March 26, 2016 - Church at Worship

Sermon: “The Verdict of the Empty Tomb”  - by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Gilda Roddy

Scripture Reading: Mark 16:1–6a, TNIV

Children's Feature: TBD

Sermon Notes:

For five weeks now, we have lived through different moments—through different people—the final events of Jesus’ life on this earth. We have participated in that final, fateful Passover weekend in Jerusalem two thousand years ago through their experiences. We have followed Jesus from Pilate’s judgment hall all the way to Golgotha. And along the way we have discovered that the cross demands a verdict. Simply put, you may avoid making a decision about Jesus back in Bethlehem, or on the Sea of Galilee, or out in the scalding desert—but when you come to Calvary, you must decide. Today we will discover that the same is true about the empty tomb. What happened there? Did his followers—as was reported—steal his body and thus craft a final, elaborate ruse? Or did Jesus actually rise from the dead? And if he did, what does that mean for how we live our lives today? What does that mean for how we grieve, how we face death, how we think of tomorrow? Paul told the Corinthians believers—as he assured them of the certainty of Christ’s resurrection: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17, NIV). Obviously, then, for Paul, the resurrection of Jesus is the lynchpin of Christian faith. What is it for you? Today we come to that tomb—the empty garden tomb. In viewing it, what will you decide? What will you make of it? What will be your verdict? Much depends on your answer . . . .

Randy Roberts

Senior Pastor