Easter 2023: Foursquare Gospel Message

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

**open songs (2)**

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

Story on doubt:

Why Do You Doubt?

Questions you can’t answer

Situations that seem unfair

Hurts you can’t resolve

Your faith is a journey, not a destination.

The strongest faith isn’t a faith that never doubts.

The strongest faith is a faith that grows through your doubts AS you CONSIDER JESUS.

TODAY: Consider Jesus

Opening Scripture:

Consider Jesus as your Savior

THE LAST SUPPER:

Luke 22:19–20 ESV

19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Jesus’ body = “given for you”

Jesus’ blood = “new covenant”

ON THE CROSS...

Luke 23:44–48 ESV

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.

“darkness” - A plague in Egypt (Ex. 10:22) and at times of judgment

“innocent” - pronounced by the Roman centurion

“beating their breasts” - sign of mourning

Consider Jesus as your Healer

IN THE GARDEN/OLIVE PRESS:

Luke 22:51 ESV

51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.

Internal Hurt -

External Hurt -

THE CROSS:

1 Peter 2:24 ESV

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Referencing Isaiah 53:4-5

Invite Jesus now to be your Savior and invite Him into the areas of hurt in your life!

**reflective songs with Allens **

Consider Jesus as your Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

ON THE CROSS:

Luke 23:44–45 ESV

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

God departs the temple (cf. Ez. 10-11)

God provides access to his presence to all people

Consider Jesus as your Soon Coming King

Acts 1:9–11 ESV

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Live for Him now (as witnesses)

Be ready for His return (times and seasons are by the Father’s authority)

Your faith is a journey, not a destination (“as we go”; witnesses to the end of the earth).

The strongest faith isn’t a faith that never doubts.

The strongest faith is a faith that grows through your doubts as you CONSIDER JESUS.

Story on doubt:

**closing songs **

Conclusion/Reflection:

The strongest faith is a faith that grows through your doubts as you CONSIDER JESUS.

Matthew 28:16-17 “16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.”

God is not distant in your doubts.

Faith isn’t the absence of doubt. Faith is the means to push through it.