Embracing the Transformative Power of the Resurrection
Summary
The sermon delivered on Easter Sunday at Crossland Church emphasized the profound significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection, not only as a historical event but as a transformative power in the lives of believers. The message began by highlighting the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death, symbolizing the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era where God's presence dwells within believers. This act signifies that the Holy of Holies is no longer confined to a physical space but resides in the hearts of God's people, made possible through the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.
The sermon explored the theme "Something Greater Is Here," focusing on Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament offices of prophet, priest, and king. Jesus' resurrection is presented as the greatest of all resurrections, not because it was the only one, but because it has a unique and eternal impact on humanity. Unlike other resurrections, Jesus raised Himself from the dead, demonstrating His divine authority and power.
The resurrection of Jesus is greater because it offers believers a new life, free from the fear of death. This new life is not just a future promise but a present reality, empowering believers to live boldly and purposefully. The sermon challenged the congregation to embrace this new life, to live without fear, and to participate in the movement of God's kingdom on earth.
The message concluded with an invitation to experience spiritual resurrection through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasized that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a personal reality that transforms lives today. The call to action was clear: to live for Christ, to be part of His movement, and to trust in the truth of His resurrection as the foundation of faith.
Key Takeaways:
- The New Covenant of Presence: The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death signifies the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era where God's presence dwells within believers, not confined to a physical space but residing in the hearts of His people. This transformation is made possible through the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. [39:50]
- The Greatest Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection is unique because He raised Himself from the dead, demonstrating His divine authority and power. This act sets His resurrection apart from others and offers believers a new life, free from the fear of death, empowering them to live boldly and purposefully. [50:25]
- Living Without Fear: The resurrection of Jesus offers believers a new life that is not just a future promise but a present reality. This new life empowers believers to live without fear, embracing the truth that death has been conquered and that they are called to live boldly for Christ. [57:30]
- A Movement of Love: The resurrection of Jesus initiated a movement that has transformed the world through love and compassion. Believers are called to be part of this movement, demonstrating the love of Christ to the world and participating in the expansion of God's kingdom on earth. [01:03:19]
- The Foundation of Faith: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith, validating the truth of Scripture and offering believers an anchor for their souls. This truth empowers believers to trust in God's promises and to live with confidence in the reality of His resurrection. [01:11:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Easter Sunday
- [03:30] - Significance of the Temple Curtain Tearing
- [06:15] - Invitation for Guests and Visitors
- [09:00] - Offering and Worship
- [12:00] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
- [15:45] - Series Conclusion: Something Greater Is Here
- [20:30] - Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King
- [25:00] - The Greater Resurrection
- [30:45] - Jesus' Unique Resurrection
- [35:20] - Living a New Life in Christ
- [40:00] - The Movement of God's Kingdom
- [45:30] - Trusting in the Resurrection
- [50:00] - Invitation to Faith and Prayer
- [55:00] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 27:50-53
2. John 2:19-21
3. Romans 6:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What significant event occurred at the moment of Jesus' death, and what did it symbolize? [39:50]
2. How did Jesus describe His own resurrection in John 2:19-21, and what was the reaction of those who heard Him?
3. According to Romans 6:9, what is the significance of Jesus' resurrection in terms of death's power over Him?
4. What was the reaction of the people when the bodies of many holy people were raised to life after Jesus' resurrection? [39:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death signify the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant? [39:50]
2. In what ways does Jesus' ability to predict and perform His own resurrection demonstrate His divine authority? [50:25]
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus empower believers to live without fear, according to the sermon? [57:30]
4. What does it mean for believers to be part of the movement initiated by Jesus' resurrection, as described in the sermon? [01:03:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus' resurrection offers a new life free from the fear of death. How can this truth change the way you approach daily challenges? [57:30]
2. The sermon emphasized living boldly and purposefully. What is one area of your life where you feel called to live more boldly for Christ, and what steps can you take to do so? [57:30]
3. Consider the concept of the new covenant where God's presence dwells within believers. How does this understanding affect your personal relationship with God? [39:50]
4. The sermon mentioned a movement of love initiated by Jesus' resurrection. How can you actively participate in this movement in your community? [01:03:19]
5. Jesus' resurrection is described as the foundation of faith. How does this foundation influence your trust in God's promises, and how can you strengthen this trust in your daily life? [01:11:13]
6. Reflect on the call to live for Christ and be part of His movement. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate the love of Christ to those around you? [01:03:19]
7. The sermon challenged believers to trust in the truth of Jesus' resurrection. How can you deepen your understanding and conviction of this truth, and how might it impact your interactions with others? [01:11:13]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence Within Us
The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era where God's presence is no longer confined to a physical space but resides within believers. This profound transformation is made possible through the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, signifying that the Holy of Holies is now in the hearts of God's people. This new covenant of presence invites believers to experience an intimate relationship with God, where His Spirit dwells within them, guiding and empowering them in their daily lives. [39:50]
"For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, 'I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.'" (2 Corinthians 6:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence within you today, and what steps can you take to invite His guidance in your daily decisions?
Day 2: The Unique Power of Jesus' Resurrection
Jesus' resurrection is unique because He raised Himself from the dead, demonstrating His divine authority and power. This act sets His resurrection apart from others and offers believers a new life, free from the fear of death. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative power that empowers believers to live boldly and purposefully. It assures them of victory over death and invites them to embrace a life of courage and faith, knowing that Jesus' resurrection is the foundation of their hope. [50:25]
"Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' The Jews then said, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?' But he was speaking about the temple of his body." (John 2:19-21, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the power of Jesus' resurrection to overcome fear and live more boldly for Him?
Day 3: Living a Fearless Life in Christ
The resurrection of Jesus offers believers a new life that is not just a future promise but a present reality. This new life empowers believers to live without fear, embracing the truth that death has been conquered. As followers of Christ, they are called to live boldly, knowing that their lives are secure in Him. This assurance allows them to face challenges with confidence and to pursue their God-given purpose with courage and determination. [57:30]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one fear that has been holding you back, and how can you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome it today?
Day 4: Joining the Movement of God's Kingdom
The resurrection of Jesus initiated a movement that has transformed the world through love and compassion. Believers are called to be part of this movement, demonstrating the love of Christ to the world and participating in the expansion of God's kingdom on earth. This call to action invites them to live out their faith in tangible ways, serving others and sharing the message of hope and redemption found in Jesus. [01:03:19]
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the movement of God's kingdom today by showing love and compassion to those around you?
Day 5: The Resurrection as the Foundation of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith, validating the truth of Scripture and offering believers an anchor for their souls. This truth empowers believers to trust in God's promises and to live with confidence in the reality of His resurrection. It assures them that their faith is not in vain and that they can rely on the certainty of God's word as they navigate the challenges of life. [01:11:13]
"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." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your trust in the truth of Jesus' resurrection and allow it to be the foundation of your faith today?
Quotes
He was, in fact, a greater priest. Not just the greatest, far greater. He was a greater king and on and on. Then we began to look at the healings that Christ did were greater than anything that had ever happened before. The peace that he provides greater. And last week we saw the sacrifice. The sacrifice of Christ, it's far greater than all the other sacrifices that had ever happened before. And it wasn't that they were insufficient. It wasn't that they were unacceptable. God received all those sacrifices. It's just that one day a year, one man would walk into the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood on the altar. [00:39:56] (38 seconds)
And everybody can boldly enter that space with confidence and assurance to find grace and mercy in your hour of need. You don't have to beg and you don't have to wait. If you got to go in there 11 times a day because you're just having a bad day, then just go in there. You don't have to wait until the holy day of atonement. Christ ripped that thing open, go in at any time. Then it says, the earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open. This is powerful. This is not even his resurrection yet. This is the power that Christ released. [00:45:27] (32 seconds)
The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. Did you know that? that when he expired on this earth, it was such a powerful moment that many people, holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of their tombs. It's crazy, isn't it? After Jesus' resurrection, and then they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. It's incredible, isn't it? And so, like, here's the question I have. How do you top that? I mean, how can you say that his resurrection is a greater resurrection when that's pretty great? [00:46:04] (46 seconds)
We need to understand why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ greater, the greatest, because that is where so many things come from that empower your living, that give you purpose for living, comes from the truth of his resurrection. Today's big idea, and it makes me giggle when I see it. I don't know why, but the resurrection of Jesus is greater because it can have a greater impact on us than it did on him. Let that sink in. How deeply affected have you been by Lazarus's resurrection? Like, not at all? You didn't even know Matthew 27. I just read it to you. [00:47:42] (46 seconds)
The first time you see it is Mark chapter 8. And that's the time when Peter is told it, and it so freaks him out, he gets in Jesus' face and says, that ain't happening. Okay? What was it so moving that got Peter so upset? He took the 12 aside and told them what was going to happen to him. We're going up to Jerusalem, he said, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law, which we know he predicted, and it happened that way. And here's what he said is going to happen to them. They will condemn him to death. [00:50:36] (36 seconds)
They will hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit on him, flog him, and kill him. He perfectly predicted and painted a picture three times, and more times than that, to be honest, in other different places, what was literally going to happen to him, who was going to do it to him, how they were going to do it to him, and where it was going to happen. He was perfectly capable of predicting how his life was going to end. That's pretty substantial when you think about it. And while that doesn't necessarily set him aside from any other loss of life necessarily, it will set something up that it's pretty phenomenal that he knew this and willingly went into Jerusalem anyway. [00:51:56] (48 seconds)
The ability to predict your death is one thing, but to perfectly predict your resurrection is another. Now, it gets even crazier than that because I'll show you in a second, but it's imperative. You hear me say repeatedly that Christ Jesus raised himself from the dead. Now, we know God the Father and God the Spirit also were involved, but there's so many verses in the New Testament. [00:56:00] (25 seconds)
And this is called a verb that's in the active tense, okay? Which means the subject is performing the action on the object, okay? So, if I told you in three minutes I'm going to jump, and in three minutes I jump, that is an action active verb. I did the jumping. Jesus said, I'll do the rising. That's not the first time nor the last time he said it. Look what it says in John 2, very early in his ministry. Jesus answered them, if you destroy this temple, I will raise it. I, I. It's not hard to understand that one. Who's going to do the raising? I'll raise it again in three days. [00:57:00] (38 seconds)
They replied, you kidding me? It's taken 46 years to build this temple. And you're going to raise it again in three days? They knew exactly what he was saying. The very next verse says, but they did not realize he was talking about his body. no one period has ever raised himself from the dead except Jesus and that literally is the greatest thing of all the greater reality is that and the next couple will look at flow from that but at the end of the day this dude raised himself from the dead there's if you know of anybody else in human history that has any evidence whatsoever it's never happened before it will never happen again he was able because of who he is and because of who he is and what he did it unleashes so much power for living okay [00:58:00] (52 seconds)
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