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No Longer Scared

April 20, 2014

Topic: Special Service Passage: Revelation 1:17–18

Background

  • In this vision recorded in the book of Revelation, John was comforted by the words and promises of his Lord. 
  • The greatest fear that people had was the fear of death, and in these words, the issue of death was addressed. This Easter morning, because Jesus rose from the grave, we have no need to fear death

Who is Jesus? Jesus Is God

  • Isa 44:6, Jn 1:1, 10:30 -- Jesus starts right off from the beginning saying that he is God.
  • It is good that we be reminded by the presence of God. We are drunk with humanity and blinded by the greatness of God.
  • Isa 55:8-9 also reminds us that his ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts greater than our thoughts.

What happened to Jesus? Jesus died, but is now alive! 

  • Those like Lazarus was resurrected only to die eventually. But Jesus is the only one that has been resurrected and not to die ever again. 
  • Christians often speak about his death, but his death was not remarkable because of the way he died. In fact, death by crucifixion was a shameful mode during the time.
  • His death was remarkable because his death was voluntary (Jn 10:18), an innocent for the guilty (1 Pet 3:18). God saw that he was the acceptable sacrifice for sin (1 Jn 4:10). 
  • Christians celebrate Easter, because Jesus did not merely die a meaningful death. He is no longer dead but alive! A resurrected Christ was seen by many (1 Cor 15:3-6) and because He lives, so can we (Jn 14:19). 


What does this mean? Jesus Christ has authority over death!

  • Jesus has overcome death (Rom 6:8-9) 
  • For those that place their faith in Jesus, Jesus has paid it all. Death, which came to all man because all sinned, is no longer eternal. As Jesus said to Martha in Jn 11:25-26, He is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Him shall never die. 

Conclusion

  • Jesus is God and He has triumphed over death. 
  • Who do we say He is? 

"I have found him whom my soul loveth, Jesus who died on the cross, and was buried in the tomb, and who came there from victory over death and sin and the grave. My hope, my righteousness, my Redeemer, my Lord, my God, I trust Him, I cling to Him, and He alone is my hope forever. Is he yours?" --George Truett