From Tears to Triumph on Easter

Jesus wants to resurrect hapiness, peace and joy in our lives even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Summary

Before Jesus appeared after the resurrection Mary was weeping because she believed the worst, she doubted the promises of Jesus and believed more in the power of God’s enemies.  The appearance of Jesus turned her tears into triumph.  God wants to give us fulness of life in Him as we feed on the promises of God and experience the resurrection power of Jesus.

Outline

1. John 20 – Mary was crying outside the tomb, and then found it empty.  Angels asked her why she was crying, spoke to her, then when she turned around she met Jesus.
   1. Mary wept because she believed the worst – she thought Jesus was still dead.
   2. When she saw the empty tomb, she had immediate doubt. Even the empty tomb didn’t convince her.
   3. She doubted the promises of the Lord.
   4. When we doubt the promises of God we come under anxiety – anxiety causes health issues.
   5. It is documented that when you believe the worst, it happens.  Eg. when we dwell on things such as sickness, it often makes us sick.
   6. She believed the body had been stolen, she believed God’s enemies were more powerful than Jesus.
2. If you don’t have Christ, everything falls apart.
   1. If you are a Christian but you are not flourishing in the Lord, there is something the Lord wants you to change.
3. God wants to give us life in abundance.
   1. He does not want us down or drained daily.
   2. He wants us to flourish.
   3. God wants to resurrect happiness, peace and joy in our life even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
   4. God wants the world to see Jesus through our lives.
   5. Jesus promised He would rise from the dead and He always keeps His promises.
   6. No one and nothing is more powerful than Jesus.
   7. Jesus wants to live in our hearts
4. Jesus is always with us.
   1. He was with His believers who were thrown into the fiery furnace and they were not burned.
   2. Loneliness is miserable, but believers are never alone.
   3. If we are not experiencing His presence, all we need to do is ask.
5. Jesus wants us to have time with Him.
   1. Jesus wants to resurrect our dreams.
   2. Jesus wants to give us peace and a purpose.
   3. Jesus wants to take us from tears to triumph.
6. Easter is a time of triumph not tears.
   1. Many atheists who have tried to disprove the Bible end up becoming believers.
   2. No matter who you are or where you are at, God wants us to visit us with His life.
7. God wants to make us passionate about Jesus.