"He is Not Here!"

March 30, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are all here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “He is Not Here”

Three Points:

1. The Emptiness of the Tomb

2. The Encounter with the Angels

3. The Empowerment of Christ’s Presence & Promise

He is Risen: A Poem about the Resurrection

By Jamie Trunnel / April 9, 2020

He is risen–

After darkness had its say,

on the third day the tomb’s stone door

rolled away.

Again Jesus walked, talked, touched, and ate.

In awe, witnesses testified,

“Death is not his fate!”

He is risen–

The once scared, fleeing disciple crew

turned around realizing

the prophecies were true.

With a faith immensely greater than fear,

they sacrificed it all to

make the Good News clear.

He is risen–

Jesus bore the world’s sin upon the cross,

sacrificing himself so no one would be lost.

His work was sufficient,

but a response is required;

by grace we are saved

when our belief transpires.

He is risen–

Faith sends an invite to start anew.

Give Christ your burdens and notions untrue.

Accept his forgiveness and salvation at the end.

Love the transformation the Holy Spirit extends.

He is risen indeed!

When Jesus rose, a new creation began

for all who believe and trust in God’s plans.

Through his power, our darkness is rolled away–

“Jesus is the light,” his resurrection proclaims!

Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:1-7

1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.

3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Luke 24:1-6a

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.

5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but has risen.

-PRAY

Introduction:

Church, today we look at the grand significance of a timeless event - the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we focus on the passages of Matthew 28:1-7 and Luke 24:1-6a, we encounter the moment when the women arrived at the tomb, only to find it empty, and were met by angels proclaiming, "He is not here, for he has risen."

This declaration not only altered the course of history but continues to resonate with profound truths and life-changing implications for each of us today.

I. The Emptiness of the Tomb: It’s A Symbol of Victory

(stone wasn’t rolled awaay to let Jesus out…It was rolled away to let others in…)

A. Triumph over Death

1. The absence of Jesus' body in the tomb signifies his triumph over death, fulfilling ancient prophecies and assuring believers of eternal life.

2. Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered the finality of death, offering hope and assurance to all who trust in him.

B. Validation of Jesus' Identity

1. The empty tomb validates Jesus' claims of being the Son of God and the promised Messiah.

2. His resurrection authenticates his teachings and underscores the truth of his promise of salvation.

II. The Encounter with the Angels’ Proclamation: From Fear to Assurance

A. Transformation of Fear

1. The initial fear experienced by the women and the guards at the sight of the angel reflects humanity's natural response to the divine.

2. The angel's reassurance, "Do not be afraid," reminds us of God's presence and care in the midst of uncertainty.

B. Commission to Spread the Good News

1. The women were entrusted with the sacred task of proclaiming the resurrection to the disciples, echoing our own responsibility to share the gospel.

2. We are called to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection, spreading hope and salvation to a world in need.

III. The Empowerment of Christ's Presence and Promise

A. Assurance in Christ's Words

1. Jesus' resurrection fulfills his own predictions, demonstrating his divine authority and trustworthiness.

2. His promise to meet his disciples in Galilee assures us of his ongoing presence and guidance in our lives.

B. Living in Resurrection Power

1. The reality of Christ's resurrection empowers us to face life's challenges with courage and faith, knowing that death has been defeated.

2. Let us live as people of resurrection hope, embracing the transformative power of Christ's victory in our daily lives.

Conclusion:

The empty tomb and the angelic proclamation, "He is not here, for he has risen," stand as enduring symbols of hope and assurance for all who believe.

As we reflect on the reality of Christ's resurrection, may we be inspired to live as witnesses of his victory over sin and death.

Let us embrace the assurance of his presence and the promise of eternal life, sharing this life-changing message with a world in desperate need of hope.

So, What Now?

Life Applications:

1. Embrace Resurrection Hope:

Find comfort and strength in the assurance of Christ's resurrection, knowing that he has conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe.

2. Share the Good News:

Like the women at the tomb, seize opportunities to share the message of Christ's resurrection with others, offering hope and salvation in a world longing for redemption.

3. Live in Resurrection Power:

Let the reality of Christ's resurrection transform your perspective and empower you to live boldly for him, trusting in his promises and walking in obedience to his word.

-PRAYER

-Invitation

-Have you repented of your sin and been born again

-Jesus is not an Easter commodity

-Jesus did not die for your sin

-Jesus died for you! It was a substitutionary death