Hope In The Resurrection
Matthew 28:1-10
Matthew 28:1 - 10
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.INTRO: Hope! Without hope we are in a sad state indeed. What do we have to look forward to in life? I want to look at Mary Magdalene today. This lady signifies the meaning of hope. Her life was a shambles, yet it became meaningful and productive. All because of hope given to her by the Lord. She examples the difference hope can make in one's life.
When we look at her we see she was…
Born a sinner (as were we)
Beset by Satan
And consequently…
Bruised by sin
But it was these problems in life that allowed her to…
Benefit from the Savior's love
Believe in the Savior's liberty (she was set free from sin)
Break with her shameful life
It was all this that we see hope come alive in her life.
She had experienced the…
Hope of forgiveness in her life
She…
Sensed the Lord gave to her forgiveness
Showed the change His love brought in her life
Searched for Him in time of trouble and found Him alive, arisen or not dead
Shared with others the power of the resurrection and the joy of forgiveness
We can see her…
Hope for a life of meaning
Approached the tomb to minister to the Lord - vs. 1
Acknowledged His resurrection - vs. 6
Accepted her role to share His message to others - vs. 7-8
Affirmed Him in worship - vs. 9
Acclaimed His saving love by a life of service and hope - vs. 10
Job 14:14 14If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Job 19:25 - 26 25For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Psalms 49:15 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.
1 Corinthians 15:20 - 22 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
What hope do you possess?
Mary Magdalene was changed by Jesus' forgiveness.
You can also be touched by the forgiving love of Jesus.
You can have a life of forgiveness.
You can have a life of meaning. Have hope in Jesus, He is the answer to your needs.
Will you call upon Him to change your life?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 041606am_Easter