Grace World Outreach Church
Pastor Daniel K Norris
Isaiah 53:10 ESV
An Unexpected Easter
“ it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer ” - Isa 53:10
“ Lamb that was slain before the creation of world” - Rev 13:8
Seven Unexpected experiences of easter
“All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all of hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning”
- Oswald Chambers
1) The Garden wasUNEXPECTED
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
- Matt 26:39
2) The cup wasUNEXPECTED
“may this cup be taken from me” - Matt 26:39
Because of an unexpected experience in the garden you can expect to experience healing in times of distress
3) The Scourging wasUNEXPECTED
“he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” - Matt 27:26
Because of an unexpected experience With scourging you can expect to experience healing from every DISEASE
4) The thorns were UNEXPECTED
“and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.” - Matt 27:29
Because of an unexpected experience With the thorns you can expect to experiencehealing from depression
5) The cross wasUNEXPECTED
“Then they led him away to crucify him.” - Matt 27:31
6) His Death wasUNEXPECTED
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.” - Matt 26:50
Because of the unexpected experience Of His death on the cross Expect to experience Forgiveness for our disobedience
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
- Col 2:13-15
7) His resurrection wasUNEXPECTED
“He is not here; he has risen, ” - Matt 28:6
Because of the unexpected experience Of His Resurrection Expect to experience His divine eternal life
Questions:
1) Take a look at the 7 unexpected experiences of that first easter, make them personal and apply them to your present unexpected experiences. How does Christ's experience offer hope and healing to you at this moment?
2) As Pastor Daniel detailed the story of the cross of christ, what struck you the most? Why?
3) Read Col 2:13-15 again and give your thoughts on what this amazing passage means for you.
4) What is Holy Spirit speaking to you through this message?
This Weeks 714 Prayer
4/5/2020 - 4/11/2020
Pastors, leaders, churches, and individuals from around the globe are joining together — with one heart, one voice, and one prayer — to see the COVID-19 halted, lives healed, hardships mitigated, people come to Christ, and an outpouring of God’s Spirit.
Thousands of churches are joining in one united prayer during church services. Untold thousands of believers are also praying the same prayer at 7:14 each morning and night.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)
THE PRAYER Lord, we come to you in prayer today, believing the promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: that if we humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways, You will hear our prayer and heal our lands. Our community, nation, and world are in desperate need of Your help, comfort, and healing power. Lord, we ask You to forgive us for turning our hearts away from You. Hear our cry today as we join with the Body of Christ around the world to stand together against the COVID-19 crisis.
Lord, strengthen our minds and emotions with the truth that You are greater than COVID-19. Your righteousness protects our hearts from despair. Your Word enables us to walk through this crisis in peace.
Although this is a physical disease, as believers, we know the enemy wants to take advantage of this moment. Together, we stand in faith against the powers of darkness in this “evil day.” We put on the “whole armor of God” and stand firm on the promises of Your Word!
With Your armor, we stand protected from the fiery darts of panic and fear. We take up the shield of faith on behalf of our families, our churches, our cities, our nation, and the nations of the world. The hope of salvation is our battle helmet.
We declare the promise in Your Word, that no weapon formed against us will prosper. Therefore, we pray in faith that COVID-19 will be eradicated, panic will stop, and God’s power will fill the earth.
We humbly ask all these things in the powerful name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen!
#UNITE714