The Rolled Stone Speaks | Dr. Conway Edwards | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Rolled Stone Speaks

Dr. Conway Edwards

One Community Church • Apr 5, 2026 • 35 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this Easter message, Dr. Conway Edwards explores the foundational power of Christ's resurrection and why the rolled stone speaks so powerfully to our faith. Because Jesus uniquely predicted His death, burial, and resurrection—and actually pulled it off—He stands alone as the living Savior worthy of our complete trust and worship. Rather than resting on mere theological ideas or moral effort, our faith is built on the historical reality of an empty tomb, where Christ stamped our sin debt 'Paid in Full' and invites everyone to step into a restored relationship with the Father.

Themes

Resurrection of Jesus ChristFoundation of FaithHistorical EvidenceGrace and RedemptionPersonal Evangelism

Pastor's Points

1.

Christianity began with a real event, not a written text.

2.

The resurrection of Jesus is the central claim that defines the entire faith.

3.

Faith in Christianity is anchored in historical events, not just theological ideas.

4.

The first followers of Jesus believed without having a Bible.

5.

Eyewitness testimony is the foundation on which the Christian faith was built.

6.

The credibility of the apostles strengthens the case for what they proclaimed.

7.

The church existed before the New Testament was written.

8.

The message of Jesus spread through personal testimony, not written documents.

9.

The Bible is the result of the early movement of believers, not the cause of it.

10.

Christian belief is a response to evidence, not just religious instruction.

Key Points

1.
Jesus uniquely predicted His own death, burial, and resurrection, pulled it off, and remains alive today, making Him worthy of our complete worship and trust.
2.
The Christian faith began with a real historical event—the resurrection—which created the movement that eventually produced the New Testament scriptures.
3.
The angel at the tomb invited believers to follow four essential steps: come, see the evidence, go, and tell others the good news.
4.
The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out, but to allow us to go in, see the evidence of the empty tomb, and receive resurrection hope for our lives.
5.
Just as Big Ben in London chiming daily plays notes from Handel's Messiah ('I Know My Redeemer Lives'), believers must navigate daily life grounded in the reality of the risen Savior.
6.
Like a store receipt stamped 'Paid in Full,' Jesus took our accumulated debt of sin upon Himself so we could be fully restored to the Father.
7.
The resurrection transformed heaven's entry sign from 'No Trespassing' into a 'Welcome Home' invitation available to anyone who trusts in Christ.

Sermon Moments

“Anybody that can predict their death, their burial, and resurrection, and then pull it off, and then is still living today... I'm going to worship that person.”

“The Bible is the result of the early movement of believers—it is not the cause of it.”

“The reason the stone was rolled away is so that you can go in and get the evidence that you need.”

“Every single day on every hour, Big Ben plays 'I Know My Redeemer Lives.' Don't be a Londoner who navigates all of life without considering the power and freedom that comes with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

“It doesn't matter what kind of sins are on your receipt; if it says PAID IN FULL, that means Jesus Christ took your sins on Himself so the Father can have a relationship with you.”

“Movement precedes manifestation—Mary and Mary started moving in the right direction, and Jesus Himself appeared to them.”

“If you're in real trouble in the midnight hour, don't call Abe Lincoln, Muhammad, Confucius, or Buddha—they're dead. But there's one name you can call, and His name is Jesus, because He's alive!”

This Week

Practice the four foundational Easter steps daily: come to Christ, see the evidence in His Word, go into your daily routine, and tell others about Him.

Turn to Jesus in prayer during times of trouble or crisis, remembering that unlike historical religious leaders, He is alive and actively listening today.

Stop trying to earn God's acceptance through self-righteous efforts, and rest in the assurance that Christ paid your sin debt in full on the cross.

Share your personal story of coming to faith with someone this week, recognizing that the gospel spreads through personal witness and testimony.

Engage actively in serving God's kingdom rather than sitting on the sidelines or assuming you have graduated from ministry.

Bring your unmet expectations, disappointments, and heartbreaks to the empty tomb, trusting God's supernatural power to revive dead areas in your life.

Take your immediate next step of obedience today—whether surrendering your life to Christ, joining a local church body, or putting Him back at the center of your daily priorities.

Remember This

Because Jesus uniquely predicted His own death, burial, and resurrection and pulled it off, He alone is alive today and worthy of our complete worship and surrender.

A Challenge for You

Everyone has a decision to make... he's speaking to me and he says, 'I need to take my next step to be closer to Jesus.' If that's you, just fill out your card... take your next step to be closer to Jesus.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.