What is it that draws more people to church on Easter Sunday than any other Sunday during the year? The answer is so simple that most miss it. Easter is a time of decision It is a time for most to make a final choice: much like our Savior did: to go all the way with GOD. East has a sense of finality about it. If we go all the way with GOD, then we, like our Lord, will face persecution, betrayal, and crucifixion. Many will be in churches today, and they will walk right up to the foot of the cross; they will ponder the choice of whether to die or not, and unfortunately, most will turn back.
I would like to talk to you this morning about “It’s Decision Time!” As you ponder you have to make up your mind and realize its not about glazed hams and Easter bunnies its about:
I. Easter is about Life and Death.
a. Jesus didn’t make His choice in the garden of Gethsemane, but in eternity past. The whole purpose of His life was to come and die on the cross.
b. When do most people make their choice between life and death? Sadly, many NEVER do. They don’t really take the time to even examine the choice. They are so busy trying to survive, or so busy enjoying the things of this world, that eternity is the farthest thing from their minds.
c. The greatest error that man makes is thinking that he can have life without death! But real life begins at death!! You don’t live the Christian life with out first dying. Most people don’t want to die a natural death – and many also refuse to die to their sins. This is the great conflict at Easter.
II. Easter is about a Great Hope
a. Jesus spoke it in verse 19.! Here, He speaks of what mankind has dreamed could be true since the beginning of time: that somehow death could be defeated! And here, He say the He can do it!
b. This great hope is nothing less than a resurrection from the dead. And every fire baptized born again believer in Christ or one who has placed his/her trust in Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, Shares THIS HOPE. IT IS OURS. Jesus said that He would raise us up too.
You and I cannot defeat death – but my hope is in the ONE who can! That makes Jesus Christ extremely to me.. it makes me all dependant upon HIM… it makes me worship HIM.. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (Psalms 146:3-4)
c.
III. Easter is about a Great Faith.
a. My great hope is rooted in a great faith that is anchored in great FACTS. All through His earthly ministry, Jesus always gave FACTS when He asked people to believe something. He raised the dead, He healed the sick, He fed the crowds, He did many miracles… and when He made this great claim in verse 19. He demonstrated that he could do IT!!
b. I don’t believe in fairy tales – I believe in a fact THAT HAS WITHSTOOD 2000 yrs of scrutiny.
The conclusion of the facts is that death is not the final place or state for us believers. Wherever Jesus is now, is where I will be on that day when my life on this earth is over.
Easter is about the great choice between life and death? Have you made it?
