Worship 10 am & 6 pm
Belgrade United Reformed Church
17333 Frontage Road
Belgrade, MT 59714
Heaven’s Veto (Luke 24:1-35)
The crucifixion was Rome’s brutal method of deterrence—designed to kill slowly, publicly, and shamefully. Yet in Christ’s death, the irony emerges: the only innocent man is executed like a covenant-breaker, showing that this fallen age is not our rest. Though Rome miscarries justice, heaven overturns that miscarriage. Christ’s death is not a failure but the planned means to bear sin’s penalty and undo the consequences of the fall; his resurrection is necessary to vindicate his innocence.
At the empty tomb, the women discover angels who remind them of Jesus’ promise that he would rise. Instead of preparing Christ for burial, they learn that Christ is the one preparing his people for glory.
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples lament Jesus’ death and dismiss the women’s testimony. Jesus, unrecognized, rebukes their slowness of heart and interprets the Scriptures, showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise. Their problem—and ours—is failing to grasp both the depth of sin and the power of the resurrection working within us.
When they invite the stranger to stay, Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of bread. This encounter shows that Christ’s suffering was not a detour but the necessary fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. His patience, presence, and teaching prepare believers for glory.
The conclusion emphasizes that the cross shows the depth of sin, but the resurrection shows the triumph over it. Christ’s resurrection is heaven’s veto of the world’s death sentence, giving believers new life now and a guaranteed inheritance in eternity. Because Christ is raised, Christians move forward with confidence, knowing Christ is their shield, defender, and victorious Lord of life.
Tragic and Glorious Will (Luke 23:26-56)
The cross of Christ, often viewed as a sanctified symbol, exposes humanity’s sinfulness and the need for redemption. Luke’s account shows the irony and glory of the gospel—from Simon carrying the cross, to the repentant thief, to the centurion and Joseph of Arimathea—revealing that Christ’s death is not failure but the completion of His redemptive work.
Kangaroo Court (2) (Luke 23:1-25)
When Jesus stands before Pilate and Herod, both rulers find Him innocent, yet the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, the rebel. Their choice exposes humanity’s deep tendency to prefer earthly power over God's redemption.
The Kangaroo Court (Luke 22:54-71)
Christ’s kingdom turns the world upside down—not through power or fear, but through peace. As Peter’s failure and Christ’s silence unfold in Luke’s Gospel, we see that true strength is found not in human resolve, but in the Savior’s submission. The King who was mocked and beaten was already winning the greatest battle of all—redeeming sinners and restoring peace with God.
The Sword's Snare (Luke 22:39-53)
In a world that either exaggerates or ignores the devil’s influence, this message calls believers to recognize the unseen battle of spiritual warfare. True victory isn’t found in self-reliance but in humble prayer and dependence on Christ, who conquered the enemy through His suffering and resurrection.

