This powerful message draws us into the transformative encounter between Jesus and a man suffering from leprosy in Matthew 8:1-4.

We're invited to understand leprosy not just as a physical disease, but as a profound metaphor for isolation and lost identity. Just as the leper experienced progressive separation from family, community, and worship, we too can find ourselves isolated by circumstances, labels, and the voices around us that tell us who we are.

The sermon brilliantly connects this ancient story to our modern experience of isolation, particularly drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and how separation has affected our mental health and sense of community.

This sermon can be broken down in three points: taking a step of faith despite what others say, trusting in God's authority and willingness to heal, and following through with action.

The leper didn't just receive healing; he was restored to community and given back his identity. Jesus didn't simply cure a disease; He touched the untouchable and brought someone back from the margins.

This reminds us that God's work in our lives isn't just about fixing problems, but about complete restoration and giving us renewed purpose. The challenge we face is moving from encounter to action, from feeling called to actually stepping forward into what God has placed on our hearts.

Easter isn’t just another holiday—it’s the day that changed everything. On this Resurrection Sunday, we unpack the miracle of the empty tomb and invite you to discover what it truly means that Jesus is alive. Through Mary Magdalene’s encounter and the story in John 20, you’ll see how:

Because He lives, I am free—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV);

Because He lives, I am safe—“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28-29 ESV);

Because He lives, I will rise—“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25-26 ESV).

Break out of empty traditions and celebrate the real hope of Easter—because Jesus lives, you can have freedom, security, and the promise of resurrection.

This week on the Hope Church Frankfort podcast, Pastor Jeff brings a fresh word for Palm Sunday with his message, "The Lord Needs It."

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds were filled with holy anticipation and hope for the Messiah. But, like waiting for that long-desired gift only to find it isn’t what you expected, Pastor Jeff challenges us: What if what Jesus wants most is our obedience and surrender, no matter our expectations?

Drawing from Luke 19, this episode explores the power of letting go, why true followers lay everything before the King, and how even the rocks would worship if we remain silent.

Be inspired to give Jesus what He deserves—your worship, your surrender, your whole life—because the Lord needs it, and the Lord deserves it.