GOOD FRIDAY

Happy Good Friday!  We are moving toward Easter morning and the celebration that He is risen!  He is risen, indeed!  Join us for the Sunrise Service at 6:30 on Easter morning at Stockton Park.  The St. Johns praise team will be bringing the music and Pastor Jon will be preaching!  Or join us at the 9:00 or 11:00 am services at the church.  It will be a joyous celebration.  The Easter sermon this year is Believe.  Though this may be a simple word, it is a powerful reality.  We are what we believe.  In our world, especially in last 18 months, we are increasingly confused, uncertain, and doubtful about what to believe.  As we come to this Easter, we can identify with the disciples and their struggle to believe in the resurrection of Jesus.  The Roman and Jewish authorities were claiming that the disciples stole the body of Jesus.  Others were claiming that the rumors of the resurrection were being told by a group of hysterical women.  Finally, there was a group that did not believe that Jesus actually died on the cross, he had only passed out!  We turn to Luke 24:36-49.  The disciples think that Jesus is a ghost, not a resurrected person!  He asks them: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?”  There are many voices in today’s world that will discount the resurrection and claim that Christianity is a myth.  Jesus offers his disciples assurances that he is real and able to help them and us to confront the onslaught of doubt. As you read Luke 24:36-49, it is our prayer that you will be filled with the power and assurance of our risen Savoir!  Luke 24:36-49: While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:36-49 NIV)