Embracing Grace: Hope and Transformation in Christ
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker discussing the concept of divine tension, using the story of the thief on the cross next to Jesus as an example of the transformative power of repentance and grace. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling called to ministry after encountering a biblical passage about feeding the hungry and inviting strangers into one's home. This passage, they explain, gave them a deep understanding of the gospel and instilled a fear of the Lord.
The speaker then moves on to discuss the Book of Revelation, emphasizing that it is more about Jesus and his victory than it is about the Beast. They highlight the awakening of sons and daughters, as mentioned in Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3, and Ephesians 2. The speaker acknowledges that we live in a messed up world and that we are not yet in the new heavens and new earth. However, the way to get there is by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The speaker then discusses the concept of transformation and the hope that comes from being in the presence of Jesus. They reference 1 Corinthians 15, which states that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, but rather, believers will be changed in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. The speaker emphasizes the idea that our mortal bodies will be clothed with immortality, and through Jesus, we can overcome death and sin.
The speaker also discusses the importance of community and gives thanks for the church's partnership with TCCS in making a difference in the lives of people who are hurting. They introduce the sermon series called "Our Hope in the Future" and specifically focus on the topic of the second coming of Christ. The speaker acknowledges that we live in uncertain times, but emphasizes that these times are certainly known by God.
The sermon concludes with the speaker emphasizing the concept of the real self, which is a spiritual being having an earthly experience. The speaker asserts that there are no atheists on their deathbed because the real self knows that it is going to the next life. The sermon emphasizes that eternal life in heaven is promised and assured only if one is willing to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, highlighting the importance of grace.
Key Takeaways:
- The transformative power of repentance and grace is evident in the story of the thief on the cross next to Jesus. This transformation is not just about a change in behavior, but a change in heart that reflects our love for Jesus and his lordship. [01:13:01]
- The Book of Revelation is more about Jesus and his victory than it is about the Beast. This victory is not just for Jesus, but for all who accept him as their Lord and Savior. Those who have received Jesus have a hope that the world doesn't have. [58:59]
- Our mortal bodies will be clothed with immortality through Jesus. This transformation is not just physical, but spiritual, allowing us to overcome death and sin. This hope is not found in earthly things, but in Jesus alone. [01:10:04]
- Despite the uncertainty of the times we live in, these times are certainly known by God. This reassurance provides hope and comfort, reminding us that God is already aware of everything that is happening. [52:49]
- The concept of the real self as a spiritual being having an earthly experience emphasizes the importance of grace. Eternal life in heaven is promised and assured only if one is willing to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. This unseen reality of the eternal world is described as more real than the physical world. [01:04:34]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 - This passage discusses the resurrection of the dead and the transformation of our mortal bodies into immortal ones.
2. Romans 8:18-25 - This passage speaks about the hope of future glory and the redemption of our bodies.
3. Revelation 21:1-4 - This passage describes the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing the victory of Jesus and the hope for believers.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 say about the transformation of our bodies at the resurrection?
2. According to Romans 8:18-25, what is the hope that believers eagerly await?
3. In Revelation 21:1-4, what are the key features of the new heaven and new earth?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of our bodies being transformed in 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 provide hope for believers? [01:08:05]
2. What does Romans 8:18-25 suggest about the current sufferings compared to the future glory that awaits believers? [57:11]
3. How does the description of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1-4 emphasize the victory of Jesus over sin and death? [54:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless. How does the promise of transformation and eternal life in 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 change your perspective on that situation? [01:00:12]
2. Romans 8:18-25 speaks about the hope of future glory. How can you remind yourself of this hope during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to focus on this hope daily? [57:42]
3. The sermon mentioned that our real self is a spiritual being having an earthly experience. How does this understanding affect the way you live your daily life? [01:02:00]
4. The speaker emphasized the importance of community and partnership in making a difference. How can you actively participate in your church community to support others and share the hope of Jesus? [50:59]
5. The concept of grace was highlighted as essential for eternal life. How can you extend grace to others in your daily interactions, especially those who may not yet know Jesus? [01:10:40]
6. The sermon discussed the uncertainty of the times we live in but reassured that these times are known by God. How can this reassurance change the way you approach challenges and uncertainties in your life? [52:49]
7. Reflect on the story of the thief on the cross and the transformative power of repentance and grace. How can you apply this lesson to your own life and relationships? [01:11:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Transformation through Repentance and Grace
The story of the thief on the cross next to Jesus is a powerful testament to the transformative power of repentance and grace. This transformation is not just about a change in behavior, but a change in heart that reflects our love for Jesus and his lordship. [01:13:01]
Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you experienced the transformative power of repentance and grace. How did this experience change your heart and deepen your love for Jesus?
Day 2: Recognizing Jesus' Victory in Revelation
The Book of Revelation is more about Jesus and his victory than it is about the Beast. This victory is not just for Jesus, but for all who accept him as their Lord and Savior. Those who have received Jesus have a hope that the world doesn't have. [58:59]
Revelation 17:14 - "They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
Reflection: How does understanding the Book of Revelation as a testament to Jesus' victory change your perspective on the challenges you face today?
Day 3: Clothed with Immortality through Jesus
Our mortal bodies will be clothed with immortality through Jesus. This transformation is not just physical, but spiritual, allowing us to overcome death and sin. This hope is not found in earthly things, but in Jesus alone. [01:10:04]
1 Corinthians 15:53-54 - "For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'"
Reflection: What does the promise of being clothed with immortality through Jesus mean to you? How does this promise influence your daily actions and decisions?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Knowledge of Uncertain Times
Despite the uncertainty of the times we live in, these times are certainly known by God. This reassurance provides hope and comfort, reminding us that God is already aware of everything that is happening. [52:49]
Psalm 139:16 - "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Reflection: What uncertainties are you currently facing? How can you trust in God's knowledge of these uncertain times and find hope and comfort in His sovereignty?
Day 5: Embracing the Real Self and the Importance of Grace
The concept of the real self as a spiritual being having an earthly experience emphasizes the importance of grace. Eternal life in heaven is promised and assured only if one is willing to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. This unseen reality of the eternal world is described as more real than the physical world. [01:04:34]
Colossians 3:2-3 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How does understanding yourself as a spiritual being having an earthly experience change your perspective on your life? How can you embrace the importance of grace in your daily life?
Quotes
"We live in uncertain times certainly known by God... sometimes a protest can go from 100 people to 100,000 people in a matter of 24 hours... we live in uncertain times but all of the things that we are seeing much of the world events that we would say oh this is a world event that is all known by God already." [52:49]
"The real you keeps going, that's why there is no atheists on their deathbed, the real you knows you're going to the next life right." #!!01:02:00!!#
"I've seen grace of God transform really hard-hearted angry people and turn them into the most kind loving people there is... the way God's can transform someone." #!!01:18:55!!#
"The thief on the cross next to Jesus gets invited into the kingdom...the thief did nothing but repent and Jesus said today you'll be with me in Paradise." #!!01:10:40!!#
"When Grace really takes a hold of your heart, you become a new person...you start living like Jesus, you start loving people like Jesus does." #!!01:11:51!!#
"Jesus is coming back and you can be ready for that day, you don't have to be unprepared, you don't have to be afraid of that day, you can have hope... you can know eternal life is promised to you." #!!01:23:34!!#
"Do you realize your final adoption is coming when Jesus comes in the clouds? That's pretty cool, that's when the father... He is fully responsible for you, aren't you so glad that even though you do a lot of dumb things, God's like, I got you." #!!01:05:48!!#
"It's more about the lamb than the Beast, it's about Jesus... it's about Jesus and his victory and our Union with him." #!!56:35!!#
"This Mortal body will be clothed with immortality, that's amazing, that is so cool where we will shout death where is your Victory death where is your Sting." #!!01:08:05!!#
"We have to live our lives knowing that our only hope is in Jesus because he is the only one who perfected the law, he's the only one good enough, he's the only one perfect." #!!01:08:42!!#
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