C.A.Y.A Fellowship AM Service 4/12//26 "Now What!" by Pastor Joe Inman

Scripture from 1 Corinthians 15, Luke 24, Acts 1, and Matthew 28 anchors a call to make resurrection reality a daily rhythm rather than a single annual emotion. The resurrection appears as a present power that invites persistent joy, continual worship, and practical obedience. Paul’s testimony surfaces as a model: a violent past, transformed by grace into abundant labor and apostolic fruit. Grace does not excuse sin; it empowers deeper work for Christ and releases believers from paralyzing self-condemnation.

The post‑resurrection appearances underline both intimacy and commission. Jesus’ forty days of appearances—meeting Mary Magdalene, restoring Peter, appearing to two on the road to Emmaus, and addressing over five hundred—reveal restoration, doubt‑healing, and formation of a community sent to witness. Luke’s emphasis on waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit reframes the aftermath of Easter: the proper response does not stop at emotion but moves into empowerment and mission. The Holy Spirit provides boldness for witness, practical gifting for ministry, and the internal authority to live differently.

Worship and blessing God take priority over bargaining for blessings. Returning to the temple with joy and continuing to bless God models a posture that attracts God’s movement even amid hardship. Practical holiness matters: surrender of addictive behaviors and idolatrous comforts opens space for God’s deliverance. Personal examples about cigarette addiction and cultural satire of “Jesus or weed” illustrate how habit and cultural compromises inhibit blessing and testimony.

The Great Commission functions as universal work: every believer bears responsibility to invite, teach, baptize, and disciple. Evangelism becomes communal labor where some plant, some water, and the Spirit brings increase. Forgiveness of others and self stands as a precondition for ongoing fruit; refusing to forgive keeps people mired in the past and blocks grace. Altars remain open for those who want God’s help to move into freedom, to receive the Spirit’s power, and to step into the everyday calling to worship, witness, and love a watching world.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Live the Resurrection every day The resurrection must become an ongoing posture, not an annual celebration. Daily attention to Christ’s victory reshapes routine, replacing complacency with expectant joy and practical obedience. Keeping resurrection joy alive fuels witness and steady growth in holiness. [31:29]
• 2. Grace transforms past failures Grace stands as the engine that converts a disgraced past into fruitful ministry. Acknowledging unworthiness without remaining in it allows God’s favor to produce renewed labor and service. Holding to grace prevents self‑condemnation from nullifying spiritual momentum. [37:17]
• 3. Forgive yourself to find freedom Self‑forgiveness functions as a spiritual hinge that unlocks forward motion. Genuine repentance paired with receiving God’s pardon removes the shelter of misery where people hide. Letting grace replace shame restores capacity for relationship and ministry. [47:18]
• 4. Await the Spirit; witness boldly The mandate to wait for the Holy Spirit precedes the call to witness across Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the world. The Spirit grants courage, clarity, and supernatural effectiveness for proclamation and disciple‑making. Reliance on that presence converts timid believers into public witnesses. [51:31]
• 5. Bless God before seeking blessings Worship that blesses God reframes human longing and realigns motives away from consumer faith. Consistent praise cultivates gratitude that breaks habit patterns and invites divine movement in hard seasons. Choosing to bless first prepares hearts to receive true, lasting deliverance. [57:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [05:24] - Announcements and lighthearted moments
• [31:29] - Resurrection reflection: live it daily
• [34:24] - The danger of returning to routine
• [37:17] - Paul’s past and the power of grace
• [47:18] - Forgiving self and moving forward
• [48:38] - Jesus’ post‑resurrection appearances
• [51:31] - Wait for the Spirit; be witnesses
• [57:12] - Worship, praise, and blessing God
• [61:58] - Practical surrender and deliverance
• [67:45] - Great Commission: all are sent
• [74:11] - Invitation and altar call

Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (ESV)
"For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me."

Acts 1:7-8 (ESV)
"He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'"

Luke 24:52-53 (ESV)
"And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God."

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Observation Questions

1. In 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, how does Paul describe his past and the role of God’s grace in his life?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the relationship between receiving the Holy Spirit and being a witness?
3. What specific actions did the disciples take after Jesus’ ascension in Luke 24:52-53?

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Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize his unworthiness alongside God’s grace in 1 Corinthians 15:9-10? How might this contrast shape a believer’s view of their past mistakes?
2. Acts 1:7-8 links waiting for the Holy Spirit with bold witness. Why is empowerment from the Spirit necessary for effective mission work?
3. The disciples returned to the temple “continually blessing God” (Luke 24:53) despite persecution. What does this reveal about the connection between worship and resilience in hardship?

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Application Questions

1. Paul’s past haunted him, yet grace fueled his work for Christ. What area of your life do you struggle to release from self-condemnation, and how could embracing grace change your response? [37:17]
2. The sermon warned that clinging to habits like addiction or compromise “rips off your own blessings” [54:54]. What is one practical step you could take this week to surrender a habit or comfort that hinders your worship?
3. The disciples prioritized blessing God before seeking blessings. How could you intentionally “bless God first” in a current struggle or need?
4. Acts 1:8 calls every believer to witness. Who in your life have you hesitated to invite to church or talk to about Jesus? What fear holds you back, and how could the Holy Spirit’s power address it? [51:31]
5. The sermon challenged, “Your job may be just to water [the gospel]” [11:34]. How can you “water” someone’s faith this week through encouragement, prayer, or sharing your story?