Easter is not just a great event or a historical fact, but we have a chance to participate and cross paths with the greatest story ever told.
The difference between a great story and a sad story is the ending.
1 Corinthians 15 MSG
The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him; and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence. 10-11 But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. So whether you heard it from me or from those others, it’s all the same: We spoke God’s truth and you entrusted your lives.
The story of Jesus was revealed and is passed on.
He still wants to visit those whom he loves.
What we did doesn’t stand in the way of what Christ already did!
It’s Gods goodness that leads us to repentance.
Heb 12:2 ESV SLIDE
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. author and finisher of our story.
Jesus’ death was not the End of the Story, but His resurrection is just the beginning of your story.
Our encounters with Jesus give us a story to tell.
Luke 24:1-9 ESV
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went (returned) to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember (Remember) how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told (response) all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
- *Return to the things that you think are dead and watch Christ bring them to life. *
Don’t be so quick to bury the things that God wants to resurrect.
Ephesians 1:18-20
I pray 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 his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
*2. Remember what He has already spoke. *
It Is Finished!!
The Words of God over want to have the FINAL SAY over your life!!
*3. Respond to His invitation. *
Our encounter qualifies us to be a witness. Our story becomes an invitation.
Romans 8:11 NLT
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Discussion Questions:
1- What are some of your favorite Easter traditions? What is your ealiest Easter memories? How has Easter changed for you over the years?
2- Read Hebrews 12:2. What does this verse mean to you? How does knowing that Jesus is your author encourage you with what is going on in oyur life?
3- What is one thing in your life that has been lost, or broken that You want Jesus to bring life too?
4- Discuss the term “It Is Finished.” What does this mean for you? How does this phrase effect your life and other peoples words over you?
5- In 1-2 minutes briefly share your story of redemption.