Dead or Alive: A Journey of Faith
March 16, 2025
Introduction
In a powerful sermon titled "Dead or Alive!", the congregation was invited to explore the depths of faith, redemption, and the transformative power of God's promises. The sermon took us through a journey from the Old Testament stories to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the shift from death to life and the eternal promises of God.
Old Testament Foundations
The sermon began with a reflection on the story of Adam and the fall of man, highlighting the introduction of sin and death into the world. This set the stage for God's redemptive plan, which started with His promise to Eve that her seed would crush the head of Satan. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The speaker recounted the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, focusing on the miraculous night of the Passover when God healed every Israelite as they prepared to leave bondage. This story is grounded in **Psalm 105:37**, which testifies to their miraculous healing and prosperity.
Promises of Healing and Abundance
The sermon delved into the promises God made to the Israelites, particularly emphasizing His role as a healer, as seen in **Exodus 15:26**: "I am the Lord that heals you." This promise was not merely about healing after sickness but preventing sickness altogether. The message was clear: God's covenant with His people was one of health and abundance.
Further promises are found in **Exodus 23:25** and **Deuteronomy 7:13-15**, where God assures His people of blessings, health, and prosperity, conditional on their obedience. These Old Testament promises set the foundation for the superior promises of the New Covenant.
The New Covenant: A Better Promise
The sermon highlighted the superiority of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, described in **Hebrews 8:6** as "a better covenant built on better promises." This covenant, unlike the old one, is not based on human works but on the finished work of Christ.
A significant part of the message was the spiritual transformation that occurs when believers are "disconnected" from the old Adamic nature and "connected" to life through Christ. This is powerfully illustrated in **2 Corinthians 5:17**, which declares that anyone in Christ is a new creation.
Living in the Fulness of Christ
The sermon concluded with a call to embrace the fullness of life in Christ, referencing **John 10:10**, which promises life in abundance. The message encouraged believers to see themselves as complete in Christ, as stated in **Colossians 2:9-10**.
The transformative nature of the New Covenant means believers are no longer bound by sin, sickness, or poverty. Instead, they are called to live in the abundance and blessings promised through Jesus' sacrifice.
Conclusion
In summary, the sermon "Dead or Alive!" was a powerful reminder of God's eternal promises and the transformative power of faith. By embracing the New Covenant through Jesus, believers are invited to live in the fullness of God's abundant life, free from the chains of the past and empowered to share His love and grace with the world.
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This message serves as a profound reminder of the power of faith and the incredible promises available to those who believe. As we reflect on these truths, may we be inspired to live boldly in the abundance of God's grace.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What is one small miracle or blessing you've experienced this week that you're grateful for?
1. Pastor Michael Mehring spoke about being "disconnected from death and connected to life" through Christ. How does this concept of spiritual transformation resonate with your personal faith journey?
2. Reflect on the story of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and their miraculous healing during the Passover. How does this story inspire your understanding of God's power and promises in your life today?
3. The sermon emphasized God's promise of a "disease prevention program" rather than just healing. How can this perspective change the way we pray for health and well-being in our lives and communities?
4. Discuss the notion of being "complete in Him" as mentioned in Colossians 2:9-10. What does it mean to you to be complete in Christ, and how does this influence your daily living?
5. Pastor Mehring highlighted the importance of being "plugged into life" and not "death." How can we actively choose to remain connected to the life Christ offers, and what practical steps can we take to ensure this connection remains strong?
6. Consider the sermon's call to be a "river of life" flowing out to others. In what ways can you or your small group extend God's love and grace to those around you this week?
7. The sermon mentioned the "telephone game" as a metaphor for how biblical truths can be distorted. How can we ensure that we are accurately understanding and sharing the truths of the Bible in our discussions and teachings?
Study Guide: Dead or Alive! 3/16/2025
Reading
Genesis 1-3
Exodus 12
Exodus 15:22-26
Psalm 105:37
Deuteronomy 7:13-15
Deuteronomy 28
John 10:10
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 5:12-21
1 Peter 2:24
Galatians 3:13-14
Colossians 2:9-10
Warm Up
Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from something important in your life. How did you find reconnection?
What is your current understanding of the concept of being spiritually "alive" in Christ?
Scripture Exploration
Read Genesis 1-3. How does the story of Adam and Eve set the stage for understanding sin and redemption?
Examine Exodus 15:22-26. What does this passage reveal about God's provision and healing?
How does Psalm 105:37 highlight the miraculous nature of God's deliverance?
Personal Reflection
In Romans 5:12-21, Paul contrasts Adam's sin with Christ's righteousness. What do these verses teach us about the impact of one person's actions on many?
Reflect on John 10:10. What does "life in its fullness" mean to you personally?
Consider 2 Corinthians 5:17. How does being a "new creation" influence your identity?
Personal Application
How can you apply the principle of choosing life over death in your daily decisions?
Identify one area in your life where you need to experience God's healing. What steps can you take to invite His healing into that area?
Consider the impact of your spiritual "aliveness" on your community. How can you share this life with others?
Develop a personal action plan to embrace the fullness of life promised in John 10:10. What specific changes will you make this week?
Use this guide as a tool to delve deeper into the sermon's themes and to apply its lessons to your life. Reflect on the questions, engage with the scriptures, and let the Holy Spirit guide your understanding and actions.
