"Rising With Jesus"

Scripture Reading: Rom 6:8-11.

I) A Day of Special Focus

A) Today not only reminds me of the amazing events surrounding Calvary and the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, but I’m also reminded of my personal responsibility to respond to them!

1) The story of Jesus Christ, which climaxes with the resurrection--isn’t just a wonderful story that WOWS!

2) There’s a reason its known as “The Greatest Story Ever Told...” it is the only story that contains the true solution for universal redemption (Eph 1:7-10), this story contains the most important words I’ll here in life: Acts 5:17-21.

B) Everyone Placed On Notice

1) This wonderful story also places us all on notice:

a) God has convicted all, and demands change from all (Acts 17:30-31).

b) God has demonstrated his righteousness (Romans 3:23-26).

II) Dying With Jesus (Romans 6:1-11)

A) Will my faith in this story justify me today? Will I die and Rise With Jesus today?

B) Outside of a genuine spiritual relationship with God, I remain in spiritual death, destined for the Second Death (Rev 20:11-15; 21:1-8).

C) We Must Die With Jesus In Order To Rise With Him! (Rom 1:1-5; Col 2:11-13).

1) Baptism in the name of Jesus is a baptism into his death! Baptism being a burial. A burial certifies the reality of death!

2) Resurrection signifies a new life! Unless I take part in his death and burial, I cannot be hopeful of the resurrected life now, and the one to come

(Rom 6:4-5; Col 3:1-4).

III) The Resurrection Life: Rising With Jesus

A) Resurrection lies beyond the control of death, it is the victor of death (Rom 6:8-11).

1) The blessings and promises associated with this resurrected life empower us to overcome the cravings of this present life by living in confident hope (Rom 8:1; Eph 1:1-3, 18-22).

2) The only hope that a life outside of Jesus provides...is eternal condemnation and death (Rom 6:16, 20-23).

Conclusion

Will I walk away empty handed today, having heard the greatest story ever told? Or will I rise with Jesus?