John 20 - The story of Mary Magdelene discovering Jesus had resurrected.

There are several things about this event that are so powerful, that you have to look closely and read between the lines to find them.

The first is this: Mary Magdelene was a formerly troubled woman. Her mind had been “possessed by evil”. Once Jesus delivered her, she followed Jesus and became something of a “first responder” for his ministry. She was very close to Jesus’ mother. She was present at every significant event Jesus was involved with after their meeting - especially at the resurrection. She came to the tomb on the Sunday morning after his death with the intention to perfume and annoint Jesus’ body, only to find that it was gone. She first sees the angels and asks where her Lord is. Then she looks behind her, sees Jesus and knows him when he calls her name.
(Read on …)

 

 Pastor Dean - March 23, 2008: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Acts 18: I love the New Year - the thought of another chance - the thought of what’s possible. There is so much hope in the air this time of year. God loves to give us another chance. The whole nature of God is redemptive. He wants to wash away the past, get our feet on high ground and get us looking forward. God is all about forward. Although some things we have done in our past effect us and leave scars. God wants us to learn from those things and move on - not be defeated by it or let it hold you back. He wants us to allow the lessons of our past to help us make great decisions for our future.
(Read on …)

 

 Pastor Dean - January 2, 2008: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download