Embracing Hope: The Power of Resurrection and Baptism
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by welcoming everyone to Woodbury Lutheran Church and inviting them to join us for Pizza with a Pastor, an opportunity to connect with our church community. I then transitioned into the beautiful sacrament of baptism, where we welcomed little Millie into God's family. I explained the significance of baptism as the beginning of our journey in following Jesus, emphasizing that it is for people of all nations, ages, and races. I highlighted the importance of the promises made by Godparents and the congregation to support Millie in her faith journey.
I continued by addressing the misconceptions about heaven and the afterlife that are prevalent in our Western culture. I challenged the notions that our loved ones become angels or stars after death, clarifying that these ideas are not scriptural and detract from the hope of the resurrection. I stressed that death is an enemy that will be defeated only through resurrection, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15.
I then delved into the heart of my message, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus as the linchpin of our faith. I explained that Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, roots the resurrection in both scripture and history, and that without the resurrection of Jesus, we have no hope. I emphasized that the resurrection is not just a future event but has implications for how we live our lives today. I spoke about the value of our bodies and creation, urging us to care for both as we await the renewal of all things.
I also addressed the cultural fascination with zombies, using the TV show "The Walking Dead" as an example to segue into a discussion about the true meaning of resurrection. I clarified that the resurrection of the body is central to our faith and that without it, we lose hope and become confused about eternity.
As I concluded, I encouraged the congregation to look to the resurrection of Jesus as a source of hope and to live in anticipation of the new heavens and the new earth. I prayed for the saints who have gone before us, that they are safe with Jesus, awaiting the day of resurrection.
Key Takeaways:
1. Baptism is a sacred beginning, not an end, to our faith walk. It is a gift of faith from God, signifying that we are redeemed and claimed as His children. This sacrament is inclusive, extending to all nations and ages, and it is a promise of Jesus' presence with us throughout life's ups and downs. [29:02]
2. The cultural misconceptions about heaven and the afterlife can obscure the true hope of the resurrection. It is crucial to align our understanding with scriptural teachings, recognizing that death is an enemy and that our ultimate victory comes through the resurrection of the body. [47:26]
3. The resurrection of Jesus is foundational to our faith and provides a pattern for our own future resurrection. Paul's emphasis on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15 serves as a reminder that our hope is rooted in historical events and scriptural promises. [52:02]
4. The resurrection is not a distant, abstract concept but has immediate relevance to how we value and care for our bodies and creation. As we await the renewal of all things, our actions should reflect the importance of life and stewardship of the earth. [01:01:22]
5. Living in the light of the resurrection transforms our perspective on the present and fuels our hope for the future. As we anticipate the new heavens and the new earth, we are called to fight for justice, combat brokenness, and find joy in the assurance of what is to come. [01:03:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 - "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.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What command does Jesus give in Matthew 28:19-20 regarding baptism and discipleship?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, what is the significance of Christ being the "firstfruits" of those who have fallen asleep?
3. How does 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 describe the ultimate victory over death?
4. In the sermon, what cultural misconceptions about heaven and the afterlife were addressed? ([47:26])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the command in Matthew 28:19-20 shape our understanding of the inclusivity of baptism? ([27:37])
2. What does Paul mean by referring to Christ as the "firstfruits" in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, and how does this provide hope for believers? ([56:52])
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of the bodily resurrection in maintaining our hope and avoiding confusion about eternity? ([43:07])
4. Why is it important to align our understanding of the afterlife with scriptural teachings, as discussed in the sermon? ([47:26])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the baptism of someone you know. How does understanding baptism as the beginning of a faith journey, rather than an end, change your perspective on your daily walk with Jesus? ([27:37])
2. The sermon challenges cultural misconceptions about heaven and the afterlife. Have you encountered any of these misconceptions in your own life or community? How can you gently correct these misunderstandings with scriptural truth? ([47:26])
3. Considering the resurrection of Jesus as foundational to our faith, how does this belief influence your daily actions and decisions? ([52:02])
4. The sermon emphasizes the value of our bodies and creation. What are some practical ways you can show care for your body and the environment as you await the renewal of all things? ([01:01:22])
5. How can the hope of the resurrection help you face current challenges and struggles in your life? Share a specific situation where this hope can make a difference. ([01:03:02])
6. The sermon encourages living in anticipation of the new heavens and the new earth. What steps can you take to fight for justice and combat brokenness in your community this week? ([01:01:22])
7. Reflect on the role of godparents and the congregation in supporting someone’s faith journey. How can you actively support someone in your church community in their walk with Jesus? ([29:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Baptism's Lifelong Journey
Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey in faith, a sacred moment where one is publicly declared to be part of God's family. It is a time of celebration, not just for the individual but for the entire community of believers who witness this rite of passage. This sacrament is a gift from God, signifying redemption and the claim of God's children, regardless of their background. It is a promise of Jesus' presence in every high and low of life. The community's role is to support the baptized individual in their spiritual growth and to uphold the values taught by Jesus.
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27-28 ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively support someone in your community who has recently been baptized, helping them to grow in their faith journey? [29:02]
Day 2: Correcting Misconceptions of the Afterlife
The cultural myths surrounding heaven and the afterlife often lead to confusion and obscure the true hope found in the resurrection. It is essential to understand that loved ones do not become angels or stars but rather await the resurrection. Death is an enemy, but it is one that will be defeated through the resurrection of the body. This hope is not based on cultural tales but on the solid foundation of scripture, which promises victory over death and a future resurrection for all who believe.
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have cultural myths influenced your view of the afterlife, and how can you realign your understanding with the truths of scripture? [47:26]
Day 3: The Resurrection as Our Faith's Foundation
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but the cornerstone of Christian faith. It provides a pattern for our own future resurrection and is a source of hope that transcends the present. The apostle Paul emphasizes that without the resurrection, our faith is in vain. This belief is not based on myth or legend but on historical evidence and scriptural promises, assuring us that our hope is well-placed and our future secure.
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection influence the way you live your life and interact with others on a daily basis? [52:02]
Day 4: Valuing Our Bodies and Creation
The resurrection has profound implications for how we view and treat our bodies and the world around us. It is not a distant concept but a present reality that should inspire us to care for creation and our physical selves. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and the earth is God's creation, both awaiting full redemption. As stewards of these gifts, we are called to honor God through our actions and attitudes toward the physical world.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." (1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV)
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can show respect for your body as God's temple and for creation as God's handiwork this week? [01:01:22]
Day 5: Living in Anticipation of the New Creation
The hope of the resurrection transforms our perspective on the present and fuels our anticipation for the new heavens and the new earth. This hope calls us to combat injustice, heal brokenness, and find joy in the assurance of what is to come. As believers, we are to live in a way that reflects the future reality of God's kingdom, working towards its manifestation on earth as it is in heaven.
"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13 ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth today, in anticipation of the new creation? [01:03:02]
Quotes
"And we do this to remind us that the light of Jesus, it lives within all of us. And it's our joy to let that light shine before others, that people would see our good works and give glory not to us, but to our Father in heaven." [32:02]
"Resurrection. What does it mean? Why is it important? How can it actually fill us with hope? The resurrection of the body, the bodily resurrection is actually at the heart of what we believe as followers of Christ. And if we lose the bodily resurrection, we lose all kinds of hope." [43:07]
"We've bought into this lie of Gnosticism... we believe that spiritual stuff is really good and physical stuff is bad... it's infected our idea of eternity... it steals this hope and the truth about what will be when Jesus comes again." [44:32]
"Death is our enemy and it needs to be defeated. And the only way that death can be defeated is by resurrection... It's only after this transformation has taken place where our dead bodies have been raised... we actually lose real hope in our lives." [49:06]
"Frankly, what we have at the moment isn't, as the old liturgies used to say, the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead, but the vague and fuzzy optimism that somehow things may work out in the end." [50:29]
"Paul begins to root the resurrection of Jesus in scripture and in history, because it is the linchpin upon which all of our theology grows from. Without it, we don't have anything at all." [52:02]
"It informs how we care for and steward God's creation... we fight for justice in every corner of the world, we fight against brokenness, we fight against sadness with the truth of what Jesus will do because we're not just going to be the walking dead." [01:01:22]
"Baptism is our beginning of our journey of following Jesus. It's for people of all nations, all ages, all races... It's not a beginning, but it's an end to our faith walk... Jesus gives that he is with us through the ups and downs of life." [27:37]
"We believe that faith is a gift that God gives to us. And baptism is one of the ways that we receive this gift... It's not because it's magic water... It's the promise of God's word that those who are baptized are forgiven and redeemed and are children of God." [29:02]
"Paul says, why are you saying that? Because if there's no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, we have no hope. Our preaching is useless and your faith is useless." [55:00]
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