For many of us the longing of our souls is to escape this world for heaven, to throw off the chains of a desperate place and to live with Christ in a place of perfection. But what if the desire of our hearts has us pointed in the wrong direction and the call of Christ isn't to seek him away from earth but to find him in the middle of it? In the final week of ALIVE we look at the ascension of Christ and how his departure doesn't make him distant but instead brings heaven closer to earth than ever before!
When You Are Called By Jesus
May 5, 2024 • Matthew 28:16–20
The Great Commission is well known to followers of Christ but do we truly embrace it as Jesus' direction for our lives? This week as we approach the end of his time on earth, we turn our attention to the words of Jesus as he gives his disciples final directions. This mission is not only a task to complete, it is also a mission to remind them that as they share Christ they also remain in his presence by telling others about him.
When You Betray Jesus
April 28, 2024 • Eli Thomas • John 21:15–19
On the night of Jesus' death, Peter was confronted with the opportunity to confess his faith in the one he called Christ. Rather than stand firm in what he believes, Peter gave into his fear and denied any connection to Jesus. Like Peter, we too find times where it is uncomfortable to declare our faith and instead pretend we do not know him. But Jesus gives us hope- he gives Peter a second chance- he shows us that it is never too late to come back to Jesus!
When You Don't Believe It's Jesus
April 14, 2024 • Eli Thomas • John 20:19–29, Hebrews 11:1
Jesus makes it known that he has risen from the dead but many refuse to believe because they don't see him with their own eyes. They just don't believe that it is Jesus. We are challenged to believe in what we cannot see or touch and are blessed for our faith when we take a chance on the Spirit who gives us the sure knowledge of an unseen hope!
When You Can't See Jesus
April 7, 2024 • Luke 24:13–35
For 40 days following his resurrection Jesus appeared at different times to different people to show them that he was alive. His first appearance occurred on the same day he left the tomb but he was not recognized by the two men who were mourning his loss. When do we, in our dark moments, struggle to see Jesus? He walks with us but sometimes we can't see what has been there all along.
