Easter proves that God can take what, normally, causes people to weep, and turn it into something that causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus's tomb; forgiveness, life, and glory came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life's highs and in the lowest of life's lows. Because he lives, we have a deep and lasting joy.

Key thought: Persevering through trials gives you perspective.

Key thought: Your constant Jesus blesses you with constant joy.

Jesus asks for just one thing: that, in every interaction we have with others, we demonstrate the same selfless love that he has shown to us. This is how we thank him for his love. Fortunately, Jesus doesn't just ask us to do this - his perfect, selfless love of us empowers us to show love. The same divine power which raised Jesus from the dead now raises us up to a new and better life of love.

The world is filled with talkers - there are plenty of people who say they care about you. We know what many of those people will do when it comes time to put words in to action: some may forget, some may run, some may throw you under the bus. No matter the reason, empty words hurt.

How do you know you can trust Jesus' words? He promised he would die to save you from your sin, and he did. Scripture promised that the Savior would rise from the dead - the proof that payment for sin was complete. Jesus rose. He followed up his words with actions; he always does what he says.

Key thought: Empty words hurt.

Key thought: You can trust him.

A recent survey asked Americans, "Which of the five senses would you least like to lose?" The overwhelming winner was sight. Navigating life without vision poses many challenges that those with sight do not face. Scripture often uses the concept of blindness as a metaphor for how hard it is to navigate life without a correct understanding of Christ. No matter the form such spiritual blindness takes, Easter has the power to replace it with sight.

Key thought: It's crucial that you have a sense of what you are blind to.

Key thought: It's crucial that you train yourself to see the good.

Key thought: It's crucial that you see Jesus clearly.

The Sunday after Easter can seem like a letdown - the church isn't as full, there isn't a special choir or extra music; even the lilies are beginning to wilt. It might feel as if the joy is all over.

The adventure has just begun! Because he lives, we have a meaningful mission. Open your eyes to the wonderful privilege and opportunity that we now have.

Key thought: Christians have work to do.

Key thought: Christ works on behalf of you.

It's as simple as this. Because he lives, we have a whole new identity: not as sinners, but as redeemed saints; not as rebels, but as God's chosen nation; not doomed, but saved; not as losers, but as the victorious. Because he lives, the living Lord is able to give us a whole new identity.

Key thought: Labels have power; be careful with them.

Key thought: You are who God says you are.

On Good Friday, we remember the crucifixion and death of our Lord, both with sorrow and solemn joy. Though the events of this day fill us with horror, the implications of those events give every reason for praise. Once and for all, Christ's sacrifice paid for the guilt of all for all time. Our substitute was forsaken by our Father on the cross, so that we could be reconciled.

On Thursday of Holy Week, Jesus began to execute the terms of the new covenant. This new covenant replaced an old one and was fundamentally different from in it. While the old covenant was more like a contract, the new covenant is more like a will. The old offers rewards in return for work; the new makes unconditional and lasting promises.

Ever stood before a locked door that you couldn't open? As we walk with the Palm Sunday parade into Jerusalem, we vividly see the hand's-on nature of our God: when the time had fully come, Jesus rode into Jerusalem himself, in order to throw open the gate of heaven, which had been locked and barred by our sins. The door is now open; the way is now clear. Jesus invites us to enter into his eternal grace.

Key thought: We've locked ourselves out.

Key thought: Because of Christ, the door is always open.

Pastor Mark Reichert uses Psalm 51:5 as a basis to explore the concept of inherent sinfulness from birth. He contrasts a physical "Original Certificate of Live Birth" with the spiritual rebirth experienced through Baptism, the true certificate of life. Humans are born spiritually dead due to inherited sin from Adam and Eve, a condition that Baptism addresses by offering forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life through Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. Repentance, enabled by the Holy Spirit, turns individuals away from sin and towards God.