Podcasts about risen christ

As the church faced a controversy, the apostles sought for unity. They charged the congregation to find men of good repute who were full of wisdom and the Spirit. The seven men chosen were not called based on their skills, talents, or outward appearance, but based on their fruitfulness in the gospel. Christians today are to remember Who calls us to gospel work, and to consider character first, and to look more and more like Christ.

It is a mistake to assume the disciples were the only witness of the risen Christ. Such an assumption leaves a big gap in explaining the vast spread of Christianity in such a short period of time. A careful reading of the book of Acts shows us that there were many more witnesses whose preaching was consistently focused on one thing: the risen Christ and the power of His Resurrection. Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved

In this episode, the women first encounter an angel at the tomb, and then they encounter the resurrected Christ!

Growth brings change, discomfort, and new needs. In the early church, things were not always simple and easy, rather they were unpolished. They faced challenges as a result of more and more people coming to faith and interacting with the rest of Jerusalem. Each of God's people, as they are filled with the Holy Spirit, are called to care for and strengthen the church in unity, through every trial and opportunity just like Christ.

In this sermon, we trade the exhaustion of trying to "bat 1,000" for the scandalous grace of Pentecost—a day when God pours out a Spirit not for the perfect, but for "all flesh." We explore how our fragile, forgetful, and silver-haired humanity is exactly where the Holy Spirit chooses to take up residence. You are invited to stop waiting until you have it all together and instead become God's greatest surprise: the Risen Christ showing up in the middle of our beautifully broken lives.

Date May 24, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we trade the exhaustion of trying to "bat 1,000" for the scandalous grace of Pentecost—a day when God pours out a Spirit not for the perfect, but for "all flesh." We explore how our fragile, forgetful, and silver-haired humanity is exactly where the Holy Spirit chooses to take up residence. You are invited to stop waiting until you have it all together and instead become God's greatest surprise: the Risen Christ showing up in the middle of our beautifully broken lives. References Scripture: Acts 2:1–21 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

The apostles' keep preaching the same message; of Jesus crucified at the hands of sinful men and then raised to life for their salvation by faith. Their witness of believing the gospel message they are teaching is impacting their entire community, and it's challenging many of the people who feel threatened by it. Christians today are to remember their allegiance and obedience to the Lord comes above all others. 

The book of Acts has so much to say not only about our past but also about today and how followers of Jesus are called to live.  This book also speaks to those who don't yet know Jesus as Savior, those on the fence, seekers, doubters and those questioning or interested.   Chapter 2 Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a soundalike the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." This chapter starts out with the Jewish Festival of Shavuot or Pentecost. And the disciples and others gathered in a house. There would have been 10's of thousands of people gathered in the streets of Jerusalem and at the Temple for this festival.    Acts 2:3-4 "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them."  Rushing wind! Tongues of fire!    Acts 2:5ff The group has moved into the streets and Jews from every nation who had come to Jerusalem for the festival, heard the sound of the wind and gathered in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken by those with the tongues of fire. The crowds were amazed to hear the disciples with the tongues of fire declaring the wonders of God in their own languages.    In verse 13 we hear the disciples being made fun of as they speak in tongues. Some people saying they are drunk. But in the following verses Peter speaks to the crowd.    Then   and   Now   Holy Spirit is Predicted by Joel (Acts 16-21) Then: Peter speaks the prophetic words from God given to Joel "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Peter ends with "and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." They were witnessing what was predicted/prophesied hundreds of years earlier. This book (often referred to as The Acts of the Holy Spirit) shows us the remarkable ways God was moving. Now: Pentecost ushered in a new era in human history. In our day God's spirit is still moving. The gospel of Jesus is spreading around the world like never before. It is everywhere. God continues to move and pour out His spirit and change people's lives. The Risen Christ is Proven by God (Acts 2:22-24) Then: Jesus' miracles and teachings were seen and witnessed. Jesus was crucified on a cross but God raised Him from the dead.  They had living proof. Now: No human life has ever made so powerful an impact than did the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It has changed the world. And we have the recorded history of those who did witness Jesus works, death and resurrection. Messiah was Predicted by David (Acts 2:25-31) Then: Peter quotes David who believed that there was One who would come and not see decay and would be One who would save.  Peter continues by saying this One David talked about was none other than Jesus Christ. Now: God continues to be at work today and the things that Jesus spoke of that would come and those things He predicted are being fulfilled today. Jesus Ascended and was Exalted by God (Acts 2:32-35) Then: Peter tells them how God raised Jesus from the grave and has poured out the Holy Spirit and that they were witnesses to that. Peter tells them that Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship! Now: this is true for us today. Jesus is risen! He continues to pour out His Holy Spirit! Jesus is Lord! He is worthy of worship! Accountability because You crucified Him (Acts 2:36-37) Then: Peter gets personal, telling them that "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." And "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" The message of Jesus demands a response.  We are collectively guilty of crucifying Jesus. We all have sinned. Now: The message of Jesus still demands a response. It is our sin that put Jesus on the cross. And still today, when people hear and internalize the message of Jesus Christ it changes them. Forgiveness brings New Life in Christ (Acts 2:38-41) Then: Peter called them to repentance and baptism Now: have you heeded the call to come to faith in Jesus. This is still the desire of God, that we come to Him through faith in Jesus, that we repent, are baptized and give our lives to Him.   Pastor closes with a look at the recently discovered Pool of Siloam and its archeological impact on what the Bible says.   This week's READING ASSIGNMENT:   Acts chapter 2 (if you want to read ahead, read chapter 3 as well)     Join the conversation around this teaching. Download our Awake Us Now APP, then join the conversation.   Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com 

On this special edition of True Foundation, we are honored to welcome Pastor Frederick Ankai-Taylor of Church of the Risen Christ and Pastor Darrell Roberts of Harvest Equippers Ministries. In this powerful and timely conversation, both pastors share their firsthand experiences serving on the front lines and behind the scenes—working alongside the military and ministering to individuals and families displaced by war. Their mission goes beyond traditional ministry, focusing on spiritual renewal, hope, and restoration for those facing trauma, uncertainty, and loss. They speak on what it means to bring faith into crisis environments, how they support both soldiers and refugees, and the importance of being present in moments where people need strength the most. This episode offers a rare and meaningful look into faith in action during times of conflict, and how spiritual guidance can help rebuild lives from the inside out. Join us for a deeply impactful conversation about service, sacrifice, and the role of faith in healing during some of life's most difficult circumstances. #TrueFoundation #FaithOnTheFrontLines #SpiritualRenewal #FaithInAction #MilitarySupport #RefugeeSupport #HopeAndHealing

Everyone in the early church had everything in common; they shared, they met needs, they sold possessions and gave. This is what true community looks like, surrounded by faithful believers in Christ who trust in their Savior for security and provision. Ananias and Sapphira however gave, not out of honor for the Lord, but for public image. We are warned to not pretend and put up false images of ourselves, but instead we are free to give ourselves to the One who saw us at our worst and loved us still.

Peter and John, along with the apostles and early church members, boldly proclaim of what they have seen and heard. Even in the opposition of the Sadducees, they speak the truth of the resurrection of Christ. Christians today are to proclaim with the same boldness, not just be believers in private or comfortable situations. 

The Apostle Paul walks around Athens and notices a temple to “An Unknown God.” The God who is beyond our knowing, reaches out to us, in the Risen Christ, and is close at hand.

As we conclude our look at the Risen Christ, we'll examine the ways in which God provides for us. As we see Jesus provide for the disciples in John 21, we'll find that He cares in the same way about our needs and provides abundantly for them. Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 21:1-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 3, 2026

A man who used to only sit is now walking. One who only used to beg is now praising. A man who spent his days stuck outside the gate is now brought in. That's not improvement. That's not renovation. That's transformation. That's new life. And that's what Jesus offers us. Salvation always begins with the Lord's initiative. And it always brings us into a walk with Jesus.

As we conclude our look at the Risen Christ, we'll examine the ways in which God provides for us. As we see Jesus provide for the disciples in John 21, we'll find that He cares in the same way about our needs and provides abundantly for them. Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 21:1-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 3, 2026

As we conclude our look at the Risen Christ, we'll examine the ways in which God provides for us. As we see Jesus provide for the disciples in John 21, we'll find that He cares in the same way about our needs and provides abundantly for them. Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 21:1-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 3, 2026

Matthew could have ended his gospel with the resurrection or the ascension, events that changed the world and the course of human history, and yet: he chose to close with Jesus' final command. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at Christ's final words to His followers...the words we know as The Great Commission. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Along the U.S.-Mexico border, Flavio Bravo, S.J., celebrates Mass in migrant shelters among people living in fear and uncertainty. Reflecting on John's resurrection appearances in which Christ shows his wounds and breathes his Spirit, Flavio preaches the risen Christ, not as an idea, but as a presence encountered in woundedness. Flavio joins host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., to speak about preaching resurrection and hope from within places in which migrants are suffering as part of this Easter series of the "Preach" podcast. 0:00 A Haitian girl blesses the priest 2:07 Meeting Fr. Flavio Bravo, S.J. 2:48 Crossing borders: arriving in the U.S. as a teenage refugee 5:00 Who comes to the border today 9:34 Inside Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries 11:35 Homily: The risen Lord is the crucified one 24:50 How preaching grows out of daily ministry 25:57 The Gospel stories we never wrote down 27:54 How his preaching has changed 28:39 Resurrection within suffering—not escape 30:25 Preaching on the move: new faces each week 32:00 Joy at Mass: children, bells, holy water 35:10 Sustaining the work: community and self-care --- Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew could have ended his gospel with the resurrection or the ascension, events that changed the world and the course of human history, and yet: he chose to close with Jesus' final command. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at Christ's final words to His followers...the words we know as The Great Commission. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

The early church is seeing people come to faith in Jesus by the thousands. With the Holy Spirit on the move, the church is born and is growing rapidly. People are devoted to good things, the things of God - to prayers, fellowship, breaking of bread, and the apostles' teachings. They also shared everything, where no one was lacking, and they had all things in common. God is rewiring humanity to new creation life and to proclaim His excellencies in the days of His church.

Pastor Dave Russell preaching from Luke 24:28-35 on April 26th, 2026 at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC.

On the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers, this homily examines the temptation to treat Christ as a figure of the past rather than the Living Lord. It explores how even faithful Christians can reduce Him to something studied at a distance—especially in an age of endless religious content. Grounded in the Church's sacramental and communal life, the message calls us to encounter Christ where He truly speaks: in His Body. The result is both comforting and demanding, as the living Christ not only teaches, but calls us to repentance and transformation.  Enjoy the show! --- Homily for the Myrrhbearers St. Mark 15:43–16:8; Acts 6:1–7 Today we celebrate the holy Myrrhbearers: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, the most holy Theotokos, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, Joanna, Salome, Mary and Martha, and Susanna—those who loved Christ enough to come to Him even in death. Their love is beautiful. It is courageous. It is faithful. But it is also, in one very important way, mistaken. They came to anoint a corpse. They came expecting silence, stillness, finality. They came to do one last act of love for someone who was no longer present to receive it. And that is where we must be careful—because we can do the same thing. We sing again and again, "Christ is Risen!" But how often do we live as if He were not? Think about how we relate to the dead. We remember them. We honor them. We reflect on their words. We study what they said, and we try to apply it to our lives. But we do not expect them to speak to us now. We do not expect them to guide us in real time. And this is exactly how many Christians treat Christ. We treat Him as a figure from the past—a great teacher, whose words are preserved in a fixed collection of texts. If we want to know what He thinks, we go back and study what He said, like we would with Plato or any other historical figure. Please—do not misunderstand me. We need the Scriptures. We must study them. But if that is all we are doing—if Christ is only someone we study—then we are treating Him as if He were dead. Because if He were truly risen—if He were truly alive—then we would expect Him to still be teaching. And He is. Christ is alive—not only in heaven—but here and now. He lives in the hearts of the faithful. He lives in His sacraments. He lives most fully as the Head of His Body—the Church. And that means something very concrete: the Church is not a memory. She is not a museum. She is not an archive. She is alive. And here is where the danger comes in—because just as we can treat Christ as if He were dead, we can also treat the Church as if she were dead. We do this when we reduce her to an institution, when we treat her traditions as relics instead of life, when we experience the Liturgy as repetition instead of encounter, and when we assume that nothing truly happens here—nothing new, nothing real—only the preservation of the past. We do this when we think, "I already know what the Church says," "I'll decide how to apply it," or "I'll take what is helpful." But a living body does not work that way. If Christ is alive, then His Body is alive. And if His Body is alive, then it speaks—not just in the past, but now. In the hymns, in the prayers, in the canons, in the counsel of those who are faithful and wise, in the real, sometimes difficult life of the parish—where we are taught through living out our salvation with one another, in patience, repentance, and love—and in the quiet voice that speaks when we have learned to be still. And this leads to the second reaction—the more difficult one. It is one thing to doubt that Christ is speaking. It is another thing to realize that He is. Because "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31). A dead teacher can be interpreted. A living Lord must be obeyed. A dead teacher can be studied at a distance. A living Lord sees you, knows you, and calls you to change. And here is one of the ways we avoid this. We listen to the Church—but at a distance. We listen through podcasts, through videos, through discussions online. We hear sermons, teachings, arguments, explanations. And again, these things can be good. But notice what happens when this becomes our primary way of listening. We receive the words, but not the life. We hear, but we are not known. We learn, but we are not accountable. We can pause it, skip it, choose one voice over another, agree or disagree without consequence. In other words, we remain in control. But that is not how the living Christ teaches. The living Christ teaches through His Body—a Body that we must enter, a Body that sees us, a Body that corrects us, a Body that calls us to repentance, a Body that we cannot curate or control. You can learn about Christ anywhere, but you can only be taught by Him within His Body. To receive Christ only as content—even Orthodox content—is still, in a subtle way, to treat Him as if He were not fully alive. Because the Risen Christ does not simply inform us; He forms us. It is much easier to interpret what Christ said two thousand years ago—indeed, much easier to interpret what the Councils and Fathers said hundreds of years ago—than it is to hear what He is saying to you today. Because interpretation can be shaped by our pride, by our ego. Obedience cannot. So how do we learn from the living Christ? The answer is not new. We give our lives—our bodies, our minds, our souls—to Him and to His Church. We pray. We enter into the Liturgy. We love our neighbor. We learn from the Fathers. We seek counsel. We quiet ourselves so that we can hear—not because this is a system, but because this is where He is: ministering to us, teaching us, healing us, enlightening us. The Myrrhbearers came looking for the dead. Instead, they encountered the Living One. And that is the same invitation given to us. Do not come here to remember Christ. Do not come here to study Him from a distance. Do not come here as if nothing real is happening. Come here to meet Him. Because He is not in the tomb. He is not confined to history. Christ is risen. Indeed He is risen—and He is with us, here, now, and always.

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

With this message we are continuing our series on The Risen Christ by again looking at Jesus' first interaction with his disciples following his resurrection from the dead. The first words out his mouth were a proclamation of peace. Then he gave them their purpose. Now, he assures them that they will not be alone. And with this assurance comes the next gift we receive, power. Let's explore that together. The Holy Spirit: Convicts (John 16:8) Regenerates (John 3:5-8) Enables (1 Corinthians 12:3) Justifies (1 Corinthians 6:11) Adopts (Romans 8:15) Indwells (Romans 8:11) Illuminates (John 16:13) Intercedes (Romans 8:26) Leads (Acts 16:6-7) Fills (Ephesians 5:18) Empowers (Acts 1:8) Sanctifies (2 Corinthians 3:18) Speaks (Acts 13:2) Unifies (Ephesians 4:1-3) Cultivates intimacy (John 14:23) Glorifies Christ (John 16:14) Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) The disciples and their travels: Peter (Simon Peter) – Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Rome Andrew – Scythia, Thrace, Greece (Achaia, Patras) James (son of Zebedee) – Jerusalem, Judea John – Jerusalem, Ephesus, Asia Minor, Patmos Philip – Phrygia (Hierapolis), Greek-speaking communities Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Armenia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Thomas (Didymus) – Parthia, India, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia Matthew (Levi) – Judea, Persia, Parthia, Ethiopia James (son of Alphaeus) – Judea, Edessa, Syria, Egypt Jude (Thaddeus/Lebbaeus) – Mesopotamia, Armenia, Persia, Syria Simon the Zealot – Persia, Armenia, Egypt, North Africa (varied traditions) Matthias – Judea, Cappadocia, Caspian Sea coasts, Colchis (Georgia) Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:22 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 26, 2026

Matthew 28:16-20 Matthew could have ended his gospel with the resurrection or the ascension, events that changed the world and the course of human history, and yet: he chose to close with Jesus' final command. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at Christ's final words to His followers...the words we know as The Great Commission.

Father shows us through the apostle Philip how we can lead people to the Word of God.

Sam Poe

In this message, we see that just like Jesus provided for his disciples, God has a great purpose for our lives. God has a mission of reconciliation for each of us who choose to follow Him. Whether you are living as an ambassador for Christ, or simply a tourist, there is a word for you as we continue examining the risen Christ. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 19, 2026

Rev. Meredith Hawkins explains that when we encounter the Risen Christ in the Breaking of the Bread, we are transformed by His unconditional Love.

Jesus's resurrection from the dead that first Easter morning changed everything. He began his ministry by announcing the arrival of the kingdom of God, and in his death and resurrection he defeated the powers of sin. Yet, we still live in a world consumed by darkness. We suffer, we grieve, we lose hope. The kingdom of God is a present reality for us now, but not all of God's promises have been fulfilled. We live in the tension of the "already, but not yet." In this series, we will be exploring the time between Jesus's resurrection and Pentecost, in some traditions called Eastertide.  We will consider how these stories and experiences inform our lives as we continue to live in the reality of God's kingdom having arrived, yet not in its fullness. How are the different stories reflected in our own lives? What do these stories teach us about living in the "already, but not yet" tension? This week, Joan Kelley led us through the story the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, exploring how Jesus meets us in the times when things do not go as 'we had hoped'. How might we encounter the Risen Christ as we look for him in our everyday lives? For additional resources, visit our website. If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the Core Team. If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at https://thepracticechurch.com/give/

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041926.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC refutes the common accusation that Catholics changed the Sabbath by revealing that Jesus Himself established Sunday as the Lord's Day. He explains that the New Testament consistently records believers gathering on the "first day of the week" for the "breaking of bread," a phrase synonymous with the Eucharist. Father Chris highlights the Road to Emmaus narrative, noting how the disciples' eyes were opened only when Jesus broke the bread, mirroring the Mass structure: gathering, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Mission. He points out that Christ's vanishing act after recognition signifies His new, Sacramental presence, no longer visible to the eye but truly present in the Eucharist.Father Chris draws a profound parallel between Adam and Eve, whose eyes were opened to sin, and the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whose eyes were opened to the Risen Lord in the Eucharist on the first day of the new creation. He emphasizes that the Mass provides "food for the journey" for our pilgrimage through life, transforming disciples into apostles who are sent out to evangelize. He shares a touching story of an elderly missionary priest who viewed the Eucharist as essential sustenance for his work, reminding us that the Church is sent forth with Christ's love inflaming our hearts. This scriptural passage confirms that the Catholic Mass is not a human invention but the very pattern of worship established by the Risen Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

The reliability and historical proof of Christ are undeniable. Peter is preaching what is true of Jesus, and of what humanity did to Him. We all must come to answer the question: "Who is Jesus?", and if He is real, then He is Lord and worthy of giving our lives to.

This message focuses on the question: "How are minds opened today?", which is part of our ongoing series: "What's the answer?"   Pastor explores how people's lives are changed and what changes their attitudes about God, about Jesus, the resurrection, and about the power of God's Word.   Pastor takes us through Luke 24:36-47, an encounter with Jesus that His disciples have with Him after His resurrection.  Jesus tells them: "This is what I told you while I was still with you; Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Luke 24:44. He tells them everything written there points to Him.   Then next verse says, "Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." How did Jesus do that?  Let's look at Luke's clues …   Law of Moses Passover Lamb - Exodus 12. As protection from the tenth plague God told them He would passover their homes if they would take a lamb without spot or blemish, kill it, spread its blood on the doorposts of their homes, then roast and eat the lamb.  In Luke 22:15-16 Jesus tells His disciples: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."  What He is saying about the Passover is that HE is the one that will fulfill it as The Passover Lamb. The Passover is a preview of God's redemption through the shed blood of Jesus.   Blood of the Covenant - Exodus 24. Moses built an altar at the foot of Mt. Sinai and the Israelites pledged to follow God. Moses took the blood of bulls, sprinkled it on the altar and the people saying, "This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord has made with you…" Exodus 24:8. What this is, again, is a preview of the coming Christ and the fulfillment being found in Him.  Luke 22:20 Jesus says, "This cup (passover meal glass of wine) is the New Covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." This is just what Moses was showing was coming in Jesus.   Prophets  New Covenant - Jeremiah 31:31. God said that the days were coming when He would make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah and put His law in their minds and hearts and change them from the inside out! A Heart change!" Jesus says, "This cup is the New Covenant!"  Luke 22:20 Meaning He is the New Covenant.   Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53. "He was despised… He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him… by His wounds we are healed… the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all… it was the Lord's will to crush Him… to make His life an offering for sin… He will see the light of Life (raised)… He poured out His life unto death and numbered with the transgressors."  In Luke 22:37 Jesus says, "It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors' and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me." He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament words.   Psalms Crucified Victim - Psalm 22. "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?… hands pierced… lots cast for his clothing…" Jesus speaks these very words from the cross: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me."   Luke 23:34 we read, "and they divided up His clothes by casting lots." Jesus is the fulfillment of the words in the psalms.   David's Lord - Psalm 110. David wrote of the Messiah, "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand while I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."  Luke 20:41-44 We see Jesus using these very words to describe Himself.   How are minds opened today?  The same way today they were then: Encountering Jesus and seeing Him as the Risen Christ. The risen Jesus transforms people minds and brings relationship with the Living God. Encountering the Scriptures and seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of everything written about the Messiah in the Law, Prophets and Psalms. Encountering the scriptures changes us as we read them. Encountering the Holy Spirit. No one can believe without the Holy Spirit.   Luke 24 concludes with "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."  Today those words of Jesus continue to be fulfilled!   God our Father desires we repent and turn to Him so that our minds may be opened and our lives renewed forever.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Main Idea: In fulfillment of his Word, God has raised and exalted the crucified Jesus as Lord and Christ, 1. The Risen Christ (22-32) 2. The Reigning Christ (33-36)

For the Third Sunday of Easter, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on the Risen Christ accompanying us in times of seeming despair, offering us hope so that we can share in his mission. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

“You see the light in people's eyes come back and you see faces start to move instead of being frozen," says Tom Weston, S.J.,  speaking about his experience ministering to people in addiction recovery. “The humanity is reborn [...] it's resurrection.”  In this episode we continue our Easter series on preaching the hope of the resurrection in a broken world. Our guest Tom Weston, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, counsellor, and man in long-term recovery, who has devoted most of his priestly life to working alongside people battling addiction — leading 12-step based retreats, offering counseling and spiritual accompaniment, and lecturing internationally.  Together with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., they discuss how we can all be witnesses to the resurrection and recipients of God's grace, no matter how dark our lives may seem.  Timecodes: 0:00 We can see the resurrection clearly in those in recovery 7:00 Tom Weston's homily 17:07 God's grace is greater than our human will power 21:45 How much should a preacher reveal about themselves in a homily? 25:00 Grace isn't only for those in recovery 26:40 What does the resurrection look like? 28:47 Preaching hope in darkness --- Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us recognize the turmoil in our lives, and the turmoil all around us, and we simply wish for peace to take hold. With this message, we are starting a four-week series on The Risen Christ with a focus on the peace that Jesus gives. Together we'll see what that peace is and how we can experience it personally. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: John 20:19-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 12, 2026

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Father explains that in order to meet the risen Christ we must find Him in the Mass.

I sit down with Dr. Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian Christian theologian whose work refuses to separate belief from lived reality. Together, we explore the intersection of faith, politics, and identity in the Middle East—confronting how the legacy of empire and the rise of Christian Zionism have distorted the gospel, and how systems of violence continue to shape both perception and policy. At its core, this is a conversation about clarity and courage: listening to Palestinian voices and reexamining what justice, truth, and the gospel really demand.

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – John 20:11-18 – Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to Him, “Sir, if You carried Him away, tell me where you laid Him, and I will take Him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to My God and your God.'” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what He had told her. Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Steve Ray joins Terry to discuss those who saw Jesus after His Resurrection and the places where they saw Him

What does it mean to preach resurrection into a broken world? In this first episode of our 2026 Easter series, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., welcomes Alberto Solano, a New Testament scholar at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. Together, they open up the post-resurrection appearances in John's Gospel—Mary in the garden, Thomas in the upper room, Peter by the charcoal fire—and ask why the risen Christ keeps showing up not to the powerful, but to the grieving, the fearful, and the lost.  Timecodes: 0:00 The risen Christ first meets the outcast, the fearful, the rejected 1:25 What do the resurrection appearances in John have to offer preachers today? 2:50 Alberto Solano brings scripture scholarship to Preach 4:26 Why does Jesus call Mary Magdalene by name? 8:50 What did “resurrection from the dead” mean to a Jewish people? 18:46 “Doubting Thomas”—or the most faithful disciple? 22:20 Your worst moment isn't your whole story 27:04 Why does the Church turn to John at Easter more than the other Gospels? 34:40 Acts — how the early Church learned to love its enemies as neighbours 38:45 What does Easter call preachers to say? --- Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesus is alive, and He's with us today! He sees everything we go through—all the heartaches, rejections, worries, and trials. Jesus wants to walk next to us through life. He is never far away! In fact, when we get saved, the Holy Spirit indwells our hearts. He gives us understanding of God's Word so we can deepen our relationships with Jesus. Let's ask Him for understanding and fellowship today!

You can learn more about the cruise where we discuss the covenant at https://restorationtravels.com/nec-cruise/ In this episode Kerry and former General Young Women's President Elaine Dalton discuss Christ and the Resurrection. They speak of the significance of the event, of commemorating it on Easter, of Easter traditions, and of things we can learn from those who witnessed Christ, especially Mary Magdalene, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Peter. They testify of the resurrected Christ. Then Kerry speaks with Jenny Oaks Baker. They explore the ways her family has come to worship Christ through music, and how that might look different for someone with no musical abilities, like Kerry. They talk about the richness of worshipping Christ on Easter. Finally Kerry bears his testimony of Christ. Happy Easter!We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, M. Zitar, J. Edwards, A. Dixon, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.