Celebrating the Hope and Power of the Resurrection

 

Summary

Happy Resurrection Day! Today, we gather to celebrate the empty tomb, a powerful symbol of hope and the cornerstone of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event but the very foundation of our belief, affirming that death has been defeated and eternal life is promised to all who believe. This day is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles; we have a Savior who conquered the grave and offers us life beyond our greatest fears.

As we reflect on the events of the crucifixion, we see Jesus, innocent and sinless, crucified between two criminals. One of these criminals, in a moment of faith, recognized Jesus as a king and asked to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus' response, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise," is a profound promise of salvation, not based on the man's deeds but on his faith. This promise is immediate and unconditional, rooted in the authority and grace of Jesus Christ.

The nature of faith is beautifully illustrated in this exchange. The criminal had no good deeds to offer, no religious rituals to perform; he simply believed in Jesus' power and kingship. This faith, even in the face of death, was enough for Jesus to grant him eternal life. The resurrection assures us that our faith is not in vain, for Jesus is indeed the risen King with a kingdom that transcends death.

The hope of paradise is not just a future promise but a present reality. Through Jesus, we are invited into a restored relationship with God, experiencing His presence now and looking forward to eternal communion with Him. This hope transforms our lives, giving us joy and purpose even in the midst of trials and suffering.

As we celebrate Easter, let us remember that Jesus' resurrection is a call to live in the light of His victory, sharing the good news of His grace and love with the world. May this day be a reminder of the incredible gift of salvation and the eternal hope we have in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- The Promise of Salvation: Jesus' promise to the criminal on the cross highlights the unconditional nature of salvation. It is not based on our deeds but on faith in Jesus' authority and grace. This promise is immediate and rooted in the power of Christ, offering hope to even the most undeserving. [48:09]

- The Nature of Faith: Faith is trusting in who Jesus is, even when circumstances seem contrary. The criminal's belief in Jesus' kingship, despite the crucifixion, exemplifies true faith. The resurrection assures us that such faith is not misplaced, as Jesus is indeed the risen King. [50:54]

- The Hope of Paradise: Jesus' words to the criminal signify more than a future promise; they declare a restored relationship with God. Paradise is about communion with Jesus, both now and in eternity, transforming our present lives with hope and joy. [57:00]

- The Power of the Resurrection: Easter confirms the power of Jesus' promise. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, proving that Jesus has authority over life and death. It assures us that our hope in Him is secure and eternal. [59:16]

- Living in Light of the Resurrection: The resurrection calls us to live with purpose and share the good news of Jesus' victory over death. It is a reminder of the incredible gift of salvation and the eternal hope we have in Christ, motivating us to be His witnesses in the world. [01:06:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Announcements and Special Offering
- [03:00] - Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 6:5-6
- [05:00] - Worship and Praise
- [31:06] - The Empty Tomb: A Symbol of Hope
- [33:00] - The Greatest Day in History
- [35:00] - The Crucifixion and the Promise of Salvation
- [48:09] - Jesus' Promise to the Criminal
- [50:54] - The Nature of Faith
- [57:00] - The Hope of Paradise
- [59:16] - The Power of the Resurrection
- [01:06:42] - Living in Light of the Resurrection
- [01:09:28] - The Joy of Salvation
- [01:15:57] - Invitation to Faith
- [01:30:58] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 23:26-43

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of Jesus' promise to the criminal on the cross, and how did it reflect the nature of salvation? [50:54]

2. How did the criminal's recognition of Jesus' kingship differ from the other criminal's response? [53:52]

3. What does the empty tomb symbolize in the context of the sermon, and why is it considered the cornerstone of Christian faith? [31:06]

4. How does the sermon describe the nature of faith as demonstrated by the criminal on the cross? [57:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the promise of salvation to the criminal on the cross challenge common perceptions of who can be saved? [57:00]

2. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide assurance for believers, according to the sermon? [59:16]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the present reality of paradise and its impact on a believer's life today? [01:09:28]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the power of Jesus' resurrection in transforming fear into hope? [01:06:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt undeserving of grace. How does the story of the criminal on the cross encourage you to embrace Jesus' promise of salvation? [57:00]

2. The sermon emphasizes living in light of the resurrection. What specific steps can you take this week to live with purpose and share the good news of Jesus' victory over death? [01:06:42]

3. Consider the nature of faith as trusting in Jesus despite circumstances. Is there a current situation in your life where you need to exercise this kind of faith? How can you do so? [50:54]

4. The hope of paradise is described as a present reality. How can you cultivate a sense of God's presence in your daily life, and what changes might you need to make to experience this more fully? [01:09:28]

5. The sermon calls believers to be witnesses of Jesus' grace and love. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope found in Christ. How can you share this message with them this week? [01:06:42]

6. Reflect on the power of the resurrection in your own life. How has this truth transformed your perspective on trials and suffering? [59:16]

7. The sermon mentions the joy of salvation. What are some practical ways you can express this joy in your interactions with others, especially during challenging times? [01:09:28]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unconditional Promise of Salvation
The promise of salvation given by Jesus to the criminal on the cross is a profound testament to the unconditional nature of God's grace. This promise was not based on the criminal's past deeds or any religious rituals he performed, but solely on his faith in Jesus' authority and grace. In a moment of faith, the criminal recognized Jesus as a king and asked to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus' response, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise," highlights that salvation is immediate and rooted in the power of Christ, offering hope to even the most undeserving. This assurance is a reminder that no matter our past, faith in Jesus is sufficient for salvation. [48:09]

Luke 23:42-43 (ESV): "And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel undeserving of God's grace? How can you embrace the truth that salvation is a gift based on faith, not deeds, and allow it to transform your perspective today?


Day 2: Faith Beyond Circumstances
The nature of faith is beautifully illustrated in the exchange between Jesus and the criminal on the cross. Despite the dire circumstances of the crucifixion, the criminal believed in Jesus' kingship. This act of faith, even in the face of death, exemplifies true trust in who Jesus is. The resurrection assures us that such faith is not misplaced, as Jesus is indeed the risen King. Faith is not about having all the answers or seeing the full picture; it is about trusting in Jesus' power and authority, even when circumstances seem contrary. This kind of faith is what sustains us through life's challenges and uncertainties. [50:54]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: Think of a current situation where circumstances seem contrary to your faith. How can you choose to trust in Jesus' power and authority in this situation today?


Day 3: The Present Reality of Paradise
Jesus' words to the criminal on the cross signify more than a future promise; they declare a restored relationship with God. The hope of paradise is not just a future promise but a present reality. Through Jesus, we are invited into a restored relationship with God, experiencing His presence now and looking forward to eternal communion with Him. This hope transforms our lives, giving us joy and purpose even in the midst of trials and suffering. The assurance of paradise is about communion with Jesus, both now and in eternity, and it is this relationship that brings true fulfillment and peace. [57:00]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life, experiencing the reality of paradise now, even amidst challenges?


Day 4: The Foundation of Our Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, confirming the power of His promise. It is the foundation that proves Jesus has authority over life and death, assuring us that our hope in Him is secure and eternal. The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of hope, affirming that death has been defeated and eternal life is promised to all who believe. This assurance gives us confidence in our faith, knowing that it is not in vain. The resurrection is a call to live in the light of Jesus' victory, sharing the good news of His grace and love with the world. [59:16]

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 reality of the resurrection impact your daily life and interactions with others? In what ways can you share the hope of Jesus' victory with those around you?


Day 5: Living in the Light of the Resurrection
The resurrection calls us to live with purpose and share the good news of Jesus' victory over death. It is a reminder of the incredible gift of salvation and the eternal hope we have in Christ, motivating us to be His witnesses in the world. Living in the light of the resurrection means embracing the joy and purpose that comes from knowing Jesus has conquered the grave. It is a call to action, to live out our faith boldly and to share the transformative power of Jesus' love with others. This is not just a future hope but a present reality that shapes our lives and our mission. [01:06:42]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out the reality of the resurrection in your community this week, sharing the hope and love of Christ with those around you?

Quotes

"And at the very moment of his death, in John 19, 30, we looked at this last week, he says, it is finished. It's done. And the good news of the gospel is that Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Which brings us to the best news of the gospel this morning. In the final moments of Jesus' earthly life, he didn't perform a miracle or preach some sermon. He spoke a quiet and oftentimes overlooked promise to a dying man that actually deserved to be there on the cross." [00:46:48] (37 seconds) Edit Clip


"And Jesus says to this man, truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. Not because this man deserved it, but because Jesus offered a free gift. That the man, all he had to do to receive this gift, it was belief, to have faith that what Jesus said was true. It was to turn to another man who was also dying on a cross and believe that eternal life was possible through Jesus." [00:47:42] (36 seconds) Edit Clip


"One thief, he sees something that the other doesn't and he realizes Jesus is innocent. And more than that, this guy sees that Jesus, he's a king with a kingdom that outlasts even death. And so in a moment of desperation and faith, this man, he says to Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. He's a king. He's a king. Jesus' response in verse 43, I mean, I just imagine being there that day, watching all of this happen." [00:56:23] (30 seconds) Edit Clip


"He's not guessing at something. He's not grasping at straws. He's not hedging his bets. I mean, Jesus is declaring with the utmost confidence that he alone has the power to promise salvation. I mean, this thief, he obviously, he has no good deeds to offer. He doesn't have the ability to do anything to make himself right before God. He wasn't baptized. He didn't confess to a priest. He didn't have the time to turn his life around. I mean, he's nailed to a cross, and he has maybe a matter of minutes or maybe hours to live." [00:57:06] (35 seconds) Edit Clip


"At the center of our faith, there is a Savior who saves not just the good or the religious. He saves the broken. He saves those that are actually guilty. He saves the dying. He saves those that are most undeserving. Those that understand their own depravity, their own sin nature. Blessed are those who are poor in spirit. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Matthew chapter 5. He saves those who acknowledge their sin and their own inability to do anything about the problem that sin creates." [00:58:48] (35 seconds) Edit Clip


"Faith isn't about how strong you are, how much good you can do. It's about who you reach for. The thief didn't have all the right answers, but he reached for the right Savior. Some of us, we hesitate coming to God because we think our faith, it's not enough or there has to be something else that makes us right before we come to God, right? We think our situations or our circumstances, we think the wrong we've done, we think those things place this impossible barrier between us and God." [01:07:03] (31 seconds) Edit Clip


"Faith, it's the complete opposite. It is affirming that Jesus already climbed the barrier for you. And not only did He climb it, He actually removed the barrier. It's turning your life, the entirety of who you are, it's turning all of that over into the hands of Jesus for safekeeping. And when you do that, the Bible says in Romans 10, 9, when you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart, that's faith, right? That God raised Him from the dead. It says this, you will be saved." [01:08:34] (29 seconds) Edit Clip


"The joy of salvation, guys, it's not in golden streets and these massive mansions that you hope to get. It's not even in this endless peace that the Bible promises us. The true joy of salvation, it's being with Jesus. The thief, he had no idea what paradise looked like. All he knew, it's who he'd be with. It's who would be there with him. And for him, that was enough. That's the Easter story. It's Jesus going to his..." [01:10:21] (31 seconds) Edit Clip


"what i love about easter it's that it gives us this opportunity to just reflect on all those things on this good and gracious god a god that we get a relationship with he's he's not like any other god that we've ever read about i mean he doesn't say you have to be perfect he doesn't say you have to do all these things to be in his presence i mean he's done everything to bridge the gap that that exists between us and him right he took our sin he died the death that we were supposed to die i mean he did it all so that you could experience this supernatural joy in his presence for all eternity starting the day you turn to him in his death you've received forgiveness and righteousness and in his resurrection you've received hope and all you have to do is believe listen as you begin to believe in the things we're talking about your faith your belief it starts allowing you to turn from yourself and turn to jesus i mean that's repentance it's recognizing that that you're sinful that the wages of sin is death it's recognizing that you're separated from this good and holy god and it is turning to the only one that you realize can save you from that problem it's turning to the only one worthy of of" [01:14:16] (76 seconds) Edit Clip


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Transcript
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