From Darkness to Dawn: The Triumph of Easter
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Introduction: Setting the Stage
Introduction: Setting the Stage
Easter’s pretty amazing, right? Flowers are popping up—tulips, daffodils, all that color—the air’s warming up, and it’s like the world’s waking up with Jesus. Then today, our choir just brought it—singing us from His cross to that empty tomb. Wasn’t that awesome? If you’re new here, no worries—we’re excited you joined us for this big celebration.
By the way,
Easter’s not just a day off; it’s about Jesus dying for us and coming back to life.
Life can weigh us down, can’t it? Maybe you’re feeling alone, or like you’re stuck with no way out. Well, think about this morning: the choir laid it out with songs like ‘Risen’ and ‘The Beauty of the Cross’—Jesus beating death, God’s love giving Him up, us praising Him, and His death on the cross saving us. Easter’s the real deal—a fresh start, a love that doesn’t quit, a reason to keep going no matter what’s on your plate.
We’re gonna dig into that today so we can grab that hope for ourselves.
Whether you’re here every week or just showed up, let’s figure this out together, starting with Jesus walking out of that tomb. So, let’s kick it off with the tomb-what happened there changes everything.
The Resurrection: Risen in Triumph
The Resurrection: Risen in Triumph
Here’s the point: the choir’s ‘Risen’ woke us up—Jesus didn’t stay dead; the tomb’s empty, and He’s the champ over death.
Matthew 28:5–7 says it plain:
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Luke 24:33–35 has the disciples buzzing...
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
John 20:19–20 puts us in the room:
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
1 Peter 1:3 ties it up:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Think again about Mary Magdalene—she’s up early, crying, heading to the tomb where they stuck Jesus after the cross. She figures it’s over, suddenly—an angel’s there: “He’s not here; He’s alive!” Her jaw drops—really? Then these two guys are walking to Emmaus, feeling low, and another man joins them. He breaks bread, and whoa—it’s Jesus! They bolt back to Jerusalem yelling, “He’s back!” Later, the disciples are hiding, scared, and Jesus just shows up—hands scarred from nails—saying, “Peace.” Now, they are excited—He’s not dead! These weren’t stories; real people saw Him alive with their own eyes. That’s the deal—Jesus walked out, proving death’s done.
That’s the point. Life gets rough—money’s tight, the world’s a mess, you’re up late stressing. But Jesus is right there, not stuck in a grave. He’s alive, helping us through the adversities of life, calming us down when we’re freaking out. Maybe you’re thinking, “Really? Jesus is alive. Did that even happen?” No worries it is natural for you to doubt—people back then weren’t sure either till they saw Him. God is not asking you to reason it out in your mind. He is simply asking that you believe Him! It may seem like a leap of faith to believe. In reality, it is a leap. However, the results of believing are real. In the moment that you accept Christ by having faith that He is indeed risen, you will be completely transformed. You will know that He is alive.
Believer, He’s risen. That’s hope when everything is falling apart around us. He’s not a distant God; He’s here, now. A reality that changes everything. Jesus said,
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
His resurrection isn’t just a story to admire—it’s a call to action. He’s telling us to share this hope—and you don’t need to know it all to start.
Hang onto the the truth that “He’s alive!” every morning.
Tell somebody this week—like a coworker—“I am full of hope ‘cause Jesus is alive.” When you’re feeling anxious and scared, scribble “He’s with me” and talk to Him about it. He lives—He’s alive for us now.
Jesus being alive? That’s huge-but it started with God’s desire to give us a gift.
The Gift: God’s Love Given
The Gift: God’s Love Given
Here’s the deal: ‘Given, Buried, Risen’ sang it—God’s love gave us His Son, the best gift ever, and it’s still ours today.
Scripture plainly states...
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8 backs it up...
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Love is Easter’s heartbeat. God didn’t create us to abandon us—He pursued us. John 3:16 is a banner over history: “He gave his only begotten Son.” That’s Jesus, sent to live with us, die for us, and come back—because God loves us that much. Not when we were perfect, but as Romans 5:8 says, “while we were yet sinners.” That just means we all fall short of God’s righteousness, and God still says, ‘You’re worth it.’ Think of it—rebellious, broken, us—and God says, ‘I’ll give My Son.’ That’s grace—love we didn’t earn, a fresh start offered free through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It’s not abstract; it’s personal. He died for you. Maybe you’re thinking, ‘Why would God bother?’ Because you’re enough to Him, just as you are—doubts and all.
We get sinner part, right? We live in a messed up world filled with messed up people. Even now you might be lonely knowing that something is off, wondering if anybody notices you’re here. The world’s loud shouting that no one cares and no one loves you, but God’s love cuts through. It’s not some far-off thing—it’s for you, right now.
He gave Jesus ‘cause He thinks you matter, even with all your doubts and baggage.
That’s Easter—a love that says, “I’m not giving up on you.”
However, His gift demands a response. He’s a personal God inviting you to trust Him. If you’ve never accepted Him, Easter’s your moment. Not sure what that means? It’s not a contract—just opening the door to His love. You can experience His love this morning by simply inviting Him into your life. It is as simple as praying this prayer, ‘Lord, I’m a sinner. I believe You died and rose for me. I accept You as my Savior.’ Aceepting HIm is the beginning of a changed life and new journey with Christ. John 3:16 promises, ‘Whosoever believeth… hath everlasting life.’
Take the first step. Accept Christ. Then, tell someone here today, ‘I said yes to Jesus.’
That gift is yours to take - but it is not just for keeping; it’s for shouting about.
The Response: What He’s Done
The Response: What He’s Done
Next, “What He’s Done” called us to praise a worthy Savior.
The choir set us up to respond with gratitude—not just for what He did, but who He is today.
Scripture backs it up...
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Revelation 5:12 shouts...
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Salvation’s a gift—Christ did it all. Ephesians says it’s grace through faith, not works.
Confused? It’s this: God’s love isn’t a paycheck for good deeds; it’s a gift you take by trusting. That’s a big idea—basically, we can’t earn God’s love; Jesus made the way, and we just trust Him. Our best efforts couldn’t save us—tainted by sin, we fall short. Only Jesus, the sinless Son, born of a virgin, met God’s standard. He died for our sins, was buried, rose—1 Corinthians lays it out plain. We just believe.
But it’s more—He’s worthy not just for that Friday and Sunday, but right now. Revelation’s choir sings, “Worthy is the Lamb!” He reigns, alive, our King.
Imagine a guy paying your whole debt when you’re flat broke—that’s Jesus. We can’t earn it; our best shots are messed up by sin. But Jesus, perfect, sinless, took it all—died, buried, rose—and God said, “That’s enough.” Think of Paul—he hated Jesus, then met Him alive and couldn’t stop praising. It’s not just that Friday and Sunday; He’s reigning today, worth every shout. That’s why we praise—He did it, and He’s still the real deal.
World’s rough, right? Bad news piles up, hearts get tired, folks wonder if anything’s worth a cheer. But there is—Jesus is worthy, right now. I know a guy who carried guilt for years, then got it: “He’s worth it, and I’m free.” That’s us—praising a Savior who’s alive. He didn’t just save us back then; He’s running the show today, giving us something to lean on when life’s a mess. So let’s praise Him.
Not sure how? Just say thanks for what counts. Too wiped out? That’s fine—He’s worth it even on bad days. Live it like this:
Say “Jesus, You’re worthy” every morning—maybe while you are brushing your teeth.
Tomorrow, tell a buddy, “He’s why I’ve got hope—He’s alive and reigning.” Scared to share? No big speech needed—just your words.
Make it stick: set a phone reminder to say thanks daily. Share it with someone down—say, “He’s worth it.” Grab your family, read Revelation 5:12 together—it’s about giving Him the credit He’s due. Praise spills out ‘cause the Lamb’s running things today.
Praising Him’s right - because none of it happens without what He took on.
The Sacrifice: Beauty of the Cross
The Sacrifice: Beauty of the Cross
Here;’s the bottom line: “The Beauty of the Cross” grounded us in Christ’s sacrifice—the weight that makes it all possible.
Galatians says it’s all about the cross...
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
1 Peter says He took our sins...
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Hebrews shares how He endured the cross for us...
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Imagine you’re sentenced to die—guilty, no way out. Someone steps in, takes your place, and you walk free. That’s Jesus on the cross. It’s where He died, a real moment—nails, pain—to take our sin and give us a new opportunity at life. Wondering how that works? It’s love stepping in—no catch. He bore our sins (1 Peter 2:24), our substitute—Paul glories in it; it’s our redemption. Hebrews says He endured it for joy—your salvation. Think of that hill—nails, thorns, a cry: “It is finished.” The God of the universe humbled Himself, took our shame, set us free. It’s brutal, yes, but beautiful—a love so deep it defies words. A woman once shared, ‘I saw the cross and realized—He did that for me.’ That’s the beauty—our guilt gone, our life restored.
And isn’t that what we crave? So many carry shame—things done, things left undone, a weight that whispers, ‘You’re not enough.’ But the cross says, ‘I’ve got you.’ Let this sink in.
Unbelievers, accept Him today—just trust He did this for you—He died and rose to save you from eternal death; pray that prayer now.
Believers, you’re free—redeemed, alive in His light. Write down one way the cross frees you this week—maybe ‘I’m free from fear’—and live it out. So do this:
Write, ‘The cross lifts [my guilt, my fear],’ and keep it close.
Swap grumbling for kindness, tell someone, ‘That’s what He did for me.’ Say, ‘The cross lifted my load’—because it has. Live that beauty every day.
Christ’s death on the cross sets us free - so let’s live it out every day, starting now.
Conclusion: Living Easter’s Dawn
Conclusion: Living Easter’s Dawn
Easter’s ours to live. That empty tomb? Jesus is up, our hope when life’s a mess—tell somebody at lunch this afternoon, “He’s alive.” God giving His Son? That’s love that won’t quit; if you’re new to it, say, “I believe” today. ‘What He’s Done’ says He’s worth it—say “Thanks, Jesus” every morning, even when you’re wiped. The cross? It’s Him taking our sin so we’re free—write “Because of Christ, I am free” this week and help somebody out instead of griping. People out there are asking—where’s hope? What’s love? Why bother?
Easter is the answer: He’s alive, He gave everything, He’s the real deal, He took our sin.
If this clicks for the first time, come up front if you want—just say, “I’m with Jesus”; no big deal if you don’t. Make it stick: ask a buddy this week, “What keeps you going?” Tell ‘em, “Jesus does—He’s alive.” Pray each night, “God, help me live for you tomorrow.” Show it—smile at the cashier, leave a nice note—every day.
Think of that tomb, wide open, saying, “He loves you.”
