Encountering the Risen Christ: A Transformative Journey

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I addressed the spiritual but not religious (SBNR) individuals, both within our congregation and those joining us online. I emphasized the importance of seeking a solid foundation for one's life, and I proclaimed that Jesus Christ offers that unshakeable ground. I challenged the prevalent secular humanist ideas, asserting that the resurrection of Jesus is the most significant event in human history, demanding a response from each of us.

Drawing from the National Church Life Survey, I noted that a significant portion of Australians identify as SBNR. I encouraged those who are seeking truth to consider the Alpha course and to investigate the claims of Jesus for themselves. I argued that the resurrection of Jesus is more than a historical event; it is a transformative reality that offers a new orientation for our lives.

I recounted the biblical accounts from 1 Corinthians 15 and Mark 16, highlighting the resurrection of Christ and the early encounters with the risen Jesus. I pointed out that the apostle Paul, once a persecutor of the church, became a testament to the life-changing power of God's grace. The Gospel of Mark provides vivid narratives of Jesus' authority over evil, sickness, and even nature itself, revealing His divine compassion and love.

I also addressed the skepticism that many hold towards the supernatural aspects of Jesus' life and ministry. I pointed out the inconsistency of dismissing Jesus' authority while many still seek spiritual insight through mediums, astrology, and other practices. I urged the congregation to look beyond the secular narrative and to consider the vast historical evidence supporting Jesus' resurrection.

I shared personal stories of family members beginning to question the meaning of life and the inadequacy of material pursuits. I stressed the importance of reading the Bible for oneself to encounter the living God and to understand the true meaning of Easter.

Finally, I invited everyone to reflect on their expectations of Easter and to consider the possibility of encountering the unexpected – the risen Christ. I emphasized that the resurrection calls for a reorientation of our lives towards following Jesus, and I encouraged both believers and seekers to take that step of faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical claim but a present reality that offers a firm foundation for our lives. It challenges the secular narrative and invites us to reorient our lives around the living God. This reorientation is not just a mental assent but a transformative journey that impacts every aspect of our existence. [09:25]

- The Gospel narratives provide compelling evidence of Jesus' authority over spiritual, physical, and natural realms. This authority is not an abstract concept but a lived experience for those who follow Christ. As we engage in ministries of healing and deliverance, we participate in the ongoing work of Jesus, witnessing His power and compassion in action. [15:56]

- Encountering the risen Christ is a deeply personal experience that transcends historical facts and intellectual assent. It is through reading the Scriptures, prayer, and openness to the Holy Spirit that many have come to know Jesus as Lord. This encounter is available to all who genuinely seek Him. [19:19]

- The skepticism towards the resurrection often stems from a lack of personal investigation. I challenge individuals to examine the historical evidence and to read the biblical accounts for themselves. In doing so, one may discover that the evidence for Jesus' resurrection is far more compelling than often portrayed. [23:55]

- The abrupt ending of Mark's Gospel invites us to respond to the resurrection. It is not enough to be perplexed or afraid; we must decide whether to follow Jesus into the new life He offers. This decision is the starting point for a journey of discipleship that transforms our understanding of purpose and identity. [29:35]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 - The Resurrection of Christ
2. Mark 16:1-8 - The Resurrection of Jesus

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, who were the witnesses to Jesus' resurrection, and why is their testimony significant?
2. In Mark 16:1-8, what did the women find when they arrived at Jesus' tomb, and how did they react?
3. What does the apostle Paul mean when he says, "by the grace of God I am what I am" in 1 Corinthians 15:10?
4. How does the abrupt ending of Mark's Gospel (Mark 16:8) invite readers to respond to the resurrection of Jesus? [29:04]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4? How does this foundation impact a believer's faith?
2. How does the transformation of Paul from a persecutor of the church to an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9-10) illustrate the life-changing power of God's grace? [01:34]
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that many people are skeptical of the supernatural aspects of Jesus' life. How does the historical evidence for the resurrection challenge this skepticism? [23:55]
4. The pastor shared personal stories of family members questioning the meaning of life. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide answers to these existential questions? [06:05]

#### Application Questions
1. The pastor emphasized the importance of reading the Bible for oneself to encounter the living God. Have you taken time to read the Bible personally? If not, what steps can you take to start this practice? [18:03]
2. Reflect on the pastor's challenge to consider the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection. Are there any specific doubts or questions you have about the resurrection? How can you address these doubts through study or discussion? [23:55]
3. The sermon highlighted the transformative journey of following Jesus. In what ways can you reorient your life to follow Jesus more closely? Are there specific areas in your life that need change? [29:35]
4. The pastor mentioned the Alpha course as a way for seekers to investigate the claims of Jesus. Have you or someone you know considered joining such a course? How can you encourage others to explore their faith through similar programs? [08:49]
5. The Gospel narratives show Jesus' authority over spiritual, physical, and natural realms. How can you participate in ministries of healing and deliverance in your community? What steps can you take to witness Jesus' power and compassion in action? [15:56]
6. The pastor shared that encountering the risen Christ is a deeply personal experience. How can you create space in your daily life for prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit to deepen your relationship with Jesus? [19:19]
7. Reflect on your expectations of Easter. How can you prepare your heart to encounter the unexpected – the risen Christ – in your life this year? [27:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Resurrection: Foundation for Life
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a mere historical event but a present reality that offers a firm foundation for our lives. It challenges the secular narrative and invites us to reorient our lives around the living God. This reorientation is not just a mental assent but a transformative journey that impacts every aspect of our existence. [09:25]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'" - Jeremiah 6:16a

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily decisions and sense of purpose?

Day 2: Authority of Christ in Action
The Gospel narratives provide compelling evidence of Jesus' authority over spiritual, physical, and natural realms. This authority is not an abstract concept but a lived experience for those who follow Christ. As we engage in ministries of healing and deliverance, we participate in the ongoing work of Jesus, witnessing His power and compassion in action. [15:56]

"And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs." - Mark 16:20

Reflection: In what ways can you participate in Jesus' ongoing work of healing and deliverance in your community?

Day 3: Personal Encounter with the Risen Lord
Encountering the risen Christ is a deeply personal experience that transcends historical facts and intellectual assent. It is through reading the Scriptures, prayer, and openness to the Holy Spirit that many have come to know Jesus as Lord. This encounter is available to all who genuinely seek Him. [19:19]

"And they said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'" - Luke 24:32

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your personal encounter with Jesus through Scripture and prayer?

Day 4: Investigating the Resurrection
The skepticism towards the resurrection often stems from a lack of personal investigation. I challenge individuals to examine the historical evidence and to read the biblical accounts for themselves. In doing so, one may discover that the evidence for Jesus' resurrection is far more compelling than often portrayed. [23:55]

"Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up." - Hosea 6:1

Reflection: Can you commit to researching one piece of historical evidence for the resurrection this week and share your findings with a friend?

Day 5: Responding to the Resurrection
The abrupt ending of Mark's Gospel invites us to respond to the resurrection. It is not enough to be perplexed or afraid; we must decide whether to follow Jesus into the new life He offers. This decision is the starting point for a journey of discipleship that transforms our understanding of purpose and identity. [29:35]

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Corinthians 15:20

Reflection: What is one concrete action you can take today to live out your decision to follow Jesus and the new life He offers?

Quotes

1) "I'm here today to Proclaim to all of the sbnrs that Jesus Christ is a solid foundation... Jesus Christ is that solid foundation that you can plant your life on... because it's more solid than the secular humanist ideas that pervade our Western culture." [09:25]( | | )

2) "I put it to you that Jesus really did walk the earth and have Spiritual Authority... that means that Jesus has the power and authority to do away with dark things to overcome evil and that's good news folks." [13:14]( | | )

3) "Jesus not only has authority over evil spirits but he has authority over disease and sickness... we at this church have a healing service every Thursday because we take up that call... we pray in the name of Jesus for people to be set free, we pray in the name of Jesus for people to be healed." [15:15]( | | )

4) "Jesus is none of those things [angry, unfair, judgmental] at all... He's a man filled with compassion... he actually looks upon them and feels within his very being compassion and love." [16:38]( | | )

5) "It's not until you start to read when you begin to read the Bible... the very Breath of God comes through the words and... the Transcendent God becomes very imminent... because it's happened to them that's why they're here." [19:19]( | | )

6) "Jesus is predicting his death and his resurrection but he's framing it in a way that he knows exactly what he's doing... to give us life, to give you life." [21:18]( | | )

7) "If you're a person who believes that Jesus didn't rise from the dead then you are standing up against the tide of a huge tsunami of historical evidence... there are more documentary sources about the life of Jesus than any other person in human history by far." [23:55]( | | )

8) "The resurrection requires some kind of a response... it may be that as we look for ourselves the truth of the Resurrection becomes a reality for us... the resurrection is a call to reorient our lives to follow Jesus." [29:35]( | | )

9) "What are you expecting when you come to Easter every year... could it be that you might one day find something unexpected? I hope today is that day for you." [26:27](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

10) "Instead of finding the body of Jesus... they find this young man, this Angel who says 'Do not be alarmed... He is risen; he is not here... he is going ahead of you into Galilee there you will see him just as he told you.'" [27:43]( | | )

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