Well, good morning, my friends, and welcome to the Heritage Hour. I’m Mark Gonzales, your pastoral encourager here in Southwest Florida. And you know, I’m so delighted to be with you on air, online, and in media ministry for over 35 years now, so thank you for sitting with me at the feet of the Lord to listen for his heart to touch our hearts. Well, today I feel like we’re saying goodbye to an old friend because we’ve been in a series, a 10-week series that I’ve been calling Passion Week Portraits of God.

And we started it back in Easter month, back in April, and we took a journey of seeing all the different portraits that emerged on Palm Sunday, what we call now Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry. And then all the things that happened during the week on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and a ton of things on Thursday, of course, Good Friday, and then on Sabbath, Saturday. And now we’re finishing it up. We started last week on Easter Sunday.

We saw a portrait of the Lord as our risen savior and talked about the personal application that that uh unfolds that unfolds there that we get to draw into and uh we get to live out and we looked at it through the eyes and the hearts of the tomb side women after the resurrection the upper room disciples and then the Emmaus road walkers. Today, and as I mentioned it last week, now we’re going to look at the epic, the huge, the transcendent dimension. It was the personal dimension last time. We’re going to look at the epic and eternal dimension of his work on the cross as we look at the Lord in this particular portrait that after last week talking about him as our risen Savior, today let’s see this portrait unfold as our resurrection power.

He is our resurrection power. And again, it’s the epic and eternal dimension of it. I’m going to have four other portraits as sub points. And today it’s going to be a little different.

I’m going to let the scripture do most of the talking because there are some epic portions of scripture. And we’ve been leaning into John quite a bit, but today we’re going to let Matthew speak. We’re going to let Luke speak. We’re going to let Paul speak through his letters through Philippians and the Colossians and then Peter So we going to hear other voices and oh I telling you as I just took my personal journey in rereading those passages of Scripture, my goodness gracious, how the Lord’s resurrection power and the transcendent nature of the work of the cross just absolutely resounded as I read these passages and that’s why I just felt the Lord saying son let those passages be the dominant thing set them up give him the portrait tell him what to look for and just let the scripture speak for itself as we take a nice slow journey through his love letters about how he is our resurrection power.

So we’re going to be over in Matthew chapter 28 to begin with. And as you’re making your way there, my friend, just a quick reminder that all of these broadcasts, 27 minutes long, are on my website. They’re archived there at markpg.org. Markpg.org.

I call it Helping You Hear God. Very simple. Just click on the broadcast box. There’s a number of resources on that page, but click the box that says broadcasts.

On the next page, just click Portraits of God. That’s it. That’s all you’ve got to remember. And then it’ll give you a list of the most recent broadcasts, and you can get caught up.

If you’ve missed some things, you can listen to them again, or you can send them to others as well.

So that’s markpg.org, broadcasts, and many other tools to help you hear God. Well, as we get started, as is our custom, let’s just go before the Lord and ask Him to speak, shall we?

Because we really do want to hear God. Lord, I’m very excited about this last of 10 messages that we have just been taking very slowly just to see all these different portraits of who you are, what you’re like, a look at your ways. a lick at your heart.

And so today as we wrap this up, I pray you’ll help me do the best I can just to give us a vision of how you are indeed our risen Savior at a personal level that we can enjoy, but you also are our resurrection power at that transcendent level that’s a game changer in our entire lives and the way we approach life and growing in you.

So thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to take this journey together today. We pray this in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by his precious cleansing and healing transforming empowering and forgiving blood amen amen and amen all right my friends so uh just to set the table we talking about the portraits that I happen to see as I just take a stroll through God’s word about what happened on Easter Sunday in the various gospels and as I said last time we talked about him as our risen Savior and how he was our stunning hope and our personal peace and our roadway conversation as we do this thing called life.

But now let’s look at how he is our resurrection power. That’s the umbrella kind of portrait we’re looking at. Under it, I’ve got four more portraits. The first one is, watch for this as we go into Matthew chapter 28 verses 1 through 20.

We’re going to get to that very familiar passage we call the great commission why because this is where we see a wonderful portrait of the lord as our authoritative king he is our authoritative king watch for these themes as i read this passage how his authority was shared and the commission was bestowed and to put it in context we pick it up in verse one the bible says that after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. And suddenly there was a violent earthquake because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning and his robe was as white as snow.

And the guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. Can you just imagine that? I’m thinking I’m in their shoes. I do the same thing.

Verse 5.

But the angel told the women, Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been resurrected just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay, and then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has been raised from the dead. In fact, he is going ahead of you to Galilee and you will see him there.

Listen, I have told you.

And so departing quickly from the tomb with fear, I guess so, as we said a moment ago, and great joy, we get that because this angel is confirming all the things that Jesus had been telling them that they didn quite grasp at first but now it like whoa whoa this this is it this is it what holy moly and off they go verse nine uh or verse eight they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and they ran to tell his disciples the news and just then jesus met them he said good morning they came up took hold of his feet and worshiped him. And then Jesus told them, do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee and they will see me there. Well, let me just stop there for a moment.

You know, the gospels give us all kinds of details that another gospel doesn’t include.

So we’ve been talking about that leaning mostly into John and Mary Magdalene and clinging to him and Jesus called them by name, that personal level that we talked about. And here’s another dimension of it that apparently another Mary came along and they saw Jesus again or so. And then so they were worshiping him after he said, good morning. And he’s reassuring them, but he sends them, she said, they sends them to go and alert the disciples.

So Matthew gives us an abridged version of that part of the story, but then he adds something that the others didn’t look at this in verse 11. as they were on their way some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened and after the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan they gave the soldiers a large sum of money and told them say this his disciples came during the night and stole him while we were sleeping if this reaches the governor’s ears we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.

So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

Okay, let me just stop and talk about that just for a moment. Here’s the thing, beloved. Political intrigue has always been with us in religious circles and obviously in governmental circles, even church circle. politics is there and there is uh there’s conniving going on and there’s bribery that goes on and there are falsehoods that are created always has been that way always bill will be that way it’s in our own united states it’s all around the world i know we are living in a very politically charged culture right now even around the world it’s just chaotic but it’s not new it has always been created, we’re just seeing it more and more often and on a daily basis in real time, and it can be overwhelming. Well, I love that this section of what happened in that day when Jesus resurrected is included.

Because it is a reminder that this world is a mess. And the enemy is out to kill, steal, destroy, deceive, all kinds of stuff. Use whoever he can.

Now that’s the context that Matthew was setting up.

Because remember his theme is that his book is focusing on Jesus as the coming king.

Because he was writing to the Jews, right? so now we get to the great commission here it is it’s in this context having just talked about how crazy deceptive and manipulative this world system is he says in verse 16 after we see that the 11 disciples traveled to galilee to the mountain where jesus had directed them and when they saw him, they worshiped.

But some doubted. Got to stop there. I love that. It’s not squeaky clean.

Oh, there’s Jesus. Oh, recognize him. Everything he said is good. Oh, good.

We’re all good. He’s here. Yay. Others didn’t wait.

I don’t believe what I’m seeing. Well, guess what? Still that way today. Be patient with people.

It takes time for people to see the truth and some will never see the truth and some will bite into the lies and chew on the lies that others are creating for their own interests. That’s the way this world is. How can we be at peace in the midst of that? Well, he’s getting ready to tell us.

Verse 17, when they saw him, they worshiped and some doubted. Then Jesus came near and said to them, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age.

Whoa! Are you seeing this? He is our authoritative king who all authority has been given to him by the father.

Now he is bestowing that upon us and commissioning us and says, now you with my commissioning can go and speak in my name. Think when somebody knocks at your door and they’re in uniform and there’s a police or sheriff’s vehicle outside and they say, open up in the name of the law.

Now if they were going to a costume party and had faked the thing and they weren really ever authorized or commissioned to be officers then that just verbiage But the fact that they were given that commission they can indeed speak on behalf of all authority of our community or the federal government, depending on who’s commissioned them, right?

So this is what we’re talking about. Well, you have kingdom authority. If you know the Lord Jesus Christ, this is his resurrection power saying, I’m giving you authority to speak in my name, to make disciples. You’ve heard my gospel.

Share my gospel with authority that people can trust it, know it, follow it and become part of my kingdom that you are part of and that you have authority to speak in my name. It’s as if we’re ambassadors in a form of land. You know why?

Because we are ambassadors in a foreign land. Ambassadors are commissioned and authorized to speak in the name of their country whenever they go abroad. We are in a foreign land, this earth. We are citizens of heaven the moment we got saved. but he commissions us to speak his authority in his name on this occupied world and think in terms of occupied uh europe by the nazis they weren’t supposed to be in paris and all the other places but they were they were occupying forces dominating people and they had to be driven out we are given the authority to drive out the enemy drive out his power his usurped power get them out and that’s what D-Day was all about and and that led to V-Day victory day and the allied forces came in the the U.S. to be with the allied forces to drive out the enemy they were given authority to do that it was warfare and we’re in spiritual warfare but you’ve been given authority by the king because he is our authoritative king and we are his ambassadors to speak his gospel, speak his truths, and speak it with confidence and assurance and authority that others can come and be part of this kingdom as well.

Wow. That’s what witnessing is. That’s what evangelism is. That’s what the gospel is, my friend.

Is that just amazing or what? When you share Jesus Christ and his gospels, you are sharing in resurrection power because He is a resurrection power. He is our authoritative king. And he is our promised power And that the next portrait I want to highlight And let go over and let Luke speak to this one Watch for this theme of how He the Lord is our promised power As we pick it up in Luke chapter 24, verse 36, as he finishes up his gospel, talking about the resurrected Savior and our resurrection power. and he does it this way beginning in verse 36.

So he’s making appearances in his post-resurrection appearances and here’s where the story picks up in verse 36. As they were saying these things, he himself stood among them and said, Peace to you.

But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. Why are you troubled? He asked them. Why do doubts arise in your hearts? look at my hands and my feet and it is I myself touch me see because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see that I have by the way instead of flesh and blood now it’s resurrection bodies more flesh and bones that’s interesting but that’s the topic for another day verse 40 having said this he showed them his hands and feet but while they could not believe because of their joy and were amazed.

He asked them, do you have anything here to eat?

So they gave him a piece of broiled fish and he took of it and ate in their presence. That shows us that resurrection bodies aren’t just, you know, ghosty kind of things. Hey, it’s flesh, it’s bones, got to be blood, I’m guessing. And again, that’s another topic for another day, but he’s eating.

Intriguing.

Now verse 44, and he told them, these are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. By the way, I just love that. You know, we can read the scriptures and not really get it unless we ask the Lord to open up our hearts and minds to receive the depths of insight that he has there.

Don’t treat it like the tax code or a due list. The Bible is his love letters. They’re his love letters to us. Far deeper than those things.

Far deeper than this rules of conduct. No, it’s to let us see the heart and the ways of God. That’s why I talk about his portraits all the time. He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

That’s why he says the scriptures point to me. And scriptures are not life. They point to me.

Now verse 46. He said to them This is what is written The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what my father promised and ask for you stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.

And of course, the day of Pentecost would be coming up. And then verse 50, Then he led them out as far as Bethany, lifting up his hands, and he blessed them. And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried into heaven. And after worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple complex, blessing God.

I love how Luke wraps up his gospel with this whole theme of how the Lord, our resurrection power and authoritative king is also our promised power. He made these promises. The power was coming. Waiting was required.

Is that just cool or what? And of course, we know being familiar with our Bibles, when we get to Acts, that the day of Pentecost did come and all power did come upon them. And boy, that’s a whole epic story that unfolds there as well.

But he is our promised power, my friends. And he delivered. Just as he said he would. Well, not only is he our authoritative king and promised power, but now let’s let Paul speak to us.

Let’s go over to Philippians chapter 1. And I’m going to pick it up in chapter 1, verse 21, and go to 2.11 as Paul’s writing to the Philippians. This passage is so full of how the Lord’s resurrection power is there available to us. Look how Paul writes about it.

Again, beginning in Philippians. And we’re going to go in chapter 1, verses 22. And go right into the second chapter.

So, verse 21. For me, Paul is writing, living is Christ. And dying is gain. and now if I live on in the flesh this means fruitful work for me and I don’t know which one I should choose I mean I’m pressured by both I mean I have the desire to depart and be with Christ why because he’s a heavenly citizen now he’s one with Christ hey I just want to go be with him you know but on the other hand he’s saying which is far better but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your advancement and joy in the faith, so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Just one thing. Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Okay, I got to stop there. I love this. He is not only our authoritative king and promised power, but he’s our eternal presence. He’s our eternal presence. how he lives in us and he calls us to stay in the flesh in order to represent him as his ambassador, live out kingdom living on this earth and seamlessly go into heaven, still having a kingdom orientation.

And that’s what he’s saying here.

So eternal presence starting now, our union with him is completed. He loves us unconditionally. Watch these themes as I continue to read this passage. Whether I come and see you, this is verse 27, the second part.

Then whether I come to see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, working side by side for me in the faith of the gospel, not being afraid in any way by our opponents Isn that cool I love that And then he goes on in chapter 2 verse 1 He says If there any encouragement in Christ any consolation of love any fellowship of the Spirit any affection and mercy, see this unconditional love that’s unfolding? Fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do not do anything out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

And then he talks about his eternal nature as that passage unfolds. And we get it even more in Colossians chapter 1, if you want to flip over a page, where it tells us in verse 15 that he is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation because by him everything was created in heaven on earth the visible and invisible whether thrones or dominions or authorities all have been created through him and for him he’s before all things and by him all things hold together he’s the head of the church he the beginning the firstborn from the dead that he might have first place in everything And God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile everything to himself by making peace through blood, through the blood on the cross, whether things on earth or things on heaven. Is that phenomenal? And in doing so, he also becomes our transcendent provider as we wrap this up over in 1 Peter 2.

I want to pick it up, this classic portion of Scripture about how we are called to the sufferings of Christ. Verse 21, leaving you an example that you should follow in the steps. And he did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in him. And when reviled, he did not revile in return.

And when suffering, he did not threaten, but committed himself to the one who does this justly.

Now here we go. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree or the cross.

So that having died to sins, we might live for his righteousness. For by his wounding or stripes, you have been healed. You were like sheep going astray.

Now you returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls Hallelujah The transcendent provider Death was defeated The sin debt was paid We get ultimate healing not just physical healing. Don’t look at it that way. That’s just one of three. The most important is spiritual healing.

And then our soul gets healed progressively and ultimately will be with him forever and ever with a brand new body. It may be kind of struggling because it’s planned obsolescence. And Scripture says that, you know, though the inner man is decaying, the inner man is being renewed day by day.

But healing, the transcendent kind of healing he’s talking about is the spiritual life that impacts the soul, mind, will, and emotions and the body here.

But ultimately totally healed when we get to him. That is Jesus, our resurrection power, our authoritative king, our promised power, our eternal presence and our transcendent provider. oh Lord thank you for this epic view of your resurrection power in Jesus name Amen well I’m Mark Gonzales and I hope you’ll check out my website at markpg.org for more until next time fall in love with Jesus our resurrection power