Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, April 27, 2003, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.

GREAT THINGS THAT HAPPENED AFTER RESURRECTION SUNDAY

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-15

Text: Matthew 28:15

Matthew 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Introduction: Last Sunday was Easter; at our church we call it Resurrection Sunday. All across the nation there were many churches that experienced a great increase in attendance. As a result of this, many people were saved in churches that preached the gospel. Strangely enough, many churches cancelled their Sunday NIGHT service. Additionally, many churches will suffer a great drop in attendance today from what they had last week (our church is an exception; we probably have more people here today than were here last Sunday).

God is not limited to blessing His people on only one Sunday per year!

The resurrection of Christ was one of the greatest events of all time. However, so was the crucifixion. So was the virgin birth of our Lord! I want you to think with me about the fact that God kept working after Christ rose from the dead! This morning’s message is

GREAT THINGS THAT HAPPENED AFTER RESURRECTION SUNDAY

I. THERE WAS A GREAT CONTROVERSY – Matthew 28:11-15

A. There was deception – Matthew 28:11-15

B. There was disbelief

Thomas became known forever more as “doubting Thomas.”

C. There were denials

II. THERE WERE GREAT CONFRONTATIONS

Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Three of these confrontations are described in John 20, where Jesus had a confrontation:

A. With a female named Mary Magdalene – John 20:1-18

His voice brought her to recognize her risen Savior and Lord – John 20:16

B. With fearful disciples – John 20:19-29

C. With a fishing crew

He asked them if they had any meat. They told him they did not. He told them to cast on the right side of the ship and they would find fish. They did so, and could not draw the net, because it was so heavy with fishes.

John said, “It is the LORD!” – John 21:7

III. THERE WAS A GREAT COMMISSION

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

It’s called The GREAT Commission because

A. There is great power available

Matthew 28:18 “All power …”

Matthew 28:19 “Go ye THEREFORE …”

B. There are great prospects

“all nations”

C. There is a great plan

Go … teach … baptized … teach

D. There is a great promise

“I am with you alway”

IV. THERE WAS A GREAT CATCHING AWAY

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

It was a great event because of

A. The supernatural power exhibited

B. The sad parting experienced

C. The sweet promise extended

V. THERE WAS A GREAT COMFORTER

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

A. The Holy Ghost built courage

Acts 1:8

Simon Peter, the example

B. The Holy Ghost brought conversions

3,000 in one day!

C. The Holy Ghost birthed the church

Christ promised the church

The cross prepared for the church

The Comforter produced the church – 1 Corinthians 12:13