Power of Resurrection

Contemporary society lives as if there is no heaven or hell. However, our unbelief does not negate the truth, and the truth is that no matter how hard we try, all our valiant attempts are made futile in the face of death. Rich or poor, big or small, in the end we are succumb to death. It is the one thing man has will never conquer, or is it? One of the defining characteristics of Christianity is that a man can die and come back to life. No other religion in the world boasts the power of resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:12-24 Paul talks about the importance Christ's resurrection and why it is absolutely vital to our faith.

1. Purpose in Resurrection - Not only is it central to our faith, but it is the very focus of it. The ultimate purpose of resurrection is it's overcoming power. For the wages of sin is death, but Christ died so that He may take away our sins. The cross not only shows us our value, but it shows us the worth of our sin. So in death Jesus defeated the burden of sin, but in His resurrection He gave us the power to over come it. Death no longer has victory over you.
2. Participation in Resurrection - We are all born in sin, for through Adam's sin we all die, but through Christ we are made alive again. It is a purifying power that gives us the power to live a life besides the Lord. Jesus wants to be the master of our hearts, but too often we we invite Him in only to shun Him away like an unwanted guest. So how do we turn our hearts toward Christ? The first step is faith. Align your entire life to Christ. Dead to sin, alive to Christ. Second, is obedience. Follow what God says. Do not let the source of sin deter you from following the Lord. Furthermore, do not give Him partial obedience for partial obedience is no different that complete disobedience. Ultimately it all boils down to our willingness to take an active step away from sin.
3. Promise in Resurrection - We never need to fear that the power of resurrection will suddenly run out and whether it happens in our lifetime our the next, there is a transforming power that is promised His second coming. For we can never enter the gates of heaven based on our works alone, the only way is with Christ.

Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through Jesus Christ.

--from Nakwon EM March 23rd 2008 Sunday Worship Service
*To listen to this sermon in its entirety, please contact James Kim