April 2026 | Possessing & Taking Over New Territories
Ministering: Senior Pastor Shola Awobajo.
Text: Matthew 28:1-8, 1 Cor. 15:14-20.
Matthew 28:1-8
“1Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
1 Cor. 15:14-20
14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” NKJV
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian Faith. Easter Sunday is a celebration of Christ’s monumental victory for mankind upon the Cross. Our thanksgiving to God is not an empty praise but an eternal eulogy to Him for what Christ has done for us.
He went into the grave (on our behalf) and seized the keys of Hell and of death from Satan so we can Live. He finished the work of making us live a triumphant life on Earth. There is nothing called “Victory” to believers were it not for what Jesus accomplished on the Cross. Our faith is built on nothing else but on Jesus Christ and His finished works. Even though the circumstance may suggest otherwise, yet, Hab. 3:18 admonishes you to rejoice in the God of your salvation.
We are standing upon the premise of His finished work. Every morning, He quickens our mortal bodies by His Spirit in us – Rom. 8:11. Our eternal hope is that He not only rose from death, but that He now reigns forever upon the Throne for Majesty. Rev. 1:8.
Reasons Why We celebrate His Resurrection
- The Resurrection validated everything Jesus said about Himself. I am the Resurrection & the Life – John 11:25
- Resurrection is the guarantee of our Justification. Rom. 4:25
- Resurrection gives us new life. 2 Cor. 5:17
- We are no longer slaves to sin. Rom. 6:4
- Resurrection secured our victory over death. Death is not the end for us but a transition to a greater glory. 1 Cor. 15:55-57
- Resurrection gives power for daily Living. Ephesians 1:18-19
In closing, Because He lives, you shall live also! I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death!
God Bless You, Richly!
Happy Easter!
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