EASTER

“Quality of Life Series”

3/24/05

LEADER: What’s your favorite holiday?

Christmas is one of my favorites…getting together with family…delivering the message of Christmas at Granbury Live….celebrating Christ’s birth, but as Christians, Easter should be our very favorite. Who can tell me why? Is it because of family or Easter egg hunts or wearing new clothes or going to Easter Sunrise Service?

Easter is what all of Christianity is based on.

LEADER: "Christmas is the Promise, and Easter is the Proof."

FROM: http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+674

LEADER: Let’s start our study today with a little story…have you ever read the story of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” to your children or grandchildren? Here’s a new twist by Pastor Gary Brice:

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “How The Grinch Stole Easter” #1 By Gary Brice

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=75252&ContributorID=12309

Every Who down in Who-ville
Liked Easter a lot...
But the Grinch,
Who lived just North of Who-ville
Did Not!

The Grinch hated Easter, the whole Lenten Season,
And if you’ll be patient, I’ll tell you the reason.
It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But that wasn’t the reason he loathed with such might.
The Grinch hated Easter, alone in his cave,
‘Cause his heart was as dead and as dark as the grave.

So he stood there, on Good Friday, and he pictured the scene,
Of Easter in Who-ville and all it would mean.
They would rise with “He’s Risen” on each pair of Who lips,
And they’d dress for church services and after church trips.
“They’re rehearsing cantatas and pageants and prayers,
They are ironing their clothes and they’re curling their hair.”
Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming,
“I MUST find some way to stop Easter from coming!”
For on Easter he knew, all the Who boys and girls,
Would have much more to think of than fashions and curls.
They would think of their Savior, and all girls and boys,
Would open their Who mouths and make joyful noise.
And that’s one thing he hated, the Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise!

Then the Whos, young and old, would fold hands and bow heads,
While prayers of thanksgiving and worship were said.
Then they’d sing about Jesus, how He died, how He lives,
Then some windbag would talk on the hope that He gives.

And then they’d do something he liked least of all,
Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Would stand close together, with Easter bells ringing,
They’d hold hands in a circle, and they’d pass Easter Greetings!

“Go under His mercy”, they’d say to their brother,
“The Lord bless and keep you”, they’d say to each other.
And the thought galled the Grinch from his hat to his shoelace,
And a frown seemed to darken each part of his Grinch-face.
“Why, for 53 years I’ve put up with it now!
I must stop this Easter from coming .....But how?”
Then he got an idea? And awful idea!
The Grinch got a Wonderful, Awful Idea!

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “How The Grinch Stole Easter” #2 By Gary Brice

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=75252&ContributorID=12309

“I know just what to do,” the Grinch said with a hoot,
And he made a quick pair of Bunny ears and a suit.
And he chuckled and clucked, “What a great Grinchy trick!
With these ears and this suit I can steal Easter...slick!”

He died baskets pink and he filled them with grass,
Then he set one aside for each Who-lad and Who-lass.
Then he went to the Wal Mart, charged his card to the max,
Spending thousands on chocolates, not counting the tax.

Then he bought fancy bonnets and gaudy bow ties,
And he grinned as he pictured Who giggles and sighs.
“This will keep them from praying and singing those songs,
This will please and distract them for all the day long.”

Then he loaded the goodies and baskets and clothes,
The bonnets and dresses and ties that make bows,
And he packed his Suburban till it threatened to pop,
And he grinned as he mumbled, “This Easter must stop!”

Then long after midnight, with each Who in his bed
While thoughts of Sweet Jesus filled every Who head,
The Grinch left for each as they finished their nap,
A sweet basket of candy, a distraction, a trap.

He smiled his Grinch smile as he tiptoed away,
And he pictured the mess he would cause the next day.
He pictured the Whos rising and finding their stash,
And forgetting about Jesus in less than a flash.

They would fight over chocolates, over bonnets and toys,
They’d forget about praying and making glad noise.
“We can’t get them dressed” would shout Who dads and moms,
“They’re covered with chocolate from their nose to their thumbs.
From their heart to their heads they’re absorbed with themselves,
We’ll have to put Easter and such on the shelves!”

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “How The Grinch Stole Easter” #3 By Gary Brice

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=75252&ContributorID=12309
The Grinch hardly slept as he waited the dawn,
He could not stop imagining the row that would come.
“Pooh-pooh to the Whos” he was grinch-ish-ly humming,
“They are finding out now that no Easter is coming.
They are just waking up. I know just how they’ll be!
Their mouths will hang open a minute or three
Then the Whos will all shout, “Easter’s all about ME!”
And they’ll forget the Carpenter of Old Galilee.
The Grinch cocked his head, put his hand to his ear,
“That’s a noise,” grinned the Grinch, “That I simply must hear!”
And he did hear a noise rising over the meadow,
It started in low, and it started to grow.

But the sound wasn’t selfish or angry or sad,
It just couldn’t be so, but the sound sounded glad!
He stared down at Who-ville and the Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who boy and girl had their chocolates and bonnets,
But every Who face had a peaceful smile on it!
They had their bow ties and their chocolate treat basket,
But the Grinch had a question and he just had to ask it.

“Why aren’t they distracted and selfish and rude,
Why aren’t they absorbed with their dresses and food?
Could it be that they’ll sing whether chocolate or not;
Could it be I don’t understand Easter one jot?”

What happened then.... well, down in Who-ville they say,
The Spirit got hold of a Grinch heart that day.
The heart that was empty, and gloomy, and cold,
Became warm and alive, filled with promise untold.
And Jesus, who had been to the Grinch just a bother,
Became Savior and Master, Redeemer and Brother!

Easter is more than just trappings, all Who-ville agreed,
It’s a Savior who lives to meet every man’s needs.

They made their Who circle in the First Church that day,
And after their singing, they started to pray.
“Go under the mercy,” said one to his brother,
“God bless you and keep you,” said one to the other.
“He is Risen,” cried one in the midst of the blessed;
“He is Risen indeed,” said the Grinch with the rest.

It’s been passed down as fact, or so the Whos say,
That the singing was louder by threefold that day.
And the circle seemed fuller, more warm and more sweet,
Two green, hairy Grinch hands had made it complete.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Easter Bunny” Encarta® Online Encyclopedia

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761568507

Children are often told that Easter eggs are brought by the Easter bunny. The rabbit has become as traditional at Easter time as the Easter egg. Like the egg, the hare or rabbit was a symbol of fertility and new life in ancient times. How the rabbit came to be associated with Easter and Easter eggs is unclear, but it may have been intended to symbolize the fertile life that the risen Christ would send his followers. In any case, the Easter rabbit has had a long history in European folklore.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html

The Whole Earth Holiday Book connects the rabbit and colored eggs with the story of a poor woman who could afford no sweets for her children on Easter. She colored some eggs and hid them in a nest for her children to find. During the hunt, the children spotted a large hare in the bushes. They told their friends the bunny had left the eggs, and so the Easter bunny story began.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Paschal Lamb” Encarta® Online Encyclopedia

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761568507

One of the most common Christian symbols, especially associated with Easter, is the lamb. It is often depicted with a banner that bears a cross, and it is known as the Agnus Dei, meaning “lamb of God” in Latin. The origin of the symbol is related directly to the Jewish Passover. In ancient times the Jews sacrificed a lamb in the course of the festival. The early Christians, most of whom were Hebrews, associated the sacrifice of the lamb with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. They connected the joyous Passover festival, which commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from their years of bondage in Egypt, with the liberation from death represented by the resurrection.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Easter Lily”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html

Easter lily: This flowering plant was brought to the United States in the 1880s from Bermuda. At first, these plants were not associated with Easter, but since they bloom near Easter time and the Bible mentions lilies as symbols of beauty (Luke 12:27), a connection seemed natural.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Palms”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html

They represent the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15). Many churches refer to the Sunday before Easter as "Palm Sunday." In Catholic and some Protestant churches, palms are burned and their ashes saved until the following year's Ash Wednesday—the day marking the first day of Lent.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Dogwood”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html

The blood-red spots on the white blossoms of each are said to represent Christ's blood drops. Dogwood blossoms have four bracts (resembling petals) that represent the cross, and the center of the dogwood flower resembles a crown of thorns. Legend says the dogwood was used for Christ's cross and was later cursed by God so that it would never be used as a cross again, which is why today's dogwoods are small and spindly.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Cross”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html

The cross, of course, represents the instrument upon which Christ was crucified. In the Dictionary of Symbolism, Hans Biedermann states that early Christians hesitated to use the cross as a symbol since it represented such a hideous form of execution. Only after the Roman emperor Constantine banned crucifixion in the fourth century did the cross become a popular Christian symbol representing victory over death.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Tomb”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html

The empty tomb is the focal point of Easter. It is usually depicted with the stone rolled to one side of the opening and an angel guarding the entrance. The empty tomb announces to the world, "He is not here, He has risen!" He has risen indeed.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Easter Egg”

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/8r2/8r2047.html EXCERPTS

In medieval times, eggs were traditionally given to all servants at Easter. It is said that King Edward I of England (1307) distributed 450 boiled Easter eggs, dyed or covered with gold leaf, to members of the royal household.

Today, in most countries the eggs are stained with plain vegetable-dye colors. The Syrian and Greek faithful present each other with crimson eggs in honor of the blood of Christ. Ukrainians create intricate designs with checkerboard and rhombi patterns, dots, wavy lines, and intersecting ribbons. Blessed by the priest at Easter, the artistically-rendered eggs become symbolic heirlooms.

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761568507

Encarta® Online Encyclopedia

In Christianity the egg is a symbol of resurrection, representing the emergence of Christ from his tomb to everlasting life.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Tomb Is Empty”

illus.asp?topic_id=451

Little Philip, born with Down’s syndrome, attended a third-grade Sunday School class with several eight-year-old boys and girls. Typical of that age, the children did not readily accept Philip with his differences, according to an article in Leadership magazine. But because of a creative teacher, they began to care about Philip and accept him as part of the group, though not fully. The Sunday after Easter the teacher brought Leggs pantyhose containers, the kind that look like large eggs. Each receiving one, the children were told to go outside on that lovely spring day, find some symbol for new life, and put it in the egg-like container. Back in the classroom, they would share their new-life symbols, opening the containers one by one in surprise fashion. After running about the church property in wild confusion, the students returned to the classroom and placed the containers on the table. Surrounded by the children, the teacher began to open them one by one. After each one, whether flower, butterfly, or leaf, the class would ooh and ahh. Then one was opened, revealing nothing inside. The children exclaimed, “That’s stupid. That’s not fair. Somebody didn’t do their assignment.”

Philip spoke up, “That’s mine.”

“Philip, you don’t ever do things right!” the student retorted. “There’s nothing there!”

“I did so do it,” Philip insisted. “I did do it. It’s empty. The tomb was empty!”

Silence followed. From then on Philip became a full member of the class. He died not long afterward from an infection most normal children would have shrugged off. At the funeral this class of eight-year-olds marched up to the altar not with flowers, but with their Sunday school teacher, each to lay on it an empty pantyhose egg.

LEADER: That is the crux of Christianity…the empty tomb.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #1 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=44957&ContributorID=1709

Easter, Easter, We’re All Raised Up
For a lot of people, Easter is just another holiday, a 3-day weekend of fun and no work. For others, it’s chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs. And for others, it just another ghost story they don’t believe.
BUT WE KNOW BETTER! For Christians, Easter means the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! It means the promise of life after death! It means hope of a better life. It means joy. Today, literally millions of people all over the world will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, literally millions of people all over the world will be celebrating that fact that some 2000 years ago, on that Sunday morning, Jesus was raised up, the tomb was empty.
Once there was a man who decided to start a new religion. But he was complaining that he could not make any new converts. He didn’t know what to do. A friend told him, “All you have to do is get yourself crucified, die, and rise again on the third day.” No problem!
No other religion can celebrate Easter. If you are a Muslim, your leader Mohammed died June 8, 632 AD at the age of 61. Millions of people go to the tomb, which his body still occupies to this day. All the leaders of these manmade religions have died. Only Jesus, the Son of God has defeated death.
The resurrection is the basis of our faith. If Christ didn’t rise from the dead then we’re just wasting our time here every Sunday. Not only that, but I would say that the resurrection is the most important event in all of history. The words, “He is not here, but He is risen”, changed the course of history! And they continue to do so. Let us take a look at why the resurrection is so important to us.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #2 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=44957&ContributorID=1709

A Sunday School teacher was explaining to a group of small children about the death and resurrection of Jesus. She made a crude cross out of some sticks and explained how Jesus was nailed to the cross. And little boy responded by saying, "Oh, that’s too bad."
In the very next breath, however, the teacher told how Jesus rose from the grave, coming back to life. And the little boy’s eyes got real big and he said, "TOTALLY AWESOME!"
Friends, the resurrection of Jesus is totally awesome even though many people of the world don’t know this and many doubt it.
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
Preaching a dead Christ won’t save anybody. If we preach about a Savior who is not risen, then our preaching is empty. You know what it’s like? It’s like throwing a rope to a drowning man without having one end anchored securely.
Once a lady wrote into a Q & A forum, saying their Pastor said Jesus only swooned on the cross and the disciples nursed him back to health. The answer came back, “Beat your Pastor 39 strokes with a cat-o-nine-tails, nail him to a cross, hang him in the sun for 6 hours, run a spear through him, put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours and see what happens.
You see, the Roman soldiers were experts at crucifixions, having performed the procedure countless times. The centurion even gave testimony to Pilate that Jesus was dead.
Jesus didn’t swoon! He died and then He was raised up! When I say He was raised up, my voice didn’t say it with a question! He got up! There’s no dispute! He got up!
There were witnesses! Peter saw him, Mary saw him, two men on the road saw him, various disciples saw him on 5 different occasions, more than 500 hundred saw him at once, James saw him! We have proof!
Mohammed didn’t get up!
Confucius didn’t get up!
Buddha didn’t get up!
But Jesus is Alive! He’s Alive! He Got Up!

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #3 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=44957&ContributorID=1709

People often ask, “Why was the stone rolled away?” Well, the stone was not rolled away for Him to come out. I can guarantee you that. We find, later on, in the accounts of His appearances, that at one point the disciples were in the upper room where the windows and doors were closed and locked and Jesus Christ just walked right in. He needed no door. No wall could hold Him out. And no stone could hold him in. No, the stone was not rolled away for Him to come out.
The stone was rolled away so that we could look in. It was rolled away so that the empty tomb could be visible to all. The empty tomb is the greatest evidence of the resurrection of Jesus. Cynics and critics have tried to explain it away, and they have not been able to. The empty tomb still stands as evidence to all that Jesus is not dead. He is alive today.
5-year old Jimmy was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn’t want to go in alone. "It’s dark in there and I’m scared." She asked again, and he still refused. Finally she said, "It’s OK--Jesus will be in there with you." Jimmy walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave when he had an idea. He said: "Jesus, if you’re in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?"
“IF” you’re in there, Jimmy said. The stone was rolled away. We can look inside the dark, scary tomb to see “IF” Jesus is in there. But he’s not. Christ is risen! (response) He got up!
What are the odds you’d forget where you buried you’re loved one? Some say it was the wrong tomb. But if it were the wrong tomb, the Pharisees and the Sadducees who put Jesus to death certainly would have found the right tomb, rolled the stone away, and produced the dead and decaying body of Jesus Christ. But they were unable to because it was the right tomb, and it was empty. All of the great religious leaders of history have lived and died, and their bodies are buried today. Only Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Only Jesus Christ broke the bonds of death and was raised up.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: I Corinthians 15:17-19

¹⁷and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #3 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=44957&ContributorID=1709

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “It Happened Just As He Said” By Peter Kennedy

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon4/it_happened_just_as_he_said.htm

"'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" Mark 16:6-7
Former White House counsel Charles Colson, convicted for his involvement in the Watergate scandal as an assistant to President Nixon, is often asked about the resurrection and if it could be a hoax with a cover-up to make it look like Christ rose from the dead. He answers: "The Watergate cover-up reveals the true nature of humanity. Even political zealots at the pinnacle of power will, in the crunch, save their own necks, even at the expense of the ones they profess to serve so loyally. But the apostles could not deny Jesus, because they had seen him face to face, and they knew he had risen from the dead. No, you can take it from an expert in cover-ups-I've lived through Watergate-that nothing less than a resurrected Christ could have caused those men to maintain to their dying whispers that Jesus is alive and is Lord. Two thousand years later, nothing less than the power of the risen Christ could inspire Christians around the world to remain faithful-despite prison, torture, and death. Jesus is Lord: That's the thrilling message of Easter. It's a historic fact, one convincingly established by the evidence-and one you can bet your life upon."
Christ's resurrection is a historical fact. It happened on the first day of the week following Passover in the city of Jerusalem. Our faith is grounded in history, not a philosophy. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He not only predicted His resurrection, but also fulfilled it so we may have hope in Him.
God's Word: "The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." - Matthew 28:5-6

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “I’ve Taken The Sting”

http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+1328

http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+4728

A little boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon. Suddenly out of nowhere a bumblebee flew in the car window. Since the little boy was deathly allergic to bee stings, he became petrified. But the father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. But as soon as he let it go, the young son became frantic again as it buzzed by him. His father saw his panic-stricken face. Once again the father reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to his hand. There still stuck in his skin was the stinger of the bee. "Do you see this?" he asked. "You don't need to be afraid anymore. I've taken the sting for you." This is the message of Easter. We do not need to be afraid of death anymore. Christ faced death for us. And by His victory, we are saved from sin. Christ has taken the sting! As Paul says it, "Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:55. Christ has taken the stinger for us. He has risen! Fear is gone. New life is ours.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Matthew 28:1-10 (ALL TURN TO)

¹Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.

²And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. ³And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.

⁵The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. ⁶"He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. ⁷"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." ⁸And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. ⁹And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. ¹⁰Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me."

LEADER: Easter presents one big problem for folks:

It reveals the sins of man.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Easter Changes Our Lives” #1 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=45220&ContributorID=6236

"Christ died FOR our sins..." He didn’t just die... like the many who had before him. Jesus wasn’t the first person to be crucified. In Rome, many criminals were crucified - this is their way of execution. But this particular man Jesus was different - His death was very significant. The Bible revealed to us so... no wonder after >2000 years we’re still talking about it.
The Bible says, "Christ died FOR..." something, for a cause. He was not a victim of the circumstances. He was not caught up in circumstances beyond his control. In fact, it was not the Jewish people that pushed him up the cross. It wasn’t the Romans. Jesus himself took that choice. He said in John 10:17-18 "... I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord...."
Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. All these happened because of man’s sin. That is the CAUSE, that is the ONE BIG PROBLEM of man.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: I Corinthians 15:1-6

¹Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, ²by which also you are saved, ^(D)if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. ³For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. ⁶After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;

LEADER: Easter also presents a blessing for mankind:

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Easter Changes Our Lives” #2 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=45220&ContributorID=6236

EASTER reveals the ONE BIG BLESSING for man - NEW LIFE
Verse 4: "that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..."
God the Father raised Jesus up from the grave. By so doing, He is declaring to the world, "I’ve accepted His sacrifice for sin! Jesus has done everything for our redemption." That’s why Jesus himself cried out on the cross, "It is finished!" What is finished - the work of saving you and me.
Christ rose because He is the God of the living, not the dead. Confucius is dead. Mohammed is dead. Buddha is dead. Every leader of human religion is dead, but Jesus Christ is alive today.
The Bible says... many saw Him. He appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, and finally to the author too - Paul. All these men are now in heaven. You have not committed a sin so great that God cannot forgive... Easter showed the deal has been done.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: John 15:13

¹³"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Which Way To Go”

Warren Webster, April, 1980, HIS, p. 13

http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=451

Dr. Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa. “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why have you become a Christian?’

He answered, ‘Well, it’s like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions, and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive—which one would you ask which way to go?’“

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Some Stay at the Cross” By Annie Johnson Flint

http://www.higherpraise.org/illustrations/easter.htm

Some of us stay at the cross,
some of us wait at the tomb,
Quickened and raised with Christ
yet lingering still in the gloom.
Some of us 'bide at the Passover feast
with Pentecost all unknown,
The triumphs of grace in the heavenly place
that our Lord has made His own.
If the Christ who died had stopped at the cross,
His work had been incomplete.
If the Christ who was buried had stayed in the tomb,
He had only known defeat,
But the way of the cross never stops at the cross
and the way of the tomb leads on
To victorious grace in the heavenly place
where the risen Lord has gone.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “I Dreamed I Stood At Calvary”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon1/idreamed.htm

I dreamed I stood at Calvary

And saw three crosses there;

On left and right were nailed two thieves,

The cross between was bare.

A soldier took his sword in hand,

Then pointing it at me;

He said,"You there, prepare to die.

That cross is meant for thee."

I quickly fell upon my knees,

For mercy did I cry;

As strong hands grabbed my hands and feet,

I shouted, "Why, oh why?"

And then a voice both soft and sweet

Was heard above the din;

"Let this one go, take me instead.

I'll pay his debt of sin."

With his body torn and bleeding,

And thorn marks 'round his head;

With face bruised where they beat him,

He stepped into my stead.

Then Jesus laid upon the cross,

His life to freely give;

That all my sins be washed away,

And through his death, I'd live.

He stretched his arms out open wide,

No struggle did he make;

As they prepared to nail him there,

His life to gladly take.

They drove the spikes in hands and feet

And slammed the cross in place;

His bones were shaken out of joint,

And blood flowed down his face.

"Forgive them, Father"' was his cry,

They know not what they've done.

They do not realize that you,

Have sent your only son."

Deep darkness filled the noonday sky

And trembling shook the ground;

As God, the Father, turned away,

While God, the Son, gazed 'round.

"It's finished now", the Saviour said.

"The door stands open wide;

Into thy hand's my spirit comes."

And then they pierced his side.

The graves were bursting open,

And dead men walked around;

The temple veil was rent in twain,

And I fell to the ground.

When I awoke, the night had passed

And sunshine flooded in;

I cried, "Dear Lord, forgive me please,

And cleanse me from my sin.

For you sent down your only son,

A ransom for the lost;

And I see you included me,

When counting out the cost.

Take o'er the reins that guide my life,

Remove my wilful pride;

Sweep clean my heart and enter in,

Forever, there abide."

Yes, I dreamt I stood at Calvary

And saw those crosses three;

Yet no longer do I look with fear

Where Jesus died for me.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”

http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+1328

A father knelt down beside his little boy's bed. It was time for prayers, hugs and kisses, and tucking in. The little boy began the childhood prayer he had repeated so many times before: Now I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake Pray the Lord, my soul to take. This time the words got mixed up. Unwittingly, the child spoke words of the greatest wisdom. He prayed, "If I should wake before I die." Embarrassed, he stopped. "Oh Daddy, I got all mixed up." Wisely, his dad responded tenderly, "Not at all, Son, that's the first time the prayer was properly prayed. My deepest longing for you is that you make wake up before you die." The child drifted to sleep, but the father turned the prophetic words about in his mind.

"If I should wake before I die. That's it!" he exclaimed. "That's the promise and hope of Easter. This is the time to come alive and live forever!

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “An Easter Message” By Harvey and June Schneider

mexschneiders@servantsoldiers.com, Servant Soldier Ministries, Daphne, Alabama

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon5/easter_message.htm

Eric Barker, a missionary from Great Britain, spent over fifty years in Portugal preaching the Gospel, often under adverse conditions. At the beginning of World War II, the situation in Europe became so difficult that he was advised to send his wife and six children to England for safety. His sister and her three children were also evacuated on the same ship.
Although his family were forced to leave, Eric remained behind to carry on the work. The Sunday following their departure, Pastor Barker stood before his congregation and said, "I've just received word that all my family have arrived safely home!" He then proceeded with the service.
Later, the full meaning of his words became known to his congregation. He had been handed a wire just before the service informing him that a German submarine had torpedoed the ship with his family. Everyone on board had perished.
Eric Barker knew that because all his family were believers they had reached a more desired home." Although overwhelmed with grief, he managed by the grace of God to live above his circumstances and to give God the glory for bringing his family safely home. The knowledge that his family was with Jesus in Heaven comforted his heart.

This bit of history tells the importance of Jesus crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Without a sinless sacrifice who willing took the punishment for each of the individual sins of each of Eric Bakers family members he would not have had the assurance that they had arrived safely home.
If the enemy sinks your ship where will you go to spend eternity? If you are safe in the ark of His covenant made possible by Jesus, the Lamb of God, you will ascend to heaven.
This is the Passover, which some call Easter.

LEADER: "Christmas is the Promise, and Easter is the Proof."

FROM: http://elbourne.org/sermons/index.mv?illustration+674

LEADER: In 2 Timothy 2:8 it says: ⁸Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.

We’re passing out some reminders of Easter:

“The Colors of Easter” EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=59503&ContributorID=6483

· GOLD: FOR DIETY… If you are familiar with the Christmas story and the three Wisemen you will remember that the very first gift they brought to the Baby Jesus was GOLD. Why, because gold stood for deity. It represented the very best.

· PURPLE: FOR ROYALTY…The Bible tells us: Never forget that Jesus Christ was a man born into King David’s family and that he was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. ¨

· RED: FOR THE BLOOD HE SHED… As He hung on the cross dieing for you and me. Matthew 26:28 ²⁸for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

· BLACK: FOR SIN… Sin has a price. That price is death. That’s why it was necessary for Jesus to die on the cross; our sins deserved death. Someone had to pay the price; someone had to take care of the bill. Jesus did.

· WHITE: FOR GRACE…He washed us white as snow.

· BROWN: FOR THE EMPTY TOMB… He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.¨ 1 Corinthians 15:4

· BLUE: FOR THE RESSURECTION: He came from heaven to earth and from earth to the sky.

· GREEN: FOR NEW LIFE…each person has to make that decision him or herself…to accept Christ into your heart and ask forgiveness of your sins.

COMMENTS IF TIME:

STOP AT 10 TILL FOR

PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:

CUT AND DISTRIBUTE FOR READING:

“How The Grinch Stole Easter” #1

Every Who down in Who-ville
Liked Easter a lot...
But the Grinch,
Who lived just North of Who-ville
Did Not!
The Grinch hated Easter, the whole Lenten Season,
And if you’ll be patient, I’ll tell you the reason.
It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But that wasn’t the reason he loathed with such might.
The Grinch hated Easter, alone in his cave,
‘Cause his heart was as dead and as dark as the grave.
So he stood there, on Good Friday, and he pictured the scene,
Of Easter in Who-ville and all it would mean.
They would rise with “He’s Risen” on each pair of Who lips,
And they’d dress for church services and after church trips.
“They’re rehearsing cantatas and pageants and prayers,
They are ironing their clothes and they’re curling their hair.”
Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming,
“I MUST find some way to stop Easter from coming!”
For on Easter he knew, all the Who boys and girls,
Would have much more to think of than fashions and curls.
They would think of their Savior, and all girls and boys,
Would open their Who mouths and make joyful noise.
And that’s one thing he hated, the Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise!
Then the Whos, young and old, would fold hands and bow heads,
While prayers of thanksgiving and worship were said.
Then they’d sing about Jesus, how He died, how He lives,
Then some windbag would talk on the hope that He gives.
And then they’d do something he liked least of all,
Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small,
Would stand close together, with Easter bells ringing,
They’d hold hands in a circle, and they’d pass Easter Greetings!
“Go under His mercy”, they’d say to their brother,
“The Lord bless and keep you”, they’d say to each other.
And the thought galled the Grinch from his hat to his shoelace,
And a frown seemed to darken each part of his Grinch-face.
“Why, for 53 years I’ve put up with it now!
I must stop this Easter from coming .....But how?”
Then he got an idea? And awful idea!
The Grinch got a Wonderful, Awful Idea!

“How The Grinch Stole Easter” #2

“The Tomb”

“How The Grinch Stole Easter” #3

The Grinch hardly slept as he waited the dawn,
He could not stop imagining the row that would come.
“Pooh-pooh to the Whos” he was grinch-ish-ly humming,
“They are finding out now that no Easter is coming.
They are just waking up. I know just how they’ll be!
Their mouths will hang open a minute or three
Then the Whos will all shout, “Easter’s all about ME!”
And they’ll forget the Carpenter of Old Galilee.
The Grinch cocked his head, put his hand to his ear,
“That’s a noise,” grinned the Grinch, “That I simply must hear!”
And he did hear a noise rising over the meadow,
It started in low, and it started to grow.
But the sound wasn’t selfish or angry or sad,
It just couldn’t be so, but the sound sounded glad!
He stared down at Who-ville and the Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!
Every Who boy and girl had their chocolates and bonnets,
But every Who face had a peaceful smile on it!
They had their bow ties and their chocolate treat basket,
But the Grinch had a question and he just had to ask it.
“Why aren’t they distracted and selfish and rude,
Why aren’t they absorbed with their dresses and food?
Could it be that they’ll sing whether chocolate or not;
Could it be I don’t understand Easter one jot?”
What happened then.... well, down in Who-ville they say,
The Spirit got hold of a Grinch heart that day.
The heart that was empty, and gloomy, and cold,
Became warm and alive, filled with promise untold.
And Jesus, who had been to the Grinch just a bother,
Became Savior and Master, Redeemer and Brother!

Easter is more than just trappings, all Who-ville agreed,
It’s a Savior who lives to meet every man’s needs.
They made their Who circle in the First Church that day,
And after their singing, they started to pray.
“Go under the mercy,” said one to his brother,
“God bless you and keep you,” said one to the other.
“He is Risen,” cried one in the midst of the blessed;
“He is Risen indeed,” said the Grinch with the rest.
It’s been passed down as fact, or so the Whos say,
That the singing was louder by threefold that day.
And the circle seemed fuller, more warm and more sweet,
Two green, hairy Grinch hands had made it complete.

“The Easter Bunny”

“The Paschal Lamb”

“The Easter Lily”

This flowering plant was brought to the United States in the 1880s from Bermuda. At first, these plants were not associated with Easter, but since they bloom near Easter time and the Bible mentions lilies as symbols of beauty (Luke 12:27), a connection seemed natural.

“The Palms”

“Dogwood”

“The Cross”

“The Easter Egg”

In Christianity the egg is a symbol of resurrection, representing the emergence of Christ from his tomb to everlasting life.

“The Tomb Is Empty”

Philip spoke up, “That’s mine.”

“Philip, you don’t ever do things right!” the student retorted. “There’s nothing there!”

“I did so do it,” Philip insisted. “I did do it. It’s empty. The tomb was empty!”

John 15:13

“Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #1

Easter, Easter, We’re All Raised Up. For a lot of people, Easter is just another holiday, a 3-day weekend of fun and no work. For others, it’s chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs. And for others, it just another ghost story they don’t believe.
BUT WE KNOW BETTER! For Christians, Easter means the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! It means the promise of life after death! It means hope of a better life. It means joy. Today, literally millions of people all over the world will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, literally millions of people all over the world will be celebrating that fact that some 2000 years ago, on that Sunday morning, Jesus was raised up, the tomb was empty.
Once there was a man who decided to start a new religion. But he was complaining that he could not make any new converts. He didn’t know what to do. A friend told him, “All you have to do is get yourself crucified, die, and rise again on the third day.” No problem!
No other religion can celebrate Easter. If you are a Muslim, your leader Mohammed died June 8, 632 AD at the age of 61. Millions of people go to the tomb, which his body still occupies to this day. All the leaders of these manmade religions have died. Only Jesus, the Son of God has defeated death.
The resurrection is the basis of our faith. If Christ didn’t rise from the dead then we’re just wasting our time here every Sunday. Not only that, but I would say that the resurrection is the most important event in all of history. The words, “He is not here, but He is risen”, changed the course of history! And they continue to do so. Let us take a look at why the resurrection is so important to us.

“I’ve Taken The Sting”

“Which Way To Go”

Dr. Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa. “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why have you become a Christian?’

“Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #2

A Sunday School teacher was explaining to a group of small children about the death and resurrection of Jesus. She made a crude cross out of some sticks and explained how Jesus was nailed to the cross. And little boy responded by saying, "Oh, that’s too bad."
In the very next breath, however, the teacher told how Jesus rose from the grave, coming back to life. And the little boy’s eyes got real big and he said, "TOTALLY AWESOME!"
Friends, the resurrection of Jesus is totally awesome even though many people of the world don’t know this and many doubt it.
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
Preaching a dead Christ won’t save anybody. If we preach about a Savior who is not risen, then our preaching is empty. You know what it’s like? It’s like throwing a rope to a drowning man without having one end anchored securely.
Once a lady wrote into a Q & A forum, saying their Pastor said Jesus only swooned on the cross and the disciples nursed him back to health. The answer came back, “Beat your Pastor 39 strokes with a cat-o-nine-tails, nail him to a cross, hang him in the sun for 6 hours, run a spear through him, put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours and see what happens. You see, the Roman soldiers were experts at crucifixions, having performed the procedure countless times. The centurion even gave testimony to Pilate that Jesus was dead. Jesus didn’t swoon! He died and then He was raised up! When I say He was raised up, my voice didn’t say it with a question! He got up! There’s no dispute! He got up!
There were witnesses! Peter saw him, Mary saw him, two men on the road saw him, various disciples saw him on 5 different occasions, more than 500 hundred saw him at once, James saw him! We have proof!
Mohammed didn’t get up!
Confucius didn’t get up!
Buddha didn’t get up!
But Jesus is Alive! He’s Alive! He Got Up!

“Easter Changes Our Lives”

“Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #3

I Corinthians 15:17-19

“Easter Changes Our Lives”

“Easter, We’re All Raised Up” #3

“Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”

"If I should wake before I die. That's it!" he exclaimed. "That's the promise and hope of Easter. This is the time to come alive and live forever!

Matthew 28:1-10

I Corinthians 15:1-6

“It Happened Just As He Said”

“Some Stay at the Cross”

“I Dreamed I Stood At Calvary”

I dreamed I stood at Calvary

And saw three crosses there;

On left and right were nailed two thieves,

The cross between was bare.

A soldier took his sword in hand,

Then pointing it at me;

He said,"You there, prepare to die.

That cross is meant for thee."

I quickly fell upon my knees,

For mercy did I cry;

As strong hands grabbed my hands and feet,

I shouted, "Why, oh why?"

And then a voice both soft and sweet

Was heard above the din;

"Let this one go, take me instead.

I'll pay his debt of sin."

With his body torn and bleeding,

And thorn marks 'round his head;

With face bruised where they beat him,

He stepped into my stead.

Then Jesus laid upon the cross,

His life to freely give;

That all my sins be washed away,

And through his death, I'd live.

He stretched his arms out open wide,

No struggle did he make;

As they prepared to nail him there,

His life to gladly take.

They drove the spikes in hands and feet

And slammed the cross in place;

His bones were shaken out of joint,

And blood flowed down his face.

"Forgive them, Father"' was his cry,

They know not what they've done.

They do not realize that you,

Have sent your only son."

Deep darkness filled the noonday sky

And trembling shook the ground;

As God, the Father, turned away,

While God, the Son, gazed 'round.

"It's finished now", the Saviour said.

"The door stands open wide;

Into thy hand's my spirit comes."

And then they pierced his side.

The graves were bursting open,

And dead men walked around;

The temple veil was rent in twain,

And I fell to the ground.

When I awoke, the night had passed

And sunshine flooded in;

I cried, "Dear Lord, forgive me please,

And cleanse me from my sin.

For you sent down your only son,

A ransom for the lost;

And I see you included me,

When counting out the cost.

Take o'er the reins that guide my life,

Remove my wilful pride;

Sweep clean my heart and enter in,

Forever, there abide."

Yes, I dreamt I stood at Calvary

And saw those crosses three;

Yet no longer do I look with fear

Where Jesus died for me.

“An Easter Message”

http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=451

http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=451

LEADER: In 2 Timothy 2:8 it says: 8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.

We’re passing out some reminders of Easter:

“The Colors of Easter” EXCERPTS

· GOLD: FOR DIETY… If you are familiar with the Christmas story and the three Wisemen you will remember that the very first gift they brought to the Baby Jesus was GOLD. Why, because gold stood for deity. It represented the very best.

· PURPLE: FOR ROYALTY…The Bible tells us: Never forget that Jesus Christ was a man born into King David’s family and that he was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. ¨

· RED: FOR THE BLOOD HE SHED… As He hung on the cross dieing for you and me. Matthew 26:28 28for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.

· BLACK: FOR SIN… Sin has a price. That price is death. That’s why it was necessary for Jesus to die on the cross; our sins deserved death. Someone had to pay the price; someone had to take care of the bill. Jesus did.

· WHITE: FOR GRACE…He washed us white as snow.

· BROWN: FOR THE EMPTY TOMB… He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said.¨ 1 Corinthians 15:4

· BLUE: FOR THE RESSURECTION: He came from heaven to earth and from earth to the sky.

· GREEN: FOR NEW LIFE…each person has to make that decision him or herself…to accept Christ into your heart and ask forgiveness of your sins.

LEADER: In 2 Timothy 2:8 it says: ⁸Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel.

· RED: FOR THE BLOOD HE SHED… As He hung on the cross dieing for you and me. Matthew 26:28 ²⁸for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.