Easter Sunrise Service Notes Cornerstone Chapel

Speaker: Pastor Gary Hamrick

Main Theme: The significance of Jesus’ resurrection and why it matters to every person.

Key Points from the Message

• The Resurrection Story (John 20:1-18)

  • Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb early Sunday morning.
  • She encountered two angels, then met the risen Jesus, who called her by name.
  • Jesus instructed her to tell the disciples He was ascending to the Father.

• Why the Disciples Were Not Expecting the Resurrection

  • Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection at least 10 times.
  • Example: Matthew 20:17-19 – Jesus clearly told the Twelve He would be betrayed, scourged, crucified, and rise on the third day.
  • Their absence from the tomb on Sunday was likely due to grief and/or unbelief.

• Four Reasons the Resurrection Matters

  1. God loves you

     • Demonstrated by Jesus’ willing death on the cross (John 15:13, John 3:16).
     • Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

  2. God can forgive you

     • All have sinned (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23).
     • The heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9).
     • Forgiveness is available through confession (1 John 1:9).
     • Illustration: Ernest Hemingway’s “The Capital of the World” – 800 Pacos showed up seeking forgiveness.

  3. God can save you

     • We are all lost and headed for destruction (Matthew 7:13, Luke 19:10).
     • Only Jesus saves (1 Timothy 1:15).
     • No other name or person (Muhammad, Buddha, good works, etc.) can save.

  4. God wants to take you to heaven when you die

     • Jesus is the only way (John 14:6).
     • Exclusive claim with an open invitation to all who believe.

• Mary Magdalene’s Testimony

  • Delivered from seven demons (Mark 16:9).
  • Radically transformed by Jesus.
  • Recognized Jesus when He called her name.

• Invitation

  • Pastor Hamrick gave a public invitation to receive Christ.
  • Multiple people came forward to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior.
  • New believers received Bibles and next-step information.

Announcements

• No specific announcements were made during the service.
• All future events can be found at: https://cornerstonechapel.net/events

Verses Referenced

John 20:1-18 Matthew 28:5-6 John 15:13 John 3:16 Romans 5:8 Romans 3:10 Romans 3:23 Jeremiah 17:9 1 John 1:9 Matthew 20:17-19 Matthew 7:13 Luke 19:10 1 Timothy 1:15 John 14:6 Mark 16:9 John 20:29