Friday, April 21, 2006
THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY - An Easter Message
THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY
Mark 16:1-7
As they approached the tomb, the women debated about who would roll the stone away. When they got there, the stone was already rolled away. They went in and saw an angel who told them that Jesus was alive. He told them to go and tell the disciples.
Like the women, we sometimes go through life debating and worrying about who is going to roll away the stone. Then we get to the situation we find the stone already rolled away. Because Jesus Christ lives, we dont have to worry about the stones. They are already rolled away. Lets move ahead with such confidence.
Lets consider some stones we worry about and the treasures that open to us when we accept the rolling away:
THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY:
1. TO REVEAL SALVATION
There comes a time in most lives when we realize that something is missing. God helps us to see that He is the one who is missing in our lives ---- missing because of sin. We set out to try to roll the stone away by trying to be good enough to earn Gods acceptance. THE STONE IS ALREADY ROLLED AWAY. Jesus died for our sins. We cannot earn Gods acceptance.
2. TO REVEAL GODS PURPOSE
What is my purpose in life? That is a question all of us face, rather in the beginning as we approach adulthood, or toward the end after we retire. What is the real purpose? Jesus showed us in John 13, where he took the place of the servant and then told us to do likewise. As we follow Jesus example of service, our purpose will become apparent. THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY.
3. TO REVEAL GODS PROVISION
One thing that takes much of our energy is concern for provision of our needs. Jesus said that God knows our needs and will provide them as we seek His rule in our life. (Mt 6:33) Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:19 that God will supply our needs according to His riches in glory. Because Jesus lives, we can depend on God to provide our needs. THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY!
Indeed we do have something to celebrate. Jesus is alive in us!
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Easter Message. 11:00 a.m. service, April 16, 2006
