Resurrection

It is Easter. This is the day when all of Christendom celebrates the reality of the Resurrection. Today I had the privilege of preaching at the Community Easter Sunrise Service. The rain held off, though it was cold, we even could see some of the sunrise. You could hear the river in the background and their were geese flying overhead. It was truly beautiful. I am so fortunate to live where I do.

Here is the sermon outline from this morning. The text is John11 the story of the resurrection of Lazarus.

17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.



21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."


23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

24Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."


25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."


38Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39"Take away the stone," he said.



"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."


40Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"


41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

43When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.


Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

This passage has reminders for us on this Easter Sunday morning.

1.  We need to listen and hear the voice of God
     a.  We need time alone with God ... prayer
     b.  We need daily time in God's Word.
     c.  We need regular corporate worship.

2.  We need to follow the voice of God
      a.  Giving
      b.  Serving

3.  Celebrate the voice of God
    a.  Live a life of thankfulness
    b.  Live a life that gives proof to God

Jesus still stands at the door of the tomb and calls us to come out. It is time for us to come out of the tomb.
Come out of the darkness
Come out of the fear
Come out of discouragement
Come out of the bondage of the past

It is time to come out of the tomb and step into new life and light. Resurrection is not just a possibility but a life changing reality. May this be a day of celebration for you. Happy Resurrection Day!

Just Connie