August 16, 2026 • Mike Fast • 2 Corinthians 12:1–10
What if some of the most well-meaning words we say to hurting people are actually doing more harm than good? In this message, we take a hard look at one of the most commonly repeated phrases in times of suffering: 'God will not give you more than you can handle.' It sounds reassuring, even biblical, but when we examine what Scripture actually says, a very different and far more powerful picture emerges. The Apostle Paul, writing in 2 Corinthians 1, does not shy away from describing afflictions that were, in his own words, utterly beyond his strength. He and his companions despaired of life itself. That is not a man who handled everything on his own. That is a man who was brought to the end of himself so that he could learn to rely on God who raises the dead. The real promise is not that we will be strong enough. The real promise is that God is. And when we internalize that distinction, it changes everything about how we face hardship and how we walk alongside others who are facing it.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think the main reason is that people quote this myth to others?
- William Barclay wrote, “The Christian hope is not hope in the human spirit, in human goodness, in human endurance, in human achievement; the Christian hope is hope in the power of God.” How much do you see and experience the power of God in your personal life?
- What are the weaknesses in your life that concern you the most?
- 2 Corinthians 12:10, “I am content with weaknesses.” What is your initial response to the idea that you should be “content” with your weaknesses?
8/9/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
August 9, 2026 • Mike Fast • Matthew 18:21–35
What does it truly mean to forgive someone? Most of us have heard the phrase 'forgive and forget,' but this week we dig into why that well-worn saying may actually be doing more harm than good. Drawing from Matthew 18, we explore the parable of the unforgiving servant and uncover something stunning about the nature of forgiveness. The servant who was released from an impossible debt of 200,000 years worth of wages turned around and refused to cancel a debt worth a single day's pay. The contrast is almost absurd, and that is exactly the point. When we grasp the magnitude of what God has canceled on our behalf, our reluctance to forgive others begins to look very different. We also take a careful look at passages in Jeremiah and Isaiah where God says he will remember sins no more, and discover that 'forgetting' in the biblical sense has far less to do with losing a memory and far more to do with choosing not to hold something against someone. That distinction changes everything, and it has the power to free us from guilt, manipulation, and misplaced expectations in our closest relationships.
Discussion Questions:
- Can you recall a relationship that was damaged from a lack of forgiveness?
- Can you recall a relationship that was restored because of forgiveness?
- Read Matthew 18:21-35. Remembering that God is seen as the master of the story, do you find it easier to forgive others when you remember how much the Master forgave you?
- Memorize Eph. 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”
8/2/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
August 2, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 3:16–21
Mythbuster #6 : "God is Only Love"
What does it really mean when we say God is love? It is one of the most quoted truths in all of Scripture, and yet it may also be one of the most misunderstood. In this message, we dig into the sixth myth in our Mythbusters series: the idea that God is only love. Drawing primarily from John chapter 3, we explore how isolating love as God's sole attribute actually distorts who God truly is. We walk through the full portrait of God's character, from His mercy and grace to His holiness, justice, and wrath, and discover that these qualities do not contradict one another. They work together in perfect harmony. When we strip away everything but love, we are left with a God of our own making, one who demands nothing, judges nothing, and ultimately saves no one. The message calls us to hold the full truth of God's character with both hands, and in doing so, to find not a smaller God, but a far greater one.
Discussion Questions:
- Philosophically speaking, what would be amiss with an all-powerful and perfect God who could only manifest one quality; i.e. love and not justice?
- What are the obvious reasons someone would feel comfortable with a god who is only love?
- God is love, but He is also more than that. Have you had a conversation like this with anyone? How did it go?
- How would you describe the need people have to hear a message of repentance (and God’s justice)?
7/26/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
July 26, 2026 • Mike Fast • 1 Corinthians 7:26–35
What if one of the most widely accepted ideas about love and relationships is actually working against us? This message takes a hard look at the popular myth that everyone needs to find their perfect soulmate. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and 5, as well as Paul's candid words in 1 Corinthians 7, we are challenged to reconsider how we think about marriage, singleness, and God's design for human relationships. The Scriptures paint a picture not of a fairy-tale search for one perfect person, but of a lifelong process of growth, sanctification, and mutual commitment. Paul's analogy between marriage and Christ's relationship with the church reframes everything, reminding us that the goal is not to find someone who completes us, but to grow together toward the One who truly does, Jesus Christ. Whether we are married or single, this message has something vital to say about how we understand God's plan and how we treat the people around us.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the elements of this soulmate myth (or the elements of being single) that you have adopted through the years, that you now need to work to correct?
- When is the last time you invited a single person over for dinner (without trying to set them up or ask about their dating life)?
- Do you ever get frustrated with God’s gracious knack of giving you more than one option?
- Many of the myths convey the desire for that which is easy, painless, comfortable, or enjoyable. Why is that? Discussion Questions:
- What are the elements of this soulmate myth (or the elements of being single) that you have adopted through the years, that you now need to work to correct?
- When is the last time you invited a single person over for dinner (without trying to set them up or ask about their dating life)?
- Do you ever get frustrated with God’s gracious knack of giving you more than one option?
- Many of the myths convey the desire for that which is easy, painless, comfortable, or enjoyable. Why is that?
7/19/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
July 19, 2026 • Christopher Marx • Psalm 19
This message addresses the false dichotomy between faith and reason by exploring how Christianity and science are not opposing forces, but complementary paths to understanding truth. We're reminded that science, at its core, simply means 'knowledge'—the systematic pursuit of understanding our world. The sermon takes us back to Genesis 1, showing how God's creation account invites us to observe, categorize, and explore the world He made. From the hydrologic cycle described in Ecclesiastes to Job's reference to the earth hanging on nothing, Scripture demonstrates remarkable alignment with scientific observation. The crucial insight here is that God is not merely filling the gaps in our knowledge—He is the author of the entire show. When we understand how something works, we haven't eliminated God; we've simply discovered more of His genius. The message challenges both extremes: Christians who check their brains at the door, and scientists who worship the creation rather than the Creator. We're called to embrace both the 'book of Scripture' and the 'book of nature' as Francis Bacon described, recognizing that true science should move us to worship. The evidence for God isn't hiding—it's blazing in every cell, every star, every intricate system. The question isn't whether God exists, but what we'll do with that knowledge.
7/12/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
July 12, 2026 • Dan Lusby • Psalm 30
We often carry a hidden belief that true faith should always feel warm, close, and connected to God. But what happens when the feelings fade and we find ourselves in spiritual darkness? Psalm 30 dismantles the myth that genuine Christians always feel God's presence. David's honest confession reveals a king brought low by pride, crying out from the depths of despair, convinced God had hidden His face. Yet this very psalm becomes a roadmap for navigating spiritual distance. We learn that our feelings are not accurate indicators of reality. God's presence doesn't depend on our emotional state. The sermon walks us through five reasons we might feel disconnected: unconfessed sin, keeping God at arm's length, exhaustion, times of testing, and misunderstanding God's promises. But here's the liberating truth: God disciplines those He loves, not to destroy but to train us in holiness. Like a parent correcting a child, the temporary discomfort yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. David's journey from pride to despair to restored joy teaches us that closeness with God is ultimately a choice, not a feeling. When darkness comes, we must run toward God, not away from Him, knowing that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
7/5/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
July 5, 2026 • Mike Fast • Matthew 28:12–15, John 5, 2 Timothy 4:3–4, 1 Corinthians 15, Luke 24:11
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the cornerstone of our faith, and this message challenges us to examine the historical evidence that supports this world-changing event. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15, we're reminded that Christianity stands or falls on the historicity of the resurrection. Without it, our faith is futile and we remain in our sins. But the evidence is overwhelming. Five universally accepted historical facts form the foundation: Jesus died by crucifixion, His body was placed in a guarded tomb, the tomb was found empty on the third day, hundreds witnessed the risen Christ, and early converts like Paul and James were radically transformed. What makes this particularly compelling is that even secular historians and legal experts have examined this evidence and found it more substantiated than most other events in ancient history. The disciples weren't gullible conspirators but frightened, confused individuals who were transformed by an undeniable reality. Their willingness to die horrible deaths for what they claimed to have witnessed speaks volumes. We're challenged to consider seventeen pieces of circumstantial evidence, from the broken Roman seal to the slight differences in Gospel accounts that actually prove authenticity rather than collusion. This isn't blind faith but faith grounded in verifiable history, inviting us to stand confidently on truth and share it boldly with a skeptical world.
6/28/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
June 28, 2026 • Mike Fast • Psalm 73
Today's message dismantles one of the most pervasive myths in modern Christianity: the idea that doing good automatically means we'll receive good in return. Drawing from Psalm 73 and the Apostle Paul's letters, we're confronted with a sobering truth about spiritual entitlement. The psalmist Asaph wrestles with a question many of us have asked: why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? His honest struggle reveals how easily we slip into a transactional view of faith, keeping mental tallies of our good deeds and expecting God to reciprocate. But the turning point comes when Asaph enters God's sanctuary and gains eternal perspective. We're reminded that what we truly deserve, according to Romans 3 and 6, is death because of our sin. Yet grace offers us something infinitely better than karma ever could. The message challenges prosperity gospel teachings that encourage us to remind God of our good works, exposing how this reduces Christianity to self-centered consumerism. Instead, we're called to recognize that we do good not to earn God's favor, but because we've already received the greatest good possible: Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This shift from convenience to obedience, from self to God, from temporal to eternal, transforms our entire approach to faith and suffering.
6/21/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
June 21, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 21
Discussion Questions:
- How can you demonstrate obeying, loving and following Christ to your children and to others?
- How can you communicate/teach the importance of obeying, loving and following Christ to your children and to others?
- What are the descriptions in John 21 of Jesus and His activities that confirm He was resurrected physically and not just spiritually?
- In what ways do you see Jesus' grace towards Peter in this chapter, and how does it resonate with your personal experiences?
6/14/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
June 14, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 20
John chapters 19 and 20 challenges us to examine the relationship between seeing and believing, and how our faith manifests in tangible ways. We journey through the resurrection account, discovering that everything we hold dear as Christians hinges on this single historical event. The message walks us through five universally accepted historical facts about Christ's death and resurrection, then presents compelling circumstantial evidence that transforms intellectual acknowledgment into life-changing conviction. What makes this particularly relevant is the examination of different responses to the resurrection—from Mary Magdalene's panic and tears to Thomas's doubt and eventual powerful confession. We're introduced to five types of faith: devoid faith (complete refusal to trust), dead faith (belief without works), dull faith (secret following), dawning faith (moving from fear to courage), and dynamic faith (active, vigorous service). The transformation of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus from secret followers to bold disciples reminds us that authentic faith inevitably moves from hiding in shadows to standing in the light. The central question lingers: where are we in this progression of faith, and is our belief evident in how we live?
Discussion Questions:
- When Peter and John see the empty tomb and the burial cloths, John notes that he "saw and believed." How would you describe the difference between merely seeing evidence and true belief?
- How can you relate to Thomas' need for tangible proof in your own faith journey?
- What did Mary think had happened to the body of Christ? Why is this significant?
- What historical or archeological evidence supports the supernatural claim of Jesus’ resurrection in John 20?
- How does the resurrection of Jesus bring hope to your current circumstances?
6/7/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
June 7, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 19
John 19 takes us to the foot of the cross, where Jesus uttered one of the most profound statements in all of Scripture. In Greek, this triumphant declaration is captured in a single word—tetelestai—meaning 'paid in full.' We discover that Jesus wasn't expressing defeat or exhaustion, but rather announcing the complete fulfillment of His divine mission. The message unpacks four monumental accomplishments: the completion of His earthly work, the fulfillment of over forty messianic prophecies, the destruction of sin and Satan's power, and the end of His suffering. What makes this particularly striking is that Jesus knew exactly what He came to accomplish, and He knew He had finished it perfectly. This wasn't just about physical death—it was about substitutionary atonement, where Christ took the punishment we deserved and paid a debt we could never repay. The beauty of Christianity is revealed here: it's not a religion of 'do' but of 'done.' We cannot add anything to what is already finished. This truth should transform how we approach our faith, reminding us that salvation is secured by God's work, not our own efforts.
Discussion Questions:
- Why was it so vital for John to emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (e.g. the soldiers casting lots for His garments)? Did it relate to the purpose of John (John 20:31)?
- How does Jesus’ final proclamation, “It is finished” (John 19:30) alter our understanding of salvation?
- How can we draw strength from Jesus' willingness to endure suffering?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus voluntarily “gave up His spirit”?
5/31/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
May 31, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 18
John 18-19 takes us into the heart of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, revealing profound truths about political pressure, moral compromise, and God's sovereignty. We witness Pilate shuttling back and forth between the Jewish leaders outside and Jesus inside, torn between what he knows is right and what feels politically expedient. The historical context enriches our understanding: Rome's empire, Caesar's authority, and the complex relationship between Jewish leaders and Roman governors all converge at this pivotal moment. What stands out most is how Pilate repeatedly declares Jesus innocent yet ultimately caves to the crowd's demands. His question to Jesus—'What is truth?'—echoes through the ages, but tragically, Pilate doesn't wait for the answer. We're challenged to examine our own lives: Do we pursue truth earnestly, or do we ask the right questions but walk away before receiving answers? The sermon reveals three critical pressures Pilate faced: political considerations, peer influence, and popular opinion. Each pressure represents battles we face daily. Will we stand firm in what's right, or will we compromise our convictions to avoid conflict? The story of Barabbas adds stunning symbolism—his name means 'son of the father,' representing each of us as sinners deserving death, yet Christ took our place. Even in this dark moment of injustice, God's redemptive plan unfolds perfectly, reminding us that He can use even weak, compromised leaders to accomplish His eternal purposes.
Discussion Questions:
- How would you describe the conversations between Pilate and the Jews?
- Did Pilate know the Jews’ real motive for wishing to have Jesus killed?
- Jesus’ kingdom doesn’t operate by the world’s systems of power or control, but in what ways are you still trying to follow Jesus while clinging to worldly values or ambitions?
- What's wrong with Pilate's words in John 19:4 compared to what he did?
5/24/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
May 24, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 18
John 18 invites us into one of the most pivotal moments in human history—the arrest of Jesus Christ. What makes this passage so compelling is the stark contrast between human weakness and divine sovereignty. We witness Peter's transformation from a proud, impulsive fisherman into a man who would eventually become a rock of the early church. His journey from denying Christ three times to becoming a bold, unashamed messenger reminds us that God specializes in transforming our failures into testimonies of His grace. The passage reveals four dramatic changes in Peter's life: from proud to humble, from callous to compassionate, from self-focused to attentive to God's will, and from fearful to courageous. Perhaps most striking is the moment when Jesus turns and looks at Peter after the third denial—a look that broke Peter's heart and ultimately remade him entirely. This isn't just ancient history; it's a mirror reflecting our own struggles with pride, fear, and faithfulness. God's transforming work in Peter's life assures us that no matter how far we fall or how deeply we fail, His redemptive power can reshape us into vessels of His purpose. The question becomes: are we willing to let our moments of failure become catalysts for transformation?
Discussion Questions:
- Jesus willingly accepted the cup of suffering. Are there situations in my life that I resist, though God may be using them for deeper purpose and obedience?
- Like Peter, I may falter under pressure. When have I denied Jesus—not necessarily with words, but with silence, compromise, or fear? What does repentance look like for me?
- Peter’s fear led him to deny even knowing Jesus. What fears keep me from publicly identifying with Christ—and how can I grow in courage and faithfulness?
- Did Jesus' eleven disciples understand the meaning of Judas' kiss?
5/17/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
May 17, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 17
Discussion Questions:
- What does Jesus' prayer for all His disciples
reveal about His love and concern for them?
- In what ways does Jesus' prayer inspire you
to pray for others in your life?
- How should the unity Jesus prays for among
believers affect our behavior within the Christian community?
- What causes disunity in the church today?
- Does the world love you or hate you, or does
the world even know that you belong not to it but to Jesus?
5/10/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
May 10, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 16
Today we're reminded that understanding true love isn't just an intellectual exercise—it's about grasping how wide, how long, how deep, and how high God's love truly is. As we walk through John's Gospel, we witness expression after expression of divine love: God becoming flesh and dwelling among us, Christ healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the distressed, and ultimately laying down His life for us. The message beautifully connects these expressions of God's love with the nurturing, comforting, sacrificial, and unceasing love of mothers, particularly fitting for Mother's Day. We're challenged to ask ourselves penetrating questions: How real is God to us? How deeply do we comprehend His love? And most importantly, are we growing more in love with Him each day? The sermon reminds us that belief in Christ and love for God are inseparable—they're two sides of the same coin. When we truly understand the sacrifice Christ made, when we see ourselves as friends whom He chose and for whom He laid down His life, our response should be a deepening love that transforms how we live, pray, and relate to others.
Discussion Questions:
- Recall an example of your mother’s love for each of the four qualities (if you cannot come up with those examples from your mother then recall an example from another mother).
- What is the significance of how God designed a woman different than man?
- Use Scripture (primarily some from John) to specifically describe how God’s love is beyond that of a mother’s.
- Provided your mother is still around, thank her this week for her faithful love. If she is not available, then thank God for her love and for His love.
5/3/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
May 3, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 15
John 15 invites us into the intimate imagery of the vine and branches, revealing what it truly means to abide in Christ. We discover that just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot produce anything of eternal value without remaining connected to Jesus. The passage presents nine transformative principles that flow from abiding: bearing fruit, praying aligned with God's desires, glorifying God, loving Him and others, keeping His commands, experiencing genuine joy, facing persecution, and embracing friendship with Christ. What makes this teaching particularly compelling is the distinction between pruning for aesthetics versus pruning for productivity. God isn't concerned with our popularity but with our fruitfulness. The imagery of the Father as the gardener who carefully tends each branch reminds us that difficulties and trials aren't random but purposeful, designed to increase our Christ-likeness. Perhaps most striking is the reminder that Jesus laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies, not after we became His friends. This radical love calls us to examine whether our desires are aligning with His, whether our prayers reflect His heart, and whether our lives demonstrate the fruit that proves we are His disciples.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you interpret the role of the “vinedresser” (Father) and what does it mean to be “pruned” (John 15:2)? Can you share a time you felt pruned?
- How does this passage redefine what it means to be “successful” or “productive” in the Christian life?
- Does “whatever you wish” that “will be done for you” (15:7) include luxury houses, cars, etc.? Explain.
- What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?
05/02/26, Melrose Community Church, Men's Breakfast
May 2, 2026 • Justin Greene • Hebrews 10:19–25
"Let Us - Stimulate Love"
Justine Greene
Sr. Pastor, Salem Heights Church
Salem, OR
4/26/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
April 26, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 14
Drawing from John 14, we discover that Jesus promised His disciples a Helper who would remain with them forever. This Helper is not an impersonal force or mystical energy, but the third person of the Trinity - fully God, fully personal, and fully present in our lives. The message challenges common misconceptions about how we encounter the Holy Spirit, clarifying that we don't need special experiences, anointed leaders, or emotional conferences. Instead, we encounter the Holy Spirit simply through faith in Jesus Christ. This truth liberates us from the exhausting pursuit of spiritual experiences and grounds us in the finished work of the cross. The Holy Spirit's roles are breathtaking in scope: He convicts us of sin, enlightens our minds to spiritual truth, regenerates our hearts, indwells us permanently, seals our salvation as God's guarantee, guides us into all truth, and intercedes when we don't know how to pray. Understanding these realities transforms how we view our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and how we approach daily surrender. The call is clear: rather than worrying about how much of the Holy Spirit we have, we should consider how much of us the Holy Spirit has.
Discussion Questions:
- List the characteristics of the Holy Spirit from just John 14:16-26.
- Read 1 Corinthians 12 and describe why the Spirit imparts gifts to the church family.
- How often do you thank the Holy Spirit for His desire and ability to transform your life?
- Take time to worship and pray to the Holy Spirit as God.
4/19/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
April 19, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 14
This passage is one of the most comforting passages in all of Scripture: Jesus' promise of heaven in John 14. We're reminded that just hours before His crucifixion, our Savior took time to reassure His troubled disciples about their eternal home. The imagery is deeply personal - Jesus as the ultimate carpenter preparing rooms for each of us, anticipating our arrival with the joy of a parent welcoming children home. We're challenged to see heaven not as some ethereal, abstract concept, but as a real place with foundations, streets, and tangible beauty described in Revelation 21. The message confronts our tendency to get our theology of heaven from Hollywood or popular books rather than Scripture, urging us to ground our hope in biblical truth. Perhaps most powerfully, we're offered four transformative benefits of knowing about our heavenly home: perspective that helps us live as aliens and sojourners here, peace in facing death, hope that sustains us through trials, and trust in God's faithfulness. The story of young Tim and his parable about the damaged baskets beautifully illustrates how God sees beyond our broken earthly vessels to the eternal souls within, reminding us that even in illness or suffering, we have eternal value and purpose.
Discussion Questions:
• Why would the disciples’ “hearts be troubled” (John 14:1)?
• How does the hope of heaven help you endure or ‘weather the storms of life’?
• Detail the difference between Jesus saying “I am the way, the truth, and the life” and/or “I am a way, a truth, and a life.”
• Elaborate on what Jesus said in John 14:6.
4/12/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
April 12, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 13
As we explore Christ washing the disciples' feet, we're confronted with a radical picture of what true servanthood looks like. This wasn't just a nice gesture—it was the Creator of the universe performing the lowest, most humiliating task of that culture. The dusty roads of Palestine made foot washing essential, yet it was always relegated to the lowest servant. When Jesus wrapped a towel around himself and knelt before his disciples, he shattered every worldly notion of greatness and power. What makes this even more striking is the context: Jesus knew his crucifixion was hours away, he knew Judas would betray him, yet he still chose to serve. We're challenged to examine our own lives through what might be called 'basin theology'—while Pontius Pilate used a basin to wash his hands of responsibility, Jesus used one to wash away pride and demonstrate sacrificial love. The question that echoes through this passage is unavoidable: if our Lord and teacher served in this way, who are we to consider any act of service beneath us? This isn't about a spiritual gift for some; it's a calling for all who claim Christ as Lord.
Discussion Questions:
• How does seeing Jesus’ act of service through the lens of what He knew about Himself and His disciples give this story a greater impact?
• Jesus washed the feet of the man who would betray Him. What does it mean for you to tangibly love your enemy?
• What part of serving in the most menial and degrading sense do you have the hardest time with?
• Jesus redefined greatness through servanthood. How can I practice humble service today—especially when it’s unnoticed, inconvenient, or toward someone difficult to love?
4/5/26, Melrose Community Church, Easter Sunday Service
April 5, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 12, Luke 23—24, 1 Corinthians 15, John 19, John 20
This Easter message challenges us to move beyond simply acknowledging the resurrection to understanding what it personally means for each of us. Drawing primarily from Luke 23-24 and 1 Corinthians 15, we're confronted with a crucial question: So what? What difference does Christ's resurrection actually make in our lives? The message presents five tangible answers that transform Easter from historical event to present reality. First, the resurrection fulfills Scripture perfectly, proving God's Word is completely trustworthy. Second, it provides genuine forgiveness for our sins through Christ's sacrificial love. Third, it builds our faith and hope on certainty rather than wishful thinking. Fourth, it proves Jesus was truly God in flesh, worthy of our worship. Fifth, it guarantees a future resurrection and coming judgment for all. The sermon reminds us that we serve a living God who conquered death, not a dead religious figure. This distinction changes everything. The touching story of the woman who wanted to be buried holding a fork beautifully illustrates the Christian hope: someone always told her to keep her fork at church dinners because the best was yet to come. For believers, death is not the end but a transition to something far better. We're called to make a decision about this truth, understanding that our faith is not in vain but anchored in historical reality witnessed by hundreds.
Discussion Questions:
• Why does Easter matter? What personal significance does it have for you?
• Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 and from those verses answer why the resurrection makes all of the difference for followers of Christ?
• Tim Keller wrote the following (in The Reason for God): “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Why is this true?
