DO NOT BE AFRAID

Matthew 28:5-7

                        Introduction:

                              A.  On the first day of the week after the crucifixion of Jesus, Mary Magdeline,                                              Mary , the mother of James and Joses, and

                                    Salome (Mk. 16:1) went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.

                              B.  An angel had rolled away the stone marking the entrance to the tomb.  Note                                           what the angel told these women in Matthew 28:5-7..

                                    1.  Do not be afraid. Jesus has risen.

                              C.  Are you afraid of the future?  Of growing old?  To die?

                              D.  An encouraging passage from Revelation 1:17-18

                              Based on this passage, let's note three reasons for christians not to be afraid:

                          I.  Because of the power of the ______________  ___________ of Jesus.

                              A.  When John sees Jesus clothed in His glorification, he falls at His feet as                                                  though dead.  Then notice  what happens.  Rev. 1:17

                                     1.  Jesus places His right hand on John and says, " Do not be afraid."

                                     2.  We aren't used to this kind of power.  Examples of the awesome power of                                               the gentle touch of Jesus.

                                     3.  Poem: "The Master's Hand"

                                     4.  We don't need to be afraid of anything because the greatest power in the                                                universe is expressed in the gentle touch of Jesus.

                         II.  Because _________ comes from death.  Rev. 1:18a

                               A.  Three facts from this passage: 

                                      1.  Jesus says, "I am the Living one."  He lived a life like the lives we live. 

                                           Examples.

                                      2.  Jesus says, 'I was dead."  He experienced death to die for our sins. 

                                           Romans 5:8, I Corinthians 15:3

                                      3.  Jesus says, "I am alive for ever and ever."  Romans 6:9-10

                                B.  Our eternal life comes from the death of Jesus.  I Corinthians 15:20, 50-58

                          III.  Because Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades.  Rev. 1:18c

                                A.  Key to Hades.  Lk. 23:43, John 3:13,  Eph. 4:7-10, Ps. 24:7-10, Ps. 68:17-18

                                B.  Key to death.  I Thess. 4:13-18

                       Conclusion:

                                A. Three reasons for christians not to be afraid reviewed.

                                B.  If  you are not a christian,  you need to be afraid until you open your heart to                                         Jesus!