Beyond the Tomb - Living Waters

Beyond the Tomb

“During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.”
(Acts 1:3)

The events of that first Easter–the resurrection of Jesus–form the centre of our faith as Christian people. On Good Friday, the forces of darkness did battle with the love of God. And as Jesus breathed His last, darkness declared its victory–and hope, light, and love were defeated–or so it seemed! Easter celebrates that on the third day, God announced His great reversal and up from the grave Jesus rose, triumphant over darkness, sin, and death! The message of Easter is both simple and profound: Christ is risen! Death could not hold Him; the tomb could not contain Him.

We are all familiar with the Easter story. The question is: Will it make a difference in our lives? How do we allow this story that we know so well to be more than just a story in our lives? What’s the significance of the resurrection for our lives today? The resurrection of Jesus celebrates more than just a one-time event. Easter is God’s invitation to us–an invitation to a changed life. In fact, that’s what Easter is all about! One of the central truths of the Christian life is that Jesus loves to change us–He loves to bring transformation to people’s lives–to those whose who have nothing and to those who have a great deal.

Sadly, many people live their lives believing that things will never change–their circumstances will never change; their lives will never change; their behaviour and attitudes will never change. They’ve settled for second best–for less than what God has for them–and they rationalize it in their minds that it’s just the way things were ‘meant’ to be; “It’s just in my nature to worry.” “I’ll always be pessimistic–I’m just that way.” I can’t help the way I react–my father was the same way.” Max Lucado writers; “Such thoughts are not from God. He can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave a tear untouched. God’s plan for us is nothing short of a new heart. God loves us just the way we are, but He refuses to leave us that way–He wants us to have hearts–He wants us to be just like Jesus.”

This 7 week series will look at the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus–from Easter morning to the Ascension–to see how an encounter with the Risen Jesus can bring positive change and transformation intp the lives of those who are willing to see and believe!

SERMONS

Sermon: Seeing with the Eyes of Faith

Preacher: The Rev. Christopher Doering

Date Preached: Sunday, April 30, 2017

Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Handout: Part1.HO