He is risen indeed. Hope is alive.
He is risen indeed. Hope is alive.
Easter Sunday | He Is Risen Indeed
Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
Hallelujah! The Lord is risen indeed!
“The Lord has really risen…”
Luke 24:34 (NASB)
After the sorrow of the cross and the silence of the tomb, the church proclaims with joy: Jesus is alive.
The church proclaims with joy: Jesus is alive.
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the turning point of history and the foundation of Christian hope.
After the sorrow of the cross and the silence of the tomb, the church proclaims with joy: Jesus is alive.
The message of Easter is not only about what happened then. It speaks to our lives now. Because Christ is risen, hope is alive, forgiveness is available, and new beginnings are possible.
Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield’s Easter message, Looking for Life Among Death, challenged us to consider where we search for hope and where true life is really found.
G — Grounded in Scripture
The women came expecting sorrow, but found the stone rolled away and the hope of resurrection.
The women came expecting death, but found life.
The empty tomb changed history and still changes lives today.
Scripture Readings
Colossians 3:1–14
Paul calls believers to seek the things above, set their minds on Christ, put away the old life, and clothe themselves with:
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Patience
- Forgiveness
- Love
Matthew 28:1–10
The women came to the tomb expecting death—but instead found the stone rolled away and heard the angel’s message:
“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.”
Jesus then met them personally and told them not to fear.
Sermon Theme: Looking for Life Among Death
Where Christ is present, life rises where death once stood.
The women came to a grave expecting sorrow. Instead, they found hope.
Many people today still search for life in places marked by emptiness, disappointment, fear, or sin.
Easter reminds us that true life is found in the risen Christ.
R — Reasons We Believe
The resurrection changes everything.
White reminds us of resurrection, victory, and new life in Christ.
New life blooms where Christ is present.
Why does Easter matter?
1. The Resurrection Confirms Jesus’ Identity
Jesus is not merely a teacher from history. He is the risen Lord.
2. The Resurrection Defeats Death
The empty tomb declares that death does not have the final word.
3. The Resurrection Offers Hope Today
Because Jesus lives, forgiveness is real, peace is possible, and broken lives can be restored.
4. The Resurrection Changes Lives
From the first disciples until today, countless lives have been transformed by encountering the living Christ.
O — Obedience in Action
Resurrection hope is meant to be lived and shared.
Stop Searching in Lifeless Places
Ask yourself:
- Am I looking for joy in temporary things?
- Am I searching for identity in approval from others?
- Am I stuck in fear, regret, or old habits?
Jesus calls us to seek life in Him.
Put On the New Life
Clothe yourself with:
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Patience
- Forgiveness
- Love
Share Resurrection Hope
- Encourage someone who feels discouraged
- Offer forgiveness where there has been hurt
- Invite someone to worship
- Serve someone in need
- Speak hope into dark situations
W — Walk It Out
Walk forward in faith, courage, and joy.
Easter is not just one Sunday. It begins a new way of living.
Because Christ is risen:
- We do not have to be ruled by fear
- We do not have to remain trapped in the past
- We do not have to lose hope
We can walk forward in faith, courage, and joy.
This week, remember: the same Lord who rose from the grave still brings life where things seem dead.
Truth — Reason — Change
Truth: Jesus is alive.
Reason: The resurrection changes everything.
Change: I can walk in hope, courage, and joy.
Reflective Questions
Where am I searching for life in places that cannot truly satisfy?
Possible answers:
- possessions
- approval
- control
- comfort
- unhealthy habits
What part of my life needs resurrection hope today?
Possible answers:
- grief
- relationships
- faith
- purpose
- peace
How can I live like Easter is true this week?
Possible answers:
- trust God more deeply
- forgive someone
- pray daily
- serve joyfully
- encourage another person
Prayer
Risen Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the empty tomb and the hope of new life. Forgive us for searching for life in places that cannot satisfy. Fill us with resurrection joy, courage, and peace. Help us walk each day in faith and let others see Your life in us.
Amen.
Spring reminds us that new beginnings are possible. Come and see.
Come and See
At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, neighbors become family. There is always room for you.
At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, neighbors become family. There is always room for you.
