I still remember it like it was yesterday. Easter morning we would wake up extra early, put on our Easter outfits; complete with the pretty new knitted white sweater and brand new sandals. Next we’d all pile up into the car and drive the short few miles up to campus where we’d soon see our church members piling into the back of Old Main.
If you’ve ever been to Alderson Broaddus, you’ll know exactly where I talking about, but if you haven’t; let me draw you a picture. In the back of the Old Main building (now called Burbick Hall); there is a patio. It’s large and made from beautiful stone. When you stand on the patio and look out, you have the absolute most perfect view of the entire city of Philippi. The city seems to sit perfectly nestled into the hills of West Virginia. It’s on this patio, or right inside the doors to the patio that every year we would have our church’s Easter sunrise service. As a child I remember listening to our pastor or a speaker as they would recount the Easter story and speak on the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Without fail, at the exact moment that the speaker would start talking about the early morning when Mary Magdalene went to the grave, the sun would beg for attention as we watched it peer its head through the clouds over Philippi and light up the sky. It was a very sweet moment that would help us reflect on how wonderful it must have been on the morning that the grave was found empty. Then we would sing a few songs, pile back into the car and head to church. Soon after would follow a fellowship breakfast, the annual egg hunt, and the Easter church service. For years that was what I knew Easter to be. I knew the traditions of celebrating Easter, and that Jesus died for my sins. However, it wasn’t until later in life that I truly began to understand the importance of Easter.
As a child, I knew and understood the importance of Jesus dying on the cross. I knew that because God loved us so much, He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins so we wouldn’t have to. What I didn’t recognize was the importance of the resurrection.
So why is the resurrection important? (Have your Bible ready to fill in the blanks!!)
1.
First of all, it proved that He was, in fact, who He claimed to be, and fulfills Biblical prophecy. Jesus had claimed to be the Son of God, and many people not only didn’t believe Him… but wanted to kill Him because of it!
b.
Psalm 49: 15 “But as for me, God will redeem my ______. He will snatch me from the power of the _______.”
c.
Romans 1:3-4 “The Good News is about his _____. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the ____ of_____ when he was raised from the dead by the power of the _____ ______. He IS Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2.
Next up, it shows that because He saved us from death from our sins and hell; we can now have life! And live it abundantly through Him!
a.
Romans 5: 9- 10 “And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the _____ of ____, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since your friendship with God was restored by the death of his ____ while were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the _______ of his Son.”
b.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have _____, and have it ____________.”
3.
Lastly, it’s part of the saving faith that we have in Christ.
a.
Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is ____ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the ______, you will be ______. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and is it by confessing with your mouth that you are ________.”
As you celebrate Easter this year; I hope you not only have joy in knowing that Jesus died for your sins; but also REJOICE that because He LIVES- we can face tomorrow! I leave you now with words from one of my absolute favorite hymns…
God sent His Son,
They called Him Jesus!
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives I can face tomorrow-
Because He lives all fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
They called Him Jesus!
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives I can face tomorrow-
Because He lives all fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
