This is a terrible Easter! People are dying, a virus is spreading around, and people have to remain socially distant. But did you know that the disciples had a pretty terrible first Easter two-thousand years ago. But something dramatically changed that turned their Easter from terrible to amazing. We can learn from them as we go through our own challenges.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! It proves he really is God.
Sermon Clip
Full Service
MESSAGE Notes
John 20:19-20 – The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Easter
Pastor Kyle Lewis
John 20:19 – On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews…
What Happened?
- The disciples were likely questioning everything.
What Changed Things?
- John 20:19-20 – 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
- The reason they were so glad to see him was because he was the RESURRECTED JESUS.
- The resurrection changed everything.
- Many people have claimed to be God.
- Even with him resurrecting, had their situation changed?
- The resurrection proved that they were following someone who WAS Lord!
- The difference is that they KNEW Jesus was Lord.
Just like the idea of the resurrection of Jesus brought peace to the disciples, it can bring peace to us as well!
- Even though it is still scary out there, we do not have to fear death!
- True peace will only come from making Jesus the Lord of your life because he is stronger than any virus.
- Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Two Groups:
1) Those who already know Jesus.
- Keep on returning to the fact that Jesus in control and he has already conquered death.
- Psalm 18:2-3 – The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
- Psalm 56:11(ESV) – in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?
- Psalm 56:11(CoronaVirus Version) – in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can the virus do to me?
2) Those who do not know Jesus.
- John 14:6 – “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Island Pond Baptist Church is an SBC church in Hampstead, NH, just seconds from Derry, NH. We also have many people at our church from surrounding cities such as Chester, Sandown, Danville, Kingston, Fremont, Plaistow, Atkinson, Derry, Londonderry, Salem, and Haverhill. If you live in Southern New Hampshire, we would love for you to come and visit!