The Race to the Graveyard an Easter Sunday Message: April 12, 2020 by Pastor Mel Weaver

John 20: 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Can you imagine what must have been going through each of Jesus’ disciple’s minds this Sunday morning? More than ever before, I think every one of us can relate to their questions around the future, security, and what might happen next.
Here’s the amazing reminder of this Holy Sunday morning: God was at work in ways those disciples could not see or comprehend! I believe He is also at work right now, preparing hearts and minds for what is ahead for His Church the body of Christ which is alive and well on planted earth today.

May we all rest in the promise of Resurrection Sunday that everything about how we do “church” has changed forever over the last four weeks… everything but the visionary call to make disciples. Amid almost-daily disruption with the Covid-19 Virus, how can we as the Church address real, present ministry needs, and at the same time, lead you all with the great commission that Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Are you looking for a new life? We are all looking for a better Life.

But no one can offer what Jesus does —- a life that is connected with the giver of all life. God Himself.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was

made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

How can we know Him?

The ultimate answer according to one of His followers is the vacated tomb. Peter

1 Peter. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1. The one who Jesus said in Matthew 16:23 “But he turned, and said unto
Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan:thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

2. The Man that was always getting his foot in his mouth.

Matt. 16:7 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the
light.3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

3. The man that denied Christ When all the disciples forsake Jesus In the garden.

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

4. Peter Who Jesus said in Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

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Now as Peter writes when he is around 80 years old who was an eye witness to all the Jesus did and was there when Jesus rosed from the dead.

  1. Peter was the first Preacher to bring the Gospel to the Jews in Jerusalem
  2. Peter at Pentecost stood fearlessly and told the thousands gathered there that they had dined the Holy one of God.

1 Peter. 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Victory Over Death: From Dutch Sheetz “Give Him 15”

Jesus fully accomplished His goal and brought it to its intended outcome. He didn’t leave anything undone when He died on that cross. He took that intended outcome and went and got the keys to death, hell, and the grave, from the one holding them at that moment—and Satan had to give them up! Jesus accomplished everything needed to redeem mankind. Everything! His last words were, “It is finished!” And, He didn’t whisper those words. He shouted those words! “IT IS FINISHED!”

He used a word, which in Greek is “tetelestai”. In Hebrew is it, “Asah”. It means, “Paid in full!” Asah also means, “To create”. He used it to talk about the creation of the earth, the people, the oceans, all things. He was saying, “Come forth, new creation!” We are that new creation! The Church was about to be born! Death, hell, and the grave would have to give up their captives!

It is time, in this season of death stalking humanity again, for the power of the shed blood of Jesus, the authority of His obedience, and the power of the resurrection, to be fully expressed. Cause great numbers of people to be set free from death, hell, and the grave, in this season. Now, in Jesus’ name! Now! Amen.
“I am the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18; ESV)
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55; ESV)
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits. Now, He has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” (1 Peter 3:18-19 and 22; NIV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • Declare as Jesus did, “Tetelestai! Asah! It is finished!”
  • Say, “Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Let the captivesgo free!”
  • Decree, “Jesus died and is alive forever more! He has taken back the keys ofdeath, hell, and the grave! Let the lost live!”
  • Contemplate your own salvation experience. Thank the Lord again for savingyou.

• Now, with passionate intercession, pray for every single family member, friend, and co-worker you know who has yet to come to Jesus.

A prayer you can pray:

Lord, thank You for the cross. So much more than we can imagine was done in those three days from Your death on the cross to Resurrection Day. If people really understood this, they wouldn’t hesitate to be saved! The harvest would overtake the plowman, as You foretold! So, we proclaim, “Tetelestai! Asah!

It is finished! Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Let the captives go free! Jesus died and is alive forever more! He has taken back the keys of death, hell, and the grave! Let the lost live!”

I praise You, Lord, for You saved me. I am a sinner saved by grace, not of anything I have done to deserve You. You made a way for me when there was no way. That same way is made for those I know and love. [Therefore, intercede for every single family member, friend, and co-worker you know who has yet to come to Jesus.] Jesus, receive these as Your inheritance; Your reward. Amen and amen.
Today’s decree:
Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave! Let the captives now be free!

Song: You Word is walking mighty in me Your work is working mighty in me. No matter what the circumstance what I see or feel your word is working mighty in Me,

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The Road Map To Holiness – by Edna Weaver

We are all traveling on the highway of holiness which will lead us through this earth to our heavenly home. This road is not always smooth and it has many exits which do lead into the things that could sidetrack us that look ever so good and exciting. Soon we will discover peace has left us if we get off the highway of holiness. There will always be a place to turn around. The Lord our God has given us a road map which is the Bible, so it is always good to start every day looking at the map to be sure you will stay on the highway to holiness. It is always good to remember that Jesus is with us to help us and that He has made a way. Sometimes it looks like this road has taken us into a mud hole, and it looks like we cannot make, but Jesus is saying to us, “you can make it!”

Many people will be tempted to turn off this exit because the turn off looks smoother. The still small voice of Jesus will be saying, “Don’t turn off, there is much more danger in that road, for Satan is on that road trying to get you into his trap.” You will find out these side roads are always much more dangerous and have many more heartaches, so always keep God’s road map with you and don’t forget to read God’s road map carefully and know that Jesus is with you wherever you are, holding you in His arms through every rough place. If you can relax and do not struggle out of His hands, you will not get hurt, for He has put a shield around you to protect you, that even no dart of the enemy can hurt you.

Christ is in you and around you. He is saying, “I will make a way for you where there is no way. I am the way, the truth, the life.” (John 14:6). Yes, sometimes on this road, it looks ever so dark, that is the earthly plan you are seeing. But turn your eyes on the heavenly and don’t forget that Jesus said, ”I am the light of the world” and this light will dispel the darkness. “Oh! The light of the glory of His unveiled face is the glory that is changing” you and me. He is always with you and He will strengthen you. And nothing can touch you without your Father’s promise, not to be tested above what you are able to bear, for He is with you, and He will carry your load, if you let Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5-8) Isaiah 55:9 declares that His ways are higher than our ways! “His yoke is easy and His burden is light”, according to Matthew 11:30.

“I have formed you, Oh my child. Fear not, for I have redeemed you. YOU ARE Mine! I have called you by your name. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the Rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God. The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour…Since you  are precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you. Therefore I will give men for you and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you, I will  bring many people in your path… I will bring my sons from afar and daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Is. 43:1-6). “Do not hold back for I, the Lord , do this through you, My child, Do not say, ‘I can’t do that.’ I would say, ‘I know, that is why I can do it through you.’ Too many of my children are doing their own strength. They are the ones that will take the glory for themselves. That is why I must stand back and wait until they see that the anointing of the Lord has left them, and then they will call on Me. And I am always there for them, and that is when I rejoice that they see ‘I am the Lord, that is My name, and I will not give my glory to another.” (Isa.42:8-9). “I will do a new thing for you! So, open your spiritual ears and I will tell you things that are coming your way, then you will be prepared and you will see Me at work through you!” That is why I can say, “If someone would tell you today what the Lord your God has ahead for you, you could not believe it!” The natural man cannot receive the things of God! “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth. Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. . .I will give drink to My people, My chosen ones. This My people I have formed for Myself. They shall declare My praise.” (Isa. 43:18-21)        

It will not be as much in what you say as it will be your life, which is Christ in you the hope of glory for Jesus is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (I John 1:5) Therefore, see to it that your vessel is not filled up with the things of this world in order that the light of Jesus in your heart may shine through and the people of this world will see this light of Jesus. (Matt. 5:16) This is what will draw them to you! It will be the glory of the Lord that will change them. II Chronicles 16:9 declares that the Lord our God is running to and fro throughout this earth to find the ones that will release the Christ from within them, so that the glory of the Lord can be seen around them. This happened to Charles Finney. He walked through the factories and streets and many people fell down on their faces and gave their hearts to Jesus! These are some of the things that we will see happen as we are willing to pay the price. Salvation is free but, being a disciple for Jesus has a price tag on it. No more I but, Christ the living through me.

The first step to know Jesus is to open your heart and ask Him to come into your life and take over.

Romans 10:13 ”For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Rom. 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe on the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.”

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SALVATION: How to Come into a Right Relationship with God – by Luke Weaver

At the heart of all Pastor Luke Weaver’s messages is the message of salvation. He would like to share with you how you how you, too, can come to a right relationship with God through the following steps.

  1. All Have Sinned.

All human beings are born with a sinful nature “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to our own way.” and Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

  1. Jesus Died for You.

I Corinthians 15:3b & 4, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and He was buried and that He rose again the third day.”

Acts 3:18, “God before had shown by all the prophets, that Christ should suffer, He has so fulfilled.”

John 3:16:, “For God so loved

the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I John 1:7, “. . .the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

  1. Open your Heart and Mind to Jesus

Revelation 3:20, “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man will open the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with Me.”

Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

  1. Jesus said, ‘You Must be Born Again.’

The New Birth, as defined in John 3:3 and 5, is a spiritual birth. When we were born as babies we had a natural birth when we entered into this world.

So now as you ask Jesus into your heart, you will experience a spiritual birth, known as being “born again”.

Romans 10:8-10, “What saith it, the Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith which we preach, that if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and shall believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” See Luke 24:47 concerning repentance and remission of sin.”

  1. Pray to Accept Christ as

Personal Savior

Pray this prayer with an open mind and heart:

Dear Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, I’m sorry for all my sins. Please forgive me of all my sins. (Take time to mention the sins by name as they come to your mind.)

Lord Jesus, I know that you died for me to take away my sins. I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus, and I believe in my heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead so I can be saved.

Come into my heart and save me now. By your help I will turn from my wrong ways, and I want to serve you all the days  of my life. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer

Now thank the Lord for receiving you, and thank Him for writing your name in the Lamb’s. book of life (Luke 10).

6) Now Tell Someone that You Asked Jesus   to Come into Your Heart

Tell someone what you’ve done-that you’ve accepted Jesus into your life and that you are now a new Christian. Jesus said, “Go, tell what great things God has done for you.”

7) Start Reading Your Bible on a Daily Basis.

Develop a daily reading of the Bible, starting in the Gospel of Matthew. Each morning get down on your knees and thank God for rest, thank Him for keeping you, and ask the Lord to guide you through the day. At night, thank God again for His goodness to you and develop a prayer life with Jesus as you go through the day.

8) Find a Bible-Believing Church

Find a good Bible-believing, Bible-preaching church that believes in the power of God and the Holy Spirit.

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Leaving a Legacy of Leaders – Melvin Weaver

Leaving a Legacy of Leaders comes with certain challenges, and even costs you, perhaps even your very own life. Leadership today is not simply learned, it is modeled. Eleven generations ago my grandpa demonstrated leadership that would ultimately cost him his life. He was a man of Character with a Passion to influence generations based on the principles found in the Bible.

It is now approximately 400 years ago that he was persecuted and viciously decapitated. He became an Anabaptist martyr. He stood firmly on the foundation that the church should be independent and free from all coercion and violence, essentially the church was to be pure, undefiled by political agendas, control and manipulation. Many Anabaptists were beheaded, drowned, and burnt at the stake.

Sadly, we are seeing this kind of persecution still, the correlation with ISIL, ISIS that continues to plague Christianity.

Reformation followed the beheading of my grandfather, as the Mennonite and Amish Faith was born. We were called Anabaptist (meaning we believed in a believer’s baptism). This is when the state church required that children were to be baptized as infants. We recognize that believers should acknowledge their faith and be baptized as they realized the truth of the Gospel.

“Our forefathers took a stand consistent with their personal relationship with Jesus Christ to radically serve the lord and follow God’s Word. Because of the great persecution we became the silent, fearing man as opposed to following the Lord. The influence of the persecution has stalled the Amish and Mennonites from Leaving a Legacy of Leaders, that honors our forefathers of old. The passion of our forefathers is now being reignited as we discover a fresh move of the Spirit among the Mennonites and Amish here in Lancaster County, that is influencing the world.

Today we see fresh hunger within our community to get to know God, to read his word, follow his principles and to change the culture for good. We are noticing that leaders from all over the globe are coming to Lancaster County for refreshment as well as innovating, collaborating and mobilizing other leaders in their communities. This is what we can identify as contagious Christianity. The impact that is occurring in real time has results that are creating a pure culture, relational equity, business growth and is establishing a solid blueprint. The blueprint of Character, Trust and Passion is producing a result – “the yield is creativity, the production of social improvement, economic development, character development and serving leadership in both business and churches worldwide.”

“This fresh awareness is causing us to understand the importance of honoring our heritage and to speak up in times where silence was preferred. We are no longer the silent, we have become aware of the agenda of the enemy, that was designed to silence our people, and we are now standing up for righteousness and no longer submitting to false power. This is a profound move of the Holy Spirit, that is effecting our daily decisions and advancing the gospel. In short, we are redeeming time and ushering in the Kingdom of God. It is a moment of celebration and we proclaim Jubilee for our people. Those associated with this move are reporting miraculous happenings, we are a Blessed People.

As I look back over the years I see that 60 years ago my Dad and Mother “Luke and Edna” Weaver had a hunger and determination for the things of God. My parents would go anywhere that they could to influence people seeking God. The journey was partially learning, and now has graduated to teaching at “at 90 years of age. They are some of the most discerning learners and teachers that know when to do what. This is their particular gift and impartation to others. My father is one of the best prayer warriors. Leaders seek him out for wisdom and prayer support as he continues to petition heaven on behalf of some of the top ministers all over the world.

Our mutual goal is to raise a new generation of world changers. These amazing disciples are sent back into their unique culture to raise the standard in effort to advance Kingdom dominion.”

“Essentially our calling is to GIVE A VOICE to other leaders, to increase their influence and to establish the Kingdom Mandate, to reach every nation for Jesus Christ. We deeply believe that the essentials come from the word of God, and that there is no substitution for God’s Word. We purpose to develop disciples that exhibit godly character so that everywhere they go they exemplify godliness in this world. The unique factor is that we model the behavior needed to introduce change, and change based on the Word of God.

My Father and Mother have lived their lives as an epistle of true Character, having a Passion to influence people groups like the Amish, English and Mennonites to connect with their original purpose, to bring honor to God and live out lives that demonstrate Christ.

We here at Grace Chapel will help you to apply Kingdom Principles to live out on a day-to-day basis. It is my desire that those Kingdom principles will become core to your living.

As an example, here are some non negotiable principles:

1. Biblical Truth (The foundation, scripture informs all decisions)
2. Authenticity (Be real, even when it hurts)
3. Serving Leadership (Make it about[…]”
4. Be a Family (Love one another)
5. Be Excellent (Continuous improvement)”
Excerpt From: Winship, William. “Kindle Version 12.05.” iBooks.

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