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.
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:30-31
What is a miracle? One dictionary defines a miracle as an event that is an addition to the established laws of nature and attributed to God.
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.
“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” — Psalm 16:5-6
Have you ever wondered where your life might be apart from knowing Jesus as your Savior? If not, spend a moment pondering what that might have looked like.
It certainly doesn’t take long to realize how richly blessed we are to be His children. It always goes far beyond the material blessing of His provision. We no doubt find that in our homes or aligning with our interests. Looking deeper, however, we also see a life filled with grace, forgiveness, purpose, hope, and beauty.
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.
I’m ready for a new body. How about you? Maybe (like me) your body is experiencing the effects of over doing it a bit while celebrating Resurrection Day last weekend? As I get older, I often yearn for the new body God promises us in the Bible. Read this:
“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 (NLT)
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.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV84)
My mom died a few weeks ago. We didn’t expect it. It happened suddenly.
Without a doubt, death is never easy. Grieving the loss of a loved one is not something we look forward to. Neither would we describe such experiences as “good.” They are really hard. They hurt.
“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).
The last week of Jesus’ life changed the world. Imagine the contrast of emotions that His disciples experienced during the final days before His death. Join us this Easter as we experience a unique, two-week journey, that will take us from darkness to light and from death to life! April 13/14 and April 20/21 (Saturday 6:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.).
