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Hope Church - Fort Worth, TXAuthor: Hope Church
Since 1978, helping people get traction on their journey with Jesus Christ. For more information go to hopechurch.com. Language: en Genres: Christianity, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Resurrection Demands a Response
Sunday, 5 April, 2026
Pastor Matt delivered an Easter message focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from John chapters 20-21, declaring that "the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest turning point in history and demands a response." He began by explaining how certain events in history divide time into "before" and "after," with Jesus' resurrection being the ultimate example that changed everything about everything. Pastor Matt walked through four key truths about the resurrection found in these chapters. First, the resurrection turns despair into hope, as demonstrated when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb in grief but encountered the risen Jesus who spoke her name. Second, it transforms fear into mission, shown when the disciples moved from hiding behind locked doors in fear to boldly proclaiming the gospel. Third, the resurrection confronts our doubts, illustrated through Thomas who moved from skepticism to declaring "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Finally, the resurrection restores broken people, evidenced by Jesus' restoration of Peter after his three denials, giving him three opportunities to affirm his love. Pastor Matt concluded that the resurrection matters for three reasons: hope is real because Jesus defeated sin and death, no one is beyond restoration since "the worst thing in life doesn't have to be the final thing," and the resurrection demands a response because we all must decide what we will do with Jesus. He ended with a clear presentation of the gospel, explaining that God created us for relationship, sin separates us from God, Jesus came to save us, and we must respond by trusting in Him as Savior and Lord.
