Sermon Recap+ April 20th 2025

We gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, reflecting on Luke 24 and the powerful moment at the empty tomb. Early in the morning, the women arrived at the tomb, expecting to anoint Jesus' body. Instead, they found the stone rolled away and the body of Jesus gone. Two men, dressed in dazzling clothes, appeared and asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen.” Their hearts were filled with understanding as they remembered Jesus' promise that He would rise again.

Watch the Whole Thing - Sermon on Demand

Excited but confused, the women hurried to tell the apostles. However, the apostles dismissed their message, thinking it was “an idle tale.” It took Peter, curious and perplexed, to run to the tomb and find it empty, just as the women had said. He left amazed, but still unsure of the full meaning of what had happened.

This Easter, I shared a personal reflection on my own chaotic week, "Hell Week" filled with stress, deadlines, and overwhelming responsibilities. Much like the women who went to the tomb expecting one thing but encountered another, I was left perplexed by the pressures of life. Is this what Gos wants to me? In the week of Easter? The resurrection story reminded me that even in the chaos, God’s providence is at work.

The resurrection isn't just about a historical event; it’s about the present reality of God's power in our lives today. God is not distant or uninvolved—He is working, even in the confusion and stress we experience.

The resurrection is not only a past event—it is the ongoing reality of God's kingdom. Jesus didn't come to make us endure suffering "Hell Week" just to earn heaven. He came to make the impossible possible for us. God did the unthinkable by conquering death, so that the impossible—life after death—could become possible. And that same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to you and me, not just for eternity but for our lives here and now.

Jesus didn’t come to just give us a glimpse of heaven after we die. No, He came so that we could experience the kingdom of God here on earth, today. The resurrection is the invitation to live in the fullness of God’s love, grace, and power right now. We don’t have to wait to die to experience heaven—we can experience it today in our relationships, our work, and our lives.

Key Points:

• The women’s journey—starting with confusion, moving through amazement, and ending with proclamation—reflects the journey many of us go through when we face unexpected challenges. God is working even when we don’t understand what’s happening.

• The resurrection story teaches us that the kingdom of God isn’t something we have to wait for; it is a present reality. Through the resurrection, God has already made the impossible possible for us.

• God did the unthinkable by conquering death through the resurrection of Jesus, so that the impossible could become possible in our lives. We can live in the fullness of God's kingdom, experiencing peace, joy, and hope, even in the midst of life’s struggles.

• 
  

Life Application:

This Easter, we are invited to rest in the reality of the resurrection. We don’t have to strive, hustle, or work harder to earn God’s love or peace. God has already done the unthinkable—He conquered death through the resurrection, so that the impossible would become possible. Through this incredible act of grace, God invites us to experience His kingdom today, not in some far-off future, but here and now.

When life gets overwhelming, we often feel the need to prove our worth, work harder, or hustle our way through the stress. But the resurrection invites us to pause and trust in God’s provision. We don’t have to go through hell to get to heaven. God offers us heaven here and now. We are called to experience the peace, joy, and renewal of the kingdom of God, right in the middle of our daily lives.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life have you been striving to earn peace or success? How can you shift your focus to rest and trust in God’s provision, knowing that He has already made the impossible possible for you?

2. How can the reality of the resurrection change your perspective on life’s challenges and struggles?

3. What are some ways you can begin to experience and share the kingdom of God today, knowing that God’s power and presence are available to you right now?

   
   

As we continue to celebrate the resurrection, let’s remember that God did the unthinkable—He conquered death, so that the impossible might become possible for us. The kingdom of God is not just a distant promise for the future; it is a present reality that we can experience now. Let’s embrace this reality and live in the fullness of God’s love, grace, and power. May this Easter season be a time of rest, renewal, and transformation as we trust in the providence of God and live out His kingdom here on earth. Amen.