SERMON - EASTER SUNDAY CHRISTIANITY BORN

Easter Sunday

Christianity Born

A reading from Luke:

Luke 24:1   Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 

  Luke 24:2   And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 

  Luke 24:3   And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 

  Luke 24:4   And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 

  Luke 24:5   And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 

  Luke 24:6   He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, 

  Luke 24:7   Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. 

Here you have it! Herein is the basis of the Christian faith clearly stated’ The women were seeking our Lord in order to embalm Him in ways of their time. He had been crucified and entombed after His death on the cross. Our Lord had lived, walked amongst men, had performed miracles. Was betrayed, suffered a horrible death, but now had risen!

Our Heavenly Father had sent His Son to us, as had been prophesied many times in the Old Testament, had seen to it that Jesus Christ had arisen from the dead !

Brothers and sister there has yet to see a religion based on such a miraculous act as this!

Looking into the premises of Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Islam, B’hai, or any man made ‘religion, none have had any hint of God living among man, suffering death and being resurrected.  While Jesus was of Jewish origin even Judaism does not recognize His resurrection after crucifixion.

It is only WE, true Christian believers, that truly believe Jesus Christ is a Person of God. Only WE accept His lessons of love, compassion, and truth as the basis of our core beliefs. WE accept His death as a sacrifice for the sins of man and are willing to testify of our belief. We have the duty, imposed by Jesus Christ, to bring others to share in the joy of belief in Him.

We, AS Christians, hear arguments that seek to disparage our faith. Sadly, non-believers try to deny the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  Matthew 28:11   Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 

  Matthew 28:12   And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 

  Matthew 28:13   Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 

  Matthew 28:14   And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 

  Matthew 28:15   So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 

We hear complete denials based on nothing more than a lack of belief are utter hardheadedness.

Regardless of the statement of others we know the truth. We know that God loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to make sacrifice for our sinfulness. For this WE celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why, others may ask?   Our answer is, with a joy filled voice, “because it is by the Blood of Jesus Christ that WE are saved!

Now, just for your understanding, I ask that you read Luke 24:1-7 again. (beginning of the sermon)

After reading Luke I ask that you sit back, close your eyes and try to imagine what it had to feel like to go to a tomb and be told the person you came to embalm had risen from the dead and was alive again!

Imagine the feelings of confusion, almost disbelief, and emotional feelings of that morning. Then imagine the utter JOY as those women realized that EVERYTHING Jesus had told them really happened!

The feelings of joy experienced that day, by both the women and by the apostles is the exact joyous feelings every Christian is entitled to experience every day, and for the rest of your life!

From this day forward if anyone asks you why you are happy being Christian simply tell them what Jesus told His believers after His resurrection:

Jesus said: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.”

Repentance is to turn from something to something else.  Turn from sin as you turn to Jesus Christ!

  

HALLELUJAH – HE IS RISEN AND WILL REIGN FOREVERMORE!

(Closing prayer)

Almighty God, Creator of all there is, we praise You and we worship You. You are our God and there is no other.

Lord, we celebrate Your resurrection as we praise Your gift of salvation You will bestow on those who believe in You and accept Your gift of eternal life with You.

The joy we feel as we come to You is only dampened by the knowledge that we cannot get everyone we deal with to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Father we ask that You fill us with You Holy Spirit to place words in our mouths so that when we testify we capably display our Christian beliefs and are harbingers of an eternal life with You in Paradise.

Father, we ask that You protect our military, that You enlighten those who are elected as representative, protect our police officials, and comfort those Christians under oppression.

These things we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is one with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever,

Amen, amen and amen

-- 

Pastor Lee S Gliddon Jr
God's Word Christian Ministry
Conservative Patriot http://conpats.blogspot.com