#97: What Will We Do with the Empty Tomb?

Email: [email protected] https://apostolicinternational.com/ Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/WHAT_WILL_WE_DO_WITH_THE_EMPTY_TOMB.pdf The sermon, based on Matthew 28:6, challenges us to reflect on the meaning of the empty tomb and how it should transform our lives. Jesus lived two lives in the flesh: first, a life burdened by humanity’s sins, full of suffering and sorrow; and second, a victorious, resurrected life free from earthly constraints. His resurrection marks a turning point where divine power is fully revealed. Before the tomb, Jesus endured rejection, grief, and abuse, fulfilling His mission to bear our sins. Yet the angel’s proclamation, "He is not here: for he is risen," changes everything. The empty tomb symbolizes Christ’s triumph over death, but it demands a personal response. Some who witnessed it clung to lies and old ways. We, too, must decide: what will we do with the empty tomb? The risen Christ now seeks living temples—our bodies filled with His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that we are to glorify God in our lives, shedding the grave clothes of sin like Lazarus did after his resurrection. The same Spirit that raised Jesus empowers us to live transformed, abundant lives. Thus, the empty tomb calls us not to passive belief but to active transformation. It compels us to embrace new life, share the hope of Christ, and let His resurrection power be evident in how we live, serve, and love. Proximity to miracles doesn’t guarantee change; only a willing heart does. In conclusion, we must not merely acknowledge the resurrection but live it daily—becoming living testimonies of Christ’s victory. The empty tomb invites us to rise above fear, guilt, and despair, embracing the abundant life Jesus offers and becoming vessels of His hope to a hurting world. Amen.