"An Awakening Through the Resurrection"

New International Version (2011) Chapter 6

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

"An Awakening Through the Resurrection"

Introduction: I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today, I know that He is living whatever men may say! Today we come to celebrate the most important day in the Christian calendar. It marks the third day after Jesus crucifixion, signifying His triumph over death and sin, and offering hope of eternal life to those who believe in HIM. The Easter story reminds us of God’s incredible love and grace, offering us redemption and a fresh start. The Black church has been a source of hope and strength for African Americans throughout history, particularly during periods of oppression and struggle. As we celebrate Easter 2025, we are on the brink of extreme uncertainties. We can no longer sit back and take things for granted when it is obvious that America is facing a crisis. Those of who trust and believe in our sovereign Lord must awaken and respond in ways that will impact our lives and future. We can no longer play church games, trickery, and have meaningless power struggles filled with emptiness while the very core of Christian beliefs and biblical principles continue to be challenged by the unlearned and most specifically by those who have been given the responsibility to be keepers of the faith. What we need is a true awakening of why Jesus was resurrected from the grave. So, on this Easter Sunday, I want to be intentional without being offensive, candid without being cautious about whether you like what is said or not. If there is going to be an awakening through the resurrection in my personal life, the first thing that must happen is.

An Awareness must occur

Do I even believe that the resurrection is real? Did it really happen? I did not come today to convince you with anything other than the Word of God. There is so much material and so many schools of thought about the resurrection. The only resource that I want to bring to your attention is the Bible. Matthew 28:5-6 says, And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. The conversation between the angel and the women who were at the tomb where Jesus was buried that is recorded in the Bible is proof to the one who believes that the resurrection did occur. You and I are made aware of it by reading and believing what the Bible says. “All scripture is given by inspiration of (from) God, so that the man (woman) of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. If Christ had not died yours and my faith is in vain. He is not here! come see the place where He laid. This awareness is central and critical to the life of the believer. Salvation is linked to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This awareness is so important to us because, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too shall be resurrected from the grave and transformed into a state where in we will live throughout eternity. Our bodies will be changed and likened to His glorious body. How it will be done we are not told. However, the Bible says it is going to happen. The next thing that must happen is.

You and I must Acceptance it. (John 11:25-26)

Just as He assured Martha of His power over death, acceptance of His resurrection can lead to a renewed spirit and the promise of eternal life for you and I as believers. We accept Christ's love and resurrection in a personal way. No one can accept it for you, it is an individual thing that you must do. I grew up in a family where my mother and her mother were instrumental in me becoming a believer in Christ. I ventured off from home, joined the military and stopped engaging in the beliefs that had influenced my growing up. Too make a long story short, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd and engaging in ungodly things. I had a real awakening one day when things escalated because we were drinking out in front of the barracks on post. A fight broke out and I drove my car to one of our friend apartments, retrieved a gun and proceeded to go back on post and fire it. A lengthy court proceeding took place and because I was an accomplice, I was charged with the same crime as the other two who fought and the one who fired the gun. I had nothing to rely on but what I had been taught so I started going back to church praying and asking God for help. I received a new lease on life when I was not found guilty of the charges that the military charged me with. Yes, I was an accomplice in the matter, but I didn’t attempt murder as I was charged. God spared me and would not allow my life to be destroyed. I have not stopped worshipping and praising God since, I owe everything to God. Nobody, even my wife can tell me I don’t need to do this or that for the Lord. I am persuaded, you do what you need to do, and I am going to do what I need to do to stay connected. I owe my life to God. The ordeal taught and reminded me that, Christ has the power to resurrect our lives. Not only did He secure this for us on Calvary, but He assures us that we have a prepared place to live where He is. The resurrection is not just about Jesus rising from the dead; it's also about believers being united with Him in His death and resurrection. This union means that believers are now considered dead to sin and alive in Christ, empowered by His Spirit to live a transformed life. The resurrection of Christ provides hope and assurance for believers, knowing that their lives have purpose and meaning beyond this earthly existence. It affirms that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God's love. The resurrection gives believers the power to live a life that reflects Christ's love and teachings, overcoming the challenges and temptations of the world. It empowers us to live in victory over sin and to share the good news of Christ with others. Finally, we must take,

Call to Action

Share the Good News. Christ’s command us to go and preach the gospel is as relevant today as it was then. We must live out our faith actively and be witnesses to the hope and salvation offered through Christ. To embrace the hope and transformation that the resurrection brings, consider these practical steps:

·     Spend time in prayer and meditation, reflecting on the significance of Christ's resurrection and how it impacts your life. This can help deepen your understanding and appreciation of the hope it offers.

·     Embrace the new life that Christ's resurrection promises by making positive changes in your daily habits and behaviors. This could include practicing forgiveness, showing kindness, and living with integrity

·     Share the message of hope and transformation with others. This can be done through acts of service, sharing your testimony, or simply being a source of encouragement to those around you.

·     Actively seek and respond to God's call for a new life. This might involve pursuing new opportunities for growth, serving in your community, or deepening your relationship with God through study and worship.

Finally, actively seek and respond to God's call for a new life. This might involve pursuing new opportunities for growth, serving in your community, or deepening your relationship with God through study and worship. Be a part of a resurgence that will promote unity, stay connected, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to blessings and a peace that surpasses all our understanding. This my friends is Easter in its truthful sense to every believer that truly believes that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Rabbits, eggs, candy should not consume our thinking. A new suit of clothes is not the answer. I am glad to see all of you, but coming on Easter Sunday because its Easter is not the answer. Jesus is the answer, for the world today, above Him there is no other, Jesus is the way!

Closure: It’s been a privilege to have shared this worship experienced on this Easter day. The resurrection of Christ is a powerful demonstration of God's power over death. It is a testament to the fact that nothing is impossible with God. When we align ourselves with Christ, we tap into this divine power that can bring dead things back to life. This could be dead dreams, dead relationships, or even dead aspects of our own selves. The resurrection power of Christ can breathe new life into these areas and cause them to flourish again. Let's remember that God's love for us is so vast, so deep, and so wide that He gave His only Son to die for us. But the story didn't end at the cross. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is our assurance that love triumphs over death, hope over despair, and life over sin. It's the promise of a new beginning, a fresh start, and a future filled with God's blessings. Rejoice, rejoice O Christian lift your voice and sing. Eternal Hallelujah to Jesus Christ the King. The hope of all who seek Him the help of all who find. None other is so loving, so good and kind. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today, He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.