Embracing Hope: The Majesty of the Risen Christ
Summary
In this gathering, we are reminded of the profound uniqueness of our Christian faith, especially in moments of reflection and remembrance. As we stand at the threshold of eternity, we are called to shift our gaze from the past and the grave to the future and the heavens. Our confidence is not rooted in superstition or presumption but in the powerful voice of Christ, who declares, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one." This assurance is grounded in the reality of Jesus' resurrection and His authority over death and Hades.
The world often perceives Jesus as a gentle figure from the Gospels, approachable and mild. However, the risen Christ, as revealed to John, is majestic and awe-inspiring, a reality that even His beloved disciple could not withstand without falling as though dead. This is the Christ we must all encounter, not just in reverence but in recognition of His cosmic authority and divine power.
The contrast between the world's view of death and the Christian's hope is stark. While some, like the critic in the newspaper, mock the idea of eternal life, we are reminded of the two paths illustrated in literature: Macbeth's despair and Christian's triumphant entry into the celestial city in Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress." The latter is not a dream but a reality made possible by Christ's sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.
Jesus' ministry was not speculative; it was a declaration of His eternal experience and divine mission. He is the bread of life, offering eternal sustenance and hope. His voice, filled with authority and experience, speaks to us in our darkest moments, offering the keys to life, death, and eternity. These keys, blood-stained and dearly bought, are available to all, including those who have strayed or never known Him.
To those who have wandered, the call is clear: return to the light and glory you once knew. Christ's love and sacrifice remain unchanged, and His invitation to abundant life is extended to all. As we move forward, let us embrace this hope and assurance, stepping into the glory that awaits us, following in the footsteps of the faithful who have gone before.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Unique Christian Perspective: In times of reflection, Christians are called to look forward and upward, not just backward or downward. This perspective is rooted in the assurance of Christ's resurrection and His authority over death, offering a hope that transcends earthly concerns. [01:51]
2. The Risen Christ's Majesty: The world often views Jesus as gentle and approachable, but the risen Christ is majestic and awe-inspiring. This reality challenges us to recognize His divine authority and prepare to meet Him in His glorified state. [05:25]
3. Contrasting Views of Death: The despair of Macbeth contrasts with the hope of Christian in "Pilgrim's Progress." While the world may mock eternal life, Christians are assured of a triumphant entry into eternal glory, grounded in Christ's victory over death. [09:32]
4. Christ's Authoritative Voice: Jesus' ministry was not speculative but a declaration of His divine mission and eternal experience. He offers the bread of life, promising eternal sustenance and hope to all who believe. [18:38]
5. The Call to Return and Embrace Hope: For those who have strayed or never known Christ, the invitation to return to the light and glory is clear. Christ's love and sacrifice remain unchanged, offering abundant life and hope to all. [23:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Changing Our Gaze
- [01:02] - Christian Uniqueness
- [01:51] - Looking Forward and Upward
- [02:13] - Revelation of the Risen Christ
- [03:22] - Misconceptions About Jesus
- [04:27] - The Glorified Christ
- [06:24] - The Critic and the Preacher
- [08:23] - Macbeth's Despair
- [09:32] - The Logic of Unbelief
- [11:05] - Christian's Triumphant Entry
- [14:00] - The Reality of Christ's Sacrifice
- [16:28] - Jesus' Divine Mission
- [18:38] - The Voice of Experience
- [20:06] - The Music of the Keys
- [23:49] - The Call to Return
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 1:17-18
2. John 6:35-41
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Observation Questions:
1. In Revelation 1:17-18, how does John describe his reaction upon seeing the glorified Christ, and what does Jesus say to him? [02:13]
2. According to the sermon, how does the world generally perceive Jesus, and how does this differ from the depiction of the risen Christ in Revelation? [03:22]
3. What are the two contrasting views of death presented in the sermon, and how do they relate to the characters of Macbeth and Christian from "Pilgrim's Progress"? [09:32]
4. In John 6:35-41, what does Jesus declare about Himself, and how does this relate to His divine mission and authority? [16:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the reaction of John in Revelation 1:17-18 suggest about the nature and authority of the risen Christ, and how might this challenge common perceptions of Jesus? [05:25]
2. How does the sermon use the contrasting views of death to highlight the hope offered by the Christian faith, and what does this imply about the Christian perspective on eternity? [09:32]
3. In what ways does Jesus' declaration in John 6:35-41 about being the "bread of life" provide assurance and hope to believers, according to the sermon? [18:38]
4. How does the sermon address those who have strayed from their faith, and what is the significance of the "music of the keys" in this context? [23:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current perception of Jesus. How does the depiction of the risen Christ in Revelation challenge or affirm your view? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His divine authority? [05:25]
2. Consider the contrasting views of death presented in the sermon. How does your personal view align with either Macbeth's despair or Christian's hope? What changes might you need to make to embrace the Christian perspective on eternity? [09:32]
3. Jesus offers Himself as the "bread of life" in John 6:35-41. How can you seek to experience this eternal sustenance in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you need to rely more on His provision? [18:38]
4. The sermon calls those who have strayed to return to the light and glory of Christ. If you identify with this group, what practical steps can you take to reconnect with your faith community and renew your relationship with Christ? [23:49]
5. Reflect on the "music of the keys" mentioned in the sermon. What specific situations in your life require the keys that Christ offers? How can you invite Him to unlock these areas and bring healing or transformation? [20:06]
6. The sermon emphasizes looking forward and upward rather than backward or downward. How can you apply this perspective in your current life circumstances? What practical actions can you take to focus on the hope and assurance found in Christ's resurrection? [01:51]
7. Identify one person in your life who may be struggling with cynicism or hopelessness. How can you share the hope and assurance of Christ's resurrection with them this week? [25:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Looking Forward and Upward
In times of reflection, Christians are encouraged to shift their focus from the past and the grave to the future and the heavens. This perspective is not based on superstition or presumption but is deeply rooted in the assurance of Christ's resurrection and His authority over death. The Christian faith offers a hope that transcends earthly concerns, inviting believers to embrace a future filled with divine promise and eternal life. This forward-looking perspective is a call to live with an eternal mindset, grounded in the reality of Jesus' victory over death. [01:51]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself dwelling on past regrets or fears? How can you begin to shift your focus toward the hope and future that Christ promises?
Day 2: The Majesty of the Risen Christ
The world often perceives Jesus as a gentle and approachable figure, but the risen Christ is majestic and awe-inspiring. This reality challenges believers to recognize His divine authority and prepare to meet Him in His glorified state. The encounter with the risen Christ, as revealed to John, is one of overwhelming majesty, a reminder of His cosmic authority and divine power. This understanding calls for a deeper reverence and recognition of who Christ truly is, beyond the gentle image often portrayed. [05:25]
"And I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest." (Revelation 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How does your current view of Jesus align with the majestic and awe-inspiring image of the risen Christ? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and reverence for His divine authority?
Day 3: Contrasting Views of Death
The despair of Macbeth contrasts sharply with the hope of Christian in "Pilgrim's Progress." While the world may mock the idea of eternal life, Christians are assured of a triumphant entry into eternal glory, grounded in Christ's victory over death. This assurance offers a stark contrast to the world's view of death, providing believers with a hope that is both profound and transformative. The Christian perspective on death is not one of fear but of confident expectation, rooted in the reality of Christ's resurrection. [09:32]
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself influenced by the world's view of death and despair? How can you embrace the hope and assurance of eternal life that Christ offers?
Day 4: The Authoritative Voice of Christ
Jesus' ministry was not speculative but a declaration of His divine mission and eternal experience. He offers the bread of life, promising eternal sustenance and hope to all who believe. His voice, filled with authority and experience, speaks to believers in their darkest moments, offering the keys to life, death, and eternity. These keys, blood-stained and dearly bought, are available to all, including those who have strayed or never known Him. This authoritative voice calls for a response of faith and trust in His promises. [18:38]
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life." (John 6:47-48, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to hear and respond to the authoritative voice of Christ? How can you begin to trust His promises more fully today?
Day 5: The Call to Return and Embrace Hope
For those who have strayed or never known Christ, the invitation to return to the light and glory is clear. Christ's love and sacrifice remain unchanged, offering abundant life and hope to all. This call is a reminder of the unchanging nature of Christ's love and the open invitation to embrace the hope and assurance He provides. As believers move forward, they are encouraged to step into the glory that awaits, following in the footsteps of the faithful who have gone before. [23:49]
"Return, O faithless sons; I will heal your faithlessness. 'Behold, we come to you, for you are the Lord our God.'" (Jeremiah 3:22, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel distant from God? What steps can you take today to return to the light and embrace the hope that Christ offers?
Quotes
You see Christians who are unique at any time are never more unique than at a time like this, at the side of the open grave in the memorial service. We are different. We have been made different. We are unique, and now we must express this uniqueness. Let me put it this way: at times like this, the world has only two directions in which to look at the grave or in the memorial service. [00:00:47]
People in general do you see have no idea of the risen glorified cosmic dimension of the life of Jesus Christ, who was God with us. They know little about his humiliation and nothing at all about his exaltation. Now here was John, he's an old man now, but he was once the bright-eyed youth of the Gospels. Shall we call him the favorite of Jesus? [00:04:29]
The critic and the preacher, the feature article and the obituary, we've got the whole world on two pages, two kinds of men, as another critic not long ago put it, two successions of men. How should we illustrate them? They illustrated perfectly in two of the most famous characters of English history, two of the most famous characters rather of English literature, classical English literature, two successions of men meeting death. [00:07:31]
Now while they were thus drawing towards the gate, behold, a company of the heavenly hosts came out to meet them, to whom it was said by the other two shining ones, these are the men that have loved our Lord when they were in the world and that have left all for His Holy Name, and he have sent us to fetch them and we have brought them thus far on their desired journey. [00:11:19]
He entered this life to live the perfect life for us and to die the atoning death for us and to absorb in his own holy soul at Calvary's cross all the darkness that was due to us for our sins. That is no dream, and that he rose on the third day taking this glorified humanity back to the glory that he had with the father before the world was. [00:14:21]
Jesus Christ did not speculate, he did not philosophize, he did not preach what he believed, he preached from experience. And one of the most remarkable characteristics of his ministry is this: his constant reference to his own experience of eternity, of the Godhead, his great I am, his great declaration that he had exhaustive knowledge of God. [00:15:53]
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. Verse 38: for I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And in verse 41 the Jews then murmured at him. Why? Because he said I am the bread which came down from heaven. [00:16:49]
I died, I achieved death, I became dead, I bore the wrath of God that was due to sin. I died a thousand thousand deaths. I died the eternal death that you should have died. I died, and behold I am Alive. I am Alive forever, forevermore, and I have the keys. I have the keys of death and Hades. [00:18:58]
Christ has the keys for you, however unusual your situation. He has a key that will fit the wards of your situation, however complex. You see, he has all the keys now. He's won them all, and his father has given them all. He has the keys to broken hearts and to broken minds and to broken bodies and to broken homes. [00:20:32]
I say to you, the music of the keys is for you tonight. I don't know why God should put you on my heart. Do you know Lady Elizabeth Catherwood, when she rang me to ask me to preach tonight, she said to me, and I hope I might say it, Peter, she said, we have been looking backwards, we want you to lead us forwards into the glory. [00:22:48]
He has never left you. You are still his. He bought you, and he will not let you go. You have grieved his spirit, but he has followed you through every twisting, winding path in your life and to the shameful places, and he will never let you go. And if I am to lead this congregation into the glory tonight, I want you to come with us. [00:23:49]
The Christ who said because I live, therefore you shall live also, and he says it not only to the greats, not only to the Lloyd Joneses of church history, but he says it to the least and latest believer. There is equal justification in the blood that has flowed for sinners, and you may join us as we step into the glory. [00:25:46]
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