Resurrection Sunday

God, my Heavenly Father, does not have any favorite children. He loves every one of us with the same love. — Kenneth E. Hagin

What we believe is a result of our thinking. If we think wrong, we will believe wrong. — Kenneth E. Hagin

Resurrection: A New Dawn of Transformation

Bible Passage: Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 6:4-5, Philippians 3:10-11

Summary: This Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate not only the miraculous event of Jesus rising from the dead but also the ongoing transformation available to believers. The resurrection signifies a new life, a fresh start, and the power to live victoriously in Christ today.

Application: By understanding and embracing the implications of the resurrection, Christians can experience profound personal change and renewal. This message encourages the congregation to leave behind old ways and embrace the transformative power of Christ's resurrection in every area of their lives.

Teaching: The resurrection is more than a historical event; it represents the life-changing power of God available to His followers. It teaches us that through Christ, we can experience renewal and transformation, leaving behind our old selves to live out our new identity in Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: The resurrection of Jesus fulfills God's promise of redemption seen throughout Scripture. Jesus is the embodiment of new life promised since the fall, making Him the ultimate source of transformation and restoration for every believer.

Big Idea: The resurrection of Jesus Christ challenges us to embrace a new life and transformation through His power, enabling us to become the people God has called us to be, free from the shackles of sin and despair.

Recommended Study: You might want to dive into the theological implications of resurrection in Romans 6:4-5, where Paul emphasizes our identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Using Logos, explore commentaries that discuss the relationship between believer’s sanctification and resurrection life such as Moo's 'Romans' for deeper insights. Additionally, examining the concept of new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17 can provide rich material for illustrating transformation themes.

1. Witness the Wonder

Matthew 28:1–4 ESV

1 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

Perhaps you could explore the emotional scene as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approach the tomb. This moment of fear and wonder sets the stage for an encounter with the divine. The angel's presence and the trembling guards highlight the power of Christ's resurrection, inviting us to consider how God's transformative power can break into our lives and conquer fear and despair.

The stone wasn’t rolled away so Jesus could get out. It was rolled away so others could look in and see that it was empty!

2. Receive and Reveal

Matthew 28:5–7 ESV

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

You could focus on the angel's message to the women announcing Jesus' resurrection. Here, assurance and instruction are combined—the women are called to see proof and share the message. This passage challenges us to accept the truth of Christ's resurrection, empowering us to live boldly and testify to His life-transforming power in our own experiences.

3. Rejoice and Respond

Matthew 28:8–10 ESV

8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Maybe emphasize the women's immediate reaction—filled with joy and eager to obey. Meeting the risen Christ compels them to worship. This moment of transformation encourages us to follow their example: respond to Jesus' resurrection with joy, worship, and commitment to His mission, emphasizing Christ's presence with us in our newfound lives.

4. Rise with Renewal

Romans 6:4–5 ESV

4 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. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

By delving into these verses, explain how baptism symbolizes union with Christ in death and resurrection. You could suggest that embracing this truth allows us to walk in newness of life, breaking free from sin's hold. This passage teaches that the power of Christ's resurrection is available for our daily renewal, encouraging us to live out our transformative identity in Christ.

5. Pursue Powerful Purpose

Philippians 3:10–11 ESV

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Consider focusing on Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Perhaps, share how this pursuit transforms us, drawing us closer to Jesus and empowering us to overcome life's challenges. This passage challenges believers to seek deeper intimacy with Christ, realizing that resurrection power is not only about future hope but present strength for transformation.

Dynamis - it means power! That is where we get the word DYNAMITE!