Are We There Yet
SUMMARY
This sermon explores the concept of eternal life as something that begins now, not just after death. Pastor Raigan challenges the common understanding of salvation as merely a transaction to secure our future destination in heaven, instead presenting eternal life as knowing God personally and intimately in the present moment. Using the metaphor of spiritual awakening from a coma, the message emphasizes that resurrection is not just about Jesus rising from the dead, but about us being awakened to a new quality of life with God right here and now. The central theme is moving from asking "are we there yet?" to asking "are we awake?" - awake to grace, purpose, and Christ's presence in our everyday lives.
INTRO PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be awake and attentive to Your voice, not just as hearers but as doers of Your Word. We pray that You would stir something deep within each of us, that holy restlessness that calls us to seek more of You. May we be open to the ways You want to transform our understanding of eternal life and help us to truly know You, not just know about You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
ICE BREAKER
What's one thing you remember being really impatient for as a child - maybe a birthday, Christmas, vacation, or special event? How did that waiting feel?
KEY VERSES
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Ephesians 5:14
John 17:3
Philippians 3:10
QUESTIONS
Pastor Raigan mentioned that we all have a sense of 'holy restlessness' or feeling like 'there's got to be more.' Have you ever experienced this feeling? When and how?
How would you describe the difference between knowing about someone versus truly knowing them personally? How does this apply to our relationship with God?
The sermon suggests that many Christians live as if 'nothing has changed' after the resurrection. What do you think this looks like in practical, everyday life?
Dallas Willard said 'eternity is now in session.' What do you think it means to live with this awareness in your daily routine?
Pastor Raigan contrasted salvation as a transaction versus salvation as transformation. How has your understanding of salvation evolved over time?
In the story of the children at the beach, they would stop building and look out at the vast ocean. What are some 'ocean moments' in your life where you've sensed something bigger than your immediate circumstances?
The sermon asks us to stop asking 'are we there yet?' and start asking 'are we awake?' What would it look like for you to be more 'awake' to God's presence in your life?
How can we cultivate a deeper, more personal knowledge of God rather than just accumulating information about Him?
LIFE APPLICATIONS
This week, practice 'waking up' to God's presence in your everyday moments. Choose one routine activity (like your morning coffee, commute, or evening walk) and use it as a time to consciously acknowledge God's presence with you. Instead of rushing through your day asking 'are we there yet?', pause and ask 'am I awake to what God is doing right here, right now?' Keep a simple journal of these moments and notice how this awareness begins to change your perspective on ordinary life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Eternal life is qualitative, not just quantitative - it's about the kind of life we live now, not just duration after death
Salvation is more than a transaction for future security; it's about transformation and knowing God personally
The holy restlessness we feel is God's fingerprint on our souls, calling us to something more
We can believe in resurrection but still live as if nothing has changed - we need to wake up to the new life available now
The question isn't 'are we there yet?' but 'are we awake?' - awake to grace, purpose, and Christ's presence in our daily lives
ENDING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that eternal life isn't just a future promise but a present reality. Help us to wake up each day to Your presence, Your grace, and Your purpose for our lives. We don't want to sleepwalk through life waiting for someday - we want to be fully alive and awake to You right now. Transform our understanding from mere knowledge about You to intimate knowledge of You. May we live each day knowing that eternity is indeed in session, and You are inviting us to participate fully in the abundant life You offer. Help us to be people who are truly awake to Your love, Your calling, and Your kingdom work in and through us. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.
