Easter
Pastor Rick Hancock – April 20, 2025
The Cross
*One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” * Luke 23:39-43 NLT
He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way. Matthew 27:43-44 NLT
• From
• To
*For he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. *Romans 3:26 NLT
• What if the criminal on the cross never
• What if a future in heaven wasn’t
The Tomb
*Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. * Matthew 28:5-6 NLT
• What if Jesus were
On the Line:
• Our good news isn’t
• Our faith is
• Our witness is
• Our salvation is a
• Our sins are not
• Our hope of heaven is
*But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. * 1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT
The House
*Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too – and die with Jesus. * John 11:16 NLT
*“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. * John 20:28 NLT
• What if Thomas
*But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world. * Colossians 1:23 NLT
Memory Verse
But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT
Next steps
• I will make a first-time commitment to Jesus.
• I will return to my faith admitting I have drifted away.
• I will continue to walk faithfully with Jesus.