This Sunday
Sermon Title: Easter - Beyond The Cross
When a dead body disappears from the tomb the logical thing to believe is that someone stole the body. It was the story fabricated from the earliest moments after the resurrection, and it’s still being told today. It’s easy. It’s safe. It’s comfortable. Yet, it’s made up information to satisfy the powers that be and keep things status quo. The resurrection of Jesus Christ blows the roof of normal and ignites revolution.
Sermon Points and Questions
1. What thing that you "know to be true" have you gotten stuck on?
God takes us beyond. Beyond what is final. Beyond what is finished. Beyond what is impossible. Beyond what we know to be true and is stuck and into the freedom that God says can be possible.
2. What do you see when you look into the empty tomb? Do you see what you know to be true (the disciples stole the body!). Or do you see it's empty except for a reminder that Jesus got up and left and anything is possible!
3. Do you see beyond death? Beyond what is final?
4. Would you really want to go take back the thing you put into the grave and carry it around with you? You may not have physically done that this morning but you still might leave this place and carry it with you. Why would you do that? What steps can you take today to leave it in the grave and live in the new freedom Jesus wants for you?
Matthew 27:62-66 NLT
62 The next day, on the Sabbath,[n] the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
Matthew 28:11-15 NLT
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
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Connecting You To What's Next!
Your Next Step Group
- First Step (popcorn with the pastor) NEXT week after the service!
- Step Up! next week at 9am in the elementary room. How to Read Your Bible for all it's worth. Connect more with God and others.
- Engage Group is doing some ministry team training meetings.. Facility/Parking Team - April 12 and 19
- Disciplemakers Group will meet in the red room the last Sundays of the month at 9am. We want to help you develop your abilities to serve and influence others to follow Jesus.
- Also, April 26 - if you are not a team or group leader... there will be a prayer meeting during the 9am time in the room to the right of the stage.
Upcoming Events
Ladies Craft Night & Potluck Dinner
We would love to have you join in and help around the building with some projects! It's a great way to be around some other church people and make a difference.
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New Series Starts next week
StepUp
Sundays
Time: 9:00am-9:45am
Location: Elementary Room.This group is the next step in the discipleship pathway after First Step or Popcorn with the Pastor. It's all about growing deeper in your faith and getting more connected with others.
Engage
Sundays
Time: 9:00am-9:45am
Location: Red Room (To the right of the stage).This group is the third step in the discipleship pathway. It's all about discovering and developing your gifts and abilities and taking your next step in serving others.
Men's Ministry Event
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Women's Ministry Event
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Small Groups and Bible Studies
- Women's Ministry Spring Craft Night April 11, 2026
- Men's Ministry next Event Fish Fry May 16 at 5pm
- Theresa Slocum Ladies Bible Study Tuesdays at 1pm.
- Would love to help a new group get started!
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