Sunday Words of Encouragment March 27, 2016 - Celebrate Resurrection Day!

We had another good Sunday School message this morning acknowledging the joy of Resurrection Sunday! The message was entitled: When Jesus Failed to Meet Expectations. All of Jesus’ followers expected him to lead a rebellion; to be the King of the earthly realm. He performed miracles and taught with wisdom. He was welcomed into Jerusalem as a King. But instead of challenging the government, he went to the temple and challenged the religious leaders. He preached humility, love and peace. His followers became disillusioned. Doubts were stirred and spread.

Some might say Jesus was an innocent victim. He may have been innocent but he was no victim. Rather he was the conductor. Christ orchestrated events; he pushed against the religious leaders, purposefully challenging them and publicly shaming them so that the events that were prophesied could be accomplished. Christ did not do as his followers expected. Instead, he completed the mission for which he was born. He completed the plan of salvation as directed by God the Father.

Pastor’s message was titled: “It is Finished.” He noted that Christ had to complete the work that was planned before the world was created. On earth we often do a job but it needs maintenance or has to be redone a few years later. The Israelites spent much of their time offering sacrifices to atone for their sins. They struggled to fulfill the commandments and all of the rules and regulations given by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Many became frustrated especially when they saw the ‘freedom’ of the neighboring peoples. Over the years it became more and more difficult to remain a pure people, set apart for God. Finally, the Israelites lost their land and were sent into exile as punishment for their disobedience.

The redeeming salvation of God is prophesied throughout the old testament. Christ came as the fulfillment of God’s plan. He became the holy lamb to sacrifice his blood to save all men… anyone who believes. The work that Christ preformed was done once and for all time. He faced the demons of hell and conquered death so that those who accept God could have eternal life. When he went to the cross he announced “It is finished.” The work stands…for all time…forever.

A wonderful song that would fit is Forever, He’s Alive by Kari Jobe. 

However, I used that last year. 

I choose this song, which fits with the Sunday school message 

and as another beautiful celebration of the resurrection morning!

Then Came the Morning.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 1:18-21 NIV
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Thank you Lord Jesus for being my Savior!