Message
Easter: Resurrection Changes Everything!
Luke 7:36-50; John 4:1-26, 39-42; and Luke 8:1-3
Friends and Family of Faith in Jesus Christ!
It’s Easter 2023! We respond to the God of all love and redemption with profound gratitude for everything he has accomplished through Jesus Christ. I’m looking forward to Sunday singing and message giving. Bring your family to Sunday worship. Invite your friends and neighbors. The resurrection is good news!
I read much this week about resurrection – Scriptures, theologian perspectives, articles and blogs – and here is what hit me with the greatest impact: Jesus’ resurrection is an amazing historical event with far reaching implications – – but where resurrection gets exciting is when resurrection brings about reversal!
What has Jesus’ resurrection and the power of the resurrection done for you? How has ‘the state of having risen’ manifested in your heart and life?
I’m going with CS Lewis on this and will further expound on it Sunday, “When modern writers talk of the Resurrection they usually mean one particular moment (an event in time) – the discovery of an empty tomb and the appearance of Jesus a few yards away from it, alive and resurrected… the actual resurrection of Jesus to which they witnessed is critical, but it’s more about the state of having risen!”
This true statement by CS Lewis unlocks the door to an amazing, adventurous life of fun, freedom, joy, and victory! Be ready to rejoice! Be ready to give voice to this: What has Jesus’ resurrection and the power of the resurrection done for you? How has ‘the state of having risen’ manifested in your heart and life?
As for me, “I believe in the resurrection!” Texts of focus for Sunday: Philippians 3, Isaiah 61, Jeremiah 31, Colossians 3, and the stories of Jesus anointing, generosity of widows, Zacchaeus, and a Samaritan Woman. The evidence for resurrection being more about the state of having risen are everywhere!
Tomorrow, Friday, the sanctuary will be open for some quiet space and time of prayer through the journey of Jesus’ passion (71m-7pm) – you are invited to come. Park in the alley between the church and Madison House and the side door to the sanctuary will be open for you. Just follow the guide – the space is prepared for you.
Good Friday is here and Sunday is a comin’,
Pastor Mark