Jesus is Alive! - Pastor Andrew Theisen

The resurrection stands at the center of the account, described with an angelic intervention that rolls back the stone and proclaims, “He is not here; he has risen.” That event anchors a claim to universal authority: all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus, and that authority undergirds the call to make disciples of all nations. Scripture insists that Jesus humbled himself, endured the cross, and now reigns exalted so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess his lordship. Union with Christ shapes Christian identity: Christ dwells within believers, making the same life-transforming power that raised Jesus operative in daily struggle, hope, and witness.

The reality of eternal judgment and the gravity of hell sharpen why the cross matters—not merely as rescue from punishment but as the means to abundant life here and now. The life Christ offers calls for holiness; God’s power manifests not first in spectacle but in lives increasingly free from sin. Paul’s prayer for believers emphasizes the immeasurable power at work in those who believe, the very power that triumphed over rulers and authorities and disarmed the enemy. That victory becomes the believer’s possession: Christians live as conquerors because Christ has triumphed decisively.

Public allegiance bears weight. Baptism symbolizes an open pledge to follow Christ and signals obedience to his command to make disciples. Casual or private confessions that avoid public commitment produce weak devotion; genuine conversion bears visible fruit and faces opposition without denial. The church must not shrink from a bold, countercultural witness; cultural discomfort does not negate biblical conviction.

The closing appeal centers on response: lay aside burdens, run the race while looking to Jesus, and come forward to receive prayer and restoration. The promise “I am with you always” assures presence in dark seasons, providing courage to confess Christ openly. The combined call is both pastoral and missionary: live in the power of the resurrection, pursue holiness as evidence of God's life within, and press forward to bring others into that life with boldness and steady endurance.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Jesus' resurrection proves his authority The empty tomb and the angelic proclamation establish that Jesus rules over heaven and earth, and that rule legitimizes the commission to make disciples. Authority here is not abstract: it grounds mission, promises presence, and guarantees eventual universal acknowledgement. Believers anchor their obedience in a risen Lord who commands and empowers action. [59:35]
• 2. Christ lives in believers today Union with Christ transforms identity and resources; Christ indwells every believer and makes the hope of glory tangible in weakness. That indwelling reorients motives, empowers resistance to sin, and supplies the power to bear fruit. Faith is not merely affiliation; it is vital, present union with a living Savior. [63:29]
• 3. Holiness reveals God's power God’s power often shows through moral transformation more than theatrical signs; Jesus began ministry by cleansing the temple, signaling that holiness announces divine authority. A life set apart exposes the reality of God’s work and opens the way for enduring testimony. Pursuing holiness invites the Spirit to display strength in ordinary living. [73:26]
• 4. Confess Christ boldly and publicly Public confession signals genuine allegiance and resists a watered-down faith that hides behind private words. A bold, visible commitment carries the promise that Christ will acknowledge those who confess him before others. Courage to be known for Christ directs discipleship and fuels mission. [83:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [55:58] - Opening Remarks and Resurrection Joy
• [56:48] - Matthew 28: The Empty Tomb
• [59:09] - Worship, Doubt, and the Disciples
• [60:27] - Humility and Exaltation (Philippians 2)
• [63:29] - Christ in Believers: Hope of Glory
• [65:21] - Hell, Redemption, and Eternal Stakes
• [67:27] - Run the Race: Endurance and Joy
• [71:08] - The Power That Raised Jesus (Ephesians)
• [73:26] - Holiness as Evidence of Power
• [80:59] - The Great Commission and Baptism
• [83:56] - Bold Confession Before Men
• [88:40] - Altar Call: Come Forward for Prayer
• [91:54] - Prayer, Commissioning, and Blessing

1. In Matthew 28, what was the first thing the angel told the women who came to the tomb and what was their initial reaction?
2. What specific command did Jesus give to his disciples after declaring that all authority had been given to him?
3. According to the sermon, what is one of the primary ways God manifests his presence on earth today? [01:02:47]
4. What does the sermon say is often a more powerful display of God's power than a miraculous sign or gift? [01:13:26]

1. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" before giving the Great Commission. Why is his authority the necessary foundation for the command to make disciples?
2. The sermon mentions that a "watered-down" faith that avoids public commitment often leads to a weak and struggling Christian life. [01:22:47] Why would a private, unacknowledged faith lack the power to transform someone?
3. The reality of hell was presented as a reason to understand the gravity of God's love and the cross. [01:08:47] How does an understanding of final judgment actually deepen our appreciation for salvation and the abundant life Jesus offers?
4. If the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside a believer, what should be the expected evidence of that power in their daily life and character?

1. The resurrection proves Jesus has all authority, which grounds our mission and promises his presence. [59:35] What is one specific, practical way you can rely on his authority this week instead of your own strength in a difficult situation?
2. Christ lives in every believer, making the hope of glory tangible and reorienting our motives. [01:03:29] What is one area of your life (e.g., thought life, a relationship, a habit) where you need to more consciously rely on Christ's indwelling presence to bring change?
3. God’s power often shows through moral transformation more than theatrical signs. [01:13:26] What is one "ordinary" area of holiness (like patience, kindness, or integrity) you feel challenged to pursue this week as a display of God's work in you?
4. Public confession signals genuine allegiance and resists a watered-down faith. [01:23:56] Is there a relationship in your life (a friend, family member, coworker) where you have been hesitant to be known as a follower of Christ? What is one step you could take to acknowledge him more boldly there?
5. The promise “I am with you always” assures presence in dark seasons. [01:25:52] When you feel alone or are struggling, what is a specific truth from Scripture you can hold onto to combat those feelings?
6. We are called to live as conquerors because Christ has triumphed decisively. [01:18:07] What is a circumstance, fear, or sin that you have been feeling defeated by, and how can you practically "put your foot on its neck" this week by faith in Christ's victory?