He Is Not Here But He is Risen From the Dead



Easter Sunday at Open Door Church – I took notes and present an edited sermon.

Pastor Allan mentioned the verse in Revelations 4:8 b  Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” as we had just been singing that chorus.

Those who needed healing were called forward and men and women joined Pastor to pray for those needing a miracle.  Pastor spoke of Jeremiah the prophet who talked about the water, first shallow but increasing in depth until you could swim in the water.  Pastor said, stay out there and flow with the Holy Spirit.

Pastor smiled as he said, “If this is your first time here, just know we are a bunch who love Jesus.  If you felt something different that is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

If you see people lying down; they are being ministered to by the Holy Spirit.  Changes will come in people’s lives that are good.  God is stretching us to be used.  The stretch may hurt or be uncomfortable, but it is necessary.

History tells us there have been good leaders and some that were not so good.  Some religious people have watered down the gospel, and say Jesus was merely a great teacher.

The difference is, “Jesus is still alive and He continues to minister through his believers.

On Golgotha’s hill, three were crucified on that day; one thief went to Paradise with Jesus. 

Taking the full judgment for sin was the great work of Jesus Christ at the cross.  Our sins were placed on His body on the tree.

It is interesting to notice the words Jesus spoke while on the cross. 

1.       Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

2.       Today you will be with me in Paradise.  (The thief)

3.       Behold your son, behold your mother. (To John and Mary Jesus’ mother.)

4.       My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  (The hour of darkness)

5.       I thirst (but he refused the vinegar.

6.       It is finished.  (The work Jesus was sent to do, was done.)

7.       Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit

The disciples saw their reality coming to an end.  For three years they had traveled with Jesus; watched Him heal the sick, cast out devils, feed thousands with only a small lunch, calm the raging sea.  Now their heart was broken, and all seemed to be lost.

They went back to their homes and were depressed, sad and miserable.

Joseph a rich man begged the body of Jesus and wrapped His body in grave clothes.  Then he placed Him in his personal tomb, positioning a huge stone in the opening.

A few days earlier, Mary Madeline had anointed Jesus feet as a token looking forward to his death.

On the third day, the women brought spices to anoint His body, but the stone was rolled away and two men sat on the stone wearing shinny garments.  They proclaimed, “He is not here for he is risen as he said.”

The women ran to tell the disciples, but they were not believed and it seemed they were telling idle tales.  Soon they were to face Jesus and understand he was risen indeed.

Jesus died know the struggles some of you are having.  Others are experiencing days of being sober or smoke free.  The enemy wants you to remain bound, and he tries to get your friends to influence you.

Realize the grave is empty, and Jesus is alive.  He desires to live His life in and through you.

Some are still waiting for their Messiah,  I pray that their eyes will be opened. 

You may have said the sinner’s prayer, but as we take communion today, we are to judge ourselves and make needed adjustments.  God demands we have a Holy Relationship with Him.

We are in the soul winning business.  Turn and look now in the back of the church where a gentleman is surrounded by our men praying him into the kingdom.

It is alright to have fun at church, and we have had an exciting day.  Your job is to take the enthusiasm you have here – out to the world where you live.