Embracing New Life Through Christ's Resurrection
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of Jesus' statements, "I am the resurrection and the life" and "I am the way, the truth, and the life." We began by delving into 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection to our faith. Without the resurrection, our faith is futile, and we are to be pitied. However, because Christ has been raised, we have hope and new life. This theme of resurrection is further illuminated in John 11 and 14, where Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
We then transitioned to a personal reflection on what makes us feel most alive, using the metaphor of mountain biking in Colorado to illustrate how we often find ourselves ill-equipped for the challenges of life. Just as a bike not suited for mountainous terrain can make the journey perilous, so too can our lives be when we try to navigate them without Christ. Jesus equips us for life, offering us a new beginning and the fullness of life that we cannot achieve on our own.
The sermon also touched on the importance of slowing down and abiding in Christ. In our hurried lives, we often miss the opportunity to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. By taking time to be silent and listen to God, we can better understand His way, truth, and life. This unhurried life allows us to experience the power of the resurrection in our daily lives, transforming us and giving us the strength to face whatever comes our way.
Finally, we were reminded that Jesus offers us a "mulligan" in life—a chance to start over and live anew in Him. Whether we need a fresh start or a renewal of our faith, Jesus is there to offer us life to the fullest. As we sang "Teach Me to Abide," we were encouraged to seek God's guidance and transformation, allowing His resurrection power to fill us and lead us into a life of abundance and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Centrality of the Resurrection: Without the resurrection, our faith is meaningless. Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15 that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are to be pitied. However, because Christ has been raised, we have hope and new life. This resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, offering us eternal life and a future with God. [34:06]
2. Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life: In John 11, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life." This statement is not just about life after death but about the quality of life we can experience now. Believing in Jesus means experiencing a life that is full, abundant, and eternal. This life begins the moment we believe and continues into eternity. [35:11]
3. Equipped for Life in Christ: Just as a mountain bike not suited for steep terrain can make the journey dangerous, so too can our lives be when we try to navigate them without Christ. Jesus equips us for life, offering us the tools and strength we need to face life's challenges. In Him, we find the fullness of life that we cannot achieve on our own. [41:23]
4. The Importance of Abiding in Christ: In our hurried lives, we often miss the opportunity to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. By taking time to be silent and listen to God, we can better understand His way, truth, and life. This unhurried life allows us to experience the power of the resurrection in our daily lives, transforming us and giving us the strength to face whatever comes our way. [56:53]
5. A Fresh Start in Christ: Jesus offers us a "mulligan" in life—a chance to start over and live anew in Him. Whether we need a fresh start or a renewal of our faith, Jesus is there to offer us life to the fullest. This new beginning is a gift of grace, allowing us to leave our past mistakes behind and move forward in the power of the resurrection. [01:02:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:57] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15
[34:06] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[35:11] - Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life
[36:29] - Lower Story vs. Upper Story Perspective
[38:08] - Personal Reflection: Feeling Most Alive
[39:50] - Mountain Biking Metaphor
[41:23] - Equipped for Life in Christ
[42:58] - Life Before and After Knowing Christ
[45:27] - Hope in the Resurrection
[47:29] - Jesus' Perfect Timing
[49:25] - The Great Commission
[50:58] - GPS Metaphor: Following Jesus' Way
[52:36] - The Importance of Abiding in Christ
[54:25] - Slowing Down to Hear Jesus
[56:53] - Experiencing the Power of the Resurrection
[58:48] - The Challenge of Silence
[01:00:32] - The Gift of a Mulligan
[01:02:05] - A Fresh Start in Christ
[01:03:48] - Invitation to Respond
[01:07:33] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:19-23 - "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 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. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."
2. John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
3. John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15, what is the significance of Christ's resurrection for believers? ([34:06])
2. In John 11, what does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the resurrection and the life"? ([35:11])
3. How does Jesus describe Himself in John 14:6, and what does this imply about the way to the Father? ([35:11])
4. What personal experience did the pastor share to illustrate feeling most alive, and how does it relate to being equipped for life in Christ? ([38:08])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that without the resurrection, our faith is futile? How does this shape our understanding of Christian hope? ([34:06])
2. How does Jesus being "the resurrection and the life" impact our daily lives, not just our eternal destiny? ([35:11])
3. What does it mean to be "equipped for life in Christ," and how does this compare to the pastor's mountain biking metaphor? ([41:23])
4. How can abiding in Christ transform our hurried lives and help us experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers? ([56:53])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt most alive. How can you incorporate more of Christ's life into your daily experiences to feel that way more often? ([38:08])
2. In what areas of your life do you feel ill-equipped, like the pastor's mountain bike in Colorado? How can you seek Jesus' help to be better equipped for these challenges? ([41:23])
3. How can you create more opportunities to slow down and abide in Christ amidst your busy schedule? What practical steps can you take this week to make room for silence and listening to God? ([56:53])
4. Have you ever felt like you needed a "mulligan" in life? How can you embrace the fresh start that Jesus offers and move forward with renewed faith and purpose? ([01:02:05])
5. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." How can you align your daily decisions and actions more closely with His way and truth? ([35:11])
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to experience the power of the resurrection. What steps can you take to invite Jesus' transformative power into that area? ([56:53])
7. How can you share the hope of the resurrection with someone in your life who may be struggling or searching for meaning? What specific actions can you take to be a witness of Christ's life and hope? ([49:25])
Devotional
Day 1: The Centrality of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without it, our faith is meaningless, and we are to be pitied. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15, stating that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile. However, because Christ has been raised, we have hope and new life. This resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us eternal life and a future with God. It is the foundation upon which our faith stands, giving us the assurance of God's power and love.
The resurrection is a transformative event that changes everything. It assures us that death is not the end and that we have a future with God. This hope is not just for the future but impacts our present lives, giving us the strength to face challenges and the assurance that God is with us. The resurrection is a reminder that God's power is greater than any obstacle we face, and it invites us to live in the light of this truth every day. [34:06]
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection impact your daily life and decisions? What specific area of your life needs to be transformed by the power of the resurrection today?
Day 2: Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life
In John 11, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life." This statement is not just about life after death but about the quality of life we can experience now. Believing in Jesus means experiencing a life that is full, abundant, and eternal. This life begins the moment we believe and continues into eternity. Jesus offers us a new way of living that is characterized by hope, joy, and purpose.
This abundant life is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from Jesus. He invites us to trust Him and to experience the fullness of life that He offers. This means letting go of our own efforts to control our lives and instead, relying on His guidance and strength. When we do this, we find that our lives are transformed, and we experience a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. [35:11]
John 11:25-26 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"
Reflection: What does it mean for you to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers? How can you let go of your own efforts and trust Jesus more fully today?
Day 3: Equipped for Life in Christ
Just as a mountain bike not suited for steep terrain can make the journey dangerous, so too can our lives be when we try to navigate them without Christ. Jesus equips us for life, offering us the tools and strength we need to face life's challenges. In Him, we find the fullness of life that we cannot achieve on our own. He provides us with the wisdom, strength, and guidance we need to navigate the complexities of life.
When we rely on our own abilities, we often find ourselves ill-equipped for the challenges we face. However, when we turn to Jesus, we find that He provides everything we need. He equips us with His Word, His Spirit, and His presence, enabling us to live victoriously. This means that we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that we are not alone and that Jesus is with us every step of the way. [41:23]
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel ill-equipped? How can you rely on Jesus to provide the tools and strength you need to face these challenges?
Day 4: The Importance of Abiding in Christ
In our hurried lives, we often miss the opportunity to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. By taking time to be silent and listen to God, we can better understand His way, truth, and life. This unhurried life allows us to experience the power of the resurrection in our daily lives, transforming us and giving us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Abiding in Christ means remaining in His presence and allowing His life to flow through us.
This requires intentionality and a willingness to slow down and prioritize our relationship with Jesus. When we abide in Him, we find that our lives are filled with peace, joy, and purpose. We are able to hear His voice more clearly and follow His guidance more closely. This leads to a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Him and a greater impact on the world around us. [56:53]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you create space in your life to abide in Christ more fully? What specific steps can you take to slow down and prioritize your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 5: A Fresh Start in Christ
Jesus offers us a "mulligan" in life—a chance to start over and live anew in Him. Whether we need a fresh start or a renewal of our faith, Jesus is there to offer us life to the fullest. This new beginning is a gift of grace, allowing us to leave our past mistakes behind and move forward in the power of the resurrection. Jesus invites us to embrace this fresh start and to live in the freedom and abundance that He offers.
This fresh start is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process. Every day, we have the opportunity to experience God's grace and to begin anew. This means letting go of our past failures and embracing the new life that Jesus offers. It means living in the light of His love and allowing His resurrection power to transform us from the inside out. [01:02:05]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What areas of your life need a fresh start? How can you embrace the new beginning that Jesus offers and live in the freedom and abundance of His grace today?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Jesus is very much alive and active in our lives. That is the faith that we believe into. And so I was reading from our authors that wrote the story and kind of put it together. And they make this statement, from the lower story perspective, death seems so final. From our world, down here, death seems so final. But from God's upper story, it's only the beginning. It's only the beginning. And because when we die to ourself and we believe in Jesus Christ, that's when life begins." [36:29] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If Christ is not risen from the dead, then you might as well just try to find whatever you can to have peace in your life right now. But if what Jesus told Martha and what the gospel writers write at the end of each gospel, that Christ is alive. If that really is the truth, then stop searching the world far and wide and come to Christ as the resurrection and the life. Everything in Christ is made new. Everything in Christ is a yes and amen. It is life to the fullest." [42:58] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Those who believe in Jesus share in this life. No longer do we have to search the earth far and wide. No longer do we search the creation to fill us, but we search and we find the creator is here to give us life. Paul writes later on in chapter 15 there, he says, oh death, where is your sting? Where, death, is your victory? Why, why are we not swallowed up in death? It's all because Jesus has already given his life and the power of God has raised Jesus back to life. For us." [45:27] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, then this is what gives life by doing what Jesus has commanded us to do. If you feel like you've come to church for so long, but still are searching for life, then it's time you read the scripture. You find the way of Jesus, the truth that Jesus talks about and begins. It's time to implement it into our lives." [49:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want truth, then come and seek me. If you want to know the way you're to go in life, then come read my word and see. I'll tell you where to go. I will tell you how to live your life, but I think it's not going to happen. Until we come to the point in our own understanding that if we will just slow down, if we'll just take a minute, just to pause here, just to listen, maybe we'll begin to see a new life, an unhurried life, a life that points us to holiness, it's a righteousness, a life that's actually filled with the truth that God wants us to hear, rather than what the world's trying to tell us." [54:25] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "So Paul says that if Christ had not been resurrected, if there was no life after death, then we have nothing to look forward to. Then search the world far and wide and find whatever it is that pleases you. If Christ is not risen from the dead, then you might as well just try to find whatever you can to have peace in your life right now. But if what Jesus told Martha and what the gospel writers write at the end of each gospel, that Christ is alive. If that really is the truth, then stop searching the world far and wide and come to Christ as the resurrection and the life. Everything in Christ is made new. Everything in Christ is a yes and amen. It is life to the fullest." [42:58] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is the resurrection and there is no resurrection apart from Christ. And there is no eternal life apart from Christ. Everything that we have as a hope going forward is in Christ. So we have hope in the future. I have hope in later today and tomorrow. I have hope that Jesus will work in my life because he's alive. And so I'm going to ask you, will you alive and he's active. If Jesus is not resurrected, then we just throw it all away. We're the most hopeless bunch. We're the worst looking bunch out there. But Jesus, Jesus is alive." [45:27] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want truth, then come and seek me. If you want to know the way you're to go in life, then come read my word and see. I'll tell you where to go. I will tell you how to live your life, but I think it's not going to happen. Until we come to the point in our own understanding that if we will just slow down, if we'll just take a minute, just to pause here, just to listen, maybe we'll begin to see a new life, an unhurried life, a life that points us to holiness, it's a righteousness, a life that's actually filled with the truth that God wants us to hear, rather than what the world's trying to tell us." [54:25] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's purposeful. It's time dedicated and taken out. It's making room, like Pastor just said. It's making room in our lives for Jesus. Do you not feel like you're very alive? Or maybe you feel too alive. Maybe you just feel like there's too much happening in life. Maybe you just feel like there's too much happening in life. There's too much stress, and anxiety, and depression, and the world's telling me this, and and that news outlet's saying this, and that, and this one is, it's just a mess, and you want me to just go and be silent? This is the hardest thing for us to do, but the most rewarding, because it's where Jesus gives us life. It's where He speaks His way into us. It's where the power of the resurrection begins." [58:48] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's in the silence where we figure out the way, and the truth, and the life that God wants us to live. It's in that moment that we begin to experience the power of the resurrection that raised Jesus back to life, and out of that silence, we can walk out of that room ready for whatever the world has to throw at us, because Jesus has given us the power of the resurrection. It's where the power of the resurrection begins, has given us new life." [58:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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