This weekend, we are turning a corner in our series. As we have learned, salvation is both a moment and process in the life of every believer. It involves a person going from being spiritually dead to being alive in Christ. But what does that mean? And how does it change the way we celebrate Easter? The title of this weekend’s message is “REGENERATION.”
Death has always been our enemy. It rips a child from its’ mother, a friend from a friend and a lover from a lover. It can be expected or unexpected. In this message we will see that Jesus came to set us free from the power of death.
This is the first weekend of the New Year and I want to preach a message titled "Out of the Graveyard." It will both awaken and inspire us. Awaken us out of the graves of regret, bitterness, fear, and doubt. Inspire us to step out into the New Year with Christ.
Monday afternoon two weeks ago I got a phone call that I have received before as a pastor but I never imagined whom it would be about. “Sylvia Edwards died.” I thought I had misheard the name and so I asked – “Who did you say again?” I heard it right the first time. It was Sylvia. I couldn’t believe it…I saw her the night before at church! We talked about her singing at the coming Fourth of July program. She wasn’t feeling well but she was still excited about picking out the songs and getting started with the practices. If you knew Sylvia, you would know that she loved to sing and she wasn’t one to sit still very long! Now, two days later we were standing by her graveside – “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…”
Today we are celebrating Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day Jesus rose from the grave. With that in mind, I am preaching a message titled “HOW TO BEAT DEATH.” Unless Jesus comes for us first, death is coming to all of us.