Risen with Christ Jesus – Colossians 3:1-4

The sermon opens with the story of billionaire William Hearst, who forbade anyone from mentioning death in his estate, illustrating that no one can escape death no matter how hard they try. From this, the pastor presents the central question: the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical fact to be believed but an experience with the power to transform lives. If Jesus did not truly rise from the dead, Christianity would be no different from other religions — merely a religion worshipping a dead founder.

The first major section focuses on the story of Mary Magdalene in John 20:1-18 as a picture of someone who witnessed the resurrection through the eyes of love. Once possessed by seven demons, she was delivered and healed by Jesus, and this life-changing experience produced a deep love that kept her weeping at the tomb after the apostles had gone home. The pastor emphasizes that Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ and the first to proclaim the resurrection, despite being a woman despised by society — demonstrating that no one is a second-class citizen in God's eyes.

The second section examines the resurrection through the experience of the apostle Paul, who came to faith on the road to Damascus while actively persecuting believers. The pastor notes that even after seeing Christ appear to him, Paul did not believe until his physical eyes were blinded and his spiritual eyes were opened. The story of an Orthodox priest in Kiev who stood before a Communist anti-God rally and proclaimed 'He is risen!' — met with a thunderous response from the crowd — illustrates that those who have truly risen with Christ will display extraordinary courage in the face of danger.

The sermon concludes by applying Colossians 3:1-4 to practical life. The pastor uses the illustration of a jar filled with large rocks, pebbles, sand, and water to show that many people fill their lives with material things first, leaving no room for eternal priorities. The story of a tomb in Italy where a massive stone placed to prevent resurrection was split open by the roots of an oak tree serves as a powerful image: the power of Christ's resurrection can break through every obstacle in the lives of those who believe in Him, calling the congregation to receive Christ and allow the power of the resurrection to transform their priorities, hopes, and dreams.