Podcasts about my lord

How You Respond to Jesus, In Your Earthly Life, Will Determine How You Are Judged By Jesus MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus claimed to be the unique, divine Son of God; therefore, Jesus is on an equal footing with God. Jesus said that He would one day judge the world. How you respond to Jesus, in your life, will determine how you are judged. The Apostle John summarizes, in John 20:27-29, the interchange between Jesus and the Apostle Thomas when Thomas realizes who Jesus, the man that he had been following for years, is: “Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe' Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”. You, as follower of Jesus, have not seen Jesus or His wounds. Therefore, do you believe through your faith; and are you able, by your faith, to say: “My Lord and my God!”? If not, why not?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, you know how difficult it is for me to be in silence before you. At times it feels almost impossible, given the demands, distractions, and noise all around me. I invite you to lead me to a quiet, silent place before you — to a place where I can hear you as Elijah did. In Jesus' name, amen.     Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 123). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Inadequacy. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Abundance. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; Psalms 70:1-5. WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Being in Christ, Part 4”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” John 14:27So how does the peace that Jesus gives you differ from the apparent peace that the world gives? We all want peace in life. The desire for interior peace is written upon our very nature. And though many people make choices that lead to interior disorder and even chaos, those choices are often made out of a confused sense of what actually provides fulfillment.For example, those who choose to feed an addiction to drugs or alcohol often began that addiction out of a misguided desire for happiness. The temporary fix experienced gives the temporary sense of well-being. But objectively speaking, it is very clear that the temporary “peace” one receives from these actions leads ultimately to a loss of the very thing they desire. And when these choices become addictions, the person often finds themself trapped in a downward spiral.There are also countless other ways in which people find themselves seeking satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Money, promiscuity, cheating, selfishness, anger, deception, and the like are all actions that are done with the intent of some satisfaction. Our daily goal must be to unmask those deceptive actions so that we can see them for what they are and for the fruit that they produce. These are clearly among the many ways that the “world” offers us peace.When it comes to true happiness in life, the gift of true interior peace is one of the clearest signs that we are on the right track and are making the right decisions. When we choose the will of God each and every day, those choices may be difficult and require much initial sacrifice. Love can be hard. Faithfulness to the moral law of God can be challenging. And refusing to sin is difficult. But choosing the will of God throughout our day, every day, will begin to produce within us the consoling and sustaining gift of the peace of Christ.True peace produces strength. It leads to interior integrity and wholeness. It produces clarity of thought and certitude in convictions. God's peace leads to more peace. It leads to choices based on well-thought-out actions of love. Peace leads us to the will of God, and the will of God leads to peace. The cyclical effect is exponential and is one of the clearest guides to happiness in life. Reflect, today, upon whether you truly have peace in your heart. Do you recognize the still, strong and sustaining presence of God within your soul? Do your daily choices produce greater integrity of heart and clarity of mind? Do you find that you have joy and calm, even in the midst of life's greatest challenges? Seek out this peace, for if you do, you will be seeking out the good God Who produces this glorious gift within your heart. My Lord of true peace, You and Your holy will are the only path to the deepest fulfillment of all of my desires in life. When I make poor choices that lead to disorder and confusion, help me to turn to You with all my heart. Please unmask any deception I struggle with and give me the strength I need to seek You and Your peace alone. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Heinrich Hofmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

John Farley Pastor Teacher Sunday, May 11, 2025 "My Lord and my God." John 20:24-29 This is a tremendous account of a person coming to believe in Jesus Christ. When he returned, the other disciples kept on telling him that they had seen the Lord. He wasn't going to take their word for it. Thomas needed visual and physical evidence before he would believe. Thomas must have heard that a Roman soldier had pierced Jesus' side. John 19:32-37 But Thomas was not the only disciple who didn't believe until they saw the resurrected Jesus. Luke 24:1-11 The other ten didn't believe either - until Jesus showed them His hands and His side! John 20:19-20 The disciples came to believe in the resurrection only when confronted with clear are irrefutable evidence. John 20:26 He... for full notes: http://www.lbible.org/index.php?proc=msg&sf=vw&tid=1738

The Apostle Thomas is often called "Doubting Thomas," but that is only part of his story. We see that at one point he was the "Fearless Thomas" - urging the other disciples to join him in going to Jerusalem and dying with him. At another point he was the "Inquiring Thomas," asking Jesus to show the way to the place he was going. He clung to unbelief during that first week after Christ's resurrection because he had not been at that initial appearance of Christ among the disciples. But then Jesus appeared again when Thomas was with the disciples and he told Thomas to throw aside his unbelief and come forward to touch the wounds he bore from the cross. At that point Thomas saw, believed, and confessed, "My Lord and God!" Jesus' word to the church from then on is, "Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed."

The third theme, besides sincerity and wanting to help others, that's so prominent in Prahlāda's prayers is that he said, "My Lord," when he's right in front of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, he says, "I just want to serve my spiritual master." Kṛṣṇa has appeared for him. He's right in front of him, and he doesn't say, "I'll serve You, my Lord." He said, "I'll serve my spiritual master to serve You." And that mood of being the servant of the servant, servant of the servant, he said, "Nārada Muni saved me. My spiritual master saved me. So how could I ever forget his service?" What's the verse? Say it loud. Evaṁ janaṁ nipatitaṁ prabhavāhi-kūpe kāmābhikāmam anu yaḥ prapatan prasaṅgāt kṛtvātmasāt surarṣiṇā bhagavan gṛhītaḥ so 'haṁ kathaṁ nu visṛje tava bhṛtya-sevām (SB 7.9.28) 'Bhṛtya,' I'll be the servant of my spiritual master. "How I was falling into a blind well full of snakes, but my spiritual master saved me from this. That's His mercy that I can see You." So he offers himself to a spiritual master. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

My Lord and my God

Resurrection Sunday! (Sunday, 20th April 2025)1 The Stone was removed for our sake. John 20:12. The disciples were not expecting the resurrection. John 20:2 - 53. The dawning of faith. John 20:6-84. Hearing is believing. John 20:15-165. Seeing is believing John 20:19-20 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

The message explores the story of Thomas, often labeled "doubting Thomas," to challenge the notion that doubt is the opposite of faith. ​ Instead, it argues that indifference, not doubt, is the true opposite of faith. ​ Doubt is presented as a divine invitation to deeper understanding and connection with God. ​ Using examples from scripture, including Thomas, David, Moses, and even Jesus, the speaker emphasizes that questioning and wrestling with doubt are integral to the journey of faith. ​ Jesus does not reprimand Thomas for his doubt but invites him to experience and believe, leading Thomas to proclaim Jesus as "My Lord and my God." ​ Will Dyer encourages embracing doubt as an opportunity for growth and joy, urging believers to bring their questions and struggles to God, who is big enough to meet them in their uncertainties. ​

Don't Let Doubt Define or Defeat You | Restored & Sent Have you ever felt like your questions and doubts disqualify you from faith? You're not alone. The reality is that doubt is something virtually all Christians experience at some point in their faith journey. We'll challenge the one-dimensional view of "Doubting Thomas" by revealing six dimensions of his faith journey that are often overlooked. Through Thomas's story in the Gospel of John, we discover a disciple who was: 1. Willing to Sacrifice - When others hesitated to follow Jesus into danger, Thomas boldly declared, "Let us also go that we may die with him" (John 11:16) 2. Prepared to Follow - Even when uncertain of the destination, Thomas honestly asked questions to better understand and follow Jesus 3. Fully Honest - Rather than pretending to believe, Thomas expressed his doubts openly 4. Supported with Evidence - Jesus didn't rebuke Thomas for his questions but provided the evidence he needed 5. Stronger Than He Gets Credit For - Thomas made one of the strongest confessions of faith in scripture: "My Lord and my God!" 6. A Faith That Spreads to Others - Thomas's journey from doubt to conviction continues to help countless believers You'll walk away with a new perspective to never allow a season of doubt to limit your future walk with and effectiveness for Jesus. God is big enough to handle your questions and has given us all the evidence we need. Whether you're currently wrestling with questions or walking alongside someone who is, this message offers practical hope that doubt can be a doorway to deeper belief rather than a dead end. Speaker: Matt Petty Series: Restored & Sent Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube (https://youtu.be/bmYIA3ZkY-g) ° Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist/) ° Visit our website (https://www.burnthickory.com/)

When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”?  MESSAGE SUMMARY: The stories of the New Testament tell us that Jesus was no ordinary man. The Apostle John, in John 1:1-5, points out that Jesus, the Word, was the Creator of the Universe: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.". John tells us that Jesus had authority over nature, over creation, and over life itself, and he tells us that Jesus was the life-giver that came to earth for us. In John 20:26-29, Jesus asked the Apostle Thomas a fundamental question that Jesus asks you today– “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me?'”: “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”. When Jesus has asked you: “Whom do you say that I am?”, and how did you answer? Did you tell Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”? Have you, in your life, become a Jesus Follower? If not, why not   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-18; Isaiah 7:2-14; Matthew 1:21-24; Psalms 67:1-7. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Being in Christ, Part 2” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

I believe Dallas Willard used to say, “a good practice was to doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs”; doubt your doubts, believe your beliefs. And when we stay immersed in Christian community, even in the midst of our doubts, that's a good way to do that. Because of course, by staying in community, right, the next time Jesus shows up, Thomas was there, and he was able to encounter the risen Christ. And when he did, he was willing to be wrong. When he sees Jesus, he bows at his feet and declares him "My Lord and my God." No doubt about it, I think if we're honest, we'd have to admit that sometimes we get stuck in our doubts because we don't want the humiliation of having to say, "I was wrong." Sometimes it's just safer to say, "I don't believe."

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. John 20:24-31: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Order of Service: - Prelude - Hymn 340 - Alleluia! Jesus Lives!: vv. 1, 2, 4, 6 (children's choir sings v. 1) - John 20:24-31: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. - Devotion - Oh, Yes, Lord Jesus Lives: Children's Choir - The Lord's Prayer (p. 53) - Hymn 378 - Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice: vv. 1, 2, 4, 5 - Blessing - Postlude Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Laura Matzke (Organist), Kari Sehloff (Choir Director), Mt. Olive Lutheran School Students (Choral Group)

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John 20:19-31On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”But he said to them,“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nailmarksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again insideand Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,and bring your hand and put it into my side,and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciplesthat are not written in this book.But these are written that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

John 20:19-31On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”But he said to them,“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nailmarksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again insideand Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,and bring your hand and put it into my side,and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciplesthat are not written in this book.But these are written that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

John 20:19-31On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”But he said to them,“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nailmarksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again insideand Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,and bring your hand and put it into my side,and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciplesthat are not written in this book.But these are written that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

John 20:19-31On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”But he said to them,“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nailmarksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again insideand Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,and bring your hand and put it into my side,and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciplesthat are not written in this book.But these are written that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Read OnlineNicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.”  John 3:9–11As we reflected upon yesterday, Nicodemus is one of the only Pharisees who ultimately converted, became a follower of Jesus, and is today considered a saint. The only other Pharisees who were recorded by name as converts to Christianity were Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Acts 15:5 also indicates that some other Pharisees ultimately converted.When the many encounters between Jesus and the Pharisees are considered as a whole, it's clear that there was great resistance among them toward Jesus and His teaching. They were constantly seeking to trap Him and, of course, ultimately were responsible for His death, along with other leading religious leaders from the Sanhedrin. For that reason, it's easy to understand that there must have been great pressure upon all the Pharisees to reject Jesus. Each one of them would have felt the power of peer pressure to act in accord with the general view of Jesus' condemnation. This is the context of this passage above in which Nicodemus questions Jesus. This passage continues yesterday's Gospel conversation in which Jesus says clearly to Nicodemus that the way to Heaven is to be “born from above.” Nicodemus questions how one can “be born again,” and then Jesus issues this apparent criticism of Him quoted above.It's helpful to understand that Jesus' criticism was not a condemnation of Nicodemus. It was not in the tone of His normal “Woe to you…” statements; rather, it was a gentle but very direct challenge to Nicodemus so as to move him from his questions to faith. And that's the key. Nicodemus did not come to Jesus to trap and condemn Him like the other Pharisees did. Nicodemus came because he was confused. And most likely, he was confused because he felt great peer pressure from his fellow Pharisees to condemn Jesus.Understanding this context should help us understand not only the goodness and courage of Nicodemus but also the loving boldness of Jesus. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was open. He knew that Nicodemus could be won over. But Jesus also knew that Nicodemus needed to be challenged in a direct and firm way. He needed a bit of a “holy push” so as to enter into the gift of faith. Of course, Jesus' challenge ultimately won Nicodemus over.Reflect, today, upon any way in which you, too, need a “holy push” from our Lord. What form of worldly pressure do you experience in life? Do friends, neighbors, family members or co-workers impose upon you in some way a peer pressure that is contrary to the life of true holiness? If so, ponder the ultimate courage of Nicodemus, Saint Paul and Gamaliel. Let their witness inspire you and allow our Lord to challenge you where you need it the most so that you, too, will receive the “holy push” that you need to be a more faithful follower of Jesus.My Lord of all strength, You are unwavering in Your determination to challenge me in the area that I need it the most. Help me to receive Your gentle rebukes of love when I am weak so that I will have the courage and strength I need to be a faithful follower of You. Give me clarity and understanding, dear Lord, and help me to overcome the misleading pressures of the world. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: John La Farge, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

April 27, 2025. Fr. Tyler's homily for Divine Mercy Sunday. Enjoy! Gospel John 20:19-31 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Jesus Appears to Thomas24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 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.”26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 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.”28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Reading IActs 5:12-16Many signs and wonders were done among the peopleat the hands of the apostles.They were all together in Solomon's portico.None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them.Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord,great numbers of men and women, were added to them.Thus they even carried the sick out into the streetsand laid them on cots and matsso that when Peter came by,at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them.A large number of people from the townsin the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered,bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits,and they were all cured.Reading IIRevelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19I, John, your brother, who share with youthe distress, the kingdom, and the endurance we have in Jesus,found myself on the island called Patmosbecause I proclaimed God's word and gave testimony to Jesus.I was caught up in spirit on the Lord's dayand heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, which said,“Write on a scroll what you see.”Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me,and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstandsand in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man,wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest.When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead.He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid.I am the first and the last, the one who lives.Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.I hold the keys to death and the netherworld.Write down, therefore, what you have seen,and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.”GospelJohn 20:19-31On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”But he said to them,“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nailmarksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again insideand Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,and bring your hand and put it into my side,and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciplesthat are not written in this book.But these are written that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

A sermon for Easter 3, April 27, 2025   John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.(English Standard Version)

My Lord and my God

John 20:19-31   When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”But he said to them,“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his handsand put my finger into the nailmarksand put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again insideand Thomas was with them.Jesus came, although the doors were locked,and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,and bring your hand and put it into my side,and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciplesthat are not written in this book.But these are written that you may come to believethat Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor Referenced Scripture: John 11:16, John 20:24-29, Matthew 28:17-17 Reflection Questions:1. Our doubts are often disappointments in disguise. Are there any disappointments that are defining your experience? 2. Thomas was honest enough with himself and the other disciples that he was disappointed with the resurrection. Do you have a group of people you can be that vulnerable with? 3. Read and underline Matthew 28:16-17. What does it tell us about the heart of God that he put the keys to the kingdom in the shaky hands of people who were something less than certain? 4. Thomas cries out “My Lord and My God” after his interaction with the risen Jesus. Do you believe, or are you willing to believe that there is a loving God who is greater than yourself who wants to have a relationship with you? 5. Scripture shows us, in people like Thomas and Abraham, how the process of revealing both our trust and lack of trust stretches our faith. Where have you been demanding certainty (around a decision, a course of action, or a future uncertainty) where God might be using “strategic ambiguity” to grow you more? 6. What have you been taught, or assumed, that doesn't make sense or causes you to keep your distance from God? 7. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection reveal he always makes the first step towards being all in for you and I. What step might he be inviting you to take this today? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman 

Happy Divine Mercy Sunday! On this 8th day of Easter, we dive into the Gospel of Doubting Thomas—and discover a deeper call to faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.   Do you ever question like Thomas? Do you ever wonder if Jesus is truly there? In today's reflection, we see how Thomas' doubt became one of the greatest professions of faith: “My Lord and my God.” And how we can bring that same faith to every Mass.  

1. Tim juxtaposed religion that packages the cross and resurrection with certitude, as a solution for the puzzle of our “sin problem” and a faith that engages with the cross and resurrection as “a mystery of how God can be born into the world through us.” He discussed the ways in which this happens on both personal and societal levels. We lack insights that, in our present form, are simply beyond us, so God is always leading us toward something deeper. As a group, generate a list of some of the ways in which you think that, as a society, we are lacking the insight we need to address places and things that simply aren't working for us anymore. How do you know those are places where we, as a society, lack the insight and wisdom we need? How can they be identified? 2. Tim taught that the cross and resurrection help show us that in order for new things to be born, we have to let go of old ideas that we are attached to, that feel like they're a part of us. Do you have experiences of this principle at work in your own life? Share any examples of times in which you recognize that, in order to survive and thrive, you had to let your old way of being die, so that something new could be born. Continuing this theme, Tim talked about how, Thomas sat in fidelity with his friends, even though he doubted their story of Jesus' resurrection, and that this mysterious space prepared him for the ability to see all new possibilities once he did finally encounter Jesus for himself. (This idea is connected to the fact that Thomas, after his encounter, was the first to recognize and declare Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” )Reflecting back on the examples you just shared about places of death and rebirth in your own life, can you identify any new insights and visions of possibility made possible through those experiences? 3. Shifting back to some of the societal challenges the group identified in the first question, spaces in which society lacks the insight to move forward and address our challenges, which ideas do you think that you, personally, are attached to that might need to die in order to create opportunity for new birth and life in our society? As we collectively sit in places of longing to know, while not knowing, Tim taught that we have to trust God in the mystery…that that's the life of faith that leads to new life. What do you think of this idea in the practical? How does it work? What does it look like? If you're “doing it,” what does that mean?? How do you feel about the prospect of allowing death to come for ideas you've held as part of yourself and identity that may need to die? What feelings and spaces of resistance arise for you?

John 20:19-31When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. All across the country—and the world, for that matter—congregations are hearing sermons on Pope Francis, as they should. In fact, I am certain Lutherans will have not preached this much about a pope since the days of the Reformation! I am also certain today's sermons speak much kinder of the Pope than Luther, who called the pope of his day a sewer of wickedness and the antichrist. Today, there will be none of that. Pastors of all denominations are lifting up Pope Francis' advocacy on migration, environmentalism, and reform in the Catholic Church. Many will praise him for his efforts to empower women and his more open posture toward the LGBTQ faithful. Others will highlight the simple lifestyle Francis chose, long before he became pope. In Argentina, when he was known by his birth name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he eschewed the opulence of the bishop's palace, choosing instead to live in a modest apartment. He cooked his own meals, regularly visited the slums of Buenos Aires, and took public transportation. People regularly saw the archbishop on the bus. It wasn't just about frugality—it was about solidarity. He wanted to live close to the people he served. He was a shepherd who smelled like his sheep.This commitment continued when he became pope. In 2013, Francis declined the luxurious papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, choosing instead a two-room suite in a guesthouse for clergy visiting the Vatican. Breaking a century-old tradition, Francis said, “I am not used to opulence. is good for me and prevents me from being isolated.”Even yesterday, at his funeral, Francis was placed in a simple wooden box, not the traditional triple casket. His final resting place at St. Mary Major has no grand tomb, no ornate inscription—just a plain headstone with the name "Francis." A quiet, fitting end to a life marked by humility, service, and downward mobility.How fitting it is, then, that Francis' death coincides with the story of Thomas, because both Francis and Thomas were deeply familiar with the wounds of Jesus. Usually when we hear this story from John, we focus on Thomas' doubt. We jump to his defense—saying we all want proof, all want what others have received. But today, what stands out to me is Thomas' courage and Jesus' graciousness. How gracious it is for Jesus to offer his wounds to Thomas, to provide exactly what his faith needs. It's as if Jesus says, “If it's my wounds Thomas needs to believe, then it's my wounds I will give.”It is a remarkable grace—to show someone your wounds, to put on display the very thing that inflicted pain, to reveal the reminders of rejection. Yet Jesus doesn't stop there. He invites Thomas to touch them. That is grace upon grace.And it works.Thomas doesn't simply see the wounds and say yes, Jesus has risen. Thomas goes further in both deed and word than all the other disciples. I imagine his fingers trembling as he touched the still-scabbing nail marks. His hand must have shook as he reached into the spear-sized hole in Jesus' side. And then, only after entering the wounds, Thomas says the deepest confession of faith yet uttered in the Gospel.: "My Lord and my God!"Not just master, not just teacher— my God.Jesus is revealed not through strength but through weakness. Not in greatness but in meekness. It's not a miracle of abundance, not a sign of divine power, but wounds that lead to worship. Seeing the wounds, the disciples recognize Jesus. Touching the wounds, Thomas' faith is born anew.Francis understood this. He knew that if he wanted to encounter the risen Christ, he needed to find and touch Christ's wounds just as Thomas did. In one homily, Francis said:"How can I find the wounds of Jesus today? I cannot see them as Thomas saw them. But I can find them in doing works of mercy and in giving to the bodies of our injured siblings in Christ, for they are hungry, thirsty, naked, humiliated, in prison, in hospitals. These are the wounds of Jesus in our day."This wasn't something Pope Francis merely preached about. He embodied this, too.Early in his papacy, he traveled to Lampedusa to mourn migrants lost at sea and decry the "globalization of indifference." In war-torn Bangui, he entered a besieged Muslim neighborhood to preach peace, declaring Christians and Muslims brothers and sisters. In Bangladesh, he met with Rohingya refugees, embraced their suffering, and called them "the presence of God today."But perhaps the most moving example is this: That is Pope Francis doing a video call through WhatsApp with the only catholic church in the Gaza strip. What's remarkable is that Francis has called that community every night at 7pm since the third day of the war. Anton, the spokesperson of the congregation, said “the pope would always ask how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured?" Was anyone injured? Even from a video call, Francis did his best to enter their wounds, to see suffering, to understand the pain they were enduring, that they continue to endure. And he did this every night, no matter how busy he was or where he was, telling them he was praying for them. I imagine the community on the other end of the call did in fact show the pope their wounds, like when bombs fell on the attached school, killing six Christians sheltering there. Or in these last eight weeks while no humanitarian aid has been allowed in and people have died from starvation and disease.Anton says the pope's final call came on Saturday, two days before he died. Francis told them he was praying for them and said he needed their prayers. "He told us not to worry as he would always be there for us," Anton said. "He was with us until his last breath."It is not our inclination to look at wounds, let alone touch them. We tend to look away from pain, suffering, and death. Yet the story of Jesus and Thomas, and the example of Francis, invite us to do just the opposite.And I get it—looking away is easy, even necessary sometimes. All the hurt and injustice can feel overwhelming, paralyzing even. But to have the option to look away is a privilege many do not have. The invitation Jesus gave Thomas is the same invitation given to us: reach out your hand. Touch the wounds.I know we aren't the pope. We can't just call someone in Gaza or travel to the war-torn places of the world. But are there not wounds here, among us? Like in our neighbors grieving losses we don't always see. In young people fighting battles with anxiety and loneliness. In the elderly who sit in nursing homes, too often forgotten. In the struggling families trying to make rent here in Central Indiana. The wounds of Jesus are in the growing homeless population in downtown Indianapolis. They are in the food pantries and shelters that are stretched thin, even in our own backyard. They are in the racial and economic divides that persist right here in central Indiana.Friends, the invitation Jesus gave to Thomas — "Reach out your hand and touch" — is the same invitation he gives to us. To draw near. To notice. To listen. To show up.So where, in your daily life, is Jesus inviting you to touch a wound? - In the coworker going through a divorce? - In the friend who's been quiet for too long? - In the neighbor who just lost a job?And for the wounds across the world: stay informed. Pray. Vote. Protest. Give generously. Stand against oppression that causes such suffering. Only when we are familiar with the wounds and what causes them can we do something about them.And Though your fingers may tremble and your hands may shake as you do it, you are reaching out to Jesus himself. And there—in the trembling, in the reaching—we find him.The risen and living Christ, our Lord and our God. Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter The First Lesson Acts 5:27-32 When the temple police had brought the apostles, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." The Psalm Psalm 118:14-29 Confitemini Domino 14 The Lord is my strength and my song, * and he has become my salvation. 15 There is a sound of exultation and victory * in the tents of the righteous: 16 "The right hand of the Lord has triumphed! *the right hand of the Lord is exalted! the right hand of the Lord has triumphed!" 17 I shall not die, but live, * and declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord has punished me sorely, * but he did not hand me over to death. 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the Lord. 20 "This is the gate of the Lord; * he who is righteous may enter." 21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation. 22 The same stone which the builders rejected * has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord'S doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 On this day the Lord has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! * Lord, send us now success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; * we bless you from the house of the Lord. 27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; * form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar. 28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; * you are my God, and I will exalt you." 29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever. or Psalm 150 Laudate Dominum 1 Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy temple; * praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts; * praise him for his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the blast of the ram's-horn; * praise him with lyre and harp. 4 Praise him with timbrel and dance; * praise him with strings and pipe. 5 Praise him with resounding cymbals; * praise him with loud-clanging cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath * praise the Lord. Hallelujah! The New Testament Revelation 1:4-8 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. The Gospel John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

19 Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you.Cum ergo sero esset die illo, una sabbatorum, et fores essent clausae, ubi erant discipuli congregati propter metum Judaeorum : venit Jesus, et stetit in medio, et dixit eis : Pax vobis. 20 And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.Et cum hoc dixisset, ostendit eis manus et latus. Gavisi sunt discipuli, viso Domino. 21 He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you.Dixit ergo eis iterum : Pax vobis. Sicut misit me Pater, et ego mitto vos. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost.Haec cum dixisset, insufflavit, et dixit eis : Accipite Spiritum Sanctum : 23 Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.quorum remiseritis peccata, remittuntur eis : et quorum retinueritis, retenta sunt. 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.Thomas autem unus ex duodecim, qui dicitur Didymus, non erat cum eis quando venit Jesus. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.Dixerunt ergo ei alii discipuli : Vidimus Dominum. Ille autem dixit eis : Nisi videro in manibus ejus fixuram clavorum, et mittam digitum meum in locum clavorum, et mittam manum meam in latus ejus, non credam. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you.Et post dies octo, iterum erant discipuli ejus intus, et Thomas cum eis. Venit Jesus januis clausis, et stetit in medio, et dixit : Pax vobis. 27 Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.Deinde dicit Thomae : Infer digitum tuum huc, et vide manus meas, et affer manum tuam, et mitte in latus meum : et noli esse incredulus, sed fidelis. 28 Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God.Respondit Thomas, et dixit ei : Dominus meus et Deus meus. 29 Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed.Dixit ei Jesus : Quia vidisti me, Thoma, credidisti : beati qui non viderunt, et crediderunt. 30 Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book.Multa quidem et alia signa fecit Jesus in conspectu discipulorum suorum, quae non sunt scripta in libro hoc. 31 But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.Haec autem scripta sunt ut credatis, quia Jesus est Christus Filius Dei : et ut credentes, vitam habeatis in nomine ejus.

19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”   24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”   26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”   30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. 

In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers from John 20:27 on how Thomas made the decision to go from unbelieving to believing with an encounter with Jesus. We can also go from unbelieving to believing with an encounter with Jesus so in turn we will be an overcomer. Scripture: John 20:27 - Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers from John 20:27 on how Thomas made the decision to go from unbelieving to believing with an encounter with Jesus. We can also go from unbelieving to believing with an encounter with Jesus so in turn we will be an overcomer. Scripture: John 20:27 - Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers

Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

A Biblical Exposition on the Bodily Resurrection of Christ: Its Meaning for the World and the Believer   The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, a historical and theological truth that reverberates through time, shaping the destiny of humanity and the hope of every believer. The resurrection is not merely a symbolic or spiritual event but a physical, bodily reality that validates Christ's identity as the Son of God, secures salvation for believers, and guarantees the future resurrection of all who trust in Him. Today we will explore the biblical teaching on Christ's resurrection, its implications for the world and the believer, the consequences if Christ had not risen (as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15), and the hope of our future resurrection grounded in His triumph over death   I. The Fact of Christ's Bodily Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a well-attested historical event, recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20–21) and affirmed throughout the New Testament. It was not a hallucination, a spiritual metaphor, or a myth, but a physical reality witnessed by many. John 20:27–29 “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”   Jesus' invitation to Thomas to touch His wounds demonstrates the physicality of His resurrected body. This was no ghost or vision; Christ's body bore the marks of crucifixion, yet He was alive, speaking, and interacting. Thomas's response, “My Lord and my God,” reflects the magnificent weight of the resurrection: it confirms Jesus' deity and lordship.  The blessing pronounced on those who believe without seeing extends the resurrection's significance to all believers across generations, calling us to faith in the testimony of Scripture. Luke 24:39–40 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”   Jesus explicitly counters any notion that His resurrection was merely spiritual. His body was tangible, composed of “flesh and bones,” yet glorified, able to transcend physical limitations (e.g., appearing in locked rooms, John 20:19). The continuity of His body (bearing crucifixion scars) and its transformation (no longer subject to death) reveal the nature of the resurrection body—both physical and glorified. This is the prototype for the believer's future resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”   Paul's summary of the gospel emphasizes the resurrection as a historical fact, corroborated by multiple eyewitnesses. The appearances to Peter, the apostles, over 500 brethren, James, and Paul himself provide overwhelming testimony. The phrase “of whom the greater part remain unto this present” invites scrutiny, as living witnesses could be questioned at the time of Paul's writing.  The resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecy (“according to the scriptures,” e.g., Psalm 16:10), anchoring it in God's redemptive plan.   II. The Significance of Christ's Resurrection for the World The resurrection of Christ is not an isolated event but a cosmic turning point with implications for all creation. It declares God's victory over sin, death, and Satan, and it reshapes the world's destiny.       Romans 1:4 “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”   The resurrection is God's public declaration of Jesus' divine sonship. It validates His claims to be the Messiah and the Son of God, distinguishing Him from all other religious figures. For the world, this means Jesus is the rightful Lord and Judge (Acts 17:31). The resurrection demands a response: acceptance of Christ's lordship or rejection, with eternal consequences.   Acts 17:30–31 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”   The resurrection establishes Jesus as the appointed Judge of all humanity. God's command to repent is universal, and the resurrection serves as “assurance” (proof) of Christ's authority.  For the world, this is both a warning and an invitation: judgment is coming, but salvation is offered through faith in the risen Christ. The resurrection thus reorients human history toward accountability to God. Colossians 2:15 “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”   The resurrection is Christ's triumph over demonic powers. His death disarmed Satan's hold over humanity through sin (Hebrews 2:14–15), and His resurrection publicly humiliated the forces of darkness.  For the world, this means the power of evil is broken, and Christ's kingdom is advancing, ultimately culminating in the restoration of all creation (Romans 8:21).   III. The Significance of Christ's Resurrection for the Believer For believers, the resurrection is the foundation of salvation, sanctification, and eternal hope. It assures us of justification, empowers us for holy living, and guarantees our future resurrection. Romans 4:25 “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”   Christ's resurrection is integral to our justification. His death paid the penalty for sin, but His resurrection confirms that God accepted His sacrifice. Because Christ lives, believers are declared righteous before God, forgiven, and reconciled. This is the bedrock of the believer's assurance: our standing with God is secure because Christ is risen.   Romans 6:4–5 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”   The resurrection empowers believers to live transformed lives. Through union with Christ, symbolized in baptism, we share in His death to sin and His resurrection to new life. This “newness of life” is not merely future but present, enabling us to overcome sin and live for God's glory. The promise of sharing in “the likeness of his resurrection” points to our future glorified bodies, but it also assures us of spiritual vitality now.     1 Peter 1:3–4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”   The resurrection gives believers a “lively hope”—a confident expectation of eternal life. Christ's triumph over death secures our inheritance in heaven, which is imperishable and guaranteed by His resurrection.  This hope sustains believers through trials, knowing that our future is as certain as Christ's empty tomb. We do not clench a crucifix around our neck, or cling to a catechism, or a ritual— we are clinched in the hands of God through the resurrected Christ.   IV. The Consequences If Christ Had Not Risen (1 Corinthians 15) In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses the Corinthian church's doubts about the resurrection, arguing that denying the resurrection of believers undermines the resurrection of Christ Himself. He outlines the devastating consequences if Christ had not risen. 1 Corinthians 15:12–19 “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”   Paul's logic is airtight: if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen, and the entire Christian faith collapses.    He lists the consequences: Preaching is vain (v. 14): The gospel message, centered on Christ's death and resurrection, would be empty and powerless. Evangelism would be a lie. Faith is vain (v. 14, 17): Belief in Christ would be futile, offering no salvation. Believers would remain “yet in your sins,” unforgiven and under God's wrath. Apostles are false witnesses (v. 15): The apostolic testimony, including Paul's own, would be a fabrication, making them liars about God's work. The dead in Christ are perished (v. 18): Those who died trusting in Christ would have no hope of eternal life; they are lost forever. Christians are most miserable (v. 19): If hope in Christ is limited to this life, believers who endure persecution and sacrifice for Him are pitiable fools. Paul's argument underscores the resurrection's centrality.    Without it, Christianity is a delusion, offering no forgiveness, no eternal life, and no purpose. But because Christ is risen, the opposite is true: preaching is powerful, faith is effective, the apostles are trustworthy, the dead in Christ are secure, and believers are the most blessed of all people.   V. The Hope of Our Future Resurrection The resurrection of Christ is the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20) of the resurrection of all believers. His triumph over death guarantees our future resurrection and the ultimate redemption of creation. 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.”   The term “firstfruits” implies both priority and promise. Christ's resurrection is the initial harvest, guaranteeing the full harvest of believers' resurrection at His return. Just as Adam's sin brought death to all humanity, Christ's resurrection brings life to all who are “in Christ.” This order—Christ first, then His people—assures us that our resurrection is as certain as His. Philippians 3:20–21 “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”   The believer's future resurrection involves the transformation of our mortal bodies into glorified bodies like Christ's. This is not a mere spiritual existence but a physical reality, free from corruption and suited for eternal life. Christ's resurrection body—capable of eating (Luke 24:42–43) yet unbound by physical limitations—is the model for our own. 1 Thessalonians 4:14–16 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” The resurrection of believers is directly tied to Christ's resurrection (“if we believe that Jesus died and rose again”). At His return, the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers, all transformed to meet the Lord. This hope comforts believers, especially those grieving loved ones, assuring them of reunion and eternal life.   VI. Conclusion: Our Hope Rests on Christ's Resurrection The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the Christian faith. It declares His victory over sin and death, validates His deity, secures salvation for believers, and promises the restoration of all creation. For the world, it demands repentance and faith in the risen Lord, who will return as Judge. For the believer, it assures justification, empowers holy living, and anchors our hope in an eternal inheritance.   The stark consequences outlined in 1 Corinthians 15—if Christ had not risen—highlight the resurrection's indispensability. Without it, our faith is vain, our sins remain, and our hope is lost. But because Christ is risen, our preaching is true, our faith is effective, and our future is secure. Our hope of future resurrection rests firmly on the fact of Christ's resurrection.  As the “firstfruits,” He guarantees that we, too, will rise to eternal life with glorified bodies, free from sin and death. This hope sustains us through trials, motivates us to live for Christ, and fills us with anticipation for His return.    Let us, therefore, echo the words of Job, confident in the risen Savior: Job 19:25–26 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” May we live in the power of Christ's resurrection, proclaiming His victory and awaiting the day when we shall be “fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), forever with the Lord. Amen.

Mary Magdalene goes out early in the morning to show her love for Christ. We know from Luke's gospel that she heads out with the other women to prepare Christ for burial. John records for us that she went out alone or at least he does not tell us that she is with the other women. John wants us to hear Mary's testimony alone.She runs to the disciples and reports to them that Jesus is not in the tomb. The assumption is that grave robbers have stolen him, which is not a far-fetched assumption considering her day. Peter and John race each other, and John reminds us that he is a better athlete because he arrives at the tomb first, but Peter is either foolish or highly confident because Peter runs right into the tomb without any regard for his safety. If grave robbers were in the tomb, that could have ended really badly for Peter. They notice something that Grave Robbers would never do, in fact, anyone who has teenagers knows this would be out of character, the grave clothes are folded and sorted. Why would a grave robber take time to do that? Why would a grave robber even bother to take off the linen wrapping, let alone fold it up? They realize that something magnificent has happened. They realize that Christ has been raised.Mary has encountered the resurrected Christ. She thought he was the thieving gardener. However, when she realizes it is Christ, she knows that he is her rabbi, her teacher, and her Lord. She clings to him, but she must realize that while we are called to cling to Christ, our ultimate assurance is that Christ clings to us. Christ must ascend to the Father, where he goes to prepare our eternal dwelling. Ultimately, as Christ ascends to heaven, to know that his kingdom, prophetic promises, and ultimate victory is secured. Death has been definitively defeated in Christ.The disciples might realize that Christ is risen, but it is not too long after this that we find them locked in a room. The first time Christ encounters them is on the first day of the week. He proves to him that it is Christ as they touch his hands and his side. It is 8 days later they are in the locked room once again. Thomas is there and he exclaims, “My Lord and My God!” When he realizes that Christ is raised, securing the eternal passage to glory, confirming the Lord's promises, and is definitively our shield and defender. How often do we trust the security of the locked door and fail to recall the Lord's protection of his people in Egypt, the Wilderness, in Exile, and even in the midst of the turmoil in Acts.The Lord's people never fall out of his hand, no matter what they face, even in the turmoil of martyrdom. We are one-dimensional in our view, and fail to comprehend living a life in this age while seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Praise be to God that we live in his Shalom kingdom, he is our shield and defender, and he leads us through the valley through the shadow of death. Ultimately, the turmoil we desired for ourselves in the fall, God overcame in his resurrection victory.Truly, Peace be with you! Our Lord is risen! He has overcome! His kingdom is established.

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Having betrayed Christ, the disciples lock themselves in a room out of fear of what their future holds. Jesus appears. Looking for revenge? No. He gives them the greatest gift: peace. Lars Olson explains that the peace Christ delivers is having no fear, worry, or anxiety about what is to come in the future. It is knowing that your past no longer determines what comes next for you. Jesus gives his authority to forgive sin. To deliver peace. See how that plays out with Thomas, and us today. EASTER SEASON GUIDE“Easter is not the end of the story. It's the beginning. Not the conclusion to a tragic season, but the breaking in of a new creation. Not a soft spring metaphor for fresh starts, but the announcement of a concrete, crucified, risen Christ alive for us and coming straight into our locked rooms.” Those are Pastor Mark Anderson's words describing the 7-week Season of Easter. Luther House of Study just released a week-by-week Easter Season planning guide that features planning outlines, Greek word details, sermon angles, liturgies, and hymn suggestions. Access the guide at the link in the show notes. Access the guide: https://lutherhouseofstudy.org/liturgical-year-planning-guides/ SING TO THE LORD Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and Mason Van Essen sit down with Zachary Brockhoff to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. 

Easter // The Resurrected LifePastor JF and Ashley Wilkerson1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.2 Corinthians 5:15-17 NIV 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!1. Resurrection Life Doesn't Always Look like Our Plans.Mark 14:50 NIV 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.Matthew 20:25-28 NIV 25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”Resurrection Life Doesn't Always Look Like Our Plans.Resurrection Life Doesn't Look For The Living Among The Dead.Luke 24:1-6 NIV 1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!1. Resurrection Life Doesn't Always Look Like Our Plans.2. Resurrection Life Doesn't  Look For The Living Among The Dead.3. Resurrection Life Uses Our Scars.John 20:24-28 NASB 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”1. Resurrection Life Doesn't Always Look Like Our Plans.2. Resurrection Life Doesn't  Look For The Living Among The Dead.3. Resurrection Life Uses Our Scars.

1. Mary was stuck in heartbreak John 20:11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb (NIV) John 20:13–17 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (NIV) Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV) 2. Peter was stuck in failure 3. Thomas was stuck in doubt John 20:27–28 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.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (NIV)

In this Easter Sunday message, Eric explores the most powerful sign in John's Gospel—the resurrection of Jesus. From Mary Magdalene's tearful encounter at the empty tomb to Thomas's declaration of faith, “My Lord and my God,” this sermon walks through the eyewitness moments that changed history. Eric tackles the honest doubts many have about the resurrection, asking: Did it really happen? With thoughtful evidence and personal stories, he makes the case for a living Savior who conquered death. This isn't blind faith—it's belief rooted in history, testimony, and transformation. If you've ever wondered whether it's all real, this message is for you.

Message for 04/20/2025 "Easter Sunday (Jesus Is and Still Is)" by Justin McTeer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Matthew 28:1-10 - Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don't be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. Jesus is and still is, so he's not done doing the things he does John 20:14-18 -.” She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). 17 “Don't cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven't yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” 18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. John 20:19-21 - That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” John 20:24-29 - One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Luke 24:31-33 - Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem John 21:3-9 - Simon Peter said, “I'm going fishing.” “We'll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!” So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It's the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. John 21:15-17 - After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. Revelation 1:8b - “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”

Have you ever experienced tenacious, relentless love? Mary Magdalene loved Jesus a lot. People who are forgiven much love greatly. The first to see Jesus after the resurrection, she held on to Jesus like her life depended on him. Imagine being loved that much. Ponder a love that will never let us go. What if Someone loves you like that? Message based on John 20:1-2, 11-18.Quotes: Duane Brooks: There is something about Mary Magdalene; When you lose something you go back to the place you last saw it. Duane Brooks: Mary loved a lot. Her love would not let Jesus go.Charles Spurgeon: In thinking over this subject, I have come to the conclusion that Mary Magdalene was selected to see Christ first because she loved him most. John loved Jesus much, but Mary loved him more.  John looked into the empty sepulchre, and then went away home; but Mary stood there, and wept, until her risen Lord appeared to her. Love, you know, is a keen-eyed grace. Love will look for Jesus, and discover him where none else can. Mary stayed right there.Eugene Peterson: Following Jesus doesn't get us where we want to go. It gets us to where Jesus goes, where we meet him in Resurrection surprise, “My Lord and my God.” Those who expect Easter, experience Easter. Peter Larson:  Despite our efforts to keep him out, God intrudes. The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: a virgin's womb and an empty tomb. Jesus entered our world through a door marked "No Entrance" and left through a door marked "No Exit."G. K. Chesteron: On the third day the friends of Christ coming at daybreak to the place found the grave empty and the stone rolled away. In varying ways they realized the new wonder; but even they hardly realized that the world had died in the night. What they were looking at was the first day of a new creation, with a new heaven and a new earth; and in a semblance of the gardener God walked again in the garden, in the cool not of the evening but the dawn.Herman Bavinck: The image of God is much too rich for it to be fully realized in a single human being, however richly gifted that human being may be. It can only be somewhat unfolded in its depth and riches in a humanity counting billions of members. George MacDonald:  Troubled soul, thou art not bound to feel, but thou art bound to arise. God loves thee whether thou feelest it or not. Duane Brooks: God's grip won't slip! Who is holding on to you?  The Risen Lord of Life is holding on to us to give us life. Because he is holding us, we may release all of our fears.Duane Brooks: Christ is risen truly, indeed, he is risen. And because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow. #easter #community #faith #resurrection #connectionTo discover more messages of hope go to tallowood.org/sermons/.Follow us on Instagram, X, and YouTube @tallowoodbc.Follow us on FaceBook @tallowoodbaptist

In this message, we explore the journey of Thomas—often labeled "Doubting Thomas"—and discover that doubt isn't the enemy of faith but can be a path to deeper belief. Through John 20:24-28 and supporting passages, we're reminded that questions are part of authentic faith, and Jesus meets us in our doubt with peace and truth. Don't let your doubt define you—let it refine you. Watch as we dive into the evidence, listen to eyewitnesses, and make a bold declaration: “My Lord and my God!”

In this message, we explore the journey of Thomas—often labeled "Doubting Thomas"—and discover that doubt isn't the enemy of faith but can be a path to deeper belief. Through John 20:24-28 and supporting passages, we're reminded that questions are part of authentic faith, and Jesus meets us in our doubt with peace and truth. Don't let your doubt define you—let it refine you. Watch as we dive into the evidence, listen to eyewitnesses, and make a bold declaration: “My Lord and my God!”

Read OnlineJesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area. John 8:58–59When Moses encountered God in the burning bush, God revealed His name: I AM. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that this revelation of God's name “​​is at once a name revealed and something like the refusal of a name.” It expresses that God is “infinitely above everything that we can understand or say.” He is the “hidden God.” He is also a “God who makes himself close to men” at each and every moment of our lives (See CCC #206).In our Gospel today, Jesus identifies Himself with this hidden God. He states that He alone knows His Father and that the Father glorifies Him because He is the great I AM. To the people of that time, this was a shocking revelation, at least to those who failed to comprehend this truth in faith. But that mysterious name reveals to us not only the essence of God, it also reveals how we ought to relate to this infinite, hidden, exalted and glorious God.As Jesus revealed His identity, He did not say, “before Abraham came to be, I was.” He says, “I AM.” This reveals that Jesus not only existed before Abraham, but that His existence transcends all time. He always and everywhere IS. Though this might seem overly philosophical to some, it is an important concept to understand for two important reasons. First, it gives us greater insight into God. But, second, it reveals to us how we ought to relate to God every day.God is not a God of the past. He is not a God of the future. He is a God of the present moment. If we are to enter into a relationship with God, then we must realize that we can only encounter Him in the present moment. He is the Here and Now, so to speak. And we must seek Him here and now, in this present moment alone.Sometimes we find ourselves dwelling on the past. To the extent that our past has helped or hurt us in this present moment, we need to address it. But the way this is done is by seeking God's healing grace today, allowing the past to disappear into His abundant mercy. Other times we try to live in the future, becoming anxious about what is to come. But God does not dwell in the future for, to Him, all time is here and now. Therefore, we ought not to become anxious about the future, worry about it or try to live in it now. All we have is this present moment, and it is in this moment that God comes to meet us. He is here, and we must meet Him here, turning to Him and His grace today. Reflect, today, upon this deep and mysterious revelation from our Lord. Think about his identity as the great “I AM.” Ponder that name. Ponder its meaning. See it as a way by which Jesus is inviting you to encounter Him in this present moment alone. Live in this moment. The past is gone; the future is not yet here. Live where God exists, here and now, for that is the only place that you will meet our Lord. My Lord, You are the Great I Am. You transcend all time. Help me to meet You today, to let go of the past, to look forward to the future, and to live with You in this moment alone. As I meet You here, dear Lord, help me to love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.  James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineOne man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” John 5:5–6Only those who have been crippled for many years could understand what this man endured in life. He was crippled and unable to walk for thirty-eight years. The pool he was laying next to was believed to have the power of healing. Therefore, many who were sick and crippled would sit by the pool and try to be the first to enter it when the waters were stirred up. From time to time, that person was said to have received healing.Jesus sees this man and clearly perceives his desire for healing after so many years. Most likely, his desire for healing was the dominant desire in his life. Without the ability to walk, he could not work and provide for himself. He would have had to rely upon begging and the generosity of others. Thinking about this man, his sufferings and his ongoing attempts for healing from this pool should move any heart to compassion. And since Jesus' heart was one that was full of compassion, He was moved to offer this man not only the healing he so deeply desired but so much more.One virtue in the heart of this man that would have especially moved Jesus to compassion is the virtue of patient endurance. This virtue is an ability to have hope in the midst of some ongoing and lengthy trial. It is also referred to as “longsuffering” or “longanimity.” Usually, when one faces a difficulty, the immediate reaction is to look for a way out. As time moves on and that difficulty is not removed, it's easy to fall into discouragement and even despair. Patient endurance is the cure for this temptation. When one can patiently endure anything and everything they suffer in life, there is a spiritual strength within them that benefits them in numerous ways. Other little challenges are more easily endured. Hope is born within them to a powerful degree. Even joy comes with this virtue despite the ongoing struggle.When Jesus saw this virtue alive in this man, He was moved to reach out and heal him. And the primary reason Jesus healed this man was not just to help him physically but so that the man would come to believe in Jesus and follow Him.Reflect, today, upon this beautiful virtue of patient endurance. The trials of life should ideally be seen not in a negative way but as an invitation to patient endurance. Ponder the way you endure your own trials. Is it with deep and ongoing patience, hope and joy? Or is it with anger, bitterness and despair. Pray for the gift of this virtue and seek to imitate this crippled man. My Lord of all hope, You endured so much in life and persevered through it all in perfect obedience to the will of the Father. Give me strength in the midst of the trials of life so that I can grow strong in the hope and the joy that comes with that strength. May I turn away from sin and turn to You in complete trust. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.