Easter 2011, Part 4

Easter 2011, Part 4

Matthew 28:1-10

Introduction

- Up to this point, we’ve seen several key events that surround this sacred time:

-- We’ve seen our Lord and Savior fulfill Zec 9:9 and ride into Jerusalem

-- We’ve seen one of the 12 betray Him for 30 pieces of silver; the wage of a slave

-- We’ve seen Jesus celebrate Passover with His disciples; stopping short of 1 cup

-- Isaiah wrote in 700BC that the Messiah would endure this suffering for us

-- We’ve recounted the beating that Jesus took for our sins; so we could be free

-- This week, we’ve seen our Lord suffer (horribly); He died (well), and be buried

- But, even after all of that – the BEST is still yet to come!

- Stand and read Matthew 28:1-10 / Pray

Point 1 – Jesus is Alive, Forever! (1-10)

- Upon going to the tomb they witnessed a tremendous sight from the Lord

- A blinding light / earthquake -- when God makes an entrance; it is memorable!

-- Even in your own life, when God enters there must be turn indicators

- APP: There must be some sort of sign that God has entered; and changed you

-- If you are walking with Christ, there is fruit produced (Matt 7:20 “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”)

- In the presence of the Lord and His angels, fear (respect) is a common response

-- Men throughout scripture fall on their face before Him: Moses, John, Paul, etc.

- Angel tells them to look, and see … Jesus is not there … HE IS RISEN!

-- Expound on this – very important to grasp the GLORY of this promise

-- Never since has one walked out of the grave forever; even Lazarus died again

- Need a clear understanding here; THIS is the pivotal point of our faith

-- John 20:29, “Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

- They are given instructions to tell the Disciples to go to Galilee

-- Why? Because they were busy hiding and needed encouragement to GO

- This is the same encouragement we need today – we MUST be telling

-- We must be going – we must be involved in spreading the Gospel to all

- The exact events are clear: Jesus has died, He has risen, and now we must GO

- TRANS: Before we can go – we must accept and ensure we are following

Point 2 – You Must Accept and Receive

- This morning, you must accept this simple fact as well to begin your walk

- It is a matter of submitting to God; giving your life to Him (He died for you)

- APP: We must bow down before Jesus Christ; this is God’s message; not ours

- Accepting Jesus is as simple as the A, B, C’s:

- Accept that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for your sins

-- Rom 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

- Believe that God sent His son to die (John 3:16) and raised Him from the dead

-- Acts 2:32, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”

- Confess that you need Him as your Lord and Savior

-- Rom 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”

- The acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is the ONLY thing to enter Heaven

- TRANS: Without this critical step, the eternity of all is decided in advance

-- Rev 20:15, “If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Conclusion

- With every eye closed and every head bowed

- We have heard today that there is good news, that Jesus is ALIVE

- APP: If you do not accept this personally, then it is meaningless to you

- Time of invitation to receive/repent before participating in the Sacrament

- Pray

- Lord’s Supper (Examine yourself – 1 Corinthians 11)