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Prayer
Hymn: At the
Cross
Memory Verse: Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of
Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Lesson: The
Resurrection
Pastor
remarks and intro of first principle
First Principle: Whoever has been forgiven much,
loves much. (Luke 7)
Scripture Reference: Mark 16:9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary
Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.
Question: What
could be some reasons why Jesus appeared first to Mary?
Additional Scriptures:
John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the
tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the
tomb.
John 20:11 But Mary stood
outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and
looked into the tomb.
Follow Up Question: What
are some added benefits of showing up early and staying late?
Conclusion: Mary not only came early
but also stayed longer than the others. These actions make Mary seem more
committed to Christ. This demonstrated love and devotion to Jesus was no doubt
a factor in her becoming His first choice to “go and tell” the others that He
was alive.
Pastor remarks
and intro of second principle
Second Principle: Chosen or Frozen … it’s a personal
choice!
Scripture Reference: Mark 16:10 She went and told
those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.
Question:
Describe some of the differences between the activities of the disciples and
the actions of Mary that morning.
Follow Up Question: What
do you think motivated, or captivated, the followers of Jesus that Sunday?
Conclusion:
Everyone faced the same disappointment and had the same reasons to be afraid.
However, Mary responded differently. Mary chose to do her weeping as close to
Jesus as she could possibly get while the disciples kept their distance. Mary
went and wept, they stayed away and wept. Pain can freeze the faith of some.
They were all in pain but only Mary took her pain to Jesus. Chosen or frozen …
it’s a personal choice.
Pastor
remarks and intro of third principle
Third Principle: Be quick to believe good news from
God.
Scripture Reference: Mark 16:11 And when they
heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
Question: Why
did the disciples disbelieve Mary?
Follow Up Question: Give some reasons why you think
it seems easier for some people to believe the bad news rather than the good.
Follow Up Question: What
will it take for you to believe that God has a remedy for your greatest
problem?
Conclusion: Mary
was sent by Jesus to tell His disciples that they had no more need to be afraid,
disappointed and in pain however they would not believe her. When we refuse to
believe the message or the messenger God sends to us, our problems, though
already solved, will continue to rule over our lives. Even in our greatest pain
we should always be looking for God’s help to suddenly appear and take the pain
away. God never fails …
Pastor closing remarks
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Connect Cards; Offering and Prayer
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Memory Verse
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Pre-Praise & Worship Prayer will be in the Sanctuary Studio. Worship will
begin in just a few minutes.
