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Ezra - New Beginnings

May 5, 2020

Ezra is a priest, and what commends him to us is his devotion to the things of God. It was more than a casual thing; it defined his life. Because of that the hand of God was on him, and Ezra was allowed to lead the exiled Hebrews back to Jerusalem. Even though they faced opposition from the neighboring peoples, they understood that God had done something on their behalf and were determined to honor Him. “Let’s take Ezra’s lead and devote ourselves to the Lord in a new way,” Pastor Allen Jackson says. “Let’s give God a greater place in our lives. Let’s honor God in the season ahead in ways we’ve never honored Him before.”

Easter, The Cast of Characters

Many of us know the Easter story and the people involved with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. But in this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson digs deeper, showing how many unlikely characters recognized Jesus as their Lord, while others surprisingly withdrew from the arena. It’s helpful to examine the people in the Easter story because God is still calling a people to Himself—a people who will believe in Him and acknowledge the truth about Jesus of Nazareth. The resurrection is just one example of God moving in the earth with “a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” In times of shaking, God intervenes for His people with His power and might. Our generation desperately needs expressions of the power of God, and that recognition, desire, and expectation begins in the hearts of His people—you and me.

Freedom Through the Cross

In times of uncertainty or stress, being firmly grounded in the fundamentals makes a difference. Pastor Allen Jackson reminds us of three things that will bring stability to our lives in every season: understanding the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ; believing that God’s truth is real, unchanging, and essential for a healthy life; and being a person of praise.

Learning to Overcome - Defeating Discouragement

Overcoming is not optional for living a successful life as a Christ-follower—it’s necessary. Pastor Allen reminds us that strength and courage are vital for a person of faith. We have access to all the strength and courage we need because our God is able. He’s the Creator of all things, who watches over the paths of nations and intervenes in human history. He doesn’t wring His hands in despair. Christ in us makes a difference—because our God is able!