“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though
he dies!”
John 11:25
April 11,
2004: A message preached by Kimber
Kauffman, Senior Pastor, College Park Church.
The focus of today’s message was to clearly communicate that the
resurrection of Jesus Christ is our hope and the power of our life in Christ.
Pastor
Kimber took some time on Easter Morning to commemorate the life of Deryk
Hallal, one of our own who was killed in action last week. He was a marine and Jeff & Pam Hallal
were accompanied to the podium by a marine sergeant. There was an emphasis on Deryk’s belief in God and in his
country. He went to war because he want
to support President Bush, and liberate a people who where not free to worship
his God. This special time fit
wonderfully in the message of the resurrection and Pastor Kimber reminded us
how the worship songs that had the theme of the life in the here after were
particularly poignant on this Lord’s Day.
The message begged the question, “What
does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean, and how should it change our
lives?” Our minds were directed
heavenward as we reviewed the many promises of Christ regarding eternity with
Him. Paul’s focus on the resurrection
challenged us to see it as everything to the Christian faith. Because of the resurrection we are now part
of a faith that is nothing short of supernatural. We are to identify with the resurrection of Christ as new
creatures. We are to stand firm, give
our selves to the work of the Lord, and be reminded our work is not in vain (1
Cor 15:58). Paul’s prayer in Ephesians
(1:18) was described as the way Paul would pray for us today. May our hearts be so enlightened.
Kimber brought us home with multiple verses on heaven. He admonished us as he read about who would be in heaven and who would not based on 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10; Galatians 5: 19-21, Ephesians 5:5-6 and Revelations 21:8. He emphasized Matthew 5:3 as a key scripture to indicate that humility and those who are “poor in spirit” inherit the kingdom of heaven. Romans 1:17; 1 Timothy 1:15-16 and finally John 11:25 were cited as clear evidence that there is only one way into heaven, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and only for those who believe upon Him. Be blessed today as you consider we serve a living savior who has over come death and this world.
1.
Considering the apostles before and
after Jesus appeared to them post-resurrection, how might you be like them in
the upper room (fearing the Jews, and how others could harm them) and after
Christ shows Himself to them (losing all fear of man and only fearing
God)? What made the difference for
them? What makes the difference for
you?
2.
Have someone read aloud Eph
1:18-23. Compare verses 18-19 to the
way you have been praying for each other in the group. Have an open discussion on the difference
between that prayer and its foundation and your usual prayers for one
another. How might the way we ask for
prayer and pray for each other change the culture of the group?
3.
Compare the lists of sins in the
various scriptures used in the sermon and the simplicity of what qualifies a
man to inherit eternal life. Ask the
group to go around and testify to what they were before receiving Christ and
who they are today in Christ. If
someone is unsure of their salvation ask them to consider meeting with the
leader or someone in the group this week.