Life is full of either/or moments. Some of them are of little long-term consequence. I will have either the chicken or the fish. Some of them matter more. I will accept the new job offer or keep my current job. One either/or moment is life-changing for every human being. Either Jesus is still dead, or Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus claimed he would rise from the dead. “The Son of Man must suffer many things . . . be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31). So if Jesus remains dead, he is both a failure and a fraud. If Christ has not been raised, we are still in our sin.

But Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! It makes all the difference! He lives! The season of Easter is a 50-day celebration of that fact.

“I didn't know I needed that” is a common expression of surprise and realization. It suggests that something, whether it’s a piece of information, a lesson learned, or a newfound understanding, has come to light and is now recognized as being essential or valuable, even if it wasn’t previously apparent.

Lent is the season of the Church Year when I recognize my greatest needs. During Lent, I realize that in Christ all my greatest needs are met. God knows what I need even when I don’t have any idea. The Holy Spirit makes it clear, week after week, that if I lack Christ, I have nothing. But if I have Christ, I have exactly what I need.

“Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” It is the season when you see Jesus begin his public ministry, revealing the reason the Son of God came to earth. During Epiphany, you will come to understand that when the true identity of Jesus is revealed, you realize your own true identity as well.

Do you remember the feeling when someone important is about to arrive at your place? It’s a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and nervousness. Did you make all the correct preparations? Will the person be happy to see you? When and how will the person arrive? Will there be any surprises?

During these weeks before Christmas, we anticipate the imminent arrival of Jesus, an important person! We are about to celebrate his birth, and he could return on Judgment Day at any time. But in worship, we realize that he impacts our lives now—when the Bible is read and when the sacraments are administered. This series will explore the Scriptures to help us prepare our hearts for this thrilling, constant arrival and embrace the excitement of knowing Christ is near.

Very little in life happens by chance. As Shakespeare said, “Every why hath a wherefore.” There is always a cause that leads to an effect. To live well, we must understand this connection.

If we want a healthy heart, we must understand the causes of heart disease. To have the peace of being close to God, we need to know what causes that effect. This final series of the Church Year will explore Jesus' teachings to help us understand the spiritual causes that create the effects we desire.

Not all wounds are bad. A skilled surgeon cuts in order to heal. In the same way, the words of Jesus sometimes pierce our hearts—but always to bring us life.

This 8-week series will explore some of Jesus’ hardest teachings—words that may unsettle us, yet lead to grace, peace, and true healing.