by Senior Pastor, Denis Beausejour.

Series: Practicing the Presence of Jesus - Encounters that Renovate the Heart

Services this Easter Sunday 9:00a and 10:45a in the Parish Center. 

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
  This is Easter!Message: This is Easter - Death to Life!

Text: John 5:24

What is Jesus talking about?
To fully understand, we need to turn ahead in the Gospel of John to chapter 20 verses 15-18. (John 20:15-18) A transforming story, reasonably explained, with prophecy fulfilled.

A Transforming Story
This is a remarkable, controversial, world-changing, and life-altering story! A dead man rises from the grave. Even more remarkable is that he would appear to a woman, whose testimony in Jewish legal proceedings would not be valid. Yet Mary Magdalene carries the first witness of the resurrection to the apostles. Eventually more than 500 eye witnesses would see the risen Jesus. It was a radical time in Jerusalem that truly turned the city upside down. As we step into the story once again this morning, stop and join in - may it turn your life upside down!

A Reasonable Explanation
Remarkable, yet the Easter story is one of the most well documented, reasonable explanations for the rise of the global Christ movement. The insert by Dr. Bob Keyes is a must read!

A Prediction Fulfilled
It is also the clear message of Old Testament prophecy. Meditate as you read these selections from Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (Please read the whole passage this week).

52:13 See my servant….14 His appearance was so disfigured…..53:1 Who has believed our message?... 5 he was pierced for our transgressions…the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter... 9 though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him…..the LORD makes his life a guilt offering. 11 After the suffering…he will see the light [of life]…. by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, 12 I will give him a portion among the great... . (NIV)

The Real Problem: Heart Disease
John 2:24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He knew the fickle crowds on Palm Sunday would scream Crucify on Friday!

If we are real, we can say “I have seen the enemy and it is me!Paul was equally blunt in Ephesians 2: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins….objects of wrath.

The Solution: The Hope of the Resurrection – He is Risen!
The true story of heart change and death to life transformation: “Something The Lord Made” 2004

An Unlikely Team:
Helen Taussig
Alfred Blalock
Vivien Thomas

Easter blessings to consider today:
   
1. God’s free gift of life brings internal transformation that is always externally visible.

2. Properly understood, the free gift of new life brings relief, gratitude, and passion.

3. There is a rewarding part for everyone to play in God’s plan.

Easter Prayer in His Presence: May we Rise with Him today!