Heart of the Matter

Dr. Chris Carrasco
The heart of the matter implies the most important or central idea. As Christians, the heart of the matter is to sanctify Jesus in our hearts. To “sanctify” something is to set it apart as holy and consecrated. When we do that, a love wells up inside of us that cannot be contained. A love for God and a love for others. It’s a love that first began with the Father and the Son and encircles us in the same love. How can you share this overwhelming love with others this week?
Sunday, May 17, 2020

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Heart of the Matter

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number... ~ Acts 2:46-47 After the events of Holy Week, the disciples are devastated. They are in the midst of full-blown grief and disbelief. Into the heart of that grief came a stunning revelation–life had overcome death. Love had won out over violence. Time and again we hear Jesus offer the disciples a post-resurrection message of empowerment to give to the world what he had given to them. God’s faithfulness would build them up once again–will bind them together. Is this possible in our lives? This Easter season we proclaim, “Yes! Come and see! Live and Love! This is the heart of the matter!” Heart of the Matter An Online Easter Worship Series Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number... ~ Acts 2:46-47 After the events of Holy Week, the disciples are devastated. They are in the midst of full-blown grief and disbelief. Into the heart of that grief came a stunning revelation–life had overcome death. Love had won out over violence. Time and again we hear Jesus offer the disciples a post-resurrection message of empowerment to give to the world what he had given to them. God’s faithfulness would build them up once again–will bind them together. Is this possible in our lives? This Easter season we proclaim, “Yes! Come and see! Live and Love! This is the heart of the matter!” May 3, 2020 Hearts on Fire Luke 24:13-35 Jesus’ table ministry was a preeminent way that he showed and shared a depth of love unseen in his time. He ate and spent time with those considered unworthy of his attention. Even in his post-resurrection appearances, it was in the breaking of bread that he was “recognized.” Jesus set hearts on fire and still does today as we study scripture, break bread, and walk with Jesus through the confusing times of life. May 10, 2020 Troubleless Hearts I Peter 1:22-25; John 14:1-3 Even though the grass withers and flower fades, God’s Word, the Word that became flesh and lived among us, endures forever. Because of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection, he reminds us not to let our hearts be troubled. In those troubled times, we are to trust, believe, and love one another deeply from the heart. How will you keep your heart troubleless this week and focus on God’s Word, Jesus. May 17, 2020 Loving Hearts 1 Peter 3:13-16a; John 14:15-21 To “sanctify” something is to set it apart as holy and consecrated. We are called to sanctify Jesus in our hearts. When we do that, a love wells up inside of us