Jesus was chosen and precious so that we could be chosen and precious. This week we begin a new message series about Jesus and us. We celebrate the gift of Resurrection and the new life that it brings to us and the world.

We end the Easter season by turning back to the one who was “chosen and precious” first, except, He turns it back on us. Even when talking about Himself and His own glory, Jesus turns back to us. It’s amazing, really. In a moment you would think Jesus would be focused on Himself, we are the subjects of His attention and prayer. Jesus’s Final Discourse prayer is about bringing glory to the Father. As Jesus’ life gave glory to the Father, our lives are to show the glory of Christ. We are to be Christ’s representatives in the world.

This week we are challenged to follow Jesus’ example by being in prayer and to seek transformation in our life. The Wesley Covenant Prayer is a powerful prayer seeking God’s transformation in our lives. Pray it fervently and often.

Scripture: John 17:1—11 (CEB

The Wesley Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but yours

Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;

put me to doing, put me to suffering;

let me be employed by you, or laid aside for you,

exalted for you, or brought low by you;

let me be full, let me be empty,

let me have all things, let me have nothing:

I freely and fully yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.

And now, glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

I am yours and you are mine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be confirmed in Heaven. Amen.

Jesus was chosen and precious so that we could be chosen and precious. This week we begin a new message series about Jesus and us. We celebrate the gift of Resurrection and the new life that it brings to us and the world.

Being chosen and precious comes with the consequence of God working in our lives in the good and challenging moments of life. Our response in all circumstances is to offer God praise and thanksgiving and to share with others how God is at work in our lives. We share our stories and personal testimonies with others, so they too might come to know they are chosen and precious. How has God been at work in and through your life? Share that story with as many people who will come and hear!

Scripture: Psalm 66:8—20 (CEB)

Jesus was chosen and precious so that we could be chosen and precious. This week we begin a new message series about Jesus and us. We celebrate the gift of Resurrection and the new life that it brings to us and the world.

Continuing in the letter of 1 Peter, the writer speaks to the importance of moving from being new followers of Christ, to being transformed by God’s salvation and grace. The Resurrected Christ is our cornerstone and came to build His church into living stones. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to put our faith to action. We are to follow Jesus’ example and be living stones. We do this best when we engage in various “means of grace.” Practices that help us to engage with the grace of God and allows the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2-10 (CEB)

Following on the heels of Easter, we sometimes lose the glory and power that is Resurrection. Throughout this series, we endeavor to live into the inheritance that is ours forevermore; and are encouraged to live anew as Resurrection people. During this series, we explore salvation, rebirth, mutual love, suffering, and sin as they are essential to our understanding of Resurrection faith. Come and claim faith anew, deeper and stronger, and able to hold on to Resurrection, even in difficult times. Revive us again!

This week we are encouraged to strengthen our faith by endurance. Endurance strengthens character and is a sign of faith. It demonstrates patience and faithfulness to God, which is something the Resurrected Christ exemplified well in His life. By His wounds, we are better able to hold on to hope and endure challenges, injustice, and trials in life.

Prayer of Presence: Faithful Guide and Companion, continue to speak to me the words of guidance, correction, encouragement, and love that I need. And send me to meet this day with your power and presence to go where Jesus leads me and live as your faithful disciple all day long. Amen. (Rueben P. Job)

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19-25 (CEB)

Following on the heels of Easter, we sometimes lose the glory and power that is Resurrection. Throughout this series, we endeavor to live into the inheritance that is ours forevermore; and are encouraged to live anew as Resurrection people. During this series, we explore salvation, rebirth, mutual love, suffering, and sin as they are essential to our understanding of Resurrection faith. Come and claim faith anew, deeper and stronger, and able to hold on to Resurrection, even in difficult times. Revive us again!

This week we claim faith anew as Resurrection people by setting our faith and hope in God. God is our rock and foundation and His love is everlasting. Because of this, we are now able to love like never before. We’re able to love others as Jesus loves us and to love others well.

Scripture reference: 1 Peter 1:17-23 (CEB)

Following on the heels of Easter, we sometimes lose the glory and power that is Resurrection. Throughout this series, we endeavor to live into the inheritance that is ours forevermore; and are encouraged to live anew as Resurrection people. During this series, we explore salvation, rebirth, mutual love, suffering, and sin as they are essential to our understanding of Resurrection faith. Come and claim faith anew, deeper and stronger and able to hold on to Resurrection, even in difficult times. Revive us again!

This week we begin living our faith anew as Resurrection people by claiming our faith found in the risen Jesus Christ. We do this by choosing joy in all things, especially in those moments in life that are anything but joyous. The power of Resurrection helps us with this, leading to experiencing “Indescribable and Glorious Joy.”