The Age of Resurrection 11.9.2025

Devotional

Day 1: Our Redeemer Lives—Hope in the Midst of Suffering

Even in the depths of loss and pain, we can hold fast to the unshakable hope that our Redeemer is alive. Job, stripped of everything he held dear, dared to proclaim faith in God’s enduring presence and the promise that he would one day see God with his own eyes. This hope does not erase suffering, but it gives us courage to trust that God’s love and justice will have the final word, even when all evidence seems to be absent. [37:44]

Job 19:23-27 (NIV)
“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

Reflection: When have you found hope in God’s presence even when your circumstances seemed hopeless? How might you proclaim, “I know that my Redeemer lives,” in your own struggles today?

Day 2: Resurrection—A New Reality, Not a Mere Continuation

Jesus teaches that resurrection is not simply a continuation of life as we know it, but a transformation into something wholly new. In the age of resurrection, we are God’s children, no longer bound by the limitations and brokenness of this world. This promise invites us to imagine a reality beyond fear, loss, and the temporary, where love is fulfilled and life is made new in God’s presence. [27:59]

Luke 20:34-38 (NIV)
“Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.’”

Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection as transformation—not just continuation—change the way you view your life and relationships today?

Day 3: Living as Children of the Resurrection

To be a resurrection people means to embody hope, mercy, and love in the world right now. Every act of forgiveness, justice, and compassion is a sign of God’s resurrection power breaking into our lives. We are called not to escape the world’s pain, but to engage it with the hope and light of Christ, making the world a better place by the way we live and love. [36:07]

Romans 6:4 (NIV)
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Reflection: What is one concrete way you can bring hope or healing to someone around you today, as a sign of resurrection life?

Day 4: Baptism—Stepping into God’s Story of Renewal

Baptism is both a promise and a calling: it proclaims that God’s grace claims us before we can ever respond, and it calls us to nurture one another in faith and love. Through water and the Spirit, we are joined to Christ’s death and resurrection, stepping into God’s ongoing story of renewal and new life. As a community, we commit to surround one another with love, forgiveness, and encouragement, so that all may grow as children of the resurrection. [46:07]

Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV)
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection: Who in your church or community could use encouragement or support in their faith journey? How can you help nurture them as a fellow child of God this week?

Day 5: Resurrection Power—Transforming the World with Love

The age of resurrection is already dawning, and we are called to live out its hope by transforming the world with Christ’s love. This means caring for the most vulnerable, seeking justice, and building beloved community where all are welcomed and valued. Our lives become a testimony that life and love win, and that God’s story of redemption includes everyone. [48:38]

Isaiah 58:10-12 (NIV)
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to help bring God’s love and justice to someone who is overlooked or hurting in your community?

Sermon Summary

Today we gathered to remember and celebrate the hope that is ours through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, recognizing that their service allows us to worship freely and live in peace. Yet, even as we honor those who have served and those we have lost, we are reminded that death is not the end of the story. The promise of resurrection, first voiced by Job in the midst of his suffering, assures us that our Redeemer lives and that new life awaits all who trust in God.

This hope is not reserved for a distant future but is a present reality. Jesus, when confronted by the Sadducees’ questions about resurrection, refused to be trapped by their limited vision. He revealed that resurrection is not a mere continuation of this life, but a transformation—a new way of being where love is fulfilled and relationships are transfigured. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, and in God, all are alive. This means that the power of resurrection is already at work among us, calling us to live as children of the resurrection, bringing light, hope, and love into the world’s darkness.

We see glimpses of resurrection whenever forgiveness triumphs over vengeance, when communities rebuild after tragedy, when the vulnerable are cared for, and when the church becomes a place of welcome for all, especially those who feel excluded or forgotten. The story of Job teaches us that hope can persist even in the deepest suffering, and that faith is often an act of defiance against despair. Because Christ is risen, death does not have the final word—God’s love and life are stronger than the grave.

Today, as we celebrated the baptism of Malaya, we proclaimed that the age of resurrection has already begun. Baptism is both a promise and a calling: God’s grace claims us before we can respond, and we are invited to live out resurrection by nurturing one another in faith, hope, and love. We are called to be a people who transform the world, not by escaping its pain, but by engaging it with the power of Christ’s love. As we go forth, may we be agents of hope, living signs of resurrection, and witnesses to the God who brings life out of death and calls all people into the story of redemption.

Key Takeaways

1. Resurrection is transformation, not continuation Resurrection is not about resuming life as we know it, but about being made fully alive in God. Jesus teaches that the age to come is not a repetition of this world’s patterns, but a new reality where love is fulfilled and relationships are transfigured. This invites us to imagine and live into a world beyond the limitations and chaos of the present age. [31:50]
2. Hope persists in suffering Job’s declaration, “I know that my Redeemer lives,” was spoken from the depths of loss and pain. True faith is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to hope even when evidence seems lacking. This hope is an act of defiance against despair, trusting that God’s justice and love will have the final word. [37:10]
3. Resurrection power is for the present The resurrection is not just a future promise but a present reality. Every act of mercy, forgiveness, and justice is a sign of God’s life breaking into the world. We are called to participate in God’s work now, bringing hope and new life wherever we go. [34:25]
4. Baptism calls us to live resurrection Baptism is both a sign of God’s grace and a call to action. We are claimed by God before we can respond, but we are also commissioned to nurture one another and embody resurrection in our daily lives. To be a resurrection people is to transform the world with love, hope, and courage. [46:54]
5. God’s love includes and transforms all The resurrection story is for everyone—those who serve, those who suffer, those who feel excluded, and those who are vulnerable. God’s love reaches beyond boundaries, and we are called to be a community that welcomes, protects, and uplifts every child of God. [42:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:34] - Opening Prayer
[12:56] - Reading from Job
[13:52] - Children’s Message: Veterans Day
[16:40] - Resurrection and New Life Explained
[18:52] - Living as Children of the Resurrection
[20:29] - Prayer for Veterans
[22:47] - Song and Gospel Reading
[27:38] - Jesus on Resurrection and Marriage
[31:50] - Resurrection: Transformation, Not Continuation
[34:25] - Resurrection Power in Daily Life
[36:43] - Job’s Hope Amid Suffering
[39:25] - Stories of Resurrection in Our World
[45:32] - Baptism: Entering the Age of Resurrection
[51:07] - Baptism of Malaya
[57:47] - Welcoming Malaya and Charge to the Church
[59:28] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[62:53] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[70:30] - Sent Forth as Resurrection People

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Job 19:23-27 (NIV) — > “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

Luke 20:34-38 (NIV) — > Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

Observation Questions

In Job 19, what is Job’s attitude toward God and his own suffering? What does he declare about his Redeemer? ([12:56])
According to Jesus in Luke 20, how is life in the resurrection different from life in this world? ([27:38])
The sermon described resurrection as “transformation, not continuation.” What examples did the pastor give to show what this transformation looks like? ([31:50])
What are some real-life situations mentioned in the sermon where resurrection power is seen in the present? ([41:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Job’s declaration, “I know that my Redeemer lives,” is so powerful given his circumstances? What does this say about hope in the midst of suffering? ([37:10])
Jesus says that in the resurrection, people “are like angels and are God’s children.” What does this suggest about our identity and relationships in the age to come? ([27:38])
The sermon says resurrection is not about escaping the world’s pain but engaging it with Christ’s love. How does this challenge common ideas about what it means to be a Christian? ([36:07])
Baptism was described as both a promise and a calling. What does it mean for the church to “nurture one another in faith, hope, and love” as resurrection people? ([46:54])

Application Questions

The sermon gave examples of resurrection power at work today—like forgiveness after tragedy, caring for the vulnerable, and welcoming those who feel excluded. Which of these examples stands out to you, and why? Is there a situation in your life or community where you could help bring resurrection hope? ([41:34])
Job’s hope was described as “an act of defiance against despair.” When have you had to hope in God even when things looked hopeless? What helped you hold on? ([37:10])
Jesus teaches that resurrection is a transformation, not just a continuation of this life. Are there areas in your life where you need God’s transforming power, rather than just a return to “how things were”? ([31:50])
The sermon said, “Every act of mercy, forgiveness, and justice is a sign of God’s life breaking into the world.” What is one specific act of mercy or forgiveness you could offer this week? ([34:25])
Baptism is both a gift and a calling. If you have been baptized, how does remembering your baptism shape the way you live? If you haven’t, what questions or hopes do you have about it? ([46:54])
The pastor said, “God’s love includes and transforms all.” Are there people or groups you find it hard to include or welcome? What would it look like to take a step toward them as a resurrection person? ([42:02])
The sermon ended with a call to be “agents of hope, living signs of resurrection.” What is one practical way you can bring hope or light to someone this week? ([50:21])

Sermon Clips

When Jesus declares that God is not the God of the dead but of the living, he's revealing that life in God is deeper than death, stronger than decay, stronger than the grave, and more enduring than any fear that we face. [00:33:02] (18 seconds) #LifeBeyondDeath

And just as powerful today as it was when Job uttered those words himself. Sitting in the ash heap of grief and loss, stripped of everything that gave his life meaning, he lost his wife, he lost his children, he lost his cattle, he lost his home, he lost everything. And still, he dared to proclaim hope. Having lost all of that, he says, I know that my Redeemer is alive. And sometimes, just knowing that is enough. [00:36:28] (51 seconds) #RedeemerIsAlive

Does it take the pain away? Absolutely not. Job is still suffering. But he knows that the God who made him, has not and will not leave him in the circumstances that he faces in his story. And that one day, because his Redeemer is still alive, he will be alive too. [00:37:19] (36 seconds) #HopeInSuffering

These aren't words of easy faith. I'm sure that he struggled to utter them. But they're words that are wrung from suffering and loss. Faith. Faith spoken in defiance of despair. Job might not be able to believe at this point, but he hasn't lost his ability to hope. And Job hopes that God's justice and love will have the final word. [00:37:55] (34 seconds) #FaithDefiesDespair

So in the perspectives of both Job and Jesus, resurrection is a promise that we should trust, even when the evidence seems to be absent. It's the deep conviction that God's life, God's life, cannot be ended, and God's love cannot be defeated. [00:45:09] (27 seconds) #TrustInResurrection

Infant baptism tells us something profoundly hopeful, that grace precedes our understanding. Before Malaya can believe or even comprehend what God has done and is doing in her life, God has already chosen her. God's love reaches for us before we can ever reach back. And I don't know of a love that's more powerful than that. [00:46:18] (33 seconds) #GraceBeforeUnderstanding

But baptism is not only a promise to Malaya, baptism is a call to each of us. When we vow to nurture her in Christ's holy church, we commit to live as a resurrection people. Because we know that God has no hands but ours, no feet but ours, and if we want to see resurrection, we must live it ourselves. [00:46:51] (30 seconds) #LiveResurrection

Resurrection. New life. Forgiveness. Mercy. Grace. Whatever word you want to pin on it to make it make more sense, it's all about love. A love that allows us, regardless of whatever we're facing right now, our Redeemer lives. Our God lives. And not only does our God live, our God claims our lives and our story as part of His. And that's a beautiful thing. [00:47:27] (41 seconds) #LoveIsResurrection

We baptize not to escape the world and its scariness, but to transform it with the love that has made us who we are and brought us where we are today. We pour water and remember that life wins. We trace the cross and proclaim that love wins. And we lift our eyes and confess with Job that I know my Redeemer lives. And because He lives, we can too. And because He lives, everybody has a chance at life and abundance and love. [00:48:38] (63 seconds) #TransformWithLove

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