This Easter we focus on the pivotal importance of Jesus' resurrection for the Christian faith, that without the resurrection, Christianity and the church would be meaningless, and the disciples' movement would have died out. However, the resurrection, witnessed by His followers, transformed them from fearful individuals into bold proclaimers of their faith, even willing to die for it. This historical event is the reason for Easter and the gathering of believers and it has the power to change everyone's life; even yours.

Doug looks to Peter's life and his denial of Jesus in the context of Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting Peter's devastating shame and failure. He draws a parallel between Peter's "viral moment" of betrayal and the universal experience of embarrassing and shame-filled moments in life. However, the resurrection offers a powerful message of hope and restoration, exemplified by Jesus' intentional encounter with Peter after His resurrection. By recreating the scene of Peter's denial around a charcoal fire, Jesus offers Peter a chance for redemption, asking him three times about his love and commissioning him to "feed His sheep," ultimately restoring Peter to his calling. Christ is invitating us to recognize the "fire" of our own failures and embrace the restorative power of the risen Jesus, offering a prayer for forgiveness and a new beginning.