The Easter Paradox

Good morning & Welcome to New Hope!

My name is Shane and it’s my pleasure to be one of the pastors here at New Hope. We’re so glad you’ve chosen to invest your Easter morning with us. We understand that there are several options for you on a Sunday morning, and we value your time and don’t take it lightly.

We’d like you to know that we’re a church who’s mission is to be a group of Disciples who make disciples. We believe it’s what we’re called to be about. It’s who we’re called to be. And we also believe that no one besides Jesus is perfect. And this place that we all occupy for these next few moments is a place for everyone, especially those searching for something more.

So I’d like to begin this morning by taking you back to

And so what do we call that - some call it fate, some call it a coincidence, some might even call it Divine intervention.

Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

Peter & John were attributed with teaching...that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead.

Said that the apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of Jesus.

Tells us that Paul had a heated debate with some philosophers about Jesus’ resurrection.

Says the proof that Jesus was the very Son of God is found in the resurrection

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.

5Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was.

The power of the resurrection is found in the crucifixion

If it wasn’t for the pain of the cross, there would be no celebration of new life

If it wasn’t for the suffering, there would be no rejoicing

Without surrender there is no victory