Comfort from the Empty Tomb

Here are the 'cliff notes' from the sermon this beautiful Easter morning. I was deeply inspired by it and thought I'd share it. Happy Easter!
Jesus resurrecting from the dead is the single most important thing in the Christian faith. Because Jesus rose from the dead, our past can be healed, we can find power in our daily lives, and rejoice in the promise of heaven.

Question:
Why do we feel so comforted by the empty tomb?

1. Jesus is alive and has risen from the dead. We can be comforted in the fact that Jesus knows our struggles and daily trials and He will supply all we need due to the fact of Him rising from the dead.


2. There is life after death. - Because Christ has risen, we know that there is eternal life after death. That hope gives us significance.


3. Christ's atoning sacrifice for our sins was accepted - the empty tomb gives us confidence that we may have peace with God. Jesus predicted his death and resurrection. The empty tomb confirms that the Father has accepted Christ's sacrifice for our sins and restored and restored us to right relationship with Him.
   
4. Every believer will experience a bodily resurrection - Jesus rose from the grave with a glorified physical body. When the disciples thought He was a spirit, He told them to feel the scars on His hands, feet, and side.Our Lord also ate with them on two occasions, proving He had a physical body.
   Christ’s resurrection is a foretaste of what we will experience one day Our bodies will be renewed and perfectly fit for eternal life. We will need a physical body in eternity—we won’t merely be spirits.
   Just as a farmer plants a seed and expects a harvest in due time, our bodies won’t be forgotten in the grave. God will raise them up in absolute perfection one day. We will be faultless in every way, as Jesus is.


5. We do not have to fear death - Most people are afraid of dying. Why? Death is an unknown, and their sin and rebellion against God make them unsure of what to expect. But believers will have the confidence to stand before Him—not because of their good deeds, but because of His gift of salvation. Jesus is preparing a home in heaven for those who place their trust in Him. What must you do to see heaven—the kingdom of God? You must be born again, believe in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross (John 3:16 - my Daddy's favorite verse)and accept Him personally as your Savior. If you do this, Scripture promises your sins will be forgiven.

Conclusion:

If Jesus Christ didn’t rise from the dead, our faith is in vain. We may as well live like the rest of the world—without direction, hope, or purpose. But our Savior triumphed over the grave and has gone to prepare a home in heaven for us. Because of the resurrection, you and I can have confidence that all Jesus promised will come to pass. This Easter, rejoice in the awesome significance of the empty tomb.