Every week millions of Christians profess their faith together in the Apostles’ Creed. Among its central doctrines is a profession that Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” Yet many have never considered why this is such an important doctrine. Listen as we examine Luke 24:50-53 and consider the hope and comfort we receive from the Ascension.
As we encounter the Lord’s disciples at the end of the Gospel of Luke, we find them facing a radically new normal. Jesus, their master and teacher, has finished His redemptive work. As He is preparing to return to the Father, He is preparing them to pick up where He left off. Jesus meets the disciples on the first Easter night, he comforts their fears, calls them to take their part in the story of redemption, and promises them His ongoing presence in a radically new and powerful way. The end of the gospel is only the end of the beginning. Listen to “The New Normal” from Luke 24:36-53 as we examine how we are to live facing our own “new normal.” Get the Order of Service.
The story of Jesus on the Emmaus road is remarkable. Included only in the Gospel of Luke, it is a recognition story, instructing and encouraging us in the hope of seeing the Risen Christ. Two disciples have Jesus right in front of them, yet they do not recognize Him for who He is. What about you? Have you recognized the Risen Christ ? Join us for “In Plain Sight” as we examine Luke 24 and consider our how we too can see the Risen Christ. Get the Order of Service.
What is your response to the Resurrection? For the men and women who encountered and empty tomb and a Risen Christ, the Resurrection changed everything. Has it changed everything for you? Has it given hope in grief? Joy in sorrow? Faith in fear? Have you met the Risen Christ, the Living One, who has defeated the last enemy, Death, and holds the keys to death and the grave? Listen to “Not Here” from Luke 24:1-12 as we consider our own response to the Resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus burial established a remarkable trajectory of hope for all who believe in him. Had Jesus been tossed into a Roman burial pit, many clear and compelling proofs of the resurrection would not have been possible. But in God’s advanced funeral planning for His Only Begotten Son, he is buried in a prominent place, in a grave secure from unseen access, in a new, unused tomb, and wrapped in grave-clothes that would be abandoned. Listen to “Making Arrangements” as we examine Luke 23:50-56 and consider amazing importance of the burial of the Lord Jesus as it testifies to the certainty of Jesus’ death, the courage of those who follow Him, and a clear witness to the resurrection. Get the Order of Service here.
River City Reformed Church 