NOTES:

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home.

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

John 20:1–18 (NLT)

BOTTOM LINE : 

Resurrection isn’t just something you . 

It’s Someone calling your .

THE CHALLENGE : 

Don’t leave , but be .

THE PROMISE

  1. The Promise of  

 

Psalm 103:8-12 NIV / Isaiah 43:25 NLT / Romans 6:23 NLT

 

Colossians 2:13-15 NIV

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

 

Romans 8:1 NIV

  1. The Promise of

Romans 10: 9-12 NIV

  1. The Promise of

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

  1. The Promise of The

John 14:15-17 NLT

  1. The Promise of

 

John 3:16 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

John 14:6 NIV

John 14:3-4 NIV

 

All the Promises of God are fulfilled in Christ Jesus!

2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

Notes:

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:29-39

 

In this telling of the Easter story, the disciple named is giving the first Christian sermon, after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Our sermon series entitled has shown ways to get rooted in a good relationship with God – including today’s theme: SHARE YOUR , of your interaction with God in life.

Easter is accurately called Sunday, the day of the week when Jesus arose from the dead. He died for our sins, and rose to show he has the power of eternal life…that he can give to you!

 

Easter is the story of Jesus but often for families is celebrated with .

What’s your favorite Easter Candy?

What’s your favorite non-candy Easter food?

Nathan ended up liking the pie ingredient called because of his grandma’s description (story) that this celery-like vegetable was actually good!

People know the One True Good Story of Jesus because of other people sharing the story as they share their own story of interaction with God!

THE STORY:

  • Corruption
  • Catastrophe
  • Confusion
  • Christ’s 1st Arrival
  • Christ’s 2nd Arrival

If your parents raised you to follow Jesus: How did they help you know Jesus’ story?

If your parents did NOT raise you to follow Jesus: How did you learn about Jesus’ story?

According to Peter’s original Christian sermon in Acts 2:32-33, our response to hearing of the story of Jesus should be, just as Peter declared: and be !

THEN, you can live a new life by the power of the Holy Spirit!

If you’re making that decision for the first time or want some help taking your next step in your story with Jesus, let us know and we’d be HAPPY to help this Easter!

[email protected] or text: (937) 303-1260

 

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  • Where did YOU first hear about Jesus? Was it all positive, or did it somehow hurt your perception of who Jesus is, what Christians are like, etc.?
  • Who helped you understand the story of God’s interaction with humanity as described in the Bible?
  • Have you ever helped someone else understand God’s story of interaction with humanity?

READ: Genesis 3, and Acts 2:29-39

  1. What human problem was Jesus addressing in his death and resurrection?
  2. Is this a problem YOU PERSONALLY have?
  3. Have you accepted both the forgiveness of God through Jesus AND the call to live a new life as a disciple of Jesus?
  4. If so, how are you helping know God’s story and its effect on your life?

PRAYER: “Lord, help my heart and mind to be led by you such that my actions AND my words help people to know your story and your desire to add them into the current chapter as one of your children. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

 

EASTER

April 20, 2025

THE DIFFERENCE EASTER MAKES

Mark 16:1-7

 

((10:30AM))

 

 

Message Outline Notes …

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

 

1 Corinthians 15:14,17 (NIV) If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith…  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 15:20 (NIV)Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!

 

 

 

 

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

 

 

TEXT:

Mark 16:1-8 (NIV) When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

 

 


 

THREE ELEMENTS OF THE : 

 

1. THE

 

 

Mark 16:3 (NIV) “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

 

 


 

2.  THE

 

 

Mark 16:5-6 (NIV)5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

 

 

 

 

Romans 8:11 (NIV)11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because ofhis Spirit who lives in you.

 

 

Philippians 3:10 (NLT)I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead…

 

 

Ephesians 1:19-20 (TLB)I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven.

 

 

 


 

3. THE

 

Mark 16:7 (NIV)But go, tell his disciples and Peter, “He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

 

 

 

John 16:19 (NIV) “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me again!”

 

 

John 14:3 (NIV) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

 

 

 

1 John 3:2 (NIV) Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

 

 

 

 


CONCLUSION:

 

PRAYER:

 

WORSHIP:

 

ALTAR:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEXT ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THIS MESSAGE TO 701-712-6030.

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life
Romans 8:10-11 (NIV)

and

“…if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Cor. 15:14, NIV)

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)

Belief in the resurrection enables us to live in as a follower of Christ.

3 Ways the Resurrection Impacts Your Everyday Life

1 – YOUR

“When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace – a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus.” (Rom. 6:3b-4, MSG)

2 – YOUR

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches to his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Eph. 1:18-20, NIV)

“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. BUT WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.” (Matt. 19:26, NLT)

3 – YOUR

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25, NKJV).

Therefore we do not lose heart…For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:16-18, NIV)

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him [Jesus] we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15 NIV)

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?

KNOCK

Theme verse: Matthew 7:7-8

7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

  1. Two
    + Click to add your own note
    • The narrow gate
    • The wide gate
  2. Two
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    • The broad road
    • The narrow road
  3. Two
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    • Destruction
    • Life
  4. Two
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    • Many
    • Few

Results of The Resurrection

Mark 16:15 NKJV and RVR60

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Y les dijo: Id por todo el mundo y predicad el evangelio a toda criatura.

Mark 16:16 NKJV and RVR60

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

El que creyere y fuere bautizado, será salvo; mas el que no creyere, será condenado.

Mark 16:17 NKJV and RVR60

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Y estas señales seguirán a los que creen: En mi nombre echarán fuera demonios; hablarán nuevas lenguas;

Mark 16:18 NKJV and RVR60

they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

tomarán en las manos serpientes, y si bebieren cosa mortífera, no les hará daño; sobre los enfermos pondrán sus manos, y sanarán.

Because Jesus was resurrected for us, we must embrace the resurrection and all that comes with it.

1. Divine Spiritual Purpose (15)

2. Divine Salvation Plan (16)

3. Divine Supernatural Power (17-18)

Call to Action

1. Decide to follow Jesus, repent, and be born again

2. Live on mission for Jesus

3. Walk in the power of Jesus

THE IMPOSSIBLE EASTER STORY. 

| Matthew 28:1-15 | Mark 16:1-13 | Luke 24:1-53 | John 20:1-28, 21:1-25 |

To experience a touch of the impossible…

  • and on what others are not (yet) able to .

| Matthew 28:5-8 | John 20:29 | Romans 8:24-25 | 2 Corinthians 5:7 | Hebrews 11:1 |

  • When it gets tough: He’s me and He’s .

| John 20:13-14 | Exodus 14:14 | Romans 8:28 | Philippians 1:6 |

  • The is in the .

| Ephesians 1:7 | Philippians 2:9-11 | Hebrews 10:19-22 | Revelation 12:11 |

  • ALWAYS REMEMBER: It’s not about what I’ll – it’s about what He’s .

| John 19:30 | Matthew 28:18-20 | Hebrews 12:2-3 | Deuteronomy 6:10-13 |

 

 

Small Group Questions

 

What do you think?

What part of Easter at City Church struck the deepest spiritual chord with you?

The story of your life.

  1. Have you ever seen God move in a way that seemed impossible to you before?

  2. As we speak about “doing” great things, it’s vital to remember that Jesus wants us to become someone who looks more like Him every day. It is the work of God’s Spirit on the inside that empowers what we do on the outside. Theologian Jonathan Edwards once wrote that there are 5 “distinguishing marks of a work of the Spirit of God.” He described them as:
    1. A growing esteem for Jesus Christ.
    2. A discernible spirit of repentance.
    3. A dogged devotion to the Word of God.
    4. An interest in theology and doctrine.
    5. An evidenced love for God and neighbor.
    6. Of these, which do you sense God asking you to grow in the most?

Digging deeper.

  1. Let’s take a moment to grow our esteem for Christ by reflecting upon what He did for us on the Cross. Read Isaiah 53:1-12 out loud and respond to the following prompts and questions.
    1. Have a few members of the group recap the main tenets of the passage.

    2. Keeping in mind that this was written hundreds of years before Christ, what does this text tell us about God? Our salvation? People and ourselves?

  2. Now let’s focus on the discernible spirit of repentance. Apart from Jesus’ actual resurrection, one of the most powerful parts of the Easter story is the repentance of the disciples. Read John 20:24-29 and respond to the following prompts and questions.
    1. Have a few members of the group recap the story in their own words.

    2. What does this story tell us about God? A discernible spirit of repentance? People and ourselves?

    3. In light of this, is there anything you need to do differently?

  3. Finally, let’s focus on what Jonathan Edwards called a “dogged devotion to the Word of God.” How do the following verses help us balance our understanding of the things we will accomplish externally with what God wants to accomplish internally?
    1. Exodus 14:14.
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    2. Romans 8:7-13.
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    3. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
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    4. Galatians 2:20.
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    5. Philippians 1:6.
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Personal reflection and application.

  1. Have everyone share one thing someone else said in this discussion that struck a chord with you.

  2. Pray for one another (men with men and women with women if possible).

Luke 15:11-20

“The Prodigal Son”

Dad = God

Son = us

When we run, we leave the of home.

When we run, we leave the  of home.

When we run, we leave the  of home.

When we run, we leave the  of home.

Luke 15:12

Luke 15:13 – and there he wasted all his money in wild living.

Sin will take you further than you want to go, cost you more than you want to pay, and keep you there for longer than you intended to be there.

Vs 14a: About the time his money ran out,

Luke 15:14

When you run from God, your plans WILL FAIL.

 follow OBEDIENCE.

follow DISOBEDIENCE.

When you run from God, you end up and .

Luke 15:16-19

vs 20a: “So he returned home to his father.”

No matter how far you’ve gone, no matter how long it’s been, you can always come home.

Vs 20b: And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

No matter how far you’ve gone, no matter how long it’s been, you can always come home.

 

COME HOME!

The Journey To Believe
Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Pastor Mark England

Romans 8:11 (NLT) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

There is available to everything “mortal” in your life.

“The of Jesus wasn’t just an to , it is to be .”

Belief beautiful, easy, and “churchy”, but it’s hard to put your faith in something that you and are of.

Belief is a .

John 11:25-26 (CSB) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.26 Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

The answer to Jesus’ question for most of us… “I’m not sure.”
“It sounds good, but I’m having a hard time getting there.”

How do we end up in a place of ?

Mark 9:17-24 (CSB) Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has a spirit that makes him unable to speak. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.” 19 He replied to them, “You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” 20 So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 “How long has this been happening to him?” Jesus asked his father. “From childhood,” he said. 22 “And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

23 Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”

Unbelief Finds It’s Roots In

We God does the right thing.

We’ve and it didn’t work.

We’ve to the doubts of .

Faith
Believing what you can , , and are by.

You don’t need to or what you believe.
You need an .

The From The Condition of to .

Doubting Thomas Changed His Identity to Thomas.
Thomas was the first person to the nation of India and was because of it.

John 20:24-25 (CSB) But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

John 20:26 (CSB) A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

1. Realize that Jesus will .

“Your won’t keep Jesus .”

John 20:27 (CSB) Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”

Jesus will go with you and meet you at your .

2. to discover who Jesus is.

“Belief won’t , you have to .”

Some have it wrong…
They make you before you .
They make you before you .
*That’s NOT What The Says*

We don’t have to to go .
We to be .

Some of you are waiting to before you .
You might need to before you can .

Go for Jesus.
Give it a of your life and .
What do you have to lose?

John 20:28 (CSB) Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”

3. Give to the One who gave for you first.

Christianity is not just a .

“Belief isn’t , it is .”

What is your life on?

You can be on Jesus, and still not be on Him.

on Jesus puts me in His presence, and connects me with Him while the to as I please.

This is why “” is !

Matthew 18:2-4 (CSB) He called a small child and had him stand among them. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

on Jesus with my life requires .

A: I’m already in a real relationship with Jesus.

B: I’m believing on Jesus today.

C: I’d like to consider it a bit more first.

D: I don’t ever intend on making that decision.

 

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