Embracing New Life Through Christ's Sacrifice
Summary
On this Easter Sunday, we gather to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The story of Easter is not just a tale of death and resurrection; it is the cornerstone of our faith, representing the ultimate sacrifice and the fulfillment of God's promise to humanity. As we delve into the events of the Passover week, we are reminded of the trials Jesus faced, the rejection by those He loved, and the ultimate sacrifice He made on the cross. His final words, "It is finished," signify the completion of His mission and the fulfillment of prophecies, offering us salvation and hope.
The crucifixion was not just a moment of suffering but a pivotal event that changed the course of history. Jesus' last words on the cross carry deep significance, each phrase reflecting His love, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of His divine mission. When Jesus declared, "It is finished," He was not admitting defeat but proclaiming victory over sin and death. This declaration marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era of grace and redemption.
The crucifixion was a moment of darkness, both literally and metaphorically, as the skies turned dark, symbolizing God's sorrow over humanity's rejection of His Son. Yet, in this darkness, the light of salvation shone brightly. Jesus' sacrifice paid the debt of sin in full, offering us freedom from the bondage of sin and the power of the devil. His death and resurrection broke the chains of addiction, shame, and despair, offering us a new life filled with hope and purpose.
As we stand at the foot of the cross, we are invited to embrace this new beginning. Jesus' sacrifice was not just an event in history but a personal invitation to each of us to live a life of victory and abundance. The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the removal of barriers between us and God, allowing us direct access to His presence. This Easter, let us not just remember the sacrifice but also celebrate the new life and freedom it brings.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' final words, "It is finished," signify the completion of His mission and the fulfillment of prophecies, offering us salvation and hope. This declaration marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era of grace and redemption. [13:58]
- The crucifixion was a moment of darkness, symbolizing God's sorrow over humanity's rejection of His Son. Yet, in this darkness, the light of salvation shone brightly, offering us freedom from the bondage of sin and the power of the devil. [20:24]
- Jesus' sacrifice paid the debt of sin in full, offering us freedom from addiction, shame, and despair. His death and resurrection broke the chains that bind us, offering us a new life filled with hope and purpose. [25:05]
- The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the removal of barriers between us and God, allowing us direct access to His presence. This act signifies the end of separation and the beginning of a personal relationship with God. [29:01]
- Easter is not just a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice but an invitation to embrace a new beginning. It is a call to live a life of victory and abundance, free from the chains of sin and empowered by His grace. [29:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - The Easter Story
- [02:15] - The Significance of Jesus' Last Words
- [04:45] - The Crucifixion and Its Impact
- [07:30] - "It Is Finished" - A Declaration of Victory
- [10:00] - The Fulfillment of Prophecies
- [13:58] - The Debt of Sin Paid in Full
- [16:45] - Breaking the Power of the Devil
- [20:24] - Living in Freedom and Victory
- [23:30] - The Tearing of the Temple Veil
- [25:05] - Embracing a New Life
- [27:45] - An Invitation to New Beginnings
- [29:01] - Closing and Altar Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Easter Sunday
Bible Reading:
1. John 19:28-30
2. Luke 23:34
3. Hebrews 2:14-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the seven last phrases Jesus spoke on the cross, and what significance do they hold in the context of His crucifixion? [13:58]
2. How does the phrase "It is finished" in John 19:30 encapsulate the fulfillment of prophecies and the completion of Jesus' mission? [13:58]
3. What does the tearing of the temple veil symbolize in terms of our relationship with God? [29:01]
4. How does the sermon describe the period of darkness during the crucifixion, and what does it symbolize about God's feelings towards humanity's rejection of Jesus? [20:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the declaration "It is finished" signify a transition from the old covenant to a new era of grace and redemption? [13:58]
2. How does the sermon explain the impact of Jesus' crucifixion on the power of sin and the devil in our lives? [20:24]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the personal implications of Jesus' sacrifice for believers today? How does it invite us to live differently? [29:01]
4. How does the sermon interpret the tearing of the temple veil as a symbol of direct access to God's presence, and what does this mean for our spiritual lives? [29:01]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the phrase "It is finished." How does understanding this declaration as a victory over sin and death change your perspective on personal struggles or challenges? [13:58]
2. The sermon mentions that Jesus' sacrifice offers freedom from addiction, shame, and despair. Is there an area in your life where you need to embrace this freedom? How can you take a step towards it this week? [25:05]
3. The tearing of the temple veil signifies the removal of barriers between us and God. Are there any barriers in your life that prevent you from experiencing God's presence fully? How can you work on removing them? [29:01]
4. Easter is described as an invitation to a new beginning. What is one area of your life where you feel called to embrace a new beginning, and what steps can you take to start this journey? [29:01]
5. The sermon emphasizes living a life of victory and abundance. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to live more victoriously and abundantly in Christ? [25:05]
6. How can you remind yourself daily of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, and how might this influence your interactions with others? [29:01]
7. The sermon encourages believers to stop allowing the devil's accusations to hold power over them. How can you actively resist these accusations and live in the freedom Jesus offers? [20:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Fulfillment of Prophecy and Mission
Jesus' final words, "It is finished," signify the completion of His mission and the fulfillment of prophecies, offering us salvation and hope. This declaration marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era of grace and redemption. In these words, Jesus proclaimed victory over sin and death, not as a defeat but as a triumphant conclusion to His earthly mission. The old covenant, with its laws and sacrifices, was fulfilled in Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, ushering in a new covenant of grace where salvation is freely offered to all who believe. [13:58]
Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant."
Reflection: What does it mean for you personally that Jesus declared "It is finished"? How can you live in the reality of this new covenant of grace today?
Day 2: Light in the Darkness
The crucifixion was a moment of darkness, symbolizing God's sorrow over humanity's rejection of His Son. Yet, in this darkness, the light of salvation shone brightly, offering us freedom from the bondage of sin and the power of the devil. The darkness that covered the land during Jesus' crucifixion was a physical manifestation of the spiritual reality of sin and separation from God. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, the light of salvation broke through, offering hope and redemption to all. This pivotal moment in history reminds us that even in our darkest times, God's light can shine through, bringing freedom and victory. [20:24]
Isaiah 9:2 (ESV): "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel surrounded by darkness? How can you invite the light of Christ to shine into those areas today?
Day 3: Freedom from Bondage
Jesus' sacrifice paid the debt of sin in full, offering us freedom from addiction, shame, and despair. His death and resurrection broke the chains that bind us, offering us a new life filled with hope and purpose. The crucifixion was not just a historical event but a transformative moment that has the power to change lives today. By accepting Jesus' sacrifice, we are set free from the chains of sin and empowered to live a life of purpose and abundance. This freedom is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can experience daily. [25:05]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel bound or trapped? How can you embrace the freedom that Jesus offers in that area today?
Day 4: Access to God's Presence
The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the removal of barriers between us and God, allowing us direct access to His presence. This act signifies the end of separation and the beginning of a personal relationship with God. The veil in the temple represented the separation between God and humanity, a barrier that was torn apart through Jesus' sacrifice. Now, we are invited to enter into God's presence freely, without fear or hesitation. This access is a profound gift, inviting us to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with our Creator. [29:01]
Hebrews 10:19-20 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh."
Reflection: How can you intentionally enter into God's presence today? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Embracing New Beginnings
Easter is not just a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice but an invitation to embrace a new beginning. It is a call to live a life of victory and abundance, free from the chains of sin and empowered by His grace. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder that new beginnings are possible, no matter our past. We are invited to step into a life of victory, leaving behind the old and embracing the new. This Easter, let us not only remember Jesus' sacrifice but also celebrate the new life and freedom it brings. [29:01]
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 new beginning is God inviting you to embrace today? How can you step into this new life with confidence and hope?
Quotes
I don't know if you heard about the three guys that they all died on Easter Sunday and they all arrived all three of them arrived at the pearly gates of heaven at the very same time so Saint Peter meets them there and he tells them I'm gonna let you enter in heaven but you've got to answer one simple question since you died on Easter Sunday I want you to tell me what is Easter so the first guy raises his hand he goes oh that's easy he said that's that holiday in November where we all get together and we eat turkey and we watch football and we give thanks for everything that God has done that's Easter Peter goes wrong wrong answer entrance denied [00:00:15] (44 seconds)
at a makeshift trial by his accusers and then he was rejected by the very people that he had loved and that he had performed many miracles for and that he had healed he was sentenced to die and as Jesus hung on the cross there were seven last phrases or words recorded in the gospels that he said they were really kind of the last words of Jesus if you will and you know the last words of a person can be of great importance they can be of great significance at a deathbed for example oftentimes loved ones will stand close by and they'll stay quiet not wanting to miss those final parting words there have been a lot of famous deathbed confessions over the years from people who have told stories and and corrected false narratives on their deathbed and made things right on their deathbed and Jesus final words on the cross they also carried significance and truth in their own right now I'm not going to spend time breaking each of them down but I want to share with you what those seven phrases were from Jesus so the first one was father forgive them for they know not what they do Luke chapter 23 and verse 34 this was the plea for mercy and forgiveness even for those that while they were crucifying him he still asked for their forgiveness the next one was truly I say to you today you will be with me in paradise [00:03:08] (93 seconds)
was now complete and it is this last phrase it is finished that i'd like to share with you for just a few moments here today on this easter sunday let's look at the passage right before he died on the cross john chapter 19 and verse 28 jesus knew that his mission was now finished and to fulfill scripture he said i am thirsty a jar of sour wine was sitting there so they soaked the sponge in it put it on a hyssop branch and held it up to his lips and when jesus had tasted it he said it is finished then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit it is finished in the greek language it's just one word teleo which means finished the word accomplished comes from the same greek word jesus statement on the cross in john 19 and 30 could be translated literally it has been completed amen it is finished see because of what it meant and who said it these are some of the most important words ever spoken by the greatest man who ever lived amen and in this phrase lies the fulfillment of all the prophecies and truths in the old testament while also giving birth to all of the promises and the hope of the new testament in the new testament [00:06:14] (93 seconds)
for a few friends and his mother and some soldiers the new testament account found in matthew mark and luke it describes a period of darkness spanning for three hours during the crucifixion a period of darkness that swept over them and started at noon and it went until about three o 'clock when jesus died this darkness has often been interpreted as being a symbolic representation of god's sorrow over how humanity had rejected jesus see some think it might have been a solar eclipse or some other natural phenomenon but hear me make no mistake whatever it was it was as if the feelings of god were being expressed in the skies around them this darkness that was enveloping them and and had swept into that occasion imagine you were there in that moment one minute it's the high noon sun and you're mocking jesus or maybe you're standing there with your arms folded and you're just kind of looking at what goes on and all of a sudden everything turns black everything begins to turn dark a historian from egypt who was there wrote these words in this awful midday that had become midnight either god is suffering or somebody he loves is suffering the scared crowds were now gone because imagine you don't know what's going on some of them probably thought oh my lord what have we [00:10:53] (93 seconds)
When Jesus said, it is finished, he was declaring that every prophecy had now been fulfilled. The plan of salvation, which had been written before the very foundation of the world, had now come to pass. Offerings for sins would no longer need to take place because the prophesied Messiah had paid for them once and for all in full. Amen. It is finished. [00:13:47] (27 seconds)
tetelestai the greek word translated into the phrase it is finished paid in full it has been completed in the ancient world when a debt was paid off oftentimes the word tetelestai would be stamped on the document meaning debt canceled and at the cross jesus took the full weight of our sin past present future and he paid it all for us debt canceled how many of you like to have somebody just press the words debt canceled amen on every debt you've got in your life amen but you know what's amazing he did that for our sins he took the punishment so we could be set free second corinthians chapter 5 and verse 21 says for god made christ who never sinned what to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with god through christ see because it is finished you don't have to work for god's love amen it's already yours come on because it is finished you don't have to do certain things to earn your salvation amen it's already yours because it is finished your sins are paid in full and your debt has been canceled and somebody ought to give god the glory for that glory for that right now come on hallelujah you see the old testament law said that where there was sin there must also be death that's why priests had to continually over and over and over again offer sacrifices again offer sacrifices [00:14:02] (94 seconds)
It was their own sin that drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. And that original sin became the curse that binds all of us to our sinful nature. [00:15:36] (10 seconds)
But after that, only the blood of animal sacrifices, living things, could atone for the sins of the people. But those animal sacrifices could never permanently remove sin. Only one perfect sacrifice. The Lamb of God. God's only Son. Could ever do that. [00:15:46] (22 seconds)
Atonement is a word that means reparations for wrongs or injuries. It means to cover over something. So substitutionary atonement, that's a theological term. It means that Jesus' death on the cross was a complete covering over of our sin on our behalf. Amen. [00:16:19] (20 seconds)
the cross not only did he forgive you of your sins the bible says he canceled the record of the charges come on it's as if they never existed before and you know what i want to tell somebody right now you need to quit bringing up charges that jesus canceled in your life a long time ago come on somebody not only did he forgive it when they come and ask jesus do you remember when he did this he goes i don't even know what you're talking about that has been canceled and that debt has been paid in full and that record no longer exists it says he nailed it to the cross hallelujah and you know oh you know what i just thought of this every time you keep bringing something up from your past that he's forgiven it to you know what you're doing you're nailing it to the cross again [00:16:40] (56 seconds)
jesus did it already we need to stop nailing stuff back to the cross that's already been killed and buried in the tomb amen when he cried it is finished our sins were paid for and secondly the power of the devil was defeated hallelujah can i just tell you right now i think the church gives the devil way too much credit i think we talk about him too much i think we brag on his power too much i think we give him too much authority in our lives amen because the bible tells us oh come on somebody that his power was defeated at calvary you [00:18:04] (44 seconds)
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