Points of Meditation & Reflection
Sermon Title & Text “Applying Belief” Mark 16:9-10 ESV
Message in a Sentence: If I can grasp the Resurrection of Christ as truth, than I can grasp the power of Christ at work in and through my life.
1. At this point in Mark’s account everything promised and expected of or from the Messiah had occurred. The only thing left to happen is to believe it.
2. Mary Magdalene, was the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection. As the angel had instructed, she went and told the disciples, but they did not believe her.
3. Passages like 1 Cor. 1:18, which states that the cross is power to those that believe, help explain the, position and benefits granted because of the resurrection of Christ. However, our belief has to be applied to our lives
4. Why didn’t/don’t the disciples believe Christ was alive:
a. No frame of reference
b. Not Normal
c. Beyond what people do
5. “I must apply Scripture to my heart to see it’s power at work in my life!”
a. Bible Spoke it: Promised
b. Christ taught it: Aligned
c. Christ can do it: Fulfilled
6. What does it mean to BELIEVE? Belief isn’t agreement or acknowledgment. Belief is a continual alignment with truth that leads to
a. Confession
b. Submission
c. Alignment
To continue to develop your relationship with Christ, spend time every day this week praying and meditating on this passage and it’s truths [EveryDay Jesus - below].
Edward
Everyday Jesus: Mark 16:9-10
· Monday: Read Mark 16:9-10 and then Eph 1:15-23. As you read the Ephesians 1 passage, underline or highlight each action word. Use those words, like “give me the Spirit of wisdom” or “that I may know”, to be your own personal prayer.
· Tuesday: Read Mark 16:9-10 Although Christ taught of His resurrection and told the disciples to meet Him in Galilee after the resurrection, they still did not believe He arose from the dead. They struggled with the difference between their expectation and His promise. Today, read 1 Cor 1:18 ask God to give you strength to continually align with the promise of Scripture to believers.
· Wednesday: Read Mark 16:9-10. Many people have a measure of belief (faith) about Christ, yet their belief is co-mingled with unbelief. Today, go back and re-read Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23
· Thursday: Read Ephesians 2:13 which reminds us that the blood of Christ has taken us from a stranger to within the family of God. As a child of God, thank God for how He is changing your life and deepening your belief (faith).
· Friday: Read Ephesians 4:17-24 An abiding belief in Christ leads in a lifestyle of Confession, Submission and Alignment. As you read this passage, begin to confess your belief in who Christ is in your life. Submit to living completely for Him and aligning your life with His. This is a continual position and prayer for BELIEVER’s.
· Saturday: Read Mark 16:11-12 and Luke 24:13 and begin to pray that the Lord would fill your heart with His truth as you prepare your heart to hear from Him.