Introduction

He is risen! He is risen, indeed! It is Easter Sunday today and it is an honor to gather with you for such a special occasion. Churches all over the world will come together to remember and celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today we begin a brand-new 4-week sermon series called Made New.

It may go without saying, but the effects of the resurrection have reverberated throughout history. Jesus’ defeat of sin and death has changed everything. Remarkably, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as well. It changes us, renews us, and breathes fresh life into us. The key to this transformative power is our faith. New life is unlocked as we place our faith, hope, and trust in the work of Christ. But, in order for there to be new life available for humankind, there had to be a death.

New life is unlocked as we place our faith, hope, and trust in the work of Christ.

Main Teaching

Three days went by as Jesus’ lifeless body lay in the tomb. Some of the disciples had returned to their old ways of life. Any hope they had was buried behind a massive stone that was rolled to cover the entrance to the tomb where Jesus lay.

But then, Sunday morning came. Easter morning, this morning, arrived.

The Bible tells us that at dawn two women named Mary traveled to Jesus’ grave. Other places in the scriptures tell us these women had come to anoint his body for burial. Suddenly a violent earthquake shook the ground as an angel of the Lord appeared and rolled the stone away from the tomb entrance. The appearance of these angels and their clothing was shocking, like lightning and bright white. The guards who were watching over the grave were terrified, as were the women.

But the angel spoke tenderly to them. He spoke a word of comfort that is pronounced over people nearly 365 times throughout the scriptures. He said, “Do not be afraid”. Easter is not a time for fear or sadness, but for joy. Though the women had come to care for Jesus’ lifeless body, he was not there. The tomb was empty. He had risen! The women ran off to find the other disciples, no longer filled with fear, but filled with joy.

EASTER CONFRONTS OUR FEARS AND OFFERS US JOY

We live in a world where it is easy to find ourselves in a very similar place to these women in the story ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium