A. He had heard the other disciples B. He had not the risen Christ C. He concluded that the testimony of the others was

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "A. He had heard the other disciples B. He had not the risen Christ C. He concluded that the testimony of the others was"

Transcription

1 A Living Hope John 20:19-31 Easter is a great day to be a preacher. If you can t preach on Easter, you may want to reconsider your calling. But what about the week after Easter? Typically, the crowd is not as large. The enthusiasm has receded. For some, the faith that seemed contagious last week is now shadowed by doubts that come from the return of the challenges and the uncertainties that are present in our lives. We may say, Believing seemed so clear last Sunday. But what does it mean today? One of the central words in the Christian tradition is the word faith. But we use that word in a variety of ways. For example, we talk about the Christian faith. In that case, we are talking about the system of belief that Christians embrace. To define the Christian faith, we may point to things like the Apostles Creed or to our Articles of Faith. But New Testament faith is more than just a set of propositions that an individual affirms. The unique aspect of Christian discipleship is that it flows out of relationship with a living person who invites us into fellowship with Him. That this is a stretch for some people is an understatement. How does one believe in what cannot be seen? How is it possible to have a relationship with an individual with whom no one in this room has ever come into physical contact? It is not a new question. When the disciples gathered on that Sunday evening following Jesus death, they were behind locked doors out of their fear of the authorities who had executed Jesus. But suddenly, John tells us, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you! After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord (John 20:19-20). I. There was one disciple who was absent that evening, however. We read his story a few verses later: Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, We have seen the Lord! But he said to them, Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it. To be fair, Thomas was no more skeptical than the other disciples until they saw Jesus for themselves. The fact that his story is included is a source of encouragement because Thomas represents the response of many others even down to today maybe even a few that are here this morning. Let s consider some facts as John presents them to us. First, Thomas had heard the other disciples testimony. The next time that they saw him, whether it was later that evening or in the coming days, they told Thomas that they had seen the Lord. The second fact is simply this Thomas had not experienced the risen Christ. He had the testimony of the other disciples, but that is all that He had. He had their word and their word alone. The third fact affirmed by John is that Thomas had concluded that the testimony of the others was false. These were people that Thomas knew well. He had spent the previous three years with them. They had traveled together. They had ministered together. Thomas knew these people better than he knew anyone outside of his own family. Still, when he heard their testimony, he did not believe them. Did he think that they were lying? Maybe but what motivation would they have for lying? Given their grief and despair, it would have been clear that none of them would have attempted a practical joke. To say that it wouldn t have been funny would have been an understatement! No, it seems unlikely that Thomas thought that they were lying. What then? Did he think that they were hallucinating? That is a hypothesis that has been offered by others down through the centuries. But any psychologist will tell you that hallucinations happen to individuals, not to 1

2 groups. Yet, all ten of the other disciples confirmed to Thomas that they saw the same thing. Besides, the disciples were fearful, doubtful and in despair after the crucifixion. People who hallucinate need a fertile mind of expectancy or anticipation. Given the mental state to which all of the Gospels attest, the disciples were not good candidates for hallucination. Well then, maybe the other disciples just talked themselves into the Resurrection. Maybe this was just an extreme example of Groupthink. But Thomas knew these guys. He knew that there was more than one hardhead in the group. Think of Peter or of James and John who were known as the sons of thunder. These guys had rarely agreed on anything let alone agreeing on something so preposterous. So if it seems unlikely that Thomas thought that the others were lying and if mass hallucination or groupthink would not have been reasonable possibilities, why then did Thomas conclude that the testimony was false? Could it be that he feared the implications of belief? Is it possible that he did not want to go out on the limb of hope? We know that Thomas tended toward pessimism by his nature. In John 11, when Jesus headed toward Jerusalem in response to the death of Lazarus, Thomas had said, Let us also go, that we may die with Him. Thomas and the others had escaped death themselves. But Thomas had been correct in his assessment of the danger for his Master. In effect, the crucifixion of Jesus had confirmed all of Thomas fear and apprehension. If what the other disciples were saying was true, however, then Thomas had to make some radical alterations in his view of things. If Jesus was alive, then Jesus had not been defeated after all. If Jesus was alive, then death did not have the final word. If Jesus was alive, then the lives of Thomas and the others could never be the same. If Thomas believed, he would have to let go of his pessimism and doubt. He would have to begin to look at the world in an entirely different way. He would have to begin to behave in an entirely different way. And maybe Thomas just wasn t ready to do that. One week later, John tells us that the disciples were together again. This time Thomas was with them. Once again, though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and once more offered peace to them. Then Jesus turned to Thomas. He met Thomas on the terms the skeptical disciple had set. Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe. It wasn t so much a rebuke as it was a statement of empowerment. Jesus was saying that Thomas didn t have to continue in his skepticism. He could now lay it aside and enter fully into a life of Resurrection faith and power. At that moment, the skepticism of Thomas came to an end. My Lord and my God, He exclaimed. Thomas had not been present on Easter Sunday. But now Easter had come to him! II. It is a wonderful story. But Jesus appearance to Thomas did not mean the end of the challenge in proclaiming that Jesus had been raised. The disciples would have been naïve to say, OK, great! Thomas is now convinced. Now everybody will believe us! Jesus knew that He would soon be returning to His Father and that the option of a physical appearance would no longer be available. So, in response to Thomas affirmation, Jesus said, Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29). Years later, the apostle Peter seemed to have Jesus words in mind when he was writing to a group of Gentile converts who were living in the Roman provinces in the area that is today s Turkey. Listen to how he opens his message to them beginning in 1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These 2

3 have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Notice the situation that these readers were facing. First, they had heard the testimony of Peter and others of the resurrection of Jesus. It s impossible to overstate the place that the resurrection played in the preaching and teaching of the early church and for Peter in particular. On the day of Pentecost, Peter had stood in front of the crowd in Jerusalem and said, God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear (Acts 2:32-33). Without the resurrection, the apostles would not have had a message to share. Now, in writing to these Christians, Peter reminds them that in his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But Peter also acknowledges the fact that these Gentile believers had not experienced the risen Christ in the same way that he had experienced Him. They had not witnessed what Peter had witnessed. He recognizes the level of faith that they have exercised. Though you have not seen him, he writes, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him... (v. 8). He also recognizes that they were suffering in the face of trials. In verse 6, he refers to the fact that they may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. The reality of suffering is a theme to which Peter returns several times in this letter. Here s the thing that strikes me on this Sunday after Easter. Thomas, as we ve seen, had his reasons for doubting the testimony of the other disciples. The Christians to whom Peter writes were in a different situation. But they had their own barriers to overcome in believing the testimony they had received. Peter doesn t specify the trials that they were facing. He does indicate that there were different kinds. Some, undoubtedly, were facing persecution because of their faith. Others may have been dealing with situations and circumstances that were troubling and painful. Peter says that these trials have purpose in proving the genuine character of their faith and that their response to their trials would point others to Christ. But that didn t entirely remove the challenge to believe in Jesus triumph over sin and death in the middle of suffering. But this is where Peter s words are meaningful. Listen once more. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The new life made possible by the resurrection of Jesus is described as living hope. Let s unpack that a little bit. Hope is one of the key words in the New Testament. It s a word that indicates a positive expectation of something that we do not yet possess. When you have hope, you have confidence in a brighter and better future. We all know, however, that hope by itself is vulnerable. Life can bring circumstances that quickly dash our hopes. Suffering and adversity and hardship can bring us to a place of hopelessness. But Peter reminds these Christians that they had been given more than hope alone. Their hope was not tied to their circumstances. Their hope was not simply a matter of believing in a brighter future. Their hope was tied to an event that had already taken place the resurrection of Jesus. In one sense, they looked forward to the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. But in another, they were already receiving the goal of their faith, the salvation of their souls. In other words, their hope wasn t something that they could only look forward to in the future. It was something in which they could rejoice in the present because the Spirit and the power of the risen Christ were already at work in their lives as they experienced His presence even in the middle of their trials. Theirs was a living hope! 3

4 III. So, what does all of this mean for us? What, exactly, is the situation that we face? Well, like Thomas and like the Gentile believers to whom Peter writes we have heard the testimony of those who were witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. The apostle Paul says it this way: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and the appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve (1 Cor. 15:3-5). When we read the testimony of those who witnessed the resurrection, it s difficult to deny that something happened that day. A group of demoralized, fearful people was transformed into the most dynamic movement the world has ever seen. It s hard to explain that away. It s also true, however, that like Thomas and the Gentiles to whom Peter wrote, we have not experienced the risen Christ. We were not given the opportunity to put our fingers where the nails were and to feel the wound in His side. So, the question is, How are we to believe? How are we to get beyond the doubts and the questions that are an understandable part of our approach to faith? First, we need to listen to the testimony. Obviously, that means listening to the accounts in the New Testament. But we also need to listen to the testimony of those who have experienced the power of the new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. One of the reasons we gather for worship each week and in smaller groups on a regular basis is to hear again the story of Jesus but also to hear each other s testimonies of God s grace and faithfulness in our lives. It s impossible to embrace faith in isolation. As John Wesley frequently observed, The Christian religion is a social religion. He meant that our faith is one that requires community. Second, we need to examine the evidence. Honest questions are not a threat to genuine faith. It s significant that Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for his 4 demands. He granted his request to examine the evidence. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has not spread for the last two thousand years because of a lack of challenges and questions. But, as Jesus said to Thomas, there does come a point when we must make a decision. When the moment was right, Jesus said to Thomas, Stop doubting and believe. That was not a rebuke. It was an invitation. We will always have some unanswered questions. Even when some of our questions are answered, life raises new ones in their place. At some point, we must embrace hope in the middle of our questions the living hope that Peter affirmed in his letter. While we have our questions, we can live in confidence that, someday, all of our questions will be answered because the power of the Spirit of Jesus is already at work in us and the people around us. Part of this living hope is the inheritance of which we are beneficiaries. It is, Peter says, an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. It is kept in heaven for us. In other words, the inheritance that is ours in Christ is not subject to the forces of loss and decay that are inescapable in the material world. Peter is telling us that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a story to be believed or not believed. It is life to be embraced and lived. We have been born into this living hope! I. Thomas Situation A. He had heard the other disciples B. He had not the risen Christ C. He concluded that the testimony of the others was II. The Situation Faced By Peter s Readers (1 Pet. 1:3-9) A. They had heard the B. They had not the risen Christ C. They were in the face of trials III. Our Situation A. We have heard the B. We have not the risen Christ

5 C. The Question: How are we to? 1. to the testimony 2. the evidence 3. Embrace in the middle of our questions 4. Live in our 5

John 20:1-10 and 1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20:1-10 and 1 Peter 1:3-9 Sunday April 16, 2017 1 John 20:1-10 and 1 Peter 1:3-9 1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.

More information

John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 New International Version April 16, 2017 International Bible Lesson Sunday April 16, 2017 John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 New International Version April 16, 2017 International Bible Lesson Sunday April 16, 2017 John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 New International Version April 16, 2017 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 16, 2017, is from John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9.

More information

GOD MADE JESUS LORD AND MESSIAH

GOD MADE JESUS LORD AND MESSIAH GOD MADE JESUS LORD AND MESSIAH Acts 2:22-41 Key Verse: 2:36 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. As we learned last week, when

More information

THE NEW LIFE to THE NEXT LIFE:

THE NEW LIFE to THE NEXT LIFE: THE NEW LIFE to THE NEXT LIFE: Your Most Important Appointment II 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this (to face) judgment Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) Confusion Overview Jesus and eternal

More information

Hark the Herald Angels Sing CHRISTMAS CAROL. Jesus Saves Jeremy Camp We Cry Out: The Worship Project

Hark the Herald Angels Sing CHRISTMAS CAROL. Jesus Saves Jeremy Camp We Cry Out: The Worship Project Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song. Hark the Herald Angels Sing CHRISTMAS CAROL Jesus Saves Jeremy Camp

More information

A Staffed Nursery is available for your use at any time during the service. It is located in Rooms 1 and 2.

A Staffed Nursery is available for your use at any time during the service. It is located in Rooms 1 and 2. As you prepare to worship your Lord today, spend a few quiet minutes in prayer before the service. Review the lessons, the service notes, and pray this prayer: O risen Lord, you came to your disciples

More information

Resurrection Power: The Power to Overcome

Resurrection Power: The Power to Overcome Resurrection Power: The Power to Overcome (A Sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter) Text: Acts 2:14a, 22-32 [Psalm 16; John 20:19-31; 1 Peter 1:3-9] Subject: The Power to overcome flows to us from the

More information

Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth and for ever more.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth and for ever more. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth and for ever more. Thomas, like the other disciples, followed Jesus for just around three years a short time, in the long view, and I can only begin

More information

As I was walking out of the bedroom door, one of the kids said, dad, how come God never says anything to me?

As I was walking out of the bedroom door, one of the kids said, dad, how come God never says anything to me? SERMON TITLE: My Lord and My God TEXT: John 20:24-31 PREACHED AT: Neighbourhood Church BY: Ryan Dueck DATE: May 1, 2011/2 nd Sunday of Easter One day, I can t remember how many years ago, a familiar scene

More information

Resurrection and Hope April 3, 2016 Rev. Dave Benedict

Resurrection and Hope April 3, 2016 Rev. Dave Benedict Resurrection and Hope April 3, 2016 Rev. Dave Benedict With I AM the Resurrection and the Life still ringing in our ears from last week s Easter worship, and, with the images of these baptisms still vivid

More information

John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 New American Standard Bible April 16, 2017

John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 New American Standard Bible April 16, 2017 John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter 1:3-9 New American Standard Bible April 16, 2017 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, April 16, 2017, is from John 20:1-10 & 1 Peter

More information

Sermon: 1 Peter 1: Joy In God

Sermon: 1 Peter 1: Joy In God Sermon: 1 Peter 1:3-12 - Joy In God Times of Joy One of the great things that I get to do as a minister is officiate at wedding ceremony s. Weddings are great - I loved my own wedding - and seeing my beautiful

More information

"The Real Power" Acts 4:32-35

The Real Power Acts 4:32-35 "The Real Power" Acts 4:32-35 April 15,2012 2 nd Sunday of Easter The week after Easter is often a let down at many churches. After a full house, inspirational music, and a great celebration, the week

More information

TEMPTATIONS AND TRIALS Sylvester Onyemalechi

TEMPTATIONS AND TRIALS Sylvester Onyemalechi TEMPTATIONS AND TRIALS Sylvester Onyemalechi To tempt is to try to make a person do something wrong; excite desire in i.e. to cause strong desire in or for something. Temptation is a common word used by

More information

Naturalism/Atheism- There is no ultimate meaning and purpose; life sucks and then you die

Naturalism/Atheism- There is no ultimate meaning and purpose; life sucks and then you die You asked for it! Why does God allow so much suffering and evil in the world? 1. Why is there evil and suffering in first place? Naturalism/Atheism- There is no ultimate meaning and purpose; life sucks

More information

Second Baptist Church of Doylestown. Bible Study Notes: Book of 1 Peter 6/14/1 7. Chapter 1

Second Baptist Church of Doylestown. Bible Study Notes: Book of 1 Peter 6/14/1 7. Chapter 1 Second Baptist Church of Doylestown Bible Study Notes: Book of 1 Peter 6/14/1 7 Chapter 1 Praise to God for a Living Hope Verses 1-2 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God s elect, exiles scattered

More information

Exalting Jesus Christ

Exalting Jesus Christ 40e Exalting Jesus Christ 1 Exalting Jesus Christ "The Resurrection Part 5" INTRODUCTION: I. If you had lived in the days of Jesus and had been one of His disciples, how would you have reacted upon hearing

More information

Your Faith Must Stand Trial 1 Peter 1:3-9; 13-16; 4: Let s take our Bibles this morning Turn to 1 Peter 1

Your Faith Must Stand Trial 1 Peter 1:3-9; 13-16; 4: Let s take our Bibles this morning Turn to 1 Peter 1 Your Faith Must Stand Trial 1 Peter 1:3-9; 13-16; 4:12-13 Let s take our Bibles this morning Turn to 1 Peter 1 a couple weeks ago I was up at the work out center where I exercise when it cold outside I

More information

navigate mental health pastoral care Lily Strachan

navigate mental health pastoral care Lily Strachan How to navigate mental health pastoral care Lily Strachan 0409 121 633 Wisdom from internet memes Mental illness is spiritual 1. Ultimate cause of mental illness 2. Impact of mental illness on

More information

You have peace in Jesus Christ

You have peace in Jesus Christ 1 Easter 6, 2010C (Mother s Day) 556 Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice (1-5) *852 O God of Mercy, God of Might 855 For All the Faithful Women (1, 8, 3-4) [after prayers, before offering] 556 Dear Christians,

More information

Study 5 - God s Glory in Suffering

Study 5 - God s Glory in Suffering Study 5 - God s Glory in Suffering Aim: To show that being a Christian will very likely mean that we will suffer for our faith. To show that suffering and trial for Jesus s sake can bring both glory to

More information

On Feb. 27, 1991, at the height of Desert Storm, a mother received a very sad message from the Pentagon.

On Feb. 27, 1991, at the height of Desert Storm, a mother received a very sad message from the Pentagon. Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:13-27; John 20:19-29; 21:1-19 Introduction On Feb. 27, 1991, at the height of Desert Storm, a mother received a very sad message from the Pentagon. It stated that her son, Clayton

More information

2nd Sunday of Easter--Cycle A (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Pet 1:3-9; John 20:19-3)

2nd Sunday of Easter--Cycle A (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Pet 1:3-9; John 20:19-3) 2nd Sunday of Easter--Cycle A (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Pet 1:3-9; John 20:19-3) The time-line of our Easter liturgy is formed very much along the lines of what St. Luke reports in the Acts of the Apostles. That

More information

The Demands of Discipleship

The Demands of Discipleship The Demands of Discipleship By Mark Mayberry 3/30/2008 Introduction Let us consider Matthew 10:37-39, and other parallel and related passages, where Jesus addresses the demands of discipleship (cf. also

More information

CALVARY CHURCH

CALVARY CHURCH Everyone here can be divided into one of three categories. Those who do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead; those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus, but don t really understand the meaning

More information

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE?

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE? THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE? RESURRECTION SUNDAY April, 1, 2018 BCC. Midway All followers of Jesus are very aware that the death, burial and Resurrection of Christ are absolutely

More information

DYSFUNCTIONAL BETRAYAL STUCK GUILT DOUBT G R I E F D E P R E S S E D. Can GOD Fix This? Doubt: I Want To Believe. Speaker: Ronnie Norman

DYSFUNCTIONAL BETRAYAL STUCK GUILT DOUBT G R I E F D E P R E S S E D. Can GOD Fix This? Doubt: I Want To Believe. Speaker: Ronnie Norman Can GOD Fix This? Doubt: I Want To Believe But Speaker: Ronnie Norman Doubt Is A Normal And An Unavoidable Part Of The Human Experience. Doubt Is A Normal And An Unavoidable Part Of The Human Experience.

More information

Seeing Is Believing John 20: 19 April 27, 2014 Pastor Larry Lineberger

Seeing Is Believing John 20: 19 April 27, 2014 Pastor Larry Lineberger Seeing Is Believing John 20: 19 April 27, 2014 Pastor Larry Lineberger Poor Thomas. His entire resume, indeed, his existence seems to be summarized in one statement, Unless I see, unless I touch, I will

More information

LIVING AS PILGRIMS Our Inheritance

LIVING AS PILGRIMS Our Inheritance 15-08-23 PM LIVING AS PILGRIMS p. 1 TEXT: 1 Peter 1:3-12 LIVING AS PILGRIMS Our Inheritance INTRODUCTION: How would you feel if suddenly someone you did not even know notified you that he wanted to legally

More information

Recognizing the Risen Christ Luke 24: The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, Recognizing the

Recognizing the Risen Christ Luke 24: The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, Recognizing the Easter 3 A Recognizing the Risen Christ Luke 24:25-27 The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, Recognizing the Risen Christ, is Luke 24:25-27 Jesus said to them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart

More information

John 20:19-31 It s Ok to doubt

John 20:19-31 It s Ok to doubt John 20:19-31 It s Ok to doubt LESSON FOCUS: Jesus work in the world is not done. He now sends us to be his Spirit-filled hands and feet in the world. LESSON OUTCOMES: Through this lesson students should:

More information

John 20: Here we are-and we can tell this Sunday s a little different from last week.

John 20: Here we are-and we can tell this Sunday s a little different from last week. On the 8 th Day, God commissioned John 20: 19-31 Here we are-and we can tell this Sunday s a little different from last week. Traditionally, this Sunday has been known as Low Sunday. I ve always wondered

More information

OVERCOMING DOUBT. John 20:1-10, 19-20, Steven J. Cole. April 16, Steven J. Cole, 2006

OVERCOMING DOUBT. John 20:1-10, 19-20, Steven J. Cole. April 16, Steven J. Cole, 2006 Pastor Steven J. Cole Flagstaff Christian Fellowship 123 S. Beaver Street Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 www.fcfonline.org OVERCOMING DOUBT John 20:1-10, 19-20, 24-31 By Steven J. Cole April 16, 2006 Steven

More information

First Colony Bible Chapel Adult SS February 16, 2014

First Colony Bible Chapel Adult SS February 16, 2014 Resurrection, Fact or Fiction? First Colony Bible Chapel Adult SS February 16, 2014 References The Bible using primarily King James and New American Standard translations The Big Book of Bible Difficulties

More information

After giving this explanation of Pentecost, Peter explains why God did it now. Something has happened they need to know.

After giving this explanation of Pentecost, Peter explains why God did it now. Something has happened they need to know. PENTECOST PREACHED: THIS JESUS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church May 27, 2018, 10:30 AM Scripture Texts: Acts 2:22-36 Prayer: Holy Father, humanly speaking the task before me is

More information

JESUS RESURRECTION Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-18; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-29

JESUS RESURRECTION Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-18; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-29 JESUS RESURRECTION Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-18; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-29 STRUCTURE Key-persons: Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the disciples Key-location: Jerusalem Key-repetitions: People realized that

More information

RESURRECTION: THE MARK OF AUTHENTICITY 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 12-19

RESURRECTION: THE MARK OF AUTHENTICITY 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 12-19 April 20, 2014 Providence RESURRECTION: THE MARK OF AUTHENTICITY 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 12-19 INTRODUCTION: Is there anything about you that sets you apart, makes you unique in some way? Everyone likes

More information

SO GREAT A SALVATION - IN THE HOPE IT INSPIRES I PETER 1:3-9 TO LEAD THE LOST TO RECEIVE GOD'S GREAT SALVATION AND THE SAVED TO ENJOY IT.

SO GREAT A SALVATION - IN THE HOPE IT INSPIRES I PETER 1:3-9 TO LEAD THE LOST TO RECEIVE GOD'S GREAT SALVATION AND THE SAVED TO ENJOY IT. SO GREAT A SALVATION - IN THE HOPE IT INSPIRES I PETER 1:3-9 NEED: PROPOSITION: OBJECTIVE: HOPE GOD'S GREAT SALVATION PROVIDES A GOOD AND BLESSED HOPE TO THE SAVED. TO LEAD THE LOST TO RECEIVE GOD'S GREAT

More information

God s Got This #2 Faith is Sight Hebrews 11:1

God s Got This #2 Faith is Sight Hebrews 11:1 God s Got This #2 Faith is Sight Hebrews 11:1 We began last week s study with this little statement of faith that said, God s got this! And in this study we are going to see, from God s Word, what faith

More information

Equipped to Endure (Part 2) 2 Timothy 1: 7-10

Equipped to Endure (Part 2) 2 Timothy 1: 7-10 Equipped to Endure (Part 2) 2 Timothy 1: 7-10 Last week we began to consider this passage that Paul had written to Timothy, his son in the faith and fellow preacher of the gospel. These were times of great

More information

BOOK OF ACTS: THE WORK AND GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

BOOK OF ACTS: THE WORK AND GROWTH OF THE CHURCH Mt. Traveler Missionary Baptist Church, Waverly, Alabama Synopsis of Sermon Preached by Rev. B. C. Datiri, Pastor February 3, 2013 5. Peter s Sermon Acts 2:14-41 1. As we continue with the sermon series

More information

Book 12. Book Peter: Am I Willing to Stand up for Jesus? 1 Peter: Am I Willing to Stand up for Jesus?

Book 12. Book Peter: Am I Willing to Stand up for Jesus? 1 Peter: Am I Willing to Stand up for Jesus? 3. How did Peter respond to persecution this time? (Acts 2:37-40; 4:18-20) Peter, one of Jesus disciples, wrote two letters to Christians who were facing persecution for what they believed and for how

More information

The Resurrection is Central to the Faith

The Resurrection is Central to the Faith SPECIAL SESSION The Resurrection is Central to the Faith SESSION SUMMARY Jesus resurrection points both backward and forward His followers. It points back to what Jesus has done in history through His

More information

Walk a Mile in His Shoes by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC )

Walk a Mile in His Shoes by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC ) Walk a Mile in His Shoes by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC 4-12-2015) In 1970 Joe South wrote and sang a song entitled Walk a Mile in My Shoes. How many of you remember it? It was basically

More information

And not only because they challenge what we value and admire pursue for our lives

And not only because they challenge what we value and admire pursue for our lives Suffering for Greater Glory Romans 8:18-21, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-17 Brothers and sisters, over the past month we have been looking at how God brings about his plans and accomplishes his work in our

More information

The Gospel of John 12:12-19

The Gospel of John 12:12-19 The Gospel of John 12:12-19 Welcome back to this week s study in the book of John. As with this study and all bible studies, remember to pray before you start. Last week we read at the beginning of chapter

More information

Joy in Hardship. The Reasons and Root for Rejoicing in Adversity

Joy in Hardship. The Reasons and Root for Rejoicing in Adversity Joy in Hardship The Reasons and Root for Rejoicing in Adversity James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

More information

Valley Bible Church Sermon Transcript

Valley Bible Church Sermon Transcript Turning Trials into Triumph James 1:2-12 Part Three We have introduced this epistle by saying that the theme is Tests of Living Faith. The first of those tests is the, Response to Trials test. We find

More information

Our text for Resurrection Sunday is Paul s testimony of Jesus life in him.

Our text for Resurrection Sunday is Paul s testimony of Jesus life in him. March 31, 2013 The Power of His Resurrection Life Living in Me Philippians 3:7 11 Introduction: Our text for Resurrection Sunday is Paul s testimony of Jesus life in him. We ll seek to apply what we see

More information

3/31-4/1/18 16:1-8 (NIV)

3/31-4/1/18 16:1-8 (NIV) Saturday/Sunday, 3/31-4/1/18 He Is Risen! Alleluia! Mark 16:1-8 (NIV) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus

More information

"Just Wait. You'll See" John 20:19-31 April 27, Easter B Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Boise, Idaho Pastor Tim Pauls

Just Wait. You'll See John 20:19-31 April 27, Easter B Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Boise, Idaho Pastor Tim Pauls "Just Wait. You'll See" John 20:19-31 April 27, 2003 -- 2 Easter B Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Boise, Idaho Pastor Tim Pauls I. The Problem with Thomas So How hard should we be on Thomas? Apparently,

More information

Everything about our CHRISTIAN FAITH rises or falls on whether or JESUS CHRIST truly arose from the dead on the third day as the scriptures tell us.

Everything about our CHRISTIAN FAITH rises or falls on whether or JESUS CHRIST truly arose from the dead on the third day as the scriptures tell us. Message for the LORD S DAY morning, April 24, 2011 Easter Message Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister Beyond All Reasonable Doubt ( A Message For Easter

More information

how long would you wait? take some cards and place them on the timeline

how long would you wait? take some cards and place them on the timeline how long would you wait? take some cards and place them on the timeline SENSEOFDOUBT easter didn t happen for thomas Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus

More information

DISCUSSION GUIDE :: WEEK 3

DISCUSSION GUIDE :: WEEK 3 DISCUSSION GUIDE :: WEEK 3 THE UNDERDOG WHEN I'VE DONE IT TO MYSELF ACTS 9:1-31 11/14/2016 MAIN POINT Everyone who believes the gospel is forever changed, and God uses others to help us in our new way

More information

The Security of the Believer "For God s gifts and his call are irrevocable." Romans 11:29 by Wesley R. Husted

The Security of the Believer For God s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 by Wesley R. Husted The Security of the Believer "For God s gifts and his call are irrevocable." Romans 11:29 by Wesley R. Husted Judy, this is in response to your question Is there security for the believer, or can we lose

More information

The Challenge of Faith

The Challenge of Faith SESSION 1 The Challenge of Faith For me, having lived much of my life as an atheist, the last thing I want is a naive faith built on a paper-thin foundation of wishful thinking or make-believe. I need

More information

The Story Resurrection! The unfolding story of redemption. That s what we ve been talking about for the past year. God s plan to redeem us and bring

The Story Resurrection! The unfolding story of redemption. That s what we ve been talking about for the past year. God s plan to redeem us and bring The Story Resurrection! The unfolding story of redemption. That s what we ve been talking about for the past year. God s plan to redeem us and bring us out of sin and back into a right relationship with

More information

even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19

even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Acts 2:1-24 The Day of Pentecost (Series A) June 4, 2017 Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND The sermon text for this Day of Pentecost comes from The Acts of the Apostles,

More information

His Prayer 1 John 17 (verses 1-5)

His Prayer 1 John 17 (verses 1-5) 1 West Valley Church Michael O Neill 3/11/18 His Prayer 1 John 17 (verses 1-5) As then-president Ronald Reagan was preparing for his weekly radio address in 1984, the technicians needed to do an off the

More information

SHOW US YOUR GLORY Part 6: Eternal Glory

SHOW US YOUR GLORY Part 6: Eternal Glory SHOW US YOUR GLORY Part 6: Eternal Glory (No. 1110 - NLC) I. THE ULTIMATE HOPE OF EVERY BELIEVER A. Every believer s final goal is to dwell in God s eternal glory 1. John 17:22-24: 22 I have given them

More information

Lost in the Middle. Chapter 7: Painful Faith: God s Story and Suffering

Lost in the Middle. Chapter 7: Painful Faith: God s Story and Suffering Lost in the Middle Chapter 7: Painful Faith: God s Story and Suffering Stories (from chapter 6, pp. 171-177) As God s child, your story is a chapter in His story. The Bible is God s telling of His story

More information

3. Christ s Honorable Burial

3. Christ s Honorable Burial 3. Christ s Honorable Burial that He was buried, 1 Corinthians 15:4 Model of Christ s Tomb 4. The Discovery of the Empty Tomb that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians

More information

Bought with the Precious Blood of Christ Opening Scripture: John 20:1-9 Patricia Demayer

Bought with the Precious Blood of Christ Opening Scripture: John 20:1-9 Patricia Demayer Easter, 2015 Experience the Passion Bought with the Precious Blood of Christ Opening Scripture: John 20:1-9 Patricia Demayer Introduction: Two weeks ago, I was sitting over on the right side of the sanctuary

More information

3 Pentecost, Corinthians 4:13-5:1 HEARTS REFRESHED BY HOPE Sermon for the 3 rd Sunday after Pentecost, Corinthians 4:13-5:1

3 Pentecost, Corinthians 4:13-5:1 HEARTS REFRESHED BY HOPE Sermon for the 3 rd Sunday after Pentecost, Corinthians 4:13-5:1 HEARTS REFRESHED BY HOPE Sermon for the 3 rd Sunday after Pentecost, 2018 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you

More information

The Certainty Of Salvation.

The Certainty Of Salvation. File: S18TRI11.DOC Date: 12/8/2018 The Certainty Of Salvation. Text: Rom 8:33-39 1) Sin Cannot Condemn Us Suggested Hymns: 2) Tribulation Cannot Harm Us 248, 179, 331, 326, 328 3) Death Cannot Separate

More information

What would you feel in response to being saved by a future king?

What would you feel in response to being saved by a future king? I don t know whether you saw this is an article from a couple of years ago. Prince William saved a man's life during a military helicopter rescue mission. Gym worker Greg Watkins was stuck up Mount Snowdon,

More information

Christ, the Risen Lord Acts 2: 22-24

Christ, the Risen Lord Acts 2: 22-24 Christ, the Risen Lord Acts 2: 22-24 Consider for a moment, the intense emotion Peter and the other disciples must have felt at this moment in life. For some three and a half years they had walked with

More information

The Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36

The Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36 The Vindication of Jesus Acts 2:22-36 We ve all heard about people being wrongly convicted of a crime and then later being exonerated - either through an eye-witness that surfaced or through DNA testing

More information

6/25/2017 Does Jesus Care? 1

6/25/2017 Does Jesus Care? 1 "Does Jesus Care?" Life can suddenly become harsh, causing us to question whether the Lord cares about us. Hello, I m Phil Sanders and this is a Bible study in search of the Lord s Way. When I m hurting,

More information

First Lutheran Community Contemporary Service April 22 nd, :30pm Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.

First Lutheran Community Contemporary Service April 22 nd, :30pm Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. First Lutheran Community Contemporary Service April 22 nd, 2017-6:30pm Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. John 20:29 Those who trusted in Jesus were thrilled to hear of His

More information

Sermons from First Congregational Church of Southington

Sermons from First Congregational Church of Southington Sermons from First Congregational Church of Southington The Risen Christ Has Scars John 20.19-30 The Second Sunday of Easter April 3, 2016 John 20.19-38 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day

More information

YAHWEH IS MY SHEPHERD, PT. 2; PS. 23:4-6 (Ed O Leary) 1 TODAY, ~ WE LL FINISH UP LOOKING AT PSALM 23 IN OUR BRIEF RESPITE FROM PHIL.

YAHWEH IS MY SHEPHERD, PT. 2; PS. 23:4-6 (Ed O Leary) 1 TODAY, ~ WE LL FINISH UP LOOKING AT PSALM 23 IN OUR BRIEF RESPITE FROM PHIL. YAHWEH IS MY SHEPHERD, PT. 2; PS. 23:4-6 (Ed O Leary) 1 INTRODUCTION. TODAY, ~ WE LL FINISH UP LOOKING AT PSALM 23 IN OUR BRIEF RESPITE FROM PHIL. Let s jump right in. IN VS. 4, ~ DAVID TALKS ABOUT DARK

More information

Grace Expectations! God s Grace & My Pain 1/13/19 Pastor Randy

Grace Expectations! God s Grace & My Pain 1/13/19 Pastor Randy Last week we started talking about the expectations we should have as a church, as the children of God, living in between the first and second coming of Christ. What should we expect as people who have

More information

For the summer months we will be looking at I Peter This short book was written by Peter, the leader of the Disciples of Jesus.

For the summer months we will be looking at I Peter This short book was written by Peter, the leader of the Disciples of Jesus. I Peter 1:1-7 The Journey to Heaven When a person becomes a Christian, Jesus changes you Jesus forgives you of your past sins Jesus makes you into a different person, a new person There was a 17 year old

More information

Well, now that Easter Sunday is behind us, the next big day on the Church

Well, now that Easter Sunday is behind us, the next big day on the Church Easter 02 B 2015 John 20: 19-31 :: April 12, 2015 Fr. Jim Cook The Proof of the Pudding. Well, now that Easter Sunday is behind us, the next big day on the Church calendar is the Day of Pentecost, which

More information

Victory Over Fear Romans 8:31-39 PERSONAL APPLICATION. Study Guide

Victory Over Fear Romans 8:31-39 PERSONAL APPLICATION. Study Guide April 2, 2017 Victory Over Fear Romans 8:31-39 Not everything that happens in life is good People, and to varying levels, all people go through some horrendous experiences in life Sometimes as a result

More information

THE RESURRECITON OF OUR LORD Easter Sunrise Service: March 31, 2013

THE RESURRECITON OF OUR LORD Easter Sunrise Service: March 31, 2013 THE RESURRECITON OF OUR LORD Easter Sunrise Service: March 31, 2013 The congregation may prepare themselves in silence before the service Narration: This morning we go back in spirit to the first Easter

More information

Comfort for the Mourning

Comfort for the Mourning Comfort for the Mourning Charles F. Stanley - In Touch Ministries Seasons of prayer 01 BETWEEN DEATH & HOPE Jesus wept ( John 11:35). Never have two words held a more powerful truth: God knows the depths

More information

Ten Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Christ

Ten Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Christ Ten Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Christ CA206 LESSON 05 of 10 Our Daily Bread Christian University This course was developed by Christian University & Our Daily Bread Ministries. About A.D.

More information

Year B OT, Week 24, Sunday

Year B OT, Week 24, Sunday Year B OT, Week 24, Sunday 1 Who do you say that I am? Of all the questions that Jesus asks in the Gospels, that is the one which goes to the heart of our personal faith. The apostles run through a list:

More information

1 Pet 1:3-9 ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER 4/2/17

1 Pet 1:3-9 ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER 4/2/17 1 Pet 1:3-9 ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER 4/2/17 Introduction: A. Love starts its journey from different places. There s love that springs from attraction, like love at first sight. There s love

More information

Last Sunday we talked about how grace matters, and how our understanding of God s grace should prompt us to a similar extension of grace to others.

Last Sunday we talked about how grace matters, and how our understanding of God s grace should prompt us to a similar extension of grace to others. 1 Why Discipleship, Repentance and Baptism Matter 5/28/2017 We have been kind of hovering around Acts, chapter 2 this Spring, That has been intentional. Here are the first believers, after the first sermon

More information

The Crisis of Conviction In the Life of the Lost John 16:7-14

The Crisis of Conviction In the Life of the Lost John 16:7-14 The Crisis of Conviction In the Life of the Lost John 16:7-14 Before Reading the Passage: We have come to the eve of our Lord s crucifixion. It is 10:30 or 11:00 pm. on Thursday night. - Judas has already

More information

I Say Unto Thee, Arise! Luke 7: 11-17

I Say Unto Thee, Arise! Luke 7: 11-17 I Say Unto Thee, Arise! Luke 7: 11-17 The opening portion of this chapter bears a powerful testimony to the compassion and mercy of our Lord. It reveals His power over the most difficult of circumstances

More information

He Is Risen Three Words That Changed History Matthew 28:1-10

He Is Risen Three Words That Changed History Matthew 28:1-10 He Is Risen Three Words That Changed History Matthew 28:1-10 1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold,

More information

1 Peter 1:6-9 Thursday 4/04/13

1 Peter 1:6-9 Thursday 4/04/13 1 Peter 1:6-9 Thursday 4/04/13 To God Weekly theme: Thankfulness Prayers Go somewhere different for your prayers today, and explore what it means to praise God in different surroundings For myself Lord

More information

The Upside Down Logic of Jesus

The Upside Down Logic of Jesus November 7, 2010 College Park Church The Upside Down Logic of Jesus Matthew 20:1-28 Mark Vroegop When I was a kid, there were many times when my parents or grandparents would throw out some pithy one-liner

More information

RESURRECTED HOPE. Text: John 20:19-31

RESURRECTED HOPE. Text: John 20:19-31 RESURRECTED HOPE Text: John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and

More information

The Gift of Exhortation

The Gift of Exhortation The Gift of Exhortation Romans 12:1-8a I am so thankful to be back with you after a week away. Last week provided a great halftime break from our sermon series on spiritual gifts. Up to this point we have

More information

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? 1 1 PETER 1:3-5 Our Great and Indestructible Hope (1:3-5) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through

More information

So I Send You Meditation on John 20:19-31 April 8, 2018 Merritt Island Presbyterian Church

So I Send You Meditation on John 20:19-31 April 8, 2018 Merritt Island Presbyterian Church So I Send You Meditation on John 20:19-31 April 8, 2018 Merritt Island Presbyterian Church 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples

More information

Philippians 1:27-30 No: 3 Week: 254 Tuesday 20/07/10. Prayer. Bible passage - Philippians 1: Prayer Suggestions. Meditation

Philippians 1:27-30 No: 3 Week: 254 Tuesday 20/07/10. Prayer. Bible passage - Philippians 1: Prayer Suggestions. Meditation Philippians 1:27-30 No: 3 Week: 254 Tuesday 20/07/10 Prayer Rescue us and restore us, merciful Saviour! When we feel oppressed, Lord Jesus, bring peace to our souls and free us from evil. When we feel

More information

Holy Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN

Holy Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN Holy Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN Lesson 5 When Jesus poured out the Spirit on all flesh on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit started His ministry in the life of the Christians.

More information

Sermon - But Some Doubted. John 20:24-29

Sermon - But Some Doubted. John 20:24-29 Sermon - But Some Doubted John 20:24-29 All of us will have heard of Doubting Thomas. He is one of the better known disciples not because of his great faith, but because of his lack of it. He is the one

More information

The One Who Conquered Death John 19:30 20:31 Part 6

The One Who Conquered Death John 19:30 20:31 Part 6 Sermon Transcript The One Who Conquered Death John 19:30 20:31 Part 6 I hope that you had a great thanksgiving! Lynn and I certainly did. Unfortunately, as I had the opportunity to visit with my various

More information

2/7/2016 Does Jesus Care? 1

2/7/2016 Does Jesus Care? 1 "Does Jesus Care?" Life can suddenly come crashing down, causing us to question whether the Lord cares. Hello, I m Phil Sanders and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. Now in times of pain,

More information

foundation 1 C O RINTHIAN S 1 5: 3-4 the resurrection of Jesus

foundation 1 C O RINTHIAN S 1 5: 3-4 the resurrection of Jesus LESSON 1 foundation the resurrection of Jesus Communicate that our faith rests on the bodily resurrection of Christ. His public death, burial in a known tomb, and post-resurrection appearances are proof

More information

Living the Truth in Love. They Knew Him in the Breaking of the Bread

Living the Truth in Love. They Knew Him in the Breaking of the Bread Living the Truth in Love They Knew Him in the Breaking of the Bread In most of the encounters between Jesus and His disciples after His Resurrection there is an uncertainty on the part of the disciples

More information

HE IS RISEN! LUKE 24:1-12 SERMON

HE IS RISEN! LUKE 24:1-12 SERMON 1 HE IS RISEN! LUKE 24:1-12 SERMON Last summer Sally and I celebrated our 40 th wedding anniversary. For this wonderful occasion, our three children collaborated and decided to purchase a gift from Harry

More information

Exult in Tribulations

Exult in Tribulations Exult in Tribulations Romans 5:3-5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which

More information