March 31, 2024 - Easter Sunday
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TEXT: Mark 16:1-8
TOPIC: Jesus’ Resurrection
SERMON SUMMARY:
On this joyous Easter Sunday, Fr. Rob Holman proclaimed "Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!" This ancient declaration affirms the central truth that on the third day after his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death itself. The resurrection is the proof and foundation for the promise of eternal life to all who believe.
Fr. Rob vividly described the scene on that first Easter morning - how shocking and unbelievable it must have seemed to the faithful women arriving at the tomb. To their astonishment, the stone was rolled away and an angel announced "He is not here; he has risen!" No wonder they fled in trembling and amazement.
To help grasp the magnitude of this event, Fr. Rob pointed to the Exodus story when Moses parted the Red Sea, delivering the Israelites from certain death. This foreshadowed baptism, where believers pass through the waters to new life, just as Christ's resurrection opens the way to eternal life.
While the biblical accounts are clear, Fr. Rob acknowledged it can still be difficult to fully receive and internalize this truth, especially for those early in their faith journey. He encouraged checking out the upcoming Alpha course - a relaxed, judgment-free opportunity to explore the big questions of life, faith, and the person of Jesus through discussion and fellowship over meals.
The sermon closed with an invitation to prayerfully consider whom to invite to Alpha, as well as a reminder that the hope of the resurrection is greater than any trouble we face in this life. Christ's victory over death is cause for unending celebration!
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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION:
On Easter we celebrate the central event that created Christianity. When you read or hear about Jesus’ resurrection, what’s your response? Can you explain why you respond that way?
What questions do you have about the resurrection? Do you have any other big questions about the Christian faith in general?
Do you have a person or group where you can bring these questions, share them honestly, and think through them in helpful ways with others?
PRAYER: “God, if you’re real and Jesus really rose from the dead, please reveal yourself to more fully to me and others who are seeking. Help me find true and meaningful responses to my questions. If the resurrection is real, help me comprehend more of what this means for me and the whole world. Amen.”
