Stand-Alone Sermon by one of our elders, Jeff Edwards.

First-hand accounts of an event can capture anyone’s attention. Even things that seem impossible become more believable when you talk to someone who experienced it first hand. Whether realize it or not this is true with our relationship with Jesus too. People are more likely to listen to the amazing news of the Gospel when they see someone live it out. It’s why Jesus promises power through his Holy Spirit, so that his followers may be witnesses in every area of their lives.

We sometimes forget that one of the greatest tools for influence we have in our lives is time. Time with friends, family, and co-workers allows us to influence them and vice versa. Jesus was not ignorant of this fact and used it to his advantage with his followers. Right before he left the earth, he challenged his followers to replicate what he did with his time and energy to further his message in the world. Jesus gives us a purpose to continue to expand his influence in the world through our time with others.

We have all been told that we are our own worst critics. As Christ-followers we know our need for forgiveness, but that does not mean we easily forgive ourselves. In a conversation with Jesus Peter comes face-to-face with the one he denied he ever knew. What he soon discovers is that the forgiveness of Jesus is always available to us. Once we realize this, it causes us to be faithful in our pursuit of him.

One of the hardest areas of our lives to live out the Good News of Jesus is in our workplaces. We want to be faithful to Jesus, but situations or conversations at our jobs can make that difficult. Thankfully, it is possible to be fruitful for the Kingdom of God in our places of work. The key is following the guidance of God in our lives instead of our own inclinations.

One of the most sought-after adjectives for our lives is peaceful. We hear that word and we are immediately filled with a breath of fresh air. Yet, we are simultaneously struck with doubts that we can ever experience peace in our lives. When Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection his first words to them is “Peace be with you.” Peace is possible for his followers, but it is greater than what we could ever realize.

After Jesus’ death, his followers were left worried, confused, and hopeless. If we are honest with ourselves, many times are lives can be defined by those exact words. However, we need to remember what some early followers of Jesus discovered on the way to Emmaus. The resurrected Jesus gives us confidence in God’s promises, confidence in times of suffering, and confidence that our study of Jesus will lead to a deeper relationship with him.

One of the most prevalent commands of all scripture is to be courageous and reject fear. While lots of things can be scary and I may feel the emotion of fear, I do not have to be held captive by fear or let it control my actions. I can choose to step in faith. The reason for courage is not that I have the power to overcome. Rather, courage is based on the truth that Jesus has ALREADY overcome. When the stronghold of fear threatens to prevent a thriving and faithful life, I am called to remember and embrace the powerful display of the resurrected Christ and know that His power lives in all who call on Jesus for life and salvation by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is careful to warn us against judging others and condemning them based on our own standard or ruling. Jesus warns against this, not because we should not strive to live holy lives, but because we are not in the position to judge. We are all in need of God’s grace every moment of every day because we are all born under the weight and penalty of sin. Overcoming the stronghold of judgement does not eliminate accountability within the body of Christ, but it does call for the prayer to see one another and treat one another with the grace and forgiveness that God gives to us.

The stronghold of prejudice separates us from one another and grows a poisonous root of bitterness in my heart. Prejudice is closely related to the stronghold of pride in that it leads me to see myself as superior and others as inferior. This stronghold prevents me from appreciating the gift of others and the gift of God. To break the stronghold of prejudice, I must pray for unity, empathy, and humility. I must embrace my need for those who do not look like me or come from my same background, understanding that faith and character are the measure of a person rather than appearance, pedigree, or heritage.