Week of 4/20/25 - Easter
Dear Church Family,
My daughter and I were recently talking about whether Jesus ever just laughed, particularly mirth. And what about God? I think especially at Easter we can and should see that God is a God who experiences and expresses the diversity of emotions he created. He was full of grief in the garden and yet 'for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12:2)
From that throne we know he rejoices over us (Zeph. 3:17) and he is satisfied by his finished work for us on the cross (Isaiah 53:11) and that he also intercedes for us until our faith becomes sight in his presence (Romans 8:34). His resurrection stands for us as the hope of that day when we will know only the mirth and rejoicing of our God!
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
I mentioned the struggles of Corinth the last two weeks, do you recall what they were?
What are some ways that Paul's challenge to the church in that culture reminds you of the needs for the church in today's culture?
What about God's love on the cross is so foolish to us? Or how is it opposite of our view of wisdom?
What about God's love on the cross seems weak to us? Or how is it opposite of our view of strength?
Read Matthew 5:1-12
I mentioned in the message that Jesus' strength was displayed in humility, service, and meekness. What else would you add to that list based on reading this?
How are you emulating the true strength of Jesus in your relationships with those around you? Can you think of an example with an acquaintance or friend, co-worker, spouse or child?
Where is Jesus seeking to sanctify you by being 'weak' in others eyes like him?
What are sanctification and redemption? And how does Jesus connect the two in your life?
Is there any place where you routinely boast besides in God and what he's done in you and for you?
Perhaps you've met people that you question their sincerity in acknowledging God. What does 'boasting in the Lord' look like in a genuine way?
I would remind you to please pray for all those who visited Sunday to consider the message they heard and that the enemy would not snatch away 'the seed of the word' from their hearts this week, but that it would take root and grow. And may each of you be steadfast in sharing the hope that is in you through Jesus!
Looking forward to getting back into 1 Samuel with you all and worshipping Jesus together.
In His Weakness,
Pastor Phillip
P.S. - Some of you asked for the John Piper quote I used at the end, here it is...
“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness(and weakness) to us - a crucified God - must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.”
My daughter and I were recently talking about whether Jesus ever just laughed, particularly mirth. And what about God? I think especially at Easter we can and should see that God is a God who experiences and expresses the diversity of emotions he created. He was full of grief in the garden and yet 'for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12:2)
From that throne we know he rejoices over us (Zeph. 3:17) and he is satisfied by his finished work for us on the cross (Isaiah 53:11) and that he also intercedes for us until our faith becomes sight in his presence (Romans 8:34). His resurrection stands for us as the hope of that day when we will know only the mirth and rejoicing of our God!
Home Enjoyment
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
I mentioned the struggles of Corinth the last two weeks, do you recall what they were?
What are some ways that Paul's challenge to the church in that culture reminds you of the needs for the church in today's culture?
What about God's love on the cross is so foolish to us? Or how is it opposite of our view of wisdom?
What about God's love on the cross seems weak to us? Or how is it opposite of our view of strength?
Read Matthew 5:1-12
I mentioned in the message that Jesus' strength was displayed in humility, service, and meekness. What else would you add to that list based on reading this?
How are you emulating the true strength of Jesus in your relationships with those around you? Can you think of an example with an acquaintance or friend, co-worker, spouse or child?
Where is Jesus seeking to sanctify you by being 'weak' in others eyes like him?
What are sanctification and redemption? And how does Jesus connect the two in your life?
Is there any place where you routinely boast besides in God and what he's done in you and for you?
Perhaps you've met people that you question their sincerity in acknowledging God. What does 'boasting in the Lord' look like in a genuine way?
I would remind you to please pray for all those who visited Sunday to consider the message they heard and that the enemy would not snatch away 'the seed of the word' from their hearts this week, but that it would take root and grow. And may each of you be steadfast in sharing the hope that is in you through Jesus!
Looking forward to getting back into 1 Samuel with you all and worshipping Jesus together.
In His Weakness,
Pastor Phillip
P.S. - Some of you asked for the John Piper quote I used at the end, here it is...
“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness(and weakness) to us - a crucified God - must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.”
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