3rd April 2013

This week, we began our 3-week series on... drum roll please... Jesus.

Part 1 - The Resurrection

Emma led an intimate gathering in the Milk Bar of Grace,

or as some people have come to call it, 

The White Room.

Where are you at with the resurrection?

What does it mean to you?

What do you struggle to understand about it?

These questions brought about lots of discussion, questions, and new understandings - 

Discerning this man who sacrificed it all.

The resurrection being the centre of our faith.

The struggle to understand why the severe pain and suffering had to take place.

Christ's character strongly revealed.

And finding strength, even who we are, in Christ.

John 20:1-9

With eyes closed, these words were spoken.

Imagining that moment when Mary Magdalene, 

who was coming to mourn the death of the Master she loved, 

came across his empty grave!

And in his place, folded linens.

Now imagine being Jesus.

Waking after death.

Unwrapping yourself from the linens.

Maybe even folding the linens.

And walking away from death.

Restorative.

What do you value about the themes of the resurrection?

"Experiencing forgiveness."

"Immediate connection with God."

"Restoration and hope."

From the beginning of his life, 

to the end of his life on Earth,

Jesus put forth a lifestyle for us.

Love. Hope. Humility. Grace. Strength. Boldness.

Think of His characteristics during His ministry,

and during His suffering.

Consistent.

So, what do we do with all of this?

What do we do with the hope we have been given through the resurrection?

"Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that he breathed on [the disciples] and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.'" - John 20:21-23