April 17, 2022 Pastor Hardesty

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:  ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.” – Luke 24: 1-8

Easter Sunday morning is Christianity’s greatest moment.  There is no more powerful moment than Christ’s resurrection and it is the heart of what we believe.  The whole message of the Gospel rests on the fact that Jesus was risen from the dead. Because Christ rose from the dead, we will live.

Jesus has all power over life and death every single day. Jesus is greater than all of your weaknesses, every struggle you have.

Life is worth living, because Jesus lives.

Our faith ties us to Heaven. To Jesus. To the end of all of our stories, which if you believe in Jesus will be our second life.

Revival is worth seeking, because Jesus lives.

The purpose of revival is to give new life and a new future to others. We are just beggars trying to tell other beggars how to find bread. This is possible through the cross and the resurrection of Jesus.

Prayer has a point, because Jesus lives.

It is not to just get what you want, but to bring you to a place to realize the purposes God has for your life. There is one mediator for you to bring your prayers to and that is Jesus. Prayer is the means by which we develop a deeper relationship with the Lord.

You can face tomorrow, because Jesus lives.

Because He lives, you can be a better believer. Just look at Love. You can love one another in Christ, because of your beliefs. You can be known by your love. And that come from belief in Jesus who sacrificed his life, in the ultimate act of love, so that we may live. Real Christians are known this morning by their love for one another.

Because He lives sickness cannot hold you forever, Because He lives life’s messes can’t hold you forever. Because He lives disappointments can’t hold you forever. Yet, because He lives you still have a chance.