Worship Preview 4.27.25 2nd Sunday of Easter. Resurrection Stories - unlock yours!

This Sunday: 10:30am –  Easter Sunday. Purveyors of Awe: Resurrection Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: Luke 23:32-43, Romans 5:1-6 and 5:18-6:5

Where do you stand? Whether it is something trivial like sports or taking sides on the issues (or the distractions) in our highly politicized world, people want to know where we stand. Last week we celebrated Easter. The disciples were unsure where they stood. Their hopes had been dashed. The one they had proclaimed as King just a week earlier, waving palms and celebrating his entry into Jerusalem, had been betrayed, seized, crucified. Some women had come with a wild tale about an empty tomb but they were unsure.

Then Christ appeared in their midst – eating, telling them to look at his hands. Saying “Peace be with you.” He came not full of judgement and condemnation for their failings, their running away, their outright denial. Instead he came with blessing, presence, grace.

In our 2nd reading this week, the Apostle Paul – one who had been quite sure where he stood… at least until his encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus turned his world upside down and opened his eyes to grace – writes powerfully in his letter to the Romans about how we are justified by faith. Paul says “we have access by faith into this grace wherin we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” He goes on to compare Jesus to Adam – whereby sin came into the world “through one man” how much more has healing, justifying, redeeming grace come into the world through Christ?

Last week I emphasized that is not our own effort, our own faith, but by participation in the faith OF Christ. Too often we seem to make faith a chore – if we believe hard enough in the right group of creedal statements, we’ll be okay. We make it about our effort. Now, our repentance, our willingness to accept the gift is crucial. God grants us the freewill to turn away. But when we make it more about our effort and our definitions than God’s love and grace we again miss the mark. Our reading from Luke brings this into focus. As we continue to celebrate Easter, we’ll go back to the Cross and hear a profound prayer. Luke tells us that, as he suffers on the cross, Jesus is flanked by 2 criminals. One joins in mocking Jesus – but the other accepts his own punishment, but declares Jesus’ innocence and says “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responds “today you will be with me in paradise.”

This admitted thief is promised redemption – without any other conditions. The church has sometimes wrestled with that. It seems too easy. This thief can’t do anything. He recites no creed. Makes no restitution. Sometimes we turn this into what Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace” – as if our actions don’t matter. Paul is wrestling with that same thing in Romans. Some of his opponents argue that sinning more would bring more glory to God. Paul is aghast – rather he emphasizes that accepting the gift of grace renders us “dead to sin.” We cannot stand there any longer, we take our stand in Christ. We are “baptized into his death – buried with him – and raised with him – therefore we should walk in the newness of life.”

At the end of last week’s service, I had folks pull out their keys. Most of us have several. House, car, work, etc. I mentioned that one of our Scriptures on Pentecost will tell us that Jesus said, “I give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” Resurrection – Easter – isn’t just a story from long ago – it is our story!  WE have been given the keys. Our Resurrection stories – our eternal life in Christ – begins here and now. This is the day!

It is not easy, for sure. But we are not alone, and we already have in our possession the key to new life… anytime. If this is a message you need to hear, we invite you to join us for this Easter season series. If you know someone who could use an encouraging message about unlocking a resurrection in their own lives, bring them. We would love to be with you on this journey of hope and new life.

We are an Easter people.

Whatever binds you, whatever locks you up, whatever keeps you from the life for which you were created…can be rolled away, opened, released… for we believe our stories can be rewritten each and every day. It is noteasy or quick, but let this Easter be a vision of your life unlocked –

your life resurrected. Christ has shown us the way. Christ is Risen, indeed! And thus, so are we! You are invited to join the journey – bringing all that you are. Your questions and doubts; your hopes and dreams; your greatest success and your deepest stumblings. Bring it all to Christ, who transforms! God forgives us. Jesus embraces us. The Spirit enlivens us. We are made whole. With awe, we accept this belovedness. And all God’s people say, “Amen!”  Happy Easter!

Upcoming Events: 

Wednesday, April 30th Feeding Families in His Name:  This “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. This free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving. 

Friday, May 23rd – our next Aging Forward session– each 4th Friday afternoon at 1pm we’ll offer a chance for retired adults (and anyone else interested) to hear from local speakers about all sorts of topics and share a time of conversation and fellowship. Light refreshments provided. Mark your calendar and join in the fun!