1. Introduction: Luke 22:1 24:52
A. For some, Easter is a day for family, bunnies, chocolate and eggs. For others, it's the end of spring break, a week of kicking back or running wild. For still others, it's a deeply spiritual day, set aside to reflect upon a great miracle that happened long ago. But for those with eyes to see, it's a day that gives us answers to some of life's deepest and most profound questions - answers found in this story of hope and life, the resurrection.
B. This Is A Three-Part Story (Ephesians 1:18-20)
1. I Corinthians 15:1-4
a. Death, Burial, and Resurrection
C. Let s consider some of the answers the Resurrection gives:
2. What's So Bad About A Little Sin?
A. 1 John 3:4 Sin is breaking God s law. Do you ever break God s law?
B. James 4:17 - Sin is when you choose to do something you believe is wrong.
C. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.
D. 1 Peter 2:24 He died for your sins, He took your wages.
E. 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 If he was not resurrected, you are condemned in your sins.
F. The resurrection answers that sin is not a small thing, it is a deadly thing.
3. Can Death Be Beaten? Or Is This All There Is?
A. 2 Timothy 1:10 Christ abolished death
B. Hebrews 2:14 Christ defeated Satan with Death
C. John 11:20-25 Martha and the resurrection of Lazarus Shall never die
D. 1 Corinthians 6:14 God will raise us up
E. 2 Corinthians 15:26 Death will be finally and forever destroyed
F. When I understand the Resurrection, I grieve differently and I spend my time and money differently.
4. How Powerful Is God ?
A. Ephesians 3:20 He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more
B. 2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom, I have believed, and am persuaded, that he is able
C. Romans 8:31-39 God delivered his own son, Christ is risen, therefore nothing
D. When I understand the power of the Resurrection story, I know the only questions are when and how, not IF
5. Conclusion:
A. No one knows when Jesus came out of the grave (What day of the year), but we do know that he did!
B. The resurrection is an historical fact that has tremendous impact upon our lives today, and I believe we have seen some of the pivotal questions of our day answered in this.
1. Sin is bad costly, and deadly to Christ
2. Death not only can, but has been beaten. We look only for it s defeat in our own experience.
3. God is the definition of power. He can destroy you in Hell, or he can deliver you into heaven the choice is yours.