Tag: Easter

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Sunday Scripture

Greetings my friends. It is Sunday April 11TH 2021, and this is the day that our LORD has made. Let us rejoice. Let us be glad in it. Let us be joyful on this glorious new day !

Last Sunday was Easter Sunday, or for those of us who are born again we may call it Resurrection Sunday. It was my 15TH Resurrection Sunday of my fantastic journey. My first was in 2007 (April 08TH). I was saved only 7½ months on that first Resurrection Sunday. I had been part of my first church family for only 2½ months. In fact it was only my 12TH Sunday morning celebrating Christ. Back then our church family was small with just one service, but we were on the verge of growing rapidly. We took over the local movie theatre early every Sunday morning at dawn, and we transformed it into our church experience. We built it up, and then we tore it down after the service.

I celebrated 8 Resurrection Sundays with my first church family from 2007 to 2014. Last Resurrection Sunday was my 7TH with my current church family, but that’s with an asterisk. Last year Resurrection Sunday was at home in seclusion during the peak of the global pandemic. It was our 4TH of 10 Sundays in a row in which our church building was closed, and we watched our Pastor preach a short sermon online via video (prerecorded). On May 31ST 2020 we were one of the first (if not the first) church building in my city (Homestead Florida) to reopen and have services LIVE and in-person again. That was a glorious day indeed. We’ve been meeting every Sunday morning since then !

For 10 Sundays (and 1 Good Friday) leading-up to Resurrection Sunday last week I presented an 11-part sermon series here in this space (“Sunday Scripture”). I covered the events of late-Thursday into Friday some 1,988 years ago – the last 2 days of Christ’s life before His brutal death on the cross on Skull Hill. But the story didn’t end there, for then He conquered the tomb, and He rose again. He is risen. He is risen indeed !

My original intention was to convert the 11-part sermon series into a single 35 to 40 minute sermon to preach to my church family on a future Sunday. As I was nearing the climax of the series I realized that God wanted me to do something different with my next sermon.

Titled “Denials & Restoration” I’ll be preaching on Simon Peter’s 3 denials (John 18:10-18,25-27) as well as his restoration from those denials (John 21:15-23). I’ll also be summarizing the Gospel of John – starting with the last 2 verses (John 21:24-25), and then returning to the beginning with the first 18 verses of John 1. Jesus Christ is introduced by John in the beginning.

This effectively ends my studying and preaching from the Gospel of John and his 3 letters that extends back about 6 months.

Next-up I plan to study verse-by-verse and write sermons from 1 Peter and 2 Peter.

All rights reserved (c) 2021 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries

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Bible Blogging Christian Church God Holidays Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

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

All rights reserved (c) 2021 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries

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Sunday Scripture

(Continued from last Sunday.)

All right. So this is Part 4 of my 4-part online-only sermon that I started here on Sunday March 22ND, and then continued on Sunday March 29TH and Sunday April 05TH. It’s Easter Sunday – Resurrection Sunday. It’s a great and glorious day, as is every day on this fantastic journey. But this one is extra special, for He is risen. He is risen indeed !

Let’s close-out this sermon in a big way.

Let’s go to the Old Testament with wisdom from the Book of Ecclesiastes:

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls – the other can reach out and help. (4:9-10a)

That’s from the current edition of the New Living Translation. It was actually revised from the 1ST edition from almost 25 years ago. It used these words:

Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one – they get a better return for their labor.

I like that – both the original and the revision.

You know that’s called a tag team in the WWE. When one of the superstars gets tired or gets beaten up – he or she tags in his or her tag team partner, and they keep the fight going with their adversaries while the other one rests and recuperates, and cheers his or her partner on.

It’s kind of like us when one of our brothers or sisters submits to the enemy and needs our help to pull them out of the dark and dreary culvert that runs along both sides of the journey. Sometimes we stumble. Sometimes we fall. We can’t walk this journey alone. I learned that during my first 100 days of this fantastic journey. See back then I was an orphan – not part of a church body – not belonging to any church family. I had no tag team partners. I had no stable (another WWE term). I walked alone. I knew I couldn’t go much further like that. I mean I realized that I was rescued and saved by my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, but what’s next ?  I needed a church family to find out what’s next. I soon found a church family that I could grow with.

My next sermon (already written) – is titled “Church & State”. It explores the urgency of being an important part of a church family. Our God commands it. I hope to preach it to my church family real soon – once we gather again in person corporately.

As the Bible says (in Ecclesiastes 4:10b & 12-13):

Someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

There’s something to be said there about power in numbers. That’s a common theme in the WWE. When a lovable babyface is being attacked by a miserable heel oftentimes a fellow face or a group of faces emerge from the locker room area backstage, run down the ramp, jump in to the ring, and help the face in peril by ridding the heel(s) from the ring and saving their brother or sister.

It kind of works the same way on this fantastic journey. That’s why we need each other as believers and followers of our God Almighty. We must fight the enemy together. We must encourage and inspire and bless each other. We must cheer each other on. We must pray for each other. We will conquer. God is on our side.

You know I’ve been to a lot of WWE LIVE events in bars and arenas over the past 19 years. We’re a unique type of people. I call them “my people”. They like what I like. They came to see what I came to see. They cheer who I cheer. They jeer who I jeer. We even dress alike. “My people.”

You know who else us are “my people” ?  My church family. We meet and greet every Sunday. We pray together. We sing together. We praise and worship together. We listen to the sermon together. “My people.” God’s people.

Last weekend was WrestleMania Weekend – a 36-year tradition within the WWE. It’s the peak of the year. It’s what it all leads-up to. It’s what it’s all about. The storylines end here. WrestleMania Weekend is usually held in a football stadium, and 75,000 to 100,000 wrestling fans worldwide show up for it en masse. Not this year though. Because of COVID-19 WrestleMania Weekend was held inside an empty training building. The show went on though.

This weekend is Easter Weekend – a nearly 2,000-year tradition here in this world. It’s the peak of the year. It’s what it all leads-up to. It’s what it’s all about. The story didn’t end on Friday on that cross. It continued on Sunday when Jesus Christ conquered death and rose again. Easter Weekend is usually celebrated in church buildings big and small, and millions of Christians worldwide show up for it en masse. Many Christians only enter a church building on Easter Sunday. Not this year though. Because of COVID-19 Easter Weekend is being celebrated in our respective homes. The celebration must go on.

Luke 24-34

HE IS RISEN !  HE IS RISEN – INDEED !  The Lord has really risen !  He appeared to Peter. (Luke 24:34). He was seen by the Twelve, and the more than 500 of His followers at the time, and by James (the half-brother of Jesus), and by all the apostles, and by Paul. (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)

Today we join our brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide – God’s children – God’s church – as we observe and celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ – our Lord and Savior.

We join our brothers and sisters of this global church family on this Resurrection Sunday, but we know that every waking moment of every new day is a renewed celebration of Christ conquering the grave, rising from the dead, and giving us life. HE IS RISEN !  HE IS RISEN – INDEED !  And since He is risen – we have risen from the darkness that we once knew.

He was concealed in the Old Testament. He was revealed in the New Testament. 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 the Messiah. 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.

YES !  On this Resurrection Sunday that the LORD has made – let’s observe – let’s rejoice – let’s celebrate – our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ – The Risen One !

All rights reserved (c) 2020 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries

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Bible Christian Church God Ministry Scripture

Sunday Scripture

Pastor Bob's Easter 2019 Sermon

On this day I observed and celebrated my 13TH Easter Sunday with my brothers and sisters of my church family. Before salvation Easter was just another day of the year. After salvation it’s the most important day of the year – and the reason why I exist today.

As the Bible says in the Gospel According to Mark – Chapter 16 (1-7):

Saturday evening – when the Sabbath ended – Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on Sunday morning – just at sunrise – they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb ?” But as they arrived – they looked up and saw that the stone – which was very large – had already been rolled aside.

When they entered the tomb – they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said – “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth – who was crucified. He isn’t here !  He is risen from the dead !  Look – this is where they laid His body. Now go and tell His disciples – including Peter – that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there – just as He told you before He died.”

HE IS RISEN !  HE IS RISEN – INDEED !  The Lord has really risen !  He appeared to Peter. (Luke 24:34). He was seen by the Twelve, and the more than 500 of His followers at the time, and by James (the half-brother of Jesus), and by all the apostles, and by Paul. (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)

Today we join our brothers and sisters in Christ – God’s children – all across this great nation of ours – and all around the world – nearly 2½-billion Christians – as we observe and celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ – our Lord and Savior.

We join our brothers and sisters of this global church family on this Easter Sunday, but we know that every waking moment of every 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 since He is risen – we have risen from where we once had been.

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.

All rights reserved (c) 2019 Christopher M. Day, CountUp Ministries