Love God. Life Together. Light Your World.
Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene
All For One Part 2 Witness Church of The Nazarene- East Rock Today we are continuing our 4-part teaching series called “All For One”. Our goal throughout this series is to grow in our understanding and participation in the Lord's invitation to a life of surrendered living. Lordship is essentially the recognition of God's supreme authority in […]
ALL FOR ONE THREE CRITERIA JEREMIAH AT PHILLIES GAME SCRIPTURE GENESIS 1:27 27. SO GOD CREATED MANKIND IN HIS OWN IMAGE, IN THE IMAGE OF GOD HE CREATED THEM; MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM. SCRIPTURE GENESIS 1:28 28. GOD BLESSED THEM AND SAID TO THEM,” BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE IN NUMBER; […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49660302 All For One Part 1 Stewardship Today we are beginning a 4-part teaching series called “All For One”. Our goal throughout this series is to grow in our understanding and participation in the Lord's invitation to a life of surrendered living. Lordship is essentially the recognition of God's supreme authority in our lives and everything in […]
ALL FOR ONE SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:18 18. THEN JESUS CAME TO THEM AND SAID, “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVE TO ME. SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 28:19 19. THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE […]
Back together: Broken People of the Bible part 4Practicing restoration through 1. Communion 2. Anointing for ourselves 3. Prayer for others4. Prayer for our world
This series has described four people who were “broken” in some way before God put their pieces back together. They were more fulfilled and full of His glory after His work of restoration. (Kintsugi) 19 So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred […]
Back Together Part 3 Matthew https://www.bible.com/events/49653962 We are continuing with part 3 in our teaching series called Back Together: Broken people of the bible. Throughout this series we will explore the stories of people in the bible who had experienced various kinds of brokenness and pain in their life, but each found redemption and restoration […]
BACK TOGETHER MANY THEMES IN SCRIPTURE ‘The overarching story in the Bible is how God seeks to restore his relationship with his people. RESTORATION RESTORATION DEFINED THE CROSS CLOSE UP OF THE CROSS WEEK 1- HANNAH COULDN'T HAVE CHILDREN WEEK 2-MEPHIBOSHETH-LAME/DAD AND GRANDAD DEAD SCRIPTURE MATTHEW 9:9 9. AS JESUS WENT ON FROM THERE, […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49650819 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Back Together Part 2 Mephibosheth We are continuing with part 2 in our teaching series called Back Together: Broken people of the bible. Throughout this series we will explore the stories of people in the bible who had experienced various kinds of brokenness and pain in […]
6 MILLON $ MAN BACK TOGETHER WELCOME- WEEK 2 SERIES CALLED BACK TOGETHER RESTORATION ‘The overarching story in the Bible is how God seeks to restore his relationship with his people. NAME TAG- HELLO MY NAME IS PICTURE OF SAUL-HOUSE OF DAVID ALI SULIMAN PICTURE OF JONATHON-ETHAN KAI PICTURE OF MEPHIBOSHETH PICTURE OF DAVID […]
Today we are launching a brand-new, four-week sermon series entitled “Back Together: Broken People of the Bible.” Over the next month, we are going to look at four remarkable individuals in Scripture whose lives were deeply broken—emotionally, physically, socially, or spiritually: • Week 1: Hannah – Restored to Fruitfulness• Week 2: Mephibosheth – Restored to […]
BACK TOGETHER KINTSUGI POTTERY “Not only is there no attempt to hide the damage, but the repair is literally illuminated… ‘The overarching story in the Bible is how God seeks to restore his relationship with his people. PRAY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL 1:1 I SAMUEL 1:1 SCRIPTURE I SAMUEL 1:2 SCRIPTURE 1 […]
This Sunday at our East Rock campus it was Baptism Sunday. 13 people were baptized at the Stonewall Riverside park in Elkton after the morning services. In his message Pastor Jared talked about baptism, the significance of it and what getting baptized represents. Below is the Nazarene stance on baptism. We believe that Christian baptism, […]
“Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” We are talking about the discipline of our tongue today James 3:1-12 James greatest concern is the destructive power of the tongue
https://www.bible.com/events/49641409 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Facetime Part 8 The Great Commission Today we continue our 8-part teaching series called “Facetime”. Through the gospels and the recorded words of Jesus, we have the opportunity to sit face to face with Jesus. We want to not only hear his words, but apply their truth to our everyday […]
What is the Great Commission? Online article from “BibleStudyTools.com (2024) I stumbled upon a statistic the other day that was a little shocking to me, but let me set it up for you so you can share in my shock. Millennials are known for activism. You can see this reflected in the shift that has taken place with […]
Facetime – Matthew 5 – The Beatitudes Good morning ER – As always, I'm thrilled to be here with you – this part of our COTN family holds a very dear place in my heart. So thank you for the opportunity to enter God's word with you. As you know over the last several weeks […]
FASTEST RELIGIOUS GROUP IN AMERICA IS THE NONES GROUP SAYS WE DON'T AFFILIATE- FEWER PEOPLE SEE THE BIBLE AS A SOURCE FOR SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND LIFE JUST RELAX WITH THE JESUS CHURCH BIBLE THING COULD RECEIVE GREATER ACCEPTANCE IN CULTURE QUOTE BARNA “EVERYDAY THE CHURCH IS BECOMING MORE LIKE THE WORLD IT ALLEGEDLY IS […]
Watch and Be Ready! Not today Video: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qt3ju8jqve0v4ve1x89we/Not-Today-2_15.mp4?rlkey=ibtrgorvlwo3bpbxytxxutd7j&st=0d0ivjf6&dl=0 We all do it. Every single one of us in this sanctuary today and those listening online. We have a goal we want to reach, an important conversation we know we need to have, or a critical spiritual step God is prompting us to take. And we […]
FACE TIME SUMMER AT MENS BIBLE STUDY- SCRIPTURE-UNPACK IT JIM HARRISON JIM PREACHING AUBREY PART OF CHURCH- ASKS MOM TO LIMIT SCREEN TIME ON WAY TO VBS- READING GODS WORD- HOW ABOUT US? QUOTE- DAVID GUZIK “SOME PEOPLE HAVE THE IDEA, “WE DON'T KNOW WHEN JESUS IS COMING, SO IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER. “WE […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49632102 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Facetime Part 5 John 8 “Freedom” Today we continue our 8-part teaching series called “Facetime”. Through the gospels and the recorded words of Jesus, we have the opportunity to sit face to face with Jesus. We want to not only hear his words, but apply their truth to our everyday […]
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49629738 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Facetime Part 4 John 5 Today we continue our new 8-part teaching series called “Facetime”. Through the gospels and the recorded words of Jesus, we have the opportunity to sit face to face with Jesus. We want to not only hear his words, but apply their truth to our everyday […]
FACETIME WEEK 1/2/3 WEEK 1- FIRST WORDS OF JESUS (JESUS 12 IN TEMPLE) DIDN'T YOU KNOW- I NEED TO BE IN MY FATHERS HOUSE WEEK 2- PARABLE OF THE SOWER JESUS TELLS PARABLE- 4 SOILS– HOW IS YOUR HEART? WEEK 3- HOW MUCH MORE (DISCIPLES PRAYER) DISCIPLES-JESUS TEACH THEM TO PRAY- ONLY […]
“Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don't bother me. The […]
“Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.' And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don't bother me. The […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49622706 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Facetime Part 2 The parable of the sower. Today we continue our new 8-part teaching series called “Facetime”. Through the gospels and the recorded words of Jesus, we have the opportunity to sit face to face with Jesus. We want to not only hear his words, but apply their truth to […]
“Let anyone with ears today—hear!” The Bible is the authoritative Word of God for us today. So, all of its words are critically important. However, it is not poor theology or hermeneutics to suggest that there are no more important words in all of Scripture – or all of history for that matter – than […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49618981 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Facetime Part 1 The first words of Jesus… Today we begin our new 8-part teaching series called “Facetime”. Through the gospels and the recorded words of Jesus, we have the opportunity to sit face to face with Jesus. We want to not only hear his words, but apply their truth […]
FACETIME IN HISTORY PEOPLE-SHARED LOU GHERIG- BASEBALL PLAYER (FAMOUS WORDS) MARTIN LUTHER KING- FAMOUS WORDS JULIUS CEASAR VENI- VEDI- VICCI CAME/SAW/CONQUER NEW SERIES – FOCUSED LOOK WORDS OF JESUS IPHONE- FACE TIME– SKYPE- ZOOM- PHONE LOOK AT WHOS WORDS ARE WE STUDYING? ARE THESE THE WORDS OF A GOOD TEACHER? A PROPHET? A PRESIDENT? […]
ENCOURAGE FIRST MENS RETREAT _______________________________________________________ SCRIPTURE CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 3. PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE FATHER OF COMPASSION AND THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TROUBLES, SO THAT WE CAN COMFORT THOSE IN ANY TROUBLE WITH THE COMFORT WE OURSELVES RECEIVE FROM […]
Finishing Well 1) I Have Fought The Good Fight 2) I Have Finished The Race 3) I Have Kept The Faith 4) The Future : A Crown Awaits Me “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have […]
Philippians 3:10-14 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49612830 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Never Alone Part 5 Trauma Today we conclude our teaching series called “Never Alone”. Throughout this series we have talked about common struggles that many of us experience but don't always feel comfortable talking about in church. Part of our goal has been that we might disrupt one […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49608127 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Never Alone Part 4 “Minor” or on-going health challenges and trials Today we continue in our teaching series called “Never Alone”. Throughout this series we are going to talk about common struggles that many of us experience but don't always feel comfortable talking about in church. Part of […]
GOD IS GOOD GOD IS GOOD- ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME… CRIPTURE GENESIS 3:1 SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:2 SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:3 SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:4-5 SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:6 SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:6 SHE TOOK SOME AND ATE IT. SHE ALSO GAVE SOME TO HER HUSBAND, WHO WAS WITH HER, AND HE ATE IT. NEVER ALONE […]
Never Alone in Every Season • “Your time will come.” • Your Time will Come: I say this phrase and my girls’ faces cringe. They HATE when I say this because they don’t like to wait. • Honestly, I don't either. Waiting is uncomfortable. • We live in a culture that resists waiting and demands immediate fulfillment. (McDonalds has […]
ENCOUNTERS JESUS ENCOUNTERED THE PHARISEES- LAST WEEK- HYPOCRITES WEEK 4: BEFORE GET TO TODAYS MAIN ENCOUNTER ENCOUNTER: UNEXPECTED, UNPLANNED SUDDEN MEETING MATTHEW WAS A TAX COLLECTOR- HATED BY ALL DEMOCRATS DIDN'T LIKE HIM- REPUBLICANS DIDN'T MATTHEW 9:9 9. AS JESUS WENT ON FROM THERE, HE SAW A MAN NAMED MATTHEW SITTING AT THE TAX […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49589832 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Encounters Part 2- Easter Sunday Mary Magdalene Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters. We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus' encounter with Mary Magdalene on resurrection Sunday morning. What did this […]
SET THE SCENE- MATTHEW 21 ( ALL 4 WRITERS SAY) 21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to […]
https://www.bible.com/events/49585583 Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus Encounters Part 1 The Pharisee’s Today we begin our Easter teaching series called Encounters. Throughout this series we will be looking at encounters that Jesus had with people to see how it changed their lives and what we can learn for our lives today. Our series […]
How can we live “strong in grace.”? The answer is quite plain and simple: We grow strong in grace when we understand God’s unconditional forgiveness of us, then learn to unconditionally forgive others. God calls us to grow strong in giving grace to others — growing in Christlikeness Giving grace to another person is simply […]
The Hurdle of Unforgiveness – Angela Kohl Welcome…. Recap – Pastor Jared has been sharing over the past few weeks about the hurdles to our faith sharing and asking to evaluate us where we are in these potential hurdles and how they are impeding us? Are we attempting to live a saved life without actually […]
We are in our series, ‘Never Alone.’ Our goal is to remind you that whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, or broken relationships, you are never alone—first because God is with you, and second because your church family stands beside you. Today, we're leaning into a vital topic: Serious Health Issues. Happy Mother's Day! I am […]
Over the last couple of weeks, we have had an up-close glimpse of multiple encounters Jesus experienced. Each one leaving us with questions we should ask in our own lives… Don't you just love a bunch of questions this early in the morning!!! First with the Pharasees which should cause us to pause and ponder if there is any truth in us that reveals hypocrisy vs a real trust and faith in Jesus? And then as a result of His encounter with Mary of Magdala – are we able to say I have met him and I am different? Now this morning we are going to add a few more questions? I invite you to write these down and ponder them as we look at our next encounter. Do I truly want to encounter Jesus? Do I want the hope of Jesus in my life? Do I deeply believe Jesus will meet me where I am? Luke 24 beginning in verse 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?” “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. BUT NOT JESUS! Lets PRAY Dear Jesus, I need you. I know you are my hope. Open my eyes and let me see you! Amen In my early career, I was a nursing home administrator – locally at Life Care Center (that is actually what brought us to the valley) I believe and know fully that God allowed that in my life to grow me in deeper dependence and knowledge of him. That is a whole other message. One of the hardest challenges of that job is staffing (anyone relate) The responsibility to the residents and staff was tremendous – taking me often to the point of desperation. I remember one particular day that my regional director had stopped by and on this visit he had his elementary aged son with him. When they arrived, I had been sitting at my desk praying and seeking the Lords help for how exactly we would meet the need for CNAs that day. As we talked – the little guy offered to pray for me. He prayed for a simple prayer or please provide today. The heart and faith of that young man was the encouragement, an encounter I needed to continue to trust in that moment. Let's look at Jesus encounter with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus Right before we see our next encounter in Luke, we learn that the stone is rolled away! Jesus has risen and the women who discovered the empty tomb are being hit with doubt and disbelief by the disciples as they share this indescribable news. 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. Jesus shows up and meets us where we are. Jesus shows up and meets us where we are. He is worthy of our hope JESUS SHOWS UP UNEXPECTED WAYS PLACES “ALL THAT CRYING I DID THIS MORNING” 2 BAGS OF GROCERIES MATTHEW 25 PHARISEES- JESUS ALWAYS ENCOUNTERED THEM MARY MAGDALENE- FIRST TO HEAR HIM ALWAYS EXISTING WITH THE FATHER- GO BACK TO BEGINNING HOW HE APPROACHES US SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:6 6. “WHEN THE WOMAN SAW THAT THE FRUIT OF THE TREE WAS GOOD FOR FOOD AND PLEASING TO THE EYE, AND ALSO DESIRABLE FOR GAINING WISDOM, SHE TOOK SOME AND ATE IT. SHE ALSO GAVE SOME TO HER HUSBAND, WHO WAS WITH HER, AND HE ATE IT. SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:7 7. THEN THE EYES OF THEM WERE OPENED, AND THEY REALIZED THEY WERE NAKED; SO THEY SEWED FIG LEAVES TOGETHER AND MADE COVERINGS FOR THEMSELVES. SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:8 8. THEN THE MAN AND HIS WIFE HEARD THE SOUNDS OF THE LORD GOD AS HE WAS WALKING IN THE GARDEN IN THE COOL OF THE DAY, AND THEY HID FROM THE LORD GOD AMONG THE TREES OF THE GARDEN. SCRIPTURE GENESIS 3:9 9. BUT THE LORD GOD CALLED TO THE MAN, “WHERE ARE YOU?' The New English Bible describes them as "full of gloom." THEY WERE NOT EXPECTING HIM- DISCIPLES WEREN'T- MARY MAGDALENE DIDN'T 2ND TIME SAME DAY- DIDN'T RECOGNIZE HIM SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE: JESUS TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM WITH THEIR BELIEF WAS MORE IN THEIR HEART THAN IN THEIR HEAD. WE OFTEN THINK THE MAIN OBSTACLES TO BELIEF ARE IN THE HEAD, BUT THEY ARE ACTUALLY IN THE HEART. SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:28 28. “AS THEY APPROACHED THE VILLAGE TO WHICH THEY WERE GOING, JESUS CONTINUED ON AS IF HE WERE GOING FARTHER. (APPARENTLY WAST GONNA STAY) SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:29 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. JESUS WON'T FORCE HIMSELF STAYS WHERE INVITED WHEN TWO SAINTS ARE TALKING TOGETHER, JESUS IS VERY LIKELY TO COME AND MAKE THE THIRD ONE IN THE COMPANY. TALK OF HIM, AND YOU WILL SOON TALK WITH HIM, “SPURGEON SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:30 30. WHEN HE WAS AT THE TABLE WITH THEM, HE TOOK BREAD AND BROKE IT AND BEGAN TO GIVE IT TO THEM. SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:31 31. THEN THEIR EYES OPENED AND THEY RECOGNIZED HIM, AND HE DISAPPEARED FROM THEIR SIGHT. SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:32 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?” V 27- AND BEGINNING WITH MOSES AND ALL THE PROPHETS, HE EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT WAS SAID AND IN ALL THE SCRIPTURES CONCERNING HIMSELF IMAGINE THAT CONVERSATION- THAT TEACHING? SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:33 33. THEY GOT UP RETURNED AT ONCE TO JERUSALEM. THERE THEY FOUND THE ELEVEN AND THOSE WITH THEM, ASSEMBLED TOGETHER. WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER JESUS- YOU GO WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER JESUS YOU SHARE SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:34 34. AND SAYING “IT IS TRUE! THE LORD HAS RISEN AND HAS APPEARED TO SIMON.” SCRIPTURE LUKE 24:35 35. THEN THE TWO TOLD WHAT HAD HAPPENED ON THE WAY, AND HOW JESUS WAS RECOGNIZED BY THEM WHEN HE BROKE THE BREAD.” LEONARD SWEET They recognized him when he broke the bread Cleopas- companion DIDN'T keep their experience to themselves -told it to the others. Jesus seems to care well for all people- especially ones who are walking in the wrong direction. COMMUNION GOOD FRIDAY STARTED AT THE TABLEAT THE TABLE AGAIN WETHER A MEAL OR COMMUNION? TODAY WE OFFER TWO WAYS TO ENCOUNTER HIM ONE THROUGH THESE ELEMENTS- TWO THROUGH PRAYER 30So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' “ 32Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34“Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” 35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. This food won't keep your body alive. It won't keep your stomach from growling or your throat from being thirsty. This food isn't designed to sustain the body, it's designed to sustain the soul. It's designed to help you be in constant communion with the One who created you, and the One who redeemed you. This food is to nourish the soul. MATTHEW 26:26-28 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO PRAY TODAY YOU NEED AN ENCOUTNER WITH HIM A FRESH ENCOUNTER WITH HIM- YOU COULD ASK SOMEONE TO COME AND PRAY - OR WE HAVE A FEW PEOPLE WHO WILL PRAY WITH YOU/FOR YOU
https://www.bible.com/events/49592769 Church of the Nazarene - East Rockingham Campus Encounters Part 3 The Emmaus Road encounter Today we continue in our Easter teaching series called Encounters. We are looking at different stories in the bible where people personally encounter Jesus. Today we are looking at Jesus' encounter with two disciples walking down the Emmaus Road What did this encounter mean for them? What can we learn for our lives today? Luke 24:13-16 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. In Lukes Gospel, this is the first post-resurrection encounter of Jesus. As they are walking along, the text says they were discussing everything that had happened. The language here indicates this more than a casual discussion- it was one of passion and perhaps even debate. Disillusioned and confused, they start walking away- trying to sort it all out as they go down the road. And that's when Jesus shows up. Luke 24:17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. The weight they were carrying becomes clear as Jesus invites himself into their conversation. Literally the emotion, the burden of what has just taken place is written all over their face. Luke 24:18-21 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?” “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. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 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. In the Jewish tradition, 3 days after death was the point of no return- death was final at that point. For these disciples, it was more than Jesus that was dead- their hope of him overthrowing the Roman's and returning the nation of Israel to a place of prominence and freedom was over too. What they had focused on, what they thought was sure to come, what they were excited about- was over. It didn't come, and seemingly never would. Have you ever been there? Luke 24:22-24 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” Luke 24:25-27 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. Jesus continues the conversation with some stiff words- calling out their resistance to believing all that was written about Jesus. It's interesting here- Jesus doesn't go after them for not believing his own teaching, or his own words about his identity and resurrection. He doesn't even rebuke them for not believing the testimony of the women, or the other disciples, or even the empty tomb itself. He calls them out because they have not believed what the word of God, the bible said about him. Luke 24:28-29 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 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. Jesus was willing to walk a little while with these disciples as they were walking away. But he stayed with them because they asked. Luke 24:30-32 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 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?” One encounter is all it took and their hearts were aflame with hope. The scriptures and the stories they couldn't figure out, were now alive and right in front of them. And their hearts were on fire. All of the information, the questions, the thoughts they had about Jesus, came alive in the person of Jesus, right before their eyes. This was the encounter that changed everything for these two disciples. Luke 11:9-13 “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. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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!” We know from this encounter story that Jesus is alive. We know that he is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan according to the scriptures. And he is still encountering people who are seeking him in the every day events of life. The question that remains for us is simply this: Will you look for Jesus, right here? Here in the everyday moments and needs of your life? Will you ask, seek, and knock for an encounter with Jesus himself?
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