Matthew 28:5-6 –
Easter Morning – April 24
Intro: I wish to
thank all who participated in our service this morning. Easter is such a great time. It is the celebration of the greatest event
in human history. Jesus is alive. Amen.
Let us look at our scripture today for a moment.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be
afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.”
1. The women had come to anoint his body, but
when they arrived they were met with the angel.
He says do not be afraid. This is
one of the 365 statements made about not being afraid. God always calms our fears. God answer to fear is reassurance, love,
power and a sound mind.
2. You
may be looking for Jesus who was crucified.
Jesus may have been crucified and buried but Easter is all about
resurrection. The doctrine of the
resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian belief.
The doctrine of
the Resurrection.
1. It is a historical event. It was recorded by the historical writer
Josephus. It was confirmed by over 600 witnesses.
2. It was a physical event. Jesus appeared bodily at least seven
times. He invited Thomas to touch him in
John 20:27 and he actually ate food twice.
In Luke and John.
3. It was a spiritual victory. It was a victory over the powers of
darkness. 1 John 3:8, James 4:7.
He is not here, He has risen, just as He
said. Come and see the place where He
laid.
1. The
angel was showing them physical evidence that Jesus was indeed alive. Luke said in Acts 1 that Jesus showed Himself
with many proofs over a period of 40 days that He was alive. There is plenty of visible evidence that
Jesus is alive. The testimony of over
600 witnesses should be enough.
2. The
empty grave is the biggest witnesses.
Death could not hold, corrupt, or destroy Him.
The significance of the Resurrection.
1. It
promises victory in life. Some
people worry about the cost of being a Christian and it does cost but it costs
more by not being a Christian. Eternal
life with God or eternal separation from God.
Powerful decision.
2. Not being a Christian means the loss of
a. Peace. John 14:27
b. Joy. 1 Pet 1:8
c. Hope. 1 Pet 1:3
d. Favour
with God. John 3:36
e. Eternal
Life. 1 John 5:12
3. Victory
is in our new life. Rom 6:3-11
4. It promises victory over death. 1 Cor 15:20-23 We know that everyone will die unless they are
raptured. Heb 9:27 We also know that death is not the end. It is a portal to eternal life. 2 Cor 4:14
a. Death
for the Christian is a promotion something to look forward too. It is our crowning victory for a life of
service for the King. Death is when we
meet Him and live with Him forever. It
is the beginning not the end.
b. For
the non Christian. It is a time of
mourning for a life mis-spent . It is a
time of truth. They know they spent
their life in vain and the truth of Jesus Christ is real.
5. It proves the truth of Jesus’ claims. About his own person. Rom 1:4 and about believing on Him. John 11:25.
This morning I wish to remind that Easter is not about egg hunts, Rabbits
and school vacations. It is about a
risen Saviour and Lord. It was sad on
Friday when He died but remember Sunday is coming.
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