In Order to truly experience Easter we must remember the events of that first Easter Morning.
*8 THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THAT FIRST EASTER*
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1. Remember The Heart Of Mary (v. 1)
a) Mary Magdalene was a forgiven prostitute
b) Others were hiding, afraid, forgot what Jesus had done
c) Mary was there, WHAT IF THE SOLDIERS SAW HER? SHE DIDN’T CARE
d) Too many closet Christians today. It’s time to stand up like Mary and stop being concerned about who might see us, or who might know we belong to Jesus.
e) Time to be like Mary and get to moving for Jesus.
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2. Remember That God Is All Powerful (v.2a)
a) The earthquake was a wake up call to all the world, “I’m in control, I am the I AM.”
b) God made the heavens, earth, trees
c) God rules Kings and Kingdoms
d) The God of that first Easter, is the same God today.
e) He’s powerful enough to handle what ever is in your path.
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3. Remember Death With Christ Is Not Final (v.2b)
a) Some religions say Jesus didn’t die. He almost died. The disciples nursed Him back.
b) None of them volunteer- 39 LASHES, NAILED TO CROSS, HANG IN SUN 6 HOURS, AIRLESS TOMB 3 DAYS
c) Jesus did die, DEATH JUST ISN’T FINAL
d) John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me - will never die.”
e) YOU WILL NOT DIE IN CHRIST, YOU JUST STEP INTO ETERNITY
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4. Remember Rebellion Will Turn To Reverence (v.4)
a) The guards were strutting, they were proud to be a part of this whole thing - rebellion soon turned to reverence.
b) Have you ever wondered why the wicked prosper?
c) READ PSALM 73
d) Romans 14:11 It is written: “As surely as I live... every knee WILL bow and every tongue WILL confess to God.
e) REBELLION WILL TURN TO REVERENCE
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5. Remember Jesus Turns Fear Into Faith (v.5)
a) Jesus has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
b) If we trust Christ we have nothing to fear.
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6. Remember The Word’s Of Christ - He Speaks Only The Truth (v.6)
a) Kid’s tell the brutal truth, say what’s on their mind....
ILL - A story in a magazine tells of a little girl who went to the doctor. The doctor was trying to set the little girl at ease. As he looked into her ears, he said, "who’s in there, Mickey Mouse?" The little girl shyfully said, "no." The doctor looked into her throat and said, "who’s in there, Donald Duck?" She said, "no." He began to listen to her heart and asked, "who’s in there Barney?" Whe said "no, Jesus is in there, Barney’s on my underwear!"
ILL - CHILDREN’S LETTERS TO GOD
b) Hunger for God’s Word. It is the only truth we have.
c) Cling to His promises.
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7. Remember That Jesus Turns Anguish Into Joy (v.8)
a) Life is full of disappointments and heartache.
b) Jesus wants to make us happy.
c) That doesn’t mean life won’t be a little bumpy.
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8. Remember That Jesus Comes Looking (v.9)
a) He was looking for his disciples and met them to show them he was alive.
b) HE’S LOOKING FOR THE PRODICAL SON
c) HE’S LOOKING FOR THE WANDERERS
d) HE’S LOOKING FOR THE LOST
e) He will loves you enough to meet you where you are, but too much to leave you there.
f) Will you come today?
