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Epicenter: Crucifixion

Verde Valley Christian Church
Apr 14 – 16, 2019

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Welcome to Verde Valley Christian Church
April 14, 2019  / / /   Epicenter-Week 1: "Crucifixion".
In this two part series, we untangle the question of the meaning of life, by looking at the very epicenter of our faith, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
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Title: "Crucifixion"
Speaker: Jim Hammond
Series: Epicenter

"Drugs and alcohol are not my problem. Reality is my problem. Drugs and alcohol are my solution. They fill up the hole inside of me."

—Russell Brand

"I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer."

—Jim Carrey

"Is there any meaning in my life that the inevitable death awaiting me does not destroy?"

—Leo Tolstoy

How can his gruesome death be called "Good"?

I.      Don't be SURPRISED by darkness; Jesus  by darkness; Jesus PREDICTED it.

John 13:21
After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, "Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me."

John 13:27
As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, "What you are about to do, do quickly."

John 13:30
As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

We follow an invincible leader who was able to overcome the largest gathering of spiritual darkness imaginable!

II.      Don't DENY darkness; You too are  darkness; You too are BARABBAS.

Matthew 27:15
Now it was the governor's custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.

Matthew 27:17
So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?"

III.      Don't be DEFEATED by darkness; let Jesus  by darkness; let Jesus ABSORB it.

Why did Jesus die?

Matthew 27:21-22
"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!"

Matthew 27:25
All the people answered, "His blood is on us and on our children!"

Why did Jesus die?

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Dear Lord Jesus, 
I am blown away that you loved ME and gave yourself for ME. I know there is darkness in me. I keep messing up my life. Thank you for absorbing my sin, releasing me, and giving me life. By your life and victory help me to live right with you. Amen.

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