Embracing New Life Through Christ's Resurrection
Summary
Today marks the third anniversary of Aeros Church, a milestone that fills us with joy and gratitude for all that God has accomplished in our community. As we celebrate, we are reminded that our church is a place where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and with Jesus, anything is possible. We are excited to announce a new sermon series on relationships, particularly focusing on marriages, titled "Open Marriage." This series aims to address the challenges marriages face today and explore what God has to say about them.
Reflecting on the Easter story, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice and heroism of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us. This narrative of selfless sacrifice resonates deeply with us, as it is the greatest story ever told. Easter, however, can be a complex concept to explain, especially to children, as it involves both the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke, particularly chapters 22 to 24, provides a detailed account of these events, from the Last Supper to Jesus' resurrection and ascension.
A pivotal moment in the Easter story is when the women discover the empty tomb and are asked by angels, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" This question challenges us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we seek life, meaning, and purpose in places that cannot provide them? The world offers temporary distractions, but true life and fulfillment can only be found in Christ. We are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is, rather than on earthly things that are passing away.
As we navigate our lives, we must shift our focus from asking, "What is God's will for my life?" to offering our lives for God's will. This involves laying down our desires and ambitions to align with His purpose. In doing so, we find true life and fulfillment. Easter is a reminder that through Jesus' resurrection, we are offered new life and the opportunity to be part of God's eternal story.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Greatest Story: The narrative of Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate story of heroism and love. It is a story that all other stories borrow from, reminding us of the profound impact of selfless love and sacrifice. [04:57]
2. Seeking Life Among the Dead: We often look for meaning and fulfillment in worldly things that cannot provide true life. The empty tomb challenges us to seek life in Christ, where true fulfillment is found. [10:40]
3. The World is Passing Away: While the world offers temporary pleasures, it is ultimately passing away. True and lasting fulfillment can only be found in Christ, who offers eternal life. [17:39]
4. Aligning with God's Will: Instead of asking for God's will to fit into our lives, we should offer our lives for His will. This shift in perspective leads to true fulfillment and purpose. [26:40]
5. The Power of the Resurrection: Easter is a celebration of Jesus' victory over death, offering us new life. By believing in His resurrection, we move from being enemies of God to becoming His children. [31:42]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Aeros Church Anniversary
- [01:15] - New Sermon Series Announcement
- [02:45] - The Appeal of Heroes
- [04:57] - The Greatest Story
- [06:30] - Explaining Easter to Children
- [08:00] - The Easter Story in Luke
- [10:40] - The Empty Tomb
- [12:15] - Seeking Life Among the Dead
- [14:00] - The World is Passing Away
- [17:39] - Setting Our Minds on Christ
- [20:00] - Aligning with God's Will
- [26:40] - My Life for God's Will
- [31:42] - The Power of the Resurrection
- [34:08] - Invitation to Receive Christ
- [36:43] - Closing Prayer and Offering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 24:1-8
- Colossians 3:1-3
- 1 John 2:15-17
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 24:1-8, what was the reaction of the women when they found the empty tomb, and how did the angels address their confusion? [10:40]
2. According to Colossians 3:1-3, what are believers encouraged to set their hearts and minds on, and why is this significant?
3. What does 1 John 2:15-17 say about the nature of the world and its desires, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about seeking life among the dead? [17:39]
4. How does the sermon describe the common human tendency to seek fulfillment in worldly things, and what is the ultimate outcome of this pursuit? [10:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think the angels asked the women, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" How does this question challenge our own pursuits in life? [10:40]
2. In what ways does Colossians 3:1-3 encourage a shift in perspective for believers, and how might this impact daily decision-making?
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of the world passing away, and what implications does this have for how we live our lives? [17:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about aligning our lives with God's will, and how does this differ from simply seeking God's will for our own lives? [26:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the question posed by the angels, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment in things that cannot provide it? How can you redirect your focus to Christ? [10:40]
2. Colossians 3:1-3 encourages setting our minds on things above. What practical steps can you take this week to focus more on eternal things rather than temporary distractions?
3. The sermon discusses the idea of offering our lives for God's will. What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control to God, and how can you begin to offer that area to Him? [26:40]
4. How can you identify and avoid the temporary pleasures of the world that 1 John 2:15-17 warns about? What changes can you make in your daily routine to focus more on eternal values?
5. The sermon mentions the power of Jesus' resurrection as a source of new life. How can you live out this new life in your relationships and daily interactions? [31:42]
6. Consider the concept of "my life for God's will" discussed in the sermon. What is one specific way you can practice this mindset in your work or family life this week? [26:40]
7. How can you support others in your community who may be seeking life in the wrong places? What role can you play in pointing them towards the true fulfillment found in Christ?
Devotional
Day 1: The Ultimate Story of Love and Sacrifice
The story of Jesus' sacrifice is unparalleled in its depth and impact. It is a narrative that transcends time, illustrating the profound nature of selfless love and heroism. Jesus' willingness to lay down His life for humanity is the greatest act of love, setting a standard for all other stories of sacrifice. This story is not just a historical event but a living testament to the power of love that transforms lives. As we reflect on this, we are invited to see how this ultimate story influences our own lives and relationships. [04:57]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Consider a time when you have witnessed or experienced selfless love. How can you emulate this love in your interactions with others today?
Day 2: Finding True Life in Christ
The empty tomb is a powerful symbol that challenges us to seek life where it truly exists—in Christ. Often, we are tempted to look for meaning and fulfillment in worldly pursuits that ultimately leave us empty. The angels' question, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" serves as a reminder to redirect our focus towards Jesus, who offers true and lasting fulfillment. In a world full of distractions, we are called to find our purpose and life in Him. [10:40]
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: Identify one area in your life where you are seeking fulfillment in worldly things. How can you shift your focus to find true life in Christ today?
Day 3: The Temporary Nature of Worldly Pleasures
The world offers many pleasures, but they are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. In contrast, Christ offers eternal life and fulfillment that the world cannot provide. As believers, we are reminded that while we live in the world, our hearts and minds should be set on the eternal promises of God. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with hope and assurance, knowing that our true home is with Christ. [17:39]
1 John 2:17 (ESV): "And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
Reflection: What is one worldly pleasure you find yourself clinging to? How can you begin to let go of it and focus on the eternal promises of God?
Day 4: Offering Our Lives for God's Will
Instead of trying to fit God's will into our lives, we are called to offer our lives for His will. This shift in perspective requires us to lay down our own desires and ambitions to align with God's purpose. In doing so, we find true fulfillment and purpose, as our lives become part of His greater story. This act of surrender is not a loss but a gain, as we discover the joy of living in accordance with His will. [26:40]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding back from surrendering to God's will? What steps can you take today to offer this area to Him?
Day 5: Embracing the Power of the Resurrection
Easter is a celebration of Jesus' victory over death, offering us new life and the opportunity to become children of God. By believing in His resurrection, we are transformed from being enemies of God to being part of His family. This powerful truth invites us to live in the reality of the resurrection, experiencing the new life that Jesus offers. As we embrace this truth, we are empowered to live with hope and purpose, knowing that we are part of God's eternal story. [31:42]
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 impact your daily life? What is one way you can live out this new life in Christ today?
Quotes
We don't have time to go into all the things that He's done this morning, but it's been so fantastic, and hopefully you get to hear some of those great stories. Aeros Church is a place where everyone's welcome, and that includes each and every one of you, where nobody's perfect. It also includes each and every one of you and all of us, and with Jesus, anything is possible. And if you hang around here long enough, you're going to see Jesus do some pretty impossible things, and so we're excited about that. [00:00:27] (29 seconds)
Marriages in this city are under attack. Even in this church, maybe your own marriage, your own relationships that you have in your life are under attack. And with this series, we're going to fight back. [00:01:22] (11 seconds)
Like, the greatest story ever is the fact that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. How are you going to top that story? We just come up with new ways of recreating that story in human form. I believe that's why all of you guys are here. That's why you got up, got dressed, and got here. It's because you understand the greatest story, and that you at least are willing to celebrate it at Easter. Today, we celebrate the greatest story of all time. [00:06:07] (32 seconds)
Here's what it says. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen. [00:13:00] (32 seconds)
Remember how he told you when he was still with you in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men be crucified and on the third day be raised again. And then they remembered his words. So these angels show up and they're gleaming like lightning. And what they said is what really struck me. What they said in verses five and six, why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen. [00:14:32] (29 seconds)
The reason this hit me so hard is because I realized man all all the times in my life when I search for things to give me hope and meaning maybe this thing will do it or maybe this person will help me feel important or maybe this thing will give me the the status that I long for and each and every time I'm woefully disappointed because I'm looking for things to give me true and ultimate life that cannot give me true and ultimate life we seek life in places of death where life cannot be found. [00:14:53] (38 seconds)
In Jesus there is life, and everything else there is only death. Let me connect some of these dots, okay? So Jesus wasn't dead, he was alive, okay? The tomb represented death, the empty tomb represented life. We are dead apart from Christ, and we find life in Christ. [00:16:50] (21 seconds)
It's in bondage to what it was originally created to be. You can read about this in Romans chapter 8. And he says, because of sin, because of mankind's sin, we now have this sin nature about us, and God cannot have sinful human kindness in a place that's perfect. So God had to subject nature to frustration. [00:18:15] (27 seconds)
Hebrews 12 says, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfecter of our faith. He created it, and he sustains our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, making a mockery out of its shame. The devil meant for it to shame, and Jesus made a mockery of that because he died on it, and now he's seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [00:20:46] (25 seconds)
Everything in the peripheral just sort of gets blurred, and all we can focus on is what's right in front of us. Listen, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, that's the goal. That's the point. It's not that we're ignoring the world. We still live here. We're still alive, but God's saying, look, don't turn to here to find the things that you can only find by keeping your eyes on Jesus, who's currently seated at the right hand of God. [00:21:54] (30 seconds)
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