*Christian faith and belief is only solid and sure IF we believe in the resurrection.
*If we do not believe in the resurrection of Christ, we cannot believe in the resurrection of the saints at the last day.
*If there is no resurrection, there is no Heaven – everything ends at death on earth.
Profound Signs of the Resurrection:
1. God removed the barriers to the ability to see and believe.
a. The women on the way to the tomb were wondering how they could possibly roll the stone out of the way. They found it had already been moved when they arrived (Mark 16:3).
b. There is no obstacle that is too big that can keep us from seeing our resurrected Lord.
c. The enemy loves to keep people from being able to see beyond their circumstances. If he can keep the tomb covered, he can keep you from seeing that the tomb is empty.
2. Jesus is a Man of His Word.
a. The angel asked the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Matthew 28:6)
b. The angels declared that Jesus had risen just as He had said He would.
c. Jesus is alive now!
3. The tomb was a picture of God’s Mercy Seat. (John 20:10-12)
a. Peter and John found an angel seated at each end of the place where Jesus had been laid. This is a perfect picture of the Mercy Seat as designed by God, with 2 cherubim enclosing the Mercy Seat where God’s presence dwelt and the place where His forgiveness was available.
b. In Christ is mercy, grace and life. Because of His resurrection, He won victory over all things and has made that victory and life available to you and me through Him.
4. Jesus showed Himself to be alive.
a. Satan and man had done all that they could to stop Jesus. When they did all that they could and put Him in a tomb . . . JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD!
b. Paul recounts the resurrection appearances of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
c. Following His resurrection, He showed Himself to Mary and to the other disciples.
d. He showed Himself to the two men on the road to Emmaus.
e. Jesus could show up in this place today if He wanted.
*THERE MAY BE TIMES IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU FIND YOURSELF ENCLOSED IN THE DARKEST OF TOMBS, BUT GOD THROUGH RESURRECTION LIFE BRINGS YOU OUT.
*TO THE ONE WHO IS HERE THIS MORNING AND THE ENEMY HAS BURIED YOU INSIDE A TOMB OF SIN AND DARKNESS, GOD’S RESURRECTION LIFE AND POWER IS HERE FOR YOU TODAY TO SET YOU FREE AND GIVE YOU LIFE!!!!!!!!!