Apr 20, 2025
Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
God’s Big Picture Plan for Resurrection Sunday
Luke 24:36-49
1. That something hard to believe would happen, v. 36-43
Two responses to Jesus…
a) doubt, v. 38
b) disbelieved for joy, v. 41
“"If Christ is not risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is risen, nothing else matters.”
- Jaroslav Pelikan
2. That we would have a Bible we can believe, v. 44
3. That Christ should suffer, v. 46
Luke 9:22
Three reasons Christ had to suffer…
1) because we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s standard
2) because our sin separates us from God
3) because sin requires a sacrifice for us to be reconciled to God
4. That on the third day He would rise from the dead, v. 46
Some examples of the third day pattern…
a) Genesis 1:9-13- God creates dry land, vegetation, plants, trees
b) Genesis 22:4- “On the third day, Abraham saw the place…”
c) Jonah 1:17- in belly of the fish for three days and nights
d) Hosea 6:1-2
5. That change would be possible for everyone, v. 47
a) “of sins”
b) “in his name”
c) “to all nations”
6. That we would have the capacity to do what God requires, v. 49
Mental worship….
1 How often do you struggle with doubt and are you doubting anything these days?
2 When is the last time you experienced something so good it was hard for you to believe it?
3 What is one thing you would be willing to start believing about the Bible?
4 Have you gotten to your “third day” yet?
5 Do you need forgiveness for sin or do you need God to change how you feel about what you did?
6 Do you ever experience this power that God promises?