The Road to Resurrection.

Week 1: "Awakening Hearts" (Sunday, February 4th, 2024)

Introduction

Today we begin an incredible journey together. We will be walking together on a road to the resurrection of Christ, this journey will take us nine weeks leading up to our Joyous celebration of Easter.

I believe it is more than a sermon series, more than a collection of messages. This is a chance to walk together as we dig deep on the depths of our faith and the transformative power of Christ resurrection.

The idea of nine-weeks is to explore the idea of Christ resurrection, giving us a deep understanding of the significance of Easter. We will discuss surrender, sacrifice, redemption and resurrection hope.

I want you to see each sermon as a stepping stone offering navigation or guidance for personal reflection, growth and a deeper connection with our risen Lord.

My prayer for you is that that our hearts will be awakened, we will grow spiritually, and have a deeper connection with our Lord.

Invite others to join us.

Preparation for the journey to resurrection

Recognizing the Need for Spiritual Awakening

Let’s look together at a ancient prophesy from Ezekiel

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26

Ezekiel 36:26 ESV

26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel’s prophesy gives us great hope.

First: We must acknowledging the condition of our hearts.

Second: We have the promise of a new heart through God's transformation.

Author: Ezekiel, a prophet and priest, son of Buzi.

Context: Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, addressing the Israelites both in captivity and those left behind in Judah.

Historical Setting: This prophecy comes in the midst of God's messages of judgment and restoration for His people.

Literary Context: Looking back then forward from this verse.

Before Ezekiel 36:26: In the preceding verses, God speaks about the desolation of the land and the people's dispersion due to their disobedience.

After Ezekiel 36:26: The following verses elaborate on God's promise to gather His people, cleanse them, and renew the land.

New Heart: The Hebrew word for "new" here is "chadash," emphasizing freshness, renewal, and innovation. "Heart" refers to the innermost being, encompassing emotions, thoughts, and will.

New Spirit: The term "spirit" ('ruach' in Hebrew) denotes the breath or wind of God, symbolizing the divine presence and vitality.

This is Divine Initiative: God is the active agent, promising to give a new heart and spirit. This highlights God's sovereignty in the process of transformation.

This is Covenant Faithfulness: The promise aligns with God's covenant to restore and bless His people, even in the face of their disobedience.

Heart of Stone: Symbolic of a hardened, unresponsive, and rebellious heart.

Heart of Flesh: Represents a softened, responsive heart, open to God's influence and guidance.

This profound prophesy speaks of Personal Transformation: it points to the transformative work of God in individuals, replacing hardness with responsiveness.

It shows us hope in restoration: Amidst judgment, God assures His people of renewal, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration through Christ.

Ezekiel gives another prophesy about receiving a new heart in 11:19

This Old Testament scripture shows that as believers we are to be different than the world.

There are distinct differences between the non-believer and a believer , here are seven of them.

1. Hardness vs. Softness:

Non-Believer: The heart of a non-believer is often described as "hard" or "stubborn," resistant to the influence of God (Ezekiel 36:26).

Believer: A believer's heart is described as being softened by God, receptive to His Word and guidance (Ezekiel 36:26).

2. Blindness vs. Illumination:

Non-Believer: The non-believer may be spiritually blind, lacking understanding of God's truth.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Believer: The believer experiences spiritual illumination, understanding the things of God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:12–14 ESV

12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

3. Alienation vs. Reconciliation:

Non-Believer: The non-believer is often described as being alienated from God due to sin

Ephesians 4:18 ESV

18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

Colossians 1:21 ESV

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,

Believer: Through faith in Christ, the believer experiences reconciliation with God, restored to a right relationship with Him.

2 Corinthians 5:18 ESV

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;

Colossians 1:22 ESV

22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

4. Slave to Sin vs. Freedom in Christ:

Non-Believer: The non-believer is enslaved to sin, lacking the power to break free from its dominion (Romans 6:20

Romans 6:20 ESV

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

Believer: In Christ, the believer is set free from the bondage of sin and empowered to live a life of righteousness (Romans 6:18

Romans 6:18 ESV

18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

Galatians 5:1

Galatians 5:1 ESV

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

5. Deception vs. Truth:

Non-Believer: The heart of the non-believer may be deceived by the lies of the world, Satan, and their own desires

Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Ephesians 4:17-18

Ephesians 4:17–18 ESV

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.

Believer: Guided by the Holy Spirit, the believer is aligned with the truth of God's Word and discerns spiritual realities

John 16:13 ESV

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

two more:

1 John 2:20 ESV

20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

1 John 2:27 ESV

27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

6. Fear vs. Peace:

Non-Believer: The non-believer may experience fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future

Proverbs 28:1 ESV

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Isaiah 57:21 ESV

21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Believer: Through faith in Christ, the believer experiences the peace that surpasses understanding, trusting in God's sovereignty.

Philippians 4:7 ESV

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 ESV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

7. Works-based Righteousness vs. Christ's Righteousness:

Non-Believer: The non-believer often seeks to establish their own righteousness through works, which falls short of God's standard.

Romans 10:3 ESV

3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Believer: The believer receives the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ, acknowledging that salvation is by grace alone

Romans 3:22 ESV

22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Seeking God in Repentance

Scripture:

Acts 3:19 ESV

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Understanding the role of repentance in awakening.

Recognition of Need:

Repentance begins with a deep recognition of one's need for God. It's an acknowledgment that something is not right in one's life and a realization that personal efforts are insufficient to bring about lasting change.

Turning from Sin:

Repentance involves a decisive turning away from sinful thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. It's a conscious choice to abandon the paths that lead away from God and to turn toward Him.

Change of Mind and Heart:

True repentance goes beyond outward actions; it involves a transformation of the mind and heart. There's a shift in perspective, valuing what God values and aligning one's desires with His will.

Sorrow for Sin:

Repentance is accompanied by a genuine sorrow for sin. This isn't just remorse for the consequences of wrongdoing but a deep, heartfelt sorrow that recognizes the offense against a holy God.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Confession and Humility:

Repentance involves confessing sins before God. It's an act of humility, acknowledging one's need for divine forgiveness and mercy.

Psalm 51:17 ESV

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Embracing God's Grace:

Repentance is not a self-imposed punishment but a response to God's grace. It's an acceptance of God's offer of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 3:19 ESV

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Continual Process:

Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process in the life of a believer. It's a daily turning to God, seeking His guidance, and allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and lead.

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Turning to God as the first step toward spiritual renewal.

Embracing a Lifestyle of Prayer

Scripture:

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Sub-point: The importance of consistent prayer in heart awakening.

Sub-point: Cultivating intimacy with God through prayer.

Avoiding Anxiety in Preparations:

Application: As we prepare for Easter, there can be numerous details to organize, events to plan, and responsibilities to fulfill. Philippians 4:6 encourages us not to be anxious about these preparations but to bring them before God in prayer. This means relying on God's guidance and trusting His provision for a meaningful and impactful Easter celebration.

Prayerful Preparation:

Application: Philippians 4:6 encourages a prayerful approach to preparations. This involves seeking God's wisdom in planning events, asking for His guidance in coordinating activities, and presenting the entire Easter season before Him. Prayerful preparation invites God into the process and acknowledges His role in the success of the Easter activities.

Thanksgiving in the Planning Process:

Application: The inclusion of thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6 reminds us to express gratitude to God throughout the preparation phase. Instead of focusing solely on the tasks at hand, we can cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for the opportunity to celebrate Easter, for the volunteers and teams involved, and for the message of hope that will be shared during this significant season.

Experiencing God's Peace in the Midst of Busyness:

Application: The promise of God's peace in Philippians 4:7 is particularly relevant to the often hectic nature of Easter preparations. It encourages us to rely on God's supernatural peace, which surpasses human understanding. This means that even in the busyness, stress, and potential challenges of preparing for Easter, we can experience a deep sense of peace that comes from trusting God.

Guarding Hearts and Minds with Christ's Perspective:

Application: Philippians 4:7 emphasizes that God's peace will guard our hearts and minds. In the context of Easter preparation, this points to maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. It encourages us to prioritize the spiritual significance of Easter, ensuring that the heart and mind behind the preparations align with the message of Christ's resurrection and the hope it brings.

Trusting God for the Outcome:

Application: These verses remind us to trust God with the outcome of our Easter preparations. Regardless of our efforts, it is ultimately God who brings about transformation and impact during this season. Trusting Him for the results allows us to release anxiety and find assurance in His sovereign plan.

Point 4: Responding to God's Call

Scripture:

Matthew 4:19 ESV

19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Sub-point: Recognizing God's call to a deeper relationship.

Sub-point: Stepping out in faith to follow Jesus.