Mon, 22 April 2024
Encountering the Resurrected Jesus: Simon Peter, Do you love me? - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard Summary: In this sermon, Rev. Donnell Wyche focuses on the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection in John 21. The sermon starts by pondering Peter's state of mind as he decides to go fishing after all that has happened with Jesus. In the next section, the speaker reflects on the exchange between Jesus and Peter where Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him and instructs him to take care of his sheep. Then Pastor Wyche delves into the humanity of Jesus and how his own hurt and betrayal by his friends is reflected in this conversation. He also explores the cultural and personal factors that may have influenced Peter's actions and mindset in relation to Jesus' death. However, through this interaction, the speaker sees a message of hope and restoration as Jesus offers Peter and all who feel they have failed a chance to make things right and start anew with a dangerous gift of hope in the power of God. In the second part of the sermon, the speaker moves on to discuss the importance of meeting Jesus in our current state, regardless of where we are in life. Just like how Jesus appeared to his disciples in their ordinary activities, he continues to meet us where we are, regardless of our circumstances. The speaker reminds the congregation that there is no place or aspect of their lives that is off-limits to Jesus' love and presence. He encourages them to walk faithfully in the ways of Jesus and to live as a reflection of his love and hope in the resurrection. In closing, Rev. Wyche leads the congregation in a prayer to invite the resurrected life into their hearts and to trust in the transformative power of God. He reminds them to live each moment as a testament to God's everlasting love and to embrace the abundance and hope that comes with it.
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Mon, 15 April 2024
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.
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Mon, 8 April 2024
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 |
Mon, 1 April 2024
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. |