The message: “Christ, victory of the believers:” this theme mainly reveals God’s relationship with man. This is the foundation of the holy covenant that God made with his people, which states that God is willing to guarantee them and that they recognize Him as their God, the only and unique Lord and none else (Exo. 20: 3). This covenant is based on unity of life and unity of heart and soul, which made Him say, “I will … be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” 2 Cor.6 :18. This is how He commanded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” Deut.6:5. The Lord has indeed said to His people, “You are my witnesses” Is.43:10 and “All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you” Deut. 28:10. This is all based on the perfect union with God, as Jesus said, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them” Jn.14:23. Henceforth, He gives the guarantee that He keeps and takes care of His people, defeats their enemies, specifically the one who has the power of death, even the devil (Heb. 2:14). In ancient times, Moses said to the children of Israel, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still” Exo.14:14. Jesus also said to His disciples, “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” Jn.16:33. For all authority in heaven and on earth has been given Him (Mt.18:18), that is, the power to save all those who believe in Him (Jn. 3:16). For Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” Jn.11:25-26. Therefore, “Because I live, you also will live” Jn.14:19c. Easter is the day of the exaltation of Christ. Exalt His glory. Glorify His name: JESUS IS ALIVE, THE BELIEVERS ARE VICTORIOUS!
Monday, 13th: Jesus is lifted up for the salvation of the sinners.
“See, my servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted” Is.52:13.
Reading 1: Jn.12:27-33. Reading 2: Is.52:13-15. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Is.52:13.
Introduction: The main point highlighted by the pericope is the meaning of the coming of the Messiah of God, who came to do the will of his Father who sent Him, namely the salvation of the sinners. Jesus said, indeed, “And this is the will of him who sent me: that every person who sees the Son and believes on him should have everlasting life. And I will raise him up at the last day” Jn.6:40. He bought this with his blood and his humility by making himself similar to sinners, but this is also why He has been exalted to the highest place (Phil.2:10-11).
Tuesday 14: The dead are raised.
« For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised » 1 Cor.15:16.
Reading 1: Jn. 11: 21-27. Reading 2: 1 Cor.15: 12-21. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: 1 Cor.15: 16-17.
Introduction: God raises the dead, because « He is God not of the dead, but of the living » Mat.22: 32. And since He is a « God of Love » (1 Jn 4:16), so He gives life to all that He created. It is accomplished by means of the word of God, for « in him was life, and the life was the light of all people » Jn.1:4. Therefore it is “the Spirit of the word of God,” also called “the breath of God” (Ezek.37: 9-10, Jn.20: 22), the “Spirit of life,” who raises the dead ( Rom.8: 2). It was He who raised Jesus from the dead, He also will raise all those who believe in Him (John 11:25).
Wednesday 15th: Jesus is risen.
« He is not here, but has risen » Lk.24:6a.
Reading 1: Isa.8:11-19. Reading 2: Lk.24:1-9. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Lk.24:5-6.
Introduction: “Jesus Christ is risen from the dead:” It is foolishness to the ungodly. This is why the Pharisees told the soldiers who guarded the tomb, « You must say, ’His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep’ » Mt.28:13. But God’s work cannot be thwarted (Isa.43:13), and « the word of God is not chained » 2 Tim.2:9b, according to which Jesus declared, « he must … on the third day be raised » Mt.16: 21.
Thursday 16: Jesus Christ has conquered death.
« Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol? » Hos.13:14a
Reading 1: Heb.1:10-15 Reading 2: Hos.13:14. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Hos.13:14a
Introduction: Jesus really conquered death, because the Father gave him all power over both life and death. As He revealed Himself to John, He said, « Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades » Rev.1:17-18
Friday 17th: Believe the testimonies.
« I have seen the Lord » Jn.20:18b
Reading 1: 1 Kor.15:1-11. Reading 2: Jn.20:11-18. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Jn.20:18.
Introduction: It is the duty of the witnesses of faith to proclaim that « The Lord is alive, » because He let them meet and recognize Him. So like the Apostle John they will claim, « We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ » 1 Jn.1:3.
Saturday 19: Jesus Christ lives forever.
« I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever » Rev.1:18.
Reading 1: Job 19:25-27. Reading 2: Rev.1:12-18. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Rev.1:17-18.
Introduction: God is the “Lord of eternity.” This is how the Father said about the reign of Jesus: “Your throne, O God is forever and ever” Hbr.1:8a. Thus, He makes common cause with those who believe in Him and makes them heirs of God and co-heirs with Him (Ro.8: 17), so thay they may obtain his victory, even eternal life (Jn.6:40).
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