Point of Grace Online Worship - May 26, 2024

Point of Grace – 5.26.24 Sermon Notes – “Holy Trinity Sunday”

Why Trinity?

The Trinitarian nature of God reveals He is a God who wants us to know Him and be known by Him. He puts himself out there. He is vulnerable with us exposing His deepest affection and intimate intentions. He presents Himself to us for relationship with Him ... He is not aloof. Revealing Himself as Trinity is key to His “relational quest” for us. He wants us to know how much and how passionately He wants us and wants to be with us. We all know how important it is for building intimate relationships that we actually “want to be with the person” and communicate that “want” to them. By revealing Himself as Trinity He is over the top communicating how much He wants to be with us…. And how much he wants is to “want” Him. He has (and continues to) put forth great effort and paid a big price to “be with” us and for us to “be with” Him.

Knowing God as Trinity,

Reveals His passionate quest for our hearts and

“Woos” us into wanting to be with the One who wants to be with us!

Matthew 3:13-4:1 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

John 3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Knowing God as Trinity,

Reveals His passionate quest for our hearts and

“Woos” us into wanting to be with the One who wants to be with us!

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 19, 2024

Point of Grace – 5.19.24 Sermon Notes – “Pentecost”

God’s great declaration in Pentecost is:

“You need help!”

“Help is here!”

Acts 1:8 “You will receive power (able-to-do-ness) when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth!”

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Didn’t see that coming!

The Spirit has strategies and resources for His church to magnify Jesus to the world that we can’t imagine! No wonder Jesus taught us to “ask” for the Holy Spirit!

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 36 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

When Jesus was magnified by a powerized Peter, the people saw themselves differently, it’s like their sin was magnified too and they were “cut to the heart”. Their desperate question was met by the Jesus magnifiers with Jesus magnifying grace, forgiveness and the free offer of a new Jesus magnifying identity in baptism!

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Holy Spirit gives “power” so Jesus is magnified and people become Jesus magnifiers!

So, we pray,

“Come Holy Spirit!

Point of Grace Online Worship - May 5, 2024

 Point of Grace – 5.5.24 Sermon Notes – “… with the Risen Jesus” – Receiving Power

“10 Days for Prayer and Fasting (lite)”

Point of Grace Church

May 9-19, 2024 - Ascension to Pentecost

As a Church:

May 9 Worship and Prayer Night

10,11 Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)

12 Sunday Worship – Mother’s Day – Praying for Families

13-14 Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)

15 Worship and Prayer Night

16-18 Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)

19 Pentecost Sunday Worship

As Individuals:

Special edition of the Daily Pause – 10 Days straight

Additional Resources for the “10 Days” available at pog.church/Resources (as of 5.8.24)

Websites:           prayercourse.org /toolshed

24-7Prayer.com

practicingtheway.org … for a deeper dive

Books: How to Pray: A simple guide for normal people by Pete Grieg

Be Still: A Simple Guide to Quiet Times by Brian Heasley

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Acts 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I (Luke) wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you”

-               “dunamis” (dynamite) – from the verb “dunomai”- to be able to do…

-               the power that comes with the Holy Spirit is “ able-to-do-ness”.

“and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

-               Witness: gives “been with Jesus” testimony ….

-               Representative – Image-bearer

Power to be a Jesus witness – a Jesus image bearer to the people, places and spaces of our living.

We need a “power” outside of ourselves to truly live fully alive as His witness.

Ephesians 316 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Luke 11 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Can you imagine what would happen if we spent 10 days,

in a concert of prayer,

asking God to unleash within us deep desire

for more of Him.

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 28, 2024

Point of Grace – 4.28.24 Sermon Notes – “… with the Risen Jesus” – Loving Jesus Back

“10 Days for Prayer and Fasting (lite)” Point of Grace Church May 9-19, 2024 - Ascension to Pentecost

Acts 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I (Luke) wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)

What do you suppose they were thinking and praying?

God is calling us as individuals and as a church to “intentionally” go Deeper into His presence for 10 days.

As a Church:

May 9   Worship and Prayer Night

10,11    Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)

12          Sunday Worship – Mother’s Day – Praying for Families

13-14    Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)

15          Worship and Prayer Night

16-18    Church Open for Prayer 4-6pm with a led prayer liturgy on the half hour (4:30 & 5:30)

19          Pentecost Sunday Worship

As Individuals: Special edition of the Daily Pause – 10 Days straight

Additional Prayer and Fasting Resources available at pog.church

A word about “fasting”–lite:

-            Biblical fasting refers to going without food for spiritual purposes

-            In the spirit of “fasting” we may choose to refrain from some things to make more room for connecting with God and encountering His Presence. (screens, devices, social media, talking, other activities etc.)  

“The Biblical principle of fasting is a process of forgoing something (primarily food) in order that we might to turn our gaze on to God in a more intense and focused way.” From “Prayer Tool: How to Fast” - prayercourse.org

Websites:           prayercourse.org /toolshed

24-7Prayer.com

practicingtheway.org … for a deeper dive

Books: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Can you Imagine…..

Jesus has been getting us ready.

John 21 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

 Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”

He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

What is Jesus focusing on in His relationship with Simon…. and the other disciples?

Is this a DTR moment? Why three times?

Why is “expressing love”…. “publicly owning the love relationship” so important?

“SEEK GOD’S FACE, NOT JUST HIS HAND - SURRENDER IN PRAYERFUL DEPENDENCE UPON HIM”

Pastor Mike

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 21, 2024

The JOY of His Presence April 21 Sermon Notes - Rev Mike Coppersmith

THE JOY OF HIS PRESENCE

Christ’s Resurrection Appearance to His Disciples

John 20:19-22

What is Missing?

THE OVERRIDING PRIORITY OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN THE AMERICAN CHURCH TODAY!

Psalm 86:15-17

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. 16 They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness. 17 For You are their glory and strength, and our power is based on Your favor.

Psalm 16:8-1

I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP, SORROW TURNS INTO JOY!

John 20:19-22

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!’”20 After he said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were OVERJOYED when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

WE ALL KNOW SORROW.

Matthew 26:38

Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with SORROW even to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

Luke 22:45

When Jesus arose from prayer and went back to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from SORROW.

JESUS IS ALIVE AND ALWAYS SHOWS UP WITH HIS PRESENCE AMID OUR SORROWS!

John 20:19

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

Matthew 28:20 (Amp)

“…behold, I am with you all your days—perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion—to the very close and consummation of the age.”

John 14:18-19

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see Me anymore; but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.”

WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP, SORROW TURNS INTO JOY!

John 20:20,22

After he said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were OVERJOYED when they saw the Lord….22 And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:25-28 (NLT)

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. 26 No wonder my heart is filled with JOY, and my mouth shouts His praises! My body rests in hope. 27 For You will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. 28 You have shown me the way of life, and You will give me wonderful JOY in Your presence.

Joy is:

Happiness Coming from Knowing God’s Presence and Trusting God’s Promises Regardless of the Circumstances.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”

John 20:22

And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self control. Against such things there is no law.

WHY CAN WE HAVE SUCH SPIRIT-GIVEN JOY IN OUR LIVES ON A CONSISTENT BASIS?

WE KNOW WHO’S WRITING THE STORY!

WE KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS!

Vivit!

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 14, 2024

Point of Grace – 4.14.24 Sermon Notes – “… with the Risen Jesus” – Baptismal Identity

Matthew 28 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

My “baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” means God has claimed me has His and I am no longer “available” in the “relationship marketplace”. My Baptismal identity says I am “with Jesus” and He is “with me” all day every day. That is who I am!

John 3:3-8 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Galatian 3:26-29 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Titus 3 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Romans 6:1-11 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

In Baptism God gives “with Christ”, “in Christ”, “clothed with Christ”, “born again from above”, born of the Spirit”, “children of God”, “belong to Christ”, “saved through the washing of rebirth”, “heirs in the Father’s family”, “died with Christ”, “buried with Christ”, “raised with Christ” – IDENTITY.

Baptism is about “Who we are!” because of “Whose we are!” We are the forgiven, redeemed, fully alive, dead to sin but alive to God, children of God.

Our daily living flows from this identity. We do what we do because it is “who we are”. We don’t do what we don’t do because it’s “not who we are”.

“Baptism is God’s work, and what He does is sure and certain. Nothing is more certain in all the universe than the name that God placed on us in Baptism – the name by which God revealed Himself to us. Baptized into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we have God’s own pledge and promise in Baptism that He has forgiven our sins and delivered us from death, hell, and the devil.

In time of doubt, temptation, or failure – and especially in the face of death – we can boldly say, “I am baptized into Christ,” and be certain that the comforting words of Romans 8:1 are true, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”

Luther’s Small Catechism

Point of Grace Online Worship - April 7, 2024

Point of Grace – 4.7.24 Sermon Notes – “… with the Risen Jesus” 1 – “Captivating Revealer”

Quote from “Beautiful Outlaw” – by John Eldredge

We need Jesus. The Real Jesus. The Risen Jesus. This is the where the “Deeper Wider Journey” begins. What’s it like to be “…with the Risen Jesus”?

Luke 24 - 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

The encounter on the Emmaus road is not only, as Tom Wright says, “a wonderful, unique, spellbinding tale” but also “a model for a great deal of what being a Christian, from that day to this, is all about.” Here we find the covert Christ joining us on our journey through life. And here we are reminded that we must proactively invite Him into our questions, our relationships and our homes. Here our hearts catch fire and the scriptures come alive. Here He walks and talks with us, patiently answering our questions, realigning our thinking, teaching us to pray. Here at the table we share the bread and the wine, remembering His death and recognizing the reality of His resurrection right before our eyes. And here we are propelled into the darkness as witnesses of the wonders we have seen. from “How to Hear God” by Pete Greig

“Hearing God begins and ends with meeting Jesus” – Pete Grieg

Jesus is our “Captivating Revealer”

Luke 24 - 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

This same Risen Jesus is captivating, mysterious, good, playful, gracious, helpful, revealer, safe,

in charge of our journey with Him, witty, strong, knows what’s best for us.

He is the same Risen Jesus who suffered, died and rose for us and

He is the same Risen Jesus who invites us into His Presence today and every day.