Pastor Ryan wrapped up The Essentials series with the importance of being ready at all times for Jesus to return. Maybe you’ve heard the comments or have said them yourself recently… “It feels like Jesus could come back at any moment now.” Pastor Ryan unpacked the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Virgins). Most scholars drive home two major points

Hebrews 10:25 says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” This is a favorite scripture verse for pastors! I’m seeing this scripture being used quite a bit right now and for good reason, we haven’t been able to gather the way we are meant to as the fellowship of believers.

Identity matters…Identity is who you are or how others know you. Your true identity comes from God, but sin stole or caused us to lose who we were truly meant to be. The only one who should have a say in who we truly are is our creator. In order to figure out who you are, you have to know whose you are. You are God’s creation and when Jesus died and rose again for you, God was paying the ransom, cleaning you up and claiming you back from sin and this world. God is calling you home to be more than His creation, but His child that He dearly loves. When our identity is resurrected so is our understanding of who we truly are, who we were always meant to be and all the blessings that come with being a child of God!

What are you watering? It may seem like a strange question, but we get what we water. My granddaughter Ava was watering a dead plant, which seemed ridiculous. However, she kept watering it, and after a few weeks, a small green sprout appeared. The plant seemed to be dead, but Ava! It's the same with God. Situations, circumstances, relationships, possibilities may seem dead or impossible, but God!

Pastor Ryan opened with a story about his daughter watering a dead plant in a flower pot. Much to His surprise a new shoot from the plant broke through the soil weeks later. Ryan shared how that resonated with him to not give up hope.

We just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is good news, because it is victory over sin and death. When we put our faith in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are revived, resurrected and reborn, spiritually. But why do we need to be reborn or resurrected Spiritually? Because all mankind is dead, spiritually.