RECAP: WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS? based on Matthew 28:11-20
The resurrection was an event that changed history. For the women who came to the tomb to mourn and grieve, it was a burst of hope, and they became the first missionaries! For the guards, the resurrection meant they had failed in their duty to protect the tomb, and now their lives were in question. For the chief priests and Pharisees, the resurrection represented their worst nightmare coming true; the greatest thorn in their side was back! And for the disciples, the resurrection represented a chance to make things right and redeem themselves. Everyone has to respond to the resurrection! How can we respond?
1) Ignore the resurrection. The guards, fearful for their lives, went to the chief priests with their problem. By allowing Jesus’ body to disappear, they were guilty of a capital offense and likely faced execution and their families likely faced forced labor. So they went to the chief priests, who themselves viewed Jesus’ resurrection as a significant problem. But instead of submitting to it and learning the lesson, they tried to cover it up and ignore it. They paid a sum of money to the soldiers to keep quiet. No need to stir the pot!
Today many try to either ignore the resurrection or discredit it. We deny it because if the resurrection is indeed true, it requires life change, disruption to our status quo, a reorientation of our expectations, and a forced abdication of the throne of our hearts. To believe in the resurrection means we must have a changed life. And so it is easier to try to ignore, pretend it did not happen so we can live as we desire. But the day will come when we can ignore it no longer, and we will have to give an accounting for the resurrection, for one day every knee will bow to Jesus. If we ignore in the same manner we ignore a light on the dashboard of the car, we run the risk of allowing things to blow up!
2) Share the good news. The disciples, after meeting the resurrected Lord, we instructed to go and share the gospel. Like a little child cannot contain their excitement at good news, so too we should overflow with joy at the news of Jesus’ resurrection! We are to make disciples, tap others on the shoulders and invest in them. We need to believe in people, as Jesus believed in the twelve, sharing with them what it means to follow. We should reach out to all nations, sharing with any individual, for Jesus’ death and resurrection were for all!
3) Teach with your life. The disciples were encouraged to teach to obey all of Jesus’ commands. Just as an athlete or celebrity becomes an instant role model (even if they do not want it) because of their platform, so too people look at us for guidance. Can they tell by our living that we believe in Jesus and the hope of the resurrection? Do they know what we stand for? Can they see the hope dwelling within us? If we are obedient, it will show in our words and deed. But if we are not living in the resurrection, people will be confused by our presentation.
4) Dwell daily in his presence. Jesus promised that he will be with us always. Even though we may not see his face, he is there. Are we desiring to spend time with him? Do we allow him to challenge us to grow?
Jesus is our resurrected Lord. What will do with the resurrection?
Questions for Reflection
1) In what areas of your life have you ignored Jesus? Can you surrender that to him?
2) Are you willing to share the good news of Jesus? Who needs to hear it?
3) What adjustments might you need to make to your life to allow others to clearly see Jesus in you?
4) Where do you have the opportunity to spread the good news of the resurrection?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will start a new series called “A Fresh Start” with the sermon titled, “Humanity’s Reset,” based on Genesis 9:1-17. How did God and humanity rebuild after the flood? How can we live into a fresh start? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for April 19 – 25
April 19: Luke 24:13-35 What was the response to the resurrection?
April 20: Luke 24:36-53 What was the response to the resurrection?
April 21: John 20:1-18 What was the response to the resurrection?
April 22: John 20:19-31 What was the response to the resurrection?
April 23: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 How is the resurrection a promise for our resurrection?
April 24: Genesis 13:1-18 What was Abram and Lot’s fresh start?
April 25: Genesis 28:10-22 How did God provide a fresh start for Jacob?
This Week’s Events:
Thursday, April 21–Leadership Team @ 7 pm
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, April 30–Men’s Fellowship Breakfast @ 7:15 am, Thomas House in Dayton
Saturday, April 30–Spring Festival @ Brethren Woods
Sunday, May 1–First Sunday Breakfast
Sunday, May 8–Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 15–Church Council Meeting after church
Announcements:
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s stories. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Baptism Interest:
If you are interested in water baptism, please email Pastor Ryan in the next few weeks!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Samantha Cooper (health)–testing Wednesday, April 20. As a result, Pastor Ryan will be unavailable on Wednesday.
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)1
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Darlene LaPrade (health)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Marty Moore (recovery)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family (various)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Tom Wilfong (health)
Joyce Wright (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church