Experiencing the Power of Jesus' Resurrection
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound truth that Jesus is alive, a truth that unites believers across the globe. We began by acknowledging the significance of Easter, a day that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers us hope and life. This celebration is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the life and hope Jesus brings into our lives.
We took a moment to reflect on the incredible work God is doing through our community, particularly highlighting the success of our "Do Good Friday" event. This event was a testament to our commitment to serve others as Jesus served us, with nearly 300 people from our community participating and over 80 church members volunteering their time. This act of service is a reflection of our belief that serving others is an act of worship and a demonstration of Jesus' love.
As we delved into the Word, we explored the story of Lazarus in John 11, where Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life." This powerful statement challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge of Jesus to truly knowing Him. It's a call to experience a personal relationship with God, where Jesus is not just a theological concept but a living presence in our lives. We were reminded that Jesus' resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us abundant life.
The story of Lazarus also highlights the reality of death and separation caused by sin. Yet, Jesus' resurrection power is greater, offering us reconciliation with God and victory over sin and death. This victory is not just for the afterlife but is available to us now, transforming our lives and bringing hope to seemingly hopeless situations.
As we concluded, we were challenged to reflect on our own lives and identify areas where we need Jesus' victory. Whether it's in relationships, finances, or personal struggles, Jesus invites us to trust Him and experience His resurrection power. The question remains: Do we believe this? Our response to this question determines how we live and experience the abundant life Jesus offers.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is Alive and Offers Hope: The resurrection of Jesus is a global celebration of hope and life. It reminds us that despite the brokenness of the world, Jesus has conquered death and offers us eternal life. This truth unites believers worldwide in a shared declaration of faith. [00:00]
- Service as Worship: Our "Do Good Friday" event exemplifies how serving others is an act of worship. By serving our community, we reflect Jesus' love and demonstrate the gospel in action. Service is not limited to Sundays but is a lifestyle that honors God. [19:25]
- Knowing Jesus Personally: Moving from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him transforms our relationship with God. Jesus invites us into a personal relationship where He is not just a theological concept but a living presence in our lives. [28:26]
- Victory Over Death and Sin: Jesus' resurrection offers us victory over death and sin. This victory is not just for the afterlife but is available now, bringing hope and transformation to our lives. We are called to trust Jesus and experience His resurrection power. [50:52]
- The Question of Belief: Jesus' question, "Do you believe this?" challenges us to examine our faith. Our response determines how we experience the abundant life Jesus offers. Belief in Jesus is not just intellectual assent but a heartfelt commitment to follow Him as Lord. [01:06:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebrating Jesus' Resurrection
- [02:00] - Global Unity in Christ
- [03:30] - Opening Prayer
- [05:00] - Introduction to Impact Church
- [07:00] - Do Good Friday Recap
- [10:00] - Serve Teams and Community Impact
- [12:00] - Easter Celebrations and Activities
- [15:00] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
- [18:00] - The Story of Lazarus
- [25:00] - Jesus' Declaration: I Am the Resurrection
- [30:00] - The Reality of Death and Sin
- [35:00] - Jesus' Victory Over Death
- [40:00] - Personal Reflection and Response
- [45:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Believe
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 11:1-44
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus waiting two days before going to Lazarus, and how did this impact the events that followed? [33:59]
2. How did Martha and Mary each respond to Jesus when He arrived after Lazarus had died? What does this reveal about their understanding of Jesus' power? [45:37]
3. What was the reaction of the crowd when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and how did this event serve as a testament to Jesus' claim of being the resurrection and the life? [50:52]
4. How does the story of Lazarus illustrate the concept of Jesus being the resurrection and the life, as He stated to Martha? [41:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have chosen to delay His visit to Lazarus, and what does this teach about His understanding of God's timing and glory? [33:59]
2. In what ways does the story of Lazarus challenge the common perceptions of death and resurrection, both in the context of the Bible and in contemporary understanding? [50:52]
3. How does Jesus' question to Martha, "Do you believe this?" serve as a pivotal moment in the narrative, and what does it reveal about the nature of faith? [43:34]
4. What does the raising of Lazarus tell us about the power of Jesus over life and death, and how does this event foreshadow His own resurrection? [56:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was delaying in answering a prayer. How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's timing through that experience? [33:59]
2. Jesus asked Martha if she believed He was the resurrection and the life. How would you answer this question in your own life, and what does your answer mean for how you live daily? [43:34]
3. The sermon emphasized moving from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him. What steps can you take this week to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus? [28:26]
4. Consider an area in your life where you need Jesus' victory. What practical steps can you take to invite His resurrection power into that situation? [01:01:25]
5. The "Do Good Friday" event was highlighted as an act of service and worship. How can you incorporate acts of service into your daily life as a reflection of Jesus' love? [19:25]
6. Jesus' resurrection offers hope and transformation. Identify a seemingly hopeless situation in your life. How can you apply the hope of Jesus' resurrection to that situation? [50:52]
7. Reflect on the question, "Do you believe this?" How does your belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life influence your interactions with others and your approach to challenges? [43:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Resurrection: A Living Hope
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but a present reality that offers hope and life to believers worldwide. This truth unites Christians in a shared declaration of faith, reminding us that despite the brokenness of the world, Jesus has conquered death and offers us eternal life. The celebration of Easter is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the life and hope Jesus brings into our lives. It is a reminder that Jesus is alive and actively working in the world today, offering us a living hope that transforms our lives. [00:00]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "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, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to embrace the living hope that Jesus' resurrection offers? How can this hope transform your perspective today?
Day 2: Service as an Expression of Worship
Serving others is a powerful act of worship that reflects Jesus' love and demonstrates the gospel in action. The "Do Good Friday" event exemplifies this, as nearly 300 people from the community participated, with over 80 church members volunteering their time. This act of service is a reflection of the belief that serving others is an act of worship and a demonstration of Jesus' love. Service is not limited to Sundays but is a lifestyle that honors God and impacts the community. [19:25]
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV): "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate acts of service into your daily life as a form of worship? Identify one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week.
Day 3: Knowing Jesus Personally
Moving from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him transforms our relationship with God. Jesus invites us into a personal relationship where He is not just a theological concept but a living presence in our lives. This personal relationship with Jesus challenges us to experience Him beyond mere knowledge, inviting us to truly know Him and experience His presence in our daily lives. It is a call to deepen our relationship with God and experience the abundant life He offers. [28:26]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take to move from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him personally? Consider one practical way to deepen your relationship with Him this week.
Day 4: Victory Over Death and Sin
Jesus' resurrection offers us victory over death and sin, a victory that is not just for the afterlife but is available now, bringing hope and transformation to our lives. This victory offers reconciliation with God and triumph over sin and death, transforming our lives and bringing hope to seemingly hopeless situations. We are called to trust Jesus and experience His resurrection power in our daily lives, allowing His victory to transform us and bring hope to our circumstances. [50:52]
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (ESV): "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to experience Jesus' victory over sin and death? How can you invite His resurrection power into that area today?
Day 5: The Question of Belief
Jesus' question, "Do you believe this?" challenges us to examine our faith and our response to His invitation. Our belief in Jesus is not just intellectual assent but a heartfelt commitment to follow Him as Lord. This question challenges us to reflect on our faith and how it impacts our daily lives, inviting us to trust Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers. Our response to this question determines how we live and experience the life Jesus offers. [01:06:33]
Mark 9:23-24 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: What doubts or struggles do you face in fully believing and trusting Jesus? How can you bring these to Him and ask for His help in strengthening your faith today?
Quotes
``Church, Jesus is alive today. We've come to celebrate as we do every Sunday. But on this day, a little bit different because we join with people from all the nations and languages and tribes and tongues throughout the world today. To gather together to say that our God is alive. That Jesus, though he died to forgive us of our sins, he has risen. [00:13:29] (31 seconds)
We believe that when we move from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Jesus, we begin to experience a personal relationship with God. See, it's not just enough to read, hear, and know. But rather, we don't want to just know about Jesus. Jesus did not come just so we could know about him. You can know about anybody. Jesus came that we might truly know him. [00:29:42] (36 seconds)
Jesus said to her, hey, Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. What an amazing statement. Jesus looks at her and no doubt the people who are watching on to be like, what's gonna happen? [00:39:43] (29 seconds)
See, Jesus is not a religion to be observed. Some of us have been treating Jesus like a good philosophy, a moral code. If I follow what Jesus says, I'll be a good person. If there is a God, he'll let me in. And the problem with that is, Jesus says, that's not me. If you're looking for all of that stuff. [00:40:44] (22 seconds)
Jesus says, I am a person. God is a person. God loves you. God wants a relationship with you. God wants friendship with you. And so he looks and he doesn't say, good job, Martha, you passed the theology test. He looks at her and says, Martha, I am the resurrection. It means that new life, new resurrection is so real in Jesus that he doesn't just symbolize new life and resurrection. [00:41:26] (37 seconds)
So God solved our problem for us by coming to earth in the form of us. He suffered every temptation you and I suffer. In fact, you just heard He wept at funerals. He suffered everything. He knows grief and pain. And so much so that then Jesus went through it all, but He did it perfectly. [00:55:01] (26 seconds)
Church, Jesus doesn't just have the power to resurrect your life. He's got the power to resurrect his own life. And when we answer the question, do you believe in this? When we believe in him, that's the only effort we bring to the table. We don't bring being good enough. We don't bring our security clearances. We don't bring our master's degrees. [00:57:39] (24 seconds)
And see, church, this is the power that Jesus has in our life. To take the things that are seemingly dead and in the tomb and bringing them back to life again. So you've got something in your life you think is dead. Maybe you think, Brandon, there's no hope for me. But I want you to know that my God specializes in raising the dead. [01:04:44] (23 seconds)
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