Recent Sermons

To fully understand Peter's restoration, we need to understand Peter's fall. Peter was self-confident and had repeatedly asserted that he was ready to follow Jesus even to death. He even asserted that although everyone should abandon Jesus, he would never do so. And yet, just as Jesus prophesied, Peter denied the Lord three times. The event devastated Peter and left him weeping bitterly. Jesus encounter with Peter in John 21 re-established his love relationship with him but also prepares Peter for a life of service and sacrifice.

Jesus had earlier instructed the disciples that just as he was sent by the Father, he was sending them out into the world. Before doing that, he demonstrates to them that the power for the ministry comes from him, the provision for the ministry comes from him, and success in the ministry comes through obedience.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only one of the foundational doctrines of the Bible, it had and still has a profound, personal impact on people. From the very beginning of his post-resurrection ministry, Jesus began touching the live of people. As we look at Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and specifically Thomas, we will see that the resurrected Lord changes their entire lives. In the same way, a personal relationship with the risen Lord will change our lives today.

As we consider evangelism and our role in it, we need to have the proper mindset for the task. What is the ultimate motivation for evangelism according to the scriptures? What is our responsibility for evangelism? How does God intend for evangelism to work in real world scenarios?

Though it may at first appear that Jesus was a victim of the crucifixion, he was always in complete control. He was in control of not only his death, but also the details of his burial and resurrection. In every case, prophesy was fulfilled to the letter through the power of Jesus Christ.

Although Jesus suffered immeasurably on the cross, he still found the strength to minister to others even while giving his life as an atonement for sin. He ministered to one of the thieves who was crucified with him and later to his mother Mary. Finally, the climax of his ministry on the cross came as he uttered, "It is finished!"