Friday First - The Only Way to Life

Recently, an acquaintance of mine visited Arlington National Cemetery and came upon the grave of General Colin Powell. Powell died last October from complications of covid-19. General Powell rose from poverty and obscurity to mingle with presidents and world leaders. The last twenty years of his life he was regarded as a statesman. Earlier in his career he served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, helped run the Persian Gulf War, and served as the nation’s first black secretary of state. He received the highest civilian awards of this country. But yet, as you view his grave, there is a simple grave marker, no different from the 1000’s of others at Arlington National. Every person, regardless of the heights they reach in this life … or the depths to which they fall … will die.

Jesus came into the world to defeat death. It is the great equalizer. All face it. All will experience it … unless the Lord returns first. Jesus’ resounding message is that death is not the end. In fact, it is just the beginning of a conscious eternity that will be spent either with the Lord or in suffering and torment.

Sunday’s lesson will take an in-depth look at John 5.24-29. Every person who has or ever will live will experience resurrection. Some will be raised to judgment and eternal condemnation. Believers will be raised to a resurrection of life. When the body goes to the grave, it will not be the last appearance of that person in visible form.

On Sunday we’ll take a look what Jesus says about the coming resurrection.

• How can He make such a claim?
• What does that mean for each of us?
• How should this endear us to Him?

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. Why were the Pharisees so motivated to persecute Jesus?
2. What power has the Father given the Son? (5.21)
3. What is the truth we must believe? (5.24)
4. What does it mean to you that Jesus lives to bring life?
5. How important is it to be in the resurrection that leads to life? Are there any second chances?

THOSE SERVING:
OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Isaac Tincher

LORD'S SUPPER
Dave Pennington

SCRIPTURE READING
Tommy Ray
John 5.24-29

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Kathy Downey / Rachel Curry

USHERS
Dan Spargo / Jeremy Price

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato