Jesus Christ: Our Hope, Lord, and Community
Summary
The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the central event in all of human history, the foundation of our hope, and the reason for our celebration every time we gather. No matter our personalities or backgrounds, the proclamation that Jesus is alive is always worthy of our praise. As a church, we are called to be a people who rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, uniquely equipped by the Holy Spirit to hold both joy and sorrow together in community. While we honor special days like Mother’s Day, our worship is always centered on Jesus, who is above every holiday and every human achievement. He alone gives us the strength to fulfill our callings, and it is in Him that our souls find true satisfaction.
We are a church that values engagement and participation, not spectatorship. Whether through note-taking, prayer, or serving in ministries like ESL or kids’ ministry, we do all things together, supporting one another and making up for each other’s weaknesses. Our unity is rooted in the ancient confession of faith, the Apostles’ Creed, which not only corrects the errors and false narratives we encounter in the world but also forms us as the people of God, united in our worship of the one true God.
Focusing on the Creed’s declaration, “and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,” we see that Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a good teacher. He is the Christ—the promised Messiah, the King above all kings, and the fulfillment of all God’s promises. In the context of Caesarea Philippi, a place filled with symbols of earthly power and false gods, Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ is a bold declaration that Jesus’ authority surpasses every ruler and every spiritual power. Jesus is the only Son of God, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father, possessing all authority over nature, the human body, and the spiritual realm.
But the question is not just whether Jesus is the Lord, but whether He is our Lord. True lordship means surrendering our decisions, our possessions, and our provision to Him. It means coming to Him with open hands, trusting Him with every aspect of our lives, even when it requires sacrifice or stepping into the unknown. Many in the world acknowledge Jesus in some way, but only those who submit to His lordship truly know Him. Jesus is both Savior and Lord—fully God and fully man—able to save us from our sin and worthy of our obedience. The only way to come to Him is with our mess, our doubts, and our need. In Him, we find forgiveness, purpose, and the power to live as His people.
Key Takeaways
- The Resurrection as the Center of Hope
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine to be affirmed but the living hope that transforms every aspect of our lives. It is the event that gives meaning to our celebrations, our suffering, and our service. In a world filled with uncertainty and shifting values, the risen Christ remains our unshakeable foundation and the source of our deepest joy. [33:42]
- The Church as a Community of Empathy and Presence
We are called to be a people who can hold both rejoicing and weeping together, empowered by the Holy Spirit to enter into each other’s joys and sorrows. This kind of community cannot be replicated by social media or secular organizations; it is a supernatural work of God’s Spirit among His people. Our ability to celebrate and mourn together is a powerful witness to the world of Christ’s love and presence. [37:22]
- The Apostles’ Creed: Correcting Error and Forming Identity
Reciting the Creed is not a mere ritual but a formative act that corrects the false narratives we absorb from the world and unites us in the truth of who God is. It reminds us that our faith is not a private, individualistic experience but a shared confession that shapes us as the people of God. The Creed draws clear boundaries around the God we worship, anchoring us in historic, biblical Christianity. [46:08]
- The Lordship of Christ: Surrendering All
To confess Jesus as Lord is to surrender every area of our lives—our decisions, our possessions, and our future—to His authority. True lordship is not about partial obedience or selective trust; it is about open-handed submission, even when it costs us dearly. The question is not whether Jesus is the Lord, but whether He is our Lord, and that is revealed in how we live and what we are willing to lay down for Him. [01:17:45]
- Coming to Jesus with Our Mess
Jesus does not require us to clean ourselves up before coming to Him; in fact, the only way to come is with our doubts, fears, and failures. He is both Savior and Lord, fully able to forgive our sins and lead us into new life. No one can out-sin the grace of Jesus, and it is in our weakness and need that His power is most clearly displayed. [01:28:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Celebrating the Resurrection
[03:10] - Embracing Mother’s Day: Joy and Sorrow
[07:30] - The Church’s Unique Calling
[10:45] - Centering Worship on Jesus
[13:50] - Engaging in Worship and Community
[18:20] - Stories of God at Work in Our Church
[22:40] - The Power of Doing Ministry Together
[27:00] - Why the Apostles’ Creed Matters
[32:10] - Reciting the Creed as a Church
[35:00] - Jesus: The Christ, Son of God, and Lord
[41:34] - Jesus’ Authority Over All
[53:13] - Peter’s Confession and Its Significance
[57:55] - The Lordship of Christ in Our Lives
[01:17:45] - Surrendering Decisions and Possessions
[01:24:45] - C.S. Lewis on the Claims of Christ
[01:28:16] - Coming to Jesus with Our Mess
[01:30:50] - Response and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Resurrection, the Creed, and the Lordship of Jesus
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 16:13-17
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 16:13-17, what are some of the different opinions people had about Jesus’ identity? How does Peter’s answer stand out from the rest?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Peter making his confession about Jesus in Caesarea Philippi, a place known for its symbols of earthly power and false gods? [[57:55]]
3. The sermon mentioned that the church is called to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” Where does this idea come from, and how does it shape the way we do church? [[37:22]]
4. What are some of the ways the Apostles’ Creed helps correct errors and form our identity as a church, according to the sermon? [[46:08]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” instead of just telling them directly? What does this reveal about the importance of personal faith? [[53:13]]
2. The sermon says that Jesus is not just a good teacher or a historical figure, but the Christ, the Son of God, and our Lord. Why is it important to understand and confess all three of these titles? [[54:34]]
3. The pastor shared that the church is called to hold both joy and sorrow together, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Why is this kind of community unique, and how does it witness to the world? [[37:22]]
4. The sermon challenges us to ask, “Is Jesus my Lord?” not just “Is Jesus the Lord?” What is the difference, and why does it matter for how we live? [[01:12:58]]
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### Application Questions
1. The resurrection of Jesus is described as the center of our hope and the reason for our celebration. How does the reality of the resurrection affect your daily life, especially in times of uncertainty or suffering? [[33:42]]
2. The church is called to be a community that can “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” Can you think of a recent time when you needed others to rejoice or weep with you? How can you be more present for others in their joys and sorrows this week? [[37:22]]
3. The sermon emphasized that our worship is always centered on Jesus, not on holidays or human achievements. Are there things in your life that sometimes take the center of your attention or worship? What would it look like to re-center your focus on Jesus? [[10:45]]
4. The Apostles’ Creed is described as a tool that corrects false narratives and unites us in truth. Are there any “false narratives” from the world that you find yourself believing? How can the truths of the Creed help anchor your faith? [[46:08]]
5. The pastor shared a personal story about surrendering decisions, possessions, and even his children to Jesus’ lordship. Is there an area of your life where you find it hard to trust Jesus’ authority? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? [[01:17:45]]
6. The sermon said, “The only way to come to Jesus is with your mess.” Are there doubts, fears, or failures you’ve been hiding from God or others? What would it look like to bring those honestly to Jesus and to your community? [[01:28:16]]
7. The church values engagement and participation, not just being spectators. What is one practical way you can move from being a bystander to being more engaged in the life of the church this month? (e.g., serving, praying, joining a ministry, encouraging someone) [[13:50]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust Jesus as both Savior and Lord, and to help the group become a community that holds both joy and sorrow together.
Devotional
Day 1: Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice, Weep with Those Who Weep
The church is uniquely equipped by the Holy Spirit to be a place where both joy and sorrow are shared together, creating a spiritual family that supports one another in every season. Whether today is a day of celebration or a day of grief, you are not alone—your church family stands ready to rejoice with you or to weep with you, reflecting the heart of Christ in community. This is a sacred calling that sets the church apart from the world, as we embody the compassion and empathy of Jesus through the Spirit’s power. [33:42]
Romans 12:15 (ESV)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Who in your life today is celebrating or grieving, and how can you intentionally reach out to share in their joy or offer comfort in their sorrow?
Day 2: Jesus Is the Christ, the King Above All
Jesus is not just a historical figure or a good teacher—He is the Christ, the promised Messiah and King over all earthly and spiritual powers. In a world filled with competing authorities and false gods, Jesus stands alone as the King of kings, sovereign over every nation, government, and spiritual force. No matter the uncertainty or turmoil in the world, you can rest in the truth that Jesus reigns supreme and His kingdom will never be shaken. [01:01:52]
Matthew 16:13-16 (ESV)
"Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"
Reflection: What area of your life feels most uncertain or out of control, and how can you surrender it to Jesus, trusting in His kingship today?
Day 3: Jesus, the Only Son of God, Has All Authority
Jesus is not merely a prophet or a wise man—He is the only Son of God, fully divine, co-eternal with the Father, and possessing all authority over nature, the human body, and the spiritual realm. His power is unmatched, and His presence brings healing, peace, and victory over every force that opposes us. When you recognize Jesus as the Son of God, you are invited to trust in His authority and rest in His ability to work miracles in your life. [01:09:21]
John 1:1-3, 14 (ESV)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: Where do you need to trust Jesus’ authority and power in your life—over your health, your circumstances, or your spiritual battles?
Day 4: Jesus Is Our Lord—Surrendering Every Area to Him
To call Jesus “Lord” is to acknowledge His rightful ownership over every part of your life—your decisions, your possessions, and your future. True lordship means coming to Jesus with open hands, allowing Him to direct your steps, provide for your needs, and guide your choices, even when it requires sacrifice or stepping into the unknown. The question is not whether Jesus is the Lord, but whether He is your Lord—have you truly surrendered all to Him? [01:18:22]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life you are holding back from Jesus’ lordship, and what would it look like to surrender it to Him today?
Day 5: Come to Jesus as Both Savior and Lord
Jesus is both Savior and Lord—He welcomes you with your doubts, fears, and mess, offering forgiveness and transformation through His grace. You don’t have to clean yourself up to come to Him; in fact, the only way to come is as you are, trusting that His blood is sufficient for every sin and His power is enough to change any heart. Let go of lukewarm or consumeristic faith, and come to Jesus fully, embracing Him as the one who saves and the one who leads your life. [01:28:16]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: What doubts, fears, or sins are you carrying today that you need to bring honestly to Jesus, trusting Him as both your Savior and your Lord?
Quotes
One of the things that we believe here at Impact Church is that any time that we are proclaiming Jesus Christ as risen from the dead is worthy of celebration Because it is the act of human history That has changed the world Past, present, and future There is no other hope for any of us Other than that Jesus is alive It is our only hope. [00:30:31] (34 seconds)
We worship a Savior who is above and beyond any holiday. And so when we gather today, we worship and praise Jesus Christ, who is the only one who gives moms the power to be moms. Like there's a greater force. There's something greater to be worshiped today than a man -made holiday or even one of us. [00:35:32] (26 seconds)
What makes us excited is that we get to use this tool to serve our community in the ways that Jesus serves us. We get to use that to build relationships with people that are ongoing so that we can build opportunities to disciple people that is ongoing. [00:43:45] (15 seconds)
The coolest thing ever is that we get to do it together. That you're not alone.That we as a church make up for one another's weaknesses and bad days and hard days and sick days. That we get to do this together. [00:46:01] (17 seconds)
Reciting the Apostles' Creed helps us correct false doctrine. Helps us correct errors. Here's the second thing reciting the Creed helps us do. Is it helps us form who we are as the people of God?Helps us form who we are as the people of God?That we don't get to pick and choose and say, I believe in God. You know, you believe in God and your God is like this. My God is like that. But it's okay because we both believe in God. [00:49:42] (30 seconds)
The whole rest of the Bible from there is God on a rescue mission to come save us from the sin that we committed to restore us back into a relationship with Him. And the way that He promised to do that was by sending a Messiah, a Savior, if you will. [00:56:29] (18 seconds)
I want you to think about all the things that are happening in the earth right now. And I want you to know this. The Bible speaks very clearly that Jesus Christ has full kingship over all of it.That there is not a single person, there is not a single power, there is not a single government that has more power and authority than Jesus Christ does still today. [01:02:08] (28 seconds)
Jesus has all the power and authority over nature, over spiritual world, over our bodies. Like, this is who Jesus is. He is the only Son of God. And if you're taking notes, write this down. Jesus is our Lord. Jesus is our Lord.It's affirmed in the Apostles' Creed.It's also assumed here in verse 16. [01:10:17] (31 seconds)
If Jesus gets to make your decisions for you and Jesus gets to tell you where to go and what to do and Jesus gets to have ownership of your possessions, then that means that if it's, I say it like this, if it's God's will, then it's God's bill.That if God wants you to do it and he's called you to it and he's equipped you for it and he's told you to and he's practiced his lordship in your life, then it is now his responsibility to provide for you. [01:20:02] (29 seconds)
If that's you and you go, Brandon, I don't know if I could come to Jesus because I've got doubts. I've got questions. I've got fears. I've got sin. I've got mess. Listen to me.That's the only way to come to him.People who are well don't need a doctor.And people who are perfect don't need a savior. But praise God that ain't nobody in this church got that problem.Because we're an imperfect people.The only way to come to Jesus is with your mess.The only way to come to him is with your doubts. The only way to come to him is with your fears.That is when Jesus practices his power most greatly. Church, come to him. Come to Jesus.And see that he is the savior of our sin and he is the Lord in which we can follow because none of us can out sin the blood of Jesus. [01:27:49] (65 seconds)
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