Easter Continues #sermon John 20:19-31
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Christ Is Risen Sermon- John 20:1-18
1 Corinthians 15- Death Is Defeated
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28
What is your greatest enemy? Alot of people will say a certain person or group, other people might say money or happiness, but the truth is your greatest enemy is death. No matter who you are or where your from, no matter how much money you have, nobody will escape death because of the curse of sin in this world.
Satan has blinded the mind of this world to accept death as something normal, some even glorify death. We have probably heard the old phrase “there are two guarantees in life, death and taxes” But the truth is death is horrifying and unnatural. We were never designed to die originally, we worship the God of the living and were created to live forever! (Mark 12:27)
So Jesus on the cross, defeated the greatest enemy to mankind, Christ defeated death forever! As the Apostle Paul states “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” When you understand how horrible death is, and how great the gift of grace and salvation is, you understand why this is called the Gospel or Good News!
Many people don’t receive the gospel as Good News because they don’t understand the horror of death and their depraved state. God destroyed death by becoming a man and rising from the dead, a concept so radical that even Satan could not figure it out! Satan thought he was the mastermind to getting the Son of God crucified, when actually Satan accomplished what God was already going to do! God is sovereign, and the head of Satan was crushed at the cross
The Apostle Paul goes on to say “All things are put Under Him” I think Philippians 2 would be great commentary to parallel this teaching, because of the obedience of Christ to the cross, Jesus is exalted the name above every name, every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, on Earth, in Heaven, and in Hell (Philippians 2)
When Jesus rose from the tomb, it was evident that death was defeated forevermore, and one day through Christ , we will rise again to reign forever with God Almighty, Amen!
1 Corinthians 15- Christ The First Fruits
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
Many people ask what was the point of “Holy Days” assigned by God in the Old Testament, well all of them point to Jesus Christ. Today we are going to take a look at the Feast of First Fruits and how Jesus fulfilled this day. Now of course this is not my idea, this was affirmed here by the Apostle Paul, as he states “Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept”
The Jewish audience knew exactly what Paul was referring to when he stated Christ is the firstfruits of all that died. For us Gentiles to understand, we need to understand the Feast of First Fruits mentioned in Leviticus 23. It was observed on Nisan 16 which was 3 days after the Passover! Do you already see the prophetic connection? Passover is the day Jesus died on the cross for our sins, which the Church typically calls “Good Friday”. This of course was the fulfillment of the Passover, as Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Isaiah 53)
It’s not a surprise that on First Fruits, it was required of Israel to provide a spotless lamb (Lev. 23:12) We must also understand that First fruits was about an offering to God. As we know Jesus Christ was the atonement offering for our sins, Christ is the true First Fruits and was confirmed by his resurrection on the 3rd Day which was the feast of First Fruits
Deuteronomy Chapter 26 gives even more details about the Feast of First Fruits, part of the celebration is to remember the Exodus and how delivered Israel from slavery, Jesus Christ again is the fulfillment as Christ has delivered us from the slavery of sin and death (Romans 6:20)
The feast is also a reminder how God delivered Israel to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 26:9) Because of Christ , we are reconciled back to God , and part of the New Covenant to inherit God’s Kingdom including the New Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21) This is a foreshadow of our promise land and deliverance.
Israel had been celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for many years , Christ is our First Fruits, the fulfillment of all things, Amen!
1 Corinthians 15- The Central Theme
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 1 Corinthians 15:12-15
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central theme of Christianity, it’s the central theme of our faith and life. As the Apostle Paul says “If Christ is not rise, your preaching and faith are in vein” If Christ didn’t rise from the dead, then there is no hope for any of us. Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no Christianity, there is no salvation for anyone without the resurrection of Christ
People will often ask, why do we worship on a Sunday? Many will echo conspiracy theories of Roman paganism for Sunday worship, No we worship on Sunday morning because Christ is Risen on Sunday morning, period. All four gospel state Jesus rose on the first day of the week (Sunday) the early Church began worshiping on Sunday morning (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) The resurrection of Christ changed everything, no longer are we dead in our sins, but Christ is Risen and we have been delivered from sin and death
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:16-19
As the Apostle Paul states here “If Christ is not raised, your faith is worthless, and you are still in your sins” Think about that! This is why the Resurrection of Christ is the central doctrine of Christianity, if you get the resurrection wrong, all of your beliefs are wrong. Doesn’t matter what good or religious works you have performed in your life, without Jesus Christ walking out of that tomb, it would all be worthless
So its not a surprise, everything in Christianity is focused around the Resurrection. This is the center of the gospel message, Christ died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again. This should be preached every week from the pulpits, this is the most important message.
So next time you go to Church, celebrate and worship Christ is Risen, it should be an Easter Sunday celebration every Sunday, because Christ is Risen therefore we have a living hope! Amen!
Matthew 28 – The Conspiracy Theory
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. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. Matthew 28:11-15
I saw a great Tshirt that said “Noah was a conspiracy theorist, and then it rained” I love that shirt, and its true. Noah warned his wicked generation that the judgment of God was coming, but everyone scoffed at Noah and probably labeled him, as we know today as a “Conspiracy Theorist”
When people hear the word “Conspiracy Theory” they probably roll their eyes or laugh, however remember this world is controlled by Satan (1 John 5:19) and Satan want to keep everyone blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4) So how do we do this? Well you tell people the truth is false , and the false is truth. This is exactly Satan’s plan for the Resurrection of Christ, even today his conspiracy theories are told to keep from understanding who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished
As we read earlier in the scriptures, the Roman guards witnessed the resurrected Christ and “fell like dead men” , it was no secret that Jesus Christ is Risen, so now the Romans and the religious leaders of Israel, needed to create some “Conspiracy Theories” so the people didn’t know they crucified The Messiah. Even religions today are still using these same “Conspiracy Theories, Judaism and Islam , claim the disciples “stole “ the body of Jesus, Islam even claims Jesus never died on the cross. This is why there is only One way to God through Jesus Christ, (John 14:6) All other religions are false and provide no salvation
The Apostle Paul records Jesus Christ appeared to over 500 men after the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6) of course Christ appeared to his disciples multiple times (John 21, 1 Cor. 15, Matthew 28, Luke 24) It was an established fact, Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, the tomb of Christ is Empty!
There are still many Conspiracy Theories today, how do we know what is true? The Word of God is truth, trust in the Bible, trust in the Holy Spirit to lead you, trust in Jesus Christ because The Lord is Risen Indeed, Amen!
Matthew 28- Because He Lives
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:1-6
Jesus said “Destroy this temple in three days, and I will raise it up” (John 2:19)
Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed, just as He said he would. Over and over again, Jesus prophesied about his death and resurrection, however still his disciples didn’t understand, even when he was standing right in front of them! The stone has been rolled away! Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and walked out of that grave, defeating sin, death , and Satan forever! Amen!
The guards fell like dead men in the presence of The Lord, those who crucified Jesus and all the wicked will one day bow down to the Risen King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Because Christ is Risen, we will rise again one day also in the resurrection to live forever in God’s Kingdom. O death, where is your sting! O grave where is your victory!
The Tomb is still Empty today, Christ is Risen forevermore. No matter what is going on in the world, we have this Risen Hope because we have a Risen Savior, Glory to the Lamb of God!
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Matthew 28:7-10
What did the disciples do? They worshiped Jesus Christ, why? Because Jesus is God in the flesh (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14) and worthy of All praise! What was the instructions? “Tell my Brethren” share the good news of Jesus Christ! The Lord Is Risen, all victory belongs to Jesus as Christ crushed the head of Satan at the cross!
As the old Hymn says “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow”! Whatever trials you face today, we can face them because Jesus Is Risen, and has already overcome the world, Amen!
Matthew 27 – The Tomb is Sealed
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. Matthew 27:62-66
People who are skeptics of the resurrection of Christ, they question the tomb. Let’s make it clear, the Tomb of Christ was sealed! If there is any question whether Jesus Christ died on the cross, look at all the historical references, especially in the gospels. It’s clear Christ died for our sins on the cross, and then his body was sealed in the Tomb.
Now notice, the religious leaders were well aware that Jesus prophesied he would rise again in three days. If the religious leaders actually knew the Word of God, they would have understood Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22, however the religious leaders loved their religion and money more than they loved God. However remember not all the religious leaders rejected Christ either, as this tomb was given by Joseph of Arimathea.
The religious leaders believed Jesus Christ was a great threat to their religion and lifestyle, so they had the Son of God crucified on the cross, which God used as the atonement of our sins, to pay the ransom for our sins. But now the religious leaders had a bigger problem, if Jesus rises from the dead, they just crucified the Son of God, and the blood will be on their hands. As Jesus identified himself to the religious leaders as the “Son of Man” prophesied in Daniel 7. Again if the religious leaders truly loved God and knew the scriptures, they never would have crucified the Messiah
The Romans and the religious leaders, plotted together to seal and guard the Tomb. No matter what happened, they were determined to keep their lies and deception intact. Even today, the world doesn’t want you to know that Christ is Risen from the Tomb! Why? Because as Jesus walked out of that grave, Christ defeated sin, death, and Satan forevermore! So Satan doesn’t want you to know the Tomb of Christ is empty, Jesus is Risen!
The Tomb was sealed, just as we are now sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) because Christ died to pay the penalty of our sins and is Risen, Amen!
1 Corinthians 5- Our Passover Lamb
Luke 24- Christ Is Risen
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. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 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? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Luke 24:1-6
The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the greatest day in the history of the world. The day when God defeated sin and death forever and reconciled us back to the Father. This was all accomplished in a way that was beyond our human comprehension. Nobody ever expected God to become a man, in Jesus Christ, and die for the penalty of our sins. Then be risen on the 3rd day abolishing sin and death forever. The mystery of the gospel was fulfilled on this blessed Sunday morning!
As we see the woman came to the tomb on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is why the Church traditionally worshiped and gathered on Sunday morning, it had nothing to do with paganism or greek mythology, this was all about the event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire Christian faith is based on this event, as Paul said “If Christ is not risen, then we are faith is useless” ( 1 Corinthians 15:14) Without the resurrection of Christ , there is no Christianity, there is no deliverance from your sin, there is no reconciliation back to our Heavenly Father.
He is not here, He is Risen, this is what the angels declared at the tomb. Remember how he spoke to you when he was at Galilee? Jesus foretold of this moment , however the disciples didn’t understand until the tomb was empty!
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. Luke 24:7-12
It says “They remembered His words” When the disciples saw the empty tomb, a lightbulb went off in their heads, The Lord prophesied about this moment and now it has been fulfilled. Now when the woman disciples originally ran back to the male disciples, they didn’t believe them. So Peter ran to the tomb to check for himself, it was just as the woman said, the tomb was empty! The Lord has Risen!
The stone has been rolled away, no longer is their a veil, a barrier between us and God. We have now been reconciled back to God, sin and death are defeated because Christ The Lord has Risen today! Hallelujah!
Unashamed of Jesus 