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Now It Makes Sense


Pastor Frank Santora ministers from the book of John on how God helps us get up and move forward in life. Pastor Frank also teaches us six powerful ways on how God accomplishes this.

Victory Over Death: The Power of Resurrection


Happy Resurrection Day! Today, we gather to celebrate the most pivotal event in history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day is a reminder of the victory over death and the promise of eternal life. As we reflect on the resurrection story from John 20, we see how the disciples' confusion and despair turned into understanding and joy when they encountered the risen Christ. Life often doesn't make sense until we reach our own "empty tomb" moments, where God reveals His purpose and plan.


Before the resurrection, the cross seemed like a place of defeat. The disciples were bewildered, questioning how the one who performed miracles could be crucified. Yet, the cross was necessary for the resurrection. It was the payment for our sins, and the resurrection is the receipt, the proof of God's power and love. The cross represents the "before" season of life, filled with pain and confusion, while the resurrection signifies the "after" season, where clarity and purpose emerge.


At the cross, we see the thinning of the crowd, a reminder that difficult times reveal true friends. Mary Magdalene, who was delivered from demons, stood by Jesus, demonstrating unwavering faith. Her presence at the cross and the tomb shows that genuine faith persists through trials. Jesus' interaction with Mary, His mother, at the cross, calling her "woman," was not a term of disrespect but a validation of her strength and faith. It was a reminder of her role in God's plan and the promise of resurrection.


The resurrection is a testament to God's miraculous power. When Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb, she found the stone rolled away and angels announcing Jesus' resurrection. This miracle, along with the folded napkin in the tomb, provided assurance that Jesus had indeed risen. God often gives us signs and messengers to help us move forward in faith, even when we don't fully understand His plans.


As we celebrate this Resurrection Day, let us remember that God is not finished with us. He calls us by name, gives us assignments, and provides assurance through His Word and Spirit. No matter what season of life we are in, we can trust that God will bring us to a place of understanding and purpose. Sunday's coming, and with it, the promise of new life and hope.



Key Takeaways:


- The Cross and Resurrection: The cross is the payment for our sins, and the resurrection is the receipt. It signifies the transition from confusion and despair to understanding and joy. The resurrection is proof of God's power and love, transforming our "before" seasons into "after" seasons of clarity and purpose.


- Faith Through Trials: Mary Magdalene's presence at the cross and the tomb exemplifies unwavering faith. Genuine faith persists through trials, and God validates and strengthens us in our moments of weakness, reminding us of our role in His plan.


- Miracles and Assurance: The resurrection is a testament to God's miraculous power. The rolled-away stone and the folded napkin in the tomb provide assurance that Jesus has risen. God often gives us signs and messengers to help us move forward in faith.


- God Knows Our Name: Jesus calling Mary by name at the tomb illustrates the personal relationship God desires with each of us. His voice cuts through the noise of life, providing direction and comfort. God knows us intimately and calls us to move forward in faith.


- Assignments Through Adversity: God gives us assignments through the adversity we face. These assignments help us move forward and serve His purpose. Our experiences equip us to share the good news and testify to God's goodness and faithfulness.


Study Guide


Bible Study Discussion Guide


Bible Reading:

  • John 20:1-18

  • Genesis 3:15

  • Psalm 34:20



Observation Questions:


  1. What was Mary Magdalene's initial reaction when she found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and how did she respond?

  2. How did Jesus address Mary, His mother, from the cross, and what significance did this have?

  3. What was the significance of the folded napkin found in the tomb, and how did it provide assurance to the disciples?

  4. Who were the individuals present at the cross, and what does their presence reveal about their faith?



Interpretation Questions:


  1. How does the resurrection serve as a "receipt" for the payment made on the cross, and what does this mean for believers today?

  2. In what ways does Mary Magdalene's unwavering faith through trials serve as an example for believers facing their own challenges?

  3. How do the miracles and signs, such as the rolled-away stone and the angels, help believers move forward in faith even when they don't fully understand God's plans?

  4. What does Jesus calling Mary by name at the tomb illustrate about the personal relationship God desires with each of us?



Application Questions:


  1. Reflect on a time when you experienced an "empty tomb" moment in your life. How did God reveal His purpose and plan to you during that season?

  2. Mary Magdalene's faith persisted through trials. How can you cultivate a faith that remains strong even in difficult times? What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your faith?

  3. The resurrection is a testament to God's miraculous power. Can you identify a recent situation where you witnessed or experienced a miracle? How did it impact your faith journey?

  4. Jesus knows us by name and calls us to move forward in faith. How can you be more attentive to God's voice in your daily life? What distractions might you need to minimize to hear Him more clearly?

  5. God gives us assignments through adversity. What current challenges are you facing, and how might God be using them to prepare you for a specific purpose or assignment?

  6. The folded napkin in the tomb provided assurance to the disciples. What assurances has God given you in your faith journey, and how can you hold onto them during times of doubt?

  7. As we celebrate the promise of new life and hope, what is one specific area in your life where you need to trust God for clarity and purpose? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week?


Devotional


Day 1: The Cross as a Transition Point

The cross represents a pivotal transition from confusion and despair to understanding and joy. Before the resurrection, the cross seemed like a place of defeat, leaving the disciples bewildered and questioning. However, the resurrection transformed this perception, revealing the cross as a necessary step in God's plan. It was the payment for our sins, and the resurrection is the receipt, the proof of God's power and love. This transition from the "before" season of life, filled with pain and confusion, to the "after" season, where clarity and purpose emerge, is a powerful reminder of God's transformative work in our lives.


1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."


  • Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck in confusion or despair? How can you invite God to transform this area into one of understanding and joy?



Day 2: Faith That Endures Through Trials

Mary Magdalene's presence at the cross and the tomb exemplifies unwavering faith. Despite the trials and confusion surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, Mary remained steadfast, demonstrating genuine faith that persists through adversity. Her faith was validated and strengthened as she witnessed the resurrection, reminding us that God is with us in our moments of weakness. He calls us to remain faithful, trusting in His plan even when we cannot see the full picture. [18:04]


James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."


  • Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How did your faith help you endure, and how might God be calling you to strengthen your faith further?



Day 3: Assurance in God's Miraculous Power

The resurrection is a testament to God's miraculous power. When Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb, she found the stone rolled away and angels announcing Jesus' resurrection. These signs provided assurance that Jesus had indeed risen, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. In our own lives, God often gives us signs and messengers to help us move forward in faith, even when we don't fully understand His plans.


Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."


  • Reflection: What signs or messages has God given you recently to assure you of His presence and power? How can you use these assurances to strengthen your faith today?



Day 4: The Personal Call of God

Jesus calling Mary by name at the tomb illustrates the personal relationship God desires with each of us. His voice cuts through the noise of life, providing direction and comfort. God knows us intimately and calls us to move forward in faith, reminding us that we are not alone. This personal call is a powerful reminder of God's love and care for each of us, encouraging us to listen for His voice in our daily lives.


Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"


  • Reflection: In what ways do you hear God calling you by name in your life? How can you respond to His personal call with faith and obedience?



Day 5: Purpose Through Adversity

God gives us assignments through the adversity we face, equipping us to share the good news and testify to His goodness and faithfulness. These assignments help us move forward and serve His purpose, transforming our experiences into opportunities for growth and ministry. As we embrace these assignments, we can trust that God will bring us to a place of understanding and purpose, using our lives to impact others for His kingdom.


2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."


  • Reflection: What adversity are you currently facing, and how might God be using it to prepare you for a specific assignment or purpose? How can you begin to embrace this assignment today?


 
 
 

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