The hope and joy of Christ’s finished work, resurrection, and promised return
Abundant Life Family Worship Center • Pastor Jason Tilley
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 • 1 Peter 1:3–4 • John 14:1–3
| BIG IDEA Because Jesus paid our sin debt in full, rose victoriously, and promised to receive His people to Himself, believers can live with settled hope and lasting joy—and every person can receive that hope by faith. |
Opening Picture: Communion helps us remember the greatest victory the world has ever known. We look backward to the cross, upward to our risen Savior, and forward to His return.
Key Text
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV)
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
1. The Cross Tells Us: The Debt Has Been Paid
John 19:30 (ESV)
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
- Jesus carried our guilt, shame, rebellion, and punishment at Calvary.
- His sacrifice completed the work of redemption.
- Grace gives forgiveness as a gift received through faith.
- Christ answers every guilty heart with this settled word: “I have.”
Fill in: At the cross, Jesus declares: __________________________________________ __________________________________________
Question: Where do I need to rest in Christ’s finished work today?
Apply: Remember Christ’s completed sacrifice and thank Him for full forgiveness.
2. The Resurrection Tells Us: Hope Is Alive
1 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV)
“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
- Our hope lives because our Savior lives.
- Jesus gives courage in diagnosis, grief, pressure, loneliness, regret, and weariness.
- The resurrection gives every Friday burden a coming Sunday.
- Believers grieve with hope because death receives no final victory over Christ.
Fill in: Because Jesus rose, my hope is __________________________________________ __________________________________________
Question: Which Friday burden needs the comfort and power of the risen Christ?
Apply: Bring that burden to Jesus in prayer and thank Him for living hope.
3. Jesus’ Promise Tells Us: Home Is Ahead
John 14:2–3 (ESV)
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
- Jesus prepares a place and promises to receive His people to Himself.
- Heaven centers on being with Jesus forever.
- Citizenship in heaven gives courage for faithful living today.
- Jesus offers this hope as a gift received by faith in His finished work.
Fill in: Our greatest hope is _________________________________________________ __________________________________________
Question: How does Jesus’ promised return shape the way I live this week?
Apply: Live today with grateful courage because Jesus is bringing His people home.
Closing Response
| This week I will trust Jesus with: __________________________________________ My prayer: ________________________________________________________________ |
Two Invitations
- Believer response: Remember the cross, rejoice in the resurrection, and live with confidence in Jesus’ return.
Gospel invitation: Trust Jesus Christ by faith. He died for sin, rose in victory, and freely gives eternal life to everyone who believes
Keep walking with the Word
Carry this message into the week.
Reflect on the message, discuss it with your family or group, and bring your questions into life together with the church.