GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION
Believing the gospel and applying the gospel go hand in hand, but the order is important. Of first importance is what God has done for us in Christ. God’s grace toward us in Christ is the foundation of all our obedience and application. Yet, in the midst of all the practical instruction, we must not lose sight of the principle that the gospel changes us from the inside out. Without that, we are doing little more than whitewashing tombs.
Today we will examine Luke 23:50 – 24:12 and as we do we’ll consider the truth and the implications of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. And the big idea here is that, the truth of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection inspires great hope and great courage amidst our momentary suffering.
One of the central truths of Christianity is this truth that Jesus died on the cross so that the gift of life could be made available. When I think of the word “impact” I think of Bruce Lee.
If you could describe the condition of your heart today, what word would you use to describe it? Is your heart angry, bitter or resentful? Is your heart indignant, rebellious or hard? Is your heart fearful, wounded or depressed?
What is the most painful memory you have? And how has that painful experience motivated, conditioned or shaped the things you think, say or do.
The cross of Christ is the center of the gospel message because the cross of Christ crushes our sinful desires, kills our sinful behavior and plants godly desires and abilities deep within our hearts. What sinful desires do you need to deny as you follow Christ? What sinful behavior needs to be killed in you as you follow Christ? What new desires or abilities do you see sprouting in your heart as you follow Christ?
When we compromise, we ignore the truth, we give into sinful demands and we make destructive decisions. What compromises have you been making recently in your relationship with Jesus? What truths has Jesus been showing you that you’ve been ignoring? What sinful demands have you been giving in to? What destructive decisions have you made recently?
What area of your life do you struggle to surrender to Christ as your King? Where do you need his innocence applied to your life the most? How has Jesus been speaking to you through his Word?
If someone asked you if you know Jesus, what would you say? How would you describe him? What do you know about him? Luke wrote his gospel so that we would know Jesus and so it’s entirely appropriate for us to stop and ask each other that question. Do you know Jesus? What do you know about him? What do you question the most about him?
I want to begin by drawing your attention to three words. Distance. Denial. Repentance. Three words that could easily describe the season of anyone’s life right now. Which one describes you? Do you ever feel distant from God? Ever feel like you’ve turned your back on him one too many times? Ever wonder if God is too fed up with you? Ever wonder if there’s any evidence of repentance in your life? Ever get that sense of hopelessness deep down inside that there’s no way God could ever want you after you’ve made a mess of things again?
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