Throughout “The Story” series, we’ve had the opportunity to see the Bible as one overarching narrative, a divine story full of earthy, human struggle. The story culminates in Revelation with the vision of the end of time in which God brings all things together. Without a glimpse of the end, faith is robbed of urgency. What we discover is that Revelation is not really the end of the story. The story continues to be lived out among us and through us. Until all that God has planned from the beginning comes into being, we will live, love, worship and serve in confidence of God’s love of each of us and the world.

In the early days of the Christian church, one of the big questions was whether you had to be Jewish in order to claim salvation. Paul was teaching that salvation comes through Jesus and Paul was taking the message to the Gentiles. Paul had witnessed the power of God’s Spirit falling on the Gentiles and knew that Gentiles did not need to become Jewish to claim Jesus’ grace. Because of these teaching, Paul is imprisoned. Paul explained that Jesus brings reconciliation between Gentile and Jew, and access to God for all through Jesus. If Jesus unites us, why is there such division today?

When the attempts to quietly tamp down the followers of Jesus failed, the religious leaders began persecuting them. Saul quickly became ringleader of the persecution until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul, now Paul, converted and believed in Jesus. Paul journeyed and started churches, which changed the world by proclaiming Jesus.

Paul’s words continue to encourage us today through his letters to the early churches. Paul encouraged the churches to remain focused on Jesus, a call still relevant for us today.

Chapter 28 of "The Story" talks of new beginnings. The Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost, falling on the disciples who start declaring the wonders of God in multiple languages. This event marks the beginning of a life-changing, world changing movement fueled by people who cannot stop talking about what they have seen and heard.

Have we encountered the risen Jesus or experienced the freedom of Christ? The Holy Spirits gifts us with passion, which is expressing the truth of what we have seen and heard. Let us not quench the Spirit.

Rev. Anne Havrilla interviews guest speaker Daniel Moyo from Ministry from Hope in Malawi, Africa. Ministry of Hope provides food, education support, medical care, widow support, crisis nursery care, and Bible education. To learn more or support their work, visit ministryofhope.org.

What difference does the resurrection make in our lives? Does it affect our daily lives or do we lean on the resurrection only in times of grief? How do we view our suffering, fears, grief, and struggles in light of the resurrection? How does the resurrection resolve our questions?

Why did Jesus have to die? Why do we call Good Friday good? What does it have to do with me? The events of Good Friday were far from routine and would change the course of history forever. We will never be the same again.

Too often, we want a plastic Jesus who is predictable, sensible, kind to children, and convenient. Did the people lining the streets on the first Palm Sunday want the same? Jesus is anything but plastic, predictable, and “safe” and the kingdom of God unfolds in unexpected ways.

 

Today, we welcome two guests from Hearts For Honduras School to share how the kingdom of God is at work in Honduras. Bessy Rivera is a graduate of the school and is currently completing dental school. Aracely Maldonado teaches third grade at the school and has been teaching at Hearts For Honduras for ten years.

Jesus knows he is facing death and in the darkening hours preceding the cross, Jesus has a choice; he could walk away. Instead, Jesus is love expressing itself in action. To the disciples, it looks like darkness has swallowed up everything, but the story is only beginning.