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Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. It changed everything about THE WAY of the Emmaus disciples. It changed everything about the preaching of Peter. It changed everything about the life of three thousand souls on the Day of Pentecost.  The resurrection of Jesus changed everything ... for you ... for me.  He is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia! There is not an event in history more telling than this one. Jesus was raised from the dead for your justification. As we heard in Acts, then awe came upon every soul . Did you wake up this morning and remember this truth, joining our psalmist, singing out: I love the Lord , because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. (116:1) ... When I was brought low, he saved me (116:6). ... He delivered my soul from death . I certainly pray you did. Because Jesus’ resurrection has changed everything. He is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Brothers and sisters in Christ, God has redeemed you and set you free through the life, de...

Can you imagine what life would be like without hope?  It’s good to have hope. We all need more hope.  Researchers have discovered that you are three times more likely to live LONGER THAN eight years after a heart attack if you consider yourself to be a HOPEFUL person. If you’re a pessimist ... I should warn you that 21 of 25 of the hopeless died within eight years of their first heart attack.  It’s good to have hope. We all need more hope. According to one psychologist, hope reduces feelings of helplessness, boosts happiness, reduces stress, and improves our quality of life. Students with high levels of hope are more likely to succeed at school, more likely to have high-quality friendships, and less likely to suffer anxiety and depression. Hope improves your immune system, reduces stress, reduces joint pain. Hope is the voice inside that says, “Yes, I can.”  It’s good to have hope. We all need more hope.  So ... what is hope?  Technically, hope is an optim...

O Most Excellent Friends of God ... why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus who was taken from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. Where is he? It’s one of the world’s greatest mysteries.  Most excellent friends of God, do you know the answer?  Where is he? Man’s various answers to this question are still driving a wedge through the various denominations of the church today. Where is he? In heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth? Is he with you? Does he have real presence with us here?  Where is he? At the heart of the issue -- a dispute that continues today -- is the understanding of who Christ is and what his ascension means for us. I will cut to the chase for a moment and tell you what it means ...  HE’S STILL WITH US. Our readings all highlight the Ascension of our Lord.  Jesus, the word made flesh, the living God, who walked with us and talked with us, who lives...

I can’t believe my eyes! It’s too good to be true! You know the feeling, don’t you?  I can’t believe my eyes. It’s amazing. It’s shocking. It’s a marvel. It’s unreal. I just don’t believe it. Now imagine how the disciples felt that Easter evening.  He is risen! ...  Jesus showed himself to the disciples and declared peace. He are a piece of fish for them. They touched him. How could they not believe their eyes?  Isn’t this the Jesus who also gave sight to the blind, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah 35 ? Isn’t this the Jesus who also amazed people with the good news promised in Isaiah 61 ?  How many other times did the disciples fail to believe their eyes? Water becomes Chateau Lafite? The dead arise from their graves as good as new? Bread and wine are body and blood for the forgiveness of your sins.  Do you believe your eyes?  You know it’s all true, don’t you? Every last word of it. After the crowds heard Saint Peter say to the cripple: In the name...