Hope is in Bloom
Hope is in Bloom
1 Peter 1:1-5
Spring gives hope that new life has begun. Just a few weeks ago, temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s surely was a sign that green grass, leaves and the trees and flowers pushing their ways up threw the soil is coming quickly. As the scenes of spring were all around us, we were confident that the barrenness of winter was now over.
There is no doubt that God placed the Passover in the spring with a particular thought we could relate to. That thought was when Jesus Christ was crucified and buried He would be resurrected to confirm a newness of life. This life is eternal life for all who believe. The barrenness of a lifeless season is over and a new life has begun. Just like with the flowers and trees, the barrenness of winter is over and new foliage is here.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is what we call Easter. We find the word Easter in the King James in Acts 12:4, “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” This is at the time of the Passover and the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today, we are celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. For some, you are back in church for the first time in a long time, for others perhaps you have never been in church. Still for others, church is a consistent part of your routine. In any case, today we are gathered to celebrate and in this celebration, spring is bringing forth hope and the resurrection brought HOPE.
Today, we are going to see three HOPES that Easter confirms:
Easter Confirms a:
I. Loving Hope (1-2)
A. Planned from the Beginning Time
1. Genesis 3:15 (The Purpose of Cross)
2. Isaiah 53 (The Work of the Cross)
3. Psalm 16:10 (The Completion of the Cross)
B. Set Apart by:
1. The Blood of Christ (Work of the Cross)
2. Obedience to Christ (Following Him/Being a Disciple)
Easter Confirms a:
II. Living Hope (3)
A. Resurrection is Life
B. Eternal Hope through Life
Job 19:25, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.”
1. Seen Alive
2. Without the Resurrection, there is no Eternal Life
Easter Confirms a:
III. Lasting Hope (4-5)
A. Those who Believe have an Inheritance
1. It’s Imperishable
2. It’s Undefiled
3. It’s Not Temporary
4. Reserved in Heaven
B. Completed When Standing before the Savior (Already Not Yet)
Video Conclusion: "What comes to your mind when you think of the cross?"