Why do we seek the living among the dead? Discover how the empty tomb guarantees that your identity is no longer defined by your past, but by the life of Jesus Christ.
The Context
This message was shared on Easter Sunday, revisiting the dawn of the very first Resurrection Day. We walk through the Gospel accounts of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the disciples on the road to Emmaus as they grapple with the empty tomb. It is against this backdrop of miraculous discovery that we explore the thirteenth truth in our series regarding our true identity.
The Core Message
Just as the women at the tomb were worried about the heavy stone only to find it already rolled away, God has already made provision for the obstacles we face. When we look up rather than focusing on the problem, we see His faithfulness. Peter’s example teaches us to investigate the truth for ourselves; he did not dismiss the news as nonsense but ran to the tomb to see the evidence. In the same way, we must examine the scriptures to verify the incredible promises God has spoken over us.
The message also calls for a spiritual inventory, using the analogy of a refrigerator losing its temperature and spoiling food. We must examine our lives to ensure we are not lukewarm, harboring "moldy" habits or sins that need to be thrown out through repentance. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the moment believers were born again. Because He lives, we can stand on the truth of Romans 6:11: we are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
The Application
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Look Up: When facing heavy "stones" or obstacles, lift your eyes to Jesus instead of fixating on the problem.
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Investigate the Truth: Don't just listen to others; run to the Word of God to verify His promises and identity for you.
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Examine Your Life: Take stock of your spiritual temperature. If there are areas of compromise or "mold," choose repentance and throw them out.
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Recognize His Voice: Just as Mary recognized Jesus when He called her name, tune your ear to hear the Lord speaking to you.
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Declare Your REAL ID: Daily confess that you are dead to sin and fully alive to God in Christ.
Conclusion
As you celebrate the risen Savior, may you embrace the newness of life He purchased for you, walking confidently in the truth that you are alive in Him.
Here are some of the concepts we'll be touching on in today's message:
Resurrection Sunday, Easter, Empty Tomb, REAL ID, Identity, Repentance, Salvation, New Creation, Holy Spirit, Communion, Spiritual Inventory, Faith, Investigating Truth, Mary Magdalene, Peter, Road to Emmaus.
Scripture References:
Mark 16:1-4, Luke 24:2-35, John 20:2-22, 1 Corinthians 15:3-9, Romans 5:17-21, Romans 6:11, Galatians 2:20, Revelation 3:14-22.
