WEEK 1- Easter (Crucified and Risen) In Week 1, we explore the events leading up to Easter Sunday. A story that began with betrayal, arrest, and the desertion of Jesus’ closest friends set the stage for Jesus to lay aside every right and give up His life for all of us. But even though the sun went dark and all hope seemed lost, God was still at work. And when Mary Magdalene came to the tomb at dawn on the third day, she found it empty! [BOTTOM LINE] You can have joy because Jesus is alive.
WEEK 2 - On the Road to Emmaus In Week 2, two Jesus followers travel the road to Emmaus on Sunday afternoon. While they tried to make sense of all that had happened—spoiler alert!—Jesus Himself joined them on the road. Though they didn’t realize it was Him, Jesus explained how God’s whole story fit together. And then, when He broke bread with them at dinner, they finally understood who He was!
[BOTTOM LINE] You can have joy because there’s a bigger story.
WEEK 3 - Great Commission and Ascension In Week 3, after appearing multiple times to His friends, Jesus meets them on a mountain to give them the greatest assignment in history: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus promises to be with them always, but then, soon after, ascends to Heaven. He leaves them with the remarkable assurance that they will soon receive power from the Holy Spirit.
[BOTTOM LINE] You can share the good news about Jesus.
WEEK 4 - Pentecost/Fruit of the Spirit For Week 4, we wrap up the month as God’s promised Holy Spirit shows up in tongues of fire, imparting to the believers an ability to speak so that people of all nations could understand them. Peter stood up amid the crowds gathered for the Feast of Weeks and preached such a powerful sermon that 3,000 people were filled with joy and became followers of Jesus, too!
[BOTTOM LINE] God’s Spirit gives you joy.