Pinewood Easter: Resurrection

Opener: Happiest City In America

Happy Easter Boulder!

Did you know that in 2017, National Geographic and Gallup named Boulder the “Happiest City in America”? Forbes, the Washington Post, and others reported it. There was extensive research given and all data pointed to Boulder as those living their “best life”.

“National Geographic bestselling author Dan Buettner and Gallup’s social scientists teamed up to develop an index that assesses measurable expressions of happiness and identifies where Americans are living their best lives…. The winner: Boulder, Colorado. Bolstered by a sense of community, access to nature, sustainable urban development and preservation policies, and perhaps even that clean mountain air, Boulderites overwhelmingly feel “active and productive every day,” according to Buettner’s research.” - National Geographic

I love me some Boulder! I love everything about this wonderful city. The people, the food, the shops, the mountain, the views, the bike paths, the adventure, the creek… c’mon! What’s not to love right?! Well maybe the price of housing… #realtalk. :)

Just the other day I was biking to school with my kids and it was a crisp Boulder spring morning, the mountains were beautiful in the backdrop, and I thought to myself… “I live in Boulder!” I can’t emphasize enough how much I love this city! There’s just something extra about it.

The reality is that this city is all that the research shows. It is productive, it is active, it is healthy, it is prosperous, it is sustainable, and it is beautiful… but there’s something hidden in the shadows that we often times don’t like to talk about… and that is that Boulder is also isolated, searching, and challenging.

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” - C.S. Lewis

Go with me for a minute. I don’t speak for everyone in this city, but I do speak on the authority of the countless conversations I’ve had with locals who feel a sense of searching and belonging. Something deep in the heart of every human being longs to live for something outside of themselves. Something deeper than the temporary fix of a job promotion, your next relationship, or hitting that PR. Something more meaningful than their presauna on instagram. Something more satisfying than their next wild adventure. It’s not that any of these things are bad, not at all. I would go as far as to say they are all good things, but the reality is that they simply aren’t enough.

If I’m being honest, it’s been a hard last couple weeks. I’ve sat with many in our city that are experiencing heavy grief and loss. People that from all outside appearances look like they are “living their best life” when in reality, everything is falling apart. I’ve listened to the grueling news of two loved ones of mine who took their lives. Close friends that are dealing with broken relationships. Listen to me, from all temporary measures of success and “best life” status, THEY HAVE IT ALL!!! But deep in the emotions, questions, and struggles, temporary is simply not enough.

I want to take the next few minutes to share with you how the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything about our lives, and points us to a reality much bigger than ourselves!

Passage: Matthew 28:1-7

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.

5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”

ONE Point: How the resurrection of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God.

1. Relationship With God

   1. The Problem Is Sin

      1. The problem is sin. Most people acknowledge that all have sinned and “fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)
      2. There’s not a single person in the room that would label themself as being “The perfect one”. We have all sinned against God and we all fall short of His glory.
      3. God is perfect and holy, therefore our sin separates us from a holy God.
      4. Question: What good has sin produced in your life? Think with me for a minute. Think of lying… who benefits when someone lies about you or when you lie about someone in your life? Think about pride… are prideful people not the hardest people to get along with?

      5. The reality is that sin never leads to an abundant and joy filled life, am I right? There’s something else sin does that’s worse than any physical consequence we can experience on this earth, it separates us from God.

         2. The Penalty Is Death

      6. The Bible says the payment for sin is death – eternal spiritual separation from God. (Rom. 6:23)

      7. “For the wages of sin is death.” The penalty of our sin, is death. Our sin not only results in death in our physical lives, but in our spiritual as well.

      8. Imagine that you commit a crime and you are facing a judge. You know there is a penalty for your crime and you acknowledge your guilt… then all of the sudden somebody steps in and says “I’ll take his punishment.” This is what Jesus did for you on the cross. Jesus said “I’ll take your pain, I’ll take your guilt, I’ll take your sin, I’ll take your condemnation on myself!”

         3. The Provision Is Jesus

      9. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6

      10. Christ has paid the penalty for our sin by His death on the cross. (Rom. 5:8)
      11. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
      12. When Jesus said “It is finished” on the cross, that means completed, accomplished. Nothing was left to pay! Our penalty was paid in full on the cross!
      13. 3 days later Jesus rose from the grave. Defeating sin, death, and the enemy for all eternity.

      14. There’s an empty grave for that…

          1. Guilt, shame, fear, sin, death, unforgiveness, bitterness, loneliness, doubt, anxiety, depression, addiction, broken marriage, broken relationships, pride, envy… there’s an empty grave for that!

The resurrection gives us a… hope for heaven, freedom in Christ, a mission to live for, purpose in every circumstance, an example to follow, joy in our trials, comfort in our pain, strength in our weakness, a foundation on which to build our lives, power to overcome the enemy, a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and so much more! Aren’t you glad today that He is not dead, but He is alive and victorious today!

Closing: God loves you so much! And He desires a relationship with you. Will you go to God?

If you feel in chains, He’s a chain breaker

If you feel sick, He’s the great physician

If you feel addicted, He’s freedom and abundant life

If you feel lost, He’s a way maker

If you feel anxious, He’s the peace that transcends all understanding

If you feel condemned, He’s the grace giver

If you feel hopeless, He’s your living hope

Invitation:

1. Confess your sins to Him today

   1. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

   2. Put your faith in Him today

   3. “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

   4. Walk in freedom in Him today

   5. “For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1