Resurrection Sunday

April 21, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust

Resurrection Sunday

He is not here, for He has risen, as He (Jesus) said.

Because He Lives

Today we celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior of the world. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be sure that God’s promises are true and that redemption is accomplished. Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. In other words, Jesus paid the ultimate price for sin which is death!

On the third day (Sunday) Jesus defeated death and sin by bringing Himself back to life. Only God the Son could do such magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could live and die and then live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him!

Because He lives, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all will leave this Earth but glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face. Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory. There will be no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering! It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives! Celebrate today with the joy and blessedness that we have received because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish. Jesus gives us everlasting life!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for dying in my place and forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in Heaven. I will live for your glory so that others may know you as I do.

It Is Finished

April 20, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

It Is Finished

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
‭‭John‬ ‭19:30‬ ‭

Fulfilled

Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled numerous prophecies that were foretold in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Jesus satisfied all requirements that were necessary to provide a blood atonement sacrifice for all sins. Although Jesus never sinned, He died a sinner’s death on the cross. Once and for all, the punishment of sin was accomplished.

God had a plan from the very beginning. Jesus dying on the cross was not plan “B” nor was it an accident. The crucifixion of Jesus was the ultimate plan before man was ever created. God knew what He was doing and knew that Jesus would be the One who could do it.

As Jesus suffered in torment He shouted triumphantly from the cross, “It is finished!” Jesus had completed the work that God sent Him to accomplish. He had faithfully fulfilled the will of the Father and it was completed. His death marks the end of all sacrifices. His blood and broken body was the perfect sacrifice that satisfied God’s requirements for the forgiveness of sin. At the moment when Jesus shouted these words the debt was paid in full. No longer was it necessary to offer another burnt sacrifice for sin. The perfect Lamb of God was offered up and it was approved by God. Jesus ended the old covenant and started the new. Now the new covenant is solely based upon the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

May we always remember the works of Christ that gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Prayer

Lord, we seek to please you with our whole life by living holy and righteously unto You.

Our Hearts Burn Within Us

February 28, 2019 Pastor Stephen Dedman Encouragement, Trust

Our Hearts Burn Within Us

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:32‬

Walking With Jesus

After Jesus’ resurrection He appeared to two disciples who were leaving Jerusalem and apparently witnessed His crucifixion. They received the news that Jesus was not in the tomb but was alive. They were very sad as they discussed the details of the events that happened over the weekend. As they were walking and talking, Jesus joined their conversation and they did not know that it was Him. Jesus spent much time with them as they talked on the road to Emmaus.

As Jesus spoke to the two disciples, He began with Moses and the prophets to tell the story of Himself. They spent time together as He shared the Scriptures with them and broke bread together. Their eyes were finally opened to see that it was Jesus who spoke with them concerning all things. After they considered all things they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us and as He opened the Scriptures to us?: Their hope was restored and their passion was renewed. The fire burned in their hearts as they heard the words of Jesus.

In the same way, Jesus wants to renew your passion for Him. Notice that it begins with the Word of God. A you walk with Jesus, He wants to spend time with you to reveal His goodness and mercy for you to be encouraged. We must allow time for Him to speak to us and the fire will be rekindled within our hearts.

Prayer

Open our hearts to what You have to say to us and help us to learn from Your word. Give us what we need to hear.