What Difference Does Easter Make?

 

Something must have meaning & it must matter in order to make a difference.

 

So, what about Easter?  And what about the Resurrection—Jesus coming back from the dead after dying for all our sins—what difference does the resurrection really make?

 

Let’s answer 2 more questions to find out what difference it makes…

 

I.  What Does the Resurrection Mean?

1. The resurrection means Jesus is who he claimed to be.

·        Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  (John 11:25)

·        Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”  (John 14:6)

2. The resurrection means Jesus has the power he claims to have.

·        Jesus “spoke plainly…” about his death & resurrection.  (Mark 8:31-32)

·        Jesus said, “All authority… has been given to me.”  (Matthew 28:18)

3. The resurrection means Jesus does what he promises to do.

·        Jesus said of himself, “On the third day (I) will rise again.”  (Luke 18:33)

·        Matthew 28:6 an angel said of Jesus, “He is risen.  Just as he said.”

 

II.  Why Does the Resurrection Matter?

1. The resurrection matters because My past can be forgiven.

·        Colossians 2:13, “He (God) forgave us all our sins…”

·        Romans 8:1, “…there is now no condemnation…,” through Jesus.

2. The resurrection matters because My present problems can be handled.

·        Ephesians 1:19 says God has, “…incomparably great power…”

·        Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything through him (Jesus) who gives me strength.”

3. The resurrection matters because My future can be secure.

·        Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you (God)…”  (John 17:3)

·        1 Peter 1:3 says God has given us, “…new birth… through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.”

 

That is the difference Easter makes.  That difference can be in your life too.  No matter your past.  No matter your present.  God loves you.  Jesus died for you.

 

Romans 10:9 says, “That if we confess with our mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  You can do that tonight.

 

If you want to make that decision right now, then please pray right now.  “Jesus, I believe God raised you from the dead.  I ask you to be my Savior and my Lord.  Forgive my sins.  Give me the gift of eternal life.  Thank you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.”

 

If you said that prayer today for the first time or if you have questions, then please let us know by emailing Pastor Aaron or calling the church office at 402-423-5062.  Thank you.