Worship And Communion Series

Opening Video: Gateway video on Aftershocks

Series: After shock!

Thesis: Easter left an aftershock which has shook the world throughout the last few thousand’s years. You can still feel the aftershocks of Easter weekend today in our churches, in communion, in worship and all over the world.

Introduction:

Earthquakes and aftershocks.

Quote from http://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/april-20-26-2011-aftershocks/

On March 11, 2001 a massive earthquake struck off the coast of Japan triggering a devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in the northern part of the country. The earthquake, whose magnitude was measured at 9.0 on the Richter scale, is one of the most powerful ever recorded. Adding to the catastrophe, critical cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station were severely damaged, triggering explosions, partial core meltdowns, and releases of radioactive material directly into the atmosphere and ocean. In all, over 27,000 people were either killed or are still missing.

A month later, the aftershocks continue. On April 11, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake—just one of hundreds of smaller, related quakes—rattled the northeastern coast of Japan triggering tsunami warnings and renewed fears. Not all of the “aftershocks” have been physical, however. From the sheer effects of this event in human terms, to falling stock markets, the loss of production from the world’s third largest economy, and the renewed concerns about the safety of nuclear power, the impact of this disaster is being felt the world over…and will be for a long time to come…

We come today a week later from the epic center of our Christian faith – The death and resurrection of Jesus. Everything that we do as Christians, from our worship life, to our evangelism and service, to the promise of God’s love and grace is rooted in Jesus’ death and Resurrection. This is ground zero for the Christian. Without the resurrection, and Jesus’ death on a Roman cross we would not be experiencing the aftershock of these event about 2,000 years later. Yet in the death and resurrection, we see God’s affirmation of who Jesus is as Lord and Savior; in His death and resurrection we see God’s ultimate victory and that event still ripples on through individual lives and hearts today – shaking them at their core – in their soul.

Over the next few weeks we are going to talk about the aftershocks of Easter Weekend!

Sermon 1: Aftershocks of Resurrection Sunday – worship and communion!

Thesis: The Epi center of Easter weekend still sends shock waves rippling through people’s heart and souls today. The earthquake’s which occurred back there in time on that pinnacle weekend are still shaking and quaking throughout this world thousands of years later.

Introduction:

Let’s go back to what we read last Resurrection Sunday and be reminded of the events which transpired causing the aftershocks we feel today and experience in service today.

Scripture Texts:

Matthew 27:50-54:

50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Matthew 28:1-7:

The Resurrection

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Ephesians 4:7-10:

7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,

he led captives in his train

and gave gifts to men.”

9(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions ? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)