April 4, 2021 – CountUp

Happy Resurrection Sunday my friends !

This is Part 11 of my continuing sermon leading-up to this glorious day. I started on Sunday January 31ST 2021 at the start of Chapter 18 of the Gospel of John, and now here we are.

This morning after our Pastor’s sermon I’ll be leading my local church family in Communion. It’ll tell the story of the continuation of the ministry of Jesus. It did not end at the grave.

Here’s a transcript of my Communion for this morning. It includes my own notes and commentary for presentation. Additionally I’ll be closing our Sunday morning service immediately following Communion, and I’ve included that part of the transcript as well:

At this time let’s transition into our observance and celebration of Communion.

HE – IS – RISEN ! HE IS RISEN – INDEED !

This morning we join our brothers and sisters in Christ – God’s beautiful creations here at Living Waters – and all throughout Homestead and South Florida – and all across this great nation – and all around the world – as we observe and celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ – our Lord and Savior.

We join our brothers and sisters of God’s global church body on this Easter Sunday. But we know that every waking moment of each new day is a renewed celebration of Christ conquering the grave, and rising from the dead, and giving us life. HE IS RISEN ! HE IS RISEN – INDEED ! And because He is risen – we have risen from where we once had been.

As the Bible says in John’s Gospel:

Early on (that) Sunday morning – while it was still dark – (before the sun rose) – Mary Magdalene came to the tomb (to help complete the burial of Jesus), and (she) found that the (rolling) stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and (she) found Simon Peter – and the other disciple – the one whom Jesus loved – (that was probably John – the author of this Gospel). (Mary) said – “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him !” (20:1-2)

(Mary thought that someone had robbed the tomb and stolen the body.)

Peter and the other disciple (John) started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple (John) outran Peter and reached the tomb first. (John) stooped, and (he) looked in, and (he) saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. (And) then Simon Peter arrived, and (he) went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there – while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was (neatly) folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first (John) also went in, and he saw and (he) believed – for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures – (that would be the Old Testament Scriptures) – that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home. (20:3-10)

Peter and John saw the linen wrappings and the facial cloth lying there, and they knew that this was not the work of common grave robbers, as those garments would’ve been stolen too. No. This was the work of God, and Christ – the Son of God – was alive !

See Jesus keeps His promises – then and now. He does what He says He is going to do. He is who He says He is. He is risen. He is risen – indeed. He is alive. He sits on the throne of Heaven. He is the King of Kings. He is the Lord of Lords. He gives us life. He breathes life onto our dry bones. Breath of God – breathe on us ! He makes all things new. He gives us hope. He gives us purpose. He makes us vessels of vibrant living waters.

And so on this Resurrection Sunday – that the LORD has made – let’s observe – let’s rejoice – let’s celebrate – this believer’s Communion – this agreement – of Creator, Christ, and Spirit as One God. It’s open for everyone who hears me – everyone who believes that Christ suffered when He died for all of our sins – once – for all time. He that knew no sin suffered in the place of those that knew no righteousness. We don’t need to pay the price for our sins that we’ve repented for – now and forever, for it is finished. It is paid in full.

If you believe in your heart that the finished work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead results in your redemption forever – then I invite you to accept this bread and this juice. I invite you to come forth at this time, and take the elements back to your seat. Remain standing (if you can). If you would rather sit down – then you can do that too. We’ll accept these elements together as a church family.

[Distribute elements.]

(These elements are individually-packaged for your health and safety. The juice is on top. The bread is on the bottom. Simply hold your hand underneath it, and peel off the bottom of it to release the bread into your open hand.)

(You may slip-off your face masks at this time.)

And as the Bible says in First Corinthians:

For this is what the Lord Himself said, and I pass it on to you just as I received it. On the night when He was betrayed the Lord Jesus took some bread, and (He) gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and said, “This is My body – which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (11:23-24)

[Eat the bread.]

In the same way He took the cup of wine after supper saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and His people – an agreement confirmed with My blood. Do this in remembrance of Me as often as you drink it.” (11:25)

[Drink the juice.]

For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup you are announcing the Lord’s death – until He comes again. (11:26)

Let us bow our heads. Let us pray. Thank You Jesus for that ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Thank You God for choosing us – and blessing us here at Living Waters with Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You Lord for Your awesome presence in our lives – and Your intentional purpose for our lives. May all of Your blessings and miracles constantly strengthen our faith in You, increase our love towards others, and unify our hearts and our souls. We honor You Lord. We worship You Lord. We love You Lord. And together we say in agreement – AMEN.

If you’re standing then you may be seated.

From cradle to grave – we praise and worship the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. And thankfully it didn’t end at the grave. That Friday and that Saturday were not good days for God’s believers and followers. Meanwhile – the forces of evil – the demons – they were celebrating victory on Friday and Saturday.

But then there was Sunday. It started with the discovery of the empty tomb. Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ conquered the grave. He conquered death. He rose again. He is still alive. He still believes in you. He loves you – more than you could ever imagine. And He is coming back again. I believe. We believe.

Last Easter we were in seclusion – away from each other – in our own homes. This Easter we are here – where we belong – with our closest brothers and sisters of God’s church family.

Thank You for coming here today – to celebrate the most important event – ever recorded – in the history of civilization.

Don’t let this celebration end here and now. Take this celebration out there – in everything you do – and everywhere you go.

And I’ll send you out there with this Benediction from Numbers – Chapter 6 (24-26):

May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – and my church family says – AMEN.

Go forth. Go in peace. We hope to see you here next Sunday – at 11 !

Missed the first 10 parts of this sermon ? Check them out – PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 3 / PART 4 / PART 5 / PART 6 / PART 7 / PART 8 / PART 9 / PART 10