Uncertain about their future, some of the disciples appear to be returning to their location of fishing. Jesus orchestrates a large catch of fish to show them he could still provide for their daily needs, but also to remind them of their call to be fishers of men and of the many "fish" awaiting them.
Scripture: John 21:1-14

Last week we looked at the story of Jesus passing the keys of the kingdom on to his Apostles, giving the church the authority to "open and close the kingdom of heaven (God)." One key is the preaching of the Word, centered on the confession of Jesus as Messiah and Lord, a regular part of the church's weekly life. The second key is less regular and less comfortable: discipline. If thought about rightly and done properly, it is an important aspect of church life. Matthew 18 gives us the process of discipline, but  also reveals the power and purpose of discipline.
Scripture: Matthew 18:7-22

Every Gospel and letter in the New Testament is written from the other side of Easter, which makes a great difference in how we understand the life of Jesus. After Easter, the disciples gained a new understanding of the past (the Old Testament and how it spoke of Jesus), the present ("while I was still with you"), and the future (their new task).
Scripture: Luke 24:36-49

Political leaders are known to see which way the people are marching and hurry in front to "lead" them.  But not Jesus; he refused to allow public opinion to change his ministry. Now his public popularity has been dwindling. Herod Antipas is concerned about Jesus' political ambitions. The Jewish authorities are increasingly hostile. Some disciples are leaving him, frustrated by his refusal to be a conquering king. Jesus and his Apostles retreat to Caesarea Philippi, where we see a turning point in Jesus' ministry - all the events that follow lead to a cross - and the Apostles' discipleship - will they follow him to the end?  Will they maintain Jesus' message and ministry when he's gone, or drop away like the fickle crowds? 
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20  

Whenever and wherever Jesus appeared to people after Easter, not only did minds change about the reality of his resurrection, but lives were transformed. The disciples were transformed from fear to courage, Thomas from doubt to confidence, and every one of us from death to life. 
Scripture: John 20:19-31  

Do you ever think about what a wedding ring means? Giving and receiving the ring doesn't make one married. But it does two things: it is a sign/symbol of marriage and it is a pledge of martial faithfulness to each  other. That is also true of the sacraments of the church. We'll look at the sacraments as a whole, but referring more specifically through the lens of an Old Testament sacrament which Paul cites in Romans 4: circumcision.
Scripture: Romans 3:21 - 4:12

Spiritual heartburn can come from a variety of places. For Cleopas and his friend, it came from a close call with spiritual death, trying to digest too much of the Bread of Life, and meeting their Maker face-to-face! When we take it seriously, Easter will give us spiritual heartburn before it yields hearts of joy!
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Recording of past congregational singing of several Easter favorites.

Easter is a great Christian holiday. Easter is a celebration of new life, a celebration that Jesus arose and is our living Lord.  But let me ask you what's so great about that? What difference does it make in our lives? On Easter, I want to look at the very heart of the Christian faith. Why do we do what we do? Why do we believe what we believe? Why does Jesus make a difference?

We will focus on the suffering of Jesus Christ, particularly looking at two elements of that suffering: the cross and the cry.
Scripture: Mark 15:21-39