What is one thing that has changed everything?
Easter conquers what human ingenuity could never touch
“When we have overcome absence with phone calls, winglessness with airplanes, summer heat with air-conditioning—when we have overcome all these and much more besides, then there will abide two things with which we must cope: the evil in our hearts and death.” – Nicholas Wolterstorff, Yale Professor of Philosophy
No sacrifice so massive, No reward so great
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross purchased…
Salvation from hell
A place in heaven
Removal of guilt,shame
Healing of inner hurts
Restoration of relationship with God
Victory over the devil
Opening up the Presence of God in prayer, worship, and so much more
Jesus’ prediction of resurrection was well known among friends and enemies
“There was no tomb in the world which could imprison Jesus.
Not all the plans in the world could bind the risen lord.” – Barclay
It is particularly fitting that women should receive love’s reward to be the first to receive the news of the risen Jesus.
Matt. 28:5-7 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead,
Matt. 28:8-10 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them,“Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
At the first Easter we are Invited to…
Believe
Everything in our Christian life flows from our belief
At Easter we are Invited to…
Believe
Worship Jesus as God
Rev. 1:17-18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said,“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave
At Easter we are Invited to…
Believe
Worship Jesus as God
Tell others
Sometimes, lack of belief isn’t from lack of knowledge
How has Jesus changed you?
He Has Risen
He Has Risen Indeed