Recently, a sister in our church pointed out something rather remarkable to me. There is an obvious connection between the Mercy Seat found in the Old and New Testaments.
The Ark of the Covenant was in the Old Testament Jewish tabernacle/temple. (You might remember it from Raiders of the Lost Ark). The Ark of the Covenant was a chest that contained The Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s staff. On the top of it was the Mercy Seat. This was, in fact, where God’s presence dwelled. The priests sprinkled the sacrificial blood there, and He gave mankind mercy.
A lot of the world is looking forward to celebrating Easter. I know I am, as well. Hiding eggs for my children and grandchildren to find is so enjoyable. It’s fun to hide some of them out of reach or in unusual places, so they have to think about it. Not to mention being stuffed with hundred-dollar bills, who wouldn’t be excited to find them? No, not really stuffed with hundo’s, come on. Perhaps they’re filled with candy or something curious.
The most significant events in the history of mankind are the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. John 19:41-42 says that these events happened near the same place. And in that place, there was a garden. While close to each other in both time and location, the meaning of these events is quite different.
Of all our fears in this world, there is none greater than the fear of death. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, it is everyone’s deepest fear. But what if something happened that meant we no longer had to fear it? What if something (or Someone) ushered in the death of death?
Every Easter, Christians celebrate that when Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day, He conquered the power of sin. Surely, the empty tomb is the proclamation that death is forever defeated. There is a power stronger than the grave — found in the life of Jesus Christ.
Easter is the most significant day in all of Christianity. On that first Easter morning, death was defeated, and eternal life was secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Join us and hear about the hope and confidence followers of Jesus have because of an empty tomb.
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Service Times and Location:
Our two-week Easter series will be April 9/10 & 16/17 at The Rock Church. (11630 S 700 E Draper, UT 84020) Saturdays at 6:00 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.
Baptisms will happen Easter weekend (Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17) and we’re so excited! Why? Because it really is the first step of obedience for a Christian. It’s an outward expression of what has happened in your heart as you’ve accepted Jesus as your personal Savior.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Can you believe it? Winter is over and spring is already upon us! It seems as if this time of year brings new and exciting opportunities for us to labor hard for Jesus (and for me to start preparing my garden).
“When they found the stone rolled away from the entrance, they went in. But they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus… Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them… the men said, ‘Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? Jesus isn’t here! He has been raised from death.'” — Luke 24:2-6
For Christians, Easter is the most significant event and celebration of the year. It’s both an amazing and remarkable part of our world’s history. People will gather together around the world to celebrate His death and resurrection — Jesus is Alive!
Hello, Rock Parents and Kids! We’ve made you a special Easter Bulletin with a word search and many other activities to have fun with. Here’s the link to the PDF — you can simply download and print it.
Helpful print settings: fit to page, 2-sided with flip on short edge. To finish, fold it in half – hamburger style.
We hope you enjoy it and have a very Happy Easter!
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” — Matthew 6:21 (NLT)
We live in a time of uncertainty. Many of us are asking a myriad of questions: What do I consider my treasure to be? What is really important? What will I fight to protect? What if I get sick? What if this lasts a really long time? What if I can’t provide for my family? What if I, or someone I love, dies? Why is this happening? What matters?
Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. — Mark 16:4-6 ESV
No one rises from the dead. Once you’re dead and buried, that’s it. And yet, Christians make a remarkable claim. They actually believe that Someone did rise from the dead. Join us this Easter as we take a look at the evidence for the Empty Tomb.
