"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16:1-7
It took 20 men to roll a stone in front of the tomb away.
(Shannon shares a good story about the hymn "He Lives!" and its writer Alfred Ackley. He wrote it in 1933)
Jesus killed death! He was resurrected whole and complete.
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
Jesus was the First to be Resurrected. We who believe in Him will be resurrected too. No more aches and pains and sufferings.
If we don't believe in the Resurrection of Jesus what do we have?
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." 1 Corinthians 15:14
There's sacrifice -- and there's Glory afterwards.
Jesus picks up where every other religion leaves off -- the tomb.
If no resurrecction, then why . . .
"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:2-3
"16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it." Matthew 16:16-18
Hell cannot and will not overcome the Church!
Resurrection -- here is our faith!
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Jesus knows we're coming! And He's waiting for us!
"19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19
It is Finished -- this means "Economic" and "Paid in Full."
"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:30
20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him." 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
It isn't over!
And we are resurrected through Him!
"14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil-- 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." Hebrews 2:14-15
(Story about Winston Churchill's funeral here -- played Taps then Revelry to show the world he knew his death was the beginning -- his real waking up)
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55
Live a resurrected life all the time. Jesus is not selective -- He calls all.
The Day that Death died was the Day Jesus came back to life!!
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?” Romans 6:9
Our faith is realized through the Resurrection!