Bernard Gabbott - Sunday, 17 April 2022
Facts... and alternative facts
Scripture References: Matthew 27:57-66, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalms 16:1-11
Gathering Growing Going
Loading Content...
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseWe live in a world of facts… and alternative facts. We live in a world of truth… and fake news. But that is nothing new—just remember the account of the Fall, and the facts and alternative facts that were shared there. And the Resurrection of Jesus follows the same theme—there is fact, and alternative fact. The facts are clear: Jesus died, Jesus was buried, Jesus was raised. Jesus is alive! The alternative facts are clear, too: Jesus is a notorious con-man, who needs to be silenced, and a lie is propagated, and spread, to deal with the facts. It is no different today—and the choice is just as stark: Do you believe Jesus is risen? Do you disbelieve that Jesus is risen? On the one hand, the facts transform life—and offer real hope. On the other hand, the alternative facts continue life as we know it—and offer the same as the Garden of Eden Fall. What do you believe?
Scripture References: Matthew 27:57-66, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalms 16:1-11
Related Topics: Easter, Matthew | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
Jesus deals with the question of ‘Who belongs in the kingdom?’ Is it children? Is it the good? Is it the godly? And, how and what does this look like? This question of ‘belonging’ is one that is constant in our lives – where do I belong, do I belong, what does belonging look like? And Jesus is very clear: the kingdom of heaven is made up of the dependent, the reliant, the weak – just like children.
The book of Esther recounts a period where God's people are in exile, aliens in a foreign land. Sounds like our time doesn't it? Even when God seems absent, He is at work. The great reversal of power at the heart of the universe has already taken place. Jesus won victory over death on the cross and in His resurrection. Satan the great enemy of God and His people, has been defeated. We wait in the now but not yet. Waiting for the Lord Jesus to return and give His people relief and rest. But as we wait, we share the good news of the gospel, call people to faith in Jesus, faithfully endure persecution, knowing that our deliverance is assured.
We love a turning point. Whether it is a story or a football game. Hope dawning at the darkest time. Where is the great turning point in Esther? It could be our memory verse, when Esther is persuaded by Mordecai to act to save her people. It could be when the king looks with favour upon Esther and holds out the golden scepter to her. It could be when Haman is forced to lead Mordecai through the city mounted on the king’s horse and proclaims that he is the man the king delights to honour. They are major events in the story of Esther. They are turning points of a sort. But the writer of Esther points us to another event. That looks so trivial.
13 Dewhurst St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Ph: (02) 6792 2151
Email: Click Here
8:30am & 10:30am each Sunday
9:30am each Sunday in January
Copyright © 2024 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in