1. THERE IS POWER IN THE DARKNESS
John 1:4-5

2. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men
“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” ‭‭John‬ ‭1:4-5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

3. Darkness was a requirement in order for Jesus to fulfill his assignment on the cross and was needed in order for the resurrection to happen.

4. THE BIG IDEA: When purpose meets darkness, there is power.

5. He experienced darkness on the cross.
“When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭15:33-34‬ ‭CSB‬‬

6. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” ‭Philippians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

7. He experienced darkness in the tomb.
On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.” John‬ ‭20:1‬ ‭CSB‬‬

8. In order for something to be resurrected, it must first die.

9. Is the fact that the tomb remains closed due to the fact that we are not willing to let some things die?
What is blocking the stone from being removed in your life?
Some things remain dead because Jesus does not see the need for it to be resurrected.

10. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭CSB
Death means that I experience the victory of the cross and the triumph of the resurrection.

11. The tomb was just a shadow!
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NKJV

12. A shadow is a sign that you are in the purpose of God.

13. THE BIG IDEA: When purpose meets darkness, there is power.
“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.” Philippians‬ ‭3:10-11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

14. It’s only when we feel the pain and cost of sin and death that we can truly realize the glory of the resurrection.

15. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Thank You loving me unconditionally
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Thank You loving me unconditionally. I ask You to forgive my sins and draw me back to God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins.

16. I also accept Your resurrection as my opportunity for new life
I also accept Your resurrection as my opportunity for new life. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relationship with my heavenly Father. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and endurance to live out my purpose through the power of Your resurrection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

17. Let us prepare for communion

18. THERE IS POWER IN THE DARKNESS
John 1:4-5