Living in the Power of the Resurrection
Summary
On this Resurrection Sunday, we gather to celebrate the cornerstone of our faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is not just a historical fact but a transformative power that impacts our lives today. We began by hearing testimonies from Augustine and Julia, who shared how the resurrection has profoundly changed their lives. Their stories remind us that the resurrection is not just an event to be remembered but a reality to be lived.
In Luke 24, we explore the reactions of those who first encountered the empty tomb. The women who came to anoint Jesus' body were met with the question, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" This question challenges us to examine where we seek life and fulfillment. Often, we look for life in dead places—seeking approval from others, fulfillment in romantic relationships, or escape in addictions. Yet, true life is found only in Jesus, who offers life abundantly.
Peter's story is one of redemption. Despite his denial of Jesus, he is restored and entrusted with the care of Jesus' followers. This illustrates the boundless grace of God, who turns our failures into testimonies of His grace. We are called to be mascots of God's grace, living out the resurrection power in our daily lives.
To live in this resurrection power, we must anchor ourselves in God's Word, connect the dots of His promises, and love forward with the grace we've received. We are forgiven, redeemed, and free to walk in newness of life. As we celebrate the risen Christ, let us remember that He is alive, and His resurrection power is at work in us today.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Resurrection as a Transformative Power: The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a transformative power that changes lives. It challenges us to seek life in Christ rather than in dead places like societal approval or temporary pleasures. True life is found in Jesus, who offers life abundantly. [52:42]
2. Seeking Life Among the Living: The question posed to the women at the tomb, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" invites us to reflect on where we seek fulfillment. Often, we look for life in approval, relationships, or addictions, but true life is found in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. [57:30]
3. Peter's Redemption and Our Restoration: Peter's story of denial and restoration illustrates God's grace. Despite our failures, God restores us and entrusts us with His mission. We are called to be mascots of God's grace, living out the resurrection power in our lives. [01:10:11]
4. Anchoring in God's Word: To live in resurrection power, we must anchor ourselves in God's Word. By recalling His promises and connecting the dots of His faithfulness, we can live confidently in His grace and truth. [01:14:39]
5. Living as Forgiven Believers: As forgiven believers, we are free to live in the fullness of life that Jesus offers. There is no sin too great for His grace. We are called to extend this grace to others, living as testimonies of His love and redemption. [01:14:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Greeting and Introduction
- [01:15] - Special Guests: Augustine and Julia
- [02:45] - The Impact of the Resurrection
- [03:30] - Exploring Luke 24
- [04:15] - The Women at the Tomb
- [05:00] - Seeking Life Among the Dead
- [06:30] - True Life in Jesus
- [07:45] - Peter's Story of Redemption
- [09:00] - Living as Mascots of God's Grace
- [10:15] - Anchoring in God's Word
- [11:30] - Living as Forgiven Believers
- [12:45] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Resurrection Sunday
Bible Reading:
- Luke 24:1-12
- John 12:43
- John 14:6
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 24, what was the initial reaction of the women when they found the empty tomb, and how did the angels address them? [01:01:03]
2. According to the sermon, what are some examples of "dead places" where people often seek life and fulfillment? [57:30]
3. How did Peter respond to the news of the empty tomb, and what does this reveal about his state of mind at that moment? [01:04:36]
4. What question did the angels ask the women at the tomb, and why is this question significant for us today? [01:01:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think the resurrection of Jesus is described as a transformative power rather than just a historical event? How does this perspective change the way we live our lives? [52:42]
2. How does Peter's story of denial and restoration illustrate the concept of grace, and what does it teach us about God's character? [01:10:11]
3. The sermon mentioned seeking life in "dead places" like societal approval or addictions. Why do you think people are drawn to these sources for fulfillment, and what does this reveal about human nature? [57:30]
4. How does anchoring ourselves in God's Word help us live in the resurrection power, and what are some practical ways to do this? [01:14:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the question, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment in "dead places"? How can you redirect your focus to find true life in Jesus? [01:01:03]
2. Peter experienced restoration despite his failures. Is there a failure in your life that you need to bring to God for healing and restoration? How can you take steps toward experiencing His grace? [01:10:11]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of anchoring in God's Word. What is one specific way you can incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine this week? [01:14:39]
4. Consider the idea of being a "mascot of God's grace." How can you embody and share God's grace with others in your community or workplace this week? [01:10:11]
5. The resurrection is a call to live in newness of life. What is one area of your life where you feel called to embrace change and live more fully in the resurrection power? [52:42]
6. Think about a relationship or situation where you have been seeking approval or validation. How can you shift your perspective to seek God's approval instead? [57:30]
7. Identify a specific distraction that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What practical steps can you take to minimize this distraction and prioritize your relationship with Him this week? [01:14:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection as a Living Reality
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event to be remembered; it is a living reality that transforms lives today. This transformative power challenges us to seek life in Christ rather than in dead places like societal approval or temporary pleasures. True life is found in Jesus, who offers life abundantly. As we reflect on the resurrection, we are invited to examine where we seek fulfillment and to turn our hearts towards the abundant life that Jesus offers. The resurrection is a call to live in the fullness of life that Jesus provides, embracing His transformative power in our daily lives. [52:42]
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 areas of your life are you seeking fulfillment in "dead places"? How can you begin to seek true life in Jesus today?
Day 2: Seeking Life Among the Living
The question posed to the women at the tomb, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" invites us to reflect on where we seek fulfillment. Often, we look for life in approval, relationships, or addictions, but true life is found in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. This question challenges us to examine our lives and consider where we are seeking life in places that cannot truly satisfy. By turning to Jesus, we find the source of true life and fulfillment, allowing us to live in the abundance He offers. [57:30]
Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."
Reflection: What is one "broken cistern" in your life where you seek fulfillment? How can you turn to Jesus, the fountain of living waters, for true satisfaction?
Day 3: Peter's Redemption and Our Restoration
Peter's story of denial and restoration illustrates God's boundless grace. Despite our failures, God restores us and entrusts us with His mission. Peter's redemption is a powerful reminder that no failure is too great for God's grace. We are called to be mascots of God's grace, living out the resurrection power in our lives. This means embracing our own restoration and extending grace to others, allowing our lives to be testimonies of God's love and redemption. [01:10:11]
Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: Think of a past failure that you struggle to move past. How can you embrace God's grace and allow Him to restore you today?
Day 4: Anchoring in God's Word
To live in resurrection power, we must anchor ourselves in God's Word. By recalling His promises and connecting the dots of His faithfulness, we can live confidently in His grace and truth. Anchoring in God's Word provides the foundation we need to navigate life's challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are reminded of God's promises and are empowered to live out the resurrection power in our daily lives. [01:14:39]
Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."
Reflection: What is one promise from God's Word that you can hold onto today? How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 5: Living as Forgiven Believers
As forgiven believers, we are free to live in the fullness of life that Jesus offers. There is no sin too great for His grace. We are called to extend this grace to others, living as testimonies of His love and redemption. Embracing our identity as forgiven believers allows us to walk in newness of life, free from the burdens of guilt and shame. As we live in this freedom, we are empowered to share the message of God's grace with those around us, inviting them to experience the transformative power of the resurrection. [01:14:39]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the forgiveness and grace of Jesus? How can you share this message with them in a tangible way today?
Quotes
2. "And then he demonstrates the power of his forgiveness through the resurrection. Death didn't have a grip on him. And so death doesn't have a grip on you either. If you have accepted Jesus Christ." [00:16:48] (15 seconds)
4. "You know, the resurrection has made a difference in my life. And as I look across the room, I know that it's made a difference in many of your lives as well. And as Julia was talking, she knows where she's been unfaithful, but I don't. And so I look at her and I see this woman who, ever since I've known her, has walked with Jesus. And, and I see this woman who, who's just been faithful. And so I can describe her as being faithful and, and she knows where she's fallen short." [00:52:48] (29 seconds)
6. "But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And while they were wandering about this, suddenly two men in clothes gleamed like lightning, stood behind them or beside them. And in their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground. But the men said to them, look at the question, why do you look for the living among the dead? Why did you come to the place where all the dead people are to find someone's living?" [00:55:21] (30 seconds)
8. "Addictions and escapes. Escapes. These are huge in our culture today. Video games. Validation from social media. They offer relief. You play a video game and you get that little dopamine hit. You know that chemical that releases inside your brain. You go, ooh, that feels good. And so what do you do? You look for it again. And again you see another video that you like. You see a TikTok video that you follow. And you keep following those." [00:58:02] (26 seconds)
10. "But we need to be looking for life among the living. This is what the angels said to them. Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen. Church. Honestly. True life. True life. Permanent. Sustaining. Fulfilling. Life. Life is only found in Jesus. Oh, great. Amen. These three passages too. Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and what? The life." [00:59:22] (30 seconds)
11. "Jesus said, I have come that they may have what? Life. And have it what? To the minimal? To the small? To the minute? Just come on Sunday every now and then I just have life? No. Life. When you have Jesus, you can have life to the full church. Not to the small. Not to the weak. Not to the impoverished. But to the abundance, to the lavishness, you get life, church." [01:00:04] (23 seconds)
12. "The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners and be crucified on the third day, be raised again. And I put these passages down there just because we've looked at them for the last year as we walked through Luke. Look at how many different times he said that same thing. The Son of Man must be delivered to the hands of sinners, crucified and on the third day raised again." [01:01:03] (20 seconds)
13. "And then you hear his words again. And you remember again, fresh, new, exciting, that Jesus Christ, he died for your sins. But on the third day, he rose again in victory. And they go, wow. Wow. So the discouraged, those people that have walked away for a long time, the discouraged become the encouragers. Wow. Whatever exclamation you want to add to when they remember and the lights come on." [01:01:45] (31 seconds)
14. "And their words seemed like nonsense. Peter, however, Peter got up and he ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lined by themselves, and he went away wondering, hey, what happened here? Another proof of the gospel story that they didn't steal the body is you wouldn't undress the body from the rags and leave the rags in the tomb and take the naked body with you, would you?" [01:05:21] (27 seconds)
15. "And you're ready for him to say, it's over. Get up. Let go of that guilt. Let go of that shame. Let go of that. And I no longer see it. So you stop looking at it. You stop paying attention to it. You stop focusing on it. And you go from being distraught to being the mascot of God's grace. Imagine, imagine, we've disappointed Jesus. Julie shared. There are stories in her life where she's disappointed Jesus." [01:11:08] (37 seconds)
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