In Ephesians 2 Paul talks about living like dead people. In other words, people are just existing but not living life to the fullest.
Pastor Troy Murphy addressed this issue in his Easter message and called us to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. Here are key points from Troy’s message:
*Is your life simply about what is coming next, in which you are always looking forward to something else because you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the present circumstances? That is what Paul terms “just existing” or living like dead people.
*Some people try to find happiness in their circumstances. Others look to religion. Either one is a dead end — Jesus spoke to religious leaders and warned them that in their religious practices they were more concerned about how they looked on the outside as opposed to the condition of their hearts.
*Jesus didn’t die so we could have religion. He died so we would have a relationship with God.
*The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It brings hope. In the midst of our sin God says, “I love you.” He loves the world and everyone in it, despite the mess. He offers a chance for everyone to be restored through Jesus.
*If Jesus didn’t rise from the grave and conquer the power of sin and death, then our faith is useless. If Jesus was simply a great teacher, then we remain stuck in our sins.
*Jesus’ resurrection restores our lifeless souls. We must recognize that we are dead in our sins and need to be rescued. We must surrender to Jesus.
*We don’t give our life to religion, which is the pursuit of trying to please God through our efforts. We give our lives to Jesus to establish a relationship with God.
*Jesus rose from the dead so we could start living. He came not so we could have religion but a life-giving relationship (Ephesians 2: 4-6).
*Jesus offers eternal life, but also new life right now. What does that look like? (2 Corinthians 5:17).
-It’s no longer doing religious things to try to please God; it’s realizing God loves you no matter what you’ve done.
-It’s having a desire to pursue God with passion.
-It’s seeing the world from a different lens — not viewing the world as an evil place deserving hell but as broken and in need of God’s redemption.
-It’s allowing God to change your heart so you can love others unconditionally.
*Jesus walked out of the grave and so can you when choosing to follow him. It’s pursuing a relationship with Jesus, not engaging in empty religious practices.
