The Hope of Easter (John 14:1-11) - a podcast by Don Shoemaker, Steve Williams, and Bob Wriedt
from 2022-04-17T15:00
This Sunday is Easter, the celebration of the most pivotal day in history - when Christ conquered death not only for himself but for all who believe in him.
I've been thinking a lot this week about why Easter matters so much to us. Not the holiday itself (though I love a good Cadbury creme egg as much as anyone), but the event of Jesus' resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:3, Paul makes clear that there is no gospel without the resurrection.
For Easter this year we're beginning a new series from John 14-16 called, "Now What?" Because Jesus anticipated his own death and resurrection, he prepared his disciples (and us) for what life could be like afterward.
These three chapters from John are profound, challenging, and rich. Jesus shows us why his resurrection matters for our relationship to God, how it brings life to us, and what is possible now as a result.
I'm eager to explore them with you over these next couple of months in order to live as people of the resurrection.
Looking forward to celebrating with you on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. We'd love for you to come to any of the three Easter services (8:00, 9:30 and 11:00). We're expecting that the 9:30 AM service will be the most heavily attended, so if you'd like to help create space for visitors (or you just like more elbow room) consider coming to 8:00 or 11:00 AM.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
- John 14:1-11
Further episodes of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach
Further podcasts by Don Shoemaker, Steve Williams, and Bob Wriedt