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		<title>Hardin Valley Church Sermons</title>
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		<description>Loving God ... Loving People</description>
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		<itunes:subtitle>Bible Preaching and Teaching from Hardin Valley Church</itunes:subtitle>
		<itunes:author>Hardin Valley Church</itunes:author>
		<itunes:summary>Weekly Teaching from the services at Hardin Valley Church in Knoxville, TN.</itunes:summary>
		
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					<title>Because He Lives | 1 Corinthians 15:12–19, 54–57</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/because-he-lives-1-corinthians-1512-19-54-57/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/because-he-lives-1-corinthians-1512-19-54-57/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:15:58 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
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					<description><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
Because He Lives
1 Corinthians 15:12–19, 54–57
1. The Resurrection Offers Answers for Doubters
2. The Resurrection Offers Hope for Grievers
3. The Resurrection Offers Forgiveness for Sinners
IF HE IS NOT ALIVE…
1. The Message Collapses (v. 14)
2. The Messengers Are False (v. 15)
3. Mankind Is Still Condemned (v. 17)
4. The Dead Are Lost (v. 18)
5. Christians Are to Be Pitied (v. 19)

“BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD…” (v. 20)


Everything changes because He lives.

BECAUSE HE LIVES…
1. THE GOSPEL IS TRUE
1 Timothy 3:16
2. YOUR SINS CAN BE FORGIVEN
Ephesians 1:7
3. YOU CAN BE JUSTIFIED
Romans 4:25
4. YOU CAN WALK IN NEW LIFE
Romans 6:4
5. YOU HAVE A LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1:3
6. YOU HAVE ACCESS TO GOD’S POWER
Ephesians 1:19–20
7. YOU HAVE VICTORY OVER DEATH
1 Corinthians 15:54–55]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
Because He Lives
1 Corinthians 15:12–19, 54–57
1. The Resurrection Offers Answers for Doubters
2. The Resurrection Offers Hope for Grievers
3. The Resurrection Offers Forgiveness for Sinners
IF HE IS NOT ALIVE…
1. The Message Collapses (v. 14)
2. The Messengers Are False (v. 15)
3. Mankind Is Still Condemned (v. 17)
4. The Dead Are Lost (v. 18)
5. Christians Are to Be Pitied (v. 19)

“BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD…” (v. 20)


Everything changes because He lives.

BECAUSE HE LIVES…
1. THE GOSPEL IS TRUE
1 Timothy 3:16
2. YOUR SINS CAN BE FORGIVEN
Ephesians 1:7
3. YOU CAN BE JUSTIFIED
Romans 4:25
4. YOU CAN WALK IN NEW LIFE
Romans 6:4
5. YOU HAVE A LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1:3
6. YOU HAVE ACCESS TO GOD’S POWER
Ephesians 1:19–20
7. YOU HAVE VICTORY OVER DEATH
1 Corinthians 15:54–55]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
Because He Lives
1 Corinthians 15:12–19, 54–57
1. The Resurrection Offers Answers for Doubters
2. The Resurrection Offers Hope for Grievers
3. The Resurrection Offers Forgiveness for Sinners
IF HE IS NOT ALIVE…
1. The Message Collapses (v. 14)
2. The Messengers Are False (v. 15)
3. Mankind Is Still Condemned (v. 17)
4. The Dead Are Lost (v. 18)
5. Christians Are to Be Pitied (v. 19)

“BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD…” (v. 20)


Everything changes because He lives.

BECAUSE HE LIVES…
1. THE GOSPEL IS TRUE
1 Timothy 3:16
2. YOUR SINS CAN BE FORGIVEN
Ephesians 1:7
3. YOU CAN BE JUSTIFIED
Romans 4:25
4. YOU CAN WALK IN NEW LIFE
Romans 6:4
5. YOU HAVE A LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1:3
6. YOU HAVE ACCESS TO GOD’S POWER
Ephesians 1:19–20
7. YOU HAVE VICTORY OVER DEATH
1 Corinthians 15:54–55]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Road to Calvary Because He Lives 1 Corinthians 15:12–19, 54–57 1. The Resurrection Offers Answers for Doubters 2. The Resurrection Offers Hope for Grievers 3. The Resurrection Offers Forgiveness for Sinners IF HE IS NOT ALIVE… 1. The Message Collap...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>calvary, cross, Easter, Gospel, Hope, Resurrection, Sin</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
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					<title>Why The Resurrection of Jesus Matters | John 20:1–16</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/why-the-resurrection-of-jesus-matters-john-201-16/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/why-the-resurrection-of-jesus-matters-john-201-16/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:32:15 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
					<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/?post_type=wpfc_sermon&amp;p=70285</guid>
					<description><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
Why The Resurrection of Jesus Matters
John 20:1–16

Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin
1. The Resurrection offers answers for doubters .
Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Doubt is not a SIN

Jude 1:22 tells us to show COMPASSION
Key Evidences:
Jesus truly DIED

The tomb was EMPTY

Women were the first WITNESSES

Lives were TRANSFORMED
👉 Key Truth:
“God does not SHAME honest doubt—He ANSWERS it.”

14 EVIDENCES JESUS’ EXISTENCE. That Jesus was a historical individual is granted by virtually all historians and is supported by ancient Christian, Jewish, and pagan sources. Yet modern skeptics often feel that their best strategy for denying the evidence of his resurrection is to deny that he even existed.

JESUS’ DEATH. The most popular counter to the Resurrection in non-Christian and heretical beliefs is to deny that Jesus died on the cross (e.g., this is the position of Islam). However, historians regard the death of Jesus by crucifixion as ordered by Pontius Pilate to be as historically certain as any other fact of antiquity.

CRUCIFIED MESSIAH. Crucifixion was a horrible, shameful way to die, so much so that it would never have occurred to anyone in the first century to invent a story about a crucified man as the divine Savior and King of the world. Something extreme and dramatic must have happened to lead people to accept such an idea—something like his rising from the dead.

JOSEPH’S TOMB. All four Gospels agree that Jesus’ body had been buried in the rock tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish high council (the Sanhedrin). This is an unlikely Christian fiction, because Christians blamed the Sanhedrin for their role in having Jesus executed.

WOMEN WITNESSES. The four Gospels all agree that the first persons to find the tomb empty were Jewish women, including Mary Magdalene. It is very unlikely that anyone would make up such a story, since women’s testimony was devalued compared to men’s and since Mary Magdalene was known as a formerly demon-possessed woman. If the empty tomb story were fiction, one would expect that Joseph of Arimathea, already identified as the tomb’s owner and a respected male leader, would be credited with the discovery.

ANCIENT THEORIES. The earliest non-Christian explanations for the origin of the Resurrection belief (mentioned in John and Matthew) were that the body had been taken from the tomb—either moved to another burial place or stolen to fake the Resurrection. These explanations conceded three key facts: Jesus died; his body was buried in Joseph’s tomb; the tomb was later found to be empty.

TOMB WAS GUARDED. Critics routinely dismiss Matthew’s story about the guards being bribed to say that they fell asleep, giving the disciples opportunity to steal the body (Matt. 28:11-15). But Matthew would have no reason to make up the story about the guards being bribed except to counter the story of the guards saying they fell asleep (see v. 15). Either way, the guards were there: the body had been in the tomb, the tomb had been guarded, and the body was no longer there.

PAUL AND LUKE’S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTS. Paul’s list of resurrection witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 coincides with Luke’s account at several points, but in wording and in what is included Luke’s account is clearly independent of Paul. For example, Paul calls Peter by his Aramaic nickname “Cephas,” not Simon or Peter; he refers to “the twelve,” Luke to “the eleven”; Luke does not mention the appearances to James or the five hundred. Thus Paul and Luke give us independent accounts of the appearances they both mention.

CLOPAS AND THAT OTHER GUY. Luke gives the name of one of the two men on the road to Emmaus who saw Jesus (Clopas) but not the name of the other man. If he was making up names he would presumably have given both of the men names. The fact that he identifies only one of the two men by name is best explained if that man, Clopas, was the source of Luke’s account. In short, this fact is evidence that the account came from an eyewitness.

BROTHER JAMES. Although Luke does not mention the resurrection appearance to James (the Lord’s brother) mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, Luke does report that James had become a leading member of the apostolic group (see especially Acts 15:13-21). Since Jesus’ brothers had rejected Jesus during his lifetime (John 7:5), Paul’s reference to Christ appearing to James is probably based on fact.

JOHN’S EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT. The author of the Gospel of John emphatically states that he was an eyewitness of the death of Jesus, of the empty tomb, and of resurrection appearances of Jesus (John 19:32-35; 20:2-9; 21:7, 20-25). Either he sincerely had these experiences or he was lying; appeals to legend or myth are out of the question here.

ANCIENT SKEPTICISM. Luke reports the skepticism of the men disciples the morning the tomb was found empty (Luke 24:22-24), and John reports Thomas’s skepticism about Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-26). These accounts (see also Acts 17:32; 1 Cor. 15:12) demonstrate that the perception of ancient people as gullible hayseeds who would believe any miracle story is a modern prejudicial stereotype.

PAUL’S CONVERSION. Paul was a notorious persecutor of the early Christians prior to his becoming an apostle. His explanation, that Christ appeared to him and called him to faith and the apostolic ministry, is the only plausible explanation for his 180-degree change. Moreover, Paul’s experience was entirely independent of the experience of the other apostles.

PAUL’S GENTILE MISSION. Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus did not result merely in him accepting Jesus as the Jews’ Messiah. Instead, he saw himself, a trained and zealous Pharisee, as commissioned by Jesus to take the good news of the Messiah to uncircumcised Gentiles. The fact that Paul embraced such a calling against his former passionate beliefs and training makes any appeal to hallucination or delusion implausible.
2. The Resurrection offers hope for grievers.
Mary stood WEEPING at the tomb

Jesus said her NAME

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
👉 Key Truth:
“Grief is REAL—but not FINAL.”
The grave is not the END

Death is not the VICTOR
3. The Resurrection offers forgiveness for sinners.
Acts 5:30–31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Guilt is a UNIVERSAL experience

We are guilty before a HOLY God
👉 Key Truth:
“The cross was the PAYMENT—the resurrection is the PROOF.”
3 Components of Forgiveness
New Hope
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
New Life
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
New Destiny
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

*Wording for 3 main points adapted from Sean McDowell]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
Why The Resurrection of Jesus Matters
John 20:1–16

Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin
1. The Resurrection offers answers for doubters .
Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Doubt is not a SIN

Jude 1:22 tells us to show COMPASSION
Key Evidences:
Jesus truly DIED

The tomb was EMPTY

Women were the first WITNESSES

Lives were TRANSFORMED
👉 Key Truth:
“God does not SHAME honest doubt—He ANSWERS it.”

14 EVIDENCES JESUS’ EXISTENCE. That Jesus was a historical individual is granted by virtually all historians and is supported by ancient Christian, Jewish, and pagan sources. Yet modern skeptics often feel that their best strategy for denying the evidence of his resurrection is to deny that he even existed.

JESUS’ DEATH. The most popular counter to the Resurrection in non-Christian and heretical beliefs is to deny that Jesus died on the cross (e.g., this is the position of Islam). However, historians regard the death of Jesus by crucifixion as ordered by Pontius Pilate to be as historically certain as any other fact of antiquity.

CRUCIFIED MESSIAH. Crucifixion was a horrible, shameful way to die, so much so that it would never have occurred to anyone in the first century to invent a story about a crucified man as the divine Savior and King of the world. Something extreme and dramatic must have happened to lead people to accept such an idea—something like his rising from the dead.

JOSEPH’S TOMB. All four Gospels agree that Jesus’ body had been buried in the rock tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish high council (the Sanhedrin). This is an unlikely Christian fiction, because Christians blamed the Sanhedrin for their role in having Jesus executed.

WOMEN WITNESSES. The four Gospels all agree that the first persons to find the tomb empty were Jewish women, including Mary Magdalene. It is very unlikely that anyone would make up such a story, since women’s testimony was devalued compared to men’s and since Mary Magdalene was known as a formerly demon-possessed woman. If the empty tomb story were fiction, one would expect that Joseph of Arimathea, already identified as the tomb’s owner and a respected male leader, would be credited with the discovery.

ANCIENT THEORIES. The earliest non-Christian explanations for the origin of the Resurrection belief (mentioned in John and Matthew) were that the body had been taken from the tomb—either moved to another burial place or stolen to fake the Resurrection. These explanations conceded three key facts: Jesus died; his body was buried in Joseph’s tomb; the tomb was later found to be empty.

TOMB WAS GUARDED. Critics routinely dismiss Matthew’s story about the guards being bribed to say that they fell asleep, giving the disciples opportunity to steal the body (Matt. 28:11-15). But Matthew would have no reason to make up the story about the guards being bribed except to counter the story of the guards saying they fell asleep (see v. 15). Either way, the guards were there: the body had been in the tomb, the tomb had been guarded, and the body was no longer there.

PAUL AND LUKE’S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTS. Paul’s list of resurrection witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 coincides with Luke’s account at several points, but in wording and in what is included Luke’s account is clearly independent of Paul. For example, Paul calls Peter by his Aramaic nickname “Cephas,” not Simon or Peter; he refers to “the twelve,” Luke to “the eleven”; Luke does not mention the appearances to James or the five hundred. Thus Paul and Luke give us independent accounts of the appearances they both mention.

CLOPAS AND THAT OTHER GUY. Luke gives the name of one of the two men on the road to Emmaus who saw Jesus (Clopas) but not the name of the other man. If he was making up names he would presumably have given both of the men names. The fact that he identifies only one of the two men by name is best explained if that man, Clopas, was the source of Luke’s account. In short, this fact is evidence that the account came from an eyewitness.

BROTHER JAMES. Although Luke does not mention the resurrection appearance to James (the Lord’s brother) mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, Luke does report that James had become a leading member of the apostolic group (see especially Acts 15:13-21). Since Jesus’ brothers had rejected Jesus during his lifetime (John 7:5), Paul’s reference to Christ appearing to James is probably based on fact.

JOHN’S EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT. The author of the Gospel of John emphatically states that he was an eyewitness of the death of Jesus, of the empty tomb, and of resurrection appearances of Jesus (John 19:32-35; 20:2-9; 21:7, 20-25). Either he sincerely had these experiences or he was lying; appeals to legend or myth are out of the question here.

ANCIENT SKEPTICISM. Luke reports the skepticism of the men disciples the morning the tomb was found empty (Luke 24:22-24), and John reports Thomas’s skepticism about Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-26). These accounts (see also Acts 17:32; 1 Cor. 15:12) demonstrate that the perception of ancient people as gullible hayseeds who would believe any miracle story is a modern prejudicial stereotype.

PAUL’S CONVERSION. Paul was a notorious persecutor of the early Christians prior to his becoming an apostle. His explanation, that Christ appeared to him and called him to faith and the apostolic ministry, is the only plausible explanation for his 180-degree change. Moreover, Paul’s experience was entirely independent of the experience of the other apostles.

PAUL’S GENTILE MISSION. Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus did not result merely in him accepting Jesus as the Jews’ Messiah. Instead, he saw himself, a trained and zealous Pharisee, as commissioned by Jesus to take the good news of the Messiah to uncircumcised Gentiles. The fact that Paul embraced such a calling against his former passionate beliefs and training makes any appeal to hallucination or delusion implausible.
2. The Resurrection offers hope for grievers.
Mary stood WEEPING at the tomb

Jesus said her NAME

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
👉 Key Truth:
“Grief is REAL—but not FINAL.”
The grave is not the END

Death is not the VICTOR
3. The Resurrection offers forgiveness for sinners.
Acts 5:30–31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Guilt is a UNIVERSAL experience

We are guilty before a HOLY God
👉 Key Truth:
“The cross was the PAYMENT—the resurrection is the PROOF.”
3 Components of Forgiveness
New Hope
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
New Life
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
New Destiny
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

*Wording for 3 main points adapted from Sean McDowell]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
Why The Resurrection of Jesus Matters
John 20:1–16

Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin
1. The Resurrection offers answers for doubters .
Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Doubt is not a SIN

Jude 1:22 tells us to show COMPASSION
Key Evidences:
Jesus truly DIED

The tomb was EMPTY

Women were the first WITNESSES

Lives were TRANSFORMED
👉 Key Truth:
“God does not SHAME honest doubt—He ANSWERS it.”

14 EVIDENCES JESUS’ EXISTENCE. That Jesus was a historical individual is granted by virtually all historians and is supported by ancient Christian, Jewish, and pagan sources. Yet modern skeptics often feel that their best strategy for denying the evidence of his resurrection is to deny that he even existed.

JESUS’ DEATH. The most popular counter to the Resurrection in non-Christian and heretical beliefs is to deny that Jesus died on the cross (e.g., this is the position of Islam). However, historians regard the death of Jesus by crucifixion as ordered by Pontius Pilate to be as historically certain as any other fact of antiquity.

CRUCIFIED MESSIAH. Crucifixion was a horrible, shameful way to die, so much so that it would never have occurred to anyone in the first century to invent a story about a crucified man as the divine Savior and King of the world. Something extreme and dramatic must have happened to lead people to accept such an idea—something like his rising from the dead.

JOSEPH’S TOMB. All four Gospels agree that Jesus’ body had been buried in the rock tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish high council (the Sanhedrin). This is an unlikely Christian fiction, because Christians blamed the Sanhedrin for their role in having Jesus executed.

WOMEN WITNESSES. The four Gospels all agree that the first persons to find the tomb empty were Jewish women, including Mary Magdalene. It is very unlikely that anyone would make up such a story, since women’s testimony was devalued compared to men’s and since Mary Magdalene was known as a formerly demon-possessed woman. If the empty tomb story were fiction, one would expect that Joseph of Arimathea, already identified as the tomb’s owner and a respected male leader, would be credited with the discovery.

ANCIENT THEORIES. The earliest non-Christian explanations for the origin of the Resurrection belief (mentioned in John and Matthew) were that the body had been taken from the tomb—either moved to another burial place or stolen to fake the Resurrection. These explanations conceded three key facts: Jesus died; his body was buried in Joseph’s tomb; the tomb was later found to be empty.

TOMB WAS GUARDED. Critics routinely dismiss Matthew’s story about the guards being bribed to say that they fell asleep, giving the disciples opportunity to steal the body (Matt. 28:11-15). But Matthew would have no reason to make up the story about the guards being bribed except to counter the story of the guards saying they fell asleep (see v. 15). Either way, the guards were there: the body had been in the tomb, the tomb had been guarded, and the body was no longer there.

PAUL AND LUKE’S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTS. Paul’s list of resurrection witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 coincides with Luke’s account at several points, but in wording and in what is included Luke’s account is clearly independent of Paul. For example, Paul calls Peter by his Aramaic nickname “Cephas,” not Simon or Peter; he refers to “the twelve,” Luke to “the eleven”; Luke does not mention the appearances to James or the five hundred. Thus Paul and Luke give us independent accounts of the appearances they both mention.

CLOPAS AND THAT OTHER GUY. Luke gives the name of one of the two men on the road to Emmaus who saw Jesus (Clopas) but not the name of the other man. If he was making up names he would presumably have given both of the men names. The fact that he identifies only one of the two men by name is best explained if that man, Clopas, was the source of Luke’s account. In short, this fact is evidence that the account came from an eyewitness.

BROTHER JAMES. Although Luke does not mention the resurrection appearance to James (the Lord’s brother) mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, Luke does report that James had become a leading member of the apostolic group (see especially Acts 15:13-21). Since Jesus’ brothers had rejected Jesus during his lifetime (John 7:5), Paul’s reference to Christ appearing to James is probably based on fact.

JOHN’S EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT. The author of the Gospel of John emphatically states that he was an eyewitness of the death of Jesus, of the empty tomb, and of resurrection appearances of Jesus (John 19:32-35; 20:2-9; 21:7, 20-25). Either he sincerely had these experiences or he was lying; appeals to legend or myth are out of the question here.

ANCIENT SKEPTICISM. Luke reports the skepticism of the men disciples the morning the tomb was found empty (Luke 24:22-24), and John reports Thomas’s skepticism about Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-26). These accounts (see also Acts 17:32; 1 Cor. 15:12) demonstrate that the perception of ancient people as gullible hayseeds who would believe any miracle story is a modern prejudicial stereotype.

PAUL’S CONVERSION. Paul was a notorious persecutor of the early Christians prior to his becoming an apostle. His explanation, that Christ appeared to him and called him to faith and the apostolic ministry, is the only plausible explanation for his 180-degree change. Moreover, Paul’s experience was entirely independent of the experience of the other apostles.

PAUL’S GENTILE MISSION. Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus did not result merely in him accepting Jesus as the Jews’ Messiah. Instead, he saw himself, a trained and zealous Pharisee, as commissioned by Jesus to take the good news of the Messiah to uncircumcised Gentiles. The fact that Paul embraced such a calling against his former passionate beliefs and training makes any appeal to hallucination or delusion implausible.
2. The Resurrection offers hope for grievers.
Mary stood WEEPING at the tomb

Jesus said her NAME

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
👉 Key Truth:
“Grief is REAL—but not FINAL.”
The grave is not the END

Death is not the VICTOR
3. The Resurrection offers forgiveness for sinners.
Acts 5:30–31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Guilt is a UNIVERSAL experience

We are guilty before a HOLY God
👉 Key Truth:
“The cross was the PAYMENT—the resurrection is the PROOF.”
3 Components of Forgiveness
New Hope
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
New Life
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
New Destiny
1 Corinthians 15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

*Wording for 3 main points adapted from Sean McDowell]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Road to Calvary Why The Resurrection of Jesus Matters John 20:1–16 Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin 1. The Resurrection offers answers for doubters . Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Jude 22 And of ...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>calvary, cross, Easter, Gospel, Hope, Resurrection, Sin</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
				<item>
					
					<title>The Cry that Changed the World – “It is Finished” | John 19:25–37</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/the-cry-that-changed-the-world-it-is-finished-john-1925-37/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/the-cry-that-changed-the-world-it-is-finished-john-1925-37/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:17:17 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
					<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/?post_type=wpfc_sermon&amp;p=70280</guid>
					<description><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
The Cry that Changed the World – “It is Finished”
John 19:25–37
Two Key Questions:

 	What is finished?
 	How is it finished?

One Key Word

“Tetelestai” = “It is finished”

Means: Paid in Full

“A completed work with ongoing results”

Nothing left to be done
WHAT WAS FINISHED?
1. The Requirements of the Law
Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s Holy standard
2. The Promises of Scripture
Prophecies fulfilled

Types and shadows completed
3. The Sacrificial System
Jesus = Final Lamb of God

No more sacrifices needed
4. The Payment for Sin
Sin debt fully paid

Justice satisfied

Redemption accomplished
HOW WAS IT FINISHED?
Physically

Beaten, scourged, crucified

Emotionally

Rejected, abandoned, mocked

Spiritually

Bore our sin. Took our place

2 Corinthians 5:21
How Does This Affect Me?
1. Salvation Is Complete
Nothing needs to be added
2. Jesus Is Victorious
Not finished—He is risen and returning
3. You Contribute Nothing to Salvation
No works

No effort

No earning

“Salvation is received, not achieved”
4. Your Life Should/Will Change
Live for Him, not yourself

2 Corinthians 5:15]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
The Cry that Changed the World – “It is Finished”
John 19:25–37
Two Key Questions:

 	What is finished?
 	How is it finished?

One Key Word

“Tetelestai” = “It is finished”

Means: Paid in Full

“A completed work with ongoing results”

Nothing left to be done
WHAT WAS FINISHED?
1. The Requirements of the Law
Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s Holy standard
2. The Promises of Scripture
Prophecies fulfilled

Types and shadows completed
3. The Sacrificial System
Jesus = Final Lamb of God

No more sacrifices needed
4. The Payment for Sin
Sin debt fully paid

Justice satisfied

Redemption accomplished
HOW WAS IT FINISHED?
Physically

Beaten, scourged, crucified

Emotionally

Rejected, abandoned, mocked

Spiritually

Bore our sin. Took our place

2 Corinthians 5:21
How Does This Affect Me?
1. Salvation Is Complete
Nothing needs to be added
2. Jesus Is Victorious
Not finished—He is risen and returning
3. You Contribute Nothing to Salvation
No works

No effort

No earning

“Salvation is received, not achieved”
4. Your Life Should/Will Change
Live for Him, not yourself

2 Corinthians 5:15]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
The Cry that Changed the World – “It is Finished”
John 19:25–37
Two Key Questions:

 	What is finished?
 	How is it finished?

One Key Word

“Tetelestai” = “It is finished”

Means: Paid in Full

“A completed work with ongoing results”

Nothing left to be done
WHAT WAS FINISHED?
1. The Requirements of the Law
Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s Holy standard
2. The Promises of Scripture
Prophecies fulfilled

Types and shadows completed
3. The Sacrificial System
Jesus = Final Lamb of God

No more sacrifices needed
4. The Payment for Sin
Sin debt fully paid

Justice satisfied

Redemption accomplished
HOW WAS IT FINISHED?
Physically

Beaten, scourged, crucified

Emotionally

Rejected, abandoned, mocked

Spiritually

Bore our sin. Took our place

2 Corinthians 5:21
How Does This Affect Me?
1. Salvation Is Complete
Nothing needs to be added
2. Jesus Is Victorious
Not finished—He is risen and returning
3. You Contribute Nothing to Salvation
No works

No effort

No earning

“Salvation is received, not achieved”
4. Your Life Should/Will Change
Live for Him, not yourself

2 Corinthians 5:15]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Road to Calvary The Cry that Changed the World – “It is Finished” John 19:25–37 Two Key Questions: What is finished? How is it finished? One Key Word “Tetelestai” = “It is finished” Means: Paid in Full “A completed work with ongoing resu...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>calvary, cross, Easter, Hope, Resurrection, Sin</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
				<item>
					
					<title>The Last Passover | Matthew 26:19–30</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/the-last-passover-matthew-2619-30/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/the-last-passover-matthew-2619-30/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:05:50 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
					<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/?post_type=wpfc_sermon&amp;p=70267</guid>
					<description><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
The Last Passover
Matthew 26:19–30
1. Old Story
Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Passover
2. New Story
Change

Passover Lamb – Precious Lamb of God vs. 26

Blood of the Animals - Blood of the Lamb of God

Bread of Affliction - His Body Broken for You
New
1. Object Lesson
His Death is the benefit, not the bread.

Dying and shedding of His blood/His Suffering is the benefit, not the juice.
2. Observance
3. Covenant
3. Your Story

 	The Lamb of God slain for your sins is sufficient to satisfy the wrath of God.
 	We must remember and celebrate what He has done.
 	We look forward to the time He returns.
]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
The Last Passover
Matthew 26:19–30
1. Old Story
Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Passover
2. New Story
Change

Passover Lamb – Precious Lamb of God vs. 26

Blood of the Animals - Blood of the Lamb of God

Bread of Affliction - His Body Broken for You
New
1. Object Lesson
His Death is the benefit, not the bread.

Dying and shedding of His blood/His Suffering is the benefit, not the juice.
2. Observance
3. Covenant
3. Your Story

 	The Lamb of God slain for your sins is sufficient to satisfy the wrath of God.
 	We must remember and celebrate what He has done.
 	We look forward to the time He returns.
]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
The Last Passover
Matthew 26:19–30
1. Old Story
Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Passover
2. New Story
Change

Passover Lamb – Precious Lamb of God vs. 26

Blood of the Animals - Blood of the Lamb of God

Bread of Affliction - His Body Broken for You
New
1. Object Lesson
His Death is the benefit, not the bread.

Dying and shedding of His blood/His Suffering is the benefit, not the juice.
2. Observance
3. Covenant
3. Your Story

 	The Lamb of God slain for your sins is sufficient to satisfy the wrath of God.
 	We must remember and celebrate what He has done.
 	We look forward to the time He returns.
]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Road to Calvary The Last Passover Matthew 26:19–30 1. Old Story Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? Pass...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>calvary, cross, Easter, passover, Resurrection</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
				<item>
					
					<title>One More Miracle | John 11</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/one-more-miracle-john-11/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/one-more-miracle-john-11/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:58:40 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
					<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/?post_type=wpfc_sermon&amp;p=70263</guid>
					<description><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
One More Miracle
John 11

Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin
Six miracles So Far in John

 	Water into wine (2:1–11)
 	Healing of the nobleman’s son (4:46–54)
 	Restoring the impotent man (5:1–15)
 	Multiplying the loaves and fishes (6:1–14)
 	Walking on the water (6:15–21)
 	Curing the man born blind (9:1–12) Lazarus' Resurrection is Miracle 7

Jesus' Resurrection will be Miracle 8
1. Identify with the Heartache of Lazarus' Family and Friends
Sin

Sickness

Death

Tragedy

Sorrow

Grief

Unrealized Hope
2. Believe on the Christ Heading to Calvary
Jesus is
All-Knowing vs. 4

Cares vs.11, vs. 35

Patient vs. 20-24, vs. 32
Greater Than

 	Our Hope vs. 24
 	Our Experience vs. 32
 	Our Expectations vs. 37
 	Nature vs. 39 (Decomposition)
 	Death vs. 43-44

3. Give Glory to God who Resurrected Lazarus

 	Demonstrated that Jesus Really is God.
 	Deepened the Faith of His Followers
 	Directly Led to His Crucifixion

Take Home Truths

 	God Can Use Sickness and Trials for His Glory
 	Trust God Even When He Seems Late
 	Bring Your Impossible Situation to Jesus
]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
One More Miracle
John 11

Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin
Six miracles So Far in John

 	Water into wine (2:1–11)
 	Healing of the nobleman’s son (4:46–54)
 	Restoring the impotent man (5:1–15)
 	Multiplying the loaves and fishes (6:1–14)
 	Walking on the water (6:15–21)
 	Curing the man born blind (9:1–12) Lazarus' Resurrection is Miracle 7

Jesus' Resurrection will be Miracle 8
1. Identify with the Heartache of Lazarus' Family and Friends
Sin

Sickness

Death

Tragedy

Sorrow

Grief

Unrealized Hope
2. Believe on the Christ Heading to Calvary
Jesus is
All-Knowing vs. 4

Cares vs.11, vs. 35

Patient vs. 20-24, vs. 32
Greater Than

 	Our Hope vs. 24
 	Our Experience vs. 32
 	Our Expectations vs. 37
 	Nature vs. 39 (Decomposition)
 	Death vs. 43-44

3. Give Glory to God who Resurrected Lazarus

 	Demonstrated that Jesus Really is God.
 	Deepened the Faith of His Followers
 	Directly Led to His Crucifixion

Take Home Truths

 	God Can Use Sickness and Trials for His Glory
 	Trust God Even When He Seems Late
 	Bring Your Impossible Situation to Jesus
]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Road to Calvary
One More Miracle
John 11

Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin
Six miracles So Far in John

 	Water into wine (2:1–11)
 	Healing of the nobleman’s son (4:46–54)
 	Restoring the impotent man (5:1–15)
 	Multiplying the loaves and fishes (6:1–14)
 	Walking on the water (6:15–21)
 	Curing the man born blind (9:1–12) Lazarus' Resurrection is Miracle 7

Jesus' Resurrection will be Miracle 8
1. Identify with the Heartache of Lazarus' Family and Friends
Sin

Sickness

Death

Tragedy

Sorrow

Grief

Unrealized Hope
2. Believe on the Christ Heading to Calvary
Jesus is
All-Knowing vs. 4

Cares vs.11, vs. 35

Patient vs. 20-24, vs. 32
Greater Than

 	Our Hope vs. 24
 	Our Experience vs. 32
 	Our Expectations vs. 37
 	Nature vs. 39 (Decomposition)
 	Death vs. 43-44

3. Give Glory to God who Resurrected Lazarus

 	Demonstrated that Jesus Really is God.
 	Deepened the Faith of His Followers
 	Directly Led to His Crucifixion

Take Home Truths

 	God Can Use Sickness and Trials for His Glory
 	Trust God Even When He Seems Late
 	Bring Your Impossible Situation to Jesus
]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Road to Calvary One More Miracle John 11 Shame Scared Sorrow Suicide Salvation Sin Six miracles So Far in John Water into wine (2:1–11) Healing of the nobleman’s son (4:46–54) Restoring the impotent man (5:1–15) Multiplying the loaves and fis...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>calvary, cross, Easter, Resurrection, Sin</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
				<item>
					
					<title>Why the World Needs the Easter Message | Luke 9:51–56; Galatians 3:23-4:8</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/why-the-world-needs-the-easter-message-luke-951-56-galatians-323-48/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/why-the-world-needs-the-easter-message-luke-951-56-galatians-323-48/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:11:58 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
					<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/?post_type=wpfc_sermon&amp;p=69231</guid>
					<description><![CDATA[The Road to Calvary
Why the World Needs the Easter Message
Luke 9:51–56

Galatians 3:23-4:8
How Would You Describe Easter?
Easter ________?

Easter!

Easter - A Little Help Please
Would You include these events and emotions when describing Easter?
Shame - Disciples Slept, denied Him, betrayed Him

Scared- Disciples Scattered Night He Was Arrested

Sorrow – Jesus died

Suicide – Judas Iscariot took His own life

Salvation – Plan of God fulfilled / Salvation accomplished

Sin – We see the awfulness of our sin in the suffering of the Savior on the Cross
1. The Easter Story Didn't Happen, It Was The Plan of God
vs. 51

Luke 9:22, 31

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Psalm 22:1, 13-15

Genesis 22:8

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:21
2. The Easter Story Demands a Response.
vs. 52-53
3. The Easter Story Matters More Than We May Think

 	Christmas is Really About Easter.
 	You - messy, sinful you - Matter to God.
 	Sin is not a small flaw, it is what separates you from God.
 	Easter lets us know why “Good Works” Don't Work.
 	It Reveals the Heart and Plan of God .

“The “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Spurgeon, said, “We need to be ashamed at the bare suspicion of unconcern.”

A Christian cannot be apathetic about the salvation of the world. The love of God in him will motivate him to seek and save that which is lost. Remember that you have the sobering responsibility of speaking to other peoples’ loved ones. Perhaps another Christian has prayed earnestly that God would use a faithful witness to speak to his beloved mom or dad, and you are the answer to that prayer. You are the true and faithful witness God wants to use.

Keep the fate of the ungodly before your eyes. Too many of us settle down on a padded pew and become introverted. Our world becomes a monastery without walls. Our friends are confined solely to those within the Church, when Jesus was the “friend of sinners.” So take the time to deliberately befriend the lost for the sake of their salvation.

Remember that each and every person who dies in his sins has an appointment with the Judge of the Universe. Hell opens wide its terrible jaws. There is no more sobering task than to be entrusted with the gospel of salvation—working with God for the eternal well-being of dying humanity.”

Ray Comfort]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Road to Calvary
Why the World Needs the Easter Message
Luke 9:51–56

Galatians 3:23-4:8
How Would You Describe Easter?
Easter ________?

Easter!

Easter - A Little Help Please
Would You include these events and emotions when describing Easter?
Shame - Disciples Slept, denied Him, betrayed Him

Scared- Disciples Scattered Night He Was Arrested

Sorrow – Jesus died

Suicide – Judas Iscariot took His own life

Salvation – Plan of God fulfilled / Salvation accomplished

Sin – We see the awfulness of our sin in the suffering of the Savior on the Cross
1. The Easter Story Didn't Happen, It Was The Plan of God
vs. 51

Luke 9:22, 31

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Psalm 22:1, 13-15

Genesis 22:8

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:21
2. The Easter Story Demands a Response.
vs. 52-53
3. The Easter Story Matters More Than We May Think

 	Christmas is Really About Easter.
 	You - messy, sinful you - Matter to God.
 	Sin is not a small flaw, it is what separates you from God.
 	Easter lets us know why “Good Works” Don't Work.
 	It Reveals the Heart and Plan of God .

“The “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Spurgeon, said, “We need to be ashamed at the bare suspicion of unconcern.”

A Christian cannot be apathetic about the salvation of the world. The love of God in him will motivate him to seek and save that which is lost. Remember that you have the sobering responsibility of speaking to other peoples’ loved ones. Perhaps another Christian has prayed earnestly that God would use a faithful witness to speak to his beloved mom or dad, and you are the answer to that prayer. You are the true and faithful witness God wants to use.

Keep the fate of the ungodly before your eyes. Too many of us settle down on a padded pew and become introverted. Our world becomes a monastery without walls. Our friends are confined solely to those within the Church, when Jesus was the “friend of sinners.” So take the time to deliberately befriend the lost for the sake of their salvation.

Remember that each and every person who dies in his sins has an appointment with the Judge of the Universe. Hell opens wide its terrible jaws. There is no more sobering task than to be entrusted with the gospel of salvation—working with God for the eternal well-being of dying humanity.”

Ray Comfort]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Road to Calvary
Why the World Needs the Easter Message
Luke 9:51–56

Galatians 3:23-4:8
How Would You Describe Easter?
Easter ________?

Easter!

Easter - A Little Help Please
Would You include these events and emotions when describing Easter?
Shame - Disciples Slept, denied Him, betrayed Him

Scared- Disciples Scattered Night He Was Arrested

Sorrow – Jesus died

Suicide – Judas Iscariot took His own life

Salvation – Plan of God fulfilled / Salvation accomplished

Sin – We see the awfulness of our sin in the suffering of the Savior on the Cross
1. The Easter Story Didn't Happen, It Was The Plan of God
vs. 51

Luke 9:22, 31

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Psalm 22:1, 13-15

Genesis 22:8

Isaiah 7:14

Matthew 1:21
2. The Easter Story Demands a Response.
vs. 52-53
3. The Easter Story Matters More Than We May Think

 	Christmas is Really About Easter.
 	You - messy, sinful you - Matter to God.
 	Sin is not a small flaw, it is what separates you from God.
 	Easter lets us know why “Good Works” Don't Work.
 	It Reveals the Heart and Plan of God .

“The “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Spurgeon, said, “We need to be ashamed at the bare suspicion of unconcern.”

A Christian cannot be apathetic about the salvation of the world. The love of God in him will motivate him to seek and save that which is lost. Remember that you have the sobering responsibility of speaking to other peoples’ loved ones. Perhaps another Christian has prayed earnestly that God would use a faithful witness to speak to his beloved mom or dad, and you are the answer to that prayer. You are the true and faithful witness God wants to use.

Keep the fate of the ungodly before your eyes. Too many of us settle down on a padded pew and become introverted. Our world becomes a monastery without walls. Our friends are confined solely to those within the Church, when Jesus was the “friend of sinners.” So take the time to deliberately befriend the lost for the sake of their salvation.

Remember that each and every person who dies in his sins has an appointment with the Judge of the Universe. Hell opens wide its terrible jaws. There is no more sobering task than to be entrusted with the gospel of salvation—working with God for the eternal well-being of dying humanity.”

Ray Comfort]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>The Road to Calvary Why the World Needs the Easter Message Luke 9:51–56 Galatians 3:23-4:8 How Would You Describe Easter? Easter ________? Easter! Easter - A Little Help Please Would You include these events and emotions when describing Easter? Shame -...</itunes:subtitle>
											<itunes:image href="http://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2026/03/maxresdefault-2.jpg"/>
					
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					<itunes:duration>0:00</itunes:duration>
											<itunes:keywords>cross, Easter, Gospel, Hope, Resurrection</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
				<item>
					
					<title>The Family of God | Galatians 3:23-4:8</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/the-family-of-god-galatians-323-48/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/the-family-of-god-galatians-323-48/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:04:50 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
					<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/?post_type=wpfc_sermon&amp;p=69232</guid>
					<description><![CDATA[The Family of God
Galatians 3:23-4:8
1. You are No Longer Slaves (3:23-26)
2. There is No Discrimination (3:28-29)
3. Christ Died for Our Adoption (4:1-7)]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Family of God
Galatians 3:23-4:8
1. You are No Longer Slaves (3:23-26)
2. There is No Discrimination (3:28-29)
3. Christ Died for Our Adoption (4:1-7)]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Family of God
Galatians 3:23-4:8
1. You are No Longer Slaves (3:23-26)
2. There is No Discrimination (3:28-29)
3. Christ Died for Our Adoption (4:1-7)]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Kip McNeil</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>The Family of God Galatians 3:23-4:8 1. You are No Longer Slaves (3:23-26) 2. There is No Discrimination (3:28-29) 3. Christ Died for Our Adoption (4:1-7)</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>adoption, bondage, family, Forgiveness, Sin</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Kip McNeil)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
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					<title>Working for Jesus in 2026 | Psalm 34:3; Romans 12:1-8</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/working-for-jesus-in-2026-psalm-343-romans-121-8/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/working-for-jesus-in-2026-psalm-343-romans-121-8/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:18:44 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
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					<description><![CDATA[Working for Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3; Romans 12:1-8
How Can We Work for Jesus/the Lord?
1. Think rightly about ourselves – Attitude (vs. 3)
Wrong Response - Pride

Right Response - Humility
“True Worship cannot be divorced from service.”

 	Can Do
 	Can’t Do
 	Don’t Need to Do
 	Won’t Do
 	Get to Do

2. Think rightly about fellow believers – Relationships (vss. 4-5)
Unity – Same source, one head – Jesus Christ

Diversity – Different roles but serving the same mission

Mutuality – We need one another
3. Think rightly about Serving – Roles (vss. 6-8)

 	Prophecy - fore-telling and forth-telling of the Scriptures
 	Serving - helping. Seeing needs, know how to help, and then do so without notice or applause.
 	Teaching - ability to communicate revealed truth with knowledge, ease, and clarity.
 	Exhorting - the ability to drive truth home passionately, confront wrong constructively, turn Scripture reading into an action plan, unite believers behind a common endeavor.
 	Giving - these people look for opportunities to give, offering what they have beyond normal measure. They look for opportunities to give time, talent, money, energy, and expertise.
 	Leading- to lead and to care for. They provide guidance and administration in a church.
 	Mercy - ability to sense the needs of those who are hurting and to know what to say, how to say it, and when to remain silent.


 	I will exalt the Lord
 	I will magnify Him with my life
 	I will put the focus on Him
 	I will lift Him up
 	I will be Christ-exalting
 	I will joyfully serve the Lord in my local church

]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Working for Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3; Romans 12:1-8
How Can We Work for Jesus/the Lord?
1. Think rightly about ourselves – Attitude (vs. 3)
Wrong Response - Pride

Right Response - Humility
“True Worship cannot be divorced from service.”

 	Can Do
 	Can’t Do
 	Don’t Need to Do
 	Won’t Do
 	Get to Do

2. Think rightly about fellow believers – Relationships (vss. 4-5)
Unity – Same source, one head – Jesus Christ

Diversity – Different roles but serving the same mission

Mutuality – We need one another
3. Think rightly about Serving – Roles (vss. 6-8)

 	Prophecy - fore-telling and forth-telling of the Scriptures
 	Serving - helping. Seeing needs, know how to help, and then do so without notice or applause.
 	Teaching - ability to communicate revealed truth with knowledge, ease, and clarity.
 	Exhorting - the ability to drive truth home passionately, confront wrong constructively, turn Scripture reading into an action plan, unite believers behind a common endeavor.
 	Giving - these people look for opportunities to give, offering what they have beyond normal measure. They look for opportunities to give time, talent, money, energy, and expertise.
 	Leading- to lead and to care for. They provide guidance and administration in a church.
 	Mercy - ability to sense the needs of those who are hurting and to know what to say, how to say it, and when to remain silent.


 	I will exalt the Lord
 	I will magnify Him with my life
 	I will put the focus on Him
 	I will lift Him up
 	I will be Christ-exalting
 	I will joyfully serve the Lord in my local church

]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Working for Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3; Romans 12:1-8
How Can We Work for Jesus/the Lord?
1. Think rightly about ourselves – Attitude (vs. 3)
Wrong Response - Pride

Right Response - Humility
“True Worship cannot be divorced from service.”

 	Can Do
 	Can’t Do
 	Don’t Need to Do
 	Won’t Do
 	Get to Do

2. Think rightly about fellow believers – Relationships (vss. 4-5)
Unity – Same source, one head – Jesus Christ

Diversity – Different roles but serving the same mission

Mutuality – We need one another
3. Think rightly about Serving – Roles (vss. 6-8)

 	Prophecy - fore-telling and forth-telling of the Scriptures
 	Serving - helping. Seeing needs, know how to help, and then do so without notice or applause.
 	Teaching - ability to communicate revealed truth with knowledge, ease, and clarity.
 	Exhorting - the ability to drive truth home passionately, confront wrong constructively, turn Scripture reading into an action plan, unite believers behind a common endeavor.
 	Giving - these people look for opportunities to give, offering what they have beyond normal measure. They look for opportunities to give time, talent, money, energy, and expertise.
 	Leading- to lead and to care for. They provide guidance and administration in a church.
 	Mercy - ability to sense the needs of those who are hurting and to know what to say, how to say it, and when to remain silent.


 	I will exalt the Lord
 	I will magnify Him with my life
 	I will put the focus on Him
 	I will lift Him up
 	I will be Christ-exalting
 	I will joyfully serve the Lord in my local church

]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Working for Jesus in 2026 Psalm 34:3; Romans 12:1-8 How Can We Work for Jesus/the Lord? 1. Think rightly about ourselves – Attitude (vs. 3) Wrong Response - Pride Right Response - Humility “True Worship cannot be divorced from service.” Can Do Can�...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>Consecration, exalt, Jesus Christ, magnify, Service, Serving, Work, worship</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
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					<title>Worshipping Jesus in 2026 | Psalms 34:3, Romans 12:1-2</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/worshipping-jesus-in-2026-psalms-343-romans-121-2/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/worshipping-jesus-in-2026-psalms-343-romans-121-2/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:12:33 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
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					<description><![CDATA[Worshiping Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3

Romans 12:1–2
Our supreme calling is to serve God with all our being, first and foremost in worship.
True worship includes the obvious ones of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
It includes serving God by serving others in His name, especially fellow believers.
Our supreme act of worship is to offer ourselves wholly and continually to the Lord as holy, living sacrifices.
What are the elements of True Worship – a living, holy sacrifice?
1. Soul/Spirit – Offered to the Lord at Salvation
Romans 1-11 The “mercies of God”
2. Body – Continually offered to the Lord
“living”—a deliberate, ongoing sacrifice given again and again over a lifetime;

“holy”—an undefiled offering dedicated exclusively to the Lord and His purposes; and

“acceptable”—a well-pleasing sacrifice in that it honors God’s character.
3. Mind – Continually offered to the Lord
Don't be Conformed,  Be Transformed

The transformed and renewed mind is the mind saturated with and controlled by the Word of God.
4. Will – Continually offered to the Lord
A transformed mind produces a transformed will.

A will that follows God's plans and commands for their life.]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Worshiping Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3

Romans 12:1–2
Our supreme calling is to serve God with all our being, first and foremost in worship.
True worship includes the obvious ones of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
It includes serving God by serving others in His name, especially fellow believers.
Our supreme act of worship is to offer ourselves wholly and continually to the Lord as holy, living sacrifices.
What are the elements of True Worship – a living, holy sacrifice?
1. Soul/Spirit – Offered to the Lord at Salvation
Romans 1-11 The “mercies of God”
2. Body – Continually offered to the Lord
“living”—a deliberate, ongoing sacrifice given again and again over a lifetime;

“holy”—an undefiled offering dedicated exclusively to the Lord and His purposes; and

“acceptable”—a well-pleasing sacrifice in that it honors God’s character.
3. Mind – Continually offered to the Lord
Don't be Conformed,  Be Transformed

The transformed and renewed mind is the mind saturated with and controlled by the Word of God.
4. Will – Continually offered to the Lord
A transformed mind produces a transformed will.

A will that follows God's plans and commands for their life.]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Worshiping Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3

Romans 12:1–2
Our supreme calling is to serve God with all our being, first and foremost in worship.
True worship includes the obvious ones of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
It includes serving God by serving others in His name, especially fellow believers.
Our supreme act of worship is to offer ourselves wholly and continually to the Lord as holy, living sacrifices.
What are the elements of True Worship – a living, holy sacrifice?
1. Soul/Spirit – Offered to the Lord at Salvation
Romans 1-11 The “mercies of God”
2. Body – Continually offered to the Lord
“living”—a deliberate, ongoing sacrifice given again and again over a lifetime;

“holy”—an undefiled offering dedicated exclusively to the Lord and His purposes; and

“acceptable”—a well-pleasing sacrifice in that it honors God’s character.
3. Mind – Continually offered to the Lord
Don't be Conformed,  Be Transformed

The transformed and renewed mind is the mind saturated with and controlled by the Word of God.
4. Will – Continually offered to the Lord
A transformed mind produces a transformed will.

A will that follows God's plans and commands for their life.]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Worshiping Jesus in 2026 Psalm 34:3 Romans 12:1–2 Our supreme calling is to serve God with all our being, first and foremost in worship. True worship includes the obvious ones of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. It includes serving God by serving other...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>Consecration, exalt, Jesus Christ, magnify, worship</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
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					<title>Exalting Jesus in 2026 | Psalm 34:3; Hosea 11:7; Revelation 19:7</title>
					<link>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/exalting-jesus-in-2026-psalm-343-hosea-117-revelation-197/</link>
											<comments>https://www.hardinvalleychurch.com/sermons/exalting-jesus-in-2026-psalm-343-hosea-117-revelation-197/#respond</comments>
					
					<pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
					
					
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					<description><![CDATA[Exalting Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3

Hosea 11:7

Revelation 19:7
1. What Does it mean to Exalt the Lord?
• To Lift Up

• To Make Jesus Great

• To Increase

• To Make Him the Focus, the Centerpiece

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Philippians 1:20
2. How Can We Exalt the Lord?
1. Worship - Romans 12:1
Public

Private

You will not work for Jesus until you worship Jesus

2. Work
John 14:15 , 21

His work is more important than my leisure.

If you stopped what you are doing for Jesus ...?
3. Witness
Acts 4:20

Romans 1:16

When Jesus is lifted up we will naturally be witnessing to others.
4. Weakness
John 15:5

2 Corinthians 12:9

Weakness said I need other believers.

Weakness says I need to pray.

Weakness says I will give generously and count on God to provide.

Weakness says prayer times are not optional.

Weakness says I need fellowship.]]></description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Exalting Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3

Hosea 11:7

Revelation 19:7
1. What Does it mean to Exalt the Lord?
• To Lift Up

• To Make Jesus Great

• To Increase

• To Make Him the Focus, the Centerpiece

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Philippians 1:20
2. How Can We Exalt the Lord?
1. Worship - Romans 12:1
Public

Private

You will not work for Jesus until you worship Jesus

2. Work
John 14:15 , 21

His work is more important than my leisure.

If you stopped what you are doing for Jesus ...?
3. Witness
Acts 4:20

Romans 1:16

When Jesus is lifted up we will naturally be witnessing to others.
4. Weakness
John 15:5

2 Corinthians 12:9

Weakness said I need other believers.

Weakness says I need to pray.

Weakness says I will give generously and count on God to provide.

Weakness says prayer times are not optional.

Weakness says I need fellowship.]]></content:encoded>
					<itunes:summary><![CDATA[Exalting Jesus in 2026
Psalm 34:3

Hosea 11:7

Revelation 19:7
1. What Does it mean to Exalt the Lord?
• To Lift Up

• To Make Jesus Great

• To Increase

• To Make Him the Focus, the Centerpiece

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Philippians 1:20
2. How Can We Exalt the Lord?
1. Worship - Romans 12:1
Public

Private

You will not work for Jesus until you worship Jesus

2. Work
John 14:15 , 21

His work is more important than my leisure.

If you stopped what you are doing for Jesus ...?
3. Witness
Acts 4:20

Romans 1:16

When Jesus is lifted up we will naturally be witnessing to others.
4. Weakness
John 15:5

2 Corinthians 12:9

Weakness said I need other believers.

Weakness says I need to pray.

Weakness says I will give generously and count on God to provide.

Weakness says prayer times are not optional.

Weakness says I need fellowship.]]></itunes:summary>

					<itunes:author>Rodney Holloman</itunes:author>
					<itunes:subtitle>Exalting Jesus in 2026 Psalm 34:3 Hosea 11:7 Revelation 19:7 1. What Does it mean to Exalt the Lord? • To Lift Up • To Make Jesus Great • To Increase • To Make Him the Focus, the Centerpiece 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 Philippians 1:20 2. How Can We...</itunes:subtitle>
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											<itunes:keywords>Consecration, exalt, Jesus Christ, magnify</itunes:keywords>
					
									<dc:creator>pastor@hardinvalleychurch.com (Rodney Holloman)</dc:creator><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit></item>
			
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