Text: Colossians 2:13–14
Topic: What Easter means and why Easter matters

Introduction
     • Illustration: Warren shares a Gallup poll statistic that 84 percent of non-church-goers
     believe Christ rose from the dead.

The resurrection means Jesus is who he claimed to be.
• In John 11:25, Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life."
• When the moneychangers in the temple told Jesus to prove his identity, he told them that he would rise from the dead three days after his death, a prophesy that was fulfilled.

The resurrection means Jesus has the power he claimed to have.
• Because he is God, no force could keep Jesus in the tomb.

The resurrection means Jesus did what he promised to do.
• The cross and the resurrection were not surprises to Jesus; they were all part of God's plan.

The resurrection matters because my past can be forgiven.
• Some people can't get on with life because their guilt keeps them dwelling in the past.
• Colossians 2:14 says that Jesus cancelled every debt we would owe on the cross.
     • Illustration: Warren compares Jesus' forgiveness of our sins to the Etch-A-Sketch: a
     board with knobs that enable you to draw pictures, and then erase them by shaking the
     frame.

The resurrection matters because my present problems can be managed.
     • Illustration: In this short illustration, Warren tells of an author who lectured on raising
     perfect kids. However, after his first child, he started offering hints for parents instead,
     after his second child he offered suggestions to for fellow parents, and after his third child
     he quit speaking all together.
• We can't manage all that life sends us, but God can if we give him control.

The resurrection matters because my future can be secure.
     • Illustration: When asked what they believe about death, children responded with
     humorous, naive perceptions of death and heaven.
• Everyone longs to know: "What's going to happen after I die?"
     • Illustration: A U.S. News & World Report article stated that more Americans than ever
     believe in heaven and hell.
• The Bible says heaven is perfect, therefore we have to be perfect in order to go there.
     • Illustration: This is like saying that to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame you have to bat
     1,000 and be a perfect player.
• God's plan B for his imperfect people is that if we trust Jesus as our savior, we will go to heaven.
     • Illustration: Warren's friend Ron was dolling out tickets to his son and his friends at the
     carnival when a new child appeared before him with his hand out, saying, "I am your son's
     new friend and he said you would give me a ticket." Ron gave him one.
• Some try to get to heaven by practicing certain behaviors, some compare themselves to others, and some think their heritage ensures them a place in heaven.

Conclusion
• Easter can make a difference in your life if you trust, follow, and have a relationship with Jesus Christ.