It’s Not Over
July 31|Encounters with Jesus Series
July 31|Encounters with Jesus Series
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. John 20:8-10
Read: John 20:1-18
Listen: John 20
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The morning of Jesus’s resurrection was full of confusion, doubt and disappointment for his followers. They put their trust in Jesus, left their lives to follow him and then watched as he was publicly executed. They start their day that morning thinking it is over. But it’s not—Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection means he defeated death, paid for our sins and demonstrated his power over sin and death. In the face of their disappointment, doubt and fear we see Jesus brings hope, forgiveness and victory.
Jesus’s resurrection brings great hope, forgiveness and victory for us too. Most importantly, his victory over sin and death is final. Knowing this offers us healing and hope.
This week, we explore Jesus’s resurrection. Along the way, we see that his resurrection shouts IT’S NOT OVER to our doubts, fears and disappointments. Because of the resurrection—our failures are not fatal, our pain has a purpose, death is not our destiny and our faith is not futile.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Begin this week inviting God to move in your heart uniquely. Pray something like this, “God, thank you for the resurrection. Thank you that through the resurrection your son, Jesus, defeated sin and death on my behalf. God, I pray you will bring deep and abiding hope into my life. Reveal areas where I need to hear the message, “It’s not over.”
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
July is SOLITUDE. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.