Ephesians 2:4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
If you ask most Christians, “Why did Christ come?”- Died for our sins.
Yes…but that’s not the MAIN thing he did.
Christ came to OVERCOME death, sin and the grave…and to be resurrected to life
When he was resurrected, so was MANKIND
Christ goal wasn’t to die…it was to live
His hope for us was not to live in death…but to have life
God is bigger than anything, this world can throw at us
Do you believe Christ is greater, than what’s in your house? – Great Question
Jesus didn’t just charge the Darkness (Good Friday) 3 days later…turned on light
Do you believe Christ is greater than what’s in your house? – Let’s look.
1. Resurrection leads to Life- John 11: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Christ didn’t just get resurrected…. HE IS THE RESURRECTION
Listen…We don’t need God to FIX our problems… WE NEED HIS LIFE!!
People are praying for help… They just need life!
Most of us get stuck where we are…because we give up… “Nothing I can DO”
Then you hear…I have a solute, We can make, Joy is coming in the morning. LIFE
STORY OF MAX IN THE HOSPITAL—We have to BRING LIFE> at times I speak death
LUKE 24 1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, [a]and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were [b]greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen!
If you’re here this morning and you feel like death…there’s Life> Yes to save you…but more
2. Resurrection leads to Hope – 1 Peter 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.
“A Living Hope through the Resurrection!”
Knowing that Christ overcame Death… Lets us know that we can overcome Life
Christ did all the heavy lifting!!! All we have to do is …Live in the power of Christ
Most Christians work themselves to death, Trying to get God to love them.
The debt to death has been paid…Quit trying to get God to love you.
HE LOVES YOU!!!- HE GAVE HIS SON FOR YOU!!!
3. Resurrection leads to Love – 1 Peter 3: 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
No one should be more grateful and loving…than someone who was Dead…now alive
That is us Church!
Love people. Care when they’re hurting. Be nice and kind. Don’t be petty.
Christ wasn’t resurrected so we could be the stuck-up Christian…who judges everyone
Stigma…You didn’t get healed from Leprosy, you we’re cleansed
Fatigue, inflammations, spots on skin turn into sores
To the point they’re unrecognizable- disfigured
Drain, leaving a foul stench…. Lose their eyebrows, vocal chords ulcerate
Worst thing of all,----Loss of sensations….. Couldn’t feel anything---NO sense of touch
Fell asleep on streets---rats come chew toes and fingers off, and never know it
End in a coma, then DEATH
Luke 17:11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”
Our gratefulness to Christ…for his resurrect...has to be better. Given by showing love to others.
