Archive for the ‘Easter’ Category

« Older Entries

The Forgotton Promises of Easter

Sunday, March 23rd, 2008

Podcast: Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

INTRODUCTION

Read text:

1 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.
Mark 16:1-4 (NIV)

Well today is Easter Sunday. This is the day that has been set aside annually to acknowledge and celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

But as we celebrate on THIS Easter Sunday, I want you to know and understand that Easter is not all about the Easter bunny, hippity hopping along and brining chocolate eggs for you to forget about your New Year’s resolution diet. Easter is not about hiding Spring colored eggs over every inch of a yard, field or carpet for little children to lose their minds trying to find them. Easter is not about buying a brand new Easter suit, a new Easter dress, a new Easter hat or some Easter shoes. Easter is not about the “madness” sales at the local department stores. Let the truth be told, Easter is not even about a certain day and a certain time of the year.

On the contrary, Easter, or should I say, Resurrection Day, should be celebrated every day, not just on Easter Sunday morning as designated on our man-made calendar. Easter should be celebrated every morning we open up our eyes and can still see the beauty and glory of the day. Easter should be celebrated every time we see our children running and playing in the house or in the yard. Easter should be celebrated every time you look at your pay check and realize that you’ve been blessed with a job. Easter should be celebrated every time one of our loved ones in the Lord has transitioned from this life to eternal rest.

For Christ died that we might have grace and mercy everlasting. Not a once a year grace. Not a some time grace. But a grace that’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, every single year for the rest of eternity kind of grace.

Yes, friends, we are to celebrate Jesus, because what he did for us, is unlike anything that anyone else will do for us in our lives. Yes, there may come a time when someone may give up their life to save yours. I know that there are some parents who would give up their own lives to save the life of one of their children, but that saving power is just a physical thing. All you can do is save the physical body. And even in that instance of physical saving, there” no guarantee that your child will live beyond the next moment. They are still, at some point, subject to a physical death.

But thank God for His son Jesus, who gave up His life that we might be able to live life and live it more abundantly. He gave up His life – He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquity, the chastisement of peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Yes, we are healed from the sickness of sin. Healed from eternal damnation. Healed from a carnal existence. He gave up His life that we are no longer condemned to die, but grace and mercy has been extended by the Almighty God! What He did for us, no one else will ever be able to do! So there is a greater significance and greater benefits involved when we look at Him giving up His life for ours.

Yet, how much of this is forgotten in this world? How much of the grace and mercy extended by our Father in heaven is being slowly left aside in our society, in our lives?

I recently came across this story, it was told by “Dear Abby” in a response to someone’s question.

A young man from a wealthy family was about to graduate from high school. It was the custom in that affluent neighborhood for the parents to give the graduate an automobile. “Bill” and his father had spent months looking at cars, and the week before graduation, they found the perfect car. On the eve of his graduation, his father handed him a gift wrapped Bible. Bill was so angry that he threw the Bible down and stormed out of the house. He and his father never saw each other again. It was the news of his father’s death that brought Bill home again.

As he sat one night going through his father’s possessions that he was to inherit, he came across the Bible his father had given him. He brushed away the dust and opened it to find a cashier’s check, dated the day of his graduation – in the exact amount of the car they had chosen together.

As I thought about this story, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people in this world have done the same thing to God. Literally tossed aside a wonderful promise, because they didn’t understand it, or they didn’t believe that it was possible – and so it becomes forgotten.

In our world, we are taught that; “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” So many of us have been taken in by “empty promises,” that we are leery of anything or anyone that tells us we can have something for nothing. THE WORLD SIMPLY DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY!

But you know what – God does – God never made a promise that was too good to be true. The truth of the matter is, the world is full of empty promises. We watch TV, and the advertisements tell us that we can be happy, sexy, rich, or famous, if we only purchase a certain product. It doesn’t take long before we have been fooled enough to know that the world’s promises are full of emptiness. But, God is different. Instead of promises full of emptiness, on Easter, he gave us emptiness that is full of promise.

This morning, I would like to remind us about the promises of Easter. There are three of them. Each promise is marked by something empty. An empty cross, an empty tomb and empty burial clothes. It is the very fact that each of these is empty that assures us God’s promises are real. Since they couldn’t hold Jesus, since the cross, the tomb, or even His burial clothes couldn’t contain him, we can be sure of the fullness of God’s promises in our lives.

THE EMPTY CROSS

Let’s begin with the empty cross. Because the cross was empty, we have the promise of forgiven sins. Let’s go back, if we can, to that 1st Easter morning. It is early morning – dawn – but the sun has not risen. A few of Jesus’ followers – women – are on their way to a tomb. It is the tomb where Jesus was buried. They have been walking now for about ½ hour. The conversation is subdued. The task before them is a sad one. They are going to anoint the body of Jesus. As they come to the top of a rise in the path, they all stop. Motionless and quiet, they stare off in the distance. As you look with them, look off to the right, just outside the city stands a gruesome reminder of the events of just a few days ago. Do you see it? Over there, silhouetted by the glow of the pink sky, on top of the Hill the locals call, “The Skull.” 3 Crosses.

Yesterday was the Sabbath, so nobody had yet removed them. So, there they stand, an empty reminder of the horror of Friday.

The one in the middle, that is the one that I want you to see. That’s the one that Jesus hung on. Take a close look at it. Look up at the top – those bloodstains are from the crown of thorns that was crushed into Jesus’ skull. The stains on the ends of the crossbar – they came from the nails that were driven into his hands. The main beam – it was soaked in blood – blood from his back – blood that was bled when the Roman soldiers beat him with a whip. It also has stains from the blood that poured from Him when another roman soldier ran a spear through His side to see if He was dead – HE WAS.

Don’t ever believe anyone who tells you He was just faking it. There was no question – Jesus was dead.

- The soldiers knew it
- The Romans knew it
- The Jews knew it

Together, they made up a lie? – the disciples stole the body. Can you imagine 11 fishermen overpowering a company of Roman soldiers, moving a 2 ton stone and stealing the body of Jesus – just so they could claim he had come back to life – and then willingly dying to protect that lie? You see, Jesus really did die – that is why I want you to see the cross this morning. It is the place where He died – but today, it is empty. Empty of Jesus’ body, but full – full of God’s promise. Full of hope – for you and me.

The promise of the empty cross is that anyone who believes in Jesus stands forgiven. Because it was on that cross that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.

“SIN” – now there is a word that is just not popular anymore. It is a word that isn’t ‘politically correct’. But, the simple fact of the matter is – we have all sinned. Every one of us – you, me, the person sitting next to you, behind you and in front of you. We have “all sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) The only person who has ever lived a sinless life is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Everyone else has failed.

So, here is the problem – according to God’s law – ‘the wages of sin is death’. (Romans 6:23) Jesus also taught,

I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be], you will indeed die in your sins.”
John 8:24 (NIV)

Because, we have sinned, we deserve God’s just punishment. We deserve “eternal death” – hell. However, when you look at the empty cross – it is a reminder of God’s promise of forgiveness. On that cross – Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.

God’s word tells us again – “God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US!” (Romans 5:8)

It was on that cross that Jesus Christ offered His perfect, sinless life on behalf of each one of us. No one else – not Moses or Abraham, not David or Isaiah, not Muhammad or Buddha – no one else has ever lived perfectly and then offered His perfect life for our salvation. That is why the Bible tells us that “there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

When Jesus Christ breathed His last, He cried out; “It is finished.” The penalty was paid. On that cross – that empty cross – It was there, that His blood was spilt for our salvation. Before that fateful Friday, God could open the books and look up each name, and written in black were the words – “guilty of sin” But when Jesus went to the cross, God literally transferred every believer’s accounts to His name. On that day, across every name of every believer – he wrote – in Jesus’ blood – “Forgiven – Forgiven – Forgiven”.

Because of the work that Jesus did on that cross – you and I now stand Forgiven! The first promise of Easter that many have forgotten is demonstrated by the empty cross – full with the promise of forgiven sins.

THE EMPTY TOMB

Let’s get back to our ladies. These ladies began to walk to the tomb, unbeknownst to them how they would be able to remove the stone and anoint the body of Jesus. Remember that this was a large stone. The three of them together would not be able to remove it. It was a burdensome stone. If they were to give it their all, they would still be unable to roll the stone away. It was a difficult stone and yet despite the difficulty that faced them, they began their journey toward the stone.

Friends, it would have been easy for these women to not even begin their journey, knowing that this huge stone was standing in their way, and yet they went on anyhow. Oh can’t you hear them talking as they walked along the way, “Who is going to move the stone out of our way?”

They have good reason to be concerned – the stone that was placed in front of the tomb was a large boulder – probably weighing upwards of two tonnes. Not only that, the Romans had sealed it, so no one was allowed to move it without their permission. However, the ladies continue. Suddenly they feel the earth move! Frightened, they look at each other, not certain what to do. After a few minutes, things seem normal so they continue on their way. As they approach the burial site, they are still wondering about what had happened when they come upon something even more remarkable.

• the soldiers are all unconscious
• the stone has been moved
• An angel – glowing like lightening – is sitting on it. Listen to his words,

“Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. He is not here; He has risen!”

Jesus had risen – He was alive – the tomb was empty. And what a tremendous promise that holds.

I’d like to tell you a story of a boy named Philip;

Philip never felt like he belonged. He was pleasant enough but he looked a bit different and sometimes seemed unusual to his eight-year-old classmates.In his Sunday school class several weeks before Easter, Philip’s teacher introduced a special project. He gave every member a plastic “egg” – the kind pantyhose used to come in. He explained that each child was to go outside, find a symbol for new life and put it into the egg. Enthusiastically, the class responded.

Back in the classroom the eggs were opened one at a time with each child explaining the meaning of his symbol.

In the first egg was a pretty flower; in the next a beautiful butterfly, while green grass was in a third. The children “oohed” and “aahed”. In another was a rock, which prompted loud laughter. Finally, the last egg was opened – there was nothing.

“That’s stupid,” said one child. Another grumbled, “Someone didn’t do it right!”

The teacher felt a tug on his shirt. It was Philip, who said, “That’s mine, and I did do right! It’s empty, ‘cause the tomb was empty.”

There was an unusual, thoughtful silence. And strangely, from that time on, Philip was accepted as part of the group.

Philip continued to struggle with many physical problems. That summer he picked up an infection which most children would have easily shaken off. But Philip’s weak body couldn’t and a few weeks later, he died.

At his funeral nine eight year-olds with their teacher brought their symbol of remembrance and placed it near his coffin. Their unusual gift of love to Phillip wasn’t flower. It was an empty egg – now a symbol to them of new life and hope.

It was Phillip, the “different” child, who had helped his friends see the wonderful hope in the message of Easter (Preaching Today)

For, in the fact of the empty tomb is the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise to every one of us who believe in Jesus that we too will be raised to everlasting life.

To those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, death has lost its sting – it is no longer something to be feared. What fear is there when we have the promise that one day we will live forever with Him in heaven?

A father and son were traveling down a country road one afternoon in the springtime when suddenly a bee flew in the window. Begin deadly allergic to bee stings, the boy began to panic as the bee buzzed all around inside the car. Seeing the horror on his child’s face, the father reached out and caught the bee in his hand. Soon, he opened his hand and the bee began to buzz around once again. Again, the boy began to panic. The father reached over to his son, and opened his hand showing him the stinger still in his palm. “Relax, son,” the father said, “I took the sting, the bee can’t hurt you anymore.”

The empty tomb is God’s way of saying to us; “Relax, my child, I took the sting, death can’t hurt you anymore.”

Why was the tomb empty? Because Jesus was alive. The Angel said; “He is risen.” And the promise to us is that we too can live even if we die. That is the second promise of Easter.

But it doesn’t end there. There is one more promise that I want to remind you about Easter. It is the promise of…

EMPTY BURIAL CLOTHES

Back to our story. After the Angel had spoken to the women, they immediately went back to the Apostles and reported what had happened. With this incredible news, Peter and John immediately raced back to the tomb to see for themselves. When they got there, John stopped just outside the tomb, but Peter ran right in. It didn’t take them long to discover that the tomb was just the women had said it was – empty. But, that’s not all. Inside, Peter found the clothes that Jesus had been buried in. They too were empty. This could only mean one thing – Jesus was alive! If someone had stolen His body, they wouldn’t have removed the burial clothes and folded them up neatly and left them where they lay. Truly, Jesus was resurrected!

It wouldn’t be long, before Jesus, himself, would appear to Mary Magdalene, and to all of the Apostles, and eventually to over 500 people. He would:

• sit down with them
• walk with them
• talk with them
• eat with them

Once again, they would be able to fellowship with their Lord. You see, that is the promise of the empty burial clothes – Jesus is alive, and wants to fellowship with you.

Jesus isn’t some nebulous “force” out in the universe influencing people. He is a living Savior, and He desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us, just as He did with His disciples 2000 years ago.

Think about that – the cross couldn’t hold Him, the tomb couldn’t contain Him, the burial clothes were unnecessary, because Jesus is alive! He has skin and bones and a face and was recognizable. And He talked, and touched and loved and healed. He did it the day of His resurrection, and He does it still today. And – most importantly – He wants to do it with you.

I want to ask you a very important question this morning. Do you know Jesus Christ? I don’t mean; “Do you know about Him?” do you truly know Jesus Christ? You see, we can know about someone, and not truly know them.

• Billy Graham
• Stephen Harper
• Tiger Woods
• Wayne Gretzky

These are people we know something about, but do any of us really know them? You can know Jesus Christ. You can know His love, His care, His healing, and His forgiveness. He says; “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

It has been over 2000 years since Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. That 1st Easter Sunday, as the women went to the grave, they had no idea what was about to happen to them. They were not aware of the wonderful promises of that day.

• Off in the distance stood an empty cross – the promise that their sins were forgiven.
• At the end of their journey was an empty tomb – the promise of their eternal life.
• Inside the tomb were empty burial clothes. The promise that they would once again have a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ – their living Saviour.

The promises that they discovered that day, you too can have today;

• You too can know the freedom of forgiven sins
• You too can know the promise of eternal life and heaven
• You too can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior

I believe it is John Maxwell who tells a story about a blazer he bought from Nordstrom’s (a department store chain in the US). This is how he relates it:

About a year and a half ago, I bought a new navy blazer at Nordstrom. It was one of those cases you may have gone through where you buy an item of clothing and the more you wear it, the more you realize you don’t like it. My blazer wasn’t the right color, and to make matters worse, it attracted lint like it was going out of style. After wearing it pretty regularly for six months or so, I stuck it in my closet and didn’t wear it for a long time.

Tucked away in the back of my mind all the while was that famous Nordstrom unconditional-return policy. I though, I’ve had this thing for a year and a half. I’ve worn it lots of times, and there’s just no way they’re going to take it back. About two weeks ago I decided I had nothing to lose. I pulled the blazer out, threw a lot of lint on it to make it look bad, and took it down to Nordstrom’s men’s department. I walked in, and immediately I felt nervous. I felt like I was about to pull a scam of some sot, but I played it straight. I walked right up to the first salesman I saw and gave this little prepared speech. I said, “I am about to put your famous unconditional-return policy to its ultimate test. I have here a blazer. I’ve worn it lots. I’ve had it for a year and a half. I don’t like it. It’s the wrong color, and it attracts lint like it’s going out of style. But I want to return this blazer for another blazer that I like.” Then I stood there.

I couldn’t believe it. This guy with a big handlebar mustache just looked at me and shook his head. He said, “For heaven’s sake, what took you so long? Let’s go find you a blazer.” Ten minutes later I walked out with another blazer that was marked seventy-five dollars more than I paid for the one that I brought in. It was perfect for me. Didn’t cost me a penny.

In a small way, the Nordstrom Department Store is a lot like God. They are willing to back up their promises. (Preaching Today)

I think at Easter, more than any other time of the year, we realize that God has made all sorts of outlandish promises. So outlandish, that some of us cannot bring ourselves to believe. Or, can we? This morning, we have heard about three promises that God has made to us; the promise of forgiven sins; the promise of eternal life; and the promise of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My question to you this morning is this; will you take him at his word? If so, listen to this final promise – it is found in Romans 10:13,

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13 (NIV)

Don’t wait another day, do it today, and know the joy of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Let’s remember, embrace, and proclaim these promises this Easter folks!

Tags:
Posted in Easter, Podcast, Sermons, Sunday Morning Service | No Comments »

The Hosanna Road

Sunday, March 16th, 2008

Podcast: Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

INTRODUCTION

The timeline of Easter is familiar to many of us. Let me review it with you. On Thursday night Christ will celebrate the Passover with His disciples in the upper room of a home in that city of Jerusalem. Later that night He prays in the Garden of Gethsemene as a crowd led by Judas makes its way to arrest him. By Friday morning he would be nailed to a cross.Today, we’re going to look at when Jesus first entered Jerusalem. A day that is commonly celebrated in some churches as “Palm Sunday” (which traditionally is held the Sunday before Easter). When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last week of his life, he was coming to the finish line. For this 33 year-old man, the last three years of his life had all been about one moment – the moment when he would look upon the many colored faces of the people who inhabit this world, and willingly give his life on the cross to pay the price for their sins. Everything was leading up to this.

Now let’s look a little closer at this historical event…

Here is Luke’s record of how the day began:

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Luke 19:41-44 (NIV)

I find it sobering to learn that Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He knew what was ahead of him in just a few short days. He knew this city would be the site of his death. And he wept because he knew what was in store for this city. “Your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you…they will dash you to the ground.” All this would happen within the next 40 years when the Romans invaded Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

But the last part of verse 44 holds the key to understanding Jesus’ sadness. Why were all these bad things about to take place?

v. 44 – …because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.

The inhabitants of Jerusalem did not recognize God when they saw Him.

God came to them in the person of Jesus, but they failed to recognize him and ended up rejecting him and crucifying him.

“…You did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

That is a bad indictment. So how can we be different?

We can follow the example of some other people in the Palm Sunday story. Because those who did recognize him honored him. They affirmed His identity as God and King through their actions.

TRANSITION: And we can do the same. Like some on Palm Sunday…

WE AFFIRM HIS IDENTITY WHEN WE OBEY HIM

Lets go back to how this day started.

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.
Luke 19:28-35 (NIV)

A. The disciples obeyed Jesus instructions.
I have some Palm Sunday reminders here today. To me this first affirmation of obedience can be symbolized by a rope (hold up rope).

Jesus said to two of them, “Go to the village.” They did.
Matthew and John say the colt was a donkey. It was undoubtedly tied to something with a rope.
Jesus said, “Untie the colt.” They did.
He said, “Bring it here.” Again, they did.
How were they to respond if anyone asked?
“The Lord needs it.”

The disciples were just carrying out instructions. They did what Jesus asked. They affirmed his identity as Lord by obeying Him.

So this rope symbolizes their obedience. “Untie the colt.”

Jesus asked them to do something and they did it.

So here is a question to ponder:

B. If Jesus asked you to do something, would you do it?
Those of us who love Jesus might be quick to say, “Sure I would! I’d climb the highest mountain. I’d swim the widest ocean. I’d walk 500 miles. Whatever you say, Jesus. I’ll do it!”

Jesus might say, “Really? You are ready to do whatever I ask? Then look at my instructions in the Bible.”

In John 14:23 Jesus says,

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
John 14:23 (NIV)

In other words, “Anyone who affirms my identity as Lord and God will recognize my authority and do the things I ask.”

So now we may wonder,

C. What sort of things is Jesus asking of us?
Are these just pointless requests?

ILLUS – I read a story once from Readers Digest about a mother who would listen with her young children to an instructional program on the radio each morning. She particularly enjoyed the exercise class.
One day she tuned in late, only to hear an energetic instructor already urging pupils along at a fast pace: “Up…down…circle round…up…down…circle round…up…down…circle round.” She quickly joined in, only to find that the instructor would continue the pace for quite some time. Finally, when she was just about exhausted, she heard the voice say, “Okay, you can stop now, and everybody put your paintbrushes back in the water jar.” (Reader’s Digest, date unknown)

Fortunately Jesus doesn’t ask us to do pointless things. He gives us direction for the most fulfilling way of life. Because He loves us.

One time in Luke 6:46 Jesus asked a crowd around him,

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Luke 6:46 (NIV)

“Why are you trying to affirm my identity without obedience?”

Again a similar question for us to consider:
If Jesus asked you to do something would you do it?

Let’s think about some of the things Jesus asks us to do throughout the pages of the Bible:

• “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12) – Have you been giving your parents the honor they deserve?
• “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col. 3:2) – Have you been monitoring what goes into your mind through your eyes and ears?
• “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13) – Have you been withholding forgiveness?
• “Keep the marriage bed pure” (Hebrews 13:4) – Maybe you’re living with your boyfriend or girlfriend or fiancée – are you keeping that future marriage bed pure?
• “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices” (Col. 3:9) – Is there an area of life where you are less than honest?
• “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” (Malachi 3:10) – Have you been obedient with your generosity to the Lord’s work?
• “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths.” (Eph. 4:29) – Do you use foul or abusive language?
• “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) – How about this? Is there someone you have been failing to love fully?

These are all issues of obedience. Jesus has asked us to do something. He is Lord. He is God. Will we affirm our belief that He is Lord and God by doing what He says?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 (NIV)

If we want to affirm Jesus’ identity to our friends, our neighbors our family and our co-workers – one of the best ways is to obey Him and to do what He says. Is there an area this morning where you could start right now to obey Him more fully? Why not make that area part of some focused prayer and give it some attention this week?

TRANSITION: We give recognition to who He is through our attention to His instructions. Second…

WE AFFIRM HIS IDENTITY WHEN WE SACRIFICE FOR HIM

Let’s look again at Luke 19. Verse 36 says,

As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
Luke 19:36 (NIV)

A. Those in the crowd actually spread their cloaks on the road.
When I look for other Palm Sunday reminders, this issue of sacrifice could be symbolized by a coat. (Hold up coat). That’s what cloaks were – pretty much like a coat.

The people of Jerusalem were from all walks of life, much like people today. These people enthusiastically lined the streets with their possessions to celebrate the coming of the Passover lamb. These people threw what they had into the street to honor this important moment. They prepared for Jesus a carpet made of coats.

Would you be willing to take a similar risk?

Close your eyes and imagine something. I want you to imagine your street – the street on which you live. Picture in your mind what that street looks like – where you live – where the trees are – where the other houses or apartments are – where people park their cars – the general amount of traffic that is typically on your street. Imagine yourself standing outside next to your street very close to where you live. Got that picture?

Now I want you to imagine that coming down your street you spot a crowd of people. And in the middle of that crowd of people is a man riding on a donkey. You recognize the man as Jesus. People are laying things down. Some of your neighbors are rushing to the curb to lay things down too.

Jesus approaches where you are standing, riding closer, as he passes by what do you lay down?

B. If Jesus came riding down your street, what would you lay down before Him?
Go ahead and open your eyes.
How would you choose to honor Jesus?

I love one of the worship songs we sing called “The Heart of Worship.” A line from it says…
“King of endless worth – no one could express how much you deserve. Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is yours. Every single breath.”

That is a Palm Sunday attitude. Jesus is worth more than anything we have. He’s worth more than our combined assets, more than the net worth of our future aspirations, and certainly more than any one object we possess. Like a coat.

C. Jesus has come riding down the street of your life.
Just by being here today you have the opportunity to encounter him.

You can affirm His identity by laying down your life before Him. Saying, “My life is yours, Jesus. Do as you will.” That’s surrender, and followers of Jesus do that daily.

When Jesus has our lives, we’re also willing to sacrifice what we have to share with others in His name. Many of you are still in a season of sacrifice as you live out your pledge to be faithful- now and forever. Others of you sacrifice regularly to share with those in other places of the world who have less than you do.

When we recognize Jesus, we’ll be happy to give stuff away. Because He is worth far more.

TRANSITION: We can show everyone around us who we believe Jesus to be through the way we sacrifice for Him. One last thing…

WE AFFIRM HIS IDENTITY WHEN WE PRAISE HIM

A. Those who saw Jesus pass by shouted praise.

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Luke 19:37-40 (NIV)

A good Palm Sunday reminder of this issue of praise would be a raised hand. (Raise hands).

The book of John says the crowd waved palm branches in the air. That’s why the Sunday before Easter is traditionally called Palm Sunday.

According to scripture they praised him for all the miracles they had seen…
What miracles you seen in your life?

Here is yet another question to ponder:

B. If you saw Jesus, what would you shout?

If on your way to your car in the parking lot, you saw Jesus walking across – and you knew it was Him – I mean, He just appeared there – but He’s a ways in the distance. Would you maybe shout to someone else, “Hey, it’s Jesus! Look!” My guess is maybe you would. Because when Jesus shows up, it makes you want to shout.

It was Palm Sunday, and the mother’s 3-year old son had to stay home from church because of strep throat.

When the rest of the family returned home carrying palm branches, the little boy asked what they were for. His mother explained, “People held them over Jesus’ head as he walked by.”

“Wouldn’t you know it,” the boy fumed. “The one Sunday I don’t go, and Jesus shows up.” (Found at PreachingPlus.com)

What that little boy didn’t realize is that Jesus shows up every Sunday. In fact, He shows up every day of our lives. The question is, do we recognize Him when He shows up?

C. We have been allowed to see Jesus in a number of ways.
In the pages of the Bible
In the lives of others
Through the ministry and worship of the church
Through his work in our lives

Do we praise Him? I mean really and truly praise Him. Do we?

Did you praise Him this morning as we sang and give it all you had?
Did you mention his name last night when you were out with friends, and say something good about Him?
Did you praise Jesus in the privacy of your home or your car this past week when it was just you and Him?

Some of us may look at exuberant praise of others during our times of worship and get a little uncomfortable with such emotional outbursts. Maybe our worship has never shown that much fervor. But when we truly recognize Jesus and affirm His identity, we will want to praise Him.

That’s how the crowd on Palm Sunday felt too. They saw the King of Kings – and their natural impulse was to shout out some praise.

When Jesus shows up, it’s time to praise!

Would you all stand up for a second? On the count of three we’re going to try something. Listen closely, I want to make sure you’re ready. On the count of three I’d like us to all shout out the name of Jesus! Will you do this?

1… 2… 3…. “JESUS!!!!!!!” (if it isn’t very loud then say, “Oh come on, people shout louder for their favorite athlete than that! What about the one who has given you eternal life?)

Now, didn’t that feel good?
You can have a seat.

Maybe today was the first time you’ve ever voiced Jesus’ name so strongly.

But when we really recognize who He is, we’ll want to be praising Him all the time.

TRANSITION: Because just like when we obey and when we sacrifice for Him, when we praise, we affirm His identity.

CONCLUSION

There is a legend about an ancient village in Spain. The villagers learned that the king would pay a visit! In a thousand years, a king had never come to that village. Excitement grew! “We must throw a big celebration,” The villagers all agreed. But, it was a poor village, and there weren’t many resources. Someone came up with a classic idea. Since many of the villagers made their own wines, the idea was for everyone in the village to bring a large cup of their choice wine to the town square, “We’ll pour it into a large vat and offer it to the king for his pleasure! When the king draws wine to drink, it will be the very best he’s ever tasted!”

The day before the king’s arrival, hundreds of people lined up to make their offering to the honored guest. They climbed a small stairway, and poured their gift through a small opening at the top. Finally, the vat was full! The King arrived, was escorted to the square, given a silver cup and was told to draw some wine, which represented the best the villagers had.

He placed the cup under the spigot, turned the handle, and then drank the wine, but it was nothing more than water. You see every villager reasoned, “I’ll withhold my best wine and substitute water, what with so many cups of wine in the vat, the king will never know the difference!” The problem was, everyone thought the same thing, and the king was greatly dishonored

Palm Sunday is all about a day when the King of Kings was greatly honored. Because people gave the very best they had – gifts of obedience (hold rope), praise (hold palm branch) and sacrifice (hold coat).

The question is, won’t you give him your best too?

Tags: , ,
Posted in Easter, Podcast, Sermons, Sunday Morning Service | No Comments »

He’s Alive

Sunday, April 8th, 2007

Podcast: Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

INTRODUCTION

{show video – “The Easter Story” – http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/567/easter-story-the-/}

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen–by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Acts 10:39-43 (NIV)

Today is the day know as Easter Sunday. It is the day when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, from the dead. It is a subject of the utmost importance to the church and is the expression of our most assuring hope! Sometimes, I think that we’ve gotten so used to saying it, that the actual reality of what we are talking about – the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, from the dead, somehow gets lost in the process! Let us be reminded – as scriptures tell us – that Jesus, the Christ, the only-begotten Son of Almighty God, who after being nailed to the Cross atop Golgotha’s Hill; and, who after experiencing complete and total death; literally came back to life again!

The body that literally rose from the dead was none other than the body of God in human flesh, who died three days previously, for the sin of the entire world – as John exclaimed,

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29 (NIV)

Now, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if we cannot get excited about that, somebody better check our pulses to see if we are still among the living and not “dead men or dead women walking!”

The Christian author, pastor and radio Bible teacher, Rev. Dr. Warren Wendell Wiersbe (Born: 1929), once said, “Easter is the Truth that turns a church from a museum into a ministry.” The most fundamental Truth of the entire Bible – the written Word of Almighty God – is that Jesus, the Christ, rose from the dead! Without the resurrection, the rest of the Bible becomes pretty much meaningless! As a matter of fact, when we read about the “Early Church” in the New Testament Book of Acts, we discover that the resurrected Christ was the topic that she was to proclaim throughout the world! Indeed you can’t read about the Early Church without hearing that message proclaimed over and over and over again. It was the single most influential, motivational, and inspirational event in the entire history of the church! The church would not exist if Jesus had not risen!

Listen, as we read today’s text, one more time, from the New Living Translation (NLT):

“And we Apostles are witnesses of all He did throughout Israel and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by crucifying Him. But God raised Him to life three days later. Then God allowed Him to appear; not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen beforehand to be His witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He ordained us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is ordained of God to be the Judge of all – the living and the dead. He is the One all the Prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name.”
Acts 10:39-43 (NLT)

The Apostle Peter was talking to Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, Captain of the Italian Regiment, and others; and, what he proclaimed so many years ago, is the same thing that we need to be proclaiming today! And that’s what I’m going to do this Easter Sunday morning.

If we can get a handle on the next two concepts that I am going to relate to you, this will be the best Easter Sunday ever: (1) What we need to know! and (2) What we need to do!

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW

There are three specific things that we need to know, whether we are already a Christian “true believer” or if we are thinking about becoming one!

1. Jesus died for everyone of us!
First of all, Jesus, the Christ, died for each and every one of us! Jesus, the Christ, went through an extremely horrible death voluntarily – He chose to die that way – He made the choice because He knew that one day we would be sitting here lost in our sins and in need of a Savior! The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT), tells us:

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

Do you realize the incredible reality of this Truth we can know – that Jesus, the Christ, being the sinless Son of Almighty God, took every sin that you and I would ever commit upon His own shoulders, and took the punishment for those sins that you and I deserved?

Let me put this in perspective for you – you and I both sinned and that has separated us from a God who has never sinned! Almighty God, being a just God, had no choice but to punish us for the sins we committed; but, at the same time, Almighty God who never sinned wanted to close the gap and bring us into a right relationship with Himself!

So, He decided that instead of punishing us, He would place the punishment for sin upon His Son, who had done nothing wrong, so that the price would be paid, and we could come into a right relationship with Him. I’m reminded of the chorus we sing entitled, “You Are My King,” by Billy James Foote: “Amazing Love, how can it be. That you, my King, would die for me?”"

Jesus, the Christ, was our substitute upon the Cross at Calvary – the death that we deserved for our sin, was placed upon Him! We were placed on trial for the sins we have committed, and we were found guilty! The punishment for that sin we were found guilty of was death; but, even though we were guilty, God paid the price for all of us! He made it possible for us to break free of the shackles of sin, or the penalty of sin, and escape the punishment for sin. When we place our trust in Jesus we walk out of the “Eternal Courtroom” as free men and women without the stain of sin on our records! We have been totally and completely set free from condemnation and from guilt – because Jesus, the Christ, while we were yet sinners, died for us! That’s something that the Lord really thought we needed to know today!

2. Jesus rose for us!
Secondly, Jesus, the Christ rose for us! Easter, my friends, contrary to our modern-day society, is not about the Easter Bunny – it is all about Almighty God – in human flesh – literally rising from the dead; and, proving that He is exactly who He claimed to be! After Jesus, the Christ, had been crucified, the women went to His tomb, and met two angels there!

Listen to the Gentile physician, Luke, as he records the event in Luke 24:6-7:

6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
Luke 24:6-7 (NIV)

This is a question that we need to ask of ourselves – “Don’t we remember?” Don’t we remember that this same Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus, the Christ, who died for us has also risen for us? Don’t we remember that His victory over death is proof positive that everything else He claimed about Himself is true?

Don’t we remember that Jesus, the Christ, cared about us so much that He not only died on the Cross at Calvary as our substitute; but, that He returned for us so that we could be with him forever and ever? Jesus, the Christ rose for us – that’s something that the Lord thought we really needed to know today!

3. Jesus cares for us!
Thirdly, Jesus, the Christ, cares for us! On Easter Sunday, the church nearly always has people in attendance who do not usually come to church; and, I think that is a wonderful thing – I truly am glad for each and every one who is here today! There is no way that I could possibly know what everyone’s life circumstances are; and, I can’t possibly know what each and everyone believes about God! However, no matter where we are in life today, I cannot impress upon you enough that whether you are a “true believer” in Jesus, the Christ; or, an atheist; or, someone who has tried to please God your entire life; or, someone who doesn’t really care what Almighty God thinks – none of those things have any bearing on the fact that Jesus, the Risen One, cares for us!

This God – in human flesh – who died on the Cross at Calvary and rose from the dead, is the same God who wants you to know that there is nothing that you could possibly do or say that would change the fact that He is deeply, intimately in love with you! Do you need proof of His care for you? Look at the Cross at Calvary – isn’t that enough? It should be; but, if it is not, consider His love for those who were hassled and helpless; consider His care for those who were caught up in the most vile acts of sin; consider His provision for those who had nothing to eat, no place to stay; consider His miracles performed for those who were blind, lame, and oppressed by the society in which they lived!

If that is not enough to prove that Jesus, the Christ, cares for you, consider the promise that He makes to you right now: that if you will only believe, He will forgive every bad thing you have ever thought; every sin you have ever committed; every bit of guilt that has plagued you from your past! He promises that He not only loves and cares for you now; but, that He wants to love and care for you for all of Eternity! He tells us in John 3:16-17

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Tell me, friends, “Are you ready to accept His care for you today?” Simply believe and you will receive everything that He has promised! The Lord thought that this was something we really needed to know today!

Now, let’s examine what we need to do, shall we?

WHAT SHALL WE DO?

1. We need to die to ourselves!
First of all, we need to die to ourselves! This is the hardest thing that we could ever do; yet, it is doable! And more than that, it is something that Jesus calls all who would follow Him to do! In other words, it is a necessary part of being a Christian “true believer” – a Christ follower – and, what Jesus, the Christ, calls us to accomplish, He also gives us the power to get done!

The Apostle Matthew, in Matthew 16:24, records these words:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

To “take up your cross” means to die to self – to “die to self” means that we are no longer going to be number one!

Theologically speaking, it is an act of identifying with what Jesus did on the Cross at Calvary! Practically speaking, it is coming to the realization that Jesus, the Christ, is Lord; accepting Him as the Savior of our lives; and, allowing Him to take first place from that point forward!

2. We need to live for Jesus!
Secondly, we need to live for Jesus, the Christ! To live for Jesus, the Christ, means that we are now going to consider what He wants from us first, what His desire is for our lives – what kind of student, what kind of employee, what kind of father, what kind of mother, and so on, does He expect us to be? We must simply acknowledge that because we have died to self, Jesus is in charge and the fruit of our lives will be evidence of that! Do you know the secret to living for Christ? Follow the two greatest commandments – the only ones that Jesus thought important enough to emphasize. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.”

3. We need to rise with Christ!
I don’t know if any of you knew this; but, the late Prime Minister and British Statesman, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (1874 – 1965), arranged his own funeral. There were stately hymns in St Paul’s Cathedral, in London, England, that day; and, there was an impressive liturgy. But, at the end of the service, Sir Churchill had an unusual event planned. When they said the benediction, a bugler high in the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral on one side, played “Taps,” the universal signal that the day is over! There was a long pause – then, a bugler on the other side played “Reveille,” the military wake-up call! It was Sir Churchill’s way of communicating that, while we say “Good Night” here, it is “Good Morning” up there!

You see, church, Sir Churchill believed in Jesus, the Christ, who said to Martha, in John 11:25-26:

25 … “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26 (NIV)

If you are indeed a Christian “true believer,” you are promised that like Jesus here is going to come a point in time when you will experience the resurrection of the dead! We can trust in that promise because it was made by the One who has already died and come back to life!

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:20 tells the church at Corinth and us:

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:20 (NIV)

Jesus, the Christ, is the first in a long line of people who are going to be raised to life when the alarm goes off on that eternal spring morning. My hope and my prayer, today, is that if you haven’t already done so, you will turn your life over to Him, so that you can join with us together and be one of them!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I counted it up and discovered that this is my 34th Easter Sunday. The first few, I didn’t really know what it was about! And, in point of fact, even as I grew a little older, I have to admit that the Easter Bunny and the Easter Basket, filled with candy, had more of an impact on my life than the resurrection of Jesus! However, there finally came that point in time when I had to wrestle with the fact of the ressurection in my mind and in my heart! I had to decide whether what Jesus, the Christ, had done, and is presently doing, was enough for me to give my life over to Him!

My decision was “Yes,” He had proven to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that He was the only One worthy enough to hold my life in His hands – He was the only One worthy enough of my dedication to Him – He was the only One worthy enough of my worship – “Worthy Is The Lamb!” Since that day things have never been the same!

Before I finish this morning I want to ask, “Have you come to your own decision concerning Jesus?” It is the most important decision that you will ever make – why? Because your answer will determine your future life – one of everlasting torment in the Lake of Fire or one of everlasting joy with Almighty God forever! Only you can make that decision – nobody else can do it for you and it must be made while the blood is still running warm in your veins! None of us are promised tomorrow! So, tell me, “What will your choice be?”

{Show Video “tombwatchers” http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/1255/tomb-watchers}

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Easter, Podcast, Sermons, Sunday Morning Service | No Comments »

What’s So Good about Friday

Friday, April 6th, 2007

Podcast: Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(Note to readers/listeners of this message: This Good Friday message was a multimedia presentation. I created three video narratives where the text accompanied images. I also included clips from sermonspice.com that were interspersed throughout the message. There was also participation in congregational worship at various points in the message [indicated in this text]. The audio is taken from the videos I made, from two of the sermonspice.com clips, and from the few times I did speak live. None of the worship choruses are included in the audio.)

{Show video “Put to Death” (from sermonspice.com)}

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death,…Romans 6:23 (NIV)

{Worship
? Nothing but the Blood}

Reflection

(from “WhatSoGoodAboutFriday clip#1)
Today we’re going to take some time to think about Jesus. Actually we’re going to think about the cross (pause) where Jesus died. Have you thought about the cross lately? Have you thought about your sin lately? Have you thought about why we call this Friday, at this time of year, every year that we recognize it – good?

What was good about a man’s friend betraying him with a kiss? What was good about the rest of His friends fleeing into the night – leaving Him to the mercy of a hostile mob? What was good about a man coming before a trial of judges made up of priests, and religious leaders – accusing him of blasphemy and condemning Him to death? What was good about that?

Have you thought about the claims Jesus made lately?

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Matthew 26:63-64 (NIV)

Was this claim what sealed his death sentence?

Those around Him knew Him to be a man, there was nothing supernatural about His appearance. He got hungry, he got tired, He wept, He laughed, He felt pain.

Yet those closest to Him knew Him for something more – yes He was fully man, but they also saw in Him the signature of deity.

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:15-18 (NIV)

He healed the sick, the blind gained sight, the lame walked, the possessed were freed. He walked on water, He made a banquet out of a lunch, He woke up the dead from their final sleep! Certainly there was legitimacy to this claim of Christ, the Son of God. God Himself.

But then, what is so good about Friday? What is so good about God surrendering to a rabble, submitting to a mockery of a trial – being spit on, cursed upon, pushed around, whipped, dragged through torture, paraded as a criminal and nailed to a cross. That kind of God really doesn’t inspire much confidence does he? Does he?
{Worship
? All Hail King Jesus (D)
? Holy, Holy, Holy (D)}

Jesus claimed He came to give life (What’sSoGoodAboutFriday Clip #2)

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:7-10 (NIV)

Came to give life, and life… more…abundantly. Jesus not only claimed to offer life – but life fuller than people knew. A complete life.

But then, what is so good about Friday? What is so good about this man full of life, who offers this full life, being put to death on a cross. To death. A complete death. Please…don’t tell me the nails, the crown of thorns, the lashing of whip lined with metal to tear the flesh, the scorching sun, the relentless thirst, and a being staked on a proven instrument of death … didn’t kill Jesus. He was dead. He was dead.

What is so good about Friday? What is so good about death?

{Show Video “I Wonder” from sermonspice.com}

{Worship
? Above All (A) [Starting with Chorus "crucified, laid behind a stone..."]}

Jesus also said… (What’sSoGoodAboutFriday Clip #3)

...”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus claimed He was the way

…the way to the Father, the way to life, the way to heaven, the way to peace, the way to salvation.

Here is what is so good about Friday. Jesus could have chosen to remain aloof, stay in heaven – being God it was, it is, within His power to do so; God could have chosen to abandon this broken world, it’s broken people, to the curse of sin and given up on us – God could have even decided to start over, to try again.

But He didn’t.

What is good about Friday, isn’t what God did – it isn’t the fact that Jesus came to earth – fully God and fully human – to walk among us. It isn’t that He endured the betrayal of those closest to Him. It isn’t that He allowed the travesty of a staged trial cast undeserved slurs and charges upon Him. It isn’t that He was dragged off to Pilate, beaten, whipped, spit upon, stripped naked, or mocked. It isn’t good because the same crowd that welcomed Him a week ago shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna” was now screaming “Crucify Him, Crucify Him”. It isn’t good because of his death in the most cruel form of capital punishment known in the Roman world.

No friends,

What is good about Friday is one thing only…

{show video “all for love” from sermonspice.com}

{Worship
? You are My King (D) [start with chorus "Amazing Love, how can it be..."]}

{Show PowerPoint picture of the Cross}
{Spoken Live}

CONCLUSION

Yes, friends – what was good, what is good about the Friday before Easter is that everything occurred that day because of God’s love for you, for me. It was love that brought Him to this planet as Jesus, it was love that carried Him to the cross as the way of ending once and for all the death grip of sin on every single one of us. Because of His love we now have a choice. We can choose to remain in the curse of sin and it’s death, or we can choose to receive the gift of life in Jesus Christ.

It is God’s love that not only dealt with sin but brought and brings new life to every single follower of Jesus Christ. It is God’s love that enables us to walk in relationship with Him through the work and presence of the Holy Spirit in every believer’s heart. It is God love that is what is good about Friday.

Have you thought about the cross lately, Have you thought about your sin lately, Have you thought about God’s love lately?

{Worship
? The Old Rugged Cross
? Forever Grateful (G)
? I Cry Holy, Holy, Holy God (G)
? I Stand in Awe of You (G)
? I Cry Holy (reprise)}

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Easter, Podcast, Sermons, Sunday Morning Service | No Comments »

Easter: More than it Seems

Sunday, April 16th, 2006

Podcast: Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Read at beginning of service:

John 20:1-18 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

(show Easter “man on the street” video)

On the surface, for most people Easter is just another “holiday” ? one that has many different interpretations of how to celebrate it that come out of different traditions and customs in different cultures through history. Some of you may be familiar with some of these traditions such as the one that includes an Easter “bunny” and decorated eggs. That particular tradition can be traced back to Ancient Saxons (in the area now known as Great Britain) and their worship of the Saxon version of the Germanic lunar goddess Ostara who Saxons named Eostre. I?m not going to spend much time going through all these traditions but I encourage you ? if you have internet access to take an opportunity to investigate some of these traditions/customs that are followed. You may be surprised by some of the history. Whatever it?s roots and however it got started, at some point in history Easter became significant to Christians as the time of year when we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of Christ is a historical fact; it wasn?t done in secret. The whole city of Jerusalem and the whole Roman Empire knew about it. It was news! There are at least 15 historical references to Jesus meeting people, touching people, and talking with people after he had been crucified. On one occasion he cooked breakfast for some people. Another time he spoke to nearly 500 folks after He had risen from the dead. There were numerous witnesses to His resurrection.

Friends, Jesus rose from the dead, He is who He said He was, He has the power He said He had, and He keeps the promises He makes. So what? Why does the resurrection matter? What difference does it make? Why is it something that we return to every year at Easter to talk about? (perhaps show cartoon) Well, today, my hope is that by the end of this message I?ll be able to show you that the resurrection isn?t just about what Jesus did 2000+ years ago ? He didn?t just display his power to kick start the early church and get people excited about their leader. Yes, His resurrection is a declaration of victory over death and sin but the beautiful implications of His resurrection have direct application to our lives today and remind us that God has a plan. You see, Easter is more than it seems!

Read Matthew 27:62-28:20

Matthew 27:62-28:20 (NIV)

62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 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. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 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.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” 11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

If there?s anything that the Resurrection demonstrates ? it?s?

1. God hasn?t left the scene ? he?s making an even bigger one!

The followers of Christ had experienced a great tragedy on Friday, Jesus had been brutally betrayed, put through a mockery of a trial and finally tortured and crucified. The incredible journey they had been through with this charismatic person came to an abrupt end ? one that Jesus? had regularly mentioned was coming ? but nevertheless one that still seemed to catch His followers off guard. In many ways it looked like God had vacated the scene.

I wonder what the women who went and visited Jesus? tomb expected to find?

A dead body

There was no doubt about it. When Jesus was taken down from the cross ? He was dead. The same women on their way to the tomb had witnessed His death on the cross. The apostle John records that the soldiers found Him already dead when they went to break the legs of those who had been crucified to speed up their death. One of the soldiers even pierced the side of Jesus just to make sure. Mark records that when the Roman Governor, Pilate, heard about Jesus? death he was surprised that He had died so quickly and summoned a Roman soldier to verify the news. Then Pilate gave permission to a follower of Christ named Joseph of Arimathea to take the body of Jesus and lay Him in a burial tomb. Everyone who was involved in the events of that day knew Jesus was dead. And so this was something the women expected they?d find when they were on their way to the tomb.

Hopelessness

Something shared by all Jesus? followers was an overwhelming sense of hopelessness with the crucifixion of Christ. No doubt as the women (and later other disciples) made the journey to the tomb they were expecting a new wave of this despair to hit them again and again.

His death was a blow to faith

It just didn?t make sense, Jesus was the Messiah ? the promised one of God ? the hope of the world, the one who would make wrong right and forgives sins and heal infirmities. Certainly they believed in Him ? yet, He?s dead.

His death was a blow to their hope for freedom.

Dashed to pieces were any thoughts of Israel?s return to her former glory when Jesus? dealt with the foreign people occupying God?s land. What about freedom from their seeming purposeless lives? When Jesus walked and talked among them He breathed fresh news of purpose and value in the eyes of God for those who believed. What about freedom from oppressive religion? Jesus, was a source of encouragement for those who had been shackled by the chains of sin and failure imposed by the religious leaders of His day. Jesus gave people a sense of belonging and hope that somehow the mistakes of their past could be forgiven by God. Then He died.

His death was a blow to their hope for a good future.

His followers dreamed of the coming Kingdom of God and their place in this kingdom. They dreamed of a world set right and full of joy. Their time spent with Him had been a glimpse at the wonders of God?s kingdom with the many miracles of Christ. But now Jesus? followers are in hiding ? they are scattered. The popularity of Christ has dissipated and His followers are hunted, harried, and humiliated. Afraid for their lives they begin to wonder what kind of future they have now? Will they return to their former trades and places of work? Is everything they?ve experienced just a dream? Their hopes for the future have been left at the cross that Jesus hung on.

Not only were the women experiencing and expecting a wave of hopelessness and despair to hit them as they approached the tomb. But also,

Difficulty

How would they roll away the stone in front of the tomb?

What about the soldiers guarding the tomb?

Then there was just the plain difficulty of working through their grief and sorrow on the way to the tomb and the same expected long journey back again.

But here?s what Jesus? followers didn?t expect!

No body in the tomb!

Jesus wasn?t dead, he was alive.

To have their hope restored

As the angel shared the good news and when they encountered Jesus face to face multiple times?

The followers of Christ had their faith in God and in Christ restored.

The followers of Christ had their hope for freedom reestablished.

The followers of Christ had their hope for good future reinstated.

To be running back with incredible joy.

The resurrection demonstrated to the followers of Christ on that day that God hadn?t left the scene ? He was just making a bigger one.

Friends, I don?t know how many of you have felt like God has left the scene in your life. Maybe you have situations, or circumstances in your experience where you find death or expect it, where you face hopelessness, or where things have just gotten incredibly difficult. I don?t know how many of you can describe your relationships that way, your marriage, your feelings with yourself or your children, or your parents, or your family. Maybe there?s something that?s happened in the your past that keeps giving off that ugly stench of death. Abuse, failure, dashed dreams or a broken heart. Maybe you?re going through a time of indecision in your life, you?re between jobs, in a job you don?t like, about to start a career you?re not sure of. Maybe there?s been an illness in your life or in someone you love and it?s crippled and sucked the joy out of living. Or perhaps when you look at the world around you there are so many overwhelming awful things happening, lawlessness, poverty, hunger, aids, the avian-flu, terrorism that it makes your future look scary.

Are there times where it looks like God has left the scene? Do you feel that way right now? Well the resurrection demonstrates that God hasn?t left the scene ? he?s about to make an even bigger one! You see?if there?s anything the resurrection demonstrates it?s that?

2. God has a plan!

God never planned for all the suffering and despair, and pain in the world today. He never planned that His creation would go through so much junk. He never wanted that for us. In the story of creation we learn how death, suffering, and pain entered into the world through the bad choice of our ancestors Adam and Eve. Sin, and rebellion against God has the natural consequence of all the evil and bad we experience in the world today. Everything from a Category 5 hurricane to a broken heart is the result of the world run amok because of sin. God didn?t want Adam and Eve to sin ? but He has a plan to make it right. He has a plan to deal with their mistake. He has a plan to correct their failure. He has a plan to restore things the way they should be. The crucifixion and the resurrection is the stamp that seals that plan forever. Brothers and sisters, God has a plan for your life?

He has a plan?

?to take despair and give hope

?to take a lost cause and make it a cause worth fighting for.

?to take the foolish and make them wise

?to take the defeated and make them conquerors

?to take the doubters and make them believers.

?to take failures and make them winners

?to take our deepest hurts and make them our greatest helps

?to take death and create life.

No matter what consequence of sin you live with in your life, God has a plan.

His plan includes?

Forgiving your past

Have you ever been halfway through a project and wished you could start over? A lot of times people feel that way about life. They get halfway through and wish they could start over. We have all done things we wish we hadn?t done, said things we wish we hadn?t said, and thought things we wish we hadn?t thought. We all have regrets. We all feel bad about things. We all have guilt.

There are a lot of people who can?t get on with the present and the future because they?re stuck in the past. Some guilt or regret has tied them down.

Here?s the good news,

Colossians 2:14 (NIV)

14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

This is God?s pardon program. Jesus nailed it all to the cross. He paid for my guilt. That means I don?t have to pay for it. He wants to forgive your past. He wants to cancel every debt you owe ? emotional debts, relational debts, sins. All cancelled. His plan includes?

Grappling with your present problems

The number one complaint most people have today is this: “My life is out of control.” Have you ever heard these statements (or made them yourself)?

I feel powerless to change the situation?

I feel powerless to break a bad habit?

I feel powerless to save a relationship?

I feel powerless to get out of debt?

I feel powerless to manage my schedule?

What you need is a power greater than yourself. You were never meant to live this life on your own power. God wants to have a relationship with you. And here?s the good news,

Ephesians 1:18-20 (NIV)

18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

The same power that enabled Jesus to rise from the dead will help you rise above your problems. The same power God used at the Resurrection 2000 years ago can be used in Your life right now. You don?t know what the future holds ? neither do I. But it doesn?t matter, because even though it?s out of my control, it?s not out of God?s. He has a plan. He will give me the power to face it.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

No problem is too big for God. No situation is hopeless if you?ll turn it over to him. “I am ready for anything through the power of positive thinking?” No, it doesn?t say that. “I am ready for anything because I psyched myself up?” No. “I am ready for anything through the strength of Christ, who lives in me.

God hasn?t left the scene?he?s about to make a bigger one. God has a plan! But most importantly, if there?s anything the resurrection demonstrates it?s?

3. Our choice what happens with God?s plan in our lives

Matthew records that the religious leaders were concerned about the disciples taking the dead body of Christ and create a hoax about Him coming back to life. So they made their own plans and had soldiers seal the tomb and guard it. No doubt they expected that the sealed tomb and posted guards would prevent any false claims of Jesus? resurrection. There?s one thing they hadn?t counted on ? that the real thing would occur!

They probably expected that in the morning the guards would report either an uneventful evening ? where there was just the usual mourning taking place ? or a confrontation with ? where they prevented the stealing of a body. Either way, they were sure the “Jesus” problem was dealt with. They thought that this claim Jesus made of rising again would be exposed for the lie it was. But they hadn?t accounted for God?s plan. What?s incredibly sad is that when the soldiers shared this astonishing tale of God?s plan in motion the leaders chose to ignore the reality of God at work and began to make their own plans to cover-up the truth.

Matthew 28:12-15 (NIV)

12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day

You see, even though God has a plan it?s our choice whether we embrace it for our lives.

We can choose to believe or choose to reject,

We can choose to confess or choose to cover-up

We can choose to give-in or give-up

We can choose to die to live or live to die

We can choose to be found or choose to be lost

We can choose to be healed or choose to be hurt

CONCLUSION

Oh, there?s so much more to Easter than it seems. What will your choice be this morning with the truth of the resurrection of Christ staring at you in the face? Now some of you may be saying ? I want to believe God hasn?t left the scene, I want to trust that God has a plan, I want to choose His plan for my life, my marriage, my family, my job, my hurts, my failings, my mess-ups, my mistakes, my problems?but pastor what?s next? What happens outside of this service, after I?ve gone home and face all these things. How do I translate those choices into actions in my life? How do I discover His plan and do my part?

Isn?t the “how” a major question that that needs to be dealt with? It?s one thing to know that God has a plan, it?s nice to talk about the difference he can make in my life. It?s important to make a decision to believe this and embrace it. But all I?ve talked about this morning is in very general terms. Each of us have our own “how?” question that deals with the specific circumstance of our individual lives. Well the ?how? of Easter and everything I?ve said is deeply tied to something Jesus said after his resurrection and just before His ascension,

Luke 24:46-49 (NIV)

46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The astounding facts of the gospel are all the more astonishing because they were prophesied hundreds of years earlier, and all the more wondrous because the disciples experienced them. Perhaps what makes them absolutely awe-inspiring is that we too are witnesses of these things today when we experience the resurrected Lord and Saviour.

The ?how? of Easter is connected to the promise Jesus made as recorded by Luke. How do we experience Jesus today? How do we discover the meaning and significance of the gospel? How do we see God?s plan carried out in our individual circumstances and worked out in our lives? Just like those first disciples, we too are called to witness to this life-giving reality to all nations. Jesus says, “Wait. Don?t do it! Stay here until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

What power was He talking about? Whatever it is, it?s the kind of power that will propel the proclamation of the gospel and carry out God?s plan. In the parallel passage in Acts 1:8, Jesus says just that:

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

It?s the Holy Spirit who makes the witness effective. It?s the Holy Spirit who supplies the ?how? and ?so-what? for the gospel. It?s the Holy Spirit who reveals and works out God?s plan in our lives. Our broken human minds are darkened, our hearts are hardened (Ephesians 4:18); our eyes are blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4) until the Holy Spirit opens them, enlightens us and gives us life.

In fact, a lot of the ?so-what? and ?how? stuff of God?s plan only begins to make sense when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives. Taking the miracle of the resurrection and making it alive in our hearts, taking the power of the gospel and making it effective in our lives, taking the wisdom of Scripture and causing God?s Word to become alive in us: these are all the work of the Holy Spirit.

Are you looking for the answers to your own “how” questions? Are you hungry for the difference God can make in your life? All the guidance, direction, and purpose you need for your life is found in the Holy Spirit.

Next week we?re going to begin exploring this mysterious member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, in a hands-on, down-to-earth series called The Coach in Your Corner. God has a plan and has sent us a personal Coach to help us live it out. I hope you?ll welcome the opportunity to discover with us for the next seven weeks how God has designed a plan to help you fulfill His purpose for your life!

Today I?ve shown you that Easter isn?t all it seems to be. Certainly, the people in Jesus? day experienced this. And we can experience this in our own life. God hasn?t left the scene ? He?s about to make a bigger one. God has a plan. And it?s your choice what happens with God?s plan in your life.

(Show video, God has a plan)

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Easter, Sermons, Sunday Morning Service | No Comments »

« Older Entries