Hope Church

RESURRECTION PEOPLE DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Follow along with us everyday until Easter!

Day 5: Written by Hope Midway's Children's Pastor Graciela Garcia
“Resurrection People Are PASSIONATE People."

”As we are passing through the Lenten Season, we patiently await Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday.

This brings to mind the movie, the Passion of The Christ, written and directed by Mel Gibson. Here is a quote from movie critic Roger Ebert, 2/24/2004: “Although the word passion has become mixed up with romance, its Latin origins refer to suffering and pain; later Christian theology broadened that to include Christ's love for mankind, which made him willing to suffer and die for us.

The title: The Passion of The Christ, leads me to realize, as resurrected people we should be passionate about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who willingly gave his life, on the cross so our sins can be forgiven.

What a wonderful experience to be forgiven of our sins and set free from the enemy’s grip over our lives. So let’s be resurrected passionate followers of Christ. “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. ' There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 NIV

Day 4: Written by Hope Frankfort's Children's Pastor Jen Parsons
“Resurrection People Are RESILIENT People.”

When you think of Jesus, resiliency may not be the first word that comes to mind, but we find in Jesus the ultimate example. Resilience, simply, is the ability to withstand and come back from adversity, trauma or tragedy. What better example than Jesus, then?

Jesus was no stranger to adversity, especially in the hours before his death. Luke 22:44 says, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Jesus was truly feeling the weight of his chosen responsibility. Yet after hours of questioning and intense torture, He is able to say to the Father, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Our lives are full of adversity, times of tragedy, and many of us have encountered trauma in various forms. How wonderful is it that Jesus, in all of his wonderful perfection and glory, came for the sole purpose of experiencing these same things in order to give us eternal life?

Day 3: Written by LaGrange Assistant Pastor Josh Kloes

“Resurrection People Are JOYFUL People.”

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

We tend to associate this passage with Christmas, because it takes place at the time of Jesus’ birth. But it also serves wonderfully as an Easter reminder.

Easter People are joyful. Why? Because we have a living savior! The Gospel is the greatest news ever. God in his awesome love, grace, and faithfulness sent Jesus to be the promised Messiah! As followers of Jesus this should bring us joy even in the hardest times.

Are there going to be things in life that try to steal your joy? Yes. Are there going to be times where you don’t feel very joyful? Yes. But as Easter People, we have the hope of Jesus to lean on, and the joy of the Lord to be our strength!

We serve a risen savior! We have the promise of eternity with Him. This Easter season, let this reality fill you with great joy.

Day 2: Written by LaGrange Children's and Marquette Park Dinner Church Pastor Jordan Arias:

"Resurrection People Are HOSPITABLE People!"

Imagine going to a fancy party where the host is less than welcoming. Their house is lovely but they seem bothered by everyone and do a double take at your outfit, making you feel unfit.

Compare that with a night at a friend’s apartment. The food is simple and served on paper plates. Everyone is casually in the kitchen, laughing and eating. A few of you are sitting on the floor, some are propped up on countertops. The night is cozy and you feel welcomed and free to be yourself.

It’s clear the heart of the host reflects the role Jesus plays in a person’s life.

When we experience Christ’s resurrection power in our lives, we welcome the weary and the hungry (Matthew 25:35-40). Our healing, like Simon’s mother-in-law prompts hospitality (Mark 1:30-31). Jesus served, so we ought to as well (Matthew 20:28)!

Your hospitality won’t be perfect. Plates will be mismatched, the house may not be spotless. But the best words you can say to weary soul, which may prompt resurrection in their own lives, are these: “I’m so glad you’re here. Come in. Stay as long as you like.” You just may find Jesus sitting with you!

Day 1: Written by senior pastor hal kooistra

“We Are Resurrection People All Year Long!”

Welcome to the first day of our Hope Church Easter 2023 devotional. Over the next two weeks, leading up to Easter Sunday, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the key characteristics of our calling to be Resurrection People. Each day we’ll discover how to live as praise-filled people who prayerfully, powerfully and purposefully represent our resurrected Savior! As a starting point, consider these words from the Apostle Paul:

“What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection!” Romans 6:7 The Message

Wow, what a great promise! As followers of Jesus Christ we are included in his life-saving resurrection! Let’s revel in this standing and marvel at this truth every day. We are Easter people! The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! He’s the risen Savior! He’s still saving lives every day as the Bible says in Hebrews 7:25, “Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. Let’s live like Resurrection People all year long!

welcome to hope!

Hope Church is first and foremost a place of worship and relationship with Christ firmly placed at the center. That's what we're all about and continue working to build upon. Our services are worship filled, illustrated and practical sermons designed to equip you to build relationships and draw closer to Christ in your daily life. Our website should help you with all the questions you may have as to who we are, what we believe, and what we do.

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