Video Transition – song “I can only Imagine.”
Video trailer for the movie!
The rest of the story is about the song.
I watched this movie Monday night and remembered watching it in a movie theater and it is bringing tears to my eyes as I keep watching. The back story on this song is amazing. Bart the writer of the song, said “He wrote his song in about 10 minutes” Amy Grant called him on this and said but it took you a lifetime to write it Bart - this amazing song centers in on the moment when we crossover to the afterlife and meet Jesus face to face. The question proposed is what will we do in that pinnacle moment of time. This song was written and dedicated to Bart’s dad who had recently passed away. Without knowing the backdrop behind the song, you would have assumed that Bart had a great lifelong relationship with his dad. But that was not the case in his many drawings he pictures him as a monster.
I watched this movie on Monday, and the tears just started flowing through it again. When the movie first came out, I was estranged with my dad, and it had been that way for most of my life with him. I really hated my dad as a child and teenager. He was cruel, psychotic, violent, a green-eyed monster, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. He was a wife abuser and child abuser. I saw my dad get into so many fights with my mom, others, his mother and brothers, people at work and people on the street. Trust me, you could not have imagined how bad he really was.
The movie reveals to us How the Lord can take a monster like Barts dad filled with anger, bitterness, rage, demons and transform them into a person you could embrace, love and connect with. Bart and his dad mended their relationship by the intervening power of The Holy Spirit. Bart had left vowing never to return but in the struggle of trying to get a music contract he was led back home to his dad. It comes out Bart’s dad had prayed God would send him back home so he could make amends. Why because he had given his life to Jesus. He had also been diagnosed with terminal cancer. After spending a few months with his dad, Arthur died and Bart started to imagine what it would be like for his dad to meet Jesus in Heaven. He looked into his notebook of song ideas and ended up writing this song, “I can only imagine.”
“I can only imagine” is a movie revealing the story of Bart Millard who had the same kind of dad that I had. That’s why the movie affected me so much when I first viewed it. At the end of the movie the first time I had prayed God would do something similar with me and my dad – and can you imagine he did!
The story line is the Gospel – how Jesus transforms peoples lives. Bart saw it in his own dad and I saw Jesus transform my dad at the end of his life. When you see a life transformed, redeemed it speaks volumes of How Jesus can bring anything back from the dead any person or thing.
The song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe was written by Bart Millard, inspired by his father's transformation from an abusive person to a man of faith and by his father's death from cancer. Millard wrote the song after seeing his father's character change and after his death, reflecting on what it would be like to be in heaven and meet Jesus - God.
Here's a more detailed look at the backstory to the song:
• Abusive Father:
Millard's father was emotionally and physically abusive during much of his childhood.
• Father's Transformation: Salvation came through radio broadcast of a church were Bart sang.
Millard witnessed his father's transformation from a "monster" to a passionate believer in Jesus, especially during the years following a cancer diagnosis.
• Father's Death:
Millard's father passed away from cancer, and the song was inspired by Millard's reflections on what it would be like to meet God in heaven.
• Song's Meaning: The song's lyrics explore the idea of what it might be like to be in heaven, with the imagery of meeting God and experiencing His presence.
• The movie "I Can Only Imagine" tells the story: The film, based on Millard's life, details the abuse, the father's transformation, and the song's creation.
? Lyrics – listen to the Words Bart penned
I can only imagine
• What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah
o Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
o I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
o I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
o Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
o I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeah-yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
o I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine
Sermon – Risen
Thesis: The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead set Christianity apart from all other religions and opened the door for us to have a personal relationship with Jesus. This resurrection ushered in the church age, the age where you could have a personal relationship with Lord – no matter who you were.
Last week Dan covered Jesus Resurrection and reminded us why we need to be in connection with and why we need to invite him into lives.
Matthew 28:1-19
Romans 6:4: 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Illustration: Empty frame – What are imaging and asking God to resurrect this Easter – is it a person – a marriage – you – look at my empty frame – what do you want to see appear in this frame – to come alive in 2025!
T.S. - I want to highlight to you the story of the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead!
John 11
“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?””
??John? ?11?:?1?-?7?, ?17?-?26? ?NIV??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.11.1-26.NIV
Jesus went on to raise Lazarus from the dead. Now I would love to have seen this happen (In person) because as of right now we can only imagine it in our minds. Those around could not imagine that Jesus could still raise Lazarus!
Introduction:
We have been discovering from the Bible that God can take that which is dead and enable it with resurrection power to bring it back to life. This resurrection power is unleashed when we speak to that which is dead believing by faith that Jesus can make this happen. Ezekiel is told by God to prophecy life to the valley of dry bones he is in. so he does and bones come to life. In the Bible at certain God ordained events we are instructed to prophecy the word of God life into something God wants us to resurrect – Once we have done our part than God does his part. He then releases His Spirit – his breath of life into it and it comes to life. In the Bible we saw Jesus raise the dead, we saw Gods spirit resurrect Israel, and even other nations. We saw prophets raise the dead and the disciples raise the dead. We saw families resurrected.
Series – Come Alive in 2025
We can come back to life – with a breath from heaven – nothing is too dead for God to bring it back to life! The Bible says nothing is too lifeless for God! He is the Creator who took nothing and made it something and He can bring back to life anything! Can you catch the vision of this truth and reality of this happening in your life in 2025? Can you imagine seeing this happen? In your school or church?
Let’s all call on God to breathe life back into that which is dead and lifeless in our lives, our churches, and our schools, our nation, our families, our marriages, our jobs in 2025! Just like Jesus was raised from dead we too – if we are in tune with Holy Spirit can see things come back to life.
Main Scripture Text for Series: Ezekiel 37:1-14:
6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”
Four key lessons from Jesus' resurrection include the assurance of hope and eternal life, the triumph over death and suffering, and the confirmation of Jesus' divinity and authority. It also provides a powerful message of grace and forgiveness, demonstrating that God's power can overcome even the most profound human limitations.
I. Assurance of Hope and Eternal Life:
a. The resurrection offers a profound sense of hope and the promise of a future with Christ in heaven. It is a sign that death is not the end, but a transition to a new and eternal life, offering a lifeline during difficult times. Hope the anchor of the soul.
b. Peter is our example to see how God can bring back to life that which is dead because of our failures (for Peter it was denying Jesus 3x, and saying things to Jesus he should not have) and yet Jesus restored Peter. Jesus will do the same for you if you humble yourself – if you repent of your sins and seek a breakfast campfire experience with Him like Peter.
c. My last Sermon the Fisherman’s tale.
i. Peter reveals through his rollercoaster life of mountain top experiences with Jesus to the valleys of denial and rebuke from the Lord that there is hope beyond our failures and mistakes.
ii. Scripture: 1 Peter 1- A fisherman’s tale says – There is hope beyond failure, beyond hardships because we have a living hope! (I Peter 1:3)
iii. Praise to God for a Living Hope 1 Peter 1:3-9: 3 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.
II. Triumph over Death and Suffering:
a. Jesus' resurrection demonstrates the power of God to conquer even the most devastating force: death. This triumph not only offers hope for the future but also provides a powerful message that God's love and grace can transform suffering into a source of strength and purpose.
i. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:8
ii. That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:10-11
b. The resurrection of Jesus provides hope and victory over death and suffering by demonstrating God's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the devil. It offers a promise of eternal life and a new way of living, free from the bondage of sin. This hope can comfort and empower individuals to face adversity with faith and a renewed sense of purpose.
c. Here's a more detailed look at how the resurrection impacts our lives:
i. Triumph over death: Jesus' resurrection proves that death is not the final word, but a passage to eternal life.
ii. Hope in suffering: The resurrection reminds us that our suffering is temporary and that God's love and power are greater than any pain or loss we may face.
iii. New life and purpose: The resurrection calls us to live a life that reflects Christ's love and holiness, transforming our lives and giving us a new purpose.
iv. Victory over sin and evil: Jesus' resurrection signifies God's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil, assuring us that we too can share in this victory through faith.
v. Eternal hope: The resurrection gives us a living hope that assures us of an inheritance that cannot be destroyed, a hope that is alive because Jesus lives.
1. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. – Revelation 1:18
2. Saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’ – Revelation 5:12
III. Confirmation of Jesus' Divinity and Authority:
a. The resurrection is seen as a definitive sign that Jesus is not just a human being but the Son of God, who reigns over all creation. It validates his teachings and establishes him as the Messiah, the one who has overcome death and offers salvation.
i. Yes, the resurrection of Jesus is a key affirmation of his divinity within Christian theology. It's seen as the ultimate proof of his claims to be the Son of God, demonstrating power over death and fulfilling ancient prophecies.
1. Here's why:
2. Power over death: The resurrection is considered a miracle, demonstrating a power that only God possesses.
3. Fulfillment of prophecy: The resurrection is seen as fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah and the nature of God.
4. Confirmation of claims: Jesus made several claims about his divinity, including his ability to forgive sins and his identity as the Son of God. The resurrection is seen as confirming these claims.
5. Foundation of salvation: The resurrection is central to Christian theology, as it's believed to be the basis for believers' hope of eternal life and forgiveness of sins.
6. Witness of the apostles: The apostles' unwavering belief in the resurrection, despite persecution, is seen as evidence that the event was real and transformative.
7. Historical and factual evidence: The resurrection is supported by historical evidence, such as the empty tomb, the accounts of various witnesses, and the transformation of Jesus' followers.
8. Quote: “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.”
9. Quote: “The difference between knowing Christ and knowing the power of his resurrection,” says Keller, “is the difference between knowing a person and resembling a person . . . It is not about relationship but about supernatural character growth. When Paul says, “I want to know him,” it means, “I want to be with him,” but when he says, “I want to know the power of his resurrection,” it means, “I want to be just like him.” Look at the deadness in your life. Look at the anger. How is that going to be turned into forgiveness? Look at the insecurity. How is that going to be turned into confidence? Look at the self-centeredness. How is that going to be turned into compassion and generosity? How? The answer is that the dead stuff gets taken over by the Spirit of God . . . The minute you decide to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, the power of the Holy Spirit comes into your life. It’s the power of the resurrection—the same thing that raised Jesus from the dead.” J.I. Packer:
IV. Grace and Forgiveness:
a. Jesus' resurrection is a testament to God's grace and forgiveness. It demonstrates that God's love and power are available to all who believe, allowing them to be reconciled with God and experience a transformed life.
b. The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian theology, and it's considered a powerful demonstration of God's grace and forgiveness. The resurrection proves that Jesus' death was sufficient to atone for sins, and it validates the promise of eternal life through faith in Him. It signifies God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice and offers hope for reconciliation and forgiveness.
c. Here's a more detailed look at how the resurrection relates to grace and forgiveness:
i. Evidence of a Satisfactory Sacrifice: The resurrection is seen as a sign that God accepted Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as a complete payment for the sins of humanity. This acceptance validates the forgiveness offered through Christ.
ii. Hope for Reconciliation: The resurrection signifies that through faith in Jesus, individuals can have their relationship with God restored, and they can be forgiven for their past sins.
iii. Promise of Eternal Life: Jesus' resurrection is a key element of the gospel, as it offers the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him. It demonstrates that death is overcome and that believers can share in God's eternal victory.
iv. The Power of Forgiveness: The resurrection is not just about past sins; it also offers the possibility of ongoing forgiveness and renewal in the present.
v. A Foundation for Hope: The resurrection provides a firm foundation for hope in the face of death, suffering, and the consequences of sin. It assures believers that they can find strength and peace in God's grace.
vi. The Resurrection of Christ brings forth Forgiveness - Fr. Ron Rolheiser,
1. If there's no resurrection of Christ, there's no forgiveness of sins, there's no hope of heaven, there's no escape fro...
2. Resurrection: The Most Important Truth - Focus on the Family
a. Our sins are forgiven The Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23). And sin put a rift in our relationship with ...
b. The resurrection means the death of Jesus was enough—enough to atone for sin, enough to reconcile us to God, enough to present us holy in God's presence.
vii. Grace and mercy
1. In Christianity, Jesus is seen as the ultimate embodiment of God's grace and mercy. Grace is God's free, unmerited favor, while mercy is God's compassion and forgiveness when we deserve punishment for our sins. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, God offers humanity both grace and mercy, enabling forgiveness and a relationship with God.
a. Grace:
i. Unearned Favor: Grace is a gift that God gives us without us having to earn it.
ii. Opportunity for Salvation: It's the foundation for our salvation, allowing us to accept Jesus as our savior.
iii. Love and Blessing: Grace manifests as God's love, blessings, and strength offered to us.
iv. Example: God's provision of Jesus, who died for our sins, is a prime example of grace.
b. Mercy:
i. Compassionate Action:
1. Mercy is God's loving compassion and kindness, especially toward those who are suffering and deserving of punishment.
ii. Forbearance and Forgiveness:
1. It's the act of God withholding punishment when we deserve it and offering forgiveness.
iii. God's Wrath Not Resting on Us:
1. Mercy ensures that God's wrath is no longer upon us.
a. Example: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where he took the punishment for our sins, is a demonstration of mercy.
b. Jesus as the Bridge:
iv. Redemption: Jesus is the one through whom we receive God's grace and mercy, offering redemption.
v. Sacrifice: His death and resurrection provide the basis for both grace and mercy, allowing us to be reconciled with God.
vi. Means of Salvation:
1. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the gift of salvation by grace and the mercy of God's forgiveness.
2. In essence, Jesus is the embodiment of God's grace and mercy because he offers us a way to be forgiven and reconciled with God, something we could not achieve on our own.
2. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ –1 Corinthians 15:54-55
Conclusion:
Can you imagine the resurrection – what the disciples experienced? Let me make it personal – can you imagine our literally experience of the resurrection when we meet Jesus. Can you see it?
We need to Come Alive in 2025! It’s the breath of the Spirit of Heaven which takes something dead and hopeless and brings it back to life. It’s the breath of Heaven which gives people hope in the middle of struggles and pain. We need a fresh vision of the Lord Jesus in all His glory today to believe this! We need to understand that there is hope beyond our failures, hope beyond our brokenness, hope beyond our circumstances, yes even hope beyond our sins!
We are told in Scripture that the same power which rose Jesus from the dead lives in us:
Romans 6:10-11. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Yes, Today is Easter Sunay – The Day Jesus Rose from the dead! Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was crucified and rose three days later. The day that He rose is called Easter Sunday. In the Bible, there is a reference to Easter in Acts 12:4.
We need to Come Alive in 2025! It’s the breath of the Spirit of Heaven which takes something dead and hopeless and brings it back to life. It’s the breath of Heaven which gives people hope in the middle of struggles and the pain. We need a fresh vision of the Lord Jesus in all His glory today to believe this! We need to understand that there is hope beyond our failures, hope beyond our brokenness, hope beyond our circumstances, yes even hope beyond our sins!
Ashley comes up and Plays I can only Imagine!
