[Note to preachers: I interwove this sermon with personal pictures of the Birthplace in Bethlehem, Golgotha, and the Empty Tomb. If you don't have personal pictures, you can google them with "Church of the Nativity" and "Garden Tomb"]
Empty Manger – Empty Tomb
March 27, 2016 Resurrection Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: Jesus has completed the task and takes His place next to the Father.
Focus Passage: Romans 8:31-34 (Pew Bible page 1301)
Introduction: Talk both about how bunnies and eggs have nothing to do with the Resurrection. Transition to things that are abandoned after they are used.
I. Empty Manger
a. Jesus was placed in a manger when He was born
b. Jesus outgrew the manger
II. Empty Cross
a. Jesus freely gave of Himself to be nailed to a cross. He died there.
b. Jesus completed the work on the cross and was taken down
III. Empty Tomb
a. Jesus was placed in the personal tomb of Joseph of Arimathea
b. Jesus rose from the dead
IV. Occupied Throne
a. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God
b. Jesus is waiting to hear from the Father the order to come back to Earth
c. The church is waiting for Jesus to return that we may be caught up in the air with Him
Application/Invitation: Will you be part of the family of God that is caught up in the air to meet Jesus?
