Easter 2020 - Because He Lives!

Follow Along with the Message

Because He Lives

Jeremy & Lisa Peters~ April 12, 2020

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

- John 16:33 NIV

Take heart = “be confident”; “be undaunted”; “be filled with joy.”

Overcome = conquered, overpowered, prevailed, triumphed over.

Hope = “There is no irredeemable harm that can befall anyone who has put their whole trust in Jesus Christ alone.”

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you!  What then will there be for us?”

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

- Matthew 19:27-29 NIV

Renewal of all things = “Genesis again; Beginning again.”

A prayer of surrender…

Jesus, these are uncertain times.  

And I am tired of trying to be in control.  I’m am tired of feeling inner turmoil and unrelenting anxiety that comes from living as though it’s all up to me.

I confess that I have been living my life as though I was in charge and I realize now that this is a presumptuous way to live.  Forgive me.

Jesus, I give myself to you.  I ask you to lead my life.  I ask you to be in control. 

Jesus, I trust you and I ask you to help me trust you more.

Jesus, thank you for your love.  Thank you for identifying with me in every sorrow I experience. 

I chose now to identify with you and to receive your love and your life.

Jesus, thank you for sacrificing yourself for me; for offering total and complete forgiveness for my wrongdoing, and for offering to bring healing to the deepest parts of my heart.  I receive You and your restorative, cleansing work.

Jesus, because you live, I give you access to my heart; make me into a new person.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I can be empowered to walk closely with you.  And as a witness to this new reality, would you flood my heart with your peace in a way that I will recognize.

In your name I pray.

Amen.

Make sure to tune in for our New Series, What in the world is God doing? Starting next Sunday, April 19, 2020.