Easter Earthquake

How Resurrection Shakes Our World

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Have you ever been in an earthquake? Earthquakes shake our most basic assumptions: that the ground will remain steady beneath our feet, that the world's current existence is the way it will always be. But when tectonic plates shift under the earth's surface and the ground shakes beneath our feet, it rattles the bedrock assumptions on which we build our lives.

The Gospel of Matthew reports that on the first Easter morning, an earthquake rocked the earth, ripped open the tomb, and scared the Roman guards at the tomb, who "shook with fear and became like dead men" (Matthew 28:4).

This is the second earthquake reported by Matthew. The first one took place on Good Friday, when the noonday sky turned black and Jesus died.

In Easter Earthquake, James Harnish invites us to place the resurrection at the center of our Lenten journey. This 6-week study explores how Christ's resurrection shakes some of our most basic assumptions about ourselves and God.

"The earth-shaking promise of Easter is that God has not forsaken any of us," Harnish writes. "The risen Christ will meet us along the confused, chaotic, fearful paths of our lives and speak the same words the women hear at the tomb: 'Do not be afraid.'"

This eCourse based on the book reverses the usual focus of Lenten studies by starting at the empty tomb and seeing the entire journey in light of the resurrection. Join James Harnish in this energizing exploration that will inspire you to live as a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Easter Earthquake includes:

  • All essential content from James Harnish's book, Easter Earthquake.
  • A guide for daily mediation and prayer.
  • An outline for small-group meetings.
  • Content beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing through Easter.
  • Five weekly readings, a prayer focus, and suggestions for small-group interaction.
  • A weekly hymn (eCourse-only audio recordings are included).

Discounts available for those joining as a group of five or more. For information, email [email protected].


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Your Instructor


James Harnish
James Harnish

After 42 years of pastoral ministry in Florida, I am discovering the new life of a retired United Methodist preacher. Martha and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary on the same weekend we concluded our ministry at Hyde Park United Methodist in Tampa in 2014.

Read more on his blog.


Course Content


  Introduction
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  LET'S BEGIN AND WHAT TO EXPECT
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  CLOSING
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the eCourse start and finish?
The eCourse is intended to start with Lent and continue for six weeks, from Ash Wednesday through Easter. But it will remain open indefinitely. It’s self-paced, so you can decide when to start and when to finish.
How long do I have access to the eCourse?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this eCourse for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own. We’ll give you plenty of notice should we need to close the eCourse.
What if I am unhappy with the eCourse?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us within the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
Who sponsors these eCourses?
This eCourse is brought to you by The Upper Room.

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