9. Beholding the Resurrection of Christ ... In Eternity and Time (1 Peter 1:20-21; 2:4-10)
Every Sunday we gather to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. Sunday is the Lord’s Day because Jesus rose from the grave on the first day of the week. Instead of working six days to get one day of rest, as under the old covenant, the new covenant begins the week with resurrection and rest in Christ. The six days of our work week proceed from Christ’s finished work.
Still, on the Christian calendar, this Sunday is the day when we celebrate the culmination of Holy Week. Friday remembers the death of Christ, and tonight we will gather at 7:00pm to celebrate Good Friday. Saturday remembers Christ’s burial and the sense of loss that stood between the cross and resurrection. And finally, Sunday celebrates the cosmos-shattering, justification-granting resurrection—what is often called Easter.
This Sunday we will gather outside to proclaim out loud and in public that Jesus is Alive. He has risen from the dead. He is risen indeed. And he is worthy of our gathered worship.
If you remember, last Easter we did not gather. Still assessing the situation of COVID-19 we sheltered at home and celebrated independently. But this year, as COVID and fear of COVID continue to rise and fall around us, we will gather on Sunday to celebrate the only vaccine for death—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Outside, at 10:00am, we will sing songs, read Scripture, pray, celebrate three baptisms, hear Scripture preached, take communion, and sing more songs. Truly, we have a wonderful God who deserves everlasting worship. And Sunday we will gather to proclaim this together.
In preparation, please pray for our service and those friends, family, and guests who have been invited. Take time to read the events of Holy Week—Mark 11–16 is a good place to begin. And on Sunday, come early and bring your camping chairs.
We expect a good number of visitors, so if you can arrive in one car (instead of three), please do so. Additionally, there will be some parking down Springwoods, so consider dropping off family and then parking to leave space for others in our parking lot. Last thing: sunglasses, warm clothes, a bottle of water, and allergy medicine might all be helpful for you as we return to service outdoors. (FYI: After Easter, we will continue inside until the month of May).
For this Sunday, I am super excited to rejoin you outside. May God be pleased to give us great weather that matches the great and gracious gospel of Jesus Christ. For indeed, his gospel is great and on Sunday we will extol the greatness of his grace and truth. I hope to see you then.
For His Glory and your joy,
Pastor David
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Discussion & Response Questions
1 Peter and the Resurrection of Christ
1. What does 1 Peter teach us about the resurrection (see 1:3–5, 23–25; 2:6–8; 3:21–22)?
2. Does Peter speak directly about the resurrection or does he include the resurrection into other discussions? If the latter, what does that teach us about the resurrection and its place in our lives and conversations?
3. How did God bring about the cross of Christ? What do you learn about God by considering the resurrection in eternity and time?
4. What are ways the resurrection changed the world (think cosmic powers and redemptive history)? Why is it important to understand the cross and resurrection in the story of the world before making a personal application?
5. What are ways the resurrection changed your life? What is most encouraging to you as you think about Christ’s resurrection?
6. If the resurrection did not occur, would it still be worth living the Christian life? Why or why not?
7. How does suffering and persecution increase our appreciation for the resurrection? Why is the resurrection necessary for obedience—especially in the face of opposition?
8. What other truths in 1 Peter 1–2 have encouraged you recently?