written by Lena Jennings | read on 321sunday.com
It’s usually, happy 3-2-1 Sunday but today we say: HAPPY EASTER! 💐
I’m so excited to celebrate that Jesus has risen! Today in church, my pastor spoke from 1 Corinthians 15:3-25 where Paul talked about the validity of the resurrection. Verse 17 particularly resonated with me:
And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.
But thankfully, our faith is far from useless. Jesus's resurrection means we are liberated from shame, condemnation, and death. As I journey through reading the Bible in a year, starting with the Old Testament, I'm struck by the lengths the Israelites went to for forgiveness—sacrificing animals, observing rituals, and more. It reminds me of the immense gratitude we should feel for Jesus's ultimate sacrifice, which sets us free from the bondage of sin. For that, I’m forever grateful 🧡.
So as we enter this new week and this new month of April, here are 3 sermon notes, 2 quotes, & 1 question to consider.
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3 Sermon Notes
I.
A blessing out of season is a curse.
If it was stored away for me and I get it too soon, I won't know how to handle it, and I'm going to lose it. So, Lord, don't give me anything before its season.
There are some things that God is preparing for you in the waiting, and you need to be strong enough to wait for the fulfillment and realization of everything that God has for you. It's yours, but it's not time.
There is a time and a season for every purpose under heaven.
Source: Strengthen What Remains
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II.
Everything big is made out of something small.
You've been walking over the dimes, praying for the millions, not recognizing that a million is just a collection of dimes. You might be walking over something that is going to bring you to an aggregate place of great strength. You are looking for the sum without knowing what makes the sum total.
Source: Keep Sweeping
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III.
You're not finished. You're moving forward.
It's not a midlife crisis; it's a midlife cocoon. You're changing in there. You're transforming in there. You're coming out with wings. You're coming out with wisdom. You're coming out in the will of God.
Source: Forward Not Finished
2 Quotes
I.
“There will be certain seasons of your life where you operate with courage and certain seasons where you operate with consistency. Because it’s hard to consistently have courage." - Mike McClure Jr.
Courage and consistency are not mutually exclusive. They are both necessary for a fulfilling life.
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II.
"Words make worlds: words have the power to create things, people, experiences, art, etc.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and He didn't use His hands as if he had them; He didn't borrow some materials from anyone but himself to make them; He didn't ask anybody for help. All God had to do was speak — God said, let there be light, and there was light." - Sandra McCollom
Words are the building blocks of our reality. They can create or destroy, inspire or discourage, build up or tear down.
1 Question
As you consider your life today, what is the clearest evidence of God’s good work in you?
Reflect on the ways in which God has transformed your life for the better. Take some time to think about the ways in which God has worked in your life. What are the ways in which you have experienced God's love, grace, and mercy? When you are able to see God's good work in you, it can give you hope for the future and strength to face whatever challenges come your way.
Faith in Action
D.C. Dinner - April 16th 🍽️
Washington D.C. get ready, we’re coming for dinner! Join 3-2-1 Sunday on April 16th for the 3rd experience within the 3-2-1 Sunday Dinner Series. After our last dinner in Charlotte discussing the beliefs that shape our purpose, we're diving into the topic of creativity next. This dinner isn't just a meal; it's a meeting of minds where creativity meets community, offering a unique opportunity to explore and conquer the mental barriers that stifle our inner artists. You won’t want to miss this experience; register today!!
creativity (n). the process of bringing something new into being, devoting the necessary discipline and commitment in order to overcome resistance.
Until next week,