We have been looking at Easter the past few weeks
We have looked at Easter through the eyes of the disciples
Through the eyes of Barabbas
Through the eyes of the thief
Through the eyes of Jesus
Today its Easter through my eyes
How does Easter affect me.
The crucifixation and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most documented fact in history,
He was seen by over 500 people after the resurrection
To not believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ would be to turn a blind eye to the documented truth that was confirmed by countless eyewitnesses.
You may be here today and be asking but how does an empty tomb and a resurrected Lord affect my life today.
Max Lucado – “No Wonder They Call Him The Savior”
“The cross. It rests on the time line of history like a compelling diamond. Its tragedy summons all sufferers. Its absurdity attracts all cynics. It’s hope lures all searchers… History has idolized it and despised it, gold-plated it and burned it, worn and trashed it. History has done everything to it but ignore it. That’s the one option that the cross does not offer. No one can ignore it! You can’t ignore a piece of lumber that suspends the greatest claim in history. It’s bottom line is sobering: …if the account is true, it is history’s hinge. Period. … If not, it is history’s hoax. That’s why the cross is what matters.”
You have to decide today which side of the cross you stand on. Are you a critic who says that it didn’t happen, or a believer who stands in awe at the cross.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
Because Jesus is alive I can have hope today
I can’t even begin to count how many people go through this live without ever experiencing hope.
Mat 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Mat 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Mat 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
These women came to the tomb feeling hopeless and left with great joy
Having hope is living life with a purpose. Does your life have purpose today? Or do you just go through the routine of life
Jesus came that we might have abundant life. Life with purpose.
From Parade magazine comes the story of self-made millionaire Eugene Land, who greatly changed the lives of a sixth-grade class in East Harlem. Mr. Lang had been asked to speak to a class of 59 sixth-graders. What could he say to inspire these students, most of whom would drop out of school? He wondered how he could get these predominantly black and Puerto Rican children even to look at him. Scrapping his notes, he decided to speak to them from his heart. "Stay in school," he admonished, "and I’ll help pay the college tuition for every one of you." At that moment the lives of these students changed. For the first time they had hope. Said one student, "I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me. It was a golden feeling." Nearly 90 percent of that class went on to graduate from high school.
Because of Easter I CAN EXPERIENCE GRACE THAT FORGIVES my FAILURES.
-- A servant girl saw Peter sitting there in the firelight… she said, “This man was also with him.” But Peter said… “Woman, I don’t know him…” Then the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter… Then Peter went outside and cried bitterly. (Luke 22:54-57,61-62 – New Century Version)
-- The women who went to the tomb… told the apostles what had happened, but the story sounded like nonsense, so they didn’t believe it. However, PETER RAN to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. (Luke 24:10-12 – New Living Translation)
-- “The Lord has really risen! HE APPEARED TO PETER!” (Luke 24:10-12,34 – New Living Trans.)
-- Again Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?..” Peter was hurt… he said, “Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep…” Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:17-19 – New International Versio
Because of Easter my fears are conqured
How many people here today are letting feat control their lives
They don’t love afraid they are going to get hurt
Don’t invite someone to church afraid they won’t come
Don’t make friends afraid of being betrayed
Afraid to be themselves around people because of what people might think of them
Don’t discipline their children afraid their kids won’t like them
Don’t get married afraid they will end up divorced
Then there are other fears
Fear of death
Fear of disease
Fear of war
-- When the disciples were together with the doors LOCKED FOR FEAR of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were OVERJOYED when they saw the Lord. (Luke 22:42 – New International Version)
-- The Jewish leaders saw that Peter and John were NOT AFRAID to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus… After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God’s Word WITHOUT FEAR. (Acts 4:13,31 – New Century Version)
4. YOU CAN EXPERIENCE LIFE THAT OVERCOMES DEATH.
-- What a God we have! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now! (1 Peter 1:3-4 – The Message)
5. YOU CAN EXPERIENCE PURPOSE THAT REPLACES YOUR EMPTINESS.
-- We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 – New Living Translation)
-- Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:18-20 – New Int’l Version)
If Easter truly is the Focal Point of History... then we have a Choice To Make:
-- Believe in Jesus, or Dismiss Him?
-- Accept His Claims, or Reject Him?
There is no middle ground! Either we…
-- Submit to Jesus, Live under his Daily Direction, and Receive the Benefits of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection… or we
-- Deny Him, and Live only for yourself and under your own Power.
You have to make a Choice! You cannot remain neutral!
If you have made the Choice to Follow Christ, then I want to encourage you to Live your Life in Light of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection!
– Get into His Word & Communicate with Him in Prayer
– Get involved in Worship and Fellowship regularly
– Share God’s Love with those around you
– Make your Life a Celebration of all God has done!
