Excite
As we prepare for Sunday morning, read through the passage and note the message of hope and the instruction which the angel gave.
Also read Matthew 28:16-20, which tells us what happened when they followed the angel’s instruction.
On Sunday Stephen’s title is “Empty Tomb Empty Building”, what encouragement and challenge do you think we can take from these passages as we go through this time when we have an empty building?
Check back on Sunday morning at 10am for Engage & Extend.
Engage & Extend
Empty Tomb – Empty Building
Today we think about and celebrate the empty tomb. This year we do it apart and not in the Church building because the building is empty.
But the truth is the the Church is the people and the Church is together now thinking and celebrating the empty tomb, the power and love of God shown to us though the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our saviour.
Today I would like us to be challenged as a church about some observations we find here today.
The women came to the tomb and found a message of hope.
Hope “He is Risen”
As we meet together in the church building, we share, we have the message of hope the good news of Jesus.
The women came to the tomb and where given an instruction.
Instruction “Go Tell”
The church was never meant to stay in a building! Think about this statement.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The fact is the the church building is meant to be empty most of, the time and going and telling is meant to be done outside the walls of the building.
Maybe this time we are in is a the right time for us to be challenged about how we obey the instructions of Jesus.
Do you think we has become too dependant on the church building?
How can we ensure we use the building well as we come together be as we scatter we do ministry?
Fear “Can Stop”
Fear can stop us going and telling others about Jesus.
Can you think of times this has been the case?
Fresh encounter “with the love of Jesus”
Jesus appeared to Mary who was full of fear and was compassionate with her. he restored her and she when and told.
John 20:18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
If you have been struggling with fear, seek a fresh encounter with the compassion of Jesus, the extent of his love for us.
Let us ensure that this Easter is the most powerful one for us,
Were we are empowered by the message of hope and determined to obey the instruction of Jesus.
Lectio 365 app
Closing Prayer for todays devotion
Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You, in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.
Trinity Deeper 