Easter was the greatest event that ever happened. In fact, it’s the focal point of history. All of history is divided into A.D. and B.C. by this event. What makes it so special? Why is it such a big deal? Why will over a billion people celebrate Easter this weekend around the world?
Because it proved who Jesus was. Jesus made some really outrageous claims when He was here on earth. He said things like, “I’m God. If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen God. I’ve come to the earth in human form so you can get to know what God is like.”
Things like, “I’m the only way to heaven. I’m the way, the truth, and the light.” Then He said, “I’m going to prove that what I said was true by letting them crucify Me on the cross and I’ll die for your sin and three days later I’m going to raise Myself back to life.”
That’s exactly what He did on Easter. He came back to life. He walked around the streets of Jerusalem for a while and people said, “He’s back….”
But the big issue is, So what? What are the implications for me over 2000 years later? Why would I care?
1 Peter 1:3 -“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
Because Jesus is alive we have hope! A living Hope, not a dead hope.
Hope – expectation, trust, confidence.
Because Jesus is alive, I expect, I trust, I have a confidence that
- God Has a Purpose For My Life
God never created anything without a purpose.
Hebrews 13:20- “And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will…”
This gives me hope to know this life isn’t meaningless, I’m not meaningless!
Ephesians 2:10- “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
YOU’RE NOT MEANINGLESS, YOU’RE A MASTERPIECE!!!
You’re a Masterpiece crafted by the Masters Hand!
THE HOPE OF EASTER!
AND HERE’S SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
If God can raise Jesus three day dead body back to life there’s nothing He can’t work our for your good and for His purpose!
The Hope of Easter, God has a purpose for my life. AND BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE
II. God Has a Power For My Life
The reason you need a power to live on is because life is tough. Especially now for many people. LIFE IS TOUGH.
You need a power to live on and a purpose to live for.
Philippians 4:13- “And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.”
Are you running on empty?
Colossians 1:11 – “And we pray that you would be energized with all his explosive power from the realm of his magnificent glory, filling you with great hope.”
If you’re tired, you just need to get plugged into the source. Of course you’re tired. You’ve been trying to handle life all on your own power. No wonder!
How do you get that power? By developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 40:29-31- “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
THE HOPE OF EASTER- A purpose live for and a power to live on!
AND BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE
III. God Has a Presence For My Life
In Matthew 28, the RESURRECTED JESUS is giving the disciples some final instructions before leaving this earth.
Matthew 28:20- “…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Promise of Easter is the Promise of God’s Presence in your life! You never have to be alone again. You never have to feel alone again.
Hebrews 13:5- “…for you always have God’s presence. For hasn’t he promised you,
“I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!”
BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE I HAVE A PRESENCE TO LIVE WITH!
CONCLUSION:
Because Jesus is ALIVE I have a PURPOSE to live for, a POWER to live on and a PRESENCE to live with!
How Should I Respond?
Romans 6:13 ”Give yourselves completely to God…to be used for his good purposes.”
THE BIBLE SAYS
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”