The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, April 9, 2023 — Resurrection of the Lord—Easter Day

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Resurrection of the Lord—Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24;

Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Opening Statement

Resurrection—new life! This is the heart of the Christian message and what we are called to witness to at all times. On this glorious feast day, we celebrate God’s steadfast love, God conquering fear and death, and the fact that this message is for everyone. With Paul and Peter, this day is a chance to affirm the basis of our beliefs. We need also to recover that sense of grief and despair that brings Mary to the garden in order to fully understand and participate in the astonishment and joy at finding her beloved, risen from the dead. This possibility of encountering the Risen Christ is there for all of us to experience. It is this active, risen presence that needs to come through our liturgies for today.

Easter

Our world was lost to sin for many years. People were broken and empty. But throughout scripture a promise was made of a Savior that would conquer sin and bring salvation. That promise was fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God sacrificed His son so that we may have freedom from sin. Jesus was crucified and buried in a tomb for three days. But rose to life on that third day. We know this turning point in history as Easter. Salvation through Jesus Christ is not possible without the resurrection.

Opening Prayer
(adapted from John 20)

O God, bless us this morning with resurrection rampage—a rampage that summons us to shout yes to the birth of new creation in our midst. May we experience the birthquakes of new life in our lives and in our congregation. The Son is up! And we are up with the Son, despite all those things that seek to pull us down to despair. We are your Easter people. Amen.

The Collect
(from the Book of Common Prayers)

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Call to Confession

We have to admit it, Lord, that we had our doubts. We have heard the Resurrection story and for so many years it has remained just a nice story. But this time it is different. This time we have walked the path with Christ. We have journeyed through the wilderness and valleys, to the mountaintops to the courtyard, the garden and the cross. Now you bring us to the empty tomb and to the joyous news of the truth of Christ. Forgive us when we so easily doubt the truth of his resurrection. Forgive us when we feel we have to have absolute proof of everything. Your love in Jesus Christ is all the proof we need. You conquered death and sin, you brought us to new life. We praise your holy name and sing our unending song of hope and thanksgiving.

Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Come into the light of God’s love! Christ is risen! Death has been swallowed up in victory! Know beyond all doubt that God’s love is always with you, surrounding you, leading you, comforting you. Be at peace. Amen.

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:
Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

There is only one God. Believers in Jesus Christ should never forsake this foundational belief—they understand it in a deeper manner. Jesus is far better than just a great teacher or a mighty prophet. He is the Lord Himself. In fact, He is “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). If you want to understand what God is like, look to Jesus (John 1:1, 14–18; 14:9). And as Jesus sits at the right hand of the Majesty—the place of honor—He faithfully represent us (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:14–16).

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
First Reading
Acts 10:34-43
God raised Jesus on the third day

10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
On this day God has acted
Confitemini Domino

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *
    his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
    “His mercy endures for ever.”

14 The LORD is my strength and my song, *
     and he has become my salvation.

15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *
     in the tents of the righteous:

16 “The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! *
       the right hand of the LORD is exalted!
     the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!”

17 I shall not die, but live, *
     and declare the works of the LORD.

18 The LORD has punished me sorely, *
     but he did not hand me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
     I will enter them;
       I will offer thanks to the LORD.

20 “This is the gate of the LORD; *
     he who is righteous may enter.”

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
     and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
     has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the LORD’s doing, *
     and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 On this day the LORD has acted; *
     we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Father God, indeed, this is the day that You have made, a day of rejoicing and rest, and day of celebration and gladness, a day of praise and prayer to You. O God, You are worthy to be praised, and we look forward to that day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Fill us now with Your Holy Spirit and hear us as we pray. Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles
Colossians 3:1-4
Raised with Christ

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Gospel Acclamation
(1 Cor. 5:7, 8)

Alleluia.

Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us keep the Festival.

Alleluia.

Today’s Gospel Reading
John 20:1-18
Seeing the risen Christ

20:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction
(adapted from John 20)

We have come from darkness and despair to hope and joy. We have been transformed by new life. Go forth to witness and to testify to the message of hope we have received this day.

Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Easter Is Here

Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia. Amen.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, April 9, 2023
Resurrection of the Lord—Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18
Resurrection—new life! This is the heart of the Christian message and what we are called to witness to at all times. On this glorious feast day, we celebrate God’s steadfast love, God conquering fear and death, and the fact that this message is for everyone. With Paul and Peter, this day is a chance to affirm the basis of our beliefs. We need also to recover that sense of grief and despair that brings Mary to the garden in order to fully understand and participate in the astonishment and joy at finding her beloved, risen from the dead. This possibility of encountering the Risen Christ is there for all of us to experience. It is this active, risen presence that needs to come through our liturgies for today.

“The Legacy of Easter” The Gospel Message for Sunday, April 9, 2023 — Resurrection of the Lord—Easter Day

Our Gospel message comes to us today from the 20th chapter of John, beginning with the 1st verse, “The passion and death of Jesus.”

20:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. (John 20:1-18)

All mighty God, we thank you for your Word and the way that you in it revealed to us who you are and what you’ve done for us in Christ. Now, as we open that Word, we pray that your Spirit may be present, that all thoughts of worry or distraction may be removed and that the Spirit will allow us to hear your voice. And so, oh God, fill us with your spirit through the reading and proclamation of your Word this day. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“The Legacy of Easter”

What many of us need to know is that Easter is all about God. The resurrection of Christ is not about Jesus, but it is about God. Christmas-the incarnation is about Jesus and likewise the feast of tabernacles; the Pentecost is about the Holy Spirit; however, Easter is about what God has done through and in Jesus Christ.

And although many of us believe in God’s existence, our faith is pushed to its limits when it comes to Easter. Some of us who are the most intelligent, the most educated, the most intellectual of us would simply say that “I believe that Jesus existed; however, I find it rather difficult to believe that he was raised from the dead.” In fact, Islam teaches that God could not and would not die for humanity—it’s just not in his nature. Many scientists and atheists challenge the validity of the whole resurrection story. They dismissed the story of an empty tomb as a pious legend.

And I must admit at the outset that the case for Jesus’ resurrection is somewhat flawed. When you consider the discrepancies in the events of Easter morning as described by the four gospels, one may not know what to believe. I mean, who was it that first discovered that the tomb was empty, and when? Was it Mary or Peter? How and when was the stone rolled from the mouth of the tomb? And how many angels appeared? Now one perspective on the differences within the stories is that it is precisely those discrepancies that make the resurrection so believable. If someone were to really conspire and make this all up, one would think that they all would have at least gotten their testimonies to agree. But the real skeptics argue that that rationale just does not hold weight. And so they ask the question, is there any truth in the underlying story, the legend that the tomb was found empty?

Well, the fact of the matter is that the legacy of Easter is a faith story. It is intended not for the unbeliever but for the believer. Easter is for those who believe in the power of an almighty God. Easter is for the believer. (Ask your neighbor: “Are you a believer?”)

Easter is about the belief in a God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s about a God who was, who is, and whoever shall be God. It’s about a God who was. That’s the God of the Old Testament—the right-on-time God—the God who heard the cries of his people and always showed up right on time. Easter reminds us about a God that was right on time when he parted the red sea for the Hebrew children who were cornered by Pharaoh and his armies. Easter reminds us about a God who was right on time when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down for Joshua and his ragtag militia. Resurrection Sunday reminds us about a God that was right on time when David slew Goliath, when Daniel was in the lion’s Den; when the three Hebrew boys were in the fiery furnace. The legacy of Easter is about a God who may not show up when you want him to show up, but he always shows up right on time.

Easter is about a God who is and ever shall be with us. It’s about a belief in a God that dwells with his people. Now, we tend to believe that God is only with us when we are experiencing the blessings of God—good health, good fortune, and good times. We say that God is with us when we have landed that promotion or heard some good news, like the lump in our chest was not cancerous. We say and feel that God is really with us because it is at those times that life is so beautiful. But if God were only with us when things are going well, then he would not be God at all. He would be just a good luck charm—like lady luck and a rabbit’s foot. But our God is omnipresent—everywhere at the same time. He is with us not only in our good times but also in our bad times. He is with us in our pains as well as our pleasures. He is there present with us when we are losing our homes, burying a loved one, or receiving a diagnosis that means surgery with little to no chance of recovery. God is there with us while our spouses are packing their bags and walking out the door. He is there with us as we are answering the phones only to receive bad news. The legacy of Easter is about a God who is always with us. Easter is about the power, the glory, and majesty of a Sovereign God.

That is what Easter is all about. That is what Jesus told Mary when he said, “I go to My father, your father. My God, your God.” Easter is about much more than me.

One of the things that I so admired about the acceptance speech of Halle Berry on Oscar Night in 2002 was the profound statement that caught the attention of all of her peers: She stated that this moment is so much bigger than me. It’s for the women that stand beside me, and it’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened. It is exactly those words that best capture the message of Jesus on Easter. In other words, this event of me being raised from the dead, this event of me defeating the penalty of sin, is so much bigger than me. This moment is about Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac. This moment is about Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. This moment is about Moses, the Hebrew children, and the promised land. This moment is about Peter, Thomas, and You, Mary. This moment is about the opportunity for every believer in the power and authority of God to walk through this door to eternal life. It’s about giving them access to the dunamis power from the throne room of God that was once hindered, shut up, and blocked by our sin. This moment is about God giving you access to your healing. This moment is about God giving you access to your deliverance. This moment is about the young woman who thinks that suicide is her only way out. This moment is about the young man ready to pick up a gun or knife because they are tired of running from street gangs. This moment is for every parent who has tried counseling, time-outs, and corporeal punishment and still does not know what to do with their child. This moment is for the woman who is tired of being alone. It’s for the man living with HIV. This moment is for those who seem hopeless, helpless, and lost. For them, a door has been made opened. For them, the stone was rolled away. For them, every valley has been exalted; the mountain made low, the crooked places made straight. Easter is about the Door that God has opened for them. Easter is about God giving humanity not only the tools to become more humane but also the power necessary to become divine.

I believe that if we realized that moments are so much bigger than us, we would have a greater impact in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our community. If we realized that our living is not just about us but is about testifying to the power of God—more people would be healed, more people would be saved, and more people would have peace and joy. If we realized that every moment is not about us living large or getting ours; if we realized that it’s all about God and not having our voices heard or having our say, or feeling appreciated or doing things our way; if we would realize that it’s all God, more stones could be rolled away in our lives.

But we tend to miss those moments to give God the glory. Every moment we are given to give praise and thanks to God with a hand clap or a hallelujah, and we decide to hold our peace and fold our arms, saying, “it doesn’t take all that,” we miss the moment. Every time we are asked to financially support our local church and God’s kingdom through tithing, yet, we respond, “pastor, we are not rich,” we miss the moment. We miss a moment every time we are challenged to greet each other and share a hug, yet we refuse to move from our pew to extend a hand. Every time we refuse to forgive those we cannot stand, to show some mercy towards those who work on our last nerve, we miss a moment. We miss a moment every time we are challenged to go forth as giant-killers, yet all we see is ourselves as grasshoppers.

And I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of missing the moment. I’m tired of coming so close to the mission, the vision, and dream only to run into stones of poor faith, stones of poor commitment, and stones of disobedience. I’m ready to see moments that are much bigger than us. I’m ready to see more moments to testify to the power of my father, your father, my God, and your God.

I’m ready to see moments where people of different colors, classes, and cultures come together, meet eye-to-eye, and say, “Peace of the Lord be with you.” I’m ready to see more moments when black children, white children, Hispanic and Asian can sit down in our Sunday school classes, living, loving, and learning in the Name of the lord. I’m ready to see people get past their hang-ups on denomination, religion, and doctrine and realize that Sunday morning is not about the sign that is on the front of the building, but it’s about the blood of Jesus spilled out for our redemption. I’m ready to see more moments where the disadvantaged, the disabled, and the discouraged can leave our sanctuaries feeling empowered, encouraged, inspired, and convinced that God lives, God reigns, and God cares. I’m looking for moments that are much bigger than us. I’m looking for moments where a drug addict is delivered, where the alcoholic is released. I’m looking for moments where lumps have disappeared, the cripple is made to walk, and people are put back into the right mind. Those are moments that are much bigger than us.

Let us pray: Lord God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have a new life with you. Thank you that you had a plan, that you made a way.

Keep your words of truth planted firmly within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, and give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacking our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thanks be to you, God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor on this Resurrection Day, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ

Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Sermon contributed by Rev. Antonio Torrence.
The significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Morning Prayer for Sunday, April 9, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, April 9, 2023

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
John 14:18-21, NIV

Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we are gathered in your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Reveal to us our Savior Jesus Christ. May the Savior be revealed to us; otherwise in our need we will never come through. Grant that at this late hour for the world we may see him as he is, and through him and through the kingdom that he brings we may be lifted above the troubles of our time. Strengthen our hearts every day, and fill us with joy because you guide everything on earth as in heaven; in the end you will give us the victory that belongs to the kingdom you have founded. May we be comforted through all eternity in this kingdom, a kingdom far greater and more glorious than all the kingdoms of the world. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Sunday, April 9, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, April 9, 2023

Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

There is only one God. Believers in Jesus Christ should never forsake this foundational belief—they understand it in a deeper manner. Jesus is far better than just a great teacher or a mighty prophet. He is the Lord Himself. In fact, He is “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). If you want to understand what God is like, look to Jesus (John 1:1, 14–18; 14:9). And as Jesus sits at the right hand of the Majesty—the place of honor—He faithfully represent us (Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:14–16).

Read all of Hebrews Chapter 1

Listen to Hebrews Chapter 1

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Travel the World from Home — A Joyous Crossing For All God’s People

 

The Holy Land:
Connecting the Land with Its Stories
A Joyous Crossing For All God’s People
Season 3 — Episode 8

How does Jesus’ own baptism affect our own baptism into God’s family today?

“The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories” Season 3 is a nine-episode series hosted by Dr. John (Jack) Beck that takes you to the Jordan River Valley systems to experience the land, the culture, and the customs that surround the sacred stories of the Bible.

In the eighth episode of “The Holy Land” Season 3, Dr. Jack Beck uses the Jordan River to help us understand more about how Jesus’ transition through baptism makes it possible for us to transition from old to new creations.

Season 3 — Episode 8 | A Joyous Crossing For All God’s People