Hopefully making theology simpler to understand! (2 Corinthians 1:12)

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Our elder, Bill Swenson, delivered the Sunrise Sermon this year. Enjoy.

Easter Sunrise Sermon

Why do we celebrate Easter/Resurrection Sunday?

Because Jesus was raised from the dead?
Jesus was not the only one to rise from the dead.

Old Testament:

1. Elijah raised a widows son. 1 Kings 17
2. Elisha raised a Shunamite’s son. 2 Kings 4
3. A man was thrown into Elisha’s bones. 2 Kings 13:21 

New Testament:

1. Peter raised Tabitha aka Dorcas. Acts 9
2. Paul raised Eutychus. Acts 20
3. Jesus raised a widows son. Luke 7
4. Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter. Luke 8
5. Jesus raised Lazarus. John 11
6. God raised Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15
7. Saints raised with Jesus. Matt 21

What made Jesus special?

1. He prophesied it. Matt. 12:38-40
   1. This is why guards were placed at the tomb. Matt 27:62-64
2. He was raised immortal. Romans 6:9
   1. With a physical form though a spiritual body. 1 cor 15:44, John 20:27

Why does it matter? Or as Paul says in 1 Cor. 15:16-19

What is to be pitied about being a Christian?

• Look at Paul’s life 2 Cor. 11:24-27
• Trouble is promised to us. John 15:20, 16:33

Why do Christians endure this? Why sign up for it?

Past

1. Rom 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
2. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
3. Colossians 2:14 “by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Present

1. 2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2. 1 Cor 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
3. Phil 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Future

1. Rev 20:15. “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
2. Rom 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. Matt 6:19-21. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
4. Persecution breeds reward. Matt 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Rev 21:3-4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Because Jesus was raised, our sins are forgiven.

Because Jesus was raised, we are a new creation.
Because Jesus was raised, we will dwell eternally with God!

Hallelujah! He is Risen!

Easter Service