Sermons

No Doubt Second Sunday of Easter Bob Stillerman John 20:19-31 Bulletin | Sermon Text John 20:19-31 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” […]

Well, let me tell you something, Millbrook. Mary has seen.  And Mary has believed. And knees knocking, heart pounding, she walks out into an unbelieving world and becomes the very first witness to the resurrection of Jesus. And it’s Mary’s belief, Mary’s courage, Mary’s persistence, Mary’s voice that galvanizes a movement now more than two millennia old.

The question for us to ponder this season is not when, or even if, we’ll be recipients of God’s grace. We have that grace. It’s not in doubt. Ever. The question is this: Are we willing to live in a world where we accept that God’s grace is available and sufficient to and for all people? Period. No exclusions. No disclaimers. No expirations. No matter what.

I believe God is the gardener. The one who knows a thing or two about potential. The one who sees the long game. The one who knows how to offer grace and patience. The one who convinces a stubborn world to love a little harder, to look a little deeper for the inherent value in others. The one who’s gonna break soil, who’s gonna fertilize, who’s gonna actively work to afford every opportunity for the tree to thrive 151915parable about the extension of grace.

Blessed is the One who comes in the name of Lord. May we be ready when They arrive. And may we follow Them.

Jesus isn’t at all what the world thought he was supposed to be. But don’t you ever doubt for one second that Jesus was, is, and continues to be everything God created him to be.