Christ Is Alive
Sermon April 20, 2025 John 20:1-18
Christ Is Alive
Pastor Fred Okello
Brothers and sisters, have you ever come across a story so powerful, so life-altering, that it stayed with you for years? For me, one such story came during my high school years in Africa. It was the testimony of Emmanuel Eni, a Nigerian man who wrote Delivered from the Power of Darkness. Emmanuel was once a high-ranking agent of darkness, recruited into the underworld to persecute Christians and wage spiritual war against God’s people.
He recounts terrifying deeds, including orchestrating disasters like the earthquake that rocked parts of Nigeria in 1982. As his ranks increased, he was finally promoted to meet Lucifer himself. At that meeting—marked by unspeakable evil—Lucifer issued a strict command: Stop humans from mentioning that man. That man, of course, was Jesus Christ. When Emmanuel dared to speak the name “Jesus,” Lucifer fell flat, powerless before that holy Name. That moment sparked a turning point. Despite numerous demonic attempts on his life, Jesus delivered him.
Let us turn to Matthew 28:1-10. Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. They expected to mourn. Instead, they encountered an angel with a message of power:
“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
They saw the empty tomb, heard the angel’s commission, and encountered the risen Jesus Himself on the road.
The resurrection of Jesus is not a fable. It is not a myth. It is the cornerstone of our faith—witnessed by many, confirmed by Scripture, and still transforming lives today.
The resurrection proves that death is not the final word (1 Corinthians 15:55–57). Jesus defeated sin, death, and the grave.
Romans 1:4 declares He was “declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead.”
From Isaiah to the Psalms, God promised the Messiah would rise again (Psalm 16:10). If Jesus didn’t rise, our faith is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). But He did rise, and therefore we have hope.
Church,
You can begin again – Just like Emmanuel Eni. Just like the thief on the cross. Just like me. Jesus still delivers.
You can have hope in the midst of darkness – Whether you feel trapped by sin, suffering, addiction, or despair, the resurrection means God is not finished with your story.
There is power in the name of Jesus – The name that caused Lucifer to fall still breaks chains today. There is no darkness so deep that Jesus cannot shine light into it.
Eternal life is real – The resurrection assures us that death is not the end. For those in Christ, eternal life awaits.
So, what does this mean for us today? I will call these as four principles of growing ourselves as a community of Jesus Christ.
Speak the Name – Don’t be silent. Speak boldly about Jesus, the One who conquered death.
Live as resurrected people – Let go of shame, sin, and fear. Walk in the newness of life. (Don’t walk like the walking dead)
Trust His power – If Jesus overcame death, He can overcome anything in your life.
Share your testimony – Tell someone what Jesus has done for you.
I will close with the word of Jesus in John 11:25
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.”
Friends, the tomb is still empty. The Savior is still alive. The power is still at work. And the invitation is still open:
Come to Jesus. Believe in Him. Speak His name. And rise with Him.