Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes that the story of Jesus does not end with the crucifixion; instead, it marks the beginning of redemption and a call to live in the fullness of life through Christ. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, embrace their identity as children of God, and walk in the power of the resurrection.
In a powerful sermon delivered at The Chapel, Pastor Jeremy Eastman shares a compelling message about the significance of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He emphasizes that the story of Jesus does not conclude with His death on the cross; rather, it marks the beginning of a transformative journey for believers. This blog post captures the essence of his message, encouraging readers to embrace their faith and live in the fullness of life through Christ.
Pastor Eastman opens with a heartfelt desire to be in the presence of God, expressing that true fulfillment comes from seeking more of Him. He urges the congregation to remain obedient to God's calling, emphasizing that when God shows up, believers should not rush to the next thing but instead stay in that sacred atmosphere. He likens this to the biblical figure Joshua, who longed to remain in the tent of meeting, humbling himself before the Lord.
The core message of the sermon is encapsulated in the phrase "It's not over." Pastor Eastman reassures the congregation that while Jesus declared, "It is finished" on the cross, it was not the end of the story. The crucifixion was a pivotal moment, but the resurrection signifies that there is much more to come. He encourages believers to recognize that if they have breath in their lungs, they have a calling on their lives.
Pastor Eastman challenges those who may know of Jesus but do not truly know Him. He emphasizes the difference between surface-level knowledge and a deep, personal relationship with Christ. He calls for a desire for the raw and real Jesus, urging everyone to seek a genuine connection with Him.
The pastor delves into the significance of the cross, explaining that it was the cost of redemption but not the completion of the story. He highlights that the veil was torn, granting direct access to God, and that the debt of sin was paid in full. The Greek word for "finished" (tetelestai) signifies a completed financial transaction, indicating that believers are free from the bondage of sin.
Pastor Eastman reflects on the silence of Saturday, the day after Jesus' crucifixion. He reminds the congregation that just because there was silence does not mean that God was inactive. He draws parallels to the creation story, where God rested on the seventh day, not out of fatigue but because His work was complete. This silence teaches that delays in life do not equate to denial of God's promises.
The sermon transitions to the resurrection, which Pastor Eastman describes as the unfolding of redemption. He recounts the events of the first Easter morning, where the women discovered the empty tomb. The angel's question, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" serves as a reminder that Jesus is alive and active in the lives of believers.
Pastor Eastman emphasizes that believers are called to live in the power of the resurrection. He encourages the congregation to walk in their identity as children of God, reminding them that they are not defined by their circumstances but by their relationship with Christ. He urges everyone to embrace their unique calling and to let their light shine in the world.
In closing, Pastor Eastman invites the congregation to lay down their burdens and walk in the freedom that Jesus offers. He encourages those who feel stuck at the cross or in the tomb to step into the newness of life that comes from the resurrection. The message is clear: the road to redemption continues, and it is not over.
As believers, they are called to carry the King within them and to live out their faith with purpose and passion. The story of Jesus is not just a historical account; it is an invitation to experience the transformative power of His love and grace in their lives.
