A NEW LEASE ON LIFE!

Luke 24:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:17-20; I Peter 1:3-5

Introduction

Recently I visited with a friend who had recently experienced a quadruple heart by-pass! He said, “I feel like I have a new lease on life!” A lease is a contract, continuance, an extension, new opportunity. King Hezekiah received a fifteen year extension to his life after prayer. Easter means that you can receive a new life, a lease with meaning that makes life “worth living!” We were in Jerusalem recently when suddenly there was a boom-boom and the guide said that was a sonic boom – not an earthquake. (Mattt. 28:2) But Matthew tells us that on the first day of the week there was an earth quake with an angel moving away the huge stone that sealed Jesus’ grave.

I.          The POWER for a new lease: An exciting story. Luke 24:33-35

·         On the road – Defeat – going home dejected, discouraged and disillusioned

·         At the table – Presence – The guest broke bread, gave thanks, and shared it with the hosts.

·         Opened eyes – Recognition – Lights came on! “They recognized him!”

·         Burning hearts – Inspiration – feeling motivated – Aldersgate – John Wesley “My heart was strangely warmed.” Vs. 31

Illus. Cataracts Removed. Vs. 16, “Blinded by doubt, despair, and discouragement.”

The main thing is a “relationship” (Glen Hinson)

The Emmaus Walk removed their cataracts of disillusionment!

·         Resurrection Testimony – Witness – Ran back to Jerusalem saying It is True!

(To the eleven).

II,         The way a new lease is made POSSIBLE. ! Corinthians 15:17-20

The Corinth church had problems so Paul’s teaching is forthright”

·        V. 17               No resurrection – No valid faith “Faith futile” and still lost in sin

·        V. 18-19         No resurrection – No future life for Christian dead, hope only now is                       pitiful – no power

·        V.20                Yes resurrection – Yes to eternal life lease

Christ is the first fruits of human resurrection. I have a lemon tree in my backyard that gives me hope. The first lemon that ripens tells me more are to come. And because Christ arose, all those who believe in Him as Lord and Saviour will also be part of a future resurrection day.

·         V. 23               Faith – “Those who believe and belong”

III.           ENCOURAGEMENT to a new lease on life. Scott Peck – The Road Less Traveled “Life is difficult!” 1 Peter 1:3-5

The First Century Christians were Discouraged, and disheartened as they faced hard times.

·        So Praise God for His mercy

·        So Praise God for the birth of living hope

·        So Praise God for an eternal inheritance – in heaven

CONCLUSION

VS, 6 – Let’s greatly rejoice

The Resurrection is central to our faith!

E.Y. Mullins – “Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection of Christ!”

Pyramids – famous for tombs of the Pharaohs

Westminster Abbey – famous for Poet’s Corner and burial site of David Livingstone

Arlington – famous for burial of U.S. Military and political leaders – John F. Kennedy (eternal flame)

Garden Tomb – famous because it’s EMPTY.

In the end, His will not ours, is done. Love is the victor. Death is not the end. The end is life. His life and ours through Him, in Him. Existence has greater depths of beauty, mystery, and benediction than the wildest visionary has ever dared to dream. Christ our Lord has risen.

Frederick Beuchner

“Because He Lives”

There is hope in your future, says the LORD. Jeremiah 31:17 (NKJV)

Gloria Gaither writes how this beloved hymn was written:

            When Bill and I started our family in the sixties, racial tensions were tearing the country apart. Civil rights activists had suffered and some had been killed. The Vietnam conflict was claiming thousands of lives, and tensions boiled over on university campuses. Many young people were growing disillusioned and “dropping out.”

            In this climate, Bill and I sought to write songs with lasting answers to the turmoil of the human spirit. But in the fall of 1969, several things happened to test the reality of our own convictions. This combination of national turmoil and personal trouble discouraged us, and we occasionally asked each other, If the world is like this now, what will it be in fifteen or sixteen years for our baby? What will this child face?”

            While pondering and praying about these things, we came to realize anew that our courage doesn’t come from a stable world, for the world has never been stable. Jesus Himself was born in the cruelest of times. No, we have babies, raise families, and risk living because the Resurrection is true!

            Our baby arrived safe and sound, and we named him Benjamin, which means “most beloved son.” A few weeks later “Because He Lives” was born in our hearts and poured from our souls:

How sweet to hold our newborn baby

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still, the calm assurance –

This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

            Over the years this song has reassured us that our Lord’s Resurrection is the central truth of life. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.

Then Sings My Soul (Book 2)

Dr. Charles Horton

First Baptist Church

Cocoa , Florida

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Last modified: April 07, 2008