April 2023: Easter to Pentecost

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20

Easter is the most exciting time for the church; it is the day we celebrate the foundation of our belief, the resurrection of Jesus. When writing to the Corinthian church, Paul mentioned that if Jesus didn't rise from the dead, we should be pitied among all peoples (1 Cor. 15:14). Without the resurrection, we do not have a foundation for our faith. Jesus is not who he said he was, the church does not have a head, and there is no hope beyond this world. 

We shouldn't reflect on the truth of resurrection just once a year; rather, it should be the grounding truth that strengthens us in our everyday life. If the resurrection is true, the worst this world has to offer has been defeated. Our hope beyond our present circumstance is valid. We can live by a different kingdom because we can trust it is breaking out.

The truth is, most of us, if not all of us, have not seen resurrection with our own eyes. 

So how do we have hope in a reality we have not seen for ourselves? This is where Matthew 28 comforts us in the middle of our lack of experience. Jesus gathered his disciples after the resurrection to send them out with all of his authority. The eleven disciples were present for this momentous occasion. Their rabbi, who was once dead, is now alive! The kingdom is here and is breaking out. Yet, despite this excitement, some doubted (v.17). This is a detail of genuine humanity written in the grand divine epic of the resurrection. Some of those who saw Jesus face to face doubted. I find this comforting because it gives me the permission to stand in the gap between understanding, faith, allegiance, and action.

God makes room for our doubt and meets us in it. As you lead this season, do not think you cannot bring your doubts and struggles forward. I find this tension the beauty of the post-Easter season known as Eastertide. The disciples were left by Jesus waiting before God met them on Pentecost. They had been left with their discipleship experience with Jesus, the trauma of his crucifixion, and the confusion of his resurrection. Once Jesus was gone, they had their memories, but nothing has changed in their lives yet. The disciples didn't know that Pentecost was coming, all they had was Jesus' commission and promise of the Holy Spirit. However, the disciples remained faithful.

God makes room for our doubt and meets us in it.

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So for the month of April, after Easter, we move into that anticipatory space with the disciples. Fortunately for us we have the Holy Spirit with us now! We celebrate the resurrection, trust the resurrection truth despite not seeing it ourselves, and hoping in God's promises while sitting in our regular ordinary lives.

As House Churches, let us make the most of that tension in anticipation of Pentecost by leaning on each other and God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Community Field Trips
The winter of heavy rain is over, and the sun is out! Enjoy Spring in Southern California as a House Church by going on a few field trips. You are family not just when you gather in a home or when you sit next to each other on a Sunday. You get to be an extended family throughout your calendars.

Look through this blog to find some fun ideas for you and your House Church to do together.

Formation Handbook 2: Love God
Thinking about the Trinity and learning how to grow in relationship with God is a primary piece of discipleship. Handbook 2 from Garden Church would be a great option for your House Church to engage in a deep discussion on the Trinity throughout the month of April. Learn how to love God by engaging the Father, Son, and Spirit uniquely and in totality.

Presence Naturally Supernatural Course
Alex & Hannah Absalom from Dandelion Resourcing are offering their Naturally Supernatural Course to Garden Church for free! This course is a grace filled, pastorally wise, and biblically rooted process to help you learn how you can invite God into every part of your everyday ordinary life.

Share this course with your House Church so they can go through it on their own, or go through it together!

Use code gardenchurch when checking out.

Mission Game Night
Plan a game night with your House Church and invite your neighbors! This is a great way for your neighbors to get to know you and your community more in family fun ways. Play video games or board games, there are a variety of options. Take a look at the blog below for some options.