The Resurrection Means

OUTLINE

WHAT THAT RESURRECTION MEANS

Dr. Tom Bartlett, Steele Creek Church Eastfield Campus

Resurrection Sunday - April 12, 2020

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:14 (ESV)

TWO RESURRECTION MIRACLES

• EMPTY TOMB - THE GREATEST MIRACLE IN HUMAN HISTORY - The tomb in which Jesus was buried was discovered empty by a group of women on the Sunday following the crucifixion.

• FEARLESS FOLLOWERS - THE SECOND GREATEST MIRACLE IN HUMAN HISTORY - The sudden change in attitude and amazing transformation in the lives of the disciples who followed Jesus. All within about 72 hours.

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20 (ESV)

“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. . .” Acts 17:6 (ESV)

THE RESURRECTION MEANS

I CAN KNOW

Forgiveness from God

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the

chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)

Relationship with God

. . . and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15: 5-8 (ESV)

The Five Types of People Jesus Appears to

• Betrayer - (Peter)

• Disheartened - (Disciples)

• Seekers - (The 500)

• Skeptic - (James, Jesus brother)

• Denier - (Saul)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-13 (ESV)

THE POINT - In history, Jesus died once for you, so that in eternity, you can live with Him forever

MANUSCRIPT

WHAT THE RESURRECTION MEANS

Dr. Tom Bartlett, Steele Creek, Eastfield Campus

Resurrection Sunday - April 12, 2020

It’s a great morning! Welcome to Steele Creek Church, Eastfield Campus. My name is Tom Bartlett and I’m delighted to be able to bring to you today the greatest news that has ever been told.

In the world of COVID-19, good news is hard to come by. I was conversing with one of our members this past Thursday and he asked how I was coping with it all. I shared with him what our family was doing to make the most of it all. He responded with, “it’s nice to hear some good news. All I’m hearing from people is how bad it is.”

Well, COVID-19 will soon be gone, but what I’m going to share with you is not a passing thing.

• What if today, the words that I’m about to share could completely transform your life?

• What if they could send you on a path that last beyond this life and into forever?

• What if today is the day that you look back on as the first day of the new you?

You see, no matter where you are on your journey in life, today is always the first day of the rest of your life if you want it to be.

Have you ever wondered why so many Christians make such a big deal about this particular weekend? Well let me share with you briefly.

Imagine a perfect world where the weather was amazing and that the air was so clean that every single breath was like your first. Your body is in perfect harmony with your surroundings and everything you need physically, emotionally, and spiritually is right there with you. You wouldn’t know hunger for food is readily available. You wouldn’t know loneliness because companionship and love are yours without question or hesitation. And the sense of purpose and fulfillment is yours too. It’s a perfect place.