“May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and Jesus our Lord be yours!” 2 Corinthians 1:2a(MSG
Part 1: The Benefits From Jesus’ CrucifixioN
- Total forgivenessfor everything I’ve done wrong.
- Thedeep healing power of Jesus in my life.
- The power to break free from controlling forces
Part 2: THE BENEFITS FROM JESUS’ RESURRECTION
3 THINGS WE KNOW FOR CERTAIN
- JESUS HAS A GREAT PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE
“(Jesus) included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own.” 2 Corinthians 5:15(MSG)
“Everything, absolutely everything . . . got started in Christ and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16(MSG)
“It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for . . . part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Ephesians 1:11-12(MSG)
Action Plan: If you haven’t taken CLASS, make a commitment to do so at the next opportunity. CLASSes 101 – 401 help you discover that you were made to belong, to grow, to serve, and to share God’s Word. Register at saddleback.com/class.
- JESUS HAS A GREAT POWER FOR MY PROBLEMS
“I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great God’s power really is to help those who believehim. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead!” Ephesians 1:19-20a (LB)
“By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will also raise us!” 1 Corinthians 6:14(NIV)
(Paul’s story) “We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and we feared we would never live through it . . . We saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; BUT THAT WAS GOOD, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead! And God did help us and he saved us . . . and we expect him to do it again and again!” 2 Corinthians 1:8-10(LB)
“God gives power to those who are tired and worn out, and he offers strength to the weak.” Isaiah 40:29(LB)
“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27(NIV)
“As you get to know Jesus better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life.” 2 Peter 1:2-3
Action Plan: Choose one of the verses listed above under Point 2 and memorize it today. You’ll have this verse in your arsenal to remind yourself of whenever you are struggling.
- jesus has a great place for me after i die
Jesus said, “I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again! Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies shall live again. He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish.” John 11:25-26a(LB)
“Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him.” 1 Peter 1:3b-6
“No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no mind has ever imagined, the wonderful things that God has prepared for those who love him!” 1 Corinthians 2:9
How Do I Get These Benefits?
“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.” Romans 10:9(NLT)
Action Plan: Whom can you share this message with? Write down the name of at least one person and share this Easter message with them.