THE MEANING OF JESUS RESURRECTION

SUNDAY SERMON

(BASED ON THE PRESBYTERIAN ALMANAC)

(16TH FEBRUARY 2025)

Theme: “THE MEANING OF JESUS RESURRECTION”

BIBLE READINGS:

1ST: PSALM 1: 1 – 6 

2ND: 1 COR. 15: 12 – 20 

3RD: LUKE 6: 17 – 26  

INTRODUCTION

Today is the 6th Sunday after Epiphany. We are in between the seasons of Christmas and Easter. The Almanac theme for today is “The meaning of Jesus’ resurrection”. 

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and hope and hence we need to understand and build on it. 

LET US PRAY

#1. Jesus’ resurrection restores us to life 

Have you wondered about the meaning of this life we live? Is it all about what happens in this ‘life’ or there is a continuation of life after death?

Just as in the days of the Apostle Paul, people still preach and say that there is no resurrection; once a person dies, that is the end. But Apostle Paul used the fact of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection to explain that, life continues after death and there is resurrection for all people. 

He said, “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” (1 Cor. 15: 12 – 13).

Life as created by God from the beginning was eternal and everlasting because we were created in His image and He does not die. But death was introduced by sin and Christ came to destroy the power of death (Ref. Heb. 2:14). Death is not the end of life; it is total banishment from the presence of God into the darkness of gloom and torture. 

Apostle Paul tells us “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15: 21). He continues that: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep”. And the songwriter says, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone . . .” (Let us sing along)

So, the resurrection of Christ has opened the doorway for us to escape from death, which is permanent and everlasting separation from God to eternal life with God. Man is restored to his original state of the Imago Dei (the image of God).

#2. Jesus’ resurrection authenticates the Christian faith 

Everything has a source and a point of reference. What is the source and point of reference for the Christian faith? The life, work, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Christ Jesus is the foundation of our faith, hope and trust in the Lord. 

Apostle Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain”. (1 Cor. 15: 14)

The Christian faith is anchored on the resurrection of Christ and by it, Christianity is set apart from all other religions. No religious leader or founder died and came back to life. Jesus did not only die and resurrect, but He ascended into heaven and lived forever. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus is therefore the (one and only) way, truth and life; without Him, man has no access to the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is the only accredited saviour of humankind. 

If you believe in Jesus Christ, then know for sure that you will not perish but have everlasting life (Ref. John 3: 16)

Delight ourselves in the Lord walk in His ways and appropriate the power of the resurrections over your life.  

#3. Blessings from Christ Jesus

In the first reading, the Psalmist makes it clear that delighting in the law of the Lord brings blessings. He said, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1; 1 – 3).

In the gospel reading (Luke 6: 17 – 26), Luke gives his version of the beatitudes that Jesus taught. The word "beatitudes" originates from the Latin word "beatus," which means "blessed" or "happy,". The blessings of life come from Jesus and His resurrection.  

It is important to note that the way of Jesus is different from that of the world. What the world deems a blessing and success is not what Christ measures as blessings. 

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke 6: 22 - 23)

If we follow the standards of the world we will miss out on the blessings of God. but if we walk in the new life after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will rejoice and leap for joy on account of the reward we will receive. When we put our trust in the Lord, He can turn our poverty, hunger and hatred of people into blessings. 

Conclusion

Because Jesus resurrected from the dead, we are not under the condemnation of eternal death. Though we die, we will also resurrect to everlasting life with the Father in heaven. Christ’s resurrections have given authenticity and credibility to the Christian faith as the only way to the Father. 

Our lives on earth is blessed and complete due to Christ and His resurrection.

Prayer Song: (Because He lives)

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus  . . .

Shalom

LET US PRAY!

© Rev. Immanuel Asiamah-Wiafe

Resident Minister – PCG, Living Bread Congregation, Tantra Hill. 

NB: For Counselling and Prayer Support WhatsApp on 0243284790.

 

THEME: THE MEANING OF JESUS' RESURRECTION

Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26

Introduction

Brothers and sisters in Christ, I warmly welcome you to today’s reflection as we celebrate the cornerstone of our faith's resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is not just a historical milestone but the foundation of our hope and the truth that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. Today, we do not merely ask, “Did Jesus rise from the dead?” but rather, “What does it mean that Jesus rose?”

Our readings provide us with deep insights into the significance of Christ’s resurrection. Psalm 1 presents a vision of the blessed life, rooted in God’s word, flourishing like a tree planted by streams of water. This ultimate blessing is only fully realized through the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15 presents a stark reality: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.” Paul’s words emphasize that the resurrection is not optional it is the very foundation upon which our faith stands.

In Luke 6, Jesus teaches about blessings and woes, a teaching that finds its full meaning in the promise of the resurrection, which ensures ultimate justice and eternal life.

Let us now explore the deeper meaning of Jesus’ resurrection:

 

1. The Resurrection Confirms Jesus' Divinity

Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate validation of His claim to be the Son of God (John 19:7). He declared Himself to be God incarnate (John 8:58) and demonstrated authority over sin and death (Matthew 9:1-8). Had He simply died and remained in the grave, His claims would have been empty. However, the resurrection is God’s resounding “Yes!” to Jesus' identity and authority. It is the divine seal of approval, proving that He is God's Son.

2. The Resurrection is Victory Over Sin and Death

Since the fall of man, sin and death have enslaved humanity. They are the great enemies that rob us of life and hope. But in His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over these forces: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Through His victory, He broke the chains of sin, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:11).

 

Furthermore, He conquered death itself: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The resurrection is not just about Christ’s survival; it is about our liberation. It declares that death no longer has the final word: “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” (Hosea 13:14).

 

3. The Resurrection Guarantees Our Own Resurrection

 

Jesus’ resurrection is not an isolated event it is the first fruits of a great harvest. This means that all who belong to Him will also rise from the dead: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

 

The resurrection assures us that, just as Jesus was raised, we too will be raised to eternal life (Philippians 1:21). This is the hope that strengthens us in times of sorrow and loss. It assures us that death is not the end but a passage to eternal glory: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

 

4. The Resurrection Empowers Us to Live a Transformed Life

 

The resurrection is not just about what happens after death it transforms how we live today. Because death has been defeated and sin has been conquered, we are empowered to live differently.

 

The Psalmist declares: “For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” (Psalm 1:6). This truth frees us from fear, guilt, and the pursuit of worldly gains. It gives us the courage to endure hardships for Christ: “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23).

 

The resurrection enables us to live with joy, peace, and purpose, reflecting the power of Christ in our daily lives.

 

5. The Resurrection Calls Us to Share the Good News

 

Paul boldly states: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14).

 

The good news of the resurrection is too powerful to keep to ourselves. Just as the early disciples proclaimed the risen Christ, we too are called to share this message with the world. Our lives should reflect the transforming power of the resurrection, pointing others to the reality of God’s love and grace.

 

Conclusion

 

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a doctrine it is a life-changing reality. It is the foundation of our faith, the source of our hope, and the power that enables us to live with purpose and joy. Let us celebrate this glorious truth daily by living in the power of Christ’s resurrection.

 

Shalom Aleikhem!

 

THE HOLINESS OF GOD

SUNDAY SERMON

(BASED ON THE PRESBYTERIAN ALMANAC)

[9TH FEBRUARY 2025]

Theme:

“THE HOLINESS OF GOD”

BIBLE READINGS:

1ST: ISA. 6: 1 – 13

2ND: 1 COR. 15: 1 – 11

3RD: LUKE 5: 1 – 11

INTRODUCTION

Today is Bible Sunday. It is important that we know and understand the nature of God as presented to us in the Bible. One important characteristic of God is His Holiness. The theme for today’s service is, “The Holiness of God”. We are called to worship God in the beauty of holiness; but if you have not experienced the holiness of God, we cannot worship Him as such. 

LET US PRAY!  

#1. I saw the Lord

Have you seen the Lord? Have you experienced the holy presence of God? if we don’t look at ourselves from the perspective of God’s holiness we cannot worship Him as He deserves. 

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us that, “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”. 

It is important to understand that the prophet saw the Lord not because King Uzziah died. By the phrase, “In the year that King Uzziah died” the prophet was only giving a time clause; telling us when he received the vision of the Lord. Therefore, it will not take the death of a person for you to see God. Moreover, King Uzziah was a godly king (Ref. 2 Chron. 26)

When the prophet encountered the glory, majesty, holiness, and splendor of God, he realized his inadequacies and exclaimed, “Woe is me!” (Isa. 6:5). 

In the previous chapter, Isaiah was proclaiming woe unto the wicked and sinners. But as he looked at himself from the perspective of the holy God, he said, woe is me. 

The more we experience and encounter the holiness of God, the humbler and contrite we should be. Seeing the Lord and experiencing His holiness should produce the spirit of meekness and a hunger for righteousness in us. Isaiah saw the Lord, have you also seen the Lord? 

#2. Christ died for our sins to make us holy

God, through Christ, is sharing and bestowing His holiness upon us. The Bible tells us, “For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5: 21)

 

So Apostle Paul tells us in the second reading that, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures . . . ” (1 Cor. 1: 3 – 5). Christ has died to take away our sins so we can walk in the holiness of God. Therefore, sin should no longer have dominion over us (Rom. 6: 14). We are to seek to be like Jesus in thoughts, words, and deeds.  

For if Paul, the persecutor of the Church, received grace to be a carrier of the gospel and a vessel for manifesting the glory and holiness of God, you too can receive the same. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is available and capable of making you holy.  Don’t just seek to be a good person or a moral person, strive to be holy unto the Lord. 

#3. Call others into holiness

After the encounter of Peter with Jesus and the miraculous great catch of fish, he realized his sinfulness and “fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5: 8). But because Jesus had come to die for our sins, He said to him “Do not be afraid, from now you will be fishers of men.” 

We have been called by Christ to also call others into the holiness of God. How involved are you in this ministry of calling to the life of holiness and love that Jesus Christ demonstrated to the world?

Challenge and Application

The Bible says “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy because I am holy” (1 Pet. 1; 15 – 16). Therefore, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12: 14 – 15).

Shalom

LET US PRAY!

Let us pray!

© Rev. Immanuel Wiafe 

NB: For Counselling and Prayer Support WhatsApp on 0243 284 790.