably best known for being the hometown of Jesus' good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And, we too can look at Jesus as our friend.
We begin our Lent Series, Places of the Passion. We will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting places where HIs passion took place to learn more about His sacrifice for us. We begin in Jerusalem, the city of peace to understand the Prince of Peace. His coming to rescue humanity from its sin and offer those who believe true peace.
This weekend we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. Jesus’ divinity is revealed to Peter, James, and John, but also God the Father reinforces who Jesus is for those who believe. Jesus is the Son of God and the words He gave us, taught us are words we ought to follow as we go on our faith journey.
As believers, we are called to make most of our time. How are you doing on that directive? Our time might seem like it is ours to spend and do as we think we ought, but in fact, each moment of every single day is given to us by God. We ought to strive to make our days glorify the Lord in all we do and say.
It’s hard to believe we are at the end of the first month in the new year. Have you been listening for God during this time? Have you heard Him speak to the one thing He wants you to do for Him this year? Maybe you have heard something or had a thought about what to do and yet you asked God, Why me? Why now? That’s exactly what we’ll be discussing this weekend during worship. We might know what God's answer is already— Why not you! Why not now! Imagine the people you know or that know you, there is no better person to speak to them about the love of Christ than you!
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