New Life UMC

Jason DeZurik is a leading Christian speaker for students and host of the radio show, Do Not Keep Silent. His reputation for presenting Biblical truth, candid opinions and playful personality have made Do Not Keep Silent one of the most listened to programs on the New Vision FM radio network. Because of his 16 years in youth ministry, DeZurik is respected as a leading expert on teen spirituality. Jason’s unique blend of modern Christian music and insightful views on student issues has captured the attention of young at heart followers of all ages. DeZurik also keeps a full schedule speaking at Christian schools, clubs, youth events, and music festivals (which includes Lifelight in South Dakota and Spirit Midwest in Iowa). He has spoken in over 20 states in the last 3 years. Online, he maintains a strong social networking presence and creates blogs and podcasts for Worldview Warriors, the nonprofit ministry he founded to equip students to impact this generation for Jesus Christ.

•Is there any limit to my power? – Have you answered the question? There are only two options: yes or no. Until you come to the conviction that God’s grace and power know no limits, you will draw small prayer circles. Once you embrace the omnipotence of God, you’ll draw ever- enlarging circles around your God-given, God-sized dreams. How big is your God? Is He big enough to heal your marriage or heal your child? Is He bigger than a positive MRI or a negative evaluation? Is He bigger than your secret sin or secret dream?

Honi, the Circle Maker – not too long before the birth of Jesus, in the first century BC, a devastating drought threatened to destroy the nation of Israel. It had been centuries since the last of the prophets had lived and many people believed that God no longer heard their prayers. But outside the city lived an eccentric old sage, who continued to serve God and continued to pray boldly. That man’s name was Honi. The people called for Honi, believing that maybe God would listen to this righteous man. Honi had a reputation for the ability to pray for rain, but it would be on this fateful day that he would earn the title that would stay with him to this day.

•Beautiful One – we have spent the last four weeks looking that the Beatitudes, eight teaching of Jesus from “the Sermon on the Mount.” As we reflect on the word this Easter Vigil; let us move from Good Friday to Easter Morning with these beatitudes in mind. I believe in those dark days the people closest to Jesus would have remembered these teachings as they wondered what had just happened and how the Beautiful One could have died such a tragic death.

•Beautiful One – tonight we are looking at the final two beatitudes, the teachings that begin the “Sermon on the Mount” as contained in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. But tonight is also our celebration of the final week of Jesus’ life. So as we prepare to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear his words, we will also join him as he enters triumphantly into Jerusalem and a week later dies triumphantly on the cross. Let us be in mind of prayer with hearts open to the Word of God now.

•Opened Eyes – we once again head to the feet of Jesus to learn as faithful students. Throughout Lent, the season preparing us for Easter, we have been learning from Jesus’ teachings found in the 5th, 6th, and 7th chapters of the Gospel of Matthew, known as the “Sermon on the Mount.” In particular we are focused on the first 8 teachings known as the “Beatitudes.” Today we will hear the fifth and sixth beatitude. Interestingly enough both of these have to do with sight; how we see others and how we see God. Let us be humble now, allowing ourselves to be eager students, disciples, of Jesus the Christ, our teacher, our Lord and our Savior.

•Filled with Glory – today’s beatitudes have taught us something very important. That although we come into a world where things are out of control, where we starve for something good and pure we can actually become something more. When we give our lives over to God through Christ Jesus we are filled with God’s glory. Our hunger is sated and our thirst is quenched. We experience God’s goodness. We give control to God and gain control over our selves. We become Children of God and servant leaders to our brothers and sisters still starving.