Because He Lives
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
John 14:19; Revelation 2:8—Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.
After 2,000 years, Christianity is alive and well! Christian movies are now very popular… Songs about Jesus Christ are still being written and sung. Many Christian books become best sellers.
No religion has been persecuted more than Christianity. Yet it has not only survived—it has thrived! How could a religion founded by a Jewish carpenter continue to influence multitudes over the centuries? There is only one answer—This Jewish carpenter named Jesus is the Son of God. Christianity is alive and well because Christ is ALIVE and well!!!
One Easter morning Pastor A.H. Ackley was listening to a church service on the radio while he was getting ready for church. He heard a minister on the radio say, “It’s Easter, and it doesn’t make any difference if Christ be risen or not…” Shocked, Ackley shouted, “It’s a lie! He is risen!” He was inspired to write a song, and he began to write: “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say…” AMEN!
That is what we celebrate today! We Pray… Preach… and Praise His name! Why? BECAUSE HE LIVES.
Turn to Ephesians 1:15-23. This is a prayer of Paul for the Christians at Ephesus. It is one continuous sentence. Everything Paul prays for is wrapped up in the glorious truth of verse 20— “…he raised him from the dead…”
The fact Jesus Christ arose from the dead has several powerful implications regarding us—
Because He lives…
I. We have a VALUE that ENRICHES
(v. 18—“…the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”).
A. This is not the riches of our inheritance in Christ(v.11), but the riches of Christ’s inheritance IN US! What we get defies description—What God gets transcends comprehension.
- We get eternal life… We get Christ indwelling within us… We get a home in heaven…
- What does Jesus get? —He gets US (John 17:6,11,12, 24)!
God says, “Al Hughes, My gift to you is My beloved Son Jesus Christ.” Then the Father says to Jesus, “And Son, my gift to You is Al Hughes.” (I think Jesus got the worse end of that deal!)
It blows my mind that God saw something in me He wanted. The only way I can account for it is God’s amazing love and grace.
B. Notice the word “riches” in verse 18. In some way, we ENRICH Christ by being His inheritance. We are the jewels in His crown.
God is not focused on the billions of galaxies in the universe—He’s more interested in human life than in galactic life!
C. Who needs “self-esteem” when you have “Christ’s esteem?” You don’t need someone constantly “pumping you up.” Think of who you are in Christ and the price He paid for you. It is the blood Jesus shed at Calvary that gives us our worth.
It doesn’t matter if no one clicks “like” on your Facebook page. What difference does it make, when you realize you are the inheritance of Jesus Christ? Jesus LIKES YOU!
Because He lives…
II. We have a POWER that ENERGIZES
(v. 19—“what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe”)
A. How much power did it take for God to raise a crucified, mutilated, and dead Jesus to newness of life? EXCEEDING GREAT POWER — SUPERNATURAL POWER.
1. That is the same power it takes to raise you from being dead in trespasses and sins to newness of life.
2. The same supernatural power that raised Jesus from the dead resides within you if you’re saved.
3. You have all the power you need to live for God…to overcome temptation and sin… to endure any trial that may come your way. You just need to tap into it!
B. The greatest manifestation of God’s power.
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
