Introduction
Last week we began our series in the book of Revelation. Revelation is a powerful and complex work of literature that has captivated readers for centuries. As we delve deeper into this letter, we encounter a vision of Jesus Christ as the head of the Church, standing amidst seven churches and speaking to John, the book's author. In Revelation 2:1-7, we see the beginning of a series of letters that Jesus instructs John to write to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Through these letters, we gain insight into the challenges the early Christians faced, and we see the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even in difficult times.
 
The Seven Churches - The cities where the churches were located were postal and administrative centers. It is believed that they were cities with the highest concentration of Christians.  
 
Write - John is commanded to write down what he sees and send it to the churches in these seven cities.
 
The Seven Letters of Revelation
The seven individual letters are structured very similarly. Each letter opens with a reminder of a characteristic of the description of Jesus in chapter one. The letters start by commending the churches on what they were doing well, except for Laodicea, where there is nothing commendable. The letter continues with a warning or criticism of what has been done poorly in all the churches except Smyrna and Philadelphia, where no fault is mentioned. Finally, each letter concludes with a severe warning and promises that the Spirit speaks to the churches.
 
 
 
Ephesus – The City
Ephesus was one of the largest and most important cities in the Roman province of Asia. It was a main import and export center for Asia. About 250,000 people were living in the area. The religious life was vibrant and marked with imperial worship. It was the epicenter for the temple of Artemis (Diana); one of the Seven Wonders of the World was in Ephesus. Artemis/Diana was originally an Anatolian fertility goddess, but under the influence of Greek culture, she had become the focus of an extensive religious cult. It is also a city of great political importance. It had been granted by Rome the right to self-government. [1] 
 
Ephesus – The Church
Tradition holds that the Christian faith came to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla around A.D. 52. The Apostle Paul planted a church in Ephesus, and he ministered there for two years. Some amazing things happened in Ephesus during his time, including a riot that Paul unintentionally instigated because of his preaching (Acts 19:21 – 41). Timothy (the one Paul wrote both 1 and 2 Timothy) was a resident of Ephesus, and tradition states that he may have either been an elder or the Pastor of the Church of Ephesus when Paul wrote his letters to him. The Apostle John and Mary, the mother of Jesus, resided in Ephesus. Mary may have died in Ephesus, and it is widely held that John lived in Ephesus until he was banished to Patmos.     
 
Ephesus – The Letter
 
Verse 1: "Seven stars… Walks among the Seven Lampstands…" This passage represents Jesus amid the Church as protector, head, and foundation. Jesus is active in the Church, and His presence is among them.
 
Verse 2:  Jesus begins by acknowledging that he is familiar with the works of the Church of Ephesus. He praises the Church because the congregation has been faithful in enduring hardships, not tolerating people who had evil agendas, and they exposed false teachers and Apostles. The false teachers Jesus speaks about are most likely the Nicolaitans. We believe this because Jesus references them by name in verse 6. Thus, Jesus also applauds the Ephesians for hating the works of the Nicolaitans just as God hates their works. I will talk more about the Nicolaitans in a few moments.
 
The Church of Ephesus maintained integrity by denouncing and exposing the heretical teachings of the Nicolaitans. God commends this denial.
 
Verse 3:  Jesus also praises the Church of Ephesus because they patiently endure persecution for the sake of Jesus. The Ephesians not only turned away and exposed false teachers but also patiently endured persecution and opposition. They did not grow weary during their trials and persecutions but stayed faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
Verses 4 – 5: Although Jesus did have a criticism against the Church of Ephesus. The congregation had abandoned their first love. Jesus is not specific in detailing this first love, but it was probably their lack of practicing the Great Commandment to love one another and God. The two are related. A lack of love for God eventually leads to a lack of love for others. The command of Jesus was precise "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love others as you love yourself." The Ephesians forgot this Great Command; thus, they abandoned their first love. 
 
All is not lost, though… Jesus gives them a solution to remedy the problem…Jesus instructs them to do three things… remember, repent, and return. I'll hash these out in a few moments. Finally, Jesus expresses to the Ephesians to heed his warning. If they do not do as He instructs, then there will be a consequence: He will come and remove His lampstand from their midst. This warning means that if things don't change soon, the Church will die, which ultimately it did. Unfortunately, the Church of Ephesus does not exist today.   
 
This warning should remind all that a loveless Church is a Christless church, and a Christless church is a dead church.
 
Verse 6:  Nicolaitans - Nicolaus of Antioch is believed to have founded this heretical group. It is believed that he encouraged Christians to compromise their faith by shamelessly mixing their Christian faith with paganism. Their compromise was probably sexual because, as we will see with the Church of Pergamum that the Nicolaitans are mentioned regarding sexual immorality.
 
Verse 7:  The promise – To the one who conquers, I will grant to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the paradise of God. Those who endure persecution and remain faithful will be permitted to eat of the Tree of Life, which means eternal life and victory over death.
 
Church of Ephesus for Us Today
There is no Church of Ephesus today, but this does not mean the letter is invalid. On the contrary, it is still relevant today. The letter does speak to the Church today just as it did to the ancient Church in Ephesus. 
 
We know good works cannot save us. The Gospel explicitly states that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace is the truth of the Gospel. Jesus accomplished salvation for us through the cross of Calvary. While it is true that our salvation is not earned through our good works but rather by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, our good works still play a crucial role in the life of a Christian. The Bible teaches us that our good works are evidence of our faith and can even bring glory to God. What we do individually AND collectively as a Church matters greatly to God. God has called the Body of Christ to be the Light of the world. I think we must use this passage as a scorecard of sorts for the Church of Jesus Christ and, more so, for Southside today. We should be asking…

• Does God know our works? If so, are they God-honoring works? As a church, are we known for our good works for the Kingdom of God? When people visit Southside, are they drawn to the presence of God or pushed away from Jesus? We (the Church) are the Light of the world, and our Light must shine brightly for the sake of Jesus Christ.    □   Do we work hard for the Gospel? Is the great news of salvation proclaimed boldly and often to those who do and do not believe? 
• Do we endure persecution? When persecution arises, do we ball up and shelter ourselves from the world or face persecution confidently in Jesus Christ?
• Do we tolerate false teaching? False teaching adds to or takes away from the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God. Unfortunately, there are many false teachers in the world. Do we have the spine and conviction for exposing them? If so, do we allow heresies to infiltrate our lives and Church?
• Do we hate the teachings of the Nicolaitans? We may not have the teachings of Nicolaitans today, but do we tolerate idolatry and sexual immorality? N.T. Wright writes, "The main point we can gain from this mention of the 'Nicolaitans' is that the Church must always be on the lookout for individuals or groups who try to teach strange new ideas or to introduce strange new practices."[2]
• Do we grow weary in sharing and working in the name of Jesus? If so, we may not depend on His Spirit to work in us. Are you/we Spirit led and filled? When serving in Jesus' name, do you grow tired and begrudge it?
• Have we lost our first love? Is love for God and others falling low on the radar? Have you/we lost that loving feeling for God and for others?

 It is good if you are feeling hopeless, conflicted, or convicted at this moment because God is at work in your heart. In preparation for this message, I felt all three. However, I am encouraged because verse 4 doesn't end with the problem. Jesus gives the solution…
 
REMEMBER where you have fallen. Allow God to work on you today. If you or we have failed in any of the areas mentioned above, we are encouraged to find out where we failed. The process of remembering can be and often is painful and should lead to the next step.
 
REPENT – The word repent means "To think/act differently. To change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins." Repentance doesn't mean being sorry. It means being sorry enough to change. Repentance is a painfully freeing process. Repentance can hurt, cause tears, and break your heart, but it always leads to freedom and forgiveness with God. 
 
RETURN – Do the works you did at first. Returning means allowing the Spirit to do his work in your heart. Allow the Spirit to fan into flame the passion and fire you once had for God. It's synonymous with the words of King David, "Restore to me the joy of my salvation and renew a right spirit within me." 

Conclusion
Revelation 2:1-7 offers valuable insights into the nature of the early Christian Church and its challenges in remaining true to its faith in the face of persecution and worldly temptation. Through the letter to the Church in Ephesus, we see the importance of maintaining our first love for Jesus Christ and his teachings. The message is clear: while good works and steadfastness are essential, they must be motivated by a genuine passion for Christ and a desire to follow him above all else. As we navigate the challenges of our times, the message of Revelation 2:1-7 remains relevant and inspiring, encouraging us to stay faithful to Christ and to embrace his teachings with zeal and passion.


[1] The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Revelation (1977) Mounce, Robert:  Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdman’s Publishing.  P. 86

[2] Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011), 14.

Introduction
Background of book

1. Title – Revelation (or the Apocalypse): The supernatural unveiling of what will occur.  The book of Revelation belongs to a class of literature referred to as apocalyptic.  Many consider Revelation to be the NT counterpart to the OT apocalyptic book of Daniel.
2. Date – Possibly written between AD 81 - 96 (Emperor Domitian).
3. Author – John… We are not sure, but it is widely accepted that it is the Apostle John a.k.a. the beloved disciple of Jesus. 
4. Purpose – This letter/vision was written as a testimony of God’s plan in Christ for the world, and to disclose by a series of visions the fulfillment of his salvific purposes, through his judgment, both in history and in eternity. 
   1. Was intended to be read orally for a blessing and encouragement.  We will also read Revelation aloud for blessing and encouragement.
   2. The background is one of conflict between the demands of a totalitarian secular power (Rome/Babylon) and allegiance to the Christian faith (Jesus).
   3. Persecution was inevitable since the issue is not that Christians must oppose Rome because of persecution.  Instead, it’s that Christians needed to disassociate themselves from the Roman system and they will likely face persecution because of this.
   4. The author writes to encourage the recipients of this letter to be steadfast in faith and to endure hardships of persecution.
   5. John encourages the believers to direct their faith and hopes toward the worship of Jesus Christ and not of Caesar even if it leads to martyrdom.
   6. Thus, Revelation is a call to worship the true God and forsake false deities and religions.
   7. Words associated with Revelation, but not in the letter… Rapture and the Antichrist.
5. Audience – The letter was written to seven congregations in Asia Minor because the churches were facing persecution and oppression.
6. Difficulty in interpreting – Revelation is full of symbolism, visions, and strange occurrences (i.e., multi-headed beasts emerging from the sea, stinging locusts, false prophets, and angels).
   1. Mitchel Reddish writes in his commentary on Revelation, “(It) uses visions, symbols, and ancient myths to convey its message. The language of the book is primarily pictorial, symbolic language. It is not the language of science or science. Rather, it is evocative, powerful emotive language, at times more akin to poetry than to prose. Like the language of poetry, the language of Revelation sometimes is mysterious and slippery, teasing its reader to make connections and see possibilities that one has never made before. The language of Revelation ‘works’ not by imparting information, but by helping the reader experience what John experienced.”
   2. In fact, it is so controversial and confusing that some have even disputed that it even belongs in the Bible.
   3. The German reformer Martin Luther wrote, “(Revelation) is neither apostolic nor prophetic… I can in no way detect that the Holy Spirit produced it… Again, they are supposed to be blessed who keep what is written in this book; and yet no one knows that that is, to say nothing of keeping it… Christ is neither taught nor known in it.
   4. Founding Father and philosopher Thomas Paine wrote, “(Revelation) is a book of riddles that requires a Revelation to explain it.”
   5. New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan writes, “(It is) a book that transforms the ‘nonviolent resistance of the slaughtered Jesus into the warfare of the slaughtering Jesus.”
   6. There are many views regarding this book thus it is unsurprising that Revelation has been and is interpreted in various ways. 
   7. Unfortunately, this has led to some irresponsible reading and translations of Revelation.
   8. However, it’s safe to assume that the original recipients of this letter understood the central message without much difficulty.

 
Prologue - Revelation 1:1 – 3
Vs. 1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” – The Greek word for Revelation is “apocalypse” which means unveiling, or more specifically the unveiling of something that was once hidden.  Professor Michael J. Gorman writes in his book READING REVELATION RESPONSIBLY, “(This means) it is a revelation about Christ, from Christ, or both.”
 
“Events that must soon take place.” – History is not a random sequence of unrelated events, but a divinely orchestrated of events that must come to pass.  Now, many have an issue with the word, “shortly” or “soon take place”.  According to theologian Robert Mounce, “One solution is to understand ‘shortly’ in the sense of suddenly, or without delay once the appointed time comes.” (Mounce p. 65). However, some also believe that John is speaking of the persecution of the church that did, in fact, take place shortly thereafter.  And some hold to taking the word in a straightforward sense.  This means that in the prophetic view of the word, the end is always impending or imminent.
 
Vs 3: “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the Church” A blessing is pronounced on those who read this letter.  Not only to those who read it but those who read it aloud.  Reading scripture aloud publicly was a Jewish practice.  At first, someone from the congregation was chosen to read and this person probably had proficiency in the art of reading.  The ability to read well was not something that was a common trait.  The position of Scripture reader became an official office in the early church.
 
“the words of this prophecy…” John sees this work as prophetic literature that is on par with the OT prophetic books thus possessing an authority that required the obedient response of all believers.
 
“And he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says” Not only are those blessed who read it but also those whom both hear (by faith) and keep (obedience) to all that is written in the letter.
 
The Vision - Revelation 1:4 - 20
Verse 4:   The author reveals himself to be John.  It is widely held and my personal belief that the author is the Apostle John, and it is from his viewpoint that we will read this letter.
  
“Seven Churches in the Province of Asia” – The NT refers to Asia as the Roman province known as Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey. It is not exactly clear why Revelation is addressed to these seven churches, but it is suggested that the imperial cult (Roman Caesar worship) was widespread in these seven cities.  There were other churches in Asia Minor other than the seven mentioned here and it is assumed they are of equal importance. 
 
One reason it is believed that the letter was written to seven churches is that the number seven represents completeness, thus this is a letter written to the complete or universal Church.
 
“Grace to you and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come.”  Grace and peace come from a threefold source…. “who is, who always was, and who is still to come.”  Here, John paraphrases the divine name to remind his readers that God is eternally existent… He has no beginning or end.  This reminder is written as it is appropriate at a time when the church was in the shadow of impending persecution.  The future of the church is uncertain, so they needed hope in the one who is sovereign over all humanity.
 
“Seven Spirits…”  Some interpret this to represent the complete manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s being.  Some see this as a reference to the seven archangels of Jewish Tradition.   In the non-canonical book of Enoch 20:1 – 8 these angels are named Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Saraqael, Gabriel, and Remiel.   However, it is unlikely these are angels since it would be a strange intrusion of Jewish tradition into Christian thought.  There is uncertainty as to what or whom these seven angels represent conclusively but we can safely deduce that they are part of a heavenly entourage that has a special ministry in connection to Christ. 
 
Verse 5:  Grace and peace proceed from the eternal God, the seven Spirits, and from Jesus Christ who has the threefold title of …

1. “Faithful witness” – Jesus bears witness to the truth. From God.  
   1. Witness – Gk “martys” – This is where we get the English word martyr, which means one who has suffered death because of allegiance to a cause.  Through Jesus’s death, he showed himself to be a faithful witness to the truth of God.
2. “The first to rise from the dead” – Jesus, the faithful witness died a martyr’s death and rose from the dead making him the first to rise from the dead.
3. “The ruler of all the kings of the world” – Jesu was vindicated by the resurrection; thus He is acknowledged as the supreme leader.

The threefold title is intended to encourage and sustain believers who are about to enter severe persecution.  They are reminded of the death, resurrection, and supreme victory of Jesus.
 
Verse 7:  cf. Daniel 7:13 & Zech. 12:10. Jesus will return as the victorious King and when HE returns his sovereignty will be openly displayed “And everyone will see him even those who have pierced.”  The wailing will not be the same as in Zech. Instead, it will be wailing that results from impending judgment.
 
Verse 8: “Alpha and Omega…”  The Alpha and omega represent the Hebrew Aleph, and Tau, which are regarded not only as the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet but include every letter in between.  God is the sovereign Lord of all human history.  As the sovereign Lord he is the “Almighty”.  He is the beginning and the end and everything in between.
 
Verse 9:  The Apostle John writes this letter from the island of Patmos.  It was a rocky island located in the Aegean Sea.  It was an exile island where people were sent who were banished for religious or political reasons.  The Apostle John tells us he was exiled to Patmos for preaching the Gospel.  Some believe that he was sent to the Island to receive the vision.
 
Verse 10 - 11: “It was the Lord’s Day and I was worshiping in the Spirit” – It is suggested “In the Spirit” means that John was taken from the Island of Patmos and transferred to the throne room of Heaven (we see this in Chapter 4).  Others suggest and probably more rightly that John was in a trance-like state, or he had a holy vision or revelation.  
 
Early Christians recognized Sunday as the day Jesus rose from the dead, so it is believed the Lord’s Day was Sunday.  Pagans would also set aside a day to honor the emperor, and in response, Christians chose the first day of the week to honor Christ.   
 
John hears a loud voice telling him to write down what he is told and send it to the seven churches.  According to D.A. Carson, “The cities were both postal and administrative centres. It has been reckoned that at the time of John’s writing this area had the greatest concentration of Christians in the world.”
 
Verse 12 – 16:  John turns around to see the person who is speaking to him, and he is not prepared for what he is about to see.  
In the next few verses, John gives the reader a vivid description of the risen and glorious savior.  These verses are filled with symbols and are a glimpse of our Savior in his full glory in the heavenly places.

1. Symbolism - The number 7:  The number seven is significant.  There are seven lampstands, seven churches, seven stars, and seven angels.  Seven is the number of completeness. 
   1. The Seven Lamp Stands represent the seven churches which represents or is symbolic of the complete church.  It is the Church universal (this letter applies to the church today).
   2. Amid the seven lampstands is Jesus.  The presence of Jesus Christ is at the center of the ancient church and the church today regardless of the state the church may be in.  
   3. He is clothed in a long robe – This is a priestly garment and shows the priestly character of Jesus.  He is our high priest who makes intercession for us.
   4. He has white hair – Which represents purity.
   5. Eyes of fire – Eyes that penetrate and burn to the heart and is the one who judges.
   6. Feet of bronze – Strength and stability.  Jesus is our fortress and our solid foundation that will not be moved.
   7. Voice of rushing waters – The mighty and powerful voice of God.
   8. The seven stars – The seven angels of the Churches.
   9. The double-edged sword – The power of his word (Hebrews 4:12)
   10. His shining face – The shekinah glory of God

 
Verse 17:  John’s response was probably no different than yours or mine if we encountered Jesus in His full glory.  He falls at Jesus’ feet as if dead.  His response is like the reactions of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel when they had visions of Jesus.  
 
Verses 17b – 20:  Jesus reassures John, “Don’t be afraid…” Jesus says this repeatedly to comfort his people.  John was living in a time of persecution, and it was going to get worse, so Jesus tells him not to be afraid.  He comforts John and restores his confidence to hear the words that he was about to speak.  Jesus assures him that he is the one who is the beginning and has no end; he has conquered death.  He lived, he died, and he rose from the dead.  He holds the key to death and Hades which means he has the power over death and Hades.  All power belongs to God and God alone. 
 
John is then commanded to write down the things he has seen (the vision of Jesus), the things he is about to hear (the letters to the church), and the things that will take place (the future and heavenly glories). 
 
Conclusion
Although this letter is not specifically written to the church today, it is important to understand that the blessing continues for us today.  We are blessed in reading and speaking the words of Revelation.  We are also blessed when we take seriously and heed the words of Jesus.  My hope and prayer for this series are that we would not only gain a better understanding and knowledge of Revelation, but we would also gain a better understanding of Jesus and His Kingdom which forever changes and transform us into the people that God has called us to be.

Introduction
On this Easter morning, we gather to celebrate the greatest event in Christian history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This holiest of days signifies the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and joy over sadness.  Today we will spend some time in John chapter 20 and Ephesians 4:21 – 30.  In these passages, we are reminded of the incredible power of God through the resurrection, the incredible gift of forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus, and the celebration of the newness of life in Jesus Christ.
 
John 20
It was early Sunday morning, and it was still dark. Mary Magdalene, a faithful follower of Jesus, went to the tomb where Jesus was placed after his death with some other women. Although John does not mention these other women in his gospel, the other three gospel writers mention that they had all come to take care of the body of Jesus.
 
When Mary came upon the tomb, she noticed that the large stone at the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away. This was concerning to her because the tomb was under guard by the order of Pontius Pilate and was sealed with Pilate's seal of authority. It should have been exactly how it was left when Jesus was buried. Concerned, she immediately went to find Peter and presumably John.
The disciples and Mary naturally assumed that Jesus’ body had been stolen or moved. Immediately both Peter and John ran to the tomb to observe. John showed up first, but it was Peter who first entered the empty tomb. In most instances, a tomb or cave opening was only 3 feet high, and a grown adult would have to crawl in through this small opening. Peter went in and noticed that the burial clothes were there, but the face cloth (kind of like a handkerchief) was not with the rest of the clothes but in a separate place. John followed Peter, and when he entered the empty tomb,
Vs 8: “Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed”
 
Jesus’ body had not been stolen, it had not been misplaced, nor had it been hidden. The body of Jesus had been resurrected, and He was fully alive! Just like he had predicted.  Jesus approached Mary and revealed himself to her, and she went out to tell the others about the risen savior. Eventually, Jesus showed himself to the rest of the disciples and showed them his wounds. They rejoiced as they encountered their risen friend, savior, and Messiah. Jesus was ALIVE!
 
This is the message of Easter.
 
However, Easter morning is not so much about death as it is about life! Sure, PART of the Easter account is about the death of Jesus the sacrificial Lamb who gave his life so we could have life. But Easter is about life, celebration, joy, and hope in our resurrected Savior! It covers these four truths.

1. Jesus’ Resurrection is a Historical Event: The first thing we must note about Easter is that it is an actual historical event. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a myth or a legend; it is a fact supported by eyewitness testimony. The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb by Mary Magdalene, who promptly informs Peter and John. These two disciples run to the tomb, finding it empty, and John sees and believes. Later, Jesus appears to his disciples, showing them his wounds and proving that he is not a ghost but a resurrected human being. The fact that these events are recorded in such detail by multiple eyewitnesses confirms that they happened.
   
   
2. Jesus’ Resurrection Brings Joy: The second truth we note about Easter is that Jesus’ resurrection brings joy. When Mary Magdalene sees Jesus for the first time after his resurrection, she is overcome with joy and runs to tell the disciples. Later, when Jesus appears to his disciples, he greets them with the words, “Peace be with you,” and they rejoice. The fact that Jesus is alive and has conquered death is a cause for great joy and celebration.
   
   
3.  Jesus’ Resurrection Changes Lives: The third truth of Easter is that Jesus’ resurrection changes lives. When Jesus appears to his disciples, he commissions them to go out into the world and preach the gospel, telling them that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. This commissioning is not just for the disciples, but for all believers. The fact that Jesus has risen from the dead and has conquered sin and death means that we too can have new life in him. This new life changes us from the inside out, giving us a new purpose and a new hope.

 
Ephesians 4:21-27
Paul writes about the new life believers have in Christ. With a renewed mind in the Spirit, the old nature is gone, and the new nature has been put on through the resurrection. The passage goes on to detail some attributes of the new life, including the call to speak truth to one another and refrain from living in lies. As people of the truth, believers are called to live in honesty and integrity.

However, not only does the new nature call for truthfulness, but it also calls for control over one's anger. Anger is often unhealthy and can be directly related to the old self, which should not rule the life of a true believer. Christian theologian John Walvoord warns against allowing anger to control us and advises us to "keep short accounts," dealing with anger before the sun goes down. Unchecked or unresolved anger can lead to bitterness and hatred. Therefore, believers must control their anger through the power of the Holy Spirit within them.

In essence, Paul reminds believers that the new life in Christ calls for a transformation of the mind, resulting in honesty and control over negative emotions such as anger. By doing so, believers can live a life that reflects the nature of Christ and avoid being controlled by the old self.
 
Vs 28-30: As a new creation in Christ, we are called to live in opposition to our old life. Paul uses the example of a thief who once stole for a living but now works hard to earn a living. Our new life impacts all aspects of our lives, including our speech. We are no longer to use foul or abusive language, which destroys and demeans others. Instead, we should use language that encourages and builds others up. Those who are not new creations in Christ do not bridle their tongues and use their words as a weapon to harm others. But as new creations, we should use our words to edify and build up.
 
Vs 31: As new creations in Christ, we are to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words/quarrelsome behavior, slander, and evil behavior. These qualities are not part of our new life in Christ but are traits of our old life.
Vs 32:  Instead of harboring negative qualities, a person with the new life in Christ is kind, quick to forgive, and treats others with dignity and respect. They are tenderhearted, gentle, patient, and sympathetic to others. They also forgive those who seek it, just as God has forgiven us.
 
Becoming a new creation in Christ means living differently than we did before. We should intentionally show kindness, be tenderhearted to those around us, and forgive others. We must strive to live as Jesus did, and we can only do so through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Jesus’ Resurrection Requires Faith: The final truth of Easter is that Jesus’ resurrection requires faith. When Thomas, one of the disciples, hears about Jesus’ resurrection, he initially refuses to believe it unless he sees Jesus for himself. When Jesus appears to Thomas, he tells him to stop doubting and believing. This interaction shows us that faith is necessary to believe in the resurrection of Jesus. We cannot rely solely on our understanding or sight, but we must trust in the testimony of those who witnessed the events and have faith in the power of God to raise the dead.
   
   

These passages contain some of the most important events in Christianity – the discovery of the empty tomb, the appearances of Jesus to his disciples, the new life in Christ, and the commissioning of the disciples to preach the gospel. We have seen that the resurrection of Jesus is a historical event, a cause for joy and celebration, a life-changing event, and requires faith. As we reflect on these truths, may we be reminded of the power of God to raise the dead and transform lives, and may we be inspired to live lives that reflect the hope and newness of life that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 
Conclusion
As we reflect on this Easter morning and namely the resurrection of Jesus Christ, it is important to remember that the hope we have in Him extends beyond this earthly life. We can live abundantly for the Lord here on earth, but this life is not all we have. The Good News of Jesus Christ gives us the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we can face death without fear because we know that we will be with Him forever. This hope should inspire us to live our lives to the fullest for Him here on earth, using our talents and abilities to bring glory to His name.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God's love for His children. Jesus willingly died for our sins, so that we may have eternal life with Him. This sacrifice should give us the strength, faith, and hope to live our lives fully for Him. It is a reminder of the incredible love that God has for us and the lengths that He will go to ensure that we can spend eternity with Him.
In conclusion, Easter morning reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His resurrection, let us live our lives fully for Him and use our time and resources to make a positive impact in the world. Let us be inspired by the love of God and share this message of hope with others, so that they too may come to know the peace and joy that comes from a relationship with Him.

 Introduction
Jesus often spoke about the traditions and customs of the Jewish leaders throughout history and how Israel did not fulfill God's intended purpose for the nation of Israel. Israel had a special calling to represent God to the nations through the temple, but the nation failed to do so. Instead, throughout the centuries, the temple became a source of division and repulsion among the nations. As a result, Israel became elitist, believing they were above judgment and more righteous than others, and they neglected to practice what they preached. As a result, the temple system focused on keeping traditions rather than obeying God.
 
Jesus challenged the religious leaders to return to the core values of faith and obedience to God. His teachings emphasized love, humility, and service rather than legalism and self-righteousness. Unfortunately, those in power did not always accept Jesus' message, which challenged their authority and exposed their hypocrisy. However, his teachings inspire people today to live out their faith in a way that reflects his example of compassion and righteousness.
 
Jesus' message was radical and wasn't well-received by religious leaders and zealots. He upset many people, and his actions led to a climactic conclusion. In today's passage, Jesus begins the journey toward fulfilling his purpose and willingly giving himself to the authorities. His submission and death were necessary so that humanity and God could restore the relationship that was intended from the beginning.
 
The Betrayal/Arrest
John 18
The scene occurs in a garden Jesus often visited with his disciples. Judas, who knew Jesus would be there, brought a group of Roman soldiers and temple police, possibly up to 200 soldiers, to arrest Jesus. It's possible that Judas kissed Jesus as a signal to identify him, but John doesn't mention it.
When Jesus meets the group, he asks who they seek, and they respond, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replies with the literal translation, "I am." However, what happens next is even more intriguing.
 
According to John, the soldiers fell back or retreated and fell to the ground when Jesus responded, "I am." The reason for their fall is a matter of interpretation, with more conservative biblical scholars suggesting that the soldiers in the front may have jumped back when Jesus unexpectedly advanced, causing a domino effect of soldiers falling to the ground. Others believe that the soldiers fell due to a Theophany, an appearance of God to humans, which caused his enemies to fall back and prostrate before him.
 
What is clear, however, is that Jesus is in control of the situation. According to the Bible commentary, "It was the glorious effulgence (radiance) of the majesty of Christ which overpowered them. This occurred before His surrender to show His power over His enemies, and so the freedom with which He gave Himself up."
 
As Pastor Tim Keller points out in his sermon "I AM HE," "Nobody can stand on their feet in the presence of God." The power of God is awe-inspiring and astounding in all senses of the word. Jesus, in his manifestation of the power of God through his name (I AM, Yahweh), brings to light the need to recognize and respect the power of God in our lives. If the mere mention of the name of God can bring a squad of soldiers to their knees, then we ought to recognize and respect the power of God altogether.
 
After Jesus reveals his identity, he asks the soldiers again who they seek and tells them that he is the one they are looking for. He also tells them to let his disciples go unharmed. At this point, Peter impulsively attacks the High Priest's servant and cuts off his ear. However, Jesus rebukes Peter and clarifies that he is not seeking violence but will go peacefully. Jesus reminds Peter that he must do as the Father has commanded, which includes drinking the cup given to him. In other words, he must fulfill the plan that God has set in motion from the beginning. Jesus has accepted his mission, and his death on the cross was not an accident but rather the very plan of God.
 
The soldiers took Jesus to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the High Priest. Annas had previously served as High Priest but had been removed from the position by the Romans and replaced by various family members, including Caiaphas. There is some debate over why Annas is referred to as High Priest in some passages. However, he likely still held significant influence and authority within the Jewish religious establishment. Some scholars suggest that Annas may have shared the position of High Priest with Caiaphas, while others argue that he held the title due to his past service in the role, even though he was no longer officially serving as High Priest.
 
The Denial
After Jesus was arrested and taken to the high Priest Annas' courtyard, Peter and another disciple (possibly John) followed. Peter stayed outside while the other disciple went in, and later Peter was allowed in. While warming themselves around a fire, a doorkeeper questioned Peter about whether he was a follower of Jesus. Out of fear for his safety, Peter denied it. Although we can only speculate about his motivations for rejecting Jesus, we know that Jesus had prophesied that Peter would deny him three times.
 
Peter is a relatable character in the Gospels because he represents the flawed nature of humanity. Despite being one of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter still exhibited impulsive behavior and fear, leading him to deny Jesus thrice. This portrayal of Peter reminds us that we are all imperfect in our Christian walk and we will make mistakes. It's important to recognize our flaws and seek forgiveness, just as Peter did when he wept bitterly after denying Jesus. Peter's story shows us that even flawed followers of Jesus can still be used for His purposes, as evidenced by Peter's role in the early Christian church.
 
Some Christians may indeed come across as self-righteous or judgmental, but the reality is that we are all flawed human beings, just like Peter and the other followers of Jesus. As Christians, we should strive to be humble and recognize our imperfections rather than pretending to be perfect or judging others for their shortcomings. At the same time, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is always willing to forgive us when we fall short and that his love for us is not based on our performance or moral superiority. Ultimately, the message of Christianity is not about being perfect but about accepting God's grace and striving to live a life that honors him.   
 
Chapter 19:1 - 37
It is interesting to see how Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea at the time, dealt with the situation with Jesus. He recognized that Jesus had done nothing wrong and even tried to release him, but ultimately gave in to the demands of the Jewish leaders and the crowd.
It's also worth noting that Pilate was likely concerned about maintaining his authority and avoiding any potential uprisings or conflicts with the Jewish people under his rule. So, in the end, he decided to have Jesus executed to keep the peace and maintain his power.
However, as we see in the rest of the story, Jesus' death was not the end. Through his resurrection and ascension, he ultimately fulfilled his purpose and brought salvation to humanity.
 
Crucifixion was a brutal and agonizing form of punishment intended not only to inflict physical pain but also to humiliate and intimidate the condemned person and send a message to anyone who might consider defying the authority of Rome. The victim was stripped and nailed or tied to a wooden cross, left to hang there until they died of exhaustion, suffocation, or shock. It was a slow and excruciating death, and the victim's suffering was often prolonged by the Roman practice of breaking the legs of the crucified person to hasten their death. The fact that Jesus willingly submitted to this punishment, knowing full well what he was about to endure, is a testament to his love for humanity and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption.
 
Jesus' final words on the cross, "It is finished," signify that he had completed the work he had come to do, which was to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through his death and resurrection, he has made way for people to be reconciled with God and to receive forgiveness for their sins. This is the central message of the Gospel, and it gives hope and meaning to the lives of millions of people worldwide.
 
Conclusion
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is a gruesome and tragic event, but it is also necessary for establishing God's new covenant with humanity. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were all part of a higher purpose, which many people in his time had difficulty understanding. He challenged religious leaders and taught the public the true meaning of being a child of God. Today, we are beneficiaries of the work Jesus did on the cross. Through faith, trust, and obedience to his commands, we can receive the grace of everlasting life, regardless of our race, gender, or social status.
 
God has established a new way through Jesus Christ that doesn't depend on works or legalism but is evidenced through good works. This new way promotes freedom through submission, living through dying, loving all, and having faith in God instead of man or circumstances. It's a way that's no longer based on sacrificing animals but on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave himself up to die on the cross to make humanity right with God.
 
Jesus talked and taught about the Kingdom of God, and when he comes back to earth at his second coming, he will return as judge, and He will set up the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. The story will not end this time like it did almost 2,000 years ago. Until that day, we are called to proclaim the coming Kingdom, prepare ourselves for when the king arrives, and share the love of Christ with a world that desperately needs to hear the truth and reality of redemption that we have already received.