Easter 2018: A French Martyr, An Egyptian Saint, and An Empty Tomb

The Resurrection is NOT just a big miracle that happened 2,000 years ago: it is the central event in history that makes a practical difference in everyday life today. Preacher: Andrew Forrest Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 References: Dead Man Snoring on Autopsy Table [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-declared-dead-snores-to-life-right-before-autopsy/] Homer Simpson at the gym [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGLzm-Gy0dQ] Arnaud Bertrame, the French martyr [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/03/24/he-saved-lives-arnaud-beltrame-french-police-officer-who-traded-places-with-a-hostage-dies/?utm_term=.229809a746bf] St. Athanasius, from On the Incarnation: “All the disciples of Christ despise death; they take the offensive against it and, instead of tearing it, by the sign of the cross and by faith in Christ trample on it as on something dead. Before the divine sojourn of the Savior, even the holiest of men were afraid of death, and mourned the dead as those who perish. But now that the Savior has raised His body, death is no longer terrible, but all those who believe in Christ tread it underfoot as nothing, and prefer to die rather than to deny their faith in Christ, knowing full well that when they die they do not perish but live indeed, and become incorruptible thought he resurrection. But that devil who of old wickedly exulted in death, now that the pains of death are loosed, he alone it is who remains truly dead. There is proof of this too; for men who, before they believe in Christ, think death horrible and are afraid of it, once they are converted despise it so completely that they go eagerly to meet it, and themselves become witnesses of the Savior’s resurrection from it….”