The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive and lives forevermore. Death, hell and the grave have been defeated. It’s good news.
He is Risen, an Easter poem
In the early hours of the morning, after the Sabbath had ended,
a few women walked toward his grave to finish matters left unattended.
They carried spices for anointing, to honor custom and tradition.
For he had been quickly laid in the grave on the day of Preparation.
I posted the poem early this morning then preached the sermon at 11 a.m. (The poem is in there too.)
We do not have a Good Friday service at Unity so today, on Palm Sunday, we will discuss Jesus final arrival at Jerusalem to observe Passover, known as the triumphal entry and the events of Holy Week that end in his crucifixion. Easter is not the time to preach the crucifixion, Easter is a day to celebrate the resurrection. Today is for palm branches and shouting “Hosanna” contrasted with the humility of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. By the end of Holy Week, or Passion Week, Jesus will be arrested, tried and hung on a cross. It looks like winning at the beginning of the week and that all hope is lost by the end. But the world often has their winning and losing backwards, at least in the eyes of God.
Continue readingAfter spending several months preaching through Romans (with a little break in December for Advent and Christmas things) I did a very rare thing for us on Sunday morning: something different. I went through that list of sayings and catchphrases, statements often repeated, and added a little context and backstory to each one. These will all be things you’ve heard me say before and will probably hear again sooner or later.
One night when I wasn’t there, my friends from Shorter sat down at a Waffle House and scribbled a list of “Clarkisms” on the back of a napkin. I have forgotten most of them since then but I’m sure “This stuff’s green, man” and “just hit it to the fat guy” were on the list. Many of my friends today have heard me say “If you can’t be good, be careful” and in response to “It’s good to see you” I always say “It’s good to be seen.”
I have been preaching at Unity for over 10 years and have been thinking about statements or sayings that my congregation might associate with me. I came up with these, let me know what you think I’m missing:
Deliberate and intentional
Knowing better does not always mean doing better.
God is near.
The Gospel is good news.
Read the Bible and pray.
Some can give, some will go, we all pray.
Missions is sometimes across the street and around the block, not just on the other side of the world.
Romans 8:28 is a lot like making biscuits.
God is in the manger.
Seasons change.
Paul has a long list of acknowledgments, all positive, of fellow workers, patrons and those that have promoted the spread of the Gospel. His final instructions are to a body of believers that they avoid division at all cost. Romans concludes with a doxology.
*I can’t believe I did not explain Tertius in verse 22. I will have to say something next week, amending my statement about being finished with Romans. This is Paul’s letter to the Romans; Tertius is an amanuensis, the writer of what Paul was saying. We believe, for a few reasons, that Paul was losing his eyesight. Tertius steps in at the very end to identify himself to offer a greeting of his own.
Paul is confident that the church at Rome is well equipped to do the work of ministry. He hopes to visit in person on his way to Spain; as soon as he delivers the offering to the saints at Jerusalem.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. -Romans 15:13
Paul started a discourse in Romans 14 about food laws and observing days. He brings that argument to a point in the second half of the chapter: The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace and joy. He then boldly says for the sake of food, do not destroy the work of God.
On this final day of our Week of Prayer for North American Missions, we will revisit the Martins and meet Trent Fetherston. Outfitter Church, planted by the Martins, meets in the small town of Bar Nunn at a bar and grill. Trent was a self-proclaimed “wild man” that had been kicked out of every bar in town… until he met Jesus. Click here to read his story and watch the video.
Pray for:
