Embracing the Transformative Power of the Resurrection
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as depicted in Matthew 28 and John 20. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that invites us into a personal relationship with God. The angel's words to the women at the tomb, "Do not be afraid," resonate with us today, offering peace amidst our fears and anxieties. This invitation to "come and see" the empty tomb is an invitation to experience the living Christ, who offers salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life through faith in Him.
The resurrection signifies the inauguration of God's kingdom on earth, a decisive event that assures us of God's promises. It is a call to live without fear, guilt, or despair, as Christ's victory over death is our victory too. The story of Thomas, who doubted until he saw Jesus' wounds, reminds us that doubt is a part of faith. Jesus meets us in our doubts, offering peace and inviting us to believe. Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," is a testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.
The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality with power for today. It dispels our doubts and fears, inviting us to live in the freedom and hope that Christ offers. As believers, we are called to testify to this reality, sharing the hope of the resurrection with a world in need. The resurrection is a reminder that Jesus is alive, reigning as the King of Kings, and He invites us to bring our burdens and doubts to Him, for He is greater than any "unless" we may have.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Resurrection Offers Peace Amidst Fear: Just as the angel told the women at the tomb, "Do not be afraid," the resurrection invites us to find peace in Christ amidst our fears and anxieties. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ, who transforms our burdens into light and momentary afflictions. [31:37]
2. Invitation to a Personal Relationship: The resurrection is an invitation to "come and see" the living Christ, who offers a personal relationship with God. Through faith in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we find salvation, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. [33:07]
3. Doubt as a Part of Faith: Thomas's story reminds us that doubt is a natural part of faith. Jesus meets us in our doubts, offering peace and inviting us to believe. Our doubts can lead us to a deeper understanding and relationship with Christ. [36:32]
4. The Resurrection's Present Power: The resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality with power for today. It dispels our doubts and fears, inviting us to live in the freedom and hope that Christ offers. [59:12]
5. Testifying to the Risen Christ: As believers, we are called to testify to the reality of the resurrection, sharing the hope and life found in Christ with a world in need. Our lives are a testimony to the transformative power of the risen Christ. [01:12:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [31:37] - Prayer and Reflection on Matthew 28
- [33:07] - Invitation to Relationship with Christ
- [36:32] - The Story of Thomas
- [38:01] - Church Announcements and Community Engagement
- [39:25] - The Significance of the Resurrection
- [40:56] - Theological Insights on the Resurrection
- [42:38] - The Gospel of John and the Signs of Jesus
- [45:00] - Understanding Doubt and Faith
- [48:04] - The Resurrection Welcomes Believers
- [49:59] - Jesus' Message of Peace
- [52:12] - Jesus' Response to Doubt
- [57:09] - Jesus' Invitation to Believe
- [01:06:07] - The Resurrection's Power Today
- [01:12:01] - Testimony and Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:1-10
2. John 20:24-29
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 28, what message did the angel give to the women at the tomb, and how did it address their fears? ([31:37])
2. How did Thomas respond to the other disciples' testimony about seeing the risen Jesus, and what condition did he set for his belief? ([36:32])
3. What was Jesus' response to Thomas' doubt, and how did He address Thomas' condition for belief? ([01:02:35])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' repeated message of "Peace be with you" to His disciples? ([01:01:52])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the angel's message "Do not be afraid" in Matthew 28 relate to the fears and anxieties we face today? ([31:37])
2. What does Thomas' story teach us about the nature of doubt in the journey of faith, and how does Jesus' response to Thomas provide a model for addressing our own doubts? ([36:32])
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as an invitation to a personal relationship with God, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? ([33:07])
4. In what ways does the resurrection empower believers to live without fear, guilt, or despair, according to the sermon? ([01:06:07])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current fear or anxiety in your life. How can the message "Do not be afraid" from Matthew 28 encourage you to find peace in Christ amidst this situation? ([31:37])
2. Think of a time when you experienced doubt in your faith journey. How did you address it, and what can you learn from Thomas' encounter with Jesus to help you in future moments of doubt? ([36:32])
3. The sermon emphasizes the resurrection as an invitation to a personal relationship with God. What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Christ? ([33:07])
4. How can you actively testify to the reality of the resurrection in your community, sharing the hope and life found in Christ with those around you? ([01:12:01])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel burdened by guilt or despair. How can the victory of Christ's resurrection help you to live in freedom and hope? ([01:06:07])
6. Consider someone in your life who may be struggling with doubt or disbelief. How can you support and encourage them in their faith journey, drawing from Jesus' example with Thomas? ([01:02:35])
7. Reflect on the statement "Jesus is bigger than your unless." What is one "unless" in your life that you need to bring to Jesus, and how can you trust Him to address it? ([57:09])
Devotional
Day 1: Peace in the Presence of Christ
The resurrection of Jesus Christ offers profound peace amidst our fears and anxieties. When the angel told the women at the tomb, "Do not be afraid," it was not just a message for them but for all believers. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ, who transforms our burdens into light and momentary afflictions. In a world filled with uncertainty, the resurrection assures us that Christ is with us, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace invites us to trust in His presence and power, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. [31:37]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What specific fear or anxiety can you bring to Christ today, trusting in His peace to transform it into a momentary affliction?
Day 2: Invitation to Experience the Living Christ
The resurrection is an invitation to "come and see" the living Christ, who offers a personal relationship with God. Through faith in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we find salvation, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. This invitation is not just a call to believe in a historical event but to experience the transformative power of the risen Christ in our daily lives. As we accept this invitation, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with God, experiencing His love and grace in new and profound ways. [33:07]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to deepen your relationship with Christ today, experiencing His love and grace in a new way?
Day 3: Embracing Doubt as a Path to Deeper Faith
Thomas's story reminds us that doubt is a natural part of faith. Jesus meets us in our doubts, offering peace and inviting us to believe. Our doubts can lead us to a deeper understanding and relationship with Christ. Rather than being a barrier, doubt can be a catalyst for growth, prompting us to seek answers and draw closer to God. As we bring our doubts to Jesus, we find that He is faithful to meet us where we are, offering reassurance and inviting us to trust in Him more fully. [36:32]
Jude 1:22-23 (ESV): "And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
Reflection: What doubts or questions about your faith can you bring to Jesus today, trusting Him to meet you with peace and understanding?
Day 4: Living in the Present Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality with power for today. It dispels our doubts and fears, inviting us to live in the freedom and hope that Christ offers. This power is available to us every day, enabling us to overcome challenges and live victoriously. As we embrace the resurrection's present power, we are empowered to live out our faith boldly, sharing the hope and life found in Christ with those around us. [59:12]
Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV): "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to experience the resurrection's power today, and how can you actively invite Christ's strength into that area?
Day 5: Testifying to the Transformative Power of the Risen Christ
As believers, we are called to testify to the reality of the resurrection, sharing the hope and life found in Christ with a world in need. Our lives are a testimony to the transformative power of the risen Christ. As we live out our faith, we become witnesses to His love and grace, inviting others to experience the same transformation. This calling challenges us to be intentional in our interactions, seeking opportunities to share the hope of the resurrection with those around us. [01:12:01]
1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of the resurrection, and how can you share your testimony with them in a way that is gentle and respectful?
Quotes
"Do not be afraid for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified he is not here he is risen just as he said. Come see the place where he lay then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead." [00:31:16]
"Would you grow us in our faith that we would look not to things that are seen but to things that are unseen resting in you handing over that which burdens our lives allowing you to take our afflictions and transform them from fear dominating anxiety producing and hopeless to light and momentary." [00:32:47]
"Thank you that it is through faith in you alone faith in the sufficiency of your life death and resurrection that we find salvation forgiveness of our sins restoration of relationship and promise of eternal life today we celebrate your resurrection your victory of life over death hope over despair the answer to every longing we have found in you for it's in you that true freedom is found." [00:33:52]
"The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom it is the decisive event the decisive event in history demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven he goes on to say 'The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ that you're invited to belong to that.'" [00:40:10]
"If Jesus rose from the dead then you have to accept all that he said if he didn't rise from the dead then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead." [00:40:54]
"Why is the resurrection important is because Jesus Christ is alive today he is not buried in a tomb tucked away in history but he reigns forever as the immortal king of kings lord of lords and will come back one day he has a lot to say and there is authority when he says it so we as mere humans need to hear and listen to what he says." [00:44:00]
"The resurrection welcomes those who have yet to believe I think that's beautiful you see the resurrected Jesus has not distanced himself from his disciples and if he was you or I maybe maybe I would have distanced myself if you read the gospels very closely you'll see that Jesus had a following in so many ways so many times thousands of people sometimes he fed them sometimes he would perform miracles." [00:48:20]
"Jesus does not stiff arm them jesus teaches me a lot as a shepherd i will often stiff arm people unless you meet my demands I will stiff arm you jesus does not jesus welcomes them jesus could have reminded them of their failures jesus could have reminded them of so many things he could have distanced himself from his disciples and never to come in fact he continues to offer the same message that he has always offered to them." [00:50:54]
"Jesus came and stood among them right through a locked door right through a locked door and what did he say to them peace be with you now after the master had come through that locked door and he said 'Peace.' There probably was a little bit of scaredness at that point but he was there in their midst and he gave them very familiar words very familiar words." [00:51:08]
"Jesus says 'Don't let your heart be troubled the very control center of who you are what makes you human your emotions your thoughts your feelings all that that place that can bubble up at 3:00 in the morning and you just worry about everything he speaks to that place he says 'There there's peace that I'll break to you peace for you peace let not your hearts be troubled don't be afraid.'" [00:52:00]
"Thomas my wounds did not overcome me they're real and I died and your wounds can be healed as well your resentment and your hurt and your disappointment thomas look I can heal you remember as a boy a Jewish boy you were taught Isaiah 53 'And by his stripes we are healed.' Here they are Thomas look at them don't be disbelieving but believe move from unless walk from unless." [01:05:26]
"Thomas answers him and this is what he says my Lord and my God that's all he needed to say it was enough jesus said to him 'Have you believed because you saw me blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' Maybe you're in less as I want to see him well you see him in the witness of the church every day and those who are gathered to be scattered out in our testimonies in our lives." [01:06:23]
"Thomas has a two-fold answer to the wounds of Jesus Christ in the resurrected Jesus Christ number one my Lord that says that I have an acceptance of Jesus's rule in my life i am not Caesars's i am not the governments i am not my own i am not unto myself but there is a king over my life and he is you and my God my creator my sustainer my Yahweh." [01:07:09]
"Jesus is alive and so we testify of him we pray to him we extend an invitation to one another because he is alive by truth the cross could not hold him the grave could not take away jesus Christ is alive and he holds the keys to death and Hades and he is bigger than your unless bring your burdens your hurts your hang-ups to the man who has scars in his hands and a scar in his side for death could not defeat him." [01:11:57]
"Jesus still invites in ray Ortland says this as he writes 'We don't just welcome one another we've talked about welcoming Jesus welcomes you we welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us mercy is getting or mercy is not getting what we deserve.' That's mercy orland continues to write 'Grace is getting what we don't deserve.' We're not meant to be conveying our welcome but Christ's welcome christ has a throne of mercy and grace." [01:00:47]
"Jesus brings the same message to them a complete wholeness and he invites Thomas through his hurt through his disbelief and his doubt to embrace the truth of the situation not about what he feels about the situation he shows him the truth of the situation he says 'Look at my hands look at my at this what happened to me you weren't there john was the only one that saw it but dear friends it happened i was crucified but I'm not on a cross any longer and I am alive and I am breathing and I have the power of death and Hades behind me.'" [01:03:19]
"Thomas wanted proof he wanted to see he wanted to understand you see this unless is pretty dogmatic right he kind of puts his heels down here but it gives a glimmer of hope too right a small window to where the gospel can come through a small window that is there and maybe Jesus has something to say to your unless because we're in unless a lot in our days i will never forgive that person unless I will never talk to that person unless it's a conditional statement." [00:46:43]
"Jesus says 'Don't let your heart be troubled the very control center of who you are what makes you human your emotions your thoughts your feelings all that that place that can bubble up at 3:00 in the morning and you just worry about everything he speaks to that place he says 'There there's peace that I'll break to you peace for you peace let not your hearts be troubled don't be afraid.'" [00:52:00]
"Thomas my wounds did not overcome me they're real and I died and your wounds can be healed as well your resentment and your hurt and your disappointment thomas look I can heal you remember as a boy a Jewish boy you were taught Isaiah 53 'And by his stripes we are healed.' Here they are Thomas look at them don't be disbelieving but believe move from unless walk from unless." [01:05:26]
"Thomas answers him and this is what he says my Lord and my God that's all he needed to say it was enough jesus said to him 'Have you believed because you saw me blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' Maybe you're in less as I want to see him well you see him in the witness of the church every day and those who are gathered to be scattered out in our testimonies in our lives." [01:06:23]
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