Easter speaks to us concerning what it means to be a Christian, and how that connects with the Resurrection of Christ.

Jesus isn’t special just because of his teachings. There have been many good teachers in history. Jesus isn’t special because he died. Lots of people died. The thing that makes Jesus special – the thing that makes his teaching, his death, and his life special – is his resurrection. The reality of his resurrection makes it possible for you and me to live exceptional lives. Christians are to live exceptional lives.

Now, I am sure you’ve met people who claim to be Christians, but their life doesn’t look that different from those who make no such claim. And, if you’re like me, that’s a huge turn-off. Pretending to be something you aren’t – that’s hypocrisy. I hate it. You hate it. Jesus hated it. He referred to people who pretended to be good as “white-washed tombs.” They looked good on the outside, but on the inside, they were filled with dead man’s bones. There was no resurrection to their lives. They were still dead in their sins.

A person who fails to demonstrate that Christ has made a difference in his or her life is likely not a Christian at all. Being a Christian is about being changed from the inside out. When Peter references the Resurrection of Christ he speaks of that change.

This sermon addresses the difference the new birth makes in our lives.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download