April 20, 2025 | "Christianity Explored: Resurrection: Why Did Jesus Rise?” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Why did Jesus die on the cross? This sermon unpacks Mark 8 and four powerful reasons the cross matters—substitution, sacrifice, history, and eternity. Discover how Jesus' identity and mission transform our lives today.
He Is Risen: Why Did Jesus Rise?
On Easter Sunday, Pastor Vicki Harrison continues our Christianity Explored series with one of the most essential questions of the Christian faith: Why did Jesus rise? Preaching from Mark 16:1–8, we encounter the story of the resurrection not as a neat conclusion, but as a raw, real, and unfinished narrative—one that invites us into the ongoing journey of faith.
Three women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—go to the tomb expecting to honor Jesus with a final act of love. They expect grief. They expect a heavy stone. What they find instead is an empty tomb and a mysterious messenger who proclaims: “He has risen.”
The abrupt ending of Mark’s Gospel leaves us with more questions than answers. But perhaps that’s intentional. Life rarely wraps up with tidy conclusions. Resurrection faith is not about easy answers—it’s about stepping into the unknown with hope. Mark gives us just enough to believe... and then challenges us to do so.
Because if the resurrection is true, everything changes. It means that death doesn’t have the last word. It means hope is never wasted. It means that Jesus, alive and reigning, is still transforming lives today.
The question is: Do you believe?
Discussion Questions
These are the same questions handed out with the sermon. Use them in your small group, journaling time, or personal prayer this week:
Why were the women going to the tomb? What did they expect would be their biggest obstacle and what was the surprise they encountered?
Who was the man at the tomb and what did he say to the women?
Does the abrupt ending to Mark’s Gospel bother you? Why or why not?
Why do you think Mark ended his Gospel the way he did? What evidence does he offer of the resurrection?
What are some reasons the resurrection is crucial to our faith?
What is the difference between the perspective of the world and the perspective of Jesus? Where do you fall?
Reflect and Pray:
Do you choose to believe, not only in Jesus but also in his resurrection?
Do you believe that there is a God who can do ANYTHING, even defeat death? And if he can defeat death, what might he be able to do in your life?
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April 13, 2025 | "Christianity Explored: The Cross: Why Did Jesus Die?” | Rev. Roberto Chaple
Why did Jesus die on the cross? This sermon unpacks Mark 8 and four powerful reasons the cross matters—substitution, sacrifice, history, and eternity. Discover how Jesus' identity and mission transform our lives today.
In this week’s message, Pastor Roberto walks us through one of the most defining questions in Christianity: why did Jesus die? Drawing from Mark 8:27–33, we see Jesus begin to explain His mission after Peter identifies Him as the Messiah. For Jesus, identity and mission are inseparable. Once Peter recognizes who Jesus is, Jesus clarifies what He came to do: suffer, die, and rise again. But this was not the kind of Messiah Peter—or many of us—expected.
Through powerful illustrations and scripture, we explore four key reasons the cross was necessary:
Substitution (Atonement) – Like a stunt double, watchman, or soldier going to war, Jesus took our place, absorbing suffering so we could have peace with God.
Sacrifice (Love) – Romans 12 reminds us that living for God requires sacrifice. If we are the greater cause God died for, then God becomes the greater cause we live for.
History (Time and Place) – Jesus didn’t die in a myth or metaphor; He died on a Roman cross, in real time, in real history—making the cross part of our human story.
Eternity (Transcendence) – John 5:24 points us to the eternal promise of life. Jesus’ death opens the door not just to forgiveness, but to eternal hope.
The cross wasn’t an accident—it was the mission. It redefines love, purpose, and eternity. And if the cross is real, it means Jesus is still calling us to live differently because of it.
Discussion Questions
These are the same questions handed out during the message. Use them in your small group or personal reflection:
Why do you think Peter rebuked Jesus in Mark 8:32-33?
How does understanding Jesus' identity as Messiah help you better understand His mission?
In what ways do we sometimes accept who Jesus is, but reject what He calls us to do?
Which of the four reasons for the cross (substitution, sacrifice, history, eternity) spoke to you the most, and why?
What would it look like to “set your mind on things above” this week?
How does the historical reality of the cross challenge you personally?
What would change in your life if you truly believed Jesus took your place?
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"Journey to the Cross: The Tomb" | Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison | Easter Sunday - April 9, 2023
9:00 Traditional Service
11:00 AM Praise Service
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"Journey to the Cross: Jerusalem" | Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison | Palm Sunday - April 2, 2023
9:00 Traditional Service
11:00 AM Praise Service
Sermon Notes
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"Journey to the Cross: Jericho" | Pastor Roberto Chaple | March 26, 2023
9:00 Traditional Service - Coming Soon
11:00 AM Praise Service
Sermon Notes
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"Journey to the Cross: Samaria" | Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison | March 19, 2023
9:00 Traditional Service
11:00 AM Praise Service
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"Journey to the Cross: Bethany" | Pastor Roberto Chaple | March 12, 2023
““ - Pastor Roberto Chaple
9:00 Traditional Service
11:00 AM Praise Service
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"Journey to the Cross: Capernaum" | Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison | March 5, 2023
“The centurion knows that his own influence and authority pale in comparison to the power and authority of Jesus, so much so that he feels unworthy even thinking about being in Jesus' presence. This is what I just love - there is something about this Gentile man, a Roman, an outsider to the faith - he senses something about Jesus, he is keenly aware of Jesus' power; he knows that Jesus' power is not human, but divine. He sees Jesus for who he is more than any of the devout Jews, even more so than the disciples. Jesus is constantly having to reassure, convince, and prove his identity to those around him. But not so with this man.“ - Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison
9:00 Traditional Service
11:00 AM Praise Service
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"Journey to the Cross: Nazareth" | Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison | February 26, 2023
“This Lent, it’s time to take Jesus’ message to heart and sincerely examine our hearts. After all, Jesus sees deep within us. There is nothing we can hide from him. The people of Nazareth couldn’t hide their own pride and hate. Neither can we.“ - Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison
9:00 Traditional Service
11:00 AM Praise Service
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April 12, 2020 | A Great Day In The Morning - Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday