This new life of renewal is not what we would expect. God does NOT waste one ounce of our pain or trial but instead uses it as the raw material of our growth. What the world considers loss and failure, children of God are invited to view as the raw material (circumstances and situations) through which God sanctifies us. - Romans 5:3-11

Most ongoing growth happens in our lives when we develop habits with such things as getting better sleep, eating right, and exercising (all verbal actions dependent on us). But spiritual growth begins when we receive a gift from God (action dependent on God). It's the gift of our justification in Jesus Christ by faith (just like Abraham experienced) that introduces us to a new life of hope, love, and glory. - Romans 4:23-5:2

The best response to the empty tomb is committing to a life of being transformed in our minds so that we can fulfill the will of God. This is the Life of Renewal. - Romans 12:1-2

The women respond to the scene at the empty tomb by fleeing in trembling, fear, and confusion. But the empty tomb still demands our response. - Mark 15:42-16:8

At the death of Jesus darkness blankets the land and the curtain of the temple tears in half. A centurion confesses that Jesus is the Son of God and the women watch from a distance. This is when God's judgement fell on Jesus while the most unlikely perceived God was at work. - Mark 15:21-41

Mark says that no one was innocent in Jesus' death. We all played a role in the death of Jesus. - Mark 15:1-32

The high priest and members of the Sanhedrin believe Jesus must die because he greatly offends them by his claim to be the Messiah. Like the religious leaders, we can't see Jesus and his agenda when we can't see beyond ourselves and our own agenda. - Mark 14:53-65

Mark depicts the kingdom of this world clashing with the kingdom of God in Jesus' arrest. The sword of this world destroys the flesh while the sword of God's kingdom restores justice. - Mark 14:43-52

Jesus prays for relief from his suffering and death and yet his love for the Father and others calls him to obedience. Even in the shadow of the cross, Jesus' love shines bright. - Mark 14:32-42

Jesus commends the loyalty of a woman who knows where Jesus is headed and responds in worhisp by assuring her and the crowd that her story of loyalty will never be forgotten. Jesus demands our devotion -- break the jar and pour your worship on him, the only one who conquers death and gives life. - Mark 14:1-11