The Bethany Bullet - Week of April 16, 2017

“He is Risen!”  

 Your “Indeed!” is both a response of faith and a confirmation of historical truth.  Jesus, who was killed and buried, is alive.  Though dead, He rose!  The tomb which was sealed was opened not simply to let the women enter but because Jesus was making His exit.  He is Risen!

The open tomb verifies that:

1.      God’s arms are open in love to us.

a.      God who is holy cannot share proximity with the impure or imperfect.  Yet through Jesus’ holy life and innocent suffering and death God grants us forgiveness and credits Christ’s righteousness to us through faith.

2.      That a life of faith is open to us.

a.      A life of faith trusts in God’s promises

b.      A life of faith lives in God’s presence

c.      A life of faith bears witness to God’s power

3.      That paradise is open to us.

a.      “Now no more can death appall, now no more the grave enthrall; You have opened paradise, and Your saints in You shall rise. Alleluia!”

-Pastor Kevin Kritzer