1. The Return of the King The 1 st Adam surrendered the rule of the world to the power of evil Every human heart now takes its identity from Satan… … “I will cast off God’s rule. I am too great to be bound by it. I will declare myself free. I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:14) Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a new age

2. The Return of the King Gen. 2:10 RIVER Rev. 22:1 Gen. 2:9 TREE OF LIFE Rev. 22:2 Gen. 2:8 GARDEN Rev. 2:7 Gen. 2 NO CURSE Rev. 22:3 Gen. 3: GOD’S PRESENSE Rev. 22:3-4 Gen. 2 OUR RULE RESTORED Rev. 22:5 The Bookends of the Bible Picture an Identical Creation

3. The Return of the King The Bookends of the Bible Picture an Identical Creation The story between these bookends… The return of God to rule the world to bring in a NEW AGE by…  turning back the darkness of evil JUDGMENT  healing creation to it’s perfect order RESTORATION

4. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age This was the disciple’s anticipation…. Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.“ (Mar 10:35-37 NIV) Right & Left….seats of honor next to a THRONE

5. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age The people on the first Palm Sunday were anticipating the New Age…. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! " "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!" (Mar 11:9-10 NIV)

6. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age This New Age would involve resurrection… "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again.“ Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (John 11:21-24) Jesus is the King who will call the dead to rise for judgment The Father has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:27-29 NIV)

7. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age An Old Testament image of this New Age when the God the King comes to judge & restore is life-restoring river…. On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea and half to the western sea, in summer and in winter. The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. (Zech. 14:8-9)

8. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age The River the tree of life the fruit the healing leaves The satisfaction of every human longing …even the longing for a KING, a loving Ruler

9. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age Your satisfaction, joy and delight of living in response to the rule of Christ who has proven His goodness & love… …in another garden …on another tree

10. The Return of the King Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that there is a new King & ruler of the world who will bring in a New Age with His final JUDGMENT & full RESTORATION Which means… …there are only 2 WAYS TO LIVE Jesus will not by your CONSULTANT …He will only be YOUR KING

11. Give It Up for Lent Pray in the Spirit That you might have an obvious opportunity to share the message of Easter with one other person The importance of “God Talk” in 0pening doors to share the gospel

12. The Return of the King