My notes from Pastor Rob’s sermon this Easter Sunday morning:
The tomb is empty! Why ought we to care?
The Gospel means Good News. Yes, I know that, but what I did not know is the historical significance. Such as when victory prevailed over battles, the men “spread the good news” (see 1 Samuel 31:9). There was a need to tell.
Mark opens his book with: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God” (1:1). In ancient Greek the word gospel is always plural, but here Mark breaks the tradition and uses the singular form of gospel. There is no news as good as this Gospel. The remaining of his book explains the purpose of this good news. He has to tell it. Peter proclaims Jesus as the Messiah (8:29), and the soldier near the Cross said, “This man really was God’s Son!” (15:39).
Today, Easter Sunday, we proclaim the good news that Christ has risen. You would want this to be true, for it’s a story of God who loves you!
The Gospel is not advice (counsel), for that means we need to do something. It’s on you!
The Gospel is a report of what has already happened. The Gospel takes the burden off you. It’s on Jesus! Our part is to come, receive. It’s grace and hope. God comes to find you. He seeks to set you free!
“And Can It Be” by Charles Wesley
He left His Father’s throne above/ So free, so infinite His grace/ Emptied Himself of all but love . . . Long my imprisoned spirit lay/ Fast bound in sin and nature’s night . . . / I woke, the dungeon filled with light/ My chains fell off, my heart was free/ I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
I repeat: You would want this to be true, for it’s a story of God who loves you.
Ann Coker 