Celebrating the Eternal Family Through Christ's Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: The Uniqueness of Jesus' Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a singular event that distinguishes Him from all others who have claimed divinity. Unlike resuscitations, which are temporary and eventually lead to death again, Jesus' resurrection is permanent, affirming His divine nature and authority. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the reason for the global celebration of Easter. It is a testament to the power of God and the fulfillment of His promises. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that impacts believers' lives today, offering hope and assurance of eternal life. [01:06]

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the permanence of Jesus' resurrection influence your understanding of life and death? What changes might you make in your daily life to reflect this understanding?

Day 2: God's Eternal Family

God's eternal plan has always been to create a family to love forever, and through faith in Jesus Christ, we are either born or adopted into this spiritual family. Unlike human families, which are temporary, God's family is eternal. As members of this family, we are called to develop God's family characteristics by learning to love others as He does. This involves embracing His unconditional love and extending it to those around us, reflecting the eternal nature of His family. Being part of God's family means living out His love in practical ways, fostering unity and compassion among believers. [06:36]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate God's family characteristics in your interactions with others today? How can you show His love to someone who may feel excluded or unloved?

Day 3: The Growth of Christianity

Despite challenges in Western cultures, Christianity is experiencing significant growth worldwide, particularly in regions like China, Brazil, and Africa. The church is the largest organization on earth, with 2.6 billion Christians, showcasing the power and reach of God's family. This growth is a testament to the enduring truth of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ. It highlights the global nature of God's kingdom and the diverse expressions of faith across different cultures. As believers, we are part of a vast and vibrant community that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. [16:12]

Acts 2:47 (ESV): "Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the growth of Christianity in your local community? What steps can you take to support and encourage fellow believers in different parts of the world?

Day 4: Jesus' Ongoing Work

Jesus is actively involved in keeping His family safe and secure, ensuring our salvation is protected. He is interceding for us, praying for our needs, and preparing a home for us in heaven. This ongoing work reflects His love and commitment to us as His family. Jesus' intercession is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. His preparation of a heavenly home assures us of our eternal destiny and encourages us to live with hope and purpose. As we navigate life's challenges, we can trust in Jesus' continual presence and support. [20:36]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: What specific needs or concerns can you bring to Jesus in prayer today, trusting in His intercession? How does knowing that He is preparing a place for you in heaven impact your perspective on earthly challenges?

Day 5: The Great Commission

The Great Commission is the hinge point of history, determining the timing of Jesus' return. Believers are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to join God's family. This task is crucial and requires active participation, as it is central to God's redemptive plan for humanity. Fulfilling the Great Commission involves being intentional in our witness, using our unique gifts and opportunities to spread the Gospel. It is a call to action that challenges us to step out in faith and make a difference in the world for Christ. [44:03]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ? What practical steps can you take today to share your faith with them, trusting in God's presence and guidance?

Sermon Summary

Summary:

This Easter message celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its significance as the most attested fact in history. Jesus' resurrection is unique, setting Him apart from all others who have claimed divinity. The sermon explores what Jesus has been doing since His resurrection, focusing on His ongoing work in building a family to love forever. God's unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ, and this gives Him great pleasure because God is love. The message highlights that God's family is eternal, unlike human families, and that we are called to develop His family characteristics by learning to love others as He does.

The sermon also addresses the growth of Christianity worldwide, noting that the church is the largest organization on earth, with 2.6 billion Christians. Despite challenges in Western cultures, Christianity is thriving globally, with significant growth in places like China, Brazil, and Africa. The message underscores that Jesus is actively keeping His family safe and secure, ensuring our salvation is protected. Jesus is also interceding for us, praying for our needs, and preparing a home for us in heaven. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This task is crucial as it is the hinge point of history, determining the timing of Jesus' return.

Key Takeaways

1. The Uniqueness of Jesus' Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection is a unique event that sets Him apart from all others who have claimed divinity. Unlike resuscitations, which are temporary, Jesus' resurrection is permanent, proving His divine nature and authority. This event is the foundation of our faith and the reason for the global celebration of Easter. [01:06]
2. God's Eternal Family: God's plan has always been to create a family to love forever. We are either born or adopted into this family through faith in Jesus Christ. This spiritual family is eternal, unlike human families, and we are called to develop God's family characteristics by learning to love others as He does. [06:36]
3. The Growth of Christianity: Despite challenges in Western cultures, Christianity is thriving globally, with significant growth in places like China, Brazil, and Africa. The church is the largest organization on earth, with 2.6 billion Christians, demonstrating the power and reach of God's family. [16:12]
4. Jesus' Ongoing Work: Jesus is actively keeping His family safe and secure, ensuring our salvation is protected. He is interceding for us, praying for our needs, and preparing a home for us in heaven. This ongoing work reflects His love and commitment to us as His family. [20:36]
5. The Great Commission: The Great Commission is the hinge point of history, determining the timing of Jesus' return. We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to join God's family. This task is crucial and requires our active participation. [44:03]
** [44:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Global Celebration of Jesus' Resurrection
[00:38] - The Uniqueness of Jesus' Resurrection
[01:23] - Resurrection vs. Resuscitation
[01:57] - Claims of Divinity Throughout History
[03:10] - Personal Encounters with the Living Jesus
[04:03] - The Impact of Jesus' Resurrection on History
[05:00] - What Jesus is Doing Now
[05:56] - Building a Family to Love Forever
[07:29] - God's Unconditional Love
[09:13] - The Eternal Nature of God's Family
[10:53] - The Church as God's Family
[15:39] - The Growth of Christianity Worldwide
[20:16] - Keeping God's Family Safe and Secure
[25:26] - Jesus Praying for Our Needs
[35:06] - Preparing a Home in Heaven
[41:41] - Waiting for Us to Finish Our Assignment
[44:03] - The Great Commission
[50:37] - Future Plans for Completing the Great Commission
[52:22] - A Glimpse of Heaven
[55:11] - Invitation to Accept God's Love

Sermon Clips

"Now, throughout history, a lot of people have claimed to be God, okay? But only one person proved it. Lots of people have said, oh, I'm God or I'm a special prophet from God or whatever. Only one person proved it, Jesus. He said, here's what I'm gonna let you do. I am God and I've come to earth in human form in the form of Jesus. And I'm gonna let 'em kill me and I'm gonna die on the cross for your sins. And then three days later, I'm gonna raise myself back to life." [00:38:52]

"Now, let's just clarify the difference between a resurrection and a resuscitation. Resuscitations happen all the time. Somebody dies on the hospital bed and they're gone for an hour, or 20 minutes, or an hour and a half, and then they get resuscitated. That's not a resurrection. That happens all the time. A resurrection is when you die, they bury you, put you ground for three days, and three days later, you bring yourself back to life. That's a resurrection." [00:79:37]

"Now, God's been planning this one since before He created the universe. In fact, if God had not wanted a family, the entire universe would not exist. Everything else that happens in history and happens on a daily basis is peripheral to the overarching purpose of the universe, and it is this, God wanted a family. Ephesians 1:5 there on your message notes it says this, 'God's unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And that gave Him great pleasure.'" [00:364:54]

"Now God's family is unlike any other family. There's a big major difference because human families, every human family, is temporary. They don't last. People grow up, people move away, people get married and then start their own new families. There are separations, there are divorces, and there are deaths, but God's family, your spiritual family, is permanent. It's eternal. It's never gonna end. It will last forever." [00:539:90]

"Right now, April 2022, there are 2.6 billion Christians around the globe. Think about that. As of this month, 2.6 billion Christians, that makes the church by far the largest organization on planet earth. It's bigger than any country. Let me put this in perspective. At 2.6 billion members of the church of Jesus Christ around the world, the church is bigger than China. The church is bigger than China and the United States and Europe put together. Nothing is bigger than the church of God." [00:968:92]

"Like any loving Father, God doesn't want to lose any of His children. And of course there are a lot of evil forces out there in the world that would like to try to hurt God's children because if I can hurt God's children, then I can hurt God. You know, sometimes when I'm talking to somebody about putting their trust in Jesus Christ, letting Jesus save them, I will hear a very common fear, it's a common worry. And people say something like this, you know, Rick? I'd like to give my life to Christ. I'd like to trust Him for my salvation, but I'm afraid." [00:1239:75]

"Jesus says this, 'My people know my voice and I know them, and they follow me. So I've given them eternal life.' Now circle the phrase eternal life. We'll come back to that. 'They can never be lost.' Star that. 'They can never be lost and no one can steal them out of my hand. My Father who gave them to me is far more powerful than anyone, so nothing can snatch them away.' That's called eternal security, and that's Jesus' job, not yours." [00:1342:43]

"Did you know that Jesus is praying for you constantly? The Bible says it multiple times that Jesus is praying for you all the time. So wait a minute, I don't get this. I thought Jesus was God. He is God. He's part of the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is God. You say, well, wait a minute. How does God pray to God? Oh, you never talk to yourself? (laughs) Right. No, He talks to Him. God talks to Himself about you. You do this all the time. You talk to yourself about you." [00:1535:52]

"Now, even before Jesus died on the cross, He was already praying for you. Did you know that? In John 17, in a whole number of verses, we're gonna come back and study that chapter later this year. Just one example of what Jesus prays for you. Notice these verses. John 17:9 and following. He says this, 'I'm not praying for the whole world.' This is Jesus praying. 'I'm not praying for the whole world. I'm only praying for those who you've given to me, Father, because they belong to you. Father, keep them and care for them.'" [00:1595:14]

"Now, Jesus promised He would do this even before He went to the cross. In fact, the night before He went to the cross, He wasn't even thinking about all the agony and pain He was gonna go through for your behalf. He was thinking about you. And this is what Jesus said right before He went to the cross. John 14 on the screen. Jesus said, 'There are many rooms in my Father's home.' He's talking about heaven. 'There are many rooms in my Father's home. I'm going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so,' he said, 'I would tell you plainly.'" [00:2106:55]

"Matthew 28, Jesus says, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' Well, duh, you're God. So, you created the universe, you have the authority over it. He's saying, I'm just telling you, I got the authority to authorize you. And what I'm about to do is authorize you for a huge assignment, and I want you to complete it. He says, therefore, because I have all authority, you're going in my name, 'Go now and make disciples of every nation.'" [00:2637:95]

"Jesus is waiting for us to finish the task that He gave us before He left. Matthew 24. 'This good news about God's kingdom.' What's the good news? Past forgiven, purpose for living, home in heaven. By the way, the word good news in the old English is the word gospel. You ever heard anybody talk about gospel music? It's just the old English word for good news. English word, old English, good news. Modern word, good news. Old word, gospel. Greek word, euangelion, evangelism. Evangelism, evangelist, evangelical means people who share good news." [00:2940:10]

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