CCF Sunday Messages

In the final chapter of John we get some closing details as Jesus appears a third time to the disciples after a night of unproductive fishing. He performs a miracle that makes the disciples realize it is him, and Peter jumps in and swims 100 yards to shore! Most importantly, we are told of Jesus restoring Peter and charging him to "feed my sheep".

Have you ever met a skeptic? A skeptic who embraces faith becomes a powerful witness--take C.S. Lewis or Josh McDowell for example. Thomas, one of the disciples--and the only one who missed out when Jesus appears to them the first time--said that he "would not" believe until he saw the wounds and put his fingers there. When Jesus appeared to them again and Thomas was present, Jesus approaches Him and Thomas falls down and confesses: "My Lord and my God!" Historically we are told that Thomas went on to take the gospel all the way to India and his name is synonymous with Christianity in India to this day.

Have you ever met a skeptic? A skeptic who embraces faith becomes a powerful witness--take C.S. Lewis or Josh McDowell for example. Thomas, one of the disciples--and the only one who missed out when Jesus appears to them the first time--said that he "would not" believe until he saw the wounds and put his fingers there. When Jesus appeared to them again and Thomas was present, Jesus approaches Him and Thomas falls down and confesses: "My Lord and my God!" Historically we are told that Thomas went on to take the gospel all the way to India and his name is synonymous with Christianity in India to this day.

As we enter John chapter 20, after a "quiet" Saturday (from the lack of Bible commentary on Saturday), we join in with John's account of early Sunday morning, while it is still dark. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb to properly handle the body of Jesus, finding the tomb empty! She is told to tell the disciples, and Peter and John then run to the tomb to investigate. At the end of this section Jesus appears to the disciples in person to prove that He truly has come back to life!

As we enter John chapter 20, after a "quiet" Saturday (from the lack of Bible commentary on Saturday), we join in with John's account of early Sunday morning, while it is still dark. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb to properly handle the body of Jesus, finding the tomb empty! She is told to tell the disciples, and Peter and John then run to the tomb to investigate. At the end of this section Jesus appears to the disciples in person to prove that He truly has come back to life!

Today's message from Pastor Steve completes the powerful story of the suffering of Jesus the Messiah on the cross for our sins--continuing to see prophecies fulfilled even as he hangs on a cross. We sometimes take sin too lightly, but looking at what he endured brings it back into focus what He had to suffer because of our disobedience. A sobering reminder of the "cost" of our sin, and hopefully an encouragement to live in the light by His strength!

Today's message from Pastor Steve completes the powerful story of the suffering of Jesus the Messiah on the cross for our sins--continuing to see prophecies fulfilled even as he hangs on a cross. We sometimes take sin too lightly, but looking at what he endured brings it back into focus what He had to suffer because of our disobedience. A sobering reminder of the "cost" of our sin, and hopefully an encouragement to live in the light by His strength!

As we continue our study in John 19, after Pilate's decision to hand Jesus over to be crucified, He is led away, convicted specifically of being "The King of the Jews"--the very thing that He was! Even on the cross Jesus continues fulfilling Old Testament prophecy as the soldiers divide His garments and cast lots for his special priestly garment.

As we continue our study in John 19, after Pilate's decision to hand Jesus over to be crucified, He is led away, convicted specifically of being "The King of the Jews"--the very thing that He was! Even on the cross Jesus continues fulfilling Old Testament prophecy as the soldiers divide His garments and cast lots for his special priestly garment.

As we enter John 19, the trial of Jesus continues with Pilate trying desperately to find a way to free Jesus, even sending him to Herod at one point, before Herod too finds him not guilty. But the religious leaders will have nothing to do with this and demand that Jesus be crucified, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Our study today culminates with Pilate making the dreaded decision to commit Jesus to be crucified.