We cannot celebrate an empty cross until we know there's an empty tomb. Death, shame, guilt and condemnation have been buried with Christ, and a new life has been given to all those who believe in him. The cross reveals that God loves us, and the resurrection reveals that he wants you to be with him forever. This Easter Sunday, Pastor Josh Kelsey expands on three things that will never be the same because of the resurrection of Jesus.

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• Jesus surrendered on the cross, but death surrendered in the empty tomb.
• The cross became a symbol of life the moment the tomb became empty.
• The cross reveals that God loves us, but the resurrection reveals God wants us in His presence forever.
• Because of the cross and resurrection, your future, present and past will never be the same!

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Your Future

• Our future encompasses the eternal destiny that awaits us beyond our earthly life.
• “Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" John 20:17
• Our future union with God as his children will share the same relationship the Father has with Jesus.
• Through Christ, we have a future “inheritance that can neve perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

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Your Present

• Our present is the current state of our lives, including our thoughts, actions, and priorities.
• "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" John 20:19
• Jesus appears to His disciples, offering them peace in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
• Believers are called to live in a new way, different from the world’s values and priorities.
• Jesus brings peace, assurance and purpose, shifting his disciples’ focus to have true contentment and satisfaction in him.

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Your Past

• Our past encompasses our previous experiences, actions, and sins before coming to faith in Christ.
• "And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.'" John 20:22-23
• Through Jesus' resurrection, our past sins are forgiven, and we are set free from the power of sin.
• Baptized into His death, our sins—past, present, and future—are paid for, and we are empowered to live a new life by God's grace (Romans 6:3-7).


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Dinner Party Questions

Manhattan

• Where do you want to see more of the freedom Christ promises through the cross and resurrection? Your future, present or past?
• “Peace be with you,” Jesus told his disciples. How can you make space to experience more of Jesus’ peace in your present situations?
• How have you seen Jesus redeem your past and work all things for good? Are there areas you want to see more freedom from past pain and shame?

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Brooklyn

• Jesus’s leaving the tomb behind was the receipt of the price He paid on the Cross for our sins. How have you been walking in the reality of all your sins being completely forgiven?
• Jesus’s work on the cross was of His own doing, without our help. Are there any areas of your life where you currently feel like you are trying to “help” your way in good standing with God instead of freely accepting His finished work?
• Jesus ascended to heaven so we might have His Spirit and access Him on a daily basis. What can you do right now to prioritize accessing God on a daily basis?