Embracing God's Love Through the Resurrection

 

Summary

Psalm 138 reminds us of the enduring love and faithfulness of God, a theme that resonates deeply in our lives. As we gather in worship, we are reminded of God's presence and the comfort it brings, especially in times of loss and uncertainty. The hope of resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and God's love wraps around us, providing peace and strength. This day, as we sing praises and read scripture, we are reminded of God's eternal love and the gift of Jesus, who taught us to pray and live in communion with God.

Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 15, we are reminded of the centrality of the resurrection in our faith. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection of Jesus, which is foundational to our belief. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that assures us of life beyond death. It is a testament to God's victory over sin and death, a victory that we are invited to share in. The resurrection is a reminder that love triumphs over hate, righteousness over evil, and forgiveness over sin.

The story of the missionary crossing the river illustrates the courage and faith required to overcome fear and uncertainty. Just as the missionary demonstrated the safety of crossing the river, Jesus, through his resurrection, shows us the way to eternal life. The resurrection is God's way of setting right what is wrong in the world, offering hope and clarity to our existential questions.

As we reflect on the resurrection, we are encouraged to ask questions and seek understanding. Faith is not about having all the answers but about growing in our relationship with God. The resurrection is a call to live in the light of God's love, to stand firm in the truth of the risen Christ, and to share our testimony with others. It is a reminder that every day is an opportunity to experience the transformative power of the resurrection in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Enduring Love and Presence of God: Psalm 138 reminds us of God's unfailing love and faithfulness. In times of loss and uncertainty, God's presence provides comfort and strength, assuring us that death is not the end. The hope of resurrection is a testament to God's eternal love and the promise of life beyond death. [14:38]

2. Centrality of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is foundational to our faith. It is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that assures us of victory over sin and death. The resurrection is a reminder that love triumphs over hate, righteousness over evil, and forgiveness over sin. [36:06]

3. Courage and Faith in Overcoming Fear: The story of the missionary crossing the river illustrates the courage and faith required to overcome fear and uncertainty. Just as the missionary demonstrated the safety of crossing the river, Jesus, through his resurrection, shows us the way to eternal life. [41:12]

4. Invitation to Ask Questions: Faith is not about having all the answers but about growing in our relationship with God. Asking questions and seeking understanding is a sign of maturity and a desire for deeper faith. The resurrection invites us to explore and embrace the transformative power of God's love. [46:10]

5. Living in the Light of the Resurrection: The resurrection is a call to live in the light of God's love, to stand firm in the truth of the risen Christ, and to share our testimony with others. Every day is an opportunity to experience the transformative power of the resurrection in our lives. [52:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Psalm 138 Reading
- [02:00] - Praises and Prayer Requests
- [05:00] - God's Presence and Comfort
- [08:00] - The Hope of Resurrection
- [10:00] - Children's Message
- [14:38] - Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 15
- [18:00] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
- [22:00] - Story of the Missionary
- [25:00] - Jesus' Victory Over Death
- [30:00] - The Apostles' Creed and Resurrection
- [36:06] - Importance of the Resurrection
- [41:12] - Pilgrimages and Faith
- [46:10] - Asking Questions in Faith
- [52:13] - Living in the Light of the Resurrection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 138
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Psalm 138 say about God's love and faithfulness? How does it describe the psalmist's response to God's enduring presence? [14:38]

2. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, what does Paul emphasize as the core message of the gospel he preached? How does he describe the resurrection of Jesus? [25:15]

3. How does the story of the missionary crossing the river illustrate the theme of overcoming fear and uncertainty through faith? [41:12]

4. What are some of the key elements of the Apostles' Creed mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to the resurrection of Jesus? [36:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the enduring love and presence of God, as described in Psalm 138, provide comfort and strength in times of loss and uncertainty? [14:38]

2. Why does Paul consider the resurrection of Jesus to be of "first importance" in 1 Corinthians 15? How does this shape our understanding of the Christian faith? [36:06]

3. In what ways does the story of the missionary crossing the river serve as a metaphor for the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it offers? [41:12]

4. How does the sermon suggest that asking questions and seeking understanding can lead to a deeper faith? What role does this play in our spiritual growth? [46:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's enduring love and presence in a difficult situation. How did it provide you with comfort and strength? [14:38]

2. How can the centrality of the resurrection in your faith influence the way you live your daily life? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this belief? [36:06]

3. Consider a fear or uncertainty you are currently facing. How can the story of the missionary crossing the river inspire you to take a step of faith? [41:12]

4. What questions do you have about your faith that you have been hesitant to ask? How can you create a safe space for yourself and others to explore these questions? [46:10]

5. How can you actively live in the light of the resurrection, sharing your testimony with others? Identify one person you can share your faith journey with this week. [52:13]

6. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to experience the transformative power of the resurrection. What steps can you take to invite God's love and grace into that area? [52:13]

7. How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude for who you are today, as Paul suggests, into your daily routine? What impact might this have on your spiritual growth? [46:10]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Unfailing Love and Presence
In times of loss and uncertainty, Psalm 138 reminds us of God's enduring love and faithfulness. This love is not just a comforting thought but a reality that surrounds us, providing peace and strength. The hope of resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and God's love is a constant presence in our lives. As we gather in worship, we are reminded of God's eternal love and the gift of Jesus, who taught us to live in communion with God. This assurance of God's presence is a source of comfort and strength, especially when we face life's challenges. [14:38]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: In what specific situation in your life do you need to feel God's comforting presence today, and how can you invite Him into that moment?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith, not just as a historical event but as a transformative reality. It assures us of victory over sin and death, reminding us that love triumphs over hate, righteousness over evil, and forgiveness over sin. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, highlighting its foundational role in our belief. This victory is not just for Jesus but is a victory we are invited to share in, offering us hope and clarity in our existential questions. [36:06]

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: How does the reality of the resurrection change the way you view a current struggle or challenge in your life?


Day 3: Courage and Faith in Overcoming Fear
The story of the missionary crossing the river illustrates the courage and faith required to overcome fear and uncertainty. Just as the missionary demonstrated the safety of crossing the river, Jesus, through his resurrection, shows us the way to eternal life. This act of faith is a testament to the courage needed to trust in God's promises, even when the path seems uncertain. The resurrection is God's way of setting right what is wrong in the world, offering hope and clarity to our existential questions. [41:12]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What is one fear or uncertainty you are facing today, and how can you take a step of faith to trust in God's promises?


Day 4: The Invitation to Ask Questions
Faith is not about having all the answers but about growing in our relationship with God. The resurrection invites us to explore and embrace the transformative power of God's love. Asking questions and seeking understanding is a sign of maturity and a desire for deeper faith. This journey of faith is about living in the light of God's love and standing firm in the truth of the risen Christ. It is an opportunity to experience the transformative power of the resurrection in our lives. [46:10]

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: What is one question you have about your faith or relationship with God, and how can you seek understanding or guidance today?


Day 5: Living in the Light of the Resurrection
The resurrection is a call to live in the light of God's love, to stand firm in the truth of the risen Christ, and to share our testimony with others. Every day is an opportunity to experience the transformative power of the resurrection in our lives. This call to live in the light is about embracing the hope and victory that the resurrection offers, allowing it to shape our actions and interactions with others. It is a reminder that we are called to be witnesses of God's love and grace in the world. [52:13]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: How can you intentionally live in the light of the resurrection today, and what is one way you can share this hope with someone else?

Quotes

God, we give you thanks that death is not the end. God, we thank you for the grace that you have given us. And God, we thank you for the hope of the resurrection. But in the meantime, death leaves that hole. So God, may you wrap your loving arms around them. [00:15:26]

And God, for this day, this Sabbath day, as we sing praises, as we read scripture, as we hear you speak to us in unique and personal ways, God, remind us of your love for us. That no matter what we experience or go through in life, that you are always there. [00:15:59]

The Apostle Paul writing, he says, now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel, you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. [00:31:55]

There's a story of a missionary who, and I guess this was early 19th, 1900s, and he was in a remote area of a jungle and had met a native tribe who lived there, and they were suffering from some different diseases, but there was one in particular, and people were dying almost on a daily basis. [00:33:19]

to show them that they were able to get from one side to the other. Now, I believe in some ways that's exactly what Jesus did with the resurrection, that he dove into the water of death, he came out on the other side, pumped his fist in the air to show us that we need not fear that unknown that lay before us, but that in him we can have life and we can have it abundantly. [00:35:34]

That's the part that Paul's going to focus on in this part of 1 Corinthians 15. Next week, we're going to follow this passage of Scripture through some details. Paul's going to end up talking about the resurrection of the dead. We say we believe that in the Apostles' Creed. Then Paul's going to talk about the resurrection of the body. [00:36:49]

And sometimes it's like, well, what is of utmost importance? Now, of utmost importance is what's going to guide this whole, and it's one four-letter word. And that word is love. Y 'all did very good with that four-letter word. So, you know, sometimes we feel, I feel like preaching can be so focused on the cross of Christ, the crucifixion, that we miss the point that Jesus isn't dead anymore, right? [00:37:49]

But the centrality of the resurrection is a major part of our belief and our understanding about God, and it's something that all Christians have in common. Maybe Jesus didn't come out of the tomb that first Sunday and pump his fist in the air, but maybe he did. I like the image of Jesus on that Sunday morning, defeating death, walking out of a tomb with his fist pumped in the air as a sign of victory. [00:38:43]

So why do we do these things? Why do millions of people take pilgrimages like this just to be able to touch something that we read about in scripture or where Jesus was? And I think it's because the resurrection is central to our faith, right? Because if this event didn't happen, what are we even doing here? [00:41:37]

And so Paul makes sure for these Corinthians that they know, look, man, it's just not the women that were at the tomb on that first Sunday, right? It's not just those 11 closest disciples of Jesus. It's not just those two guys walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus down a road one day that got to see Jesus, that there's a lot of people who did. [00:42:01]

I have staked my life on it. And that's a claim I believe that I stand firm in. There is plenty of stuff about the Bible and about faith I don't have all the answers to. I don't know. But there's a few things that I'm 100 % sure about. This is one of the things that I am 100 % sure about, is that Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried. And then he rose from the dead. [00:44:05]

I believe that the questions that we can ask are actually a sign of our desire for understanding and our maturity. Asking questions isn't minimizing our faith. I think asking questions about things we don't understand is actually going to help us grow in our faith. I think it's important. [00:48:45]

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Transcript
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