Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher Jim Rickard Resurrection Sunday, April 8,

The Agony of Love

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the First Fruits of all believers who too will be resurrected to eternal life. 1 Cor 15:20-23; 1 Thes 4:13

John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Our resurrection is made possible by the saving work of Jesus Christ on the Cross as demonstrated by His own resurrection.

We also celebrate His death and burial which occurred on the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread, respectfully. 1 Cor 5:7-8

Luke 24:1-2, “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.”

We are no longer under the Law, because Christ has fulfilled the Law. John 1:17; Rom 7:4; 10:4; Gal 2:16, 21; 3:13, 24; Phil 3:9

Rom 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

In 1 Cor 11:26 we are not commanded to celebrate His resurrection at the Communion Table but His death.

1 Cor 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

We celebrate what our Lord accomplished for us on the Cross, and the promise of our very own resurrection as a result of His resurrection.

At the Cross the spotless Lamb suffered and paid the penalty for our sins so that we would not have to.

Ex 12:5, “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: you shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.”

Lev 22:20, “Whatever has a blemish (defect), you shall not offer, for it will not be accepted for you.”

Ex 12:6, “And you shall keep IT until the fourteenth day of the same month and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill IT in the evening.”

The Law was fulfilled regarding the Passover Lamb’s inspection. Nevertheless, there was one more challenge He would have to endure.

He received cross examination by satan that brought the most excruciating pain mentally and physically He would face.

Communion

The Agony of Love Described!

Luke 22:44, “And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.” (Hematohydrosis )

Luke 22:42, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

Isa 52:14, “So His appearance was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men.” See also Isa 50:6.

John 19:34, “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Psa 22:15, “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death.”

Psa 22:14, “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.”

Our attitude of appreciation is found in Phil 2:5-11.

Communion

Grace Offering

Grace Fellowship Church Sunday, April 8, 2012 Tape # Resurrection Sunday 2012 The Agony of Love John 11:25; 1 Cor 5:7-8; 15:20-23; 54-57; 1 Thes 4:13-18 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2012