Grace in Louisville

In Joseph of Arimathea and the women who followed Jesus from Galilee, we are given witnesses both to the fact of the death and burial of Jesus and to what faith looks like in the midst of darkness. We have much to learn from them all.

As Jesus dies, we witness three divine and supernatural events, followed by three responses of the shocked witnesses. Here also Jesus teaches us how to entrust our lives to our Heavenly Father, even as we take our last breath.

This prophecy of Isaiah takes us into the very heart of the Christian faith, foreshadowing all that Jesus would accomplish through his death and calling us to respond with repentance and faith.

As David suffers, he teaches us how to pray in the midst of pain. We also see in this psalm a glimpse into the pain and suffering of Christ on the cross.

A man named Simon is pulled from the crowd to bear Jesus' cross and thereby reminds us of the nature of true discipleship. Jesus tells those weeping for him to weep for themselves and their children and thereby warns us of the certainty of God's judgment on the guilty.

As Luke continues to tell the story of the day Jesus was tried and crucified, we see the events from the perspectives of Pilate, the Roman governor, and Barabbas, a convicted criminal. In the events that surround them we see a beautiful picture of the gospel.

Luke goes to great pains to show that the trials of Jesus were a sham and that he was innocent of any crime. Here we walk through Luke's portrayal of the trials of Jesus and ask why it is so important that Jesus be proven innocent.

As we celebrated Matthew's ordination, we paused to hear Peter's instruction to the elders he was writing to in 1 Peter.

We we look at Peter and his denial of Jesus, we see ourselves. How did Peter, the Rock, get to the place where he would deny even knowing Jesus, and what can we learn from him?

There are times when it seems that God is silent and the darkness is in control. Jesus teaches and shows us how to live and pray with faith even in the dark days that will certainly come.

Jesus, as he teaches the disciples, helps us to see that true greatness is found in following him down the path of humble, sacrificial service. He also reminds us that he has led the way through his own example and that he will strengthen us as we submit to him.

Joel Velasco shares through the life and testimony of Paul what it looks like to know Christ and live with him as Lord of our lives.

Jesus gathers with his disciples to celebrate the Passover meal and transforms its symbolism to point to the salvation that is found in his broken body and shed blood. In this sermon we pause to reflect on the significance of Jesus' words and actions, as well as the depth of the symbolism he introduces to this meal.

We see in this passage that the schemes of Satan, the betrayal of Judas, and the work of Satan are all under the control of God, who is working out and working all things for our good.

Jesus assures us once again of the certainty of his return and gives us instruction on how to live in light of that certainty.

As Jesus describes the destruction of Jerusalem and then his return, he shows us that there is no refuge in any man-made building or religion, but that Jesus will be the only sure place of salvation when the world ends.

Jesus, in answering the questions of the disciples, gives us insight about the final days before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and before his return. He encourages all believers of all ages that nothing can ultimately harm us.

Through the negative example of the scribes and the positive example of a poor widow, Jesus reminds us that God sees all and calls us to serve God with genuine hearts that are filled with compassion and generosity.

After a series of questions directed at Jesus, Jesus asks his own question of the crowd, and reveals that he, the Messiah, is greater than anyone or anything they could imagine.

In an attempt to make Jesus look like a fool for believing in a future resurrection, the Sadducees ask him a question. But rather than being shown to be foolish, he reveals his wisdom as he speaks with authority from the Scriptures and from his own divine knowledge on the certainty and realities of life after death.

How do we submit to the authority of God and the authority of earthly governments? As the religious leaders try to trap Jesus, he answers that question with a simple statement: Give to Caesar what is Caesars, and to God what is God's.

What will happen if we reject God's rightful authority over us? Jesus tells a parable that highlights God's abundant mercy and patience, yet one that also shows that there will be a day of reckoning for all who spurn Gods rule.

Jesus displays his authority as prophet, priest, and king, which prompts the religious leaders to ask what or who has given him that authority. Jesus' response helps us see that we all should submit to the authority of Jesus, and the response of the religious leaders reveals why our hearts often rebel against his rule.

What is the purpose of the church? This passage from Colossians helps us see that the church is called to proclaim the mystery of Christ in deed, as we joyfully suffer for the sake of others, and in word, as we admonish and teach one another. This passage helps us clarify our goal as a church and calls us to work hard through the strength God provides.

Easter is not simply the celebration of an event; it is the celebration of Jesus, specifically his person and his work. But it is a celebration only for those who united with him in his death and resurrection. And if we are united with Christ, we have much to celebrate!