828 Church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Matthew 3:7-10

Our disappointment does not permit us to disengage.

Matthew 11:1-2a

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing.

Matthew 10:7-8

Saying yes to God means joining him in what he’s already doing.

Matthew 11:2-3

If we don’t come to Jesus with our disappointments, we will remain locked in our prisons of doubt.

Matthew 11:4-5

Matthew 11:11

Matthew 11:16-19 (from The Message)

Our disappointment doesn’t have to define our future.

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We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

“Your earthly father may have shaped your past, but your Heavenly Father defines your future.”-if you let me

Romans 3:23 and 24 says - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. -

We all fall Short, But Jesus stands in the gap

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”

Ultimate security comes from knowing we are loved and chosen by our heavenly father.

A Godly Father is a Protector and Provider

Matthew 2:13 tells us this- an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

A Godly father takes responsibility for his family’s safety, needs, and well-being.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith.” – 1 Timothy 5:8

Provision isn’t just about money — it includes emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.

2. Loving and Present

“The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does.”

— John 5:20

Love does not = Influence- separate slides for these equations

Love + Relationship = Influence

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17-

3. Teacher and Discipler

“Fathers… bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”— Ephesians 6:4

“We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God.”— 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12

We are called to teach our children not just how to exist, but how to live — as humans and as children of God. That means we train them in both practical life and spiritual truth.

“If your kid does something that annoys you or feels out of line — it’s your job to correct it. If you don’t like that behavior, chances are the world won’t either.” - Unknown

Discipline isn't punishment — it's Preparation. When we fail to correct, we do our kids a disservice.

Teaching and discipling is not just a Sunday activity — it’s a daily, intentional lifestyle. A good father trains, corrects, encourages, and walks alongside his children. He doesn’t just talk about truth, he lives it out.

4. Spiritual Leader: -Fatherhood Is Spiritual Leadership

Genesis 18:19 (NIV)“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord…”

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)“These commandments... impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up.”

Discipleship doesn’t just happen in church — it happens in the car, at the dinner table, during bedtime.

You are not just raising kids — you are stewarding souls.

Joshua 24:15 (NIV)“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The best thing you could ever do for your family is to fully pursue your relationship with Jesus. Not perfection — but consistent pursuit. When your kids see you walk with God, they learn how to follow Him too.

Psalm 112:1–2 (NIV)“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”

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And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. John 14:16 NLT 

The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:2 NLT

The plans of God are carried out by the authority of the Father, the work and word of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit!

But when the Father sends the Advocate (comforter) as my representative, that is the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 NLT

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:7- 8 ESV 

Holy Spirit is God with us always! 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… for he will take what is mine and declare it to you…. John 16:13 & 15 NLT

The works of Christ and the Cross are accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” Acts 2:1-11 NLT

This encounter with Holy Spirit was a once off, but a normal part of the New Testament narrative! 

Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them.“No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:2 NLT

God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4 ESV

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:11 NIV

But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NLT

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom! 2 Corinthians 3:17

The gifts of the Holy Spirit will always enhance and empower the fruit of the Spirit!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 NLT

When the gifts of the spirit are evident and active, the fruit of the spirit is beautiful and bountiful.  

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared in white robes! They said, “You Galileans, why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly and mysteriously as he left.” So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James. They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:9-14 MSG

Faithfulness to God’s mission should mark the life of a person who has given their heart to Him. 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

1) Connected 

Together we are a formidable force and a strong witness for God and the beauty of His family on Mission.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT

2) Accountable

Real conversations before a decision is made is the kind of accountability God calls us to. 

Take good counsel and accept correction, that’s the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSG

Loyalty is Godly, but surrounding yourself with people who will empowering unwise or broken decision making can devastating to you and God’s mission.  

Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18 NLT

If you have no real accountability in your life, or you only have a Nathan, then you’re likely to end up with a Bathsheba.

 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. James 3:17 NLT

3) Focused 

Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 NLT

If your priority list for living comes from any source besides God’s word and will, your gonna miss on mission.

4) Hopeful

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT

My hope is based on my confidence in God’s leading and faithfulness. 

5) Fruitful 

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESV

The life of the faithful will always bear fruit, even in times of drought and difficulty!

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Set apart for the gospel of God. Romans 1:1 CSB

Those who live a life faithful to God must see themselves as set apart for His mission. 

1) Set aside your time and attention for relationship with God.

From the beginning of the mission the disciples were told the priority and gifted the promise of nearness.

Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLT

It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Exodus 33:7 NLT

Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 33:11 NLT 

Specific time set aside, plus an all day everyday intentional attentiveness to Holy Spirit’s presence, are both key to a life lived set apart for relationship with God.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11ESV

2) Lay aside the sin and weight! 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 NLT

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Carrying unrepentant sin and rebellion will wear you out no matter how great you effort to do good for God. 

But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Daniel 1:8 NLT

At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. Daniel 1:15 NLT

A life set apart for mission start’s with consecrated choosing and God’s best wisdom for personal growth and freedom! 

That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves in wholeheartedly and full-time, and remember, you’ve been raised from the dead, into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God. Romans 6:12-14 MSG

3) Lay down your life for God 

And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. Mark 14:35-36 ESV

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 ESV

Pride has always been the enemies greatest weapon against those that would be warriors on mission with God.

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 NLT

Life’s greatest joy is found in giving who you are completely to God and His mission.

Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15 NLT 

Mission's trips are cool, but a life lived on mission is our call! 

God’s mission which you should definitely except, is a mission that comes with every redemptive weapon you could ever need.

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 NLT

Any church that isn’t seriously involved in helping fulfill the great commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist. - Oswald J. Smith

Go be with and like Jesus!

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT

If we’re going to be like Jesus, we should consider what Jesus was like?

Shine in the house, through the house, and outside the house. - - Jake’s slide again here over a story… 

While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:12-13 ESV

The first consideration for a life lived on mission is to mirror the Messiah who came on mission for us! 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. John 1:6-8 ESV

We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 ESV

Our lives are meant to be lived on the Messiah’s mission. 

The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Luke 4:18-19 ESV

We can see Jesus, through us, change our world, one intentional, Spirit-empowered interaction, conversation, and relationship at a time.

David’s video prolly goes here. - - And then Jake’s slide one more time when I’m talking about CJ

They had first given themselves unreservedly to God and then by the will of God to others. 2 Corinthians 8:5

If you miss on seeing and embracing God’s mission, you’ll miss on seeing and experiencing God’s miracles! 

Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. 

1 Chronicles 16:23-25 ESV

The mark of a great church is not it’s seating capacity but it’s sending capacity. Mark Stachura

Living faithful to God’s mission is something we are called to do together.

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Acts 1:2-3 NLT

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” And when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6 ESV

If you think the mission is only about what God will do for you, you’ve missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying God and His mission the way Judas betrayed Jesus. 

When He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 NKJV 

The church world is full of earthly kingdom christians.

Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. Matthew 4:20 NLT 

The first call is the call to follow Jesus, the second call is to lead others to Him too. 

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 

Power hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God’s gospel and mission.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 ESV 

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11 NLT

We aren’t meant to focus all our attention on heaven or earth, but rather on Jesus and His mission to build His Kingdom here and now. 

Every Christ follower has a post ascension assignment that is important to God’s evangelistic disciple-making mission.

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 NLT

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 ESV

Jesus has always fulfilled His mission and built His church with every willing heart and hand! 

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. Matthew 28:5-7 ESV

Those who sincerely seek are the ones who are blessed to be sent. 

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering, by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 ESV

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:14-16 ESV

It is a real problem when Christians present a gospel they don’t actually know or believe.

Together was the context for and how the commission was to be fulfilled.

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 ESV

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 ESV

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 ESV

828 Church exist to see the lost found and the found free and following!

Jesus didn’t wave sin’s penalty. He paid it’s price, and and set us free from it’s prison and power.  

Real truth isn’t shaped by the world or church, rather the world and the church should be shaped by the truth!

I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 NLT

Power hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God’s gospel and mission.

If you think the mission is only about what God can do for you, you’ve missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying the gospel the way Judas betrayed Jesus. 

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT

A disciple is someone who does their best to follow Jesus and live according to His word and will!

Come follow me as I follow Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

God’s heart is that in our following we will lead others to the life giving relationship we’ve found in Him!

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Matthew 28:20 NLT

A partial telling of the truth may be the worst kind of deception because it leaves people wondering why their empty. 

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLT

To live your life to know God and to make Him known is to live close to the one who knows and loves you most. 

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

New life in Christ should lead to a life faithful to God’s mission!

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there, Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. John 21:1-3 NLT

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18 ESV

Be careful not to allow the familiar to become an obstacle to you faithfully following God!

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Ecclesiastes 7:10 ESV

At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. John 21:4-6 NLT

Successful disobedience can be devastating to the will and destiny of God for your life!

God is faithful to remind us of His will and our call, even when we’re wandering backward instead of forward!

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. John 21:7-9 NLT

Faith and faithfulness for living on mission with God comes from recognizing and remembering who Jesus is and who He has called you to be!

Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. John 21:10 NLT

Even though Jesus is the one who provides, we are ALL called to bring fish to the fire as well!

Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. John 21:12-14 NLT

God will use the very things the enemy has used against you to build your destiny and His Kingdom.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs.” John 21:15 NLT

Jesus provides what we need to be whole and healthy and then calls us to share His blessing with others.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:16-17 NLT

We are called and blessed to build His Kingdom with compassion and conviction not comparison.

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Download the 828 Church app!

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Matthew 4:16 NLT

Death caused by sin casts a shadow that obstructs our much needed view of the son.

Jesus came to overcome death and darkness with life and light!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 NKJV

Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Mark 15:33

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last. Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. - Mark 15:37-38 NKJV

Poem - Death to Death

Jesus made a way for life with God to be up close and personal now, not just in forever!

When the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39 NKJV

Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Matthew 27:59-60 NLT

Pic of tomb here and them a black screen

Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. Mark 16:2-4 NLT

Darkness has a way of making us miss the very miracles we have hoped and believed for.

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. Matthew 28:1-4 NLT

Death and darkness didn’t and still don’t have a chance against Jesus, the creator of life and light!

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7 NLT

Don’t mistake deliverance for defeat, miracle for misery, or conviction for condemnation.

Mary turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”

“Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” John 20:14-16 NLT

Mary didn’t know or recognize him until she realized that He recognized and knew her.

Why spend your life trapped in a stronghold of death and darkness when Jesus destroyed them both for you!

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Download the 828 Church app!

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church