CALVARYMAC HAPPENINGS

1. Men’s Breakfast // May 3 // 8A
Join us for a hearty breakfast, an informal time of fellowship, and a message from our speaker, Mitch Dunfee. Mitch is an assistant pastor at Tri-Cities Calvary. This is a monthly event, on the first Saturday of every month. Please register at CalvaryMac.com/men

2. Night of Prayer & Worship // May 7 // 7P
Join us for an evening of worship and lifting up our church, our community, and each other in prayer. All ages are welcome!

3. Newcomer Luncheon // May 18 // 12:45
Are you new to Calvary Mac? Do you have questions? Join us for lunch and answers from Pastor Zach and his wife Christy.
Please be sure to register your kids as well, so we can plan lunch accordingly. For more details and to register please visit CalvaryMac.com

4. Women’s Retreat // May 2-4 // CCR Silver Falls
This year’s theme, Lady of Valor, will focus on what the Bible teaches about living with strength, integrity, and courage as women of God. For more details and to register please visit CalvaryMac.com/Women

5. VBS // June 23-27 // 9A-12P
Save the date! Registration coming soon.

For more information and a complete listing of events, please visit CalvaryMac.com

Easter 2025 Cream.png

SERMON NOTES

Easter 2025 // Zach Lamberson

John 20 // A Natural Skeptic

Teaching and Exhortation

Verses 1-2: The Stone Rolled Away

It was easier to believe Jesus’ body was stolen than that He was risen.
The Jewish leadership made the claim the disciples stole Jesus’ body.
- Matthew 28:12-15

Verses 3-4: Running Towards the Empty Tomb

The prospect of an empty tomb made Peter and John run towards it.

Verses 5-8: The Grave Clothes

Jesus promised He was going to rise from the dead and also return again.
- Acts 1:10-11
The folded grave clothes are telling that Jesus’ body wasn’t stolen.

Verses 9-10: He Must Rise

Biblical idea of a “mystery” is something previously unknown but now revealed.
- Colossians 1:26
The Old Testament predicts both Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Isaiah 53:10

Verses 11-18: Mary, Mary Magdalene

Mary likely couldn’t recognize Jesus because of His disfigured face.
Jesus still bears the scars of His cruxifixction and the torture leading up to it.

Verse 19: Overcoming Fear

The fear and torment that once kept them in hiding was now relieved by peace.
The same men who rejected and denied Jesus out of fear would become fearless.

Verse 20: By His Wounds

1 John 1:1
John is declaring that he handled and looked upon the risen Christ firsthand.

Verses 21-23: Breathe on Me, O Jesus

The evidence that always follows the filing of the Holy Spirit is boldness
- Acts 4:31
That boldness was on full display in the book of Acts and in the lives of the Apostles.

Verses 24-25: Honest Skeptic

There are many skeptics who will never believe in God despite the evidence.
- Psalm 14:1
Thomas wasn’t unreasonable but needed more proof to believe.

Verses 26-28: My Lord, and My God

When Jesus appears to Thomas, any doubt he experienced before is alleviated.
If Jesus wasn’t God, John’s gospel wouldn’t have included this account.

Verse 29: Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Seen

Verses 30-31: That You May Believe

John wrote this book believing that you may have eternal life.
- John 14:5
Thomas was skeptic in nature but found the truth in Jesus Christ.
- John 14:6
- 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
- Romans 5:8

Deep Dive

Follow up passages
Matthew 28 (the resurrection)
1 John 3:1-3 (the hope to come)
Job 19:25-27 (the living Redeemer)

Follow up questions
What details does Matthew’s account include that stand out to you?
What is the result of the hope we have in a resurrected body?
What hope allowed Job to endure such incredible suffering?