FEBRUARY 23rd Sermon
Sermon recap
On February 23rd, 2025, Pastor Gustafson delivered a powerful sermon that invited us to reflect deeply on our spiritual journey and the choices we make each day. Grounded in the profound truth that "in Christ shall all be made alive," Pastor Gustafson challenged us to examine whether we are "dying with Adam or living with Christ." Below, you'll find a brief overview of the key messages from this inspiring sermon:
Dying with Adam or Living with Christ: Pastor Gustafson emphasized the choice we face every day in our spiritual lives. Are we aligning ourselves with the sin and death brought by Adam, or are we embracing the life and resurrection offered by Christ?
The Power of Resurrection: The sermon highlighted the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, not just as a future promise but as a present reality that influences how we live today. The resurrection is not merely an event but a foundation for living a life of faith and action.
God's Plans and Promises: Our capital campaign, "God's Plans, God's Promises," was linked to the sermon's theme, reminding us that living with Christ involves trusting in His plans and promises for our lives, just as Joseph, Paul, and even a courageous young boy named James Jeddah did in their trials.
As we move forward into the week, let's consider how we can live more fully with Christ, embracing His resurrection power in our daily lives. Whether through acts of kindness, standing firm in our faith, or supporting our community's initiatives, we are called to reflect Christ's love and hope in all we do. We're blessed to have you in our community, and we hope to see you at our next gathering.
Dying with Adam or Living with Christ: Pastor Gustafson emphasized the choice we face every day in our spiritual lives. Are we aligning ourselves with the sin and death brought by Adam, or are we embracing the life and resurrection offered by Christ?
The Power of Resurrection: The sermon highlighted the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, not just as a future promise but as a present reality that influences how we live today. The resurrection is not merely an event but a foundation for living a life of faith and action.
God's Plans and Promises: Our capital campaign, "God's Plans, God's Promises," was linked to the sermon's theme, reminding us that living with Christ involves trusting in His plans and promises for our lives, just as Joseph, Paul, and even a courageous young boy named James Jeddah did in their trials.
As we move forward into the week, let's consider how we can live more fully with Christ, embracing His resurrection power in our daily lives. Whether through acts of kindness, standing firm in our faith, or supporting our community's initiatives, we are called to reflect Christ's love and hope in all we do. We're blessed to have you in our community, and we hope to see you at our next gathering.
discussion questions
- Pastor Gustafson speaks about the concept of "dying with Adam" versus "living with Christ." What does this mean to you personally, and how can this perspective influence your daily decisions and actions?
- The sermon highlights the story of James Jeddah and his unwavering faith in the face of persecution. How does his story inspire you to stand firm in your faith? Can you think of a time when your faith was tested, and how did you respond?
- Reflect on the analogy of planting versus burying as it relates to the resurrection. How does this change your understanding of life and death as a believer? How can this perspective bring comfort during times of loss?
- Pastor Gustafson mentions the "first fruits" in relation to Jesus' resurrection. How does the idea of Christ as the "first fruits" of those who have fallen asleep impact your view of the resurrection and eternal life?
- The sermon discusses God's plans and promises. How do you perceive God's plans in your life, and what promises of God do you hold onto during challenging times?
- How can the themes of this sermon encourage us to live more intentionally as a community of believers? What are some practical ways we can support each other in "living with Christ"?
- Consider the call to "live with Christ" today rather than waiting for the resurrection. What are some specific steps you can take this week to embody this call in your interactions with others and your personal spiritual growth?