The most intense part of our story, the part that maybe sometimes we don't talk about - is the messiest part of our story. God works the most in the messy situations of life. God draws near to the chaos. In Genesis, God's spirit was hovering above the chaotic and formless earth. Then God brought everything into order. When Jesus descended into hell and the grave, all hope turned into chaos - until he arose from the dead.

Happy Resurrection Sunday! Thank you to everyone joining us on this Easter.  To everyone joining us in-person; “The stone has been rolled away.”  To everyone joining us online, “He is not here he is risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6) There is a long Christian tradition that goes as far back as 300 A.D. It is called the “paschal greeting” and it is a call and response. I’d love for us to stand and celebrate this together. Call: He is RisenResponse: He is Risen indeed   Today we are celebrating what many call, “The greatest story ever told.” The greatest story ever told If you think the story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told, you are not alone. There is even a 1965 movie entitled “The greatest story ever told.” As great as the writings of J.R. Tolkien are, when you say, “the greatest story ever told” no one thinks of “the Lord of the Rings.” As successful as the writings of J.K. Rowling, no one here thought of “Harry Potter” when I said the greatest story ever told. As fantastic as George Lucas’ offering that took us to a galaxy far, far away, no one thought of Star Wars as the greatest story ever told. West Side Story is an example of a great and diverse musical. As great as Leonard Bernstien’s music is, no one would ever say it is the greatest story ever told. Shakespeare told some great stories… but they fall short of this story. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are noteworthy… but they can’t compare. .;The story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told, and I want to talk about it today.   Let’s talk about the beginning. The beginning Think about the beginning of this story. The story could be as early as Genesis 3:15 where God gives a prophecy & promise. God says the child (seed) would crush our enemy.  This story starts with a prophecy and promise for your victory over death. The beginning of this story was so compelling that Adam, Eve, Abraham, Isaac, David… everyone else in the Bible was looking for the arrival of Jesus. And when Jesus comes to fulfill all promise, His story proves both powerful and beautiful. A bright shining Angel named Gabriel came and commanded, “Name the child Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) A host of Angels filled the night sky and sang to shepherds, “Glory to God in the Highest.” A supernatural star shone in the night and guided kings to worship the child. The beginning of the story is filled with prophesy and promise, power, and beauty.  The beginning of the story also reveals a glorious message. Do you know the message? The message is this: God really loves us! God really loves us From the beginning of the story, it becomes clear: God loves us. Even though we are sinners, God has sent His son to save us.  From the beginning it is made clear; God did not leave Adam, Eve, and the rest of humanity alone to die.  No, God planned to come to Earth Himself.  God would come not to scold us or throw lightning bolts at us, but He came to show us He really loves us. The beginning That is the beginning of the story. Now let’s jump to the end of the story.   The EndMany stories start out promising but fall apart at the end. Some stories end so badly that you wish you had never started watching ABC Networks, “Lost.” The greatest story ever told must have a good ending.  And it does! Jesus resurrects!  Jesus becomes alive and leaves no trace of death behind.  When they walk into his empty tomb they see only His politely folded linen grave clothes.  His story is perfect and complete. People who had lost all hope,