The Resurrected Jesus - Why are you troubled? - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

In this sermon, we explore a deeply transformative moment from John 20, focusing on the disciples' experience after the resurrection of Jesus. On the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples, locked away and fearful of persecution, are visited by Jesus, who greets them with a message of peace. This encounter highlights the overwhelming fear the disciples felt—even in the face of good news—similar to our contemporary anxieties, such as those related to financial debts. Despite the resurrection, Thomas remains skeptical, needing personal proof of Jesus' wounds to believe, underscoring a profound theme of the sermon: even the most tangible signs of hope cannot erase deep-seated fears.

The sermon delves into the implications of Jesus’ interactions with the disciples, particularly emphasizing His approach to Thomas. Jesus does not chastise Thomas for his doubts but meets him exactly where he is, demonstrating understanding and offering reassurance by inviting Thomas to touch his wounds. This act not only reaffirms Thomas’s faith but also illustrates a key message of the gospel—Jesus’ readiness to meet us in our uncertainty and fear, offering peace and confirmation without judgment.

The sermon concludes by reflecting on the broader message of the resurrection as a symbol of relentless hope and divine intervention in moments of despair. It challenges listeners to recognize that, like the disciples, we are often caught between fear and hope, but the presence of Jesus reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles. The resurrection signifies that God continues to work in our lives, inviting us into a story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and new beginnings, no matter the challenges we face. This message of enduring hope and peace is particularly resonant as we navigate the complexities and fears of modern life.

Encountering the Resurrected Jesus - The Road to Emmaus by Pastor Marissa Ortiz Jadrich - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Easter 2024 - Resurrection is a Promise and it is a Prophecy - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

In this Easter sermon manuscript titled "Resurrection is a Promise and it is a Prophecy," Pastor Donnell Wyche introduces the concept of the Holy Week, focusing on Jesus Christ's entrance into Jerusalem and subsequent crucifixion under Pontius Pilate's orders. This event is portrayed as a clash between Jesus, seen as a usurper by the Roman Empire, and the oppressive forces of the time. The manuscript delves into the notion that Jesus's death, while seemingly a victory for the Empire, actually opens the door to new possibilities and life beyond death, challenging the empire's narrative and offering a new hope through self-sacrifice.

The second part, "It’s Not a Zero-Sum Game," draws on the story of Adam and Eve to discuss human nature, rebellion against God, and the resultant separation from divine love and grace. The sermon highlights humanity's tendency towards self-centeredness and the belief in a zero-sum game where one's gain is another's loss. The sermon highlights how these attitudes lead to spiritual death and alienation from God but also introduces the concept of hope — a hope that is not based on human efforts, but on the trust in God's ongoing involvement in the world and God’s promise of restoration and love.

Finally, "It’s Not the End, It’s Just the Beginning" centers on the transformative power of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. In this section of the sermon, Pastor Donnell argues that through Jesus's act of ultimate love and self-sacrifice, Jesus defeats the powers of sin, death, and evil, thereby debunking the myth of life as a zero-sum game and opening a way for humanity to re-enter God's presence without fear of death. The sermon concludes on a hopeful note with the resurrection, symbolizing a new creation and a renewed relationship between God and humanity, illustrated through the encounter of Mary Magdalene and the resurrected Jesus in a garden, signifying a full circle back to the intimacy of the original creation story.