Empowered by Resurrection: Rising Above Life's Challenges

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound truths of God's word and the power of the resurrection. We began by acknowledging the passing of our beloved Sister Glory Herd, a pillar in our community and my Sunday school teacher, who taught us the books of the Bible and the armor of God with creativity and passion. Her legacy and support for our ministry will continue to uplift us.

As we navigated through the heaviness of loss, we found solace in the comfort of the Lord's word. We also witnessed the artistic ministry of Ezra King, who illustrated the sermon's message through his drawing, reminding us that God's anointing rests upon each of us, empowering us to use our gifts for His glory.

We celebrated the mothers of our church and the powerful messages delivered by our fellow preachers during our joint Good Friday service with Perfecting Church. Their heartfelt ministry was a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Turning to the Scripture, we delved into Mark chapter 16, where we encountered the women who went to anoint Jesus' body after the Sabbath. Their determination to serve the Lord, despite the obstacles, teaches us that God takes care of the heavy lifting when we walk by faith. The stone that sealed Jesus' tomb was exceedingly massive, yet it was rolled away by an angel, signifying that nothing is too hard for God.

The resurrection of Jesus is not just about His triumph over death but also about our elevation in life. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us, enabling us to rise above our circumstances and level up in every area of our lives. We are called to believe the promises of God and to stop seeking the living among the dead. Instead, we must look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and let His resurrection be the assurance we need to move forward.

In closing, we extended an invitation to those seeking to connect with the resurrected Jesus, to be born again, and to let Him take control of their lives. We prayed together, welcoming new believers into the family of God, and anointed the hands of Ezra, dedicating his artistic gift to the Lord's service.

Key Takeaways:

- The loss of a beloved church member can deeply affect a community, but it also serves as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ's resurrection. In our grief, we find strength in the legacy left behind and the comfort found in God's presence. [26:49]

- The anointing of God upon our lives is not just for personal edification but for the empowerment to make a difference in the world. Like Ezra, whose artistic gift was recognized and blessed, we too must seek a higher sensitivity to God's voice and allow Him to use our talents for His glory. [01:11:57]

- The resurrection of Jesus signifies a call to action for believers. It is not merely a historical event to be celebrated but a catalyst for us to level up in our spiritual journey, trusting that God will provide strategies and tactics for our advancement. [31:46]

- The story of the women at the tomb teaches us that God's provision often precedes our concerns. As we step out in faith to fulfill God's calling, we can trust that He will remove the obstacles in our path, just as He rolled away the stone from the tomb. [50:38]

- The resurrection is a powerful assurance that God can turn around any situation we face. As we embrace the reality of the risen Christ, we are empowered to rise above our challenges and live a life that brings glory to God. [01:00:38]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Mark 16:1-7 (ESV)
> When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”

#### Observation Questions
1. What did the women bring to the tomb and why?
- The women brought spices to anoint Jesus' body. [36:56]

2. What was the women's concern as they approached the tomb?
- They were concerned about who would roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb. [38:01]

3. What did the women find when they arrived at the tomb?
- They found that the stone had been rolled back and saw a young man dressed in a white robe who told them that Jesus had risen. [38:16]

4. What message did the young man in the tomb give to the women?
- He told them not to be alarmed, that Jesus had risen, and instructed them to tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. [39:09]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the removal of the stone symbolize in the context of the resurrection?
- The removal of the stone symbolizes that God takes care of the obstacles when we walk by faith. [50:38]

2. How does the resurrection of Jesus empower believers according to the sermon?
- The resurrection empowers believers to rise above their circumstances and level up in every area of their lives, as the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in them. [31:08]

3. What is the significance of the angel's message to the women at the tomb?
- The angel's message reassures the women and the disciples that Jesus has fulfilled His promise of resurrection, providing a foundation for their faith and mission. [39:09]

4. How does the story of the women at the tomb illustrate the concept of faith in action?
- The women acted in faith by going to the tomb despite the obstacles, and their faith was met with God's provision, showing that God often provides solutions before we even realize the problems. [50:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant obstacle. How did you see God work in that situation?
- Consider how the removal of the stone in the story can encourage you to trust God with your current challenges. [50:38]

2. In what ways can you use your gifts and talents for God's glory, similar to how Ezra King used his artistic gift?
- Think about a specific talent you have and how you can dedicate it to serving others and glorifying God. [28:05]

3. How can the resurrection of Jesus inspire you to "level up" in your spiritual journey?
- Identify one area of your life where you feel called to grow and develop a plan to take actionable steps in that direction. [31:08]

4. What are some practical ways you can support and uplift others in your church community, especially those who are grieving or facing hardships?
- Reflect on how the community supported each other after the loss of Sister Glory Herd and think of ways you can offer similar support. [25:39]

5. How can you cultivate a higher sensitivity to God's voice in your daily life?
- Consider setting aside specific times for prayer and reflection to listen for God's guidance, just as Ezra was encouraged to have a higher sensitivity to God's voice. [28:05]

6. What steps can you take to stop seeking the living among the dead and focus on the promises of God?
- Identify any areas in your life where you might be holding onto past failures or dead situations and make a conscious effort to focus on the new life and promises God offers. [59:51]

7. How can you share the message of the resurrection with someone who may not yet believe?
- Think of a person in your life who needs to hear about the hope and power of the resurrection and plan a way to share this message with them in a loving and impactful manner. [01:02:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Hope in Resurrection Amidst Grief
In the shadow of loss, the community mourns the passing of a cherished member, Sister Glory Herd. Her dedication to teaching and her creative spirit have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. As the congregation grapples with this void, they are reminded that the hope of Christ's resurrection is a beacon of light in times of sorrow. The legacy of the faithful departed serves as a testament to the enduring comfort found in God's presence, which sustains and uplifts the bereaved. In the midst of grief, believers are called to cling to the promise of eternal life and the assurance that separation is only temporary in the grand design of God's kingdom. [26:49]

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV

Reflection: How can the hope of resurrection shape your response to loss and grief in your own life?

Day 2: Anointing for Purpose
The anointing of God is a divine empowerment that transcends personal edification, calling each believer to make a tangible difference in the world. The story of Ezra King, whose artistic talents were recognized and consecrated, serves as a powerful example of how God's anointing can be manifested through our unique gifts. This divine touch is not limited to the few but is available to all who seek to serve the Lord with their abilities. As the congregation witnesses the dedication of these gifts, they are encouraged to listen intently for God's voice and to offer their talents as instruments for His glory. [01:11:57]

"And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze." - Exodus 31:3-4 ESV

Reflection: What unique gift has God anointed you with, and how can you use it to serve others and glorify Him?

Day 3: Resurrection as a Call to Action
The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that beckons believers to rise above complacency and to actively engage in their spiritual journey. It is not merely a moment to be celebrated but a catalyst for personal and communal elevation. The congregation is encouraged to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel, which provides strategies and tactics for advancement in every area of life. Trusting in the same power that raised Jesus from the grave, believers are called to step out in faith, confident that God will lead them to victory over their circumstances. [31:46]

"And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places." - Ephesians 1:19-20 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you actively respond to the resurrection's call to action in your spiritual life today?

Day 4: God's Provision Precedes Our Concerns
The narrative of the women at the tomb is a profound reminder that God's provision often precedes our concerns. As the congregation contemplates this truth, they are encouraged to step out in faith to fulfill God's calling, trusting that He will remove the obstacles in their path. The stone rolled away from the tomb is symbolic of God's ability to clear the way for His purposes to be accomplished. This assurance allows believers to move forward in their mission, knowing that the heavy lifting is in God's capable hands. [50:38]

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." - Psalm 20:7-8 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify a concern or obstacle in your life where you need to trust God's provision and take a step of faith?

Day 5: Living in the Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful assurance for believers, affirming that no situation is beyond God's transformative reach. The congregation is invited to embrace the reality of the risen Christ, which empowers them to rise above challenges and live a life that reflects God's glory. This assurance is not just for the afterlife but is a present reality that influences how believers navigate their daily lives, relationships, and callings. The resurrection is a cornerstone of faith that provides strength and hope to persevere and flourish. [01:00:38]

"To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power." - 2 Thessalonians 1:11 ESV

Reflection: How can the assurance of the resurrection empower you to overcome a current challenge in your life?

Quotes

"When I think about Jesus and his disciples, I think that had to have been how the disciples felt. When Jesus would try to explain to them in advance about his soon-coming death by crucifixion and his resurrection. They just didn't get it. They just didn't get it. They were confused. They heard him with their ears, but they were not listening with their hearts." [43:11]( | | )

"Mark chapter 16, verse 1. It says, when the Sabbath was passed. Sabbath denotes a period of inactivity. And somebody needs to hear this today. Your season of inactivity has come to an end. Your season of inactivity. Has come to an end. God, watch this, is getting ready to give you opportunity to get active." [44:18]( | | )

"Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices so that they might go and anoint him. Don't miss this. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome all had the same idea and desire to do this for the Lord. So they decided to do it together. They weren't like on the phone. Girl, what you about to do? Child, I don't know." [45:33]( | | )

"But God says, you're going to serve me, hallelujah, with your gifts, with your talents, with your life, hallelujah. Many people will be won to Christ because of your quiet, unassuming character. But the gift, the gift of God lives big in you, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah." [01:11:57]( | | )

"God sent a bigger angel and the angel must have been so big strong and massive that that big stone felt like a chair to him because he sat on it. God is getting ready to sit on some things because there's nothing too hard for your God." [55:55]( | | )

"He told you that you are the head and not the tail but you still don't believe him. He told you that you are above only and not beneath but you still don't believe him. He told you that you are the lender and not the bower but you still don't believe them." [59:29]( | | )

"Looking up to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, he endured the grave, he endured the shame, let the resurrection of Jesus be all the assurance that you need to rise up and move forward in God." [01:00:38]( | | )

"The resurrection of jesus god says it was not just about jesus getting up but it's about you leveling up because let me tell you the same power the same spirit that got jesus up out of the grave watch this it lifted in you and he can and will empower you to level up in every area of your life." [31:46]( | | )

"God has given you an anointing to counteract. The decaying world around you. You might be looking at me and say, yeah, but PD, I don't know what my oil is. Let me tell you your oil and your anointing is whatever experience you have gone through and survived." [47:39]( | | )

"They were on their way. And they were walking, they began to discuss what they were going to do when they get there. who's going to move that big stone that's in front of the tomb? Now, these women were pretty audacious because they just said, forget about the fact that we don't have legal authority." [48:51]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?