Jesus is Here Now
The Red Letters • Sermon • Submitted
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· 15 viewsJesus is here and has an offer you can’t refuse: courage in place of fear, peace that crushes confusion, and power to love and serve Him
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Introduction:
Some years ago, Linda and I pastored a church in Oregon. It was a great church, with a Christian school, and lots of potential. We thought we would be there a long time. However, during our second year there, some really painful things occurred and we felt like we were being used for target practice. We prayed about it and made the difficult decision to leave that pastorate. We loved the people very much…but I felt the need to protect my family.
Fast-forward about 3 and a half years: we were called to be the pastors here. Today, 7 and a half years later, we are still here…we are blessed.
What happened during those 3 and a half years between leaving the church in Oregon and coming to A.F.? It’s not like we were put into some kind of cold storage until we were needed again. Life went on during those years. We were limping along for a while, but God kept leading us into areas of ministry, and where we recieved much needed love and care.
Even though we weren’t in a position where lots of people could see us, we were still walking the path God had placed before us. Some people probably wondered, “What happened to the Pryor’s?”
Jesus was born, he died, and rose again, and then ascended into heaven. These are foundational truths. We just came through Easter season: Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection. But what then?
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.
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 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.
Prayer
Jesus wasn’t hiding somewhere during those 40 days
What did Jesus do during that time? He made 5 appearances to people on the day of His resurrection and 5 more recorded appearances during those 40 days.
The first people that saw Him after His resurrection were women — Mary Magdalene first — then the others. Jesus sent Mary Magdalene to “go tell” the others. He trusted her
The next people that encounter Christ that day were His disciples. First, He met two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed man — on the road to Emmaus. It took them a while but they finally realized that He was indeed Jesus the risen Lord. Shortly afterward, Jesus appeared to His Disciples
Jesus then appeared to Thomas…you know the one, “Doubting Thomas”
So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Rather than rebuking Thomas and leaving him, Jesus had compassion but He also challenged Thomas
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
At the end of the 40 days, Jesus commissioned the Disciples to make disciples in all the world — then he was taken up into heaven
At the end of the 40 days, Jesus commissioned the disciples to make disciples in all the world — then he was taken up into heaven
What kind of encouragement can we find in that in the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension? He made His presence known to them — He is still here among us today.
Big Idea: Jesus is here, now, offering courage in place of fear, peace that crushes confusion, and power to love and serve Him
Transitional: Jesus isn’t hiding or hard to find...
JESUS IS HERE TO MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN
JESUS IS HERE TO MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN
Jesus is here to make His presence known
Jesus is here to make His presence known
Exposition
Jesus is here to make His presence known
He was physically risen from the dead, now in a glorified body — not a ghost
Jesus wanted them to see Him alive and present
Jesus wanted them to see Him alive and present
The women…they were shocked and overwhelmed when they saw the living Christ
Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
Jesus wanted to remind them what the scriptures said about Him
Jesus wanted to remind them what the scriptures said about Him
The two on the road to Emmaus (narrative account open bible to text - )
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
Luke 24:25-
Luke 24:
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
His Disciples
Luke 24:25-
He helped His disciples to understand the biblical basis for His resurrection.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
Application:
History would look a lot different if Jesus hadn’t shown Himself to those women, the disciples, and others during those 40 days
Do you live as though you believe Jesus is here, now, with you?
Do you go searching for Jesus, like the women did on that morning after the Sabbath?
Do you live as those you believe Jesus is here, now, with you?
He isn’t physically here, like He was then, but the Holy Spirit is here without question - and, as such, Jesus and the Father are also among us…through the Holy Spirit
Have you read the Bible to find out for yourself what the law and prophets said about Jesus?
Transitional: When Jesus moves among His people....
JESUS IS HERE TO COMFORT AND CONVINCE
JESUS IS HERE TO COMFORT AND CONVINCE
Exposition:
Try to put yourself in the position of those women, once they recognized Jesus, or the disciples on the road to Emmaus, or the 10 Disciples when Jesus first appeared to them in that room?
It would shake you right to the core…you would fall to His feet in holy fear and worship
Jesus gives comfort in place of fear
Jesus gives comfort in place of fear
Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Mt. 28:
Do not be afraid!
It is really me…I am the same Jesus and I have risen from the dead…I need you go and tell the others
Jesus gives peace just as He promised
Jesus gives peace just as He promised
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
John 20:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus promised to give them peace in , at their last meal together. This peace is the kind that brings a deep well-being to people that know Jesus!
John 16:
Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised to give them peace in , at their last meal together. This peace is the kind that brings a deep well-being to people that know Jesus!
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
He gives everyone a chance to believe and follow…even the doubters (like Thomas - ).
He gives everyone a chance to believe and follow…even the doubters (like Thomas - ).
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
He gives everyone a chance to believe and follow…even the doubters (like Thomas - ).
John 20:21
Application
Application
Do you live in fear?
Do not be afraid
Peace be with you
Stay still in God’s presence long enough for the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out
Transitional: As He changes us…He calls us…and sends us out
Transitional: As He changes us…He calls us…and sends us out
JESUS IS HERE TO LEAD US INTO WHAT MOVES HIS HEART
JESUS IS HERE TO LEAD US INTO WHAT MOVES HIS HEART
Exposition
During those 40 days, Jesus’ words and actions were meant to position His people to turn the world upside down. And that they did
When we love Him…we serve Him
“Peter, do you love me?” (John 21:15-18)
Feed my lambs
Take care of my sheep
Feed my sheep
God will use anyone that surrenders their life to Him…even if we have turned our back on Him in the past, like Peter did. He lovingly restored Peter
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.” 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.” 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. 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.”
John 21:15-
When we love Him…we go where He sends us
Mt. 28:16
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When we love Him…we wait for His empowerment
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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 1:4-
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.”
Acts 1:
Application
If Jesus asked you, “Do you love me?” what would you say?
If you said “Yes I love you” what would that look like in your daily life?
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
Every day is a gift from the Lord…even when it feels like you are in between the good times
In fact, during those “in between” times, Jesus will do some powerful things in and through you, if you surrender, listen, and obey
Jesus is with you, offering courage, peace and strength as you live to please Him
Once you surrender your life to Christ, you are one of His disciples
In order to “go” and share His message, you need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit
You don’t need a special degree or title - just a willing heart
Learn to wait in the presence of the Lord — praying, worshipping, studying, and listening
Be an open and willing vessel for Him to fill up
Comfort, Instruction, empowerment