Living Boldly in the Power of the Resurrection
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound significance of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross is not just a symbol we wear; it represents the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. This sacrifice calls us to live lives that are memorable and impactful, recognizing that each day is an opportunity to make a difference for God's glory. We are reminded that life is fleeting, and some may not see another Easter, which underscores the urgency of living with purpose and gratitude.
We explored the concept of forgiveness, both receiving it from God and extending it to others. The story of a couple seeking to marry in their final moments highlighted the importance of making things right with God and each other. This act of grace and mercy is a reflection of the forgiveness we receive through Christ's sacrifice.
The sermon also addressed the lies we often believe about ourselves, such as feeling too far gone to be forgiven or thinking our past defines us. These lies can hold us back, but the truth of the resurrection is that Jesus has overcome these falsehoods. We are reminded that we are God's masterpiece, created with purpose and value, and that our identity is found in Him.
The message concluded with a call to action: to resurrect aspects of our lives that have been dormant, such as our identity, hope, and purpose. We are encouraged to live boldly, rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth that we are forgiven and loved by God. This Easter, let us commit to living lives that reflect the power and grace of the resurrection.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Cross and Its Significance: The cross is more than a symbol; it represents Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us. This calls us to live lives that are memorable and impactful, recognizing the urgency of living with purpose and gratitude. Each day is an opportunity to make a difference for God's glory. [01:00:20]
2. The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a central theme of the resurrection. We are called to receive God's forgiveness and extend it to others. The story of a couple marrying in their final moments illustrates the importance of making things right with God and each other, reflecting the grace and mercy we receive through Christ. [01:04:56]
3. Rejecting Lies and Embracing Truth: We often believe lies about ourselves, such as feeling too far gone to be forgiven or thinking our past defines us. The resurrection reminds us that Jesus has overcome these falsehoods, and we are God's masterpiece, created with purpose and value. [01:12:03]
4. Resurrecting Dormant Aspects of Life: This Easter, we are called to resurrect aspects of our lives that have been dormant, such as our identity, hope, and purpose. By rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth of the resurrection, we can live boldly and reflect the power and grace of Christ. [01:20:27]
5. Living with Boldness and Purpose: We are encouraged to live boldly, rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth that we are forgiven and loved by God. Our identity is found in Him, and we are called to live lives that reflect the power and grace of the resurrection. [01:39:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - The Significance of the Cross
- [00:02:58] - Living with Purpose and Gratitude
- [00:04:56] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [00:07:00] - Rejecting Lies and Embracing Truth
- [00:09:35] - Resurrecting Dormant Aspects of Life
- [00:12:03] - Living Boldly in Christ
- [00:15:33] - The Finished Work of the Cross
- [00:18:01] - Embracing Our Identity in Christ
- [00:20:27] - Overcoming Lies of the Enemy
- [00:22:48] - Using Our Gifts for God's Glory
- [00:25:12] - The Truth Will Set You Free
- [00:27:09] - Living with Eternal Perspective
- [00:31:05] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [00:33:26] - God's Masterpiece and Purpose
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 19:30 - "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
2. Luke 24:5-6 - "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"
3. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "It is finished" signify in the context of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection? How does this relate to the concept of forgiveness discussed in the sermon? [01:15:33]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned a couple who sought to marry in their final moments. How does this story illustrate the urgency and power of forgiveness? [01:04:56]
3. The sermon discussed the lies we often believe about ourselves. What are some examples of these lies, and how does the resurrection of Jesus counteract them? [01:12:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of the cross beyond being a mere symbol? What call to action does this understanding inspire? [01:00:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the statement "It is finished" provide assurance of forgiveness and freedom from past sins? What does this mean for a believer's daily life? [01:15:33]
2. The pastor emphasized the importance of living with purpose and gratitude. How can the resurrection of Jesus inspire believers to live impactful lives? [01:02:58]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest believers can resurrect dormant aspects of their lives, such as identity and hope? How does this relate to the power of the resurrection? [01:20:27]
4. How does the concept of being God's masterpiece, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:10, challenge the lies we believe about our worth and purpose? [01:33:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a lie you have believed about yourself. How can the truth of the resurrection help you overcome this lie and embrace your identity in Christ? [01:12:03]
2. Consider an area of your life that feels dormant or stagnant. What steps can you take to resurrect this aspect of your life in light of the resurrection of Jesus? [01:20:27]
3. The sermon highlighted the urgency of forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How can you take a step toward reconciliation this week? [01:04:56]
4. How can you live more boldly and purposefully for God's glory, recognizing each day as an opportunity to make a difference? What specific actions can you take this week? [01:00:20]
5. Reflect on the idea of being God's handiwork. How does this understanding influence your view of your talents and gifts? How can you use them for God's glory? [01:33:26]
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of not settling for less than what God has for us. What is one area in your life where you have settled, and how can you strive for more in alignment with God's purpose? [01:39:45]
7. How can you incorporate the truth of the resurrection into your daily routine to combat feelings of fear or inadequacy? What specific practice can you start this week? [01:18:01]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as a Call to Action
The cross of Jesus Christ is not merely a symbol to be worn or displayed; it is a profound call to action. It represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus, urging us to live lives that are both memorable and impactful. Each day presents an opportunity to make a difference for God's glory, reminding us of the urgency of living with purpose and gratitude. Life is fleeting, and the realization that some may not see another Easter underscores the importance of living intentionally, with a focus on what truly matters. [01:00:20]
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out the significance of the cross in your daily life today, making a difference for God's glory?
Day 2: Embracing the Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a central theme of the resurrection, calling us to both receive God's forgiveness and extend it to others. The story of a couple marrying in their final moments serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of making things right with God and each other. This act of grace and mercy reflects the forgiveness we receive through Christ's sacrifice. By embracing forgiveness, we align ourselves with the heart of God, allowing His grace to flow through us and transform our relationships. [01:04:56]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 3: Overcoming Lies with Resurrection Truth
We often believe lies about ourselves, such as feeling too far gone to be forgiven or thinking our past defines us. The resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds us that He has overcome these falsehoods. We are God's masterpiece, created with purpose and value, and our identity is found in Him. By rejecting these lies and embracing the truth of the resurrection, we can live in the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing we are loved and valued by God. [01:12:03]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one lie you have believed about yourself, and how can you replace it with the truth of who you are in Christ today?
Day 4: Reviving Dormant Aspects of Life
This Easter, we are called to resurrect aspects of our lives that have been dormant, such as our identity, hope, and purpose. By rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth of the resurrection, we can live boldly and reflect the power and grace of Christ. This call to action invites us to examine areas of our lives that may have been neglected or forgotten, and to allow the resurrection power of Jesus to breathe new life into them. [01:20:27]
"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Ephesians 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life that has been dormant, and how can you invite the resurrection power of Jesus to revive it today?
Day 5: Living Boldly in the Truth of the Resurrection
We are encouraged to live boldly, rejecting the lies of the enemy and embracing the truth that we are forgiven and loved by God. Our identity is found in Him, and we are called to live lives that reflect the power and grace of the resurrection. By living with boldness and purpose, we can be a testament to the transformative power of Christ in our lives, inspiring others to seek the same truth and freedom. [01:39:45]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from living boldly for Christ, and what step can you take today to embrace His power and love in that area?
Quotes
"Has anybody ever experienced a pause in their life? Right? It's like there's no yes, there's no no, there's a pause in your life. And it's in those pausing moments that the Holy Spirit comes and just overwhelms you with his presence. Overwhelms you with love. Overwhelms you with forgiveness. Overwhelms you with the power of Jesus Christ. So in the midst of that pause, that can feel forever. Maybe today you are living in the middle of a pause. Someone did you wrong. A doctor says something about you." [01:08:33] (39 seconds)
"Because we'd rather be right before the Lord than before man. How many know what I'm talking about? We'd rather be right before the Lord than the man in the name of Jesus. Today she's in her final breaths. But the joy, the smile, the happiness that brought a closure that they want to be right before God's eyes. So this Easter, this Resurrection Sunday, I pray that you'll forgive. I pray that you'll remember our sins and he forgave us. I've asked it, I think two weeks ago. Any stingy people in the house?" [01:09:26] (51 seconds)
"Because the generosity that he showed towards your and I, the generosity that he gave to forgive us, how many thank God he was not cheap with us. He went overflow, overflow, overflow, overflow. He's like, man, I'm going to forgive you. I'm going to forgive you. I'm going to restore you. I'm going to do amazing things for the glory of God. Tell the person next to you, your season of cheapness, no, no, tell them, your season of cheapness is over. Something needs to resurrect this Easter. Something needs to resurrect this Easter." [01:11:00] (40 seconds)
"How many thank God that if we bring that to the cross, it means that all your sins have forgiven, your battle has been won, and your court, you are set free in the name of Jesus. That is the crucifixion. That is why he rose in the name of Jesus. It is finished. I've been living this, it is finished principle over the last two years, Sylvester. That when the enemy tries to creep up in my mind, you're not going to make it, you're going to get sick, or the pain is going to be delayed, or this does not come through." [01:14:10] (37 seconds)
"Because he went to the cross. And I pray to God that as the enemy lies to us, that we will look at him right in wherever he's at and say, you know what, you're a liar. And in the name of Jesus, it is finished. In the name of Jesus. Powerful. And when the enemy lies to us, when he comes after our kids, our finances, our health, our relationship, our marriage. We look at him and say, man, dude, not here. Not here. Some of us have been doing Java with Satan." [01:15:55] (44 seconds)
"Some of us have been living in cemeteries for too long. You pray to God for the job, but you're already saying why you're not going to get it. You're praying to God that he's going to heal you, but you're already coming out with some results of why you can't get healed. You're praying to God that he's going to forgive you, but you already rolled out a list of things you did 10 years ago. God's like, what are you talking about? I forgave you in the name of Jesus. How many thank God for his forgiveness?" [01:18:13] (33 seconds)
"Some of us have gotten so comfortable in the grave that it's pathetic, that we have so much potential, that we have so much anointing. And I really don't practice this, but I want you to know, and she's going to be like me, yeah. I want you to know that as I was worshiping, like she gave me that look like, what? God, just put it in my heart to share with you, to start prophesying in the name of Jesus. That God has deposited a powerful word in you, and he wants you to use it for his glory." [01:19:46] (36 seconds)
"Some of us are talent, and we're telling God, I don't want to play. Some of us can write, and we're telling God, I won't write for you. Some of us can sing, and we'll tell God, I will never sing for you. Some of us are business people, and we'll tell God, God, I'll never honor you with my business. Some of us are scholars and wise people here today, and we're telling God how he can't use you. Some of us are crazy athletes, and we're telling God why we can't play for him." [01:22:47] (43 seconds)
"Some of us dress well. We talk well. We're highly educated. Thank you. But you know what? We're not free. You've been living lies of the enemy. That you won't make it. That there won't be enough. That your kids will never make it. That they won't have enough for college. That they won't get a good job. That they won't marry somebody good. That they're going to be sick or someone's not going to make it. And all these lies that the enemy puts in our midst. Lie number one. I'm too far gone to be forgiven." [01:24:58] (41 seconds)
"Because sometimes we want to enforce the rules to the point. But when it comes to me, Dito, can you give me a break? Some of us are so hard on other people, right? But when it's my moment, I want the grace. I want the mercy of God. How many have experienced that mercy that I'm talking about? Where you are guilty, but God says, man, you are forgiven in the name of Jesus. You are forgiven in the name of Jesus. You are forgiven in the name of Jesus. You are forgiven in the name of Jesus." [01:06:25] (36 seconds)
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