THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

Isaiah 25:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, and Mark 16:1-8.

Introduction

He is risen! He is alive!! Christ is risen... He is risen indeed!!!

On this resurrection day, I invite you to join our discussion on the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude as we celebrate the most significant event in Christian history which is fundamental to the Christian faith: the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The theme of our sermon today is "He is risen."

Bible Exploration

In Isaiah 25:6-9, we are reminded of the great feast prepared by the Lord on Mount Zion, symbolizing the ultimate victory and salvation that God provides for His people. This feast represents the abundance of blessings, joy, and eternal life that await those who believe in the resurrection of Christ. It is a celebration of God's faithfulness, mercy, and redemption.

The passage in 1 Corinthians emphasizes the resurrection message being witnessed by many others. "That he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."

foe resurrection experience gives us confidence to approach God with sincere hearts, full of faith and assurance, knowing that Christ's sacrifice has made a way for us to be reconciled with God.

Turning to the Gospel, we witness the women going into the tomb and encountering "a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed." The instruction given to them was, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

Jesus is risen, He is risen indeed. Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to fulfill God's plan of salvation for humanity. His resurrection not only conquered death but also demonstrated His victory over sin and Satan, offering us the hope of eternal life.

Jesus is Alive

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our faith. It is the assurance of our redemption, the promise of our future glory, and the source of our strength and hope in times of trials. As Christians, we are called to live in the power of the resurrection, knowing that we serve a risen Saviour who reigns forevermore.

Let us reflect on the significance of Christ's resurrection in our lives. It is a reminder that:

1. Death has been defeated: Through Christ's resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life, knowing that death has no power over us. "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

2. Sin has been forgiven: The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness, allowing us to approach God with confidence and receive His grace. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7) Again, "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14).

3. Fear has been conquered: We no longer live in fear but in faith, trusting in God's unfailing love and providence. Jesus says, "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).

4. Hope has been restored: The resurrection gives us hope for the future, knowing that God's promises are trustworthy and true. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time ." (1 Peter 1:3-5)

As we celebrate Easter and proclaim, "He is risen!" let us live as people of resurrection power, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love and salvation. May our lives reflect the transformative power of the resurrection, drawing others to experience the joy and freedom found in Christ alone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let us rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is risen indeed! Amen. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to walk in the light of His resurrection. Amen!

Shalom aleikhem...