Living with Eternal Hope: The Power of Resurrection

 

Summary

In our journey through the Apostles' Creed, we have affirmed the core tenets of our Christian faith, and today we culminate this series with a focus on the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. These beliefs are not mere words we recite; they are transformative truths that should alter the very fabric of our lives. The Creed, while not Scripture itself, is a powerful summation of the doctrines taught within the Bible, encapsulating the essence of our faith.The resurrection is central to our faith. As Paul defends in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ has not been raised, our preaching and faith are in vain. The resurrection is not an optional part of Christianity; it is the cornerstone. Without it, we are still in our sins, and those who have died in Christ have perished. But Christ has indeed been raised, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. This truth gives us a living hope that transcends our current circumstances and suffering.Our belief in eternal life radically alters our values and the way we view our time on earth. It reminds us that our suffering is not forever, that our possessions and achievements are temporary, and that the stakes of the Gospel are eternal. The decisions we make, the way we invest our resources, and the relationships we build are all influenced by the reality of eternity. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing the things of God and the souls of people over the fleeting pleasures and achievements of this world.As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the importance of sharing the Gospel. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is a present reality with future implications. It is a matter of life and death, of eternal destinies. We are urged to invite others to hear the Gospel, to volunteer, and to serve, knowing that our efforts have eternal significance.For those who have not yet accepted Christ, the invitation is open. The Gospel is simple yet profound: by confessing our sins and turning to Jesus in faith, we are forgiven and granted eternal life. The cross of Christ is central to this message, for it is through His sacrifice that we are redeemed.Key Takeaways:- The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith. Without it, everything we believe and preach would be meaningless. The resurrection assures us that our faith is not in vain, and it is the guarantee of our own future resurrection. [31:16]- Eternal life begins the moment we accept Christ, not after we die. This truth should reshape our priorities and values, influencing every decision and action we take. As believers, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that this life is not all there is. [51:43]- Our suffering is temporary when viewed in the light of eternity. No matter the depth of our afflictions, they are 'light and momentary' compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This hope enables us to endure and to comfort others with the assurance of God's ultimate deliverance. [45:29]- The Gospel's stakes are infinitely high, as they concern the eternal destinies of every individual. Our mission to share the Gospel is not just a noble cause; it is a matter of eternal life or death, urging us to act with urgency and compassion. [57:46]- The decision to follow Christ is the most significant one a person can make. It is a step into eternal life, a life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you have not yet made this decision, know that the opportunity to receive forgiveness and new life in Christ is available to you now. [01:06:24]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 - Paul's defense of the resurrection.
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - The temporary nature of our suffering.
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The hope of resurrection and eternal life.

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, what are the implications if Christ has not been raised from the dead? [31:16]
2. How does Paul describe our current afflictions in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, and what does he say they are preparing us for? [45:29]
3. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what does Paul say will happen to those who have "fallen asleep" in Christ when the Lord returns? [34:44]
4. What are some ways the sermon suggests our belief in eternal life should influence our daily lives? [29:23]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the resurrection of Christ as central to our faith in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20? How does this shape our understanding of the Gospel? [31:16]
2. How does viewing our suffering as "light and momentary" in the context of eternity change our perspective on current hardships? [45:29]
3. What does it mean to "not grieve as others do who have no hope" according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18? How should this hope manifest in our lives? [34:44]
4. The sermon mentions that our values should be radically altered by our belief in eternal life. What specific values or priorities might change, and why? [51:43]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent hardship you faced. How might viewing it as "light and momentary" in the context of eternity change your response to it? [45:29]
2. How can you live with an eternal perspective in your daily decisions, such as how you spend your time, money, and resources? [29:23]
3. Think of someone in your life who does not yet know Christ. How can you share the hope of the resurrection and eternal life with them this week? [57:46]
4. What are some practical ways you can prioritize the things of God and the souls of people over temporary achievements and possessions? [51:43]
5. How can you find comfort and offer comfort to others in the assurance that our suffering is temporary and that eternal glory awaits us? [45:29]
6. The sermon challenges us to invite others to hear the Gospel, especially as Easter approaches. Who will you invite to church or a church event, and how will you prepare for that conversation? [01:02:58]
7. Reflect on your current values and priorities. Are there any areas where you need to realign them with an eternal perspective? What steps will you take to make this change? [51:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Resurrection: Our Faith's CornerstoneThe resurrection of Christ is not just a historical fact to be acknowledged; it is the bedrock of Christian belief. It validates the truth of the Gospel and confirms the power of God to defeat death. This pivotal event provides assurance that the message of hope and salvation preached is not in vain. It is the promise that believers too will experience a resurrection, joining Christ in eternal life. The reality of the resurrection should infuse every aspect of a believer's life with purpose and hope, knowing that their faith rests on the solid foundation of Christ's victory over the grave. [31:16]"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Corinthians 15:20Reflection: How does the truth of Christ's resurrection influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?Day 2: Eternal Perspective Shapes LivingEternal life is a present possession for believers, not just a future hope. This transformative truth should recalibrate one's values and priorities, steering them towards God's eternal kingdom. The temporal nature of earthly achievements and possessions becomes starkly apparent when contrasted with the permanence of eternity. Believers are called to invest in what is everlasting, nurturing relationships, and engaging in actions that have eternal significance. This perspective is a powerful motivator to live a life that reflects the values of God's kingdom, impacting the world one soul at a time. [51:43]"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." - 2 Corinthians 4:17Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary pursuits to eternal investments this week?Day 3: Comfort in Temporary SufferingThe belief in eternal life offers a profound comfort amidst suffering. The trials and tribulations of this world are temporary and pale in comparison to the glory that awaits in eternity. This hope is not a passive wish but a confident expectation based on the promises of God. It is a source of strength and endurance, enabling believers to face hardships with courage. Moreover, it empowers them to offer genuine comfort to others, sharing the assurance that God's ultimate deliverance is certain and that our present sufferings are but a brief prelude to everlasting joy. [45:29]"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." - Romans 8:18Reflection: How can the hope of eternal glory help you to approach a current struggle with a different perspective?Day 4: The Urgency of the Gospel MissionThe stakes of the Gospel message are infinitely high, as they pertain to the eternal destinies of individuals. Understanding this should instill a sense of urgency and compassion in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. The mission is not a mere suggestion but a divine mandate to act, knowing that the implications are a matter of eternal life or death. This realization should compel believers to engage actively in evangelism, service, and discipleship, recognizing that their efforts carry eternal significance and can lead others to the transformative power of the Gospel. [57:46]"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" - Isaiah 52:7Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the Gospel with this week, and what is a practical step you can take to do so?Day 5: The Life-Altering Decision to Follow ChristChoosing to follow Christ is the most consequential decision a person can make. It is the step into a new existence, one that is marked by forgiveness, transformation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This decision is not the end but the beginning of a journey of faith that reshapes one's identity and purpose. The invitation to embrace the Gospel is open to all, offering a path to redemption and a promise of eternal life. It is a call to leave behind the old life of sin and step into a life that is continually renewed by God's grace and power. [01:06:24]"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to experience renewal, and how can you invite Christ into that process today?

Quotes

"Our values are altered here on Earth because eternal life begins the moment you receive Christ, not after you die. It changes how you live, how you see everything." [51:43] ( | | )

"Eternal life changes how we view money and possessions. They are put in perspective, understanding that at the end, it all goes back in the box." [55:09] ( | | )

"Eternal life means our suffering is not forever. Our afflictions are 'light and momentary' compared to the eternal glory that awaits us." [45:29] ( | | )

"The stakes of the Gospel could not be higher, involving people's souls for eternity. Our mission to share the Gospel is a matter of eternal life and death." [57:46] ( | | )

"If we really grasp eternal life, it changes the scorecard of life. It alters what we value, how we spend our time, and how we treat people." [40:46] ( | | )

"The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our faith is in vain, and we are still in our sins." [31:16] ( | | )

"By confessing our sins and turning to Jesus in faith, we are forgiven and granted eternal life. The cross of Christ is central to this message." [01:06:24] ( | | )

"Eternal life means this isn't all there is. It puts everything into perspective and we begin to look at things differently, prioritizing the eternal." [57:03] ( | | )

"Our decisions have eternal implications. We are changing generations in a family with the Gospel, focusing on what's truly important." [01:02:17] ( | | )

"We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Our hope in eternal life assures us that our suffering, no matter how real, is not forever." [48:39] ( | | )

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 03, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?