Transformative Encounters: Embracing Jesus' Power in Our Lives

 

Summary

In my sermon, I embarked on a journey with the congregation to explore the transformative power of Jesus Christ, not just during His earthly ministry but also in the 40 days following His resurrection. I emphasized the significance of these days, during which Jesus chose to build relationships rather than perform miracles, demonstrating the enduring impact of personal connections in spreading the Gospel.

I recounted the story of the road to Emmaus, where Jesus walked with two disciples, revealing the entirety of Scripture that pointed to Him. This encounter left their hearts burning within them, a sensation that every believer should experience when engaging with the Word of God. I urged the congregation to consider whether their hearts still burn with passion for the Lord and His mission.

I highlighted the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry, reminding the congregation that He used individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past. I shared stories of biblical figures like Thomas the doubter, Jacob the cheater, Jonah who ran from God, Peter who denied Christ, and many others who were flawed yet were used mightily by God. This was to encourage everyone that no matter their background or current struggles, God can use and change them.

I also touched on the importance of recognizing Jesus in our lives and allowing that recognition to change us. I pointed out that Jesus' resurrection should have a profound effect on every aspect of our lives, including our marriages and personal growth. I stressed that every time we come to church, we should leave changed.

I discussed the practical aspects of living out our faith, acknowledging the challenges we face in our daily lives but reminding the congregation of the privileges we have compared to those in Jesus' time. I encouraged them to forgive themselves as God has forgiven them and to allow His grace and mercy to transform them.

I concluded by calling the congregation to action, to not leave unchanged after encountering Jesus. I invited them to come forward to make decisions for Christ, whether for salvation, baptism, or recommitment to their spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. The road to Emmaus teaches us that encountering Jesus through Scripture should ignite a burning passion within us to know and serve Him. This burning is not just an emotional response but a deep-seated desire to see others come to recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior. ([01:21:48])

2. God's use of imperfect individuals throughout the Bible is a testament to His grace and the potential He sees in each of us. No matter our past or present, we are called to be vessels of His work, and through His power, our lives can display His redemptive story. ([01:38:07])

3. The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that should transform every aspect of our lives. It's not enough to merely attend church; we must allow the truth of the risen Lord to permeate and alter our relationships, our character, and our daily walk with God. ([01:41:19])

4. Our spiritual journey is not meant to be walked alone. The early church thrived on relationships and community, and we are called to do the same. By building relationships and sharing the Gospel, we continue the mission that Jesus set forth during His 40 days post-resurrection. ([01:05:56])

5. True change comes when we encounter Jesus and respond with action. Whether it's seeking forgiveness, stepping out in faith, or following through with baptism, our actions should reflect the transformative work of Christ in our lives. ([01:44:42])

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus)
2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (The Gospel and Resurrection Appearances)
3. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)

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#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples discussing on the road to Emmaus, and how did Jesus respond to their conversation? (Luke 24:13-35)
2. How did Jesus reveal Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and what was their reaction? (Luke 24:30-32)
3. According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, who were some of the people Jesus appeared to after His resurrection?
4. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20, and how does it relate to the 40 days after His resurrection? [01:05:56]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to reveal Himself through Scripture and personal interaction rather than performing miracles during the 40 days after His resurrection? [01:05:56]
2. How does the story of the road to Emmaus illustrate the importance of Scripture in recognizing Jesus and igniting a passion for Him? (Luke 24:13-35)
3. What does Paul mean when he says the Gospel is the most important message in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, and how should this impact our daily lives?
4. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge us to build relationships and share the Gospel in our communities? [01:05:56]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your heart "burning" within you while engaging with Scripture. How can you cultivate that passion regularly? [01:21:48]
2. Jesus used individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past. How can you embrace and encourage others in your church community who may feel unworthy or inadequate? [01:38:07]
3. The resurrection of Jesus should transform every aspect of our lives. Identify one area in your life (e.g., marriage, personal growth) that needs transformation. What steps can you take to allow Jesus to change that area? [01:41:19]
4. Building relationships was a key focus of Jesus during the 40 days after His resurrection. How can you intentionally build and strengthen relationships within your small group or church community? [01:05:56]
5. True change comes when we encounter Jesus and respond with action. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate the transformative work of Christ in your life? [01:44:42]
6. Consider the practical aspects of living out your faith. What are some challenges you face, and how can you rely on God's grace and mercy to overcome them? [01:30:03]
7. Jesus' resurrection should lead us to share the Gospel with others. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share the Gospel with them this week? [01:05:56]

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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the transformative power of Jesus Christ, as discussed in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and encourage each other in your spiritual journeys.

Devotional

Day 1: Igniting Passion Through Scripture
The journey on the road to Emmaus is a profound example of how an encounter with Jesus through Scripture can set our hearts ablaze with passion for Him. When the disciples walked with Jesus, their hearts were stirred as He unfolded the words of the Scriptures, pointing to Himself. This burning within is not merely an emotional response; it is a transformative experience that deepens our desire to know Christ and to make Him known to others. As believers, we are invited to approach the Bible not just as a text, but as a living conversation with the Savior, expecting to be changed and to feel that same fervent passion the disciples felt.

"Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" (Luke 24:32 ESV)

Reflection: When was the last time you felt your heart burn within you while reading Scripture, and how can you cultivate a daily practice that seeks to experience this passion consistently? [01:21:48]

Day 2: Grace for the Imperfect
God's narrative throughout the Bible is filled with individuals who were far from perfect, yet were chosen to carry out His divine purposes. From Thomas, who doubted, to Peter, who denied Christ, these stories are a testament to God's grace and the potential He sees in each of us. No matter our past mistakes or present struggles, we are called to be vessels of His work. Through His power, our lives can become a display of His redemptive story, offering hope that we too can be transformed and used for His glory despite our imperfections.

"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." (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate or unworthy, and how can you allow God's grace to work through that weakness? [01:38:07]

Day 3: Transformed by the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that should resonate through every aspect of our lives. It is not enough to simply attend church; we must allow the truth of the risen Lord to permeate and alter our relationships, our character, and our daily walk with God. The resurrection signifies new life, not just in a future sense, but here and now, impacting how we live, love, and grow. It calls us to a higher standard, one that reflects the transformative power of Christ in all we do.

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1 ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection challenge you to change a specific aspect of your life, and what practical steps can you take to align with this transformation? [01:41:19]

Day 4: Building Relationships in Faith
The early church thrived on relationships and community, and we are called to do the same. Jesus spent His 40 days post-resurrection building relationships rather than performing miracles, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in spreading the Gospel. As modern-day disciples, we are encouraged to foster genuine relationships that are centered on faith, to support one another, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us.

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from a deeper spiritual relationship with you, and what step can you take this week to strengthen that connection? [01:05:56]

Day 5: Responding to Jesus with Action
Encountering Jesus calls for a response that goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it requires action. Whether it is seeking forgiveness, stepping out in faith, or following through with baptism, our actions should reflect the transformative work of Christ in our lives. True change is evidenced when we take decisive steps to live out our faith, allowing Jesus' influence to guide us in our decisions and commitments.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22 ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision you have been postponing that you know would bring you closer to Christ, and how can you commit to taking that step today? [01:44:42]

Quotes

1) "When Jesus makes that call over their life, he changed them. Every time when he met the woman at the well, we're going to talk about her a little bit today, when he saw the adulterous woman that had been caught, when he saw a blind man, or a lame person, or a leper, every time Jesus came into contact with something, something happened. You know what happened? They changed." [01:10:42]( | | )

2) "So when Jesus forgives us, he forgives us. You need to forgive yourself. Yesterday at the funeral, I just remember some people struggling with things and I just wanted to leave them and please, Haggard's, please tell the rest of your family. You know, when we struggle in life with things, a lot of times we just got to forgive ourselves. God's already forgiven us." [01:30:40]( | | )

3) "So maybe you may think, how can God use me? Well, let's look at some of the people He did use. Thomas was a doubter. Any doubters in here? Jacob was a cheater. Jonah ran from God. Jonah refused to tell somebody about God because he didn't like the people. And he didn't want God to forgive him. Maybe somebody you don't like." [01:35:59]( | | )

4) "When you understand and you recognize Jesus, it should change your life. You should realize that if He's the risen Lord, it has changed everything that there is. And I want you to think of these 40 days that changed the world. I want you to think of this. Whatever your amount of years you've lived on this life times 365 days, it'll be sobering to you." [01:38:07]( | | )

5) "They went and found the 11 and they told them everything. And then they all came to this conclusion. Jesus, he is risen. He's alive. If Jesus is alive, your heart should beat for him. If Jesus is alive, you should have this burning passion within you to say, I want to know him more. I want to serve him more." [01:21:48]( | | )

6) "There is no limitations on what God can do and who he can use. There is no sin in your past, or even in your present, that can keep you from serving the Lord if you repent of it. There is nothing. God can use you, restore you. God used people that have way worse reputations than anyone in this room." [01:23:42]( | | )

7) "Every single time someone came into contact with Jesus, it changed them. Let him change you today too. Let's pray. Father God, as we come to the end of this service today, I pray that your spirit will just openly move among us. And I pray if any of us need to come and pray about areas of our lives in our life where we realize we've kind of become, we don't recognize you, our hearts aren't burning anymore, that God will step it up and let the resurrection resurrect our hearts, resurrect our lives in areas that are falling short." [01:44:42]( | | )

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