April 8th, 2012
MP3 Audio
Youtube video
Celebrating the One Who Rose from the Dead John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:19-23)
A. The most important Sunday
1) Why we worship on Sundays
2) Sunday worship service is a celebration
B. Encountering God and walking with him
1) Joy in the midst of despair
2) We are victors regardless of our circumstances
Summary
Through Jesus' death on the cross, those of us who believe in him have been promised victory over sin and death. Jesus rose from the dead at Easter, but our resurrection is yet to come. We live in the hope that God will fulfill his promise to us. Outwardly, we face all kinds of trials and suffering, but inwardly, we have been made new. We are victorious because the One we follow has triumphed over sin an death. We celebrate Jesus' resurrection at the beginning of every week to remember the one we follow.
For Discussion
1) Why do we meet on Sunday mornings to worship?
2) Why are we victorious in this life?