Jesus is alive, active and available
April 5, 2010 (Monday)
One more blog about Easter. Yesterday’s sermon at Timbergrove Baptist Church I Houston.
Title: “I Have Seen the Lord.” Text: John 20:18.
Mary Magdalene was the first to announce, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18). Then, in succession, there was excitement about having seen the Lord experienced by Thomas, Peter, Stephen, Ananias and Paul, with Jesus revealing Himself in a unique way to each. Of course, there were many others because Jesus made eleven appearances before His ascension 40 days following His resurrection.
I. HE’S ALIVE! The Old Testament had predicted it, and Jesus had promised it. The record proves it. How else can you explain the excitement and change of heart among His followers as they were transformed from a dejected, depressed group to a virtual army of disciplined believers, proclaiming joyfully, “He’s alive!”
2. HE’S ACTIVE! Mary’s first testimony was, “He has spoken to me.” He speaks to us today in many ways. He’s active in our lives. He hears us and helps us. We sing, “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”
3. HE’S AVAILABLE! Mary reported Jesus’ appearance to the disciples, because “He told me to tell you.” The Resurrection of Jesus Christ plucks Him from Palestine and presents Him to the entire world. Jesus wants you to know about Him and His power to help you. He wants to become part of your daily life.
There is a Roman Centurion in Heaven today who will always remember the day that the Apostle Paul said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!” (Acts 16:31). He believed and was saved. His family followed in his footsteps and believed also. Do you believe?