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SERMON NOTES
Easter Festival Service, March 31, 2024 – Pastor Kischnick
THEME: “WE WIN!” TEXT: Mark 16:1-8
INTRO. Pastors Conf. Noblesville – free time>Big Ten Network: “Football Classics” UM v. Penn St. 2 yrs. back. Watched w/confidence & anticipation – knew the outcome! WE WIN – 16-10!
TODAY: Why did you come? Suspense? New ending? Stone not rolled away, women complete burial rites? Skeleton in musty tomb? NO WAY! We came because we know the outcome! Jesus-100, Satan, death, and grave – 0! WE WIN! He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
I. EASTER HAD A SOMBER START
A. Disciples: hiding in fear, riddled with guilt, sorrow.
B. Women: busy themselves with traditional tasks.
C. Not one expects a Missing Jesus: stone rolled away, empty grave
clothes, empty tomb > angels say: “He is risen!” = confusion ALL
ILLUST. U-tube is a gift: UNC/Jordan, IU/Keith Smart, Auburn/field goal return v. AL, UK/Christian Laettner…oops! Sorry! You can always win!
II. EASTER HAD A GLORIOUS FINISH
A. First come amazing reports:
1. The women: empty tomb, angel words
2. The two women, then Mary Magd.: “We have seen the Lord!”
3. Then Peter, James, the Emmaus Two: What does this mean?
B. Then comes, “Shalom!” Jesus comes to the Ten.
1. “Touch me and see…” “See my hands, my feet, my side.”
2. They were overjoyed, confused, some doubted esp. Thomas
3. A week later: “Stop doubting & believe.” “My Lord & my God!”
C. Through them we hear & see: “WE WIN! Jesus lives!”
III. LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING
ILLUST. The Masters: Tiger Wds., “impossible” chip on 16: always goes in!
A. Jesus looked like a loser on that cross:
1. Some Messiah he: weak, alone, helpless, sighing, bleeding, dying.
2. Jeered: “He saved others…!” “Come down from the cross…”
3. Easter declares him the Winner over all evil: King of Kings, L. of L.
B. Christians often look like losers, don’t we?
1. Cancer, diabetes, stricken w/ grief, depressed, alone, dying
2. “Where is your God?” Paul in I Cor.15: “Jesus, the 1st fruits…”
3. GOOD NEWS today: “We win!” Jesus lives! He is risen!
CLOSE: “Back to the Future II”: Biff acquires Sports Almanac from future. Knows outcome of games not yet played. Can’t lose a bet! Rich/trouble.
We know our future: can’t lose because Jesus lives & so shall we! We win!
PRINTABLE PDF: SNEASTER31.PDF
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WATCH THE ENTIRE ROAST! CHECK IT OUT HERE. https://www.facebook.com/GraceLutheranChurchNA/videos/331850621504079/
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My Dear Friends in Christ,
A heartfelt word of appreciation to you for your love, your gifts, your kind words, the luncheon, the video, the barrel of monkeys, the ape-filled chocolate kiss, the flowers, the “Tiny Bruce” song, the Tiny Bruce that’s in my office and creeps me out, and 30 years of your partnership in the Gospel. There’s nowhere else I’d rather have been and no people I’d rather serve. I am privileged to be your pastor, and I love you all!
I thank God every time I remember you in my prayers…” and I pray for your continued health in faith and in life.
Pastor K. – Psalm 16:8