"Strength to Stay. Power to Rise." - Pastor Danny Groening

·35 min·3 clips

If April 5th, 33 AD is correct, today marks exactly 1,993 years since Jesus rose from the dead.

Pastor Danny Groening opens the Easter sermon with a prayer, thanking Jesus for his resurrection and presence. He acknowledges that Easter may have snuck up on many due to busy lives and personal challenges. Groening introduces an intriguing historical note: scholars debate whether Jesus died and rose on April 5th, 33 AD, making April 5th, 2026, potentially the 1,993rd anniversary. He reflects on how time flies from a human perspective but is quick from God's viewpoint. The sermon's core theme is that Easter matters because Jesus' victory over death brings new life, flipping the earthly narrative of decay into one of hope. Groening shifts to discussing the difference between Jesus' strength and power, using Philippians 2:5-11 as the primary text. He contrasts Jesus with Samson, noting Samson's physical strength failed due to selfishness, while Jesus' strength was inward and humble. The pastor uses the analogy of the Titan submersible implosion in 2023 to describe the immense pressure of sin and suffering that Jesus withstood on the cross. He details Jesus' temptations, refusal of earthly kingship, and moments in Gethsemane and arrest where he chose obedience over using his power. Groening describes the physical and spiritual agony of the crucifixion, emphasizing Jesus' cry of forsakenness and final 'It is finished.' The sermon then pivots to Jesus' power to rise, citing Philippians 2:9-11 and resurrection miracles. Groening explains that the same resurrection power is now available to believers through the Holy Spirit, referencing verses like Romans 8:11 and Ephesians 1:19-20. He applies this to daily life, such as enduring marital pressure, job stress, or betrayal with Christ's strength. The pastor shares a story of a man faithfully visiting his wife with dementia as an example of real strength. He concludes with two questions: whether listeners are living in the strength to stay and the power to rise, and closes in prayer.

As heard by us

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Why you'd press play

If Easter snuck up on your week, press play for a sermon about the strength to stay when pressure would rather move you.

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