WEBVTT 0 00:00:04.810 --> 00:00:07.322 Welcome to the Willow Ridge Sermons podcast. 1 00:00:07.466 --> 00:00:11.150 This is where you can find audio from Sunday morning messages and more. 2 00:00:11.300 --> 00:00:14.442 Make sure you're subscribed so that you don't miss future episodes. 3 00:00:14.506 --> 00:00:15.950 And thanks for listening. 4 00:00:19.250 --> 00:00:19.898 Amen. 5 00:00:19.994 --> 00:00:20.800 Good morning. 6 00:00:21.490 --> 00:00:24.934 So glad that each and every one of you could be here. 7 00:00:25.012 --> 00:00:28.870 Heard the wonderful noise that every pastor wants to hear on Sunday morning. 8 00:00:28.940 --> 00:00:31.606 I heard more chairs being brought in and that's a good thing. 9 00:00:31.628 --> 00:00:35.574 And so we are glad that each and every one of you came and that you were here. 10 00:00:35.692 --> 00:00:50.326 Whether you call this church home, whether you're visiting from out of town, or whether you're looking for a new church, we are so glad that God brought you here today as we celebrate the truth, not just the belief, but the truth that Jesus is alive. 11 00:00:50.438 --> 00:00:54.150 And so today we celebrate our risen King. 12 00:00:54.230 --> 00:00:59.758 If you are a first time guest, we would love for you at some point in time during the service today to fill out this card. 13 00:00:59.844 --> 00:01:06.398 And then as you leave, you can either drop it off in the basket back here, or Aaron and I will be back here at this back table. 14 00:01:06.494 --> 00:01:15.410 We would love to personally meet you for the first time and thank you for being here and worshipping with us before we get into our message this morning. 15 00:01:15.560 --> 00:01:18.466 God has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity. 16 00:01:18.568 --> 00:01:23.126 And so we're going to pause and take a break from our normal flow of what we would have. 17 00:01:23.148 --> 00:01:24.630 And I'm going to ask if Dr. 18 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:28.454 Sam John can come up on stage here for just a moment. 19 00:01:28.572 --> 00:01:31.978 Sam's going to share a few words and pray for our service. 20 00:01:32.144 --> 00:01:38.390 If you don't know who Sam is sam is our missionary partner that we partner with in India. 21 00:01:38.470 --> 00:01:54.030 And he has been there serving faithfully along with his brother, his family and many others as they work to not only share the gospel in his city where he lives, but as they work to mobilize to share the Gospel all over India. 22 00:01:54.110 --> 00:01:56.802 So would you do me a favor and help and welcome Dr. 23 00:01:56.856 --> 00:02:03.170 Sam Johnson. 24 00:02:11.530 --> 00:02:13.830 Did you know we are all blood related? 25 00:02:14.970 --> 00:02:20.300 The blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross of Calvary binds us together. 26 00:02:20.670 --> 00:02:32.922 And it's a privilege for me to be here this morning witnessing what God is doing because he's alive and he defeated death and h***. 27 00:02:33.056 --> 00:02:39.418 Thank you, church, for allowing Pastor Beau and the rest of the people to come down to India to serve. 28 00:02:39.514 --> 00:02:47.234 We are so highly indebted to all of you and look forward to your partnership in the days and times to come. 29 00:02:47.352 --> 00:02:59.762 As we are serving, as we are celebrating this day of resurrection over here, I just want you to know that your brethren, the blood, bought possession of the Lord Jesus Christ back in our country, India. 30 00:02:59.826 --> 00:03:10.490 Some of them had to go to jail because of the anti conversion law and because they were sharing that Jesus is risen. 31 00:03:11.790 --> 00:03:15.580 You live in a free country. 32 00:03:16.510 --> 00:03:18.650 Praise God for this freedom. 33 00:03:19.150 --> 00:03:27.194 Your own brethren, whom perhaps you have never met and you probably will never meet, still serve the Lord. 34 00:03:27.242 --> 00:03:34.910 Rejoicing in the bondages suffering from the laws that the government has passed. 35 00:03:35.070 --> 00:03:36.994 Continue to pray for them. 36 00:03:37.192 --> 00:03:42.500 Be the difference God has called you to, and we will be praying for you. 37 00:03:42.950 --> 00:03:45.266 Like to pray before we hear from God's? 38 00:03:45.298 --> 00:03:47.574 Word de. 39 00:03:47.612 --> 00:03:55.160 God, a heavenly Father, we bow in awe and in wonder of who you are. 40 00:03:56.650 --> 00:04:23.700 We thank you, Lord, for the reminder of the fact that on a day like this, thousands of years ago, a couple thousand, our Savior, our Redeemer, rose again from the dead, defeating death, defeating h***, defeating sin, and opening the way for us sinners to be reconciled with this great, almighty and awesome God. 41 00:04:25.670 --> 00:04:38.040 Who are we, Lord, the recipient of Your grace and mercy was no qualities in us to be qualified to be loved by you. 42 00:04:38.810 --> 00:04:41.800 But we thank you for Your mercy upon us. 43 00:04:42.250 --> 00:04:51.370 And this morning, as we stand redeemed, we bow our heads and hearts before you and honor you because you are the King. 44 00:04:51.710 --> 00:04:53.350 You are the King of Kings. 45 00:04:53.430 --> 00:04:54.970 The Lord of Lords. 46 00:04:55.390 --> 00:04:58.966 You not only give us joy, but you are our joy. 47 00:04:59.158 --> 00:05:03.454 You not only give us hope, but you are our hope. 48 00:05:03.652 --> 00:05:09.566 You do not show us the way, but you are the way, the truth and the life. 49 00:05:09.748 --> 00:05:12.346 And we are blessed in you, Lord. 50 00:05:12.538 --> 00:05:32.870 If there's anyone seated here in this congregation or hearing who does not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, may this be the day when they would surrender their lives to the One who loved them, who gave himself for them, and who rose again from the dead. 51 00:05:33.290 --> 00:05:39.500 I pray for our folks back in India thank you for the wonderful time they've had earlier today. 52 00:05:40.750 --> 00:05:51.594 We pray for those souls that have been saved as they continue to suffer through what they might have to because of their newfound faith in you. 53 00:05:51.712 --> 00:05:56.270 We pray that you would strengthen them yet more land to be possessed. 54 00:05:56.690 --> 00:06:01.134 Make this church to be that difference in our part of the world. 55 00:06:01.252 --> 00:06:06.702 And yes, Lord, we'll be careful in giving you the glory and honor, because you alone are worthy. 56 00:06:06.846 --> 00:06:09.540 For we ask in Jesus precious name. 57 00:06:09.910 --> 00:06:10.930 Amen. 58 00:06:12.630 --> 00:06:13.730 Thank you, brother. 59 00:06:18.250 --> 00:06:28.438 If you have your Bibles with you today, I want to invite you to join me in turning to John, chapter 20 at the end of my message. 60 00:06:28.524 --> 00:06:33.850 We'll respond in a time of worship, and then we'll respond in the taking of the Lord's Supper together. 61 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:41.900 And if you weren't able to grab some elements as you came in, want to invite you to do so now, and you're more than welcome to do that. 62 00:06:42.830 --> 00:06:53.406 Well, this morning, as we prepared for our outdoor service, if you weren't up as early as some of us were, we'll just say it was a lot colder then than it is now. 63 00:06:53.588 --> 00:06:57.554 I'm not going to try to stand up here and portray something that I'm not. 64 00:06:57.592 --> 00:07:02.098 I woke up at 415 this morning to hear in the rain continuing to fall. 65 00:07:02.184 --> 00:07:08.310 And I don't know that I've ever prayed as hard as I've prayed until the rain finally went away this morning. 66 00:07:08.380 --> 00:07:21.386 But we had a wonderful, wonderful time of worship outdoors and it's wonderful gathering indoors and want to thank everyone who prepared breakfast and who served that this morning so that we could all come together as one family. 67 00:07:21.568 --> 00:07:30.506 But as I was outside this morning, I had a question that was asked to me and it sparked a thought as we gathered together on Easter morning. 68 00:07:30.688 --> 00:07:32.750 The question was a very simple question. 69 00:07:32.820 --> 00:07:35.338 It was asked by Stephen Konarsky. 70 00:07:35.354 --> 00:07:37.998 And I see Stephen almost every Sunday morning. 71 00:07:38.084 --> 00:07:40.606 Stephen usually gets here relatively early. 72 00:07:40.708 --> 00:07:42.990 And Steven always asked me this question. 73 00:07:43.060 --> 00:07:46.146 And so today was not unlike any other Sunday morning. 74 00:07:46.248 --> 00:07:47.886 In my conversation with Stephen. 75 00:07:47.998 --> 00:07:49.940 He said, how was your week? 76 00:07:50.870 --> 00:07:52.660 I said, man, it was a great week. 77 00:07:53.110 --> 00:07:54.820 It was a really good week. 78 00:07:55.190 --> 00:07:56.740 He said what happened? 79 00:07:57.110 --> 00:08:05.266 And I said, well, if I'll go all the way back to last Saturday, aaron and I had the privilege to go to the Augusta National to watch the Women's Amateur Tournament. 80 00:08:05.298 --> 00:08:06.406 And so that was good. 81 00:08:06.508 --> 00:08:11.406 Our time there was short because of the storms that were coming through, but I got to enjoy pinocchio sandwiches. 82 00:08:11.458 --> 00:08:15.002 And so it was a wonderful, wonderful time at the Augusta National, right? 83 00:08:15.056 --> 00:08:15.914 It was good. 84 00:08:16.032 --> 00:08:17.962 I said Sunday was a great day. 85 00:08:18.016 --> 00:08:20.166 We had a good time of worship. 86 00:08:20.198 --> 00:08:33.226 And then after worship, my family and I got away on a little vacation to Helen, Georgia, up in the mountains where the weather was cool and where we could do a whole lot of relaxing and a whole lot of eating. 87 00:08:33.338 --> 00:08:36.740 Maybe you're catching some themes with me and what makes me happy, right? 88 00:08:37.270 --> 00:08:47.010 And so then came back and Thursday was just a good time in the office to dive into God's word where I didn't have any other obligations that I needed to worry about. 89 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:49.382 But just focusing in on the message. 90 00:08:49.436 --> 00:08:58.246 That God would have for us for Easter and just a wonderful time in study and able to go home and spend Friday and Saturday with my family. 91 00:08:58.428 --> 00:09:07.354 And some people might not have liked the rain, but I enjoyed it because it caused us while we were productive, it caused us to slow down and. 92 00:09:07.392 --> 00:09:10.462 Just spend some time together and maybe. 93 00:09:10.516 --> 00:09:13.294 Take a few more naps, right? 94 00:09:13.492 --> 00:09:17.280 But it was a really, really good week. 95 00:09:17.810 --> 00:09:34.766 Well, the passage of Scripture that we're going to look at in John, Chapter 20, we're going to look at the passage where Jesus appears to the disciples, and Jesus as he is each week is the main point of the passage. 96 00:09:34.958 --> 00:09:37.400 He's the one that we're going to look at the most. 97 00:09:37.850 --> 00:09:43.720 But I don't want us to miss the other characters being the disciples in the story as well. 98 00:09:44.330 --> 00:09:50.474 Because this past week for me as I prepared for Easter was a really good week. 99 00:09:50.672 --> 00:09:57.450 We gathered this morning and in spite of the cold we can celebrate because Jesus is alive. 100 00:09:58.190 --> 00:10:02.170 We gathered this morning in spite of the possibility of rain. 101 00:10:02.250 --> 00:10:04.990 We can celebrate because Jesus is alive. 102 00:10:05.570 --> 00:10:13.806 In spite of anything, any glitch, any issue, any trouble, anything that awaits you, you can celebrate. 103 00:10:13.918 --> 00:10:15.922 We can celebrate this morning. 104 00:10:16.056 --> 00:10:16.546 Why? 105 00:10:16.648 --> 00:10:18.610 Because Jesus is alive. 106 00:10:20.310 --> 00:10:37.480 But when we look back at the week that the disciples had experienced their first Easter morning their perspective was different than what you and I woke up to this morning. 107 00:10:38.110 --> 00:10:39.980 The truth was the same. 108 00:10:41.070 --> 00:10:45.100 Jesus was alive, but their perspective was different. 109 00:10:45.870 --> 00:10:49.930 They had been with Jesus in the journey toward Jerusalem. 110 00:10:50.830 --> 00:10:59.310 They had been there when Jesus got on the back of a donkey and rode in and the people around who one day would say, crucify him. 111 00:10:59.380 --> 00:11:01.630 But on that day shouted Hosanna. 112 00:11:02.850 --> 00:11:06.530 They were with Jesus as he cleared the temple. 113 00:11:07.350 --> 00:11:15.140 They were with Jesus as he spoke to the destruction of the temple the destruction of Jerusalem and the persecution that would come. 114 00:11:16.090 --> 00:11:20.230 They were there with Jesus when he went to teach in the temple. 115 00:11:22.250 --> 00:11:29.130 They were there as their Savior and Lord washed their feet. 116 00:11:30.750 --> 00:11:34.650 They were there with him during the Passover meal. 117 00:11:35.550 --> 00:11:41.070 They were there with him as he gave them the Last Supper. 118 00:11:43.010 --> 00:11:47.600 They were there with him as he shared that one would betray him. 119 00:11:49.650 --> 00:11:57.570 They journeyed to the garden, a few that went and saw the prayer that Jesus would pray. 120 00:11:58.550 --> 00:12:02.242 They were there in the garden when the betrayal would happen. 121 00:12:02.376 --> 00:12:06.200 They were there in the garden when the arrest would happen. 122 00:12:07.850 --> 00:12:09.714 And they were there as they watched. 123 00:12:09.762 --> 00:12:15.186 Their teacher, their master, their rabbi led. 124 00:12:15.218 --> 00:12:21.290 Away where he would experience trials beatings. 125 00:12:21.950 --> 00:12:27.770 Mocking, crucifixion and death. 126 00:12:30.050 --> 00:12:33.390 And they were there when his body. 127 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:34.990 Was put into a tomb. 128 00:12:36.290 --> 00:12:41.310 And they were there for the day when there was no movement in the tomb. 129 00:12:42.290 --> 00:12:49.250 But then Sunday came and they heard that the tomb was empty. 130 00:12:49.590 --> 00:12:56.230 And then we find and I'm going to invite you to read with me started in John, chapter 20, verse 19. 131 00:12:57.450 --> 00:13:15.980 God's Word says this on the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for the fear of the Jews jesus came and stood among them and said to them peace be with you. 132 00:13:16.670 --> 00:13:21.040 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. 133 00:13:21.730 --> 00:13:26.190 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 134 00:13:26.690 --> 00:13:34.610 Jesus said to them again, peace be with you, as the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. 135 00:13:34.680 --> 00:13:45.070 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them receive the Holy Spirit if you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. 136 00:13:45.160 --> 00:13:48.790 If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. 137 00:13:49.290 --> 00:13:58.930 And so we see in this narrative that John gives us Jesus's first appearance to all of his disciples after the resurrection. 138 00:13:59.010 --> 00:14:05.190 And where he finds them is they were hiding, they were frightened, they were concerned, they were stressed. 139 00:14:05.270 --> 00:14:17.230 You and I can only begin to imagine where their minds are beginning to wander, as their rabbi, their teacher, their master, that they've left all to follow. 140 00:14:17.380 --> 00:14:26.210 They've counted the cost, they've left their earthly security behind to follow him, to now know that he is dead. 141 00:14:27.350 --> 00:14:29.140 This is where they find themselves. 142 00:14:30.310 --> 00:14:34.500 And even though Jesus had told them. 143 00:14:34.870 --> 00:14:40.390 This would happen, where they are is based in what they feel. 144 00:14:40.540 --> 00:14:42.582 And what they feel is there without. 145 00:14:42.636 --> 00:14:50.954 Hope, because what they haven't grasped is the power of the resurrection, what the. 146 00:14:50.992 --> 00:14:57.078 Resurrection means, what Jesus has done and accomplished on the cross and the celebration. 147 00:14:57.174 --> 00:14:58.730 That the tomb is empty. 148 00:14:59.470 --> 00:15:08.160 And so Jesus does some miraculous things here, as John records them for us. 149 00:15:08.930 --> 00:15:12.302 Valuable lessons that we learn about who. 150 00:15:12.356 --> 00:15:17.730 Jesus is and what Jesus does through the power of the resurrection. 151 00:15:18.150 --> 00:15:20.786 We're going to look at four of those this morning. 152 00:15:20.968 --> 00:15:28.600 And the first one is this that Jesus can do what no one and nothing else can do. 153 00:15:29.210 --> 00:15:36.322 Look at scripture verse 19 on the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked. 154 00:15:36.386 --> 00:15:39.386 This is the scenario of where the disciples are. 155 00:15:39.488 --> 00:15:41.766 The doors were locked. 156 00:15:41.878 --> 00:15:46.220 They didn't want anyone coming in. 157 00:15:48.270 --> 00:15:50.060 But Jesus comes in. 158 00:15:50.930 --> 00:15:55.070 He didn't knock, he didn't kick down the door. 159 00:15:55.810 --> 00:15:58.960 He wasn't hiding in a corner waiting for them. 160 00:15:59.570 --> 00:16:06.866 He wasn't a ghost, he wasn't in spirit who appeared all of a sudden and was there. 161 00:16:06.968 --> 00:16:10.162 Jesus told them in Luke's account to. 162 00:16:10.296 --> 00:16:14.050 Touch him so that they could know. 163 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:23.480 That he is there in body, that he is like them physically, but at the same time, he is unlike them. 164 00:16:24.570 --> 00:16:40.140 As he steps into the room in this moment, jesus does in front of them what no one and nothing else can do. 165 00:16:40.770 --> 00:16:47.920 We live in a world of turning to things and to people and to mindsets for help. 166 00:16:48.690 --> 00:16:51.102 And I want to be honest about that. 167 00:16:51.156 --> 00:16:54.314 In a lot of ways, God has blessed us with that. 168 00:16:54.372 --> 00:16:56.210 But here's what I want to say to you this morning. 169 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:58.034 Jesus can do. 170 00:16:58.152 --> 00:17:03.380 And Jesus can go where no one else and nothing else can go. 171 00:17:03.910 --> 00:17:04.962 Jesus can go. 172 00:17:05.016 --> 00:17:11.174 Where no doctor can go, jesus can do what no doctor can do, jesus can do what no counselor can provide. 173 00:17:11.292 --> 00:17:16.680 With, what no spouse can give, what no pastor can offer and what no friend can become. 174 00:17:18.430 --> 00:17:19.660 Jesus can. 175 00:17:23.010 --> 00:17:27.200 And within you, there's no place where you are. 176 00:17:27.810 --> 00:17:30.906 There's no feeling that you feel, there's. 177 00:17:30.938 --> 00:17:35.330 No thought that consumes you that Jesus cannot penetrate. 178 00:17:36.550 --> 00:17:41.170 There is no sin that he cannot gain the victory. 179 00:17:41.590 --> 00:17:44.920 And there is no life that he can't save. 180 00:17:46.090 --> 00:17:50.070 And it's found in Jesus, in Jesus alone. 181 00:17:51.130 --> 00:17:57.430 The second thing that we see for Jesus is in the power of the resurrection. 182 00:17:57.510 --> 00:17:59.690 Jesus comes into the fear. 183 00:18:00.270 --> 00:18:07.580 It says the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came. 184 00:18:07.950 --> 00:18:10.698 Now, why were the disciples afraid? 185 00:18:10.874 --> 00:18:13.194 Why were the disciples afraid here's? 186 00:18:13.242 --> 00:18:16.350 Like they had a logical reason for their fear. 187 00:18:17.170 --> 00:18:19.630 Remember their week they had been with Jesus. 188 00:18:20.050 --> 00:18:30.900 They had seen what can happen one day, as proclaimed hosanna before him to five short days later crucify him. 189 00:18:31.910 --> 00:18:33.186 And they didn't want to have to. 190 00:18:33.208 --> 00:18:35.494 Go through what Jesus went. 191 00:18:35.692 --> 00:18:36.930 They were afraid. 192 00:18:37.010 --> 00:18:38.758 They were afraid for their lives. 193 00:18:38.844 --> 00:18:41.400 And honestly, rightfully so. 194 00:18:42.650 --> 00:18:49.130 I find that oftentimes it's easy for us to critique them, but I understand their concern. 195 00:18:49.950 --> 00:18:56.438 But what Jesus does is Jesus comes into their fear. 196 00:18:56.614 --> 00:18:58.598 I think this is significant. 197 00:18:58.774 --> 00:19:06.814 When we understand what God wants to work and do in us and through us, jesus doesn't come to them. 198 00:19:07.012 --> 00:19:10.606 When one of them finally stands up and says, come on, guys, we need. 199 00:19:10.628 --> 00:19:11.840 To move past this. 200 00:19:12.690 --> 00:19:17.780 Jesus doesn't come to them when they muster up enough courage to come out of the room. 201 00:19:18.310 --> 00:19:23.630 Jesus doesn't stand on the outside and say to them, finally, I've been waiting. 202 00:19:23.790 --> 00:19:26.966 Jesus goes to them right where they are. 203 00:19:27.068 --> 00:19:35.750 Because if real victory is going to happen in their life, real Gospel victory, it will be because of Jesus, not because of their courage. 204 00:19:36.830 --> 00:19:38.700 Isaiah 41 ten. 205 00:19:39.150 --> 00:19:41.900 The prophet Isaiah says, fear not. 206 00:19:42.430 --> 00:19:44.070 She shares the word of the Lord. 207 00:19:44.150 --> 00:19:47.100 Fear not, for I am with you. 208 00:19:47.630 --> 00:19:50.942 Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 209 00:19:51.076 --> 00:19:58.560 I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 210 00:19:59.490 --> 00:20:02.030 Why is the fear removed? 211 00:20:03.190 --> 00:20:09.380 Isaiah says, it's because God is with us. 212 00:20:10.390 --> 00:20:11.140 Right? 213 00:20:11.510 --> 00:20:16.280 The fear is not removed because we suck it up. 214 00:20:17.130 --> 00:20:21.480 The fear is not removed because we have a strong enough will. 215 00:20:22.090 --> 00:20:26.046 The fear is not removed because I changed my mindset. 216 00:20:26.178 --> 00:20:32.780 The fear is removed for I am with you, that God is with me. 217 00:20:33.950 --> 00:20:38.214 When the disciples stepped out of that room, had their earthly circumstances changed? 218 00:20:38.342 --> 00:20:39.020 No. 219 00:20:39.330 --> 00:20:40.080 No. 220 00:20:41.410 --> 00:20:48.830 When we read through the Bible and see through the book of Acts, their lives will be filled with persecution. 221 00:20:49.410 --> 00:20:56.210 When we read through the history of this world, what we see is the early church filled with persecution. 222 00:20:57.110 --> 00:21:09.110 What we experience when we hear of our brothers and sisters in India and in Syria and in Iran and in Iraq and in Pakistan and Afghanistan is the persecution continues. 223 00:21:10.890 --> 00:21:12.600 So how do they face it? 224 00:21:14.250 --> 00:21:18.154 Because Jesus is with them for your. 225 00:21:18.192 --> 00:21:19.580 Life and my life. 226 00:21:20.670 --> 00:21:33.760 Our circumstances may stay the same in the earthly scope, but we can face this not knowing what's ahead because Jesus is with us. 227 00:21:35.010 --> 00:21:41.514 So right now in your life, what you're facing, it's real, it's big and it's powerful. 228 00:21:41.642 --> 00:21:46.242 But here's what we can know because Jesus is alive, that Jesus is real. 229 00:21:46.376 --> 00:21:48.654 That Jesus is bigger, and that Jesus. 230 00:21:48.702 --> 00:21:52.020 Is more powerful than anything that we face. 231 00:21:53.030 --> 00:21:57.400 And as we go through it, Jesus is with us. 232 00:21:58.090 --> 00:22:00.566 The third thing that Jesus does here. 233 00:22:00.748 --> 00:22:05.400 That'S important is Jesus stands with them. 234 00:22:06.270 --> 00:22:12.700 Scripture tells us that Jesus came and stood among them. 235 00:22:13.870 --> 00:22:19.360 Jesus came and stood among them. 236 00:22:20.290 --> 00:22:21.920 I think this is important. 237 00:22:23.490 --> 00:22:32.020 Jesus didn't step into the room on the outside and say, hey, turn your attention to me. 238 00:22:33.510 --> 00:22:38.260 Jesus walked into that room. 239 00:22:39.510 --> 00:23:19.440 Jesus walked through where they were and stood with them to touch Him so that they would know that he's there, to experience Him, to know that he is real, so that they could see what this personal relationship with Jesus meant, that I don't have to go find Him, but instead he comes and he finds me. 240 00:23:20.290 --> 00:23:25.940 Jesus came and stood with them. 241 00:23:26.630 --> 00:23:35.666 And we begin to see the power of the resurrection, of what this is going to mean, to understand what the. 242 00:23:35.688 --> 00:23:38.422 Truth that Paul writes in Galatians 220. 243 00:23:38.476 --> 00:23:41.640 For I have been crucified with Christ. 244 00:23:42.970 --> 00:23:49.110 It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh. 245 00:23:49.190 --> 00:23:56.218 I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 246 00:23:56.384 --> 00:24:00.800 I am crucified with Christ. 247 00:24:03.730 --> 00:24:09.790 And then we see the last that Jesus is going to reveal here, that Jesus gives gifts. 248 00:24:10.130 --> 00:24:11.710 Jesus gives gifts. 249 00:24:12.770 --> 00:24:20.866 Bible says Jesus came and stood among them and said, and we're going to see the gifts of Christ come from the words that he says. 250 00:24:21.048 --> 00:24:22.514 And the first thing that he says. 251 00:24:22.552 --> 00:24:26.134 To them is, Peace be with you. 252 00:24:26.252 --> 00:24:31.334 In fact, two times Jesus says these four words to them. 253 00:24:31.452 --> 00:24:37.190 And what we see from this is in the power of resurrection, jesus gives you peace. 254 00:24:37.350 --> 00:24:39.420 And Jesus brought peace to them. 255 00:24:39.870 --> 00:24:42.380 The very first thing that he said. 256 00:24:42.910 --> 00:24:44.860 So what did peace look like? 257 00:24:45.310 --> 00:24:48.250 What is this form of peace that Jesus brings? 258 00:24:48.690 --> 00:24:50.570 Did Jesus bring a treaty? 259 00:24:50.730 --> 00:24:52.606 Did Jesus bring a new law? 260 00:24:52.788 --> 00:24:55.322 Did Jesus bring a religious appeal? 261 00:24:55.466 --> 00:24:57.898 Did Jesus bring a battle tactic? 262 00:24:57.994 --> 00:25:01.206 Did Jesus bring a motivational speech? 263 00:25:01.338 --> 00:25:01.874 No. 264 00:25:01.992 --> 00:25:04.318 Jesus brought himself. 265 00:25:04.494 --> 00:25:07.170 Jesus is the peace. 266 00:25:08.150 --> 00:25:08.962 So for them. 267 00:25:09.016 --> 00:25:13.154 So it was more than peace with Rome that they needed. 268 00:25:13.272 --> 00:25:17.400 What they needed was peace with God, and Jesus brought it. 269 00:25:17.850 --> 00:25:23.366 And more so than peace with anything else in your life or in my life. 270 00:25:23.468 --> 00:25:25.110 Here is what we need. 271 00:25:25.260 --> 00:25:27.370 We need peace with God. 272 00:25:27.520 --> 00:25:37.322 Ephesians chapter two tells us that Jesus is our peace and that it means that he has been reconciled, that we've been reconciled to us. 273 00:25:37.376 --> 00:25:42.590 And God killed the hostility through the work of the cross. 274 00:25:44.290 --> 00:25:47.950 Jesus fixes what's been broke. 275 00:25:48.770 --> 00:25:55.262 Jesus fills the void that was created, what we talked about in Genesis chapter. 276 00:25:55.326 --> 00:26:09.270 Three, and he restores the relationship between man and God in this moment jesus brings peace, not accusation. 277 00:26:10.730 --> 00:26:15.960 The disciples have been told repeatedly what must happen and what must take place. 278 00:26:16.570 --> 00:26:19.098 And Jesus doesn't throw their sin in their face. 279 00:26:19.184 --> 00:26:21.302 He doesn't bring up their personal shortcomings. 280 00:26:21.366 --> 00:26:24.506 He doesn't ridicule them for not trusting Him when he told him this. 281 00:26:24.528 --> 00:26:25.066 What happens? 282 00:26:25.168 --> 00:26:28.730 Jesus brings peace through forgiveness. 283 00:26:29.890 --> 00:26:33.520 Peace be with you. 284 00:26:34.530 --> 00:26:43.140 As Jesus steps into the room, jesus brings us peace, peace between us and God. 285 00:26:44.070 --> 00:26:48.146 We are no longer the objects of. 286 00:26:48.168 --> 00:26:56.070 God's wrath when we are in Christ because Jesus took on the wrath of God, on calvary. 287 00:26:56.570 --> 00:26:58.230 And so now we are no longer. 288 00:26:58.300 --> 00:27:06.550 Enemies of God, but now God is our loving Father and we are his sons and his daughters. 289 00:27:07.310 --> 00:27:15.130 Jesus brings peace through us who have put our faith, hope and trust in Him as our Lord and Savior. 290 00:27:15.870 --> 00:27:32.580 And so now we become people not defined by our differences, not defined by our failures, not defined by our sins, but in Christ we are now family of the one true God. 291 00:27:33.750 --> 00:27:38.690 And Jesus in this brings peace within ourself. 292 00:27:39.590 --> 00:27:42.094 Peace within ourself. 293 00:27:42.222 --> 00:27:45.234 And he frees us from the guilt. 294 00:27:45.282 --> 00:27:52.520 And the shame and instead gives us freedom and forgiveness in life. 295 00:27:54.490 --> 00:28:04.906 Jesus brings these to the power of the resurrection, that our life is now set for eternity with Him. 296 00:28:05.088 --> 00:28:09.790 And our life is set for now to live in the peace he provides. 297 00:28:10.370 --> 00:28:14.554 But another gift he brings is, Jesus. 298 00:28:14.602 --> 00:28:17.950 Says, and you will receive the Holy Spirit. 299 00:28:18.450 --> 00:28:20.080 Jesus gives you power. 300 00:28:20.450 --> 00:28:36.854 Paul writes in Romans 811 if the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his spirit who dwells in you. 301 00:28:36.972 --> 00:28:44.760 If the Spirit of Christ who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. 302 00:28:46.270 --> 00:29:03.150 The power that Christ walked in the tomb dwells in all of us who identify with his work and the cross, surrender to Him as Lord and Savior and live in the boldness and the power of the resurrection. 303 00:29:05.730 --> 00:29:14.910 About seven weeks from this encounter that we see in John, in Acts, jesus is going to ascend to the Father. 304 00:29:15.730 --> 00:29:18.174 He's going to begin to promise the Holy Spirit. 305 00:29:18.222 --> 00:29:22.690 And at Pentecost in Acts chapter two, the Holy Spirit comes, filling the believers. 306 00:29:23.110 --> 00:29:25.874 And through the power of His Holy. 307 00:29:25.922 --> 00:29:31.480 Spirit living in us, we as believers accomplish his will. 308 00:29:32.090 --> 00:29:34.754 As the Holy Spirit, as he leads. 309 00:29:34.802 --> 00:29:40.682 Us in obedience, as he convicts us of our sin, as he teaches us. 310 00:29:40.736 --> 00:29:45.450 The truth of God's Word and as he equips us to do his work. 311 00:29:45.520 --> 00:29:50.910 That he has called us to to spread the gospel. 312 00:29:52.130 --> 00:30:02.420 And not only Jesus says to this group of disciples, this group who was hiding in a room, he says, I'm sending you. 313 00:30:02.790 --> 00:30:06.850 I'm sending you in this jesus gives you purpose. 314 00:30:07.510 --> 00:30:08.770 Gives you purpose. 315 00:30:10.790 --> 00:30:14.980 So many people want to know what their purpose in life is. 316 00:30:15.510 --> 00:30:27.690 If I could just know what God has for me, for what job I need to take, for what city I need to live, for whom I'm supposed to marry, am I supposed to go to college? 317 00:30:27.760 --> 00:30:29.430 Am I supposed to join the military? 318 00:30:29.510 --> 00:30:32.614 Am I supposed to go into the workforce? 319 00:30:32.662 --> 00:30:33.690 What am I supposed to do? 320 00:30:33.760 --> 00:30:36.220 What is my purpose in life? 321 00:30:38.930 --> 00:30:42.126 But the truth is, because of the. 322 00:30:42.148 --> 00:30:52.270 Power of the resurrection, your purpose in life is not tied to any part of creation, but to the Creator. 323 00:30:52.710 --> 00:30:55.410 And your purpose is found in him and Him alone. 324 00:30:56.070 --> 00:31:00.450 My family is a gift, but they are not my purpose. 325 00:31:01.270 --> 00:31:04.866 My job is a gift, but it is not my purpose. 326 00:31:05.058 --> 00:31:22.810 My purpose is the same as your purpose in Christ to go, to make disciples, to share the gospel so that every man, woman and child will have an opportunity to hear and know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 327 00:31:23.790 --> 00:31:30.960 And so Jesus says to them, go. 328 00:31:32.930 --> 00:31:44.078 I pray this morning that we don't celebrate simply that the tomb is empty, but live our lives as if he's. 329 00:31:44.094 --> 00:31:45.570 Still dead in the tomb. 330 00:31:46.390 --> 00:32:06.286 I pray that we live our lives every moment in the power of the resurrection, in obedience to God and the desire to know him and for others to know him with the truth that the peace of God has reconciled me back to God the Father, that I am his and that he is mine. 331 00:32:06.338 --> 00:32:11.114 And it happens only through the cross of Christ and the power of his. 332 00:32:11.152 --> 00:32:15.674 Resurrection, and that with that, that it. 333 00:32:15.712 --> 00:32:19.122 Saturates the thoughts, the words, the feelings. 334 00:32:19.206 --> 00:32:23.520 That every part of me as we go forward. 335 00:32:24.850 --> 00:32:32.500 But I ask you this this morning do you know the peace of God? 336 00:32:33.510 --> 00:32:37.250 Do you know the power of the resurrection? 337 00:32:38.470 --> 00:32:43.650 Because if you do, it's found in Christ, in Christ alone. 338 00:32:48.470 --> 00:32:52.942 Thanks again for listening, and be sure to check back next week for another episode. 339 00:32:53.086 --> 00:33:01.290 In the meantime, you can visit us@willeridgechurch.org or by searching for Willow Ridgechurch on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.