Following in Faith: The Journey Beyond the Tomb - March 31, 2024

-

 

This Sunday is Easter!  My sermon will focus on Mark 16:1-8, which is the account of the empty tomb. This powerful passage marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel story, as Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome discover that Jesus has risen from the dead. The empty tomb is not just a historical event, but a symbol of God's victory over death and a testament to the promise of new life in Christ.

As we explore this passage together, we will embark on a journey of faith that extends beyond the resurrection. We will discuss how the empty tomb is a call to return to the roots of our faith and to live out Jesus' teachings in our daily lives. We will reflect on the places where we “meet” Jesus, both in the wilderness seasons of spiritual growth and in the mountaintop experiences of joy and revelation.

As you prepare your hearts and minds for this upcoming sermon, I invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:

·       How has the empty tomb impacted your understanding of faith and the power of God's love?

·       In what areas of your life do you need to encounter the risen Christ anew, and how can you actively seek his presence in your daily journey?

May these questions guide your reflection and prayer in the coming week, and may the Holy Spirit illuminate your understanding of this transformative passage.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

December 10, 2023 - Luke 2:4-5

-
  T he Bethlehemites This Sunday I'll be preaching from Luke 2:4-5, the familiar passage about Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem where she gave birth to Jesus. As we enter the Advent season, my message focuses on the tragic irony that this small town was too preoccupied to notice the monumental miracle happening right in their midst. The locals were bustling about, profiting off the influx of visitors there to register for the census. Yet they completely missed the birth of the long-awaited Messiah. In our consumer-driven December rush today, we can easily grow distracted just like the Bethlehemites. I want to challenge us not to gloss over the Advent themes of waiting, longing, and making room for Jesus. My prayer is that we'll set aside the extra busyness to reflect on the quiet yet powerful way Christ entered our world. As you read Luke's account this week, consider these questions: ·         What things tend to crowd out your awaren...
Read more

JUly 4, 2023 - Happy In-Dependence Day

-
On this day, as we celebrate the 257th birthday of our great nation, it is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the blessings we have received from God. The history of the United States is interwoven with the guiding hand of Divine Providence, nurturing the progress and prosperity we enjoy today. We echo the words of our Thomas Jefferson, who declared, "The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time." These profound words remind us of the priceless freedom we possess in this remarkable land. It's a freedom secured through the courageous sacrifices of our ancestors, who fervently fought, tirelessly toiled, and ceaselessly prayed to ensure we relish these cherished liberties. As we gather with family and friends to commemorate this historic day, let's take a moment to remember that our independence was not achieved easily. It was forged in the fires of sacrifice and determination, blessed, and protected by the grace of our Almighty God. We have so many reas...
Read more

May 28, 2023 - Acts 2:1-21

-
  The Divine Tornado This coming Sunday, Pentecost, marks the culmination of our post-Easter sermon series focusing on evangelism and change within the modern church. We'll be delving into Acts 2:1-21, a transformative narrative highlighting the Holy Spirit's powerful and disruptive force during the birth of Christ’s church over 2,000 years ago. As we prepare for this sermon, I invite you to ponder these questions: Have you experienced a spiritual disruption that startled you? How did you respond? In what ways has the Holy Spirit encouraged you to change? These reflections will prepare us to explore the often-uncomfortable dynamics of spiritual growth and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As we approach Pentecost, let's anticipate the potential divine tornado and be open to it. Spiritual growth often involves stepping out of our comfort zones. So, this Sunday, let's together brace ourselves for a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit, a force that cha...
Read more