A Living Hope and an Undying Joy

Think of the excitement we feel when we open a gift that’s been waiting for us. That’s what Christ’s resurrection is like! It’s the ultimate gift of hope and renewal. What’s inside? A promise of eternal life and reconciliation with God! Just as gifts are meant to be treasured and shared, so is His resurrection—a gift for those who will receive it!

The resurrection is God’s “Amen!” to Christ’s statement, “It is finished.” —S. Lewis Johnson

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was a debt paid, the charges dropped.

The Dawn of Hope: Christ is Risen

Luke 24:1–9 ESV

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

What is God teaching us here?:

The resurrection is not merely an event, but the foundation of Christian faith. It provides believers with assurance of their own resurrection and victory over sin and death, emphasizing the importance of living in the light of this truth.

THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION

1. Resurrection's Robust Reality

1 Corinthians 15:12–13 ESV

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.

2. Faith's Firm Foundation

1 Corinthians 15:14–15 ESV

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.

Perhaps discuss Paul's point that if Christ has not been raised, then the preaching of the apostles is empty, and faith in it is equally empty. Preaching and personal faith must be rooted in truth, and the resurrection provides this assurance. Invite listeners to examine the foundations of their faith, encouraging an understanding that belief in the resurrection upholds their entire Christian walk, ensuring a meaningful and purpose-driven life.

3. Salvation's Sweeping Assurance

1 Corinthians 15:16–17 ESV

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.

The completeness of salvation through the resurrection, offering assurance that sins are truly forgiven and urging us to embrace this transformative power in their daily lives.

4. Hope's Heavenly Horizon

1 Corinthians 15:18–19 ESV

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Without the resurrection, those who have died in Christ have perished, and Christians are to be pitied above all. Highlight the significance of future hope tied to the resurrection, ensuring that those in Christ will rise too.

I. A Risen Savior

[Luk 24:4-7 ESV] 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."

Matthew 20:18–19 ESV

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

II. A Living Hope.

[Rev 1:18 ESV] 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

[1Pe 1:3-5 ESV] 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

III. An Undying Joy.

[John 16:25-33] 25 "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." 29 His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

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

[Psalm 16:11 ESV] 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

According to the story of the Prodigal Son, when the wayward son returned home, his father rejoiced with open arms. This illustrates God’s everlasting joy at our return when we stray. His joy isn’t based on our worthiness, but on His unconditional love, reminding us that no matter our journey, there’s always a place of joyous welcome with Him.

APPLICATION

Application: The resurrection of Jesus signifies that there is always hope and renewal. It invites believers to remember that no situation is beyond redemption and that God’s power can transform any circumstance.

HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

1. Seek the Living

Luke 24:4-5

The angels question to the women, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead?', challenges believers to look for Christ in the life-giving places of our lives. This serves as a powerful reminder to seek Christ in moments of life, hope, and transformation.

2. Proclaim the Promise

Luke 24:6-7

Maybe emphasize the angelic announcement, 'He is not here; he has risen!' This proclamation is the core of our message, confirming Jesus as the resurrected Savior.

4. Remember and Return

Luke 24:8-9

The women remembered Jesus' words and courageously returned to share the news with the disciples. This points to the power of remembering Christ's words and promises, motivating us to be heralds of His resurrection. We, too, are called to carry this transformative message, ensuring that our testimony brings life to those in despair.

Imagine a summer garden after a long winter. The flowers bloom, the trees bear fruit, and life returns to the once barren landscape. In much the same way, Christ's resurrection brings new life where there once was only death and despair. We, like that garden, are renewed and revitalized, bursting with the joy and colors of His promise!

The Invitation for those who are unsure of where they are with Jesus Christ

The Heart's Turning Point: Embracing Christ

1. God's Gift of Love

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

2. Confession and Belief

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

3. Identified in Christ

-The importance of Baptism and what it means.