Easter_25._I_was...I_am..._mss.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers transformation to all who believe. The stories of Peter, Mary Magdalene, Paul, and Zacchaeus illustrate how encounters with Jesus can lead to profound personal change. Peter, who once denied Jesus, became a bold proclaimer of the Gospel. Mary Magdalene, once tormented by demons, became a devoted follower. Paul, a persecutor of Christians, became a passionate apostle. Zacchaeus, a dishonest tax collector, found redemption and purpose. These transformations show that no matter our past, Jesus offers healing and a new direction for our lives. Embracing this transformation means allowing Jesus to change us from the inside out, moving us from brokenness to wholeness.

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: What area of your life feels broken or in need of transformation? How can you invite Jesus into that space today to begin the process of change?

Day 2: The Power of Repentance

True transformation begins with repentance, a sincere turning away from our old ways and returning to God. This change of direction is essential for experiencing the new life that Jesus offers. Repentance requires humility and a recognition of our need for God's grace, which is always available to those who seek it. It is not merely about feeling sorry for past actions but involves a genuine desire to change and align our lives with God's will. As we repent, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Jesus, who forgives our sins and sets us on a new path. This journey of repentance is ongoing, inviting us to continually turn back to God and experience His grace anew.

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or habit you need to repent of today? What steps can you take to turn away from it and seek God's forgiveness and grace?

Day 3: Hope in the Midst of Grief

The hope of Easter provides a foundation that sustains us through life's deepest sorrows. The promise of resurrection and eternal life offers assurance of future reunion and joy, even in the face of grief. This hope is not a denial of pain but a lifeline that keeps us anchored in God's love. It allows us to grieve with the assurance that death is not the end and that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones in Christ. This hope transforms our perspective, enabling us to face life's challenges with courage and faith, knowing that God's promises are true and His love is everlasting.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

Reflection: How can the hope of resurrection change the way you approach grief and loss? Who in your life needs to hear about this hope today?

Day 4: The Invitation to Come Home

Like the prodigal son, we are all invited to return to our Heavenly Father, who waits with open arms. No matter how far we've strayed, God celebrates our return and offers forgiveness and restoration. This invitation is a powerful reminder of God's unconditional love and the joy that comes from being reconciled with Him. Returning to God involves acknowledging our need for His grace and accepting His invitation to be part of His family. It is a call to leave behind the things that separate us from Him and embrace the new life He offers. This homecoming is a celebration of God's mercy and a testament to His desire for relationship with us.

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV): "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate."

Reflection: In what ways have you strayed from God, and how can you take steps to return to Him today? What does it mean for you to accept His invitation to come home?

Day 5: Living with Purpose

Embracing the new life that Jesus offers means living with purpose and intentionality. It involves handing over the control of our lives to Jesus, allowing Him to lead us in His ways. This decision is not to be taken lightly, as it requires a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, trusting in His guidance and wisdom for our lives. Living with purpose means aligning our actions and decisions with God's will, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do. It is a call to live out our faith in practical ways, serving others and sharing the love of Christ with the world. This purposeful living is a response to the grace we have received and a reflection of our desire to honor God with our lives.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to live with more purpose and intentionality? How can you begin to align this area with God's will today?

Sermon Summary

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In this Easter sermon, Pastor Jonathan Schaeffer explores the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection, emphasizing the theme "I Was... I Am..." to illustrate how Jesus can change lives. He recounts stories of biblical figures like Peter, Mary Magdalene, Paul, and Zacchaeus, who experienced profound personal transformations through Jesus. The sermon highlights the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, which offers hope, forgiveness, and a new beginning for everyone. Pastor Schaeffer encourages the congregation to reflect on their own "I Was... I Am..." stories, emphasizing the importance of repentance and returning to God. He shares a personal story to illustrate the need for outside help in overcoming self-inflicted wounds and stresses the importance of inviting Jesus into one's life as a leader, not just a guest. The sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace the hope and new life offered through Jesus' resurrection.

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Through Christ: The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful testament to the possibility of transformation. Just as Peter, Mary Magdalene, and others experienced profound changes, we too can move from a state of brokenness to one of healing and purpose. This transformation is not just a historical event but a present reality that Jesus offers to each of us today.
2. The Power of Repentance: True transformation begins with repentance—a turning away from our old ways and returning to God. This change of direction is essential for experiencing the new life that Jesus offers. It requires humility and a recognition of our need for God's grace, which is always available to those who seek it.
3. Hope in the Midst of Grief: The story of Dottie Wenger illustrates how the hope of Easter can sustain us through life's deepest sorrows. The promise of resurrection and eternal life provides a foundation of hope that enables us to grieve with the assurance of future reunion and joy. This hope is a lifeline that keeps us anchored in God's love.
4. The Invitation to Come Home: Like the prodigal son, we are all invited to return to our Heavenly Father, who waits with open arms. This story reminds us that no matter how far we've strayed, God celebrates our return and offers forgiveness and restoration. It's a powerful reminder of God's unconditional love and the joy that comes from being reconciled with Him.
5. Living with Purpose: Embracing the new life that Jesus offers means living with purpose and intentionality. It involves handing over the control of our lives to Jesus, allowing Him to lead us in His ways. This decision is not to be taken lightly, as it requires a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, trusting in His guidance and wisdom for our lives.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Matthew 28:1-10
- Luke 15:11-24

**Observation Questions:**

What were the reactions of the women and the guards when they encountered the angel at Jesus' tomb in Matthew 28:1-10?
In the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-24, what actions did the father take when he saw his son returning home?
How does the sermon describe the transformation of biblical figures like Peter and Mary Magdalene?

**Interpretation Questions:**

What does the tearing of the temple curtain in Matthew 27:51 symbolize in the context of Jesus' death and resurrection?
How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate the concept of repentance and returning to God?
In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' resurrection offers hope and a new beginning for individuals today?

**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your own "I Was... I Am..." story. How has your life changed since you began your journey with Jesus?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to turn back to God? What steps can you take this week to begin that process?
Dottie Wenger's story highlights hope in the midst of grief. How can the promise of resurrection and eternal life provide comfort in your current struggles or losses?
The prodigal son's return was met with celebration. How can you extend grace and forgiveness to someone in your life who may be seeking reconciliation?
Living with purpose involves allowing Jesus to lead your life. What is one area where you struggle to relinquish control, and how can you invite Jesus to guide you in that aspect?
The sermon mentions the need for outside help in overcoming self-inflicted wounds. Is there a specific area where you need support or accountability from your small group or community?
Consider the impact of Jesus' resurrection on history and personal transformation. How can you share this message of hope and new life with someone who may not yet know Jesus?

Sermon Quotes

"Every person has a story, and every story, no matter how good it looks on the outside, has hidden pain along the way. Questions, regrets, disillusionment. That’s true for me, for you, for all of us."

"Jesus didn’t stay dead! There’s great evidence for that. I agree with those who say, 'The burden of proof actually lies with those who think Jesus is still dead.'"

"By his death and coming back to life, Jesus changes everything. Not just back then, but today. He writes new chapters. Our part: repent, and return to God."

"We’ve all created self-inflicted wounds. We mess up. We sin. We do things that hurt God and hurt other people. We act contrary to his ways. And we can’t fix it ourselves."

"There’s a deep longing in our soul to be forgiven, to have a meaningful relationship. Here’s the great news of the resurrection: God our Heavenly Father is still providing forgiveness, eternal life, a forever relationship."

"Failure is not fatal, and it’s not final. You are not your worst mistake. You are not the worst thing that happened to you. When we put our trust in Jesus, he covers our regrets, our sin."

"Inviting Christ into my life means I hand the controls of my life over to him. I choose His way over my way. He doesn’t simply come into my life as a guest."

"What would it be for you? How would you fill that in? 'I WAS like this. But today, because of Jesus, I AM ___.' Jesus makes possible the greatest transformations in life."

"When the unthinkable happens and it brings you to your knees, you’ve got to decide whether or not you really believe what you profess. Like other tragedies, it can either pull you away from God or make you draw closer."

"God is always willing for us to come home to him. That’s how Jesus’ story continues. 'I WAS so far away. Now, I AM home. I WAS lost. Now, I AM found. I WAS a mess. Now, I AM forgiven.'"

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