Chris Wall • Matthew 27:62 - 28:15
Seconds after Jesus proclaimed from the cross, “It is Finished”, remarkable
things took place. Immediately there was an earthquake. The sky grew dark. In the temple, the curtain was torn from top to bottom. Dead people came out of their tombs and went to see their friends. This was not a normal day. It was not a normal crucifixion. It was supernatural. In fact, it was so remarkable, Matthew reminds us of one of the guards who said, “Surely this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54). Things were so crazy, the Chief Priests decided to post some guards at the tomb but they did not just guard it, they sealed it as well. Then it happened. It was a full blown resurrection encounter right in front of their face. Matthew tells us there was another violent earthquake but this one was followed by an unsealed tomb, some women who came to tend to Jesus’ body, an announcement from the angel of the Lord and some completely freaked out soldiers. They encountered the resurrection which moved the ladies to joyfully tell the disciples while moving the soldiers to run to the wrong leaders. The disciples eventually embraced the resurrection and were changed by it. The soldiers listened to the leaders who missed the miracle of the resurrection. Today, there are many who encounter the resurrection and experience life change. Simultaneously, there are others who try to silence
the news. Where are you? Do you accept or reject the resurrection? The question of eternal life really is that simple.
Christmas is a season to celebrate the greatest gift ever given - a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. This gift of God's Son is the gift of life for all who believe. Before the time of His birth and as angels declared His glory, the coming of the newborn King inspired songs of faith and acts of remarkable courage. Find strength and experience joy in Songs of the Season. ...
Chris Wall • Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world. We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds. Together, our unity shines; Our purpose, defined; Our love, refined; And the world will never be the same. History has it's eye...on the Church. To Gather in a Changing World. ...
Chris Wall • Colossians 3:1-11 The final two chapters of Colossians, Paul gets really practical in applying the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ. As Christians, it is important not to just know the truth, but to actually live the truth. In fact, I would argue if there is not an inward heart change and desire to live out faith in Christ, close examination of knowing Christ would be wise.This passage begins with the practices Christians should “take off” because Christ has “put on” a new self in the believer. He then goes on to explain what these desires produce in the believer and unbeliever alike. The grip of sin produces anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk and lying. Because of what Christ has done from the inside out, it is now possible for these things to be put off and we are able to live in this new self that is being renewed in theknowledge after the image of our Creator. Though this is only possible because of the heart surgery that has supernaturally taken place, the actions of a believer still matter. ...
