Yosemite Church at 2230 Yosemite Avenue in Merced provided two powerful and uplifting Easter Sunday services.
They were held in the outdoor amphitheater, where people could sit in the shade or sun and wear masks and observe social distancing.
The service started with rousing music and song which raised the spirits of those attending.
A highlight of the service was the song, “Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down),” a traditional American gospel song attributed to Claude Ely of Virginia.
The service was based on Bible chapters, Luke 24 and John 20 and 21. Pastor Jeff Leis of Yosemite Church began the sermon with the most important point — the Resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything.
He described the courts of the day ruling unfairly that Jesus was a blasphemer which led to the crucifixion of Jesus on the day we call Good Friday.
The Pastor showed how Jesus took on the wrath of God for all mankind’s sins as he hung on the cross at Golgotha outside Jerusalem after being whipped to the point where flesh came off His back, muscles were stripped, and His bones were showing. When a man was crucified in those days, spikes were driven into his hands to hold him onto the cross, and eventually he would be too exhausted to lift himself to breathe.
Interference with the breathing process continued until death resulted from asphyxiation.
Jesus suffered and died, was buried in a tomb, and on the third day, He was resurrected.
Pastor Jeff explained that Mary Magdalene was the first person to see Jesus after He rose from the dead. He spoke to her.
Thrilled, she ran and told the other disciples, but they didn’t believe her.
Pastor Jeff believes the Bible’s message about women’s worth and reassured the congregation that he would have believed Mary Magdalene.
He said, “Women are supposed to carry the voice of God. Jesus connected Mary to God that day.”
He explained that many people have met Jesus, but haven’t taken their relationship with Him any further.
Many people have doubt, are in sin, are in pain or are confused. Jesus wants to meet people where they are and transform them.
Pastor Jeff said, “God wants to move you further into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.”
Yosemite Church is here to help those who want a closer relationship with God understand the scripture.
The church’s theme is “Meeting people where they are and loving them to where Christ wants them to be.”
Those attending Yosemite Church can look forward to a new series called “Lifeline.”