Ep. 192 - He Lives!

In this special Easter episode of Tell Me More, hosts Dennis Wiles and Katy Reed Hodges reflect on a meaningful Holy Week at First Baptist Arlington, beginning with a lighthearted staff Easter egg hunt that becomes a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made Easter worship possible. From there, they journey through the week's spiritual highlights, Palm Sunday, the Arlington Prayer Breakfast, and a particularly moving Good Friday service where Dennis shifted communion to a more personal, individual experience. Standing alone in the sanctuary on Saturday morning, Dennis posted: "The cross is silent. The tomb is full, and we wait", capturing the profound significance of that liminal space before resurrection. As Dennis reflects on preaching his 43rd consecutive Easter sermon, he shares a haunting story about an elderly pastor who lost his voice: "Sadder still is to wake up with the voice and no desire." That captures the deep gratitude for both the privilege and calling to proclaim resurrection hope. The conversation celebrates the vibrant Easter worship experiences across both services, with particular awe for how Aaron Toms and the music team have transformed the congregation's engagement with classical worship, making it alive, full of youth and energy, and decidedly not "just for old people." But the theological heart of Easter rests in one remarkable detail from John's gospel: Mary Magdalene, a woman once labeled as demon-possessed, becomes the first person to encounter the risen Jesus and the first carrier of the resurrection message to the world. This detail speaks volumes about God's upside-down kingdom and adds profound credibility to the account. Everyone must humble themselves and depend on grace working through unexpected vessels. Rather than letting momentum fade after Easter Sunday, Dennis and Katy are intentionally embracing the liturgical season of Eastertide, the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost. Connected to the church's vision of intentional discipleship, this season will focus on being shaped by the Holy Spirit, something Dennis believes many Baptists have inadvertently neglected. The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners not to coast into summer, but to stay engaged with daily Bible readings, sermons, and resources as the church explores what it truly means to live in the power and presence of the Spirit, because He lives, not just in Scripture, but in everyday life.