Witnesses Passion Play - Friday, April 3 at 7pm

Heat. Heat. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. A madman rules Rome. Rome. After a massive fire destroys nearly half the city, Emperor Nero places blame on the followers of the way. Men and women who profess allegiance to the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.

Though slain, it is said he has come back to life. Hundreds have seen him. Thousands will die. Millions more will believe. Tonight will be the last night for one of these witnesses. Yes. Twist. Push. Pull. Twist some more. That makes you feel like a man. >> Now you can die knowing you put up a fight.

Cypio, how long do you think until the weeping begins? >> Commencements of the proverbial Nile. >> Whoa. Whoa. This dog is all bark. >> Before the third watch, then for when his head is on the block. >> He really isn't much of anything, is he? >> First watch.

Tricks on you. I was first. >> Drinks on you or I knock your skull in. >> I'll knock your skull in. >> I'll throw drinks on you is what I'll do. Drinks on me. Here, take this. This is my last night. I have no use for it. Go on, son.

What is your name? Names have no use for the dead. How long do you have? 3 days. I'm sorry. Your pity is as worthless as our lives. Why are you here? I murdered a man for asking too many questions. I'm a thief. A no good, poor, hungry thief who stupidly decided to rob a senator.

A guard caught me as I was escaping. I struck him once and now I'm here to die. I wish I'd killed him. I wish I my grandmother and my sister. They would have hurt by now. You must entrust your family to God. Which God? There is only one God.

The God of the Hebrews. The God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. >> I am no Hebrew. I am Roman. >> He cares for Romans, too. Go ahead, call out to him. He'll listen. As he's listened to you, your God must care little for you or he's too weak to save you.

I am under his authority. Right. And what crime did you commit? >> The one for which I'm accused or the one for which I am guilty? Both. I am a follower of Christ. A Christian. You are familiar with this. Yes. You Christians believe this. Jesus Christ to be your one true savior.

Not bad. I've heard much about you Christians at the conviviums. You baffled the elite. Conviviums? I've heard tales of these extravagant parties. You've been to many conviviums >> as an attendee. Yes. For three years, I catered such events. I had an apprenticeship with the house cook of Senator Montanis.

Senator Cordius Montanis of Riate. Yes. That's that's who you tried to rob. He was a good man. He never wronged me. I just thought what was so wrong in in taking little from his much. He was away on business. He'd be returning as we speak. How quickly my life has changed.

I wonder what darkness lies after death. This Jesus, is it true what they say about him? What do they say? >> Marvelous and impossible things. >> When it comes to Jesus, there is no such thing as impossible. You Christians claim that Jesus faced death and returned. Do you really believe that?

I am going to die for this belief. Many have and many more will. Some die for believing what they have not seen. But others, many others, they are dying for refusing to deny what they've seen with their own eyes. Oh, the stories they've told. You've actually spoken to those who walked with him. >> They've told stories. stories that shatter fear.

I I think I should like to hear what this Jesus was like. We have this night. Before I die, I will tell you who he is and why he matters. I shall tell you the stories of the witnesses as they told them to be. Then I will tell you what I myself have seen.

But be warned, those who listen are forever changed. When I was lost and all alone, your presence was where I found home. You were there and you're here right now. In every high and every low, you never left me without hope. You were good and you're good right now.

I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen you breathe life with it. So I pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all. Your promises never again. I've got stories I live to tell. So I pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all.

I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen you brea life within so I pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all. Your promises never fail. I've got stories I live to tell. So I pour out my praise again. You're worthy. You're worthy of all. You're worthy of your good and I witnessed it.

You're strong and I've witnessed it. You're constant. And I've witnessed it and I'm confident. I'll see it again and again. You love and I've witnessed it. You heal and I've witnessed it. You save and I've witnessed it and I'm comforted. I'll see it again and again. You're good and I've witnessed it.

You're strong and I've witnessed it. You're constant. I witnessed it and I'm comforted. I'll see it again and again. You love and I witness it. You heal and I witness it. You save and I witness it. And I'm comforting. I'll see it again and again. I'll see it again and again.

I'll see it again and again. I'll see it again and again. I've witnessed it. I'll see it again and again. I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen you breathe life within. So I pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all. Your promises never fail. I've got stories I live to tell.

So I pour out my praise again. You're worthy, God. So worthy of all the praise. Many years ago, I met a man named Manahhem. He was born in Jezrael, a Samaritan. I will tell you his story as he told it to me. There's no such thing as an ordinary day.

It's a comforting illusion. But life is a miracle. And each moment has more value than we can often tell. Deep down, we all know we can lose everything in an instant. When we see it happen to someone else, we gape, gasp, and wonder. Then we pray. We hope, "Not us, not me."

And when tragedy strikes, we realize all we had before. We realize how extraordinarily blessed we were. We crave what we thought was ordinary. His wife took the children. She left him. He understood why. His disease, a poison of the body, which latches onto any who come close. An illness that promises to corrupt all that is beautiful and turn it to decay and death.

A slow and painful death. If sin had a face, it would resemble >> clean. Clean. I'm clean. I'm clean. >> Wait. >> Clean. >> Wait. Do you know who this is? You are Jesus of Nazareth, are you not? >> I am. Oh mercy. Oh Jesus, mercy heal me.

Mercy mercy >> mercy. >> Friends, do not delay. Go show yourselves to the priests. Show them you have been cleansed. I Lord. Lord, thank you. Samaritan, were there not 10 of you healed? Where are the other nine? >> Only you came back to give praise to God. Well, go now.

Your faith has made you well. >> Thank you. just >> I remember Medaham's words so clearly. He said, "I've stared into the face of death, but I've also seen something greater. I have seen the face of compassion, the face of God." Who can drive back the hand of corruption?

Who can command fear and death to retreat? Only Jesus can. I know because I've seen his face. When did I start to forget all of the great things you did? When did I throw away faith for the impossible? And how did I start to believe you weren't sufficient for me?

And why do I talk myself out of seeing miracles? miracles. You are more than able. You are more than able. You are more than able. You are more than able. Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Now I see that I have and I've got my confidence back and I put my trust in the still does miracles.

You do miracles. You are more than able. You are more than able. Yes, you are. Yes, you are. You are more than able. You are more than able. Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? And can you imagine with all of the faith in the room what the Lord can do?

What the Lord can do? Yes. And it's going to happen. So just let the way you make it through. He's going to move. He's going to move. And can you imagine with all of the faith in the room what the Lord can do? What the Lord can do?

Yes. And he's going to have it. Just let the way make it through. He's going to move. He's going to move. Anything is possible. Anything is possible. Anything is possible. Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Anything is possible. And anything is possible. Yes, it is.

Anything is possible. Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Thank you, Jesus. God is more than able. He is God is more than able. Yes, he is.

Yes, he is. God is more than able. Take it. God is more than able. Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? There are countless stories of Jesus's healing powers more than I could tell you in a lifetime.

He cast out demons, calm storms. He raised the dead. Anywhere he went, all that was broken was restored to those who put their faith in him. Before him there was night, but when he arrived, darkness hid. This man, what happened to him? I only met him once during my stay in Jerusalem with Jesus's disciples.

Uh-huh. >> Last I heard, he spoke about traveling far to the east to tell his story to any who would listen. >> Well, I heard Samaritans were unwelcome in Judea. >> In Christ Jesus, there is no Samaritan, no Roman, no Jew, no Greek. Only fellow believers. You say his name with such preference.

The name of Jesus deserves nothing less. So then where did his power come from? Ah that's a great story. Look, it started on the >> god >> guards. Now this is a wonder why the dog has been tamed. >> Not so tough now. >> Are you? You are so dumpy.

Partnax. Remove his cuffs. >> Get over here you filth. >> He is even starting to smell like a dog. What are you doing? >> This is where you belong. Filth belongs here. Cheer up, lad. You have a visitor. She claims to be your sister, though I don't know why anybody would want to visit such filth.

Ah, >> here's the sister of the dog. Now, >> my dear, >> you should not be here. >> Neither should you. Tell me what they say is not true. It >> was a mistake, Julia. It was a terrible mistake. But you've never done such a thing. >> That makes me no less guilty. >> I should have accepted Ortho's proposal.

The bride price alone >> would have paid up every time. >> Julia, I would have never let you wed that cruel wiper. You must not. And you promised me that much. >> You did it to save our home. I know you did for the >> Julia. Do not let me go to death fearing for you.

Promise me. >> You have my word. >> They say you have three days. >> If that. >> Grandmother. She is just outside. She is begging. >> No. >> Julia, you must not let grandmother enter the cell. She is frail. Her heart is weak. I fear it would kill her.

You must go. >> We still have time. You must leave. I don't even know why they let you in here at all. You must go now. Please. >> Guards. >> Martialis. >> One moment. >> Dear child, could I inquire a small favor? Would you please be so kind as to deliver this final letter to a dear friend of mine?

The address is written right here. >> It is in Greek. I don't >> you quite right. Greek. Okay. Here is the address in Latin. Please. >> I don't understand. This is a dress. Just >> best not let them see you with it. >> Goodbye, dear sister. She loves you.

I've doomed her and I've killed my own grandmother. You speak wonderfully of this Jesus. But there is a darkness in my life not even he could extinguish. It clouds me. I thought that way once before. I tried to hold the idea of his compassion inside the walls of my own comprehension.

Walls of shame. For years I was bound by the mistakes of my past. But creation cannot tame its creator. The love of God will not be so caged. Come, my story is not over. Let us continue. How deep the Father's love for us. How vast beyond all measure that he should give his only son to to make a wretched treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss. The father turns his face away as wounds which mar the chosen one bring many sons to glory man upon the cross. My sin upon his shoulders. Ashame I hear my mocking voice call out among the scars. It was my sin that held him there until it was a His dying breath has brought me alive.

I know that it is his name. I will not boast in anything. No gifts, no power, no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer. >> But this I know with all my heart.

His wounds have paid my ransom. Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer, >> but this I know with all my heart. His wounds have paid my answer. Can the limited heart of man hope to comprehend the boundless love of God? In my foolishness, I thought I could until Dina told me her story.

That is when I finally had a true glimpse of God's love. A glimpse that changed everything I thought I knew. There once was a woman, a woman who had 10 silver coins. Would you look at that? 10 silver coins. H. Now, don't go spending that all in one place.

Now, suppose this woman lost one of these coins. H. What does she do? She searches and sweeps her house clean. She lights a lamp and she looks and looks until she finds it. That is what it's like in heaven when one sinner repents. Good. Very good. How about another?

I need a shepherd. H and the rest of you will be sheep. >> That's dedication. All right, here we go. There once was a shepherd who had 100 sheep. Now, one day, one of his sheep ran off. Is someone missing? So, what does the good shepherd do? Does he leave the 99 behind to find one missing lamb?

It appears that he does. Leaves 99 behind to find one. Amazing. And when he finds this sheep, he lets his friends and neighbors know, I have found my lost sheep. No, no, no. I'm begging you now. >> Quiet woman. Most wise teacher, we come to you seeking your counsel.

The woman Dina of Bethl was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses is very clear on this. The punishment for her adulterous act is death by stoning. >> That is what the law says, good teacher. But what do you say? Should we stone her? >> Well, what shall we do, teacher?

What do you say? Very well. Let the one of you who has never sinned cast the first stone. Dina told me after her accusers were gone, she could sense there was only one left who had not sinned. One guiltless and pure, one fully good, one righteous judge. He alone was worthy to cast that first stone. >> Where are your accusers? >> They are all gone.

Are there any left to condemn you? >> No. No, my Lord. >> Neither do I condemn you. Go sin no more. There once was a son who asked for his father for his inheritance early. The father gave it to him and the boy ran off. He squandered it all on wine and sinful living.

When all of it was gone along with his friends, he found himself working feeding pigs. And in that filth where he ate with the pigs, he thought of his father. Perhaps he thought, perhaps I can ask to return home and and be a mere servant. I will be better off there than I am here.

So as he was walking in the distance, his father saw him and he ran to him. He threw his arms around him and embraced him. Father, I have sinned. I am unworthy to be your son, the young man cried. Oh, but his father shook his head and said, "Bring him the best robe.

Put a ring on his finger. Kill the fattened calf. We must celebrate for my son who was dead is alive again." He was lost, but now he is found. You make me lie down in fields of green. Find a rest by quiet streams. My soul restoring your rod and staff.

They comfort me. I'll fall where you lead. Fearing nothing. And oh, good shepherd, lead me on. And oh, good shepherd. I'm right where I belong. I belong. I belong here. And you prepare a table before me with all my enemies and serve forgiveness. And your goodness and mercy shadow me for all my history till I see heaven.

And oh good shepherd lead. Oh, good shepherd. I'm right where I belong. I belong here. Oh, I belong here. Right here. I belong in your arms forever. Yes, I do. Oh, thank you, Jesus. So, all my days I will stay in the house of my father. And all my days I'll remain in the arms of the good shepherd.

So all my days I will stay in the house of my father. All my days I'll remain in the arms of the good shepherd. Oh good shepherd lead me. Oh, good shepherd. I'm right where I belong and go. Good shepherd, lead me home. Oh, good shepherd. I'm right where I belong.

I belong here. To understand why Jesus came, you must first understand the holiness of God. God is completely good. His holiness obliterates evil. And if history has taught us anything, it is that mankind needs redemption. >> Our sin is like a neverending debt that we cannot pay off.

There is always a cost. The law tells us sin cannot be forgiven without the shedding of blood. This is why sacrifices are offered. The sins of man are transferred to a sacrificial lamb and God looks to the blood of the lamb as atonement to cleanse away our sin.

Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah would bear our sins upon himself. For years, my people awaited this arrival. >> Many thought he might be John the Baptist. It was not him. Before he was killed, John declared that Jesus was the lamb of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world.

At the time, Jesus's followers did not understand what this meant, but Jesus did, and he alone understood and underwent the cost to save us all. Have faith in God. If you have faith, real faith, why? You can call to this mountain. You rise up and jump into the sea and it will.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, anything is possible. Anything. All it takes is a small amount of faith. That's all it takes. Make way. You make bold claims, Rabbi. By what right do you say these things? Who gave you this authority? I have a question for you and if you answer it, I will tell you.

John the Baptist. Did God give him the authority to baptize or was his authority given to him by man? Careful how you answer. These people think John is a prophet and that his authority comes from God. If you say from man, they can call us blasphemers. They could stone us.

Yes. But if we say his authority comes from God, then he will ask why did we not believe him? >> We We don't know where his authority comes from. >> That's right. >> You will not answer my question. Neither will I answer yours. >> Enough. Have you not heard?

A man is known by the company that he keeps. You are a friend of mere thieves, drunkards, and [__] There once was a veneron who departed from his home to take a long voyage. In his absence, he rented out his vineyard to several tenants. Months passed. When harvest came, he sent some servants out to collect his share of the harvest.

But the tenants refused. They beat one servant, killed another. They stoned the third, but he managed to escape. The Veneron decided to continue to let to collect his share of the prophets by sending more servants. But the tenants treated them the same. So then he decided that he would send his son.

Surely, he thought. Surely they will respect my son. But when the greedy tenants saw this son, they plotted, "Let us kill this heir and take this land for ourselves." And so they did. Tell me, what happens next? What will the Vinderon do when he returns? >> He will kill them.

And then the veneron will take in new tenants who will bring in their share of the profits at the appropriate time. Haven't you read the scripture? The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord.

What a wonderful sight it is. The gospel that is the good news is this. God the father sent Jesus Christ, his one and only son as the sacrificial lamb to take the sins of the world. Jesus came to pay the debt we owe of sin so that we might be reconciled unto God the Father.

For without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin. In all of humanity, there was only ever one who lived a sinless life. Only one who was worthy to take the sin of the world. His name is Jesus, the lamb of God. Here we go.

I am the strength of exaltation. I was born to lift the name above all names. You hear the melody of all creation, but there's a song of praise that only I can bring. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one, only you, Jesus. Who else is worthy?

Who else is worthy? There is none. Only you Jesus. You are the infinite God of the aes. You chose to make my heart your dwelling place. You heal my brokenness. Show me your glory. So I have songs of thanks even angels sing. For who else is worthy? Who else is worthy?

There is no one only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. You are worthy. Worthy Lord. You are worthy Jesus. Lamb of God, anointed one, who was and is and is to come.

You seeded on the throne above. Holy, holy, rightous one who shed his blood to prove to us the father's love. Jesus Christ be lifted up. Holy, holy lamb of God. Anointed one who was and is and is to come is seated on the throne above. Holy, holy, rightous one who shed his blood to prove to us the father's love.

Jesus Christ, we lift it up. Oh, be lifted up Jesus. We lifted up the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. Yes. For who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one.

There is no only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no way only you Jesus. There is no only you Jesus. There is no only you Jesus. I am Lonius. While it is hard to tell you, I will tell you what I saw.

What came before, I only heard. There was an informant who led the Hebrew temple guard to where Jesus was staying. They took him in the middle of the night. There was a mock trial and false witnesses. The religious leaders, they wanted him dead. I still don't understand why, but as a soldier, it's not our job to ask questions.

It's our life to follow orders. Pilate was governor at the time. He heard the charges against Jesus. He found no fault. But the religious leaders insisted we were given orders to beat him. So we did. We were then given orders to take him to Golgtha. That is where I had taken many there to be executed before.

We led him out. I was a centurion at the time. I gave the order. Jesus cried and screamed. He didn't curse like the others. I was close enough to hear him. He kept calling out, "Forgive them. Forgive them. They don't know what they're doing." And we didn't know.

I didn't know. As he dangled there, we mocked him. We gambled on his clothing. I still remember him looking at me. People ask what his gaze was like. The closest is when I was a little boy. And my father used to toss and catch me. His eyes told me there was no chance he'd let me fall, that he loved me.

This is what his gaze was like. Even then, as his blood stained the ground, sky grew so dark. He was there for 6 hours. 6 hours God himself bled and then he died this evening. As you entered the sanctuary, you were handed the elements of communion. To some, it simply looks like a cracker and a cup.

But for us, it is the symbol of the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. Tonight, we've gathered here to remember according to the words written by the Apostle Paul, the words that Christ gave to him. As often as you do this, do this in remembrance of me. 2,000 years ago, when Christ entered the city of Jerusalem, those who shouted hosana were expecting a Passover of deliverance.

For thousands of years, they had celebrated the sacrifice of a Passover lamb and the blood that went over the door of their house that delivered them from the enslavement and bondage of Egypt. But what they didn't realize is the one whom they thought was Messiah, had actually come to Jerusalem, the place where the presence of God dwells, to be tied at the doorpost of God our Father's house, that the blood of that lamb might be placed over our lives, and that we would be cleansed of sin, set free from the bondage of the grave. and grafted in to the covenants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Tonight, as we receive the elements of this communion, we remember the sacrifice of Christ. We remember the price that our Savior paid that we might be set free. And it is as he said, whom the Son sets free is free indeed. But tonight, I want you to also remember not only that Christ paid that price, but he promised all who believe.

That he was going to prepare a place for us so that where he is, we might be also. And then he gave these words. And when I come again, you will be with me forever. Tonight we not only remember what he has done, but we remember and look forward to what he will do when he comes back to the city of Jerusalem, sits on the throne of his father David and of his kingdom there will be no end.

The Bible tells us that while they were eating, Jesus took the bread and he blessed it and he broke it and he gave it to them and he said, "Take it and eat it for this is my body." Can we take the symbol of the Lord's broken body?

And then in the gospels we read, "And when he took the cup, he gave thanks for it and commanded, drink from it all of you. May we receive the Lord's shed blood. He said, "For this is my blood shed for the remission of sins, but I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my father's kingdom."

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Your only son, no sin to hide, but you have sent him from your side to walk among this guilty son and to become the lamb of God. for gift of love. They crucified. They laughed and sworn him as he died.

The humble king. They named a cross and sacrificed the lamb of God. Oh lamb of God, sweet lamb of God. I love the holy lamb of God. Oh, wash me in his preious blood. My Jesus Christ, the lamb of God. I was so lost. I should have died.

Son, you have brought me to your side to be led by your staff and rob till I am just a lamb of God. Oh lamb of God. Sweet lamb of God. I love the holy lamb of God. Oh wash me in his preious blood. My Jesus Christ, the lamb of God.

Oh, wash me in his preious blood. My Jesus Christ, the lamb of God. Oh, heat, heat. Heat. Heat. Daylight will be here soon. >> It is so tragic. He did nothing wrong and they killed him. >> He gave his life willingly. How could you speak to the ones who killed him?

How could you stand in the room with such men? You don't understand. I killed him. We all did. It was our sin that he took to that cross. Why would he do that? Why would he do that? Why would he do that? Isn't it obvious? >> Because that's who he was. >> That's how much we mattered to him.

He is the good shepherd who searched for his sheep. So So then what does this mean? This this means that sin won and and we're lost. No, the story doesn't end there. As a matter of fact, this is actually where it begins. Three years after Jesus died, I met his disciples.

Men and women, everyday people, mostly unassuming, some uneducated, fishermen and traders, wives and mothers, all bold as lions. For days, I listened to their stories. And as I listened, I got to know Jesus more. We don't know who we are till the time of testing comes. When they arrested him, I denied him three times.

Three times I said, "I don't know who he is." And in that moment, I realized what I am. a coward, a selfish man. I couldn't even bring myself to visit him at the tomb. When they took him, we all ran. Well, except for John. >> I did nothing to help him.

I was there hoping for him to help me. He was under no obligation to stay. He could have come up that cross at any moment. With a word, an army of angels would have heeded his call. >> We hoped he'd fight them. >> That was never an option for my son. >> What was it like to be the mother of the Messiah? >> It was the greatest of blessings.

Though that day I thought I'd die of heartbreak, what he did was something he alone could do. The lamb of God. He alone was worthy to take the sins of the world. >> Shame haunts me still. The things I did. The way >> shame has no place here.

That's not what he wants of his followers. He paid the debt. He took your burdens. Your past. Don't try to take it back. >> He won. Tell me how it happened. Well, Mary, you were the first of the witnesses. Go on, tell him. >> He was killed on a Friday.

So, we could not anoint his body with spices as we had wished because of the approaching Sabbath. So, on Sunday, myself and some other women, we went to the tomb. And the stone, we found the stone had been rolled away. There had been some soldiers who were guarding the tomb and they were gone.

We looked inside and his body was gone. There was only some linen cloths folded laying there. And then an angel appeared and he said, "I know you seek Jesus. He's not here. He's risen. He's going to Galilee and you will see him." So we raced back to tell Peter and John. >> Yes. and John and I, we we followed Mary back to the tomb.

And I didn't know what to make of it. And so we left Mary there at the tomb. Then what happened? women. >> Why are you weeping? >> Someone has taken the body of my lord and I don't know where it is. But why are you weeping? Who is it that you were seeking? >> Did you carry him away?

Please tell me where you have laid. Tell me so I can bring him back. Mary, please. Not so tightly. >> I have not yet ascended to my father. Is it you? Is it really you? >> Tell my brethren. Tell them that I'm ascending to my father and your father.

To my God and your God. Tell them, Mary. Tell them the good news. That same day he appeared to us disciples. >> We touched him. He ate with us. >> He conquered death and sin. He is risen and he will always be risen. And someday he will return to make all things new.

The moon and stars they went. The morning sun was dead. The savior of the world was falling. His body on the cross. His blood poured out for us. the weight of every curse upon him. In the final breath he gave as heaven looked away. The son of God is laid in darkness.

The battle in the grave. The war on death has changed. The power of hell forever broke. The ground begins to shake. The sword was rolled away. His perfect love could not be over. Now death where is your king our resurrected king has reed defeated forever. He is glorified forever.

He is lifted high forever. He is ris. He is alive. The ground begin to shake. The storm was rolled away. His perfect love could not be over. Now death is your name. I'll resurrect. He has res forever. He is glorified forever. He is living forever. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. The sun rises soon. I will be home. You look happy. This has been a great conversation. You have been the answer to my final petition. >> What do you mean? I asked God if he would allow me to share my story with one more person before it was time for me to go home.

Martialis, Jesus died for your sins. He died to give you a life that never ends. and he offers you grace and reconciliation with God the Father. He's already paid your sentence. He's paid for all your sins. It is a free gift. All you have to do now is accept it.

How? I don't know what to say. I don't know what to do. Pray with me. Say, "Father, I know that I am a sinner. Father, I am a sinner. And I believe you sent Jesus to die for my sins. I believe Jesus died for my sins. He was buried, but three days later, he rose again."

Jesus was buried, but he rose again. >> I reject my old ways. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I reject my old ways. Jesus, please be my Savior. Amen. Amen. You are restored now, Martialis. You can face tomorrow unafraid because there is hope. Hope lives in you and his name is Jesus.

Live what remains of your life on earth to the fullest. Oh, do not underestimate what can be done inside this cell. Every breath you take and word you speak carries purpose. His assignment. Tell everyone and anyone who will listen what God has done for you. Saul of Tarsus.

That man died years ago. My name is Paul. Like the Pharisees who opposed me, I was self-righteous and proud. I persecuted Christians for years. I sought to hunt each and every believer to destroy his church. But despite all I had done and all I planned to do, Jesus appeared to me.

He spoke to me. He chose me to be one of his >> Come now. We have apostles, >> his his witnesses. Look, if he could use me, he could most certainly use you. We are new creations. Martialis, the old is gone. The new is here. Live the life you have to the fullest, my brother.

From this day to the last, I will get to ask your apostle how to pray. So, forgive me if I do it poorly. I thank you for hearing me now. I thank you for loving me. Because of you, I'm not afraid. And because of you, I believe in marvelous and impossible things.

Things that I never Oh, I am dreaming. >> No, no, not at all. >> Grandmother, I was so foolish, man. >> Martial. Martialis, >> forgive me, grandmother, forgive me. >> Oh no. All is forgiven, child. Oh yes, your cellmate. As I left, he he handed me a letter asking for a pardon.

It was accepted. >> Accepted? I don't know what you mean, >> brother. Did he not tell you that he was a dear friend of Senator Montanes? >> Paul knew Senator Montanis. You've been set free, Martialis. >> Free. Your >> your debt is forgiven and your life is no longer forfeit.

What? Y, it is a second chance. You get to live. Then I'll make the most of it. Let's go home. I have so much to tell you. I mean, before this, I had found a reason to hope again. But now I'll burst if I myself don't tell everybody what I've witnessed.

I saw Satan fall like lining. I saw darkness run for cover. with the miracle that I just can't get over. My name is registered in heaven. Come on. I believe in signs and wonders. >> Hallelujah. >> And I have resurrection power. Still the miracle that I just can't get over.

My name is registered in heaven. My praise belongs to you forever. Come on. >> This is my testimony. From dead to life cuz grace rewrote my story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'm justified. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. If you've witnessed the goodness of God, can you stand on your feet and can you celebrate with us tonight?

Listen to this. If I'm not dead, you're not done. Hey, everybody sing. If I'm not dead, you're not done. Greater things are still to come. Oh, I believe. >> If I'm not dead, you're not done. Greater things are still. Come on everybody. If I'm not dead, you're not dead.

Gater things are still If I'm not dead, you're not dead. Greater things for me. Hey, come on. This is my testimony. From dead to life cuz grace rewrote my story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous are justified. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. This is my testimony.

From dead to life cuz grace rewrote my story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll testify. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. From day to night. Christ rewrote my story. I'll testify by Jesus Christ the righteous. I'll testify. This is my testimony. This is my testimony. church.

How many of you enjoyed that incredible production tonight? Ah, come on. You can do better than that. How many of you enjoy that incredible production tonight? He's alive. He's alive. He's alive. Hallelujah. Listen, we want to appreciate our team. Can you help me appreciate the production, the lighting crew, the the audio?

They've spent hours and days working on this. How about we give it up for the band? The band. Come on, give it up for the band. Incredible band that we're able to worship. Now, can you help me appreciate the incredible cast? Yeah. Come on. You can do better than that.

And now, can you help me thank the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords in this house? Hey, why don't you do me a favor? Why don't you turn to your neighbor and tell them this is just the beginning? This is just the beginning. Tomorrow evening, we have our Easter service at 5:00 p.m.

And then on Sunday, we have two services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. We want to see you and your family there. You do not want to miss what God has in store for you and your family for the next weekend. Listen, the Lord bless you. The Lord keep you.

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace. We'll see you tomorrow, church. God bless you. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.