Encountering the Living God Through the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event to be acknowledged, but a living reality that transforms lives today. The early Christians staked everything on the truth that Christ is risen, and this conviction turned fearful disciples into bold witnesses who changed the world. The resurrection is not merely a doctrine; it is the foundation of hope, courage, and the assurance that God is not distant but present and intimately involved in our lives. Unlike the silent idols of ancient religions, the living God hears our prayers, understands our struggles, and invites us into a personal relationship with Him.

Throughout history and across cultures, people have yearned for a God who is real, who knows them, and who speaks their language. The Bible is the unique revelation of this God. It is not just a book of wisdom or moral guidance, but the very means by which we encounter the living Christ. Through its pages, we discover who God is—His creativity, justice, love, and desire to redeem and restore all creation. The Bible reveals that God wants to be known, and that He speaks to us, not only through dramatic miracles but also in the quietness of our hearts.

Yet, it is possible to become so familiar with the stories and teachings of Scripture that we miss the God who is revealing Himself through them. The invitation is to approach the Bible not just for new insights or information, but to encounter the living God. Like Lucy stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia, we are called to enter into the world of Scripture with our hearts and imaginations open, seeking to know God more deeply.

This encounter is not limited by language or culture. The work of translating the Bible into heart languages is vital, for without access to Scripture, millions remain unaware of the God who loves them and desires relationship with them. When people receive the Bible in their own language, it affirms their dignity and reveals that the Creator knows and speaks to them personally. The living Word continues to transform lives, communities, and nations as people encounter Christ through Scripture.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a past event but a present reality that gives hope, courage, and meaning to our lives. It assures us that God is not distant, but alive and actively involved in our world, hearing our prayers and understanding our struggles. This truth transforms fear into boldness and despair into hope. [33:53]
• 2. The privilege of prayer is unique to the Christian faith: we pray to a God who hears, cares, and responds. Unlike the silent idols of the world, the living God invites us to bring our needs before Him, and He answers in ways that reveal His presence and love. This should fill us with awe and gratitude, never taking for granted the access we have to the Creator. [34:38]
• 3. The Bible is not merely a book of wisdom, history, or moral instruction; it is the primary means by which we encounter the living God. Transformation does not come from the book itself, but from meeting God through its pages. The Scriptures reveal God’s character, His purposes, and His desire to be known by us, inviting us into a relationship that changes everything. [46:56]
• 4. Approaching Scripture with a heart to encounter God, rather than just seeking new insights or information, opens us to a deeper experience of His presence. Like Lucy in Narnia, we are invited to step through the “door” of the Bible into a world where God’s reality becomes vivid and personal. This transforms not only our understanding but our very way of seeing and living in the world. [47:37]
• 5. The translation and distribution of the Bible into heart languages is essential for people to encounter the living God. When individuals receive Scripture in their own language, it affirms their worth and reveals that God knows and speaks to them personally. This is a powerful reminder that God’s mission is to be known and loved by all peoples, and we are called to participate in making His Word accessible to everyone. [53:21]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [31:29] - Rollo May’s Encounter at Mount Athos
• [32:24] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
• [33:15] - Resurrection: Sentiment or Reality?
• [33:53] - The Transformative Power of the Resurrection
• [34:38] - God Who Hears: Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
• [36:55] - Prayer and the Nearness of God
• [39:10] - The Resurrection as Historical Fact
• [41:20] - Experiencing the Living Christ Today
• [43:00] - Hearing God’s Voice and Discernment
• [45:53] - The Bible’s Unique Role in Knowing God
• [46:56] - Rediscovering the Purpose of Scripture
• [47:37] - Encountering God Through the Bible
• [49:12] - God’s Love and Justice Revealed
• [50:41] - Seeing the World Through God’s Eyes
• [51:30] - The Mystery of Christ Revealed
• [52:18] - Bible Translation and the Heart Language
• [53:21] - The Mohawk Bible and God’s Personal Touch

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 15:14 (ESV) — > "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."

2. 1 Kings 18:26-29 (ESV)
> "And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, 'O Baal, answer us!' But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, 'Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.' And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention."

3. Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV)
> "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:14, what does Paul say is at stake if Christ has not been raised from the dead?
2. In the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:26-29), what are the prophets of Baal doing to try to get their god’s attention, and what is the result?
3. The sermon mentions that the early Christians “staked everything on the resurrection.” What evidence from the Bible or history was given to support this claim? [[33:53]]
4. What does Hebrews 1:1-2 say about how God has chosen to reveal Himself to humanity?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul say that if Christ has not been raised, both preaching and faith are “in vain”? What does this reveal about the centrality of the resurrection to Christian belief?
2. The sermon contrasts the living God with “silent idols” who cannot hear or respond. What does this difference mean for how Christians approach prayer? [[34:38]]
3. The speaker shared that it’s possible to become so familiar with the Bible that it becomes “dry.” What does it mean to approach Scripture to encounter God, rather than just to gain new insights? [[46:56]]
4. Why is it significant that the Bible is translated into people’s “heart languages”? How does this impact their understanding of God and their sense of dignity? [[53:21]]

Application Questions

1. The resurrection is described as a present reality that gives hope and courage. In what area of your life do you need to experience the hope and boldness that comes from knowing Jesus is alive? [[33:53]]
2. The sermon highlighted the privilege of prayer to a God who hears and cares. When was the last time you truly believed God was listening to your prayers? How might your prayer life change if you remembered this daily? [[34:38]]
3. Have you ever found yourself reading the Bible just for information or out of habit? What is one practical way you can approach your Bible reading this week with the goal of encountering God personally? [[46:56]]
4. The speaker compared reading the Bible to Lucy stepping into Narnia—a new world. What would it look like for you to “step through the door” and engage Scripture with your heart and imagination, not just your mind? [[47:37]]
5. The sermon shared stories of people receiving the Bible in their own language for the first time. How does this challenge your perspective on the accessibility of Scripture in your own life? Is there something you take for granted about having the Bible? [[53:21]]
6. The Bible reveals God’s creativity, justice, and love. Which of these aspects of God’s character do you most need to experience or reflect in your own life right now? [[49:12]]
7. The speaker mentioned that God wants to be known and is actively involved in our world. What is one step you can take this week to become more aware of God’s presence in your daily life? [[50:41]]