31/05/2020 | Longing For Hope | Why Are You Crying? |Tim Chilvers | Online Service
Riverside Church, Birmingham, UK
Title: Why Are You Crying?
By: Tim Chilvers
Bible Reading: Book of John (Chapter 20, verses 1-18)
Recorded: Sunday 31/05/2020 (Online Service)
Longing For Hope: Why Are You Crying?
There have been a lot of tears over these last few months. Tears of sadness and grief; tears of frustration and boredom; and tears of fear and loneliness. But for some there have also been tears of joy. What would it take for our tears of sadness to turn to tears of joy?
In this dramatic encounter with Jesus we are given a reason. Mary’s confused devastation turns to astonished joy (v13-16). The one who was dead is now alive. Can it be so? Put yourself in Mary’s place for a moment. All of her longings and dreams had been shattered when Jesus was crucified. And now, in this great reversal, it was almost too good to be true!
There is a huge difference between hope and optimism. Optimistic people want something to be true regardless of the evidence. According to the Bible, lasting hope is true regardless of whether we want it to be true. And so, as Mary cries out with joy, we discover that tears really can be wiped away. This is not optimistic fantasy. This hope is real. And that is exactly what we need right now.
For full videos of our livestream services please visit our YouTube Channel - http://bit.ly/RiversideChurchOnline
What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together physically on a Sunday morning is still true of us online. We exist to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church and to find our social media account information please visit: https://riverside-church.org.uk/
Note: While this talk is based on the above listed sections of the Bible, the actual bible readings used during our services may sometimes change.
By: Tim Chilvers
Bible Reading: Book of John (Chapter 20, verses 1-18)
Recorded: Sunday 31/05/2020 (Online Service)
Longing For Hope: Why Are You Crying?
There have been a lot of tears over these last few months. Tears of sadness and grief; tears of frustration and boredom; and tears of fear and loneliness. But for some there have also been tears of joy. What would it take for our tears of sadness to turn to tears of joy?
In this dramatic encounter with Jesus we are given a reason. Mary’s confused devastation turns to astonished joy (v13-16). The one who was dead is now alive. Can it be so? Put yourself in Mary’s place for a moment. All of her longings and dreams had been shattered when Jesus was crucified. And now, in this great reversal, it was almost too good to be true!
There is a huge difference between hope and optimism. Optimistic people want something to be true regardless of the evidence. According to the Bible, lasting hope is true regardless of whether we want it to be true. And so, as Mary cries out with joy, we discover that tears really can be wiped away. This is not optimistic fantasy. This hope is real. And that is exactly what we need right now.
For full videos of our livestream services please visit our YouTube Channel - http://bit.ly/RiversideChurchOnline
What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together physically on a Sunday morning is still true of us online. We exist to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church and to find our social media account information please visit: https://riverside-church.org.uk/
Note: While this talk is based on the above listed sections of the Bible, the actual bible readings used during our services may sometimes change.
Activity