Rising Above Circumstances -- And a Conversation with TrueFace CEO Robby Angle (EP 38)
Rising Above Circumstances: Knowing the Power of the Resurrection
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There are many benefits of knowing Christ. One of them is knowing the power of his resurrection. This is key for rising above circumstances—like the ones you might be going through right now.
Paul was yearning for it. “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection.” (Philippians 3:10 NIV)
What does it mean to know the power of the resurrection?
The New Living Translation puts in this way: “Experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.”
Knowing the power of the resurrection is experiencing the power that raised Jesus from the dead.
It’s easy to view this power as physical or spiritual strength. If so, we’ve missed the most important effect of the resurrection: freedom from the penalty of sin, thus eternal life! When Jesus rose from the dead, he proved he was God on the cross that day, crushing Satan for good. The power of the resurrection is the key our justification and regeneration. Our salvation is tied to it.
Paul experienced the power of the resurrection, just as you and I do. But it’s such a deep concept. The more we think about it, the more mind-boggling it is. You can spend the rest of your life marveling over this truth.
You’ve been raised from the death sentence of sin, given new life in the Spirit and will be raised from the grave as Christ was, into the full presence of God’s glory. Multiply that by the billions of people throughout history who know Christ and that, my friend, is power!
The more you know Christ and the power of his resurrection, the more you’ll affirm Paul’s statement, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1 NIV)
As your mind is set on things above, you’ll experience the joy of eternal hope. You’ll rise above circumstances, knowing that your God is over all, greater than anything thrown at you in this world. Whether it’s a terrible health ordeal, blown-up marriage or financial disaster, you’ll look to the risen Jesus. He is there to carry you through.
The person who knows Jesus will turn to him. However, if we’re not already engaged in our relationship with Jesus, experiencing him daily, we won’t turn to him. We turn inward instead of upward.
Practice turning to Christ in the small challenges. Exercise your relationship with Jesus. You’ll be encouraged as you see him work in your life. Your faith will be built. Your courage will be strengthened. Peace will flow. Joy will return. You’ll build a habit of trusting him.
The power of the resurrection is the apex of God’s might. This infinite power crushed Satan, vaporized the penalty of sin, delivers hope to all believers and will, in the end, transport us from earth to heaven.
- The power of the resurrection defeats the power of stress. Look to the risen Jesus.
- The power of the resurrection overcomes the sorrow of losing a loved one. Look to the risen Jesus.
- The power of the resurrection rules over the fear of cancer. Look to the risen Jesus.
- The power of the resurrection conquers the bondage of performance Christianity. Look to the risen Jesus.
This is freedom. And it is exactly what we receive when we experience the power of the resurrection. It is freedom from sin and freedom to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
You can rise above circumstances with the power of Christ’s resurrection. You can experience it as Paul did. He was beaten, battered and bruised throughout his missionary career, but knew the power of the resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit. His hope of eternal life with his Savior kept him going strong.
He set his heart on things above. As a result, he was able to say, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV)
I believe his secret was tied to his lifelong goal to know (experience) the power of the resurrection. And that came from knowing (experiencing) Christ.
That’s our mandate today.
Your Story
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the ultimate demonstration of God’s power. First and foremost, it put us in right standing with God. The penalty of sin was wiped out for all who repent and receive the gift of eternal life only found in Christ.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV)
- Where do you need to experience the power of the resurrection in your life today? With a relationship challenge? In your finances? Marriage? Parenting? Health? Work issue?
- Write down the details and begin trusting God for these things. In the days ahead, record how God shows up for you, especially how he changes your heart towards him.
Now that you have your homework, let’s shift gears. And yes, I do want to know what God showed you in the quiz I just gave you. I really do. Email me at [email protected].
OK, it’s time for our special guest interview. He and I had fun talking. It seems like that happens a lot on this podcast. I met him through my guest on episode 30, Bruce McNicol.
Guest segment: Robby Angle
This guest was the ultimate performer for Christ, and boy did God call him out on that. He and I share many of the same qualities. And he tells us his story of the escape from the bondage of performance Christianity. Robby Angle is the President and CEO of Trueface. He lives in Georgia with his wife Emily and their eight children. Prior to serving at Trueface, Robby served for seven years as the Director of Adult Ministry Environments and Men’s Groups for North Point Community Church in Atlanta, a church founded by Andy Stanley. Before joining North Point, Robby and Emily worked in professional counseling and aid work for Samaritan’s Purse. They served in Pakistan and Myanmar, overseeing international disaster response teams. They both received a Masters in Community Counseling, while Robby also holds a business degree from the University of Florida and a Certificate in Biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary.
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