Last Word of 2017 First Word of 2018

Last sermon of the year 2017

Barney Fife – “I’m in favor of bud nipping! Nip it Andy! Nip it in the Bud.”

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Yesterday is a memory and tomorrow is but a moment in time. The question is what are we going to do today that prepares people for eternity?

Yesterdays are important for reflection and growth.

·         Reflect on the things that don’t quite succeed to grow from them (Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.)

o   Be careful to not let to your struggles define who you are (Isaiah 40:31- ³¹ But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint)

o   Be careful to not let your hang ups be your hold back  (Lamentations 3:22-23 - Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.)

o   Be careful to not judge your future on your past – Jesus is the Master of making things work out. (He is the way maker!) Proverbs 23:18 - For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.

·         Pause and reflect on success but leave them there

Tomorrow is a moment in time of which to prepare – (more on that later).

Today is the day!

Today is the day to prepare for making a significance difference in the lives of people,

Service is a key – be a servant be significant, (Jesus placed the kid in front of them – to be the greatest in the kingdom be like him…

 Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Problem is we have to admit we can’t – but HE CAN!

We need a new wind – a new WORD!

Ezekiel 37:1-4 Dry Bones Live

Dry bones will respond to:

·         God’s Word

·         God’s Call

·         God’s Cause

So Tomorrow is a moment -

What word are you going to use to enter into 2018?

What word is going to be your power word?

I have a suspicion about speaking things into existence in our lives. There are times that your worries take over and you speak doubt, negative, and sometimes evil into your days. STOP IT - LIVE by FAITH my friends. Live in the faith of the mighty God we serve. SPEAK His name into your year. Speak greatness into your year through HIM. Believe, let doubt expire in your life, and speak Jesus into every circumstance. 

May I suggest the most powerful word ever spoken – the Name of our God! Jehovah Jesus!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Sweat the Small Stuff

Sweat has a wonderful purpose in our lives. Mostly, when the body gets heated up it is produced to assist in cooling down the body as it evaporates on the skin. Today was a great day for a "cool down". The sweat was rolling, dripping, and pooling. It makes me feel like I am working hard at the track. Love the inaccurate quote, "Sweat is just my fat crying while it is leaving the body." So go get your

sweat on! Put in the work and keep moving. 

Our physical bodies benefit from the exercises we put them through. In the same way so does our spiritual body benefit from exercise. We must practice our spiritual disciplines in order to grow, develop, and remain effective in the kingdom of God.  1 Timothy 4:8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (NLT)  

So practice your spiritual disciplines: Bible intake, prayer, journal spiritual growth, worship, evangelism, stewardship, and investing in others lives to make a difference. Attached you will find some suggestions for readings in spiritual disciplines. 

Workout: 2 mile warm up, ballistics, 3 sets (x15) stadium stairs, 17 100 meter repeats, core, stretch, and chat with some athletes I used to coach. 

Don Whitney - Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Richard Foster - Celebration of Discipline

Major Ian Thomas - The Indwelling Life of Christ

Do That Again! Again!

Every once in a while I have to be reminded with my workout to go back and work out. There have been some great training routines that are wonderful and challenging. I am actually encouraged to go

back and try again.

Today was one of those days to try again. The distance was not great but pushing for faster and quicker feet was great. It will also pay off in the future.

While hitting the track I was reminded that our spiritual walk is also a place to try again. We are preparing ourselves for the long distance and some of us kick in to faith responses when things get difficult. But we need to remember the daily routines of the faith too and try again. Remember Jesus words to the Ephesus church in Revelation 2?

"But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I well come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches." (2:4-5 NLT).

In fact, this may be the reason that we are in the condition we are in our nation. The church in America have left the first love. We need to go back and try again the practices, the disciplines, the daily routines of the faith or we may continue to lose our influence.

Workout: 1 mile warm up, ballistics, 400 repeats x 4 (30 second break), stadium stairs x 10, core, stretch - and great conversation with a friend I saw.

Here's a great article that helps explain how we may have gotten to where we are today:
How Benjamin Franklin , a deist, became the founding father of a unique kind of American faith

Oh the Adjustments

So today I took an old route with a new twist. Fun thing was that it was actually fresh for me. The route included some varied hills and I added some extra set of stadium steps. Really to be honest I did not wish to run the hills or the steps. But even though I wished and wished the hills just would not go away. I had to adjust myself to the hills cause they sure would not adjust for me.

There are times that we find our selves on a difficult hill. That hill we find could be the Word of God.  You may find that you do not necessarily agree in function or lifestyle with the Bible. Trouble is that the Bible is the truth and God's instruction indeed and last time I checked the TRUTH will not change. So when I am at odds with the Word of God I must do the changing. Yes, I must make the adjustments of my life to come in line with God.  By the way the word we are looking for is repent. 

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  

Acts 3:19 Now repent of your sins and tune to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 

Workout: 6 mile on the street, 4 sets of stadium stairs, 500 meter repeats between each, core, stretch, and hydration. 

What you wearing on rainy days?

Several years ago I added to my wardrobe all possible items to remove excuses from running. Today as I was heading out there was a great possibility of rain (again-thank the Lord). So, I grabbed the bright green rain pullover that's perfect for days like today. Do you know what happens inside a rain pullover on a humid day (when it only sprinkles on you)?

So as the mental gripes were pouring like sweat inside the pullover the bottom dropped out. Yes sir, the rain poured down and all of a sudden I felt like genius in green. All this made me consider what we are wearing when we go out in the world. As a Christ follower there is a good chance I am walking into things I better be prepared for in my life.

• Galatians 3:27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, life putting on new clothes.
• Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

So, daily I must put on Christ Jesus. This is a matter of presenting myself to Him everyday to be fully surrendered to Him in order to be fully equipped for the day.

Workout: 6 miles (road work and then track), 10 sets of stadium stairs, core, stretch, and towel off.

Heat Faster Than The Feet

Excuses can hit us all and may even come from experiences. I have gotten too hot before and do not particularly enjoy it. Getting a late start this morning to the run (but the only non torrential rain moment) the potential of being too hot was real. And it was true the heat was faster than my feet. Even though there was an excuse based on experience I was more able than I thought to handle the heat.

We can make excuses for all sorts of things based on experiences. Some of the time our experiences do not factor in all that's at work in our life. Reminds me of Elijah that was hit hard with the reality that the heat of evil was faster than his feet. (read 1 Kings 19:2). He pleaded with Jehovah El Shaddai to take him out, remove him completely, all on the basis that he was all alone and the heat was too much.

Amazing how we can feel the heat, feel alone, and wish to give up. Then Jesus directs us, lays down a plan, and reminds us we are not alone. Trouble is many times He directs right back into the heat - 1 Kings 19: 15 - 18 Then the Lord told him, "Go BACK the SAME WAY you came...when you arrive there, anoint Hazael...anoint Jehu...anoint Elisha...Yet I will PRESERVE 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!" 

Ok now so your excuse is based in experience but have you factored in Jesus?

Workout: 5 miles (sprinted the hills up - jogged the hills down) core, flex, and yes I was alone. 

Heat Sneaks Up The Thirst

Well I've been running very early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Last night to break in
the new shoes I went for a run and it was a little hot. This morning the cool felt great while heading out and then wow it got hot fast. The heat and maybe the potential dehydration of last night really poured the thirst on fast.

Heat in our life can sneak up on us quick too. Pressure, stresses, disappointments, and discouragements can bring the heat. While we are experiencing these things those of us who are Christ followers can get a thirst for the presence of the Lord. This is a good place for those of us with faith because we have confidence that we can cry out to him and he will answer us. Consider the emotions of the psalmist who wrote, "I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Selah." (Ps 143:6)

Wisely today I turned toward home and received the help of hydration. Wise is the person who turns toward the Lord today and receives spiritual hydration from Him.

Workout: Warm up, ballistics, 5 miles slow run, core, stretch, lots of water and some great grapes.    

Saying Goodbye to Some Old Friends

Well it happened I had to say goodbye today. Actually, I have needed to say adios for a while now but could not bring myself to do it. When I got serious about running the first thing was to purchase a well researched pair of running shoes. Running shoes have a millage limit based on your running style. Today was the day I gave in and bought some new shoes.

Two old friends, used on a rotation basis, were retired this afternoon. They have been with me in the sun, rain, mud, and at least once in the snow and ice. They are split, torn, soles slanted and worn out. BUT they still fit! Yet they had to go and my feet and knees now are singing the praises of the new pair.

You know I have to go spiritual on you for a minute now.  If you are a Christ follower your old life has no place hanging around any longer. The old life is split, torn, soles slanted and worn out. Sure the old life feels like it still fits - but it really does not and is doing damage to you. You are a new creation in Christ. Yes, the new life has begun and it is so much better than anything you could image.

2 Corinthians 5: 17-18 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun. and all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 

So say good bye to the old life and embrace fully the new.

Workout: warm up, short run in the heat 3 miles, core, stretch and re-hydrate.  Love the new shoes - Brooks Ghost 9 (third pair of Brooks brand 2nd pair of Ghost - I'm hooked) 

Reset and Restore (more than you think)

Some of you know that I am a fan of using my juicer! Every quarter I go through a major juice cleanse for my body to reset itself and restore a good balance. While doing this I have discovered the challenge of also restoring pace to my running. But its is necessary to eliminate some of the bad stuff and habits that I have formed.

These times also help me to establish some new patterns in my spiritual life as well. While doing this I try to chose a spiritual focus to concentrate upon.  My focus came on my run today in connection with a quote I did not use in my sermon yesterday (it did not fit sermon after all). Restoration of friendships is an essential piece of my Christian walk.

Here's the quote:

Instead of focusing on a person's past, look at how far he's come.

My juicing, weight, running patterns, and overall spiritual life needs to be well maintained. Time and again we all get out of balance. Some of those times involve others. I was reminded today that there have been times we have all judged someone solely on their past and have not considered the work of grace that Jesus has accomplished in their lives.

Paul restored a valuable friendship and may have encouraged a younger man in the process to pursue great things for God's kingdom. "Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11).

I am sure that I don't wish to be judged on my past but on how far I have come with the help from the Lord Jesus. How about you?

Workout: Warm up, ballistics, 5 miles, cool down...

Little Things Bring Improvement

There is one little thing that made all the difference today in the run. It was my posture. As a recreational runner I do read articles about improving my times, distances, and work outs. Posture comes up over and over again. Please understand I am no expert just one who has tried to improve.

Struggling through the run today the thought hit me that I was not running with good posture.
Shoulders needed to be back, head up, relax arms and keep focused on my breathing and pace. Funny thing is that this actually helped me improve the run.

Spiritually we have a posture too. Biblically there are three postures for prayer. The word mentions bowing prostrate, kneeling, and standing in the presence of the Lord.  In all these occasions it is not the position of the body that counts but the posture of the spirit. We are to come humbly before the Lord. This is our real posture. This little adjustment will make a great deal of difference. So, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10.

Workout: ballistics warm up, 5 miles (sprinted the hills - if you could call it sprinting), cool down mile, stretch.

OH YEAH - If you sit with good posture properly you will burn an extra couple of calories. 

Rainy Days Offer Blessings

As a small boy I was not fond of rainy days. Rainy days kept me from outside activities. Millennial generation that is what we did cause we only had 3 TV channels, no text messaging, no google, and only Pong computer game (image below).  So rain messed us up!

Rainy days now to me are a sweet blessing. Sure the vegetation is being watered and the pollen is being knocked down, but there is something great about running in the rain. The cool breezes, calm gentle drips of cold water, and the slap my big feet on wet pavement amazes me. We need refreshing from time to time. Rainy day running offers me the blessing of a refreshing.

Our spiritual lives need refreshing too. Amazingly every time that we need refreshing He is there to bring them to us. Jehovah promised that He would be our refreshing - Hosea 14: 6 "I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon."  And the pathway to the greatest refreshing of all is found by turning to him. Acts 3:19 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,"

Turn to Him today for your refreshing!

Workout: Warm up, ballistics stretch, 5 miles (more of a traffic route today - thanks for all you who weaved around me in the bright yellow shirt - and open your eyes to the young lady that made me jump into the weeds!!) core and stretch! Drenched with sweet sweat and rain.

Unexpected Detours

The morning's run was going well. On my particular path today I crossed railroad tracks on four different occasions. These are near a switching area and usually there are train cars awaiting a hook up. Today while making my way back to cross over some big engines had rolled to a stop. I was thinking "just turn around and add some extra miles." As I approached as if opening the automatic doors they roared to life and rolled away. Great timing.

35 minutes later tired and ready to be completed on my final approach home I was pushing it. Oh yeah, I was rolling at a good clip for me (round a 6 min pace). Winded and muscle aching I visioned making the turn, crossing the tracks and heading the last bit to the house. When I saw that the train had moved and was now stopped across that section of track. I was blocked. No way around and I had made a commitment to not stop till I got home.

There are times in life that we run into unexpected detours. Detours and delays are not always bad things for us spiritually. Truthfully, many detours are Jehovah's way of directing our path for his purposes. Think about Paul's plans to preach in Asia and the Lord put a road block up. Acts 16:6... the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. (You can read the whole context and see what happened Paul's Unexpected Detour)

These detours give us time to see God in action. Sure they can take longer than we had planned. but last time I checked we are on His time table not our own.

Workout: Warm up, ballistics, 6.3 miles, stretch - in the detour I got to see some baby turtles on their morning run. 

Struggle is Real - Memorial Day

Memorial day weekend rushes back memories of family gatherings, barbecue, and Brunswick stew. These were good days that have translated into new family traditions. We must do some things to remember those who served and sacrificed for us to enjoy these times.

We remember those who paid the price in the struggle for freedom. Miles away from family, hard days and dark nights staying ready to defend. Sometimes in trouble some moments in erie silence. But always prepared to take on any trouble with courage.

Matthew 14: 24.  Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.

Thankyou will never be strong enough a word to provide for our patriots, patloon leaders, and foot soldiers who gave so much for our freedom. May I suggest that we offer an elevation of our character. We need to Be (1) Honest & Humble; (2) Dedicated & Dependable

Being these requires being available to the one who DIED for our sins, Jesus Christ. Because in our selves we cannot and must admit that we can’t BE these without him. When we admit we can’t He admits that He can!  Matthew 14:27 b “Take courage. I am here!”

Training: 6 miles, core work and stretch. Goal is 235 miles during summer break. 32 miles in right now.

Runner's High

Well, it finally happened again. Yes sir, hit that runner's high around mile 5 today. A couple of cool things were going on today in the run. Namely there was no time limit to my run today. This doesn't happen often but when it does it is the first of the highs. My mind still doesn't understand how you can hit that euphoria while pushing hard running on the road.

When the excitement of the run hit me it brought to mind our spiritual lives. Spiritual highs take some effort to arrive at as well. Similarly these spiritual highs come during times of great effort. One of my spiritual highs came about 10 years ago when a friend introduced me to the writings of Major Ian Thomas. The Indwelling Life of Christ has helped me interpret these spiritual highs and lows. The everyday can become as filled with the "highs" as much as the spiritual mountain tops. My strength is inadequate but Jesus is completely adequate. My part is to be available and dependent upon him. When I admit I can't He always can there is the spiritual high of life.

Today on the run in the country I spotted deer, rabbits, a fox, some sort of big cat (panther kitten), and the evidence of a skunk. Good day - summer running started off right.
I suggest Indwelling Life of Christ

The Week that set us FREE

Some one recently asked me if I could pull together a complete Biblical picture of the events of Holy week in the life of Jesus. This is a snap shot for each of the days that will represent this week. My prayer is that you might use these as a process in your spiritual journey. 

Complete Biblical Holy Week Timeline

Sunday –

·        Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19: 29-44; John 12:12-19);

·        Second Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11: 15-19; Luke 19: 45-48);

·        Cursing the Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11: 12- 14)

·        Fig tree withers (Matthew 21:20-22; Mark 11: 20-26)

·        Christ’s Authority is Challenged (Matthew 21: 23-27; Mark 11: 27-33; Luke 20: 1-8)

23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”

24 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?”

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.”

And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

·        Parables

o   Two Sons (Matthew 21: 28-32)

o   Wicked Tenants of the vineyard (Matthew 21: 33-46; Mark 12: 1-12; Luke 20: 9-19)

o   Guests at a wedding feast (Matthew 22: 1-14)

·        Questions asked

o   Paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22: 15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20: 20-26)

Monday –

·        Questions asked

o   About the Resurrection (Matthew 22: 23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20: 27-38)

o   About the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22: 34-40; Mark 12: 28-34; Luke 20:39-40)

35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

o   Jesus asks about ancestry ( Matthew 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44)

·        Woes upon Scribes & Pharisees (Matthew 23: 1-39; Mark 12: 38-40; Luke 20: 45-47)

·        Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)

Tuesday –

·        Discourse on the signs of the Time (Matthew 24: 1-51; Mark 13: 1-37; Luke 21: 5-38)

·        Parable of Ten Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13)

·        Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

·        Separation (Matthew 25:31-46)

·        Plot to Kill Christ unfolds (Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14: 1-2: Luke 22: 1-22)

1 It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

Wednesday –

·        Jesus is Anointed (Matthew 26: 6-13, Mark 14:3-9)

3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

·        Judas agrees to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6

·        Gentiles Seek Christ (John 12:20-36)

·        Jews reject Christ (John 12:37-50)

Thursday (Day before the Crucifixion – Passover day)

·        Preparation for the Passover (Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22: 7-13)

·        Jesus Washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20)

·        The Betrayer is identified (Matthew 26: 20-25; Mark 14: 17-21; John 13:21-35)

·        Establishment of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-23)

·        Dispute over who is the greatest among disciples (Luke 22: 24-30)

24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.

28 “You have stayed with me in my time of trial. 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

·        Peter’s denial is foretold (Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14: 27-31; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38) 

·        Farewell Discourses

o   Jesus, the Way to heaven (John 14:1-15)

o   Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14: 16-31)

o   Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-17)

o   Warning of persecution (John 15: 18-27; John 16: 1- 4)

o   Jesus Comforts his disciples (John 16:5-33)

·        Farewell Prayer for his own (John 17: 1-26)

·        Jesus prayers at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:30-46; Mark 14:26-42; Luke 22: 39-46)

·        Jesus is betrayed and arrested, Heals ear (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-53; John 18:2-11)

·        Jesus is examined by Annas, The High Priest (John 18:12-23

Friday (Crucifixion day & Preparation day for Passover) –

·        Jesus, tried and condemned, is mocked (Matthew 26: 57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:24)

·        Peter denies the Lord three times (Matthew 26:58-75; Mark 14:54-72; Luke 22: 55-62; John 18:15-27)

·        Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27: 1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)

·        Remorse and Suicide of Judas (Matthew 27:3-10)

·        Jesus before Pilate – first time 6AM (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18 28-38)

·        Jesus before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12)

·        Jesus before Pilate – second time release of Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23: 13-25; John 18: 39-40)

·        Conclusion of trial – mocking and final condemnation (Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15: 16-19; John 19: 1-16)

·        Jesus’ walk to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-32; John 19: 17)

·        First three hours on the Cross 9 am – 12 noon (Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-43; John 19: 18-27)

·        Second three hours on the Cross 12 noon – 3 PM (Matthew 27: 45-37; Luke 23: 44-37

44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

·        Extraordinary Events – Vail torn and the dead raised (Matthew 27:51-56; Mark 15:38-41; Luke 23:47-49)

·        Burial of Jesus Body (Matthew 27: 57-61; Mark 15: 42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

Saturday (Sabbath day- day after crucifixion) –

·        Watch the sepulcher and sealing of stone (Matthew 27: 62-66)

62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”

65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

SUNDAY – Resurrection Day!!

·        Women visit the tomb (Matthew 26:1; Mark 16:1)

·        Stone Rolled away (Matthew 28: 2-4)

·        Message of the Angel (Matthew 28:5-8; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24: 1-7; John 20:1)

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.

·        Report to apostles – Peter and John Return to tomb (Luke 24:9-12; John 20:2-10)

·        Christ appears to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-18)

·        Christ Appears to other women (Matthew 28:9-10)

·        Guard reports to Jewish rulers ( Matthew 28:11-15)

·        Emmaus road conversation (Mark 16:12-32)

·        Two disciples give report (Luke 24:33-35)

·        Christ appears to amazed disciples (Mark 16:14; Luke 24; 36-43; John 20: 19-25)