I’m a Christian, and sometimes a teacher/preacher.

I preached a The Easter Sunday sermon at ConGlomeration 2019. The famous Star Wars novelist, Timothy Zahn, was the author Guest of Honor. I’d already decided to use Star Wars as my theme, and then the trailer for the newest movie dropped that week. Rise of the Skywalker. Oh, come on! Rise of the Sky Walker? That’s perfect for an Easter sermon.

A long time ago, in a Galilee far, far away…

More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine

Jesus did amazing things here on Earth. He healed people, walked on water, dispelled demons, and more. But he knew that the best was yet to come.

“It is best that I go so the Spirit can come.” (John 16:7)
“Whoever believes in me will do even greater things.” (John 14:12)
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 18:18)

The power that Jesus leveraged is available for each one of us. The same Spirit of God lives inside our hearts. What’s better than God walking alongside you? God living inside you.

God’s power working within us and through us has everlasting effects, not just here on earth.

Just Fly Casual

When Jesus’ time here on earth (the first time, anyway) was at an end, he flew up to heaven.

When Jesus led them to Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-1)

He blessed his friends, started flying away, and kept blessing! That’s so cool.

Jesus is still blessing us. He wants us to join him as brothers in heaven. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Do or do not. There is no try.

Luke, We’re Gonna Have Company!

The disciples were freaked out, holed up in a room. Jesus had flown to heaven over a month before, when something happened.

A sound like roaring wind came from heaven and filled the house. Tongues of fire settled on each of them. (Acts 2:2)

They were all filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. They were given courage, zeal, and focus. This power came with a visible representation, as well — a glowing aura. All who encountered them were amazed at their words and deeds.

I Find Your Lack of Faith Disturbing

We’re in a battle that began in the heavens — Star Wars. Our enemy is powerful, but we are not helpless. Our God has given us protection.

We do not fight flesh and blood, but powers and principalities of this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil. Wear the full armor of God: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, boots of readiness for peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit: the word of God. (Ephesians 6:12-8)
Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion. (1 Peter 5:8)

The truth (belt) holds our whole outfit together. Our obedience and good deeds (breastplate) protect us from attack. Our readiness to forgive (boots) takes us where we need to go. Our faith (shield) extinguishes flaming arrows from the enemy. The salvation that the Lord granted us (helmet) protects our thoughts.

And the scripture (sword) gives us the power to defeat our enemy.

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Here’s the flyer and the handout for the sermon.