Easter: The First Resurrection Sighting

9:57 Opening Video: Music &Easter

Music Team - 2 songs

10:15 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Start tomorrow Making Room for More

Prayer Wednesday at 6:30pm

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sangamonvalley.net/ConnectCard and paper connect Card

Text keyword “prayer” to 217-583-1112 for prayer

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

10:20 INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: First Sightings

Examples: Wedding Dress, Wedding Night, UFOs…

UFO Map

Ghosts? Matthew 27:52–53 “52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.”

First Sighting or ENCOUNTERS can have a big impact upon our lives!

Opening Scripture: John 20:11-18

The First Sightings:

1. Mary sees two angels inside the tomb (vv. 11–13)

Background: Marry was first to arrive (v. 20:1) but when tomb is empty she runs to Peter and disciples who run to the tomb. They stoop (v.5) to look in and see linen cloth only.

John 20:8 “8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;”

John 20:11–13 “11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.””

2. Mary sees Jesus outside the tomb (vv. 14–18)

Mary asks the “gardener” for directions to Jesus’ body (vv. 14–15)

John 20:14 “14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.”

John 20:16 “16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).”

Jesus identifies himself and gives Mary two directions:

1. “Stop clinging to me!”

v. 17

There was work for her to do!

2. “Go … and tell!”

Marry is the first to preach the resurrection!

Luke 24:11–12 “11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.”

Video: Modern Marry!

3. The Disciples See Jesus

Thomas is absent

Jesus reassures them (vv. 19–21a)

Jesus commissions them (v. 21b)

Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit to them (v. 22) - new creations

Jesus gives them authority to pronounce forgiveness and judgment (v. 23)

TRANSITION: BUT WHAT ABOUT THOMAS?

4. Thomas Sees Jesus

Thomas doubts (v. 25)

John 20:25 “25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.””

John 20:27 “27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.””

Four Routes to Faith

Via Christian evidences (John; v. 8 - see empty tomb)

Via ignorance and disillusionment (Mary Magdalene; vv. 11–18)

Via doubt (Thomas; vv. 24–28)

Via the testimony of eyewitnesses (subsequent believers who share the hope they have received; v. 29)

A Real Encounter with God Should Lead Us to Tell Others About Him!

Mary informs the disciples of her ENCOUNTER (v. 18)

Disciples are to be Sent once they ENCOUNTER the Holy Spirit (vv. 21-23)

Thomas ENCOUNTERS Jesus and according to Christian Tradition goes as a missionary to India where he is martyred with spears

Source: Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. “Thomas, The Apostle.” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988.

10:45

Examples of Encountering and Telling:

- The Illini are Big 10 Champs! Elite 8??

- Most Beautiful Sunset or Sunrise

- Kids potty training is TMI :)

- Kids/Teens Returning from Summer Camp

- Miracles—Cured—Delivered—Resuscitation—Resurrection

10:50 Conclusion/Reflection:

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Text ConnectCard to 217-583-1112

A Real Encounter with God Gives us Hope

John 20:31 “31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

“life” = Zoe

TDNTA (ζάω, ζβέννυμι, ζωή, βιόω, βίος)

the present is seen in the light of it, and since it is grounded in a completed act, our hope is sure and living (1 Pet. 1:3)

Cammy Opened with 1 Peter 1:3 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

10:55 - Youth & Team come up when ConnectCard mentioned.