The Resurrected Savior: Hope and Renewal in Christian Doctrine

 In this episode of Prodigal Daughter, we dive into one of the foundational pillars of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is not just a historical event, but a powerful message of hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. We'll explore what the Bible says about the resurrection, why it’s essential to our faith, and how it gives us hope in our daily lives. Through Scripture, theological insights, and practical application, we'll uncover why the resurrected Savior is the ultimate source of renewal for every believer. Whether you're wrestling with doubt, feeling spiritually weary, or seeking a fresh encounter with Christ, this episode is for you. 

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Transcript

Hello. And welcome back to the Prodigal Daughter podcast. Where we journey together in faith. Reconnecting with God and each other. I'm your host, Sharon, and I'm so excited to have you with me today as we explore a cornerstone of the Christian faith.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Before we dive in, I want to encourage you to stay tuned until the end of this episode, where I'll share some ways you can experience the hope and renewal that comes from living in the light of the resurrection.  Let's dive in.  

When we think about the life of Jesus, many images may come to mind. His birth in Bethlehem, his miracles; walking on water, feeding the five thousand.  His teachings. The sermon on the Mount.  All of his parables. And of course his crucifixion.  But one event stands out as central to the gospel message. His resurrection.  

The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope.  As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:17.  "And if Christ has not been raised. Your faith is futile. You are still in your sins."  Without the resurrection Christianity would just be another philosophy.  

But because of the resurrection.  It's the living hope of salvation.  

Let's take a moment to reflect on the weight of that.  Jesus. The son of God.  Not only died for our sins, but rose again,  defeating death itself.  This wasn't just a metaphorical or spiritual resurrection.  It was a literal physical return from the grave.  

The resurrection is more than a theological concept.  It's the very bedrock of our faith. Let's think about this for a moment.  

If Jesus hadn't rose from the grave.   And he hadn't come alive again..   Don't you think that the easiest way for  the Sadducees and the Pharisees and the roman empire to squelch the raise of Christianity would have been to produce the body of Christ.  

And if he hadn't rose again from the dead.  Do you think that all of the apostles would have went through the torturous deaths that they did, for a lie?  It just doesn't make sense.  So we can have this beautiful hope,  that Christ has defeated the grave and that we have have a life in eternity waiting for us.

 The story of Jesus's resurrection is documented in all four gospels.  Each writer brings a unique perspective but the core message is the same.  Jesus died and three days later he rose from the grave.  

Let's read a portion from Matthew 28 :1-6 "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb  there was a violent earthquake for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven. And going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow.  The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women.  Do not be afraid. For, I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen just as he said,  Come and see the place where he lay."  

These women went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus's body.  But instead they found an empty grave and the stunning news of his resurrection.  Imagine their shock. But also the overwhelming hope that must have filled them.  The resurrection was proof that Jesus was who he said he was, the Messiah, the son of God.

 And another thing about the resurrection. Is back in those times women were not even allowed to be called as witnesses. Their word meant nothing.  So if the apostles were trying to pull off this huge deception, Why would they have Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as the first ones to discover the empty tomb?


So, what does the resurrection mean for us today?  Why is it still relevant thousands of years later?  

First the resurrection is our guarantee of eternal life.   In John 11:25-26, Jesus says "I am the resurrection and the life  the one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whosoever lives by believing in me will never die."  

Because Jesus rose, we have the assurance that death is not the end. For every believer eternal life with God is our future hope.  We have this hope that as soon as we take our last breath here on earth we will take our first breath in heaven; with Jesus Christ.  What a beautiful hope that is.  

 Second, the resurrection gives us power for daily living.  In Romans chapter eight, verse 11, Paul writes.  "And if the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead  is living in you.  He who raised Christ from the dead will also give  life to your mortal bodies because of his spirit who lives in you."

 So that same power that  raised Jesus from the dead is alive and active in us today.  This means that no matter what struggles or challenges we face. We have the power of God at work in us, giving us strength, perseverance, and renewal.   Now I am by no means saying that this in any way, shape or form makes living the Christian life easy.  

What it does do is it gives us the strength, through Christ, to endure  the challenges and the struggles that we go through.  

 Finally, the resurrection is the ultimate symbol of new beginnings. It teaches us that no matter how dark our situation may seem.  There's always hope for renewal and transformation.  Just as Jesus's death was followed by resurrection.  Our personal trials can lead to new life in Christ.  

And that my friends, is a blessed hope!  

Now let's look at some theological insights that deepen our understanding of the resurrection.  

Theologians have long considered the resurrection to be the linchpin of Christ doctrine.  

One  profound reflection comes from NT Wright, who notes  that the resurrection is not merely a happy ending to the story of Jesus. But the beginning of God's new creation.  

He writes "The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ. And that you're now invited to belong to it.  In other words, the resurrection wasn't just about Jesus.  It was about the start of something new for the entire world.  A renewal of creation itself."  

I don't know about y'all. But that just is so  inspiring.  

Wow.  

And early church father Athanasius said.  "The resurrection is the recreation of man in Christ.  And through Christ, of the entire cosmos. This means that through Jesus's resurrection the process of restoring all creation back to its intended state began."

 So let's talk about hope.  The resurrection is the ultimate message of hope for Christians.  In a world that's full of brokenness pain and uncertainty. The resurrection reminds us that no situation is beyond redemption.  Jesus overcame the greatest obstacle. Death.  And that same victory is available to us.  So, no matter what you're facing...  

Bad health diagnosis.  

Addiction.  

Abuse, neglect.  

There's always hope in Jesus.  Now, don't get me wrong, I know that each of those situations is very, very difficult.  And I'm not saying that any of them are not hard to overcome.  

What I am saying, is that if you look to Jesus, there's hope because there is life at the other side.  Remember. Even if we die. We will live again, as long as we believe in the work of Jesus Christ.  

In 1 Peter 1:3 we read.  "Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."  

It's through the resurrection that we have a living hope.  A hope that's active vibrant and enduring.  

Whether you're facing the death of a dream, the loss of a loved one or a personal struggle. The resurrection offers us the promise that God can bring new life from the darkest places.  

Now let's bring this down to our daily lives.  How do we live in light of the resurrection?  

First. We live with hope.  

Remember. No matter what you're facing. You can trust that God is with you.  Working for your good.  

Resurrection power means that what seems dead can be brought back to life in God's timing.  

And again, Even if we die we shall live again in Christ Jesus.  

Second. We live with boldness.  Knowing that death has been defeated frees us from fear.  As Christians, we can live boldly sharing the gospel and stepping out in faith. Knowing that even in hardship Christ has already won the ultimate victory.  

And finally we live with renewal.  

Every day is an opportunity for a fresh start in Christ.  As Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us.  "His mercies are new every morning."  

The resurrection is not just a once a year celebration at Easter.  It's a daily reality that we can all embrace.  

So as we close today, I want to encourage you to reflect on the resurrection, not just as a past event.  But as a source of hope, Renewal and the power in your life today.  

Take a moment to ask God where you need his resurrection power right now.  Whether it's in a relationship, a dream, or your faith.  

If today's episode has inspired you. I'd love to hear from you. Share how the resurrection has impacted your life and how you're seeking renewal in Christ.  You can reach me on social media   or send me a message through my website.  Let's continue this conversation and encourage each other in our walk with Jesus.  Thank you for tuning in to the Prodigal Daughter podcast.  If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.  Until next time live boldly in the hope and power of our resurrected savior.