Sermon Reflections from Easter | Alex Hardt | April 20, 2025
Pastor Alex’s sermon for our Resurrection Sunday celebration was filled with personal experiences. When someone asks you about Jesus, who he is and what he did for you, how do you respond? If you respond with personal experiences, they cannot be refuted or argued about as they are yours alone.
Pastor Alex’s first point was that Jesus Meets us in the Graveyard. The ‘graveyard’ of his life was filled with doubts, physical hardships, and censure/bullying by others. When he encountered Jesus, he discovered love, acceptance and purpose with his faith in Jesus. My own graveyard or low points away from Jesus were filled with doubts about who God was and how believing in Jesus would keep me from doing fun things. (I was only 11.) In Jesus I found love, acceptance, answers and direction for my life.
However, both Pastor Alex and I discovered that Jesus conquers all those fears and brings us into a new life. John 3:16 tells us “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 3:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The eternal life that both Pastor Alex and I received when we believed in Jesus started right then. We did not need to wait for the benefits of knowing Him until we die. Jesus puts the Holy Spirit within us when we believe. 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” Timothy reminded us of this also in 2 Timothy 1:14 “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help us, encourage and strengthen us as we learn to walk with Him. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” We no longer need to fear death as we will live with Him forever and yet, while we are here He has work for us to do and empowers us to live for Him. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Both Pastor Alex and I can attest to Jesus’ restoration. Pastor Alex has had many experiences of God’s restoration in his life after difficulties both physical and emotional. A Debilitating car accident, a crushing church experience among other things and yet, he clings to the promises and hope he has in Jesus. His body was restored and his emotions healed and Jesus was by him all the way. I experienced the heartbreak of divorce, financial distress, the death of a child and yet, Jesus was with me in those times like never before. I claimed the words of Joel 2:25 “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” God’s restoration is unlike man’s. Things are not just rebuild and returned to normal, but He transforms our hearts and makes our new situations like new, renewed, and restored. It fulfills as nothing else can.
I pray that you know Jesus and can attest to Him meeting you, defeating your enemies and restoring your soul. If you don’t know Jesus, call or email Pastor Alex and he will help you walk with Jesus. alex@wearecrossroads.church. Your story of redemption will be your own and NO ONE can refute your truth of faith; it is unique to you!
Both Pastor Alex and I can attest to Jesus’ restoration. Pastor Alex has had many experiences of God’s restoration in his life after difficulties both physical and emotional. A Debilitating car accident, a crushing church experience among other things and yet, he clings to the promises and hope he has in Jesus. His body was restored and his emotions healed and Jesus was by him all the way. I experienced the heartbreak of divorce, financial distress, the death of a child and yet, Jesus was with me in those times like never before. I claimed the words of Joel 2:25 “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” God’s restoration is unlike man’s. Things are not just rebuild and returned to normal, but He transforms our hearts and makes our new situations like new, renewed, and restored. It fulfills as nothing else can.
I pray that you know Jesus and can attest to Him meeting you, defeating your enemies and restoring your soul. If you don’t know Jesus, call or email Pastor Alex and he will help you walk with Jesus. alex@wearecrossroads.church. Your story of redemption will be your own and NO ONE can refute your truth of faith; it is unique to you!
Linda
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Linda is a member of Crossroads church and regularly blogs about her faith.
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Discovering God is a fresh look at how God is moving in our lives. Rooted in the Crossroads Church community, we reflect on sermons, share stories, and explore everyday moments where God invites us to grow. Join us as we take steps toward Him together. Learn more at www.wearecrossroads.church.
Discovering God is a fresh look at how God is moving in our lives. Rooted in the Crossroads Church community, we reflect on sermons, share stories, and explore everyday moments where God invites us to grow. Join us as we take steps toward Him together. Learn more at www.wearecrossroads.church.
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