Easter at North Ridge
Dean Pollard
April 20, 2025

Message Notes

“If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, we never would have heard of him.” —Fleming Rutledge

THE

: YOU DON’T

THE

: JESUS

THE

: POWER TO CHANGE

My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection… —Philippians 3:10a

My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. —Philippians 1:20

1)

YOUR SIN (Past, Present, Future)

And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. —Colossians 2:13-14

“God didn’t come to rub them in, but to rub them out.” —Brian Bloye

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. —John 3:17

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, —Romans 8:1

2) GIVE YOU A NEW

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, —John 1:12

He has also put his seal on us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. —2 Corinthians 1:22

3)

YOU TO LIVE EACH DAY

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you. —Romans 8:11

Study Guide for Further Reflection

DISCUSS
Why do you think the resurrection of Jesus is so central to the belief of billions of Christians today?

Context
Dean mentions that the resurrection is the reason Jesus is still remembered and that it gives power to believers.

Application
How can understanding the significance of the resurrection change the way you view challenges in your life?

DISCUSS
What are some ways you can experience the power of Jesus in your daily life, based on what Pastor Dean shared?

Context
Pastor Dean emphasizes that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to help us live our lives.

Application
Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on this power?

DISCUSS
How does the idea that you have a new identity in Christ change your perspective on personal challenges or failures?

Context
Dean explains that accepting Jesus gives you a new identity and highlights scriptures like John 1:12.

Application
What are some labels you might need to let go of to fully embrace your identity as a child of God?