Introduction: Today we celebrate Easter- the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

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1 Title: Why We Believe in the Resurrection Text: Luke 24 (Read Luke 24:1-12) Introduction: Today we celebrate Easter- the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Today we will hope to answer why the Empty Tomb is important. This event has perplexed many people throughout history. Luke 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: It is very important in not only WHAT a person believes but WHY they believe. The why s give meaning to our faith. 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Let us now turn back to God s Word to discover the Glorious Power of Christ s Resurrection! Setting: In Luke 23 we have the story of Christ s arrest, mock trial, and followed by his crucifixion. Luke 23: And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: 51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. 54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 1

2 55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Back to Text Our text picks up with the scene at the tomb on the third day following the crucifixion. Verses 1-3 The Empty Tomb provides evidence that demands a decision. Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Verse 4 The Empty Tomb can cause confusion. What really happened here and why? This is just not any graveside event. Verses 4-5 needs to answer. At the Empty Tomb, the Angels ask a question that everyone Why do we seek the living among the dead? Looking for meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in the wrong places. There is no life back there! Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Verses 6-7 The Empty Tomb, the Angels answer the questions that people have about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Empty Tomb allows Christians to walk in a New Life! 2

3 Romans 6:4-5 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: The Empty Tomb shows the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Verse 8 The Empty Tomb is a place of Remembrance. John 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Verses 9-10 The Story of the Empty Tomb must be Told and Retold! Mark 16:6-7 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 3

4 Verse 11 The Empty Tomb is not a Fairy Tale! 1 Timothy 1:4-5 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: Verse 12 Come to the Empty Tomb and see for Yourself! 1 Corinthians 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. Closing: 1 Corinthians 15:22, 42-44, 49, 53-55, For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 4

5 Read Story Excerpt. Invitation: For Salvation. The Tomb demands a personal investigation and response! John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her (and to us), I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? To Daily Live in the Power of Christ s Resurrection! Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Let Us Pray. 5