Sermon Title: Christ Has Arisen Indeed!
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.
Pastor Stephen Swihart has written the following concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ: "The Gospels do not explain the resurrection; the resurrection explains the Gospels. Without the resurrection, there would be no Christianity. It is mentioned 104 times in the New Testament. Remove this event and Jesus would remain dead, the Bible would be a lie, and God would be a hoax. Throught this event, however, the divine plan was fulfilled, giving strength and hope beyond description to us all. Unlike all of the world's religions that stop at the grave, Christianity starts on the other side - with the Resurrection! Jesus did not enter this world so books might be written regarding His wisdom or love. He came to resurrect men from the dead, and to show them the passageway to heaven. He accomplished this feat through His very own resurrection."
This week we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and proclaim He has arisen indeed! Please join us with your family and friends this coming Easter Sunday morning as we worship through song, prayer, Scripture reading and message. Hope to see you then!
