Resurrection Power: Living Extraordinary Lives in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith. We began by acknowledging the significance of Easter, often overshadowed by the more commercialized Christmas. While Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, Easter commemorates His resurrection, the greatest miracle ever documented. This miracle is the foundation of our salvation and the restoration of our relationship with God. Without Jesus' death and resurrection, we would be unable to meet God's standard of holiness and would be condemned to eternal separation from Him.
The resurrection of Jesus is a testament to God's immense power. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, He can certainly handle any challenge we face. This power, the same that resurrected Christ, lives within us. It signifies that nothing is too big for God to achieve, and it assures us that we will not suffer the second death but will be resurrected with Him.
We also discussed the importance of faith, prayer, and prophecy in our lives. Faith is essential to please God and to activate the power within us. Prayer is our communication with God, and it needs to be consistent and fervent. Prophecy, or speaking life into our situations, is crucial for seeing God's promises come to fruition. We are the biggest prophets of our own lives, and we must declare what we want to see happen.
The resurrection power of Christ should not be dormant within us. We are called to make significant changes in our lives and in the world around us. This power enables us to achieve great things for God's glory, whether in our careers, ministries, or personal lives. We are not meant to live average lives; we are called to be extraordinary, to leave a mark on this earth for the glory of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle ever documented, signifying God's immense power and the foundation of our salvation. Without it, we would be eternally separated from God. This miracle assures us that we will not suffer the second death but will be resurrected with Him. [03:27]
2. Faith as a Catalyst: Faith is essential to activate the power of God within us. It is impossible to please God without faith. We must believe in the power of Christ's resurrection and apply that faith to every area of our lives, trusting that God can do the impossible. [42:29]
3. The Power of Prayer: Consistent and fervent prayer is crucial for seeing God's promises come to fruition. Just as Daniel prayed until his answer was delivered, we must persist in prayer, knowing that our adversary seeks to hinder our blessings. [45:18]
4. Prophecy and Declaration: We are the biggest prophets of our own lives. By declaring God's promises and speaking life into our situations, we activate the power of God within us. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and we must use our words to prophesy God's will over our lives. [47:13]
5. Living Extraordinary Lives: The resurrection power of Christ within us calls us to live extraordinary lives. We are not meant to be average but to achieve great things for God's glory. This power enables us to make significant changes in our lives and in the world, leaving a lasting impact for Christ. [50:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:27] - The Significance of Easter
[05:58] - The Importance of Jesus' Death
[09:09] - The Burden of the Law
[12:57] - God's Plan for Salvation
[17:02] - The Ultimate Sacrifice
[19:56] - The Uniqueness of Jesus
[23:09] - The Wages of Sin
[28:30] - The Power of the Resurrection
[32:08] - God's Omnipotence
[35:06] - Ezekiel 37 and Dry Bones
[37:54] - Resurrecting Dead Dreams
[41:04] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[45:18] - The Importance of Prayer
[47:13] - The Power of Prophecy
[50:29] - Living Extraordinary Lives
[55:19] - Trusting in God's Ability
[59:25] - Prayer for Anointing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Ezekiel 37:1-6 - "The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign Lord, you alone know.' Then he said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection according to the sermon? [03:27]
2. How does the sermon describe the power of faith in activating God's power within us? [42:29]
3. What role does prayer play in seeing God's promises come to fruition, as mentioned in the sermon? [45:18]
4. According to the sermon, how can prophecy and declaration impact our lives? [47:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus considered the greatest miracle ever documented? How does this miracle assure us of our own resurrection? [03:27]
2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between faith and the power of Christ's resurrection in our lives? [42:29]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of consistent and fervent prayer in overcoming spiritual obstacles? [45:18]
4. How does the concept of being the "biggest prophets of our own lives" challenge or inspire you? [47:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the power of God in your life. How did faith play a role in that experience? How can you strengthen your faith to see more of God's power? [42:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer. What specific steps can you take to make your prayer life more consistent and fervent? [45:18]
3. Think about a situation in your life that seems "dead" or hopeless. How can you apply the lesson from Ezekiel 37 to speak life into that situation? [35:06]
4. How can you start declaring God's promises over your life more intentionally? What specific declarations can you make this week? [47:13]
5. The sermon calls us to live extraordinary lives for God's glory. What is one area of your life where you feel called to make a significant change? How can you begin to take steps towards that change? [50:29]
6. How can you use the resurrection power of Christ within you to impact your career, ministry, or personal life? What specific actions can you take to activate this power? [50:29]
7. Reflect on the idea that "life and death are in the power of the tongue." How can you be more mindful of your words and their impact on your life and the lives of others? [47:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Jesus' Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle ever documented, signifying God's immense power and the foundation of our salvation. Without it, we would be eternally separated from God. This miracle assures us that we will not suffer the second death but will be resurrected with Him. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that empowers us to live victorious lives. It is a testament to God's ability to overcome the greatest obstacle—death itself. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, He can certainly handle any challenge we face. This power, the same that resurrected Christ, lives within us. It signifies that nothing is too big for God to achieve, and it assures us that we will not suffer the second death but will be resurrected with Him. [03:27]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection empower you to face your current challenges? Can you identify an area in your life where you need to trust in God's resurrection power today?
Day 2: Faith as a Catalyst
Faith is essential to activate the power of God within us. It is impossible to please God without faith. We must believe in the power of Christ's resurrection and apply that faith to every area of our lives, trusting that God can do the impossible. Faith is not just a mental agreement but a deep-seated trust that moves us to action. It is the catalyst that activates the power of God within us, enabling us to live out His promises. Without faith, we cannot experience the fullness of God's power in our lives. We must cultivate a faith that is unwavering, even in the face of adversity, knowing that God is faithful to His promises. [42:29]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God fully? How can you take a step of faith today to activate God's power in that area?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
Consistent and fervent prayer is crucial for seeing God's promises come to fruition. Just as Daniel prayed until his answer was delivered, we must persist in prayer, knowing that our adversary seeks to hinder our blessings. Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, and it is through prayer that we align ourselves with His will. Persistent prayer demonstrates our dependence on God and our trust in His timing. It is through fervent prayer that we can overcome spiritual opposition and see God's promises fulfilled in our lives. We must be diligent in our prayer life, knowing that God hears and answers our prayers according to His perfect will. [45:18]
James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How consistent and fervent is your prayer life? What is one specific promise of God that you need to persist in prayer for today?
Day 4: Prophecy and Declaration
We are the biggest prophets of our own lives. By declaring God's promises and speaking life into our situations, we activate the power of God within us. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and we must use our words to prophesy God's will over our lives. Our words have the power to shape our reality, and it is important that we speak in alignment with God's promises. When we declare God's Word over our lives, we are partnering with Him to bring His will to pass. We must be intentional about the words we speak, ensuring that they reflect faith and not doubt. [47:13]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: What are you currently speaking over your life? Are your words in alignment with God's promises? How can you begin to declare God's truth over your situation today?
Day 5: Living Extraordinary Lives
The resurrection power of Christ within us calls us to live extraordinary lives. We are not meant to be average but to achieve great things for God's glory. This power enables us to make significant changes in our lives and in the world, leaving a lasting impact for Christ. We are called to be salt and light in the world, making a difference wherever we go. The power of Christ's resurrection is not just for our personal benefit but for the advancement of God's kingdom. We must embrace our calling to live extraordinary lives, using the gifts and talents God has given us to bring glory to His name. [50:29]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently living an extraordinary life for God's glory? What is one specific step you can take today to make a greater impact for Christ in your sphere of influence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The resurrection of Christ is so important to us because it shows us that our God is all powerful. It shows us that what is impossible with man is possible with God. It shows us that our God is an omnipotent God meaning that all power is in his hands." [32:53] (20 seconds)
2. "The Bible says that the same power that resurrected Christ from the dead lives on the inside of us. It resurrected Christ from the dead. Jesus was crucified publicly. Everyone knew that he died. He was spat on and they swore at him and they slapped him. They put a crown of thorns on his head and they mocked him." [30:52] (25 seconds)
3. "The resurrection of Christ makes us go crazy because it shows us that if that power could raise Christ from the dead then what are finances in my life? What is a degree? What is a car? What is a house? If it could raise a man from the dead." [33:29] (18 seconds)
4. "All things are possible through Christ. And so we thank God for the resurrection of Christ because it testifies of the glory and the power of the God that we serve. It shows us that the power that resurrected Christ from the dead can do anything for us." [34:17] (16 seconds)
5. "There is power in the name of Jesus. The Bible says that God gave Jesus a name that is above every other name that at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." [38:34] (14 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Bible says that no man shall see God without holiness. The only way that we could ever, ever, after we die, because after death, right, we need to come down before the Father, and it's either we go to heaven or we go to hell. And so the only way that we could ever qualify for heaven is if we are holy." [11:44] (22 seconds)
2. "The Bible says that righteousness is a gift. And you do not earn a gift. You do not work for a gift. A gift is given. You are righteous. God has given you this holiness. You are holy. You have no sin. There's no sin on you. When God looks at you, he doesn't count the things that you have done, the things that you are doing, or the things that you are going to do." [24:23] (25 seconds)
3. "The resurrection of Christ is so important because it is the sign of God's great power. The resurrection of Christ is a reflection that nothing is too big for God. If the power that was on the inside of Christ could resurrect him from the dead, how much more can that power do for us?" [30:52] (29 seconds)
4. "The other reason why the resurrection of Christ is so important is because it signifies that we will not suffer the second death. There's a second death when we die. There's a second death. It's either you go to heaven or you go to hell. And so the fact that Jesus Christ resurrected on the third day means that we will be resurrected with him." [35:42] (21 seconds)
5. "The Bible says that life and death is in the power of the tongue. Open your mouth and speak. That's in my name. You take these teachings, you use them, it's up to you. But nothing is going to change in your life. You're going to sit there and watch other people testify. You're going to sit there and keep clapping for people each and every single day." [47:49] (17 seconds)