A HOLLOW VICTORY(or Nothing Beats an Empty Tomb)

John 20: 11-23

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EASTER reminds us the happiness comes thro Christ, not things!

John 20:11-23(The Message Bible)

But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. As she wept, she knelt to look into the tomb [12] and saw two angels sitting there, dressed in white, one at the head, the other at the foot of where Jesus' body had been laid. [13] They said to her, "Woman, why do you weep?" "They took my Master," she said, "and I don't know where they put him." [14] After she said this, she turned away and saw Jesus standing there. But she didn't recognize him.

John 20:11-23 (continued)

[15] Jesus spoke to her, "Woman, why do you weep? Who are you looking for?" She, thinking that he was the gardener, said, "Mister, if you took him, tell me where you put him so I can care for him." [16] Jesus said, "Mary." Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" meaning "Teacher!" [17] Jesus said, "Don't cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, 'I ascend to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.' "

John 20:11-23 (continued)

[18] Mary Magdalene went, telling the news to the disciples: "I saw the Master!" And she told them everything he said to her. [19] Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." [20] Then he showed them his hands and side.

John 20:11-23 (continued)

The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. [21] Jesus repeated his greeting: "Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you." [22] Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. "Receive the Holy Spirit," he said. [23] "If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?"

TAKE HOME

• If the "Risen" story is true, the previous stories have clout.

• There is only one thing to do with a story like that: Tell It!

• Dancing, Clapping, Crying, Singing and Shouting: All acceptable behavior at the entrance to the empty grave of Jesus.

Lord, I praise you Lord, I praise you for your love and for your love and power. I surrender power. I surrender my life to you, now my life to you, now and forever! Help and forever! Help me tell the Story me tell the Story with confidence, with confidence, urgency and urgency and integrity.integrity.

Decision

EASTER MORNING according to Matthew ch. 28

THE PROBLEM WITH SATURDAY

• All claims, promises and predictions are on hold.

• “Wait and See” is the order of the day.

• It's not looking so good for the One who had so much to say about victory.

THE SHOCK OF A ONE-OF-A-KIND SUNDAY

• Nobody expected an empty tomb. They came bringing more spices, not tambourines.

• Everybody is singing the blues, even those who witnessed miracles like 'walking on water'

THE SHOCK OF A ONE-OF-A-KIND SUNDAY

• Those who bear news of a Risen Christ are written off as Crazy in the Head.

• Everybody is a 'Thomas'.

•"Who has believed our message?" (Isaiah 53:1) Includes Jesus‘ closest friends.

A TIME OF LETTING IT ALL SINK IT (50 Days) --Acts 1:3

• Even more 'convincing proofs'

• More teaching about the Kingdom

THEN, GO! SPREAD THE NEWS!--Matthew 28: 16-20

• It's a matter of obedience.

• Telling is the natural response to Hearing great news.

• It is our moral obligation, sharing the cure with the sick.

AND NOW THE TORCH IS IN OUR HANDS

--II Corinthians 5: 17-20

• We are saved to save.

• We are taught to teach.

• We were loved to love.

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Communion –Remembering a very disturbing but liberating

Good Friday!

Confession:I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus is Jesus is my Lord and my Lord and Savoir.Savoir.

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OFFERING

Jesus paid it all.

All to Him I owe.

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TAKE HOME

• If the "Risen" story is true, the previous stories have clout.

• There is only one thing to do with a story like that: Tell It!

• Dancing, Clapping, Crying, Singing and Shouting: All acceptable behavior at the entrance to the empty grave of Jesus.

Lord, I praise you Lord, I praise you for your love and for your love and power. I surrender power. I surrender my life to you, now my life to you, now and forever! Help and forever! Help me tell the Story me tell the Story with confidence, with confidence, urgency and urgency and integrity.integrity.

Decision

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GO AND TOUCH THE WORLD