cross silhouette with sunset behind it

Easter: A Message for All

For most preachers, Easter Sunday is a special day. We look forward to the theme of the glorious resurrection of Christ, to the crowds that will gather, to all the extra services (including a sunrise service), and to the prospects of adding new people to the kingdom and perhaps to our churches.

Yet we also face the tension of what text to preach and how to make it profitable to the “regulars” and the “visitors.”  We want to ensure we minister to both, to be faithful to our members and yet faithful to take advantage of a “once a year” opportunity to speak to a lost or wayward soul about Christ and eternal life.

What Easter’s All About

It helps to remember that Easter Sunday is about the great doctrine of the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ is the essential message of the Gospel (I Corinthians 15:3-8). It is the crowning apologetic for the divinity of the Lord Jesus (John 2:18-21; 20:30-31; Romans 1:4) and the assurance of our justification by His substitutionary death on the cross for our sins (Romans 4:25; I Corinthians 15:16-19; I Peter 3:18). The resurrection of Christ is the cause of our newness of life and victory over the penalty and power of sin (Romans 6:1-14; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-4).

In the resurrection of Christ lies the hope of our own resurrection and eternal life (John 11:24-27; I Thessalonians 4:13-18). Because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow with joy and steadfastness (I Corinthians 15:51-58; I Peter 1:3-9). So no matter what text we choose for our Easter sermon, it will be a rich well of truth applicable to every person, especially believers.

Taking Advantage of a Big Opportunity

Yet the tension comes when we think of the crowds that may come on Easter Sunday. Preparing for and taking advantage of this spiritual opportunity only makes sense. The church should make every effort to appeal to the unsaved and the unchurched through the Easter Sunday services. If Christmas and Easter are the only times some will ever darken the doors of the church, then let’s take advantage of it.

We can begin by reminding the church at large of this opportunity and thus enlist them to prepare to reach those who come with the love of Christ. We can encourage the church to think of the lost and the unchurched and not just to think of themselves (Philippians 2:1-5). The church can begin to pray for those who will come.

We can also begin to publicize the services through the church media, through literature, and even to canvass the neighborhoods, inviting our neighbors to the Easter services. Members can be encouraged to “bring a friend” that day and thus involve them in the outreach. As pastors, we can remind the regular attendees that we will place a special emphasis on reaching the lost and the unchurched, which will call for prayer, participation in welcoming and reaching out to visitors, and patience as we minister to others.          

Select a Text That Applies to Saints and Sinners

Easter Sunday does not mean that we focus only on the presentation of the Gospel to the lost. The Scripture texts and the theme are so rich in truth that there is ample application to saints and sinners alike. Indeed, we may select a text that easily applies to both and thus guarantee the application of the resurrection to the believer as well as the unbeliever.

Select a text that broadly applies to both groups. Then arrange the text and sermon outline to address both audiences. In the course of delivery, be sure to include a special appeal and application to the believer, and then to the unbeliever.

Finally, because Easter Sunday has been planned to appeal to the “visitor,” conclude with a special evangelistic appeal and an exhortation to sincere faith in a risen Savior. Invite them to make Christ their Savior, and to consider making your church their home church.          

Conclusion

My sermon for this Easter Sunday is an example of what I am saying. The text is John 20:19-29. The title is “Seeing is Believing.”  The theme is that the resurrection appearances of Christ were to create faith in Him (20) and that we needed evidence (26-27). The example is Thomas, who doubted and needed proof of Christ’s resurrection (24-25). Yet our Lord closes by reminding us that faith without seeing is more blessed (29), and that is the message to the believer. Here, we focus on the nature of faith (Hebrews 11:1-2, 6). Thus we have a message for both unbelievers and believers. Easter has a message for all.

©2024 Alex D. Montoya. Used with permission.

About The Author

Alex Montoya
Alex Montoya

Alex D. Montoya is the senior pastor at First Fundamental Bible Church in Whittier, Calif. He is the author of the book, Preaching with a Passion.

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