Experiencing the Transformative Touch of Christ
Summary
On this Easter Sunday, we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event that offers us the opportunity to experience Jesus in a deeply personal way. Today, we focus on the sense of touch, exploring how it connects us to the divine and transforms our lives. Throughout the Bible, touch is a recurring theme, from Jacob wrestling with God to Jesus healing the sick. These stories remind us that when we are touched by Jesus, we are never the same again.
We began by acknowledging the power of brokenness as a pathway to blessing. Just as a glow stick must be broken to shine, our brokenness allows God to work in our lives, bringing healing and restoration. We also explored the story of Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple who boldly asked for Jesus' body after the crucifixion. His courage and faithfulness remind us that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or past, to fulfill His purposes.
Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' touch. Despite her past, she was the first to witness the resurrection and was commissioned to share the good news. Her story encourages us to let go of our past and embrace the new life Jesus offers.
Finally, we examined the story of Thomas, who doubted until he could touch Jesus' wounds. His journey from doubt to belief shows us that Jesus welcomes our questions and invites us to experience Him personally. Easter is not just a story to hear but a Savior to experience. We are called to embark on a spiritual journey, to know God, find community, serve others, and leave a legacy that reflects our faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Brokenness as a Pathway to Blessing: Just as a glow stick must be broken to shine, our brokenness allows God to work in our lives, bringing healing and restoration. Embrace your brokenness as an opportunity for God to transform and bless you. [52:11]
- Courage in Faith: Joseph of Arimathea's boldness in asking for Jesus' body teaches us that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or past, to fulfill His purposes. Be courageous in your faith, knowing that God can use you in extraordinary ways. [58:10]
- Letting Go of the Past: Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' touch. Despite her past, she was the first to witness the resurrection. Let go of your past and embrace the new life Jesus offers. [01:03:39]
- From Doubt to Belief: Thomas' journey from doubt to belief shows us that Jesus welcomes our questions and invites us to experience Him personally. Don't be afraid to bring your doubts to Jesus; He is ready to meet you where you are. [01:07:43]
- A Savior to Experience: Easter is not just a story to hear but a Savior to experience. Embark on a spiritual journey to know God, find community, serve others, and leave a legacy that reflects your faith. [01:10:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Church Family and Guests
- [02:30] - Connection Card Introduction
- [04:15] - Easter Series: Experience Jesus
- [06:00] - The Power of Touch
- [08:20] - Jacob's Encounter with God
- [10:45] - Brokenness and Blessing
- [13:30] - Old Testament Touch Stories
- [16:00] - New Testament Miracles of Touch
- [19:00] - The Story of Joseph of Arimathea
- [23:30] - Mary Magdalene's Encounter
- [27:00] - Thomas' Journey from Doubt to Belief
- [31:00] - Experiencing Jesus Today
- [34:00] - Invitation to a Spiritual Journey
- [37:00] - Closing Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 32:24-32 - Jacob Wrestles with God
2. John 20:24-29 - Thomas Doubts and Believes
3. Matthew 27:57-60 - Joseph of Arimathea
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Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 32:24-32, what was the outcome of Jacob's wrestling with God, and how did it affect his life moving forward?
2. How did Joseph of Arimathea demonstrate courage in Matthew 27:57-60, and what was his role in the burial of Jesus? [58:10]
3. What was Thomas's initial reaction to the news of Jesus' resurrection in John 20:24-29, and how did his encounter with Jesus change his belief? [01:07:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Jacob wrestling with God illustrate the concept of brokenness leading to blessing, as mentioned in the sermon? [52:11]
2. What does Joseph of Arimathea's boldness in asking for Jesus' body teach us about the importance of taking a stand for our faith, even when it might be risky? [58:10]
3. In what ways does Thomas's journey from doubt to belief encourage us to bring our questions and doubts to Jesus? [01:07:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced brokenness. How did that situation allow God to work in your life, and what steps can you take to embrace brokenness as a pathway to blessing? [52:11]
2. Joseph of Arimathea took a bold step in his faith. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to be more courageous in your faith? What practical steps can you take to act on this? [58:10]
3. Mary Magdalene let go of her past to embrace the new life Jesus offered. What past experiences or regrets do you need to release to fully embrace the life Jesus has for you? [01:03:39]
4. Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus to believe. Are there doubts or questions you have about your faith? How can you seek answers and reassurance in your spiritual journey? [01:07:43]
5. The sermon emphasized experiencing Jesus personally. What are some ways you can actively seek to experience Jesus in your daily life, beyond just hearing about Him? [01:10:31]
6. How can you find and build a supportive community that encourages your spiritual growth, as suggested in the sermon? What steps can you take to connect with others in your church or small group? [01:10:31]
7. Consider the legacy you want to leave behind. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your life reflects your faith and impacts others positively? [01:10:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Brokenness as a Pathway to Divine Light
Our brokenness is not a sign of weakness but a gateway for divine intervention. Just as a glow stick must be broken to shine, our moments of brokenness allow God to work in our lives, bringing healing and restoration. Embracing our brokenness can lead to profound spiritual growth and transformation. When we acknowledge our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves to God's grace, allowing Him to mend our hearts and illuminate our paths. This process of healing and restoration is a testament to God's power to turn our weaknesses into strengths, using our brokenness as a vessel for His light. [52:11]
Psalm 34:18-19 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in your life that you can invite God into today, trusting Him to bring healing and transformation?
Day 2: Courage in Faith
Joseph of Arimathea's boldness in asking for Jesus' body after the crucifixion is a powerful example of courage in faith. Despite being a secret disciple, Joseph stepped forward at a critical moment, demonstrating that God can use anyone, regardless of their status or past, to fulfill His purposes. His actions remind us that faith often requires courage, and that stepping out in faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. By trusting in God's plan and being willing to act, we can become instruments of His will, impacting the world in ways we may never have imagined. [58:10]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: In what area of your life is God calling you to be courageous in your faith, and how can you take a bold step forward today?
Day 3: Letting Go of the Past
Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus' touch. Despite her past, she was the first to witness the resurrection and was commissioned to share the good news. Her story encourages us to let go of our past and embrace the new life Jesus offers. By releasing the burdens of our past, we can fully experience the freedom and renewal that comes with a relationship with Christ. This act of letting go allows us to step into the future with hope and purpose, knowing that we are defined not by our past mistakes but by the love and grace of Jesus. [01:03:39]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one aspect of your past that you need to release to fully embrace the new life Jesus offers you today?
Day 4: From Doubt to Belief
Thomas' journey from doubt to belief illustrates that Jesus welcomes our questions and invites us to experience Him personally. Thomas needed to touch Jesus' wounds to believe, and Jesus met him in his doubt, offering the evidence he needed. This story reassures us that doubt is not a barrier to faith but an opportunity for deeper understanding and connection with Jesus. By bringing our doubts to Him, we open ourselves to His presence and allow Him to reveal Himself in ways that strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. [01:07:43]
Mark 9:24 (ESV): "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: What doubts or questions do you have about your faith, and how can you bring them to Jesus today, trusting Him to meet you where you are?
Day 5: A Savior to Experience
Easter is not just a story to hear but a Savior to experience. We are called to embark on a spiritual journey to know God, find community, serve others, and leave a legacy that reflects our faith. This journey is an invitation to experience Jesus in a deeply personal way, allowing His presence to transform our lives and guide our actions. By actively seeking to know God and engage with our community, we can live out our faith in meaningful ways, serving others and leaving a lasting impact that honors the Savior we celebrate. [01:10:31]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: How can you actively seek to experience Jesus in your daily life, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Quotes
Well, today we wrap up this Easter series called Experience Jesus. And we've been looking at the five senses. God gave us sight and sound and smell and touch and taste in which to experience and enjoy life and to understand it. And intentionally, we're closing today with touch. Everybody say touch. You know, there's so many famous verses in the Bible when it comes to touch. And I want to give you some. Back in Genesis, Jacob wrestled with God. And maybe some of you today, you're wrestling with God over some issue, over doubts, over questions, things you don't understand. Jacob wrestled with God, and God touched the socket of Jacob's hip. He never walked the same way again. Let me tell you, God will meet you where you are, but he will not leave you as you are. [00:43:54] (52 seconds)
You ever get touched by Jesus, you'll never walk the same way again. Jacob got up every morning reaching for a cane. He walked with a limp. It was a reminder he was dependent upon God. And I'm telling you, every day you got to get up leaning on Jesus, leaning on the everlasting arms of God. You know, children like glow sticks, don't they? And a glow stick is lifeless and useless until it is broken. And I'm telling you that brokenness is the pathway to blessing. God takes broken people and puts their lives back together. I think about the psalmist in Psalm 105. He said, do not touch my anointed one, do my prophets no harm. [00:45:08] (42 seconds)
Always treat people like you want to be treated. And we need to teach our children that. And then there's the story of Isaiah. Isaiah saw the Lord high lifted up and a seraphim flew over and got a coal from the altar. And it says, with it, he touched my mouth. And he said, this has touched your lips and your guilt is taken away and your sin has been atoned for. That's what Easter's all about. That's why Jesus came. Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins. Jesus died to pay for your sin, to remove your guilt, to remove all of your sin. Well, that's the Old Testament. [00:46:38] (39 seconds)
Think about the New Testament. I can't even list all of the miracles that have to do with touch. Everybody say touch but in Matthew 8 14 Jesus came to Peter's house he saw Peter's mother -in -law lying in bed with a fever and he touched her hand and the fever left her and she got up and she began to wait on him now this tells us at least two lessons one that Peter was married you know the Catholic Church sees Peter as the first pope and I just want you to know there's nothing in the Bible that forbids a priest or pastor from being married there's nothing that says a priest or pastor has to be single praise God I don't know what I'd do without Miss Tash. [00:46:59] (48 seconds)
It's a special thing when we have a parent child dedication we dedicate those babies we dedicate those children to the lord I want you to know next generation is a big deal to liberty preschool and children in middle school and high school and college and young adults why because God cares for the next generation and wants to reach them I think about Luke 5 while Jesus was in one of the towns a man with leprosy came and he saw Jesus he fell with his face to the ground and he begged him Lord if you are willing you can make me clean Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and he said everybody say it I am willing hallelujah. [00:51:10] (43 seconds)
That's what I'm praying for you this Easter that your eyes will be open to experience Jesus that you'll see Jesus like you have never seen him before did you know God can get your attention you know if you've ever had a child a baby you know that baby cries for your attention and I want you to know we've got a new baby at the Etheridge house his name's Dexter and this is as you can see this is Miss Tammy's baby he really is Miss Tammy's baby and she brought him by the office the other day and so I took him around to all the staff and and I let him be like a therapy dog I thought the staff needed therapy working with me you know and so I took the dog around and uh and and he's a good dog. [00:54:40] (43 seconds)
Now, I want you to think about something you don't often think about. What gets God's attention? What gets God's attention? In every one of the stories I just brought up to you, it's when, listen, people cried out in desperation. They were desperate for a touch from Jesus. Why would they want a touch from Jesus? Because they had heard what Jesus had done for others. Let me tell you, on that last service at Fairview Heights last week, Mindy was baptized. She was an addict, started using needles when she was 14 years old. She became an alcoholic, had two children at a young age, but she started going to church. She got saved. She experienced Jesus, and he brought her out of a very dark place. She's been clean now for four and a half years. Praise God. [00:58:00] (48 seconds)
Well, a boss told her, you need to get in church. You need to find a church somewhere. She started going to Fairview Heights about the time that Liberty and Fairview Heights merged. And she has been living with Mike and Cindy, who are members there at Fairview Heights. She's gotten involved in a group, and those ladies have invested in her. And on the last service there, she wanted to be baptized to show everyone what Jesus has done for her. I could tell you about Kylie, who just a few weeks ago was a student who got saved at LS Weekend. And then she followed in baptism, and you know who was baptized right after her? Her mother. Her mother. Her name is Katie. She battled with mental illness for years to the point that she walked away from the Lord. [00:59:10] (45 seconds)
Matthew 27. You still awake? Say amen. When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Now, you know, years ago, what was popular in this country is the prosperity gospel gospel. And that is, if you follow Jesus, you're always going to be healthy and always going to be wealthy. And I want you to know, there is a specific Greek word in the New Testament for that. Baloney. And in just recent years, the total opposite has become popular. The poverty gospel. If you follow Jesus, you got to sell everything. You can't have anything. And that's not true either. [01:01:30] (47 seconds)
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