Living in the Power of the Risen Christ
Summary
In my sermon today, I emphasized the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its implications for our lives as believers. I began by challenging the congregation to live out their faith authentically, to act as though they truly believe in the risen Savior. I pointed out that our actions should reflect our belief in the resurrection, and that we should be eager to share the good news not only abroad but also in our own communities, such as in Dayton or our neighborhoods.
I shared personal experiences of traveling to nearly a hundred nations, facing dangers, and witnessing God's presence in every situation. I recounted the time I was in Haiti during the earthquake, and how, even amidst chaos, I felt no fear because of God's presence. This led to the assertion that God's presence can banish fear and bring peace even in the most tumultuous times.
I reminded the congregation that we serve a risen Savior who is active in the world today. I encouraged those who may not have a relationship with God or who doubt the truth of the resurrection to open their hearts to Him. I assured them that Jesus is closer than they realize and that He can guide us through the darkest times, even when there seems to be no way out.
I recounted the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus from Luke 24, highlighting the moment when they suddenly recognized Jesus. This 'suddenly' moment represents the instantaneous change that can occur when we encounter the risen Christ. I pointed out that the resurrection is the most significant event in history, changing the course of humanity and offering us a new direction in life.
I concluded the sermon by inviting the congregation to come forward with their needs, burdens, or brokenness, assuring them that Jesus is present to meet them and help put their lives back together. We closed with a chorus that celebrates the presence of Jesus among us, reinforcing the message that He is here to transform our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it is the pivot point of our faith that should radically alter how we live our daily lives. When we truly grasp the reality of the resurrection, it should propel us to share the gospel with boldness and authenticity, starting right in our own communities. [48:31]
- God's presence in our lives is a profound source of courage and peace. My experience in Haiti during the earthquake is a testament to the fact that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can face life-threatening situations without succumbing to fear. This divine presence is available to every believer, offering comfort and strength in times of crisis. [50:50]
- The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus often meets us in our moments of despair and confusion. When we recognize Him and His work in our lives, it can lead to a 'suddenly' moment of transformation, igniting our hearts with passion and purpose. [36:48]
- The resurrection of Jesus is the watershed moment in history, distinguishing Him from all other leaders. As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this truth, allowing it to shape our identity and mission in the world. The resurrection should be the lens through which we view our circumstances and the hope that fuels our perseverance. [40:57]
- An authentic encounter with the risen Christ invites us to step out in faith, acknowledging our needs and vulnerabilities. The act of coming forward is a physical representation of our spiritual journey towards Jesus, who stands ready to meet us with grace and power. In these moments, we can experience our own 'suddenly' of resurrection, where fear turns to courage and brokenness to wholeness. [57:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus)
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the two disciples discussing as they walked to Emmaus? ([34:17])
2. How did Jesus initially interact with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and what was their reaction? ([34:55])
3. What caused the disciples to finally recognize Jesus? ([36:06])
4. After recognizing Jesus, what did the disciples do immediately? ([38:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples did not recognize Jesus initially? What might this signify about our own spiritual journeys? ([34:17])
2. How does the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrate the concept of a 'suddenly' moment in our faith? ([36:48])
3. In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus serve as a 'watershed moment' in history and in our personal lives? ([40:57])
4. How does the presence of God provide courage and peace in times of crisis, as illustrated by the pastor's experience in Haiti? ([50:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did it change your perspective or actions? ([50:50])
2. The pastor mentioned the importance of living out our faith authentically. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your belief in the resurrection in your daily life? ([47:08])
3. How can you share the good news of Jesus' resurrection within your own community, such as your neighborhood or workplace? ([48:31])
4. Have you ever experienced a 'suddenly' moment in your faith journey? Share what happened and how it transformed you. ([36:48])
5. The pastor invited the congregation to come forward with their needs and burdens. What is one area of your life where you need to experience Jesus' transformative power? ([57:02])
6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Jesus' presence in your everyday life, especially during times of fear or uncertainty? ([51:31])
7. The disciples' hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke. What practices can you adopt to keep your heart passionate and engaged with your faith? ([43:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Living the Resurrection Reality
The resurrection of Jesus Christ compels us to live with bold authenticity. This pivotal event in history is not merely a past occurrence but a present reality that should shape every aspect of our lives. When we truly understand the significance of the resurrection, it becomes the driving force behind our actions and interactions. It calls us to be genuine in our faith, to embody the hope and renewal that the resurrection signifies. As believers, we are to be ambassadors of this truth, carrying the message of Christ's victory over death into our communities and daily encounters. This means engaging with others not from a place of obligation but from a deep conviction and joy that comes from knowing Jesus is alive. The resurrection empowers us to live differently, to be people of hope, and to share that hope with others, starting right where we are. [48:31]
1 Peter 1:3-5
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: How can you demonstrate the transformative power of the resurrection in your own community today?
Day 2: God's Presence, Our Peace
The presence of God in our lives is a profound source of courage and peace, even in the face of life's most daunting challenges. The testimony of facing danger without fear, as experienced during the Haiti earthquake, is a powerful reminder that the Holy Spirit within us is stronger than any adversity we might encounter. This divine presence is not a distant concept but a tangible reality that offers comfort and strength in times of crisis. It is the same presence that calmed the stormy seas and brought peace to troubled hearts throughout scripture. As believers, we have access to this peace that surpasses all understanding, and it is our privilege to rest in it and to extend it to others who are struggling with fear and uncertainty. [50:50]
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Reflection: In what situation do you need to remind yourself of God's presence to overcome fear?
Day 3: Recognizing Jesus in Our Journey
The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is a vivid illustration of how Jesus meets us in our moments of despair and confusion. It is in these moments that we can experience a 'suddenly' transformation, where our eyes are opened, and we recognize Jesus at work in our lives. This recognition ignites our hearts with passion and purpose, changing our perspective and giving us a renewed sense of direction. The encounter with the risen Christ can happen at any time, turning ordinary experiences into extraordinary revelations of His love and truth. As we walk through our daily lives, we should be open to these moments, expecting Jesus to reveal Himself and to guide us into deeper understanding and fellowship with Him. [36:48]
Luke 24:30-32
When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And they said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
Reflection: When have you last experienced a 'suddenly' moment of recognizing Jesus in your life, and how has it changed you?
Day 4: The Resurrection as Our Lens
The resurrection of Jesus is the watershed moment in history that distinguishes Him from all other leaders and should be the lens through which we view our circumstances. It is the foundation of our identity as Christians and the source of our mission in the world. Living in the reality of the resurrection means allowing it to shape our worldview, our decisions, and our hope for the future. It is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and love, and it assures us that no situation is beyond His redemption. As we face trials and uncertainties, the resurrection reminds us that Christ has overcome the world and that we, too, can overcome through Him. [40:57]
Colossians 3:1-3
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Reflection: How can viewing your current challenges through the lens of the resurrection change your response to them?
Day 5: Encountering the Risen Christ
An authentic encounter with the risen Christ invites us to step out in faith, acknowledging our needs and vulnerabilities. It is in our brokenness that Jesus meets us with His grace and power, offering to put our lives back together. The act of coming forward, whether physically in a church setting or spiritually in our hearts, is a step towards Jesus, who is ready to transform our lives. These moments of encounter are where fear turns to courage, and brokenness to wholeness. They are our personal 'suddenly' of resurrection, where we experience the reality of Christ's presence and the transformative impact it has on our lives. [57:02]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness you can bring to Jesus today, trusting in His power to transform it?
Quotes
1) "Filled with the Holy Spirit, why don't we move out into our community and into our world with the good news that Jesus is Alive and he's the remedy for every one of life's major issues. He's the person who holds in his hands a solution to our challenges." [47:46]
2) "I've traveled to nearly a hundred nations of the world and I found that God was there waiting for me everywhere we went. I've been in places where I had armed guards... I want to tell you there is a presence of God that can come into your life that banishes fear." [50:09]
3) "It's the resurrection that makes Jesus unique among all leaders of all of history. Everything flowed one way and when Jesus was raised from the dead everything began to flow another way, and we find that true in our own personal lives." [42:22]
4) "Suddenly they recognized him, wow that's my new Easter word suddenly. It's walking away from hurt and pain and confusion and disappointment and loss... and to walk toward possibilities." [36:48]
5) "We serve a risen savior, he's in the world today. I know that he is living, whatever men may say. I know that I know that to be true. Jesus Christ is alive, he sits at the right hand of God the father." [52:19]
6) "Jesus is here today and he's here to meet needs, he's here to forgive sins, he's here to turn your life around, he's here to put your life back together. There may be a Brokenness in your life, he's here to put that Brokenness back together." [54:36]
7) "Suddenly that's the word that's gripped him all we suddenly suddenly you were there suddenly a heart was changed suddenly a circumstance was redefined suddenly a defeat became a victory suddenly fear was turned into courage suddenly Darkness became light." [57:02]
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