 Easter Sunday brings a story that's less about bunnies and eggs and more about a kind of love and bravery that turns the world on its head. Picture this: Mary Magdalene, under the cover of darkness, making her way to the tomb of Jesus. While his closest followers are in hiding, she stands as a beacon of courage, ready to face whatever comes just to be near Him one last time.
Imagine the shock then, the stone rolled away, the tomb empty. Mary runs to tell Peter and John, sparking a footrace back to the site. Yet, despite the empty grave clothes, the conclusion jumps to grave robbery rather than resurrection. It’s a stark reminder of how often we look for the dead among the living, missing the miracle right in front of us. It's here the story takes a turn that speaks directly to the heart. Mary, consumed by grief, doesn't recognize Jesus until he speaks her name. In that moment, everything changes. Her sorrow transforms into joy, and the reality of a living Jesus crystallizes. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, in the midst of our darkest moments, we're on the cusp of an encounter that can redefine everything. But let's not gloss over the questions Jesus asks Mary, questions that are just as relevant today. Why are we crying? Who are we looking for? Do we recognize the Jesus standing right in front of us, or are we too caught up in our search for what's been lost to see the hope of what’s been found? This story isn't just historical; it's personal. It invites us to examine our own encounters with Jesus. Are we seeking a savior who fits our expectations, or are we open to the reality of who He is and what He’s doing in our lives right now? The evidence of Jesus' resurrection is compelling, not just as a matter of faith but as a fact of history. Yet, it’s not just about proving a point. It’s about the transformative power of realizing Jesus is alive, not just in the pages of scripture but in the here and now, working in and through us. So, where does this leave us? Well, maybe with more questions than answers. But perhaps that’s the point. Maybe faith isn’t about having all the answers but about being willing to ask the questions, to seek, to knock, to find the living among the living. Easter is an invitation. An invitation to experience a close encounter with Jesus that changes everything. To move beyond looking for the dead and to start living in the presence of the living King. It’s about finding our place in the story that’s still unfolding, a story of resurrection, hope, and a love that calls us each by name. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on Easter Sunday 2024.
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In the twilight of their lives, people like Voltaire and Mahatma Gandhi expressed profound regret and despair, contrasting sharply with the peaceful departures of devout believers like Martin Luther and John Knox. Their final moments highlight a profound truth: how we live this life shapes how we leave this life. It's a thought-provoking introduction to a discussion on the nature of faith, forgiveness, and our responses to Jesus' call in our lives.
Take Jeffrey Dahmer, for instance. His story is a chilling reminder of the depths to which humanity can sink. Yet, even he found redemption in faith during his last days. This radical transformation challenges our understanding of forgiveness and grace, pushing us to question: "if God's grace can reach someone like Dahmer, isn't it available for all?" Take the interaction between Jesus and the criminals crucified alongside Him in Luke 23. The scene revolves around the two possible responses to Jesus: doubt or dependence. One criminal mocks Jesus, while the other, recognizing Jesus' innocence and divinity, seeks His mercy. This pivotal moment not only highlights the nature of true faith but also challenges us to reflect on our own response to Jesus' lordship in our lives. Here's the point: Life is found in fearing Jesus. But this fear isn't about being terrified. It's about revering Him, acknowledging His sovereignty, and placing complete trust in His guidance. This realization can fundamentally change how we live, urging us to embrace a life of purpose and direction under Jesus' reign. How does this look in practical terms? It means living with the courage to say, "God, send me. I'll go anywhere and do anything for you." It's about letting go of our plans, our comfort zones, and sometimes, even our understanding of justice and fairness, to fully embrace God's will for our lives. Yet, embracing such a posture towards God isn't without its challenges. It requires us to confront our doubts, fears, and the very nature of our faith. Are we holding back, waiting for God to prove Himself to us? Or are we ready to dive into the depths of dependence, trusting Him even when the path ahead is unclear? This isn't just an invitation to reflect; it's a call to action. It urges us to evaluate where we stand in our relationship with Jesus. Do we doubt His power and promise, or do we depend on Him, fully submitted to His lordship over our lives? As we ponder these questions, let's remember that life—true, abundant, and meaningful life—is found when we fear Jesus. Not in the sense of dread, but with awe, reverence, and a deep-seated trust that He is who He says He is, and He will do what He has promised to do. So, where do you stand? - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 3/24/24. Ever been hit by one of those really tough questions that just stops you in your tracks? You know, the kind that makes you scratch your head and think, "Well, why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?" It's a question as old as time and one that needs to be dealt with in the story of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, from John 11:1-37.
Here's the deal: even the most devout followers of Jesus sometimes find themselves wondering why, if God loves us so much, He allows us to go through such pain and suffering. It's a valid question, one that atheists and believers alike ponder over. But here’s a thought: maybe it’s not about being shielded from all harm but about what these experiences teach us, about faith, resilience, and the depth of God's love. So, Jesus, knowing full well how much He loved Lazarus and his sisters, chose to stay put for two more days upon hearing of Lazarus’s illness. It wasn't because He didn't care, but because there was a bigger picture – a lesson in faith and glory that needed to unfold. It’s a hard pill to swallow, understanding that sometimes our toughest moments could actually be setting the stage for something greater. Here's a truth many of us might find a bit uncomfortable: our faith is not a bargain with God to keep us safe from life's storms. Instead, it's about being refined and matured through those very storms. Jesus didn't promise a life without trouble but promised to be with us through it all, teaching and strengthening us along the way. When Jesus finally arrives and Lazarus has been dead four days, He doesn’t just wave a magic wand to make everything okay. Instead, He enters into the sisters' grief, showing that He is deeply moved by our pain. He weeps, reminding us that God is not distant and detached but fully present in our suffering, sharing in our most painful moments. Then comes the miracle – Lazarus is raised from the dead, not just as a display of Jesus' power but as a testimony to who He is: the Resurrection and the Life. This act symbolizes not only the promise of eternal life but also the transformative power of faith in the face of despair. It reminds us that we’re currently living in what you might call the land of the dying, heading toward the real land of the living, if we believe in Him. This story doesn’t neatly answer all the questions about why bad things happen to good people. But it does offer a perspective shift: perhaps it's more about God working through our struggles, refining us, and preparing us for something beyond our comprehension. It's about trust, even when we can't see the full picture. So, next time life throws a curveball your way, remember Lazarus and his sisters. Remember that sometimes, it's not about the immediate rescue but what we learn, how we grow, and how we experience God's love and glory through it all. Maybe, just maybe, it’s about being ready for the real life that begins after this one ends. - Adapted from messages preached across our 3 campuses on 3/17/23. The Heart of Transformation
The essence of being born again lies in understanding that it's not merely about external actions or following a set of rules. It's a profound internal change that redefines who we are at our core. True transformation comes from an encounter with Jesus that is so radical, it's akin to being reborn. This rebirth is about shedding our old selves, our past mistakes, and the labels we've carried, and stepping into a new identity rooted in Christ's love for us. Going Beyond Religion into Relationship Religion often focuses on the "dos" and don'ts", leading to a faith experience that feels more like a burden than a blessing. But we all need to move beyond this superficial understanding of faith to a personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship isn't about earning God's love through good deeds but accepting that we are already loved and cherished, exactly as we are. It's a call to experience God's presence in our daily lives, making faith a living, breathing part of who we are. Evidence of the Spirit Another significant aspect of the sermon is the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Being born again isn't just a one-time event but an ongoing journey of growth and transformation. The invitation, then, is to look for the fruits of the Spirit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not just ideals to strive for but tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity within us. A Call to Action Finally, the sermon is a call to action. It's an invitation to examine our hearts and ask ourselves whether we've truly experienced the rebirth Jesus offers. If you're reading this and wondering how to start this journey, the first step is simple: open your heart to Jesus. Invite Him into your life, and be open to the transformation He wants to bring about. It's a step that requires courage and vulnerability, but it's the beginning of the most beautiful journey you'll ever take—a journey home to the heart of God. Upon reflection, it becomes clear that being born again is about so much more than changing our external behaviors. It's about allowing God's love to penetrate the deepest parts of our hearts, transforming us from the inside out. It's a journey of discovery, growth, and deepening our relationship with God. If you're on this journey, remember, you're not alone. We're all fellow travelers, seeking to live out this incredible transformation in our lives. So, let's keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts, your struggles, and your victories in the comments. Let's encourage each other and grow together in our own journey of faith. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 3/10/24. |
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