New Creation

In this Easter Sunday sermon, Pastor Wes Ellis, Ph.D., explores the biblical narrative of creation, sin, death, and resurrection, emphasizing the significance of the Easter story in understanding hope, new life, and the coming of God's kingdom. Featuring a reflective journey through scripture, it challenges listeners to live as Easter people who hasten the arrival of God's restoration. Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening reflections on the biblical narrative from creation to resurrection 00:27 - The story of creation and the Spirit filling the world 00:57 - Humanity’s complicity in sin, death, and moral rebellion 1:28 - Jesus’ call for return and the kingdom of God’s healing demonstration 1:57 - The significance of Jesus’ death and what it represented for humanity’s oppressors 2:27 - The resurrection as new creation and hope for the world 2:54 - Humanity’s repeated rejection of salvation and the significance of the empty tomb 3:23 - The questioning of the reality and importance of Jesus’ resurrection 3:35 - Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb 3:49 - The disciples’ initial misunderstanding of Jesus’ resurrection 4:15 - The recognize-and-believe moment at the tomb 4:36 - The details of Jesus’ resurrection account and the “believing” disciple 4:53 - Humanity’s tendency to miss the significance of Jesus’ resurrection 5:23 - Mary Magdalene’s lingering confusion and her tears 5:36 - Her encounter with angels and her continued misunderstanding 5:47 - Jesus’ appearance and her failure to recognize him at first 6:17 - Jesus as gardener and symbol of new creation 6:27 - The significance of Jesus as gardener of new creation, not of worldly kingdoms 6:50 - Jesus’ recognition and declaration as the risen Lord 6:58 - Jesus as the gardener of new life, opening the tomb of death 7:30 - The victory of the risen Christ and the light overcoming darkness 7:57 - Faith in the resurrection as essential to hope and salvation 8:23 - Resurrection as the foundation for living in the new creation 8:53 - The call to step out of death and into the garden of life 9:19 - Hope in Jesus’ resurrection as hope for new creation 9:27 - The contrast between hope for destruction and hope for salvation 9:57 - Living in love and grace to hasten the coming of God's kingdom 10:25 - An invitation to embody resurrection hope through action and love Connect with Wesley Ellis: Personal Website Church Website