Embracing New Beginnings Through the Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: The Resurrection Gives Us Unshakeable Hope

When doubts and despair threaten to overwhelm, the resurrection of Jesus stands as the foundation of our hope. Paul reminds the church that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless, but because He lives, we have assurance that death is defeated and new life is promised to all who belong to Him. This hope is not just for the future, but for today, empowering us to face every challenge with confidence that God’s promises are true and that despair does not have the final word. [51:33]

1 Corinthians 15:12-24 (ESV)
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel tempted to despair or lose hope? How can you invite the truth of Christ’s resurrection to speak hope into that area today?

Day 2: Forgiveness and Obedience Go Hand in Hand

Forgiveness is a gift purchased by Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, but it is also a call to obedience. When we receive God’s forgiveness, we are empowered to forgive others, even when it is difficult or when we have been wrongly accused. True forgiveness breaks the chains of bitterness and offense, allowing God to fight our battles and bring healing to our hearts. Obedience in forgiving others is not always easy, but it is the path to freedom and deeper fellowship with God. [01:00:07]

Romans 4:25 (ESV)
Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

1 Peter 1:21-22 (ESV)
Who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or an offense you need to release today? What step of obedience can you take to walk in the freedom Christ has given you?

Day 3: The Power of the Holy Spirit Enables a New Life

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in every believer, giving us the desire and ability to live a life that pleases God. This power is not our own strength, but the Holy Spirit working within us, enabling us to overcome sin, walk in righteousness, and fulfill God’s purposes. When we rely on the Spirit, we are able to bear fruit, stand before God with confidence, and help others encounter His transforming love. [01:07:38]

Philippians 2:13 (ESV)
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Philippians 3:10 (ESV)
That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own strength? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 4: You Have a New Identity and Purpose in Christ

Through the resurrection, you are not defined by your past, your failures, or the labels the world gives you. In Christ, you are a new creation—God’s masterpiece, uniquely crafted for good works that He prepared in advance for you. Your identity comes from what Jesus calls you, not from your circumstances or your assignment. When you embrace your true identity, you can walk confidently in your God-given purpose and help others discover theirs as well. [01:24:52]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What false labels or old identities do you need to let go of? How can you intentionally live out your new identity and purpose in Christ today?

Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ Reflects God’s Heart

God’s desire is for His people to be united as one body, sharing one hope, one faith, and one Spirit. Unity is not about ignoring differences, but about magnifying what we have in common in Christ and loving one another deeply. When we choose to see others through the lens of Jesus, we become agents of reconciliation and healing in a divided world. True unity comes from constant communication with the Father and allowing His love to overflow to those around us, both inside and outside the church. [01:35:52]

Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV)
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Reflection: Who is someone in your church or community you can reach out to today to build unity and show the love of Christ, especially if they are different from you?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate not only the resurrection of our King, Jesus, but also the new beginnings He brings into our lives. My own journey began far from the church, but God found me in the streets, rescued me, and planted me in a loving church family. Through that experience, I learned the power of godly community, the importance of spiritual mothers and fathers, and the beauty of saying “yes” to God’s call. As I look at each of you, I am reminded that you are Christ’s greatest treasure, and I am fully committed to walking with you as we grow together in Him.

We turned to 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul confronts the doubts about the resurrection. He makes it clear: if Christ is not raised, our faith is useless. But because He lives, everything changes. The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our hope, the anchor that keeps us from despair. The enemy’s greatest weapon is not just sin, but despair—hopelessness that keeps us from even reaching out to God. Yet, the resurrection gives us eight powerful benefits that transform our lives.

First, we receive forgiveness—not because of our own merit, but because of Christ’s obedience and sacrifice. Forgiveness is tied to our own obedience, and as we release offense and bitterness, God breaks chains in our lives. Second, we are given power—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live righteously and fulfill God’s purposes. Third, we are gifted peace, a peace that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in Christ’s presence. Fourth, we receive joy, a deep and unshakeable joy that no one can take away, even in the midst of sorrow.

Fifth, we are given a new identity. The world may label us by our past, but God calls us saints, His masterpiece, created for good works. Sixth, we discover purpose; we are not accidents, but God’s poema—His carefully crafted work, planned with intention and love. Seventh, we are called into unity, to magnify what we have in common in Christ and to love one another as one family. Finally, we are offered salvation, the greatest gift of all, a new life that begins now and lasts forever.

Today, the invitation is open: to receive Christ, to walk in these resurrection benefits, and to recommit our lives to Him. God is drawing each of us closer, not by coincidence, but by His loving purpose. He is after our hearts, longing for relationship and fellowship with us.

Key Takeaways

1. The Resurrection Anchors Our Hope Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15 remind us that the resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our hope collapses, and despair takes root. The enemy’s strategy is to sow hopelessness, but the risen Christ anchors us in a living hope that cannot be shaken, no matter our circumstances. [51:33]
2. Forgiveness Flows from Obedience, Not Emotion Forgiveness is not merely a feeling but an act of obedience to God’s Word. When we release offense and bitterness—even when falsely accused or deeply hurt—we break spiritual chains and open ourselves to God’s promotion and healing. True forgiveness often precedes emotional resolution, and God is gentle to heal the wounds that remain. [65:03]
3. Resurrection Power Enables Righteous Living The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead empowers us to live righteously and fulfill our God-given purpose. This power is not self-generated; it is the Holy Spirit working in us, making possible what would otherwise be impossible. Righteousness is not about perfection, but about living in the power and presence of God. [67:38]
4. Identity Precedes Purpose God calls us by a new name, not defined by our past or the world’s labels, but by His Word and love. Our true identity as God’s masterpiece is foundational; only when we know who we are in Christ can we walk in the purpose He has prepared for us. The enemy attacks identity because it is the gateway to destiny. [84:12]
5. Unity Is Rooted in What We Share in Christ Unity is not uniformity, but a choice to magnify what we have in common in Christ rather than our differences. When we see each other through the lens of Jesus, we are overwhelmed with love for one another, and the church becomes a true family. This unity is essential for fulfilling God’s mission in the world. [95:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:14] - Personal Testimony: From the Streets to the Church
[42:43] - Embracing God’s Call and New Beginnings
[45:13] - Honoring Family and Spiritual Mentors
[47:08] - Setting the Foundation: 1 Corinthians 15
[49:46] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[54:23] - Hope vs. Despair
[56:07] - Faith Benefits of the Resurrection
[57:55] - Forgiveness: The First Benefit
[66:41] - Power: Living by the Spirit
[72:48] - Peace: God’s Gift in Troubled Times
[78:03] - Joy: Unshakeable and Enduring
[82:10] - New Identity in Christ
[85:51] - Purpose: God’s Masterpiece
[93:36] - Unity: One Body, One Spirit
[98:34] - Salvation: The Greatest Gift
[101:37] - Invitation and Altar Call
[105:46] - Prayer and Recommitment
[108:35] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 15:12-26 — (Primary text: Paul’s teaching on the resurrection and its importance for our faith)

2 Corinthians 5:17 — (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”)

Ephesians 4:4-6 — (“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”)

Observation Questions

In 1 Corinthians 15, what does Paul say is the consequence if Christ has not been raised from the dead? ([50:22])
According to the sermon, what are some of the “faith benefits” that come from the resurrection of Jesus? ([56:07])
How does Paul describe our new identity in Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:17? ([01:22:10])
What does Ephesians 4:4-6 say about unity among believers? ([01:33:36])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul make such a strong statement that if Christ is not raised, our faith is useless? What does this reveal about the foundation of Christian hope? ([50:22])
The sermon mentions that forgiveness is tied to obedience, not just emotion. Why might God ask us to forgive even when we don’t feel like it? ([01:00:07])
The pastor shared that the enemy’s greatest weapon is not just sin, but despair. How does the resurrection specifically address the problem of despair in our lives? ([54:23])
The sermon says, “Identity precedes purpose.” Why is it important to know who we are in Christ before we try to live out our purpose? ([01:24:12])

Application Questions

The pastor shared his story of being rescued from the streets and planted in a loving church family. Have you ever experienced God meeting you in an unexpected place or season? How did that change your life? ([41:14])
Forgiveness is described as an act of obedience that breaks spiritual chains. Is there someone you need to forgive, or an offense you need to release, even if your emotions haven’t caught up yet? What step could you take this week? ([01:05:03])
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. Is there an area of your life where you feel powerless or stuck? How can you invite the Holy Spirit’s power into that situation? ([01:07:38])
The sermon talked about peace that is not based on circumstances. When was the last time you experienced God’s peace in a difficult moment? What helped you receive it? ([01:12:48])
The world often labels us by our past, but God gives us a new identity. Are there any old labels or lies you still believe about yourself? What truth from God’s Word can you hold onto instead? ([01:22:10])
Unity is rooted in what we share in Christ, not in our differences. Is there someone in the church or your life you find it hard to connect with? What is one thing you have in common in Christ that you can focus on this week? ([01:35:24])
The invitation is open to receive Christ and walk in these resurrection benefits. Is there an area where you need to recommit your life to Jesus, or a benefit you want to start walking in more fully? What would it look like to say “yes” to God’s call today? ([01:41:37])

Sermon Clips

So we're going to go right into the word of God this morning. We're going to be in the book of Corinthians, 1 Corinthians. And Verse 15. Chapter 12. Chapter 15, verse 12. here in this chapter what Paul is getting ready to do is he's getting ready to come against certain things he's talking to the church in Corinth and at the beginning of the chapter he's actually letting them know I want you to remember this what is he wanting them to remember the good news he preached to them before because see sometimes we can face opposition in very many different ways. [00:49:03]

Paul is coming against something here. Let's pick up here on chapter 12 verse 12 he says but tell me this since we preach that Christ rose from the dead why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead for if there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised then all of our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. [00:50:00]

If Christ has not been raised then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins and your faith is in Christ and if your hope in Christ is only for this life then we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead he is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. [00:51:33]

You see just as death came into the world through a man now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Everyone dies because we all belong to Adam everyone who belongs to Christ will be given a new life. But there is an order to this resurrection Christ was raised as the first of the harvest then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. [00:52:27]

After that the end will come when he will return the kingdom over to God the Father having destroyed every ruler in authority and power for Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet and the last enemy to be destroyed is death that is an actual spirit and those of you that are taking notes that's Revelation 20 verse chapter 20 verse 14. [00:53:23]

Now what Paul is doing here is he's bringing hope back to the church because here's what's happening. What is happening? What's the opposite of hope? Hopelessness can be defined as this: hopelessness is often accompanied by deep sadness, anguish, and the belief that things will never improve. That is the definition of despair. [00:54:11]

Paul says that we are not ignorant of satan's devices. Don't believe that satan is trying to stop you from praying. He knows God will grant those things if you ask him. The devil is after despair. If he can hold you from without even praying to God, then he knows that he's got you in a place of despair. [00:54:49]

We have eight benefits—faith benefits. Now I'm naming these faith benefits for this reason: if you're expecting anything from God, you can't receive anything unless it takes faith. Faith activates when you first believe. It takes faith for me to sit down every single evening and speak to someone that I can't physically see like I see you. [00:55:48]

It takes faith for me to actually pray for somebody, knowing that I don't have the power to be able to heal you, but I have a relationship with the healer. You see, when Paul said there's an order in how these things work, God has a way of ordering things in your life and my life. And what he does, he gives you something so that therefore you can give it to someone else. [00:56:37]

If you don't have faith, it's really hard for you to encourage someone. If you don't have hope, it's really difficult for me to give hope. If you don't have encouragement, it's difficult for me to encourage you. You see, everything in the kingdom of God operates in this place. So let's look into these eight benefits that we receive because of the resurrection. [00:57:14]

The first one I want to speak to you about is forgiveness. Romans 4:25—he was handed over to God because of our sins and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Pay attention to what Paul is saying here. He's saying it's because of our sins, not his sins. There was no sin or no crime that he committed. [00:57:53]

When you receive that forgiveness, when God blesses you in a way where you understand what he did on the cross for you, see now we can walk in that. When we are actually faced in a situation where forgiveness must be given, let me tell you something about forgiveness. Peter said this in 1st Peter chapter 1:21, through Christ you have come to trust in God. [00:58:26]

You have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. Listen to what Peter is saying: he says you were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all of your heart. [00:58:59]

See, forgiveness is tied to obedience. It's not tied to obedience to a man or a pastor. People offend people all the time. I think it's probably the greatest division within the church—it's offense. But I think we have little understanding about offense, because see, you will be tested in this area, and God will promote you to the level of tolerance and pain. [00:59:55]

Before I stepped into this call, this assignment that God has given me, I went through this. I was accused of—I'm a baseball coach, and there are rules that you have to follow. Well, guess what? I didn't follow a rule, and because of that I was suspended for two games. But here's what I want to share with you: I think one of the greatest offenses for us to be able to deal with is when someone accuses you of doing something that you know you didn't do. [01:00:58]

You see, God has to test your obedience to his word before he can take a man or a woman and level them up. Watch this: they say the higher you go, the more opposition you're going to face. Higher levels, higher devils. So you see, we have to live out what it is that God is saying here in this world. [01:01:50]

Can I tell you that I understand that maybe some of us have gone through this and there's some deep hurt in the area of forgiveness and sometimes you gotta forgive yourself. But it's just an act of obedience. I tell you this: Jesus is kind enough and gentle enough to deal with the rest of the emotion that comes with the flesh. [01:02:21]

By me releasing that unforgiveness in my heart, that bitterness in my heart, it gets done in the heavens. It's a chain that gets broken. So you know what I did was I got myself in my room and I said, Lord, I'm going to pray for them. Do you know that God fights your battles, especially when it comes to his anointing? [01:02:57]

The second benefit that I want to speak to you about real quick here is power. Philippians 2 verse 13: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. You see, many of us are still trying to fulfill our own desires. Many of us are still trying to hold on to the past, but God is telling you, listen, I want to do something new here. [01:06:32]

In order for this to happen, you need to access the power. In fact, in Philippians 3 verse 10 Paul says this: I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death. That power that rose Jesus from the dead is the Holy Spirit. [01:07:09]

What does the Holy Spirit do in your life and my life? It empowers us to live righteous. You see, this is such an amiss thing, I think, in many of us as believers is to understand that without the Holy Spirit, it's very difficult for us to walk what it is that God has called us to do. In fact, can I say like this? It would be impossible. [01:07:54]

You see, everything has a purpose. God intended for you and I to live with this power from the very beginning. Thank God and his wisdom, he had a plan of redemption for your life and my life. This is why when Jesus gave up the ghost, the Holy Ghost, it was now available for you and I so that we can live exactly the way God intended us for us to live. [01:09:12]

This is why they say that the tree or the fruit of the Proverbs—I'll give you the passage of the scripture here, bear with me—Proverbs, I think it's 11: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Now here's the thing behind that passage of scripture: there's no way that I can bear fruit without being right before God. [01:10:41]

The first thing I said to her, I said, do you want to have peace? I know what you're doing, that life that you live in, it doesn't lead you to peace. Who wants to be constantly riding in their car, watching the police officer, whether they're going to pull you over or not, hiding the drugs in the car so that they will have access to it? I have to make up a plan in case I do get pulled. [01:15:37]

When God says you're his masterpiece, God thought out your life, planned everything, even to this right moment right here now. There were these precious thoughts about you—so precious. Watch this: Psalms 139 says, oh how precious are your thoughts of me, oh God. They outnumber the grains of sand. If I had grains of sand right here in my hand, you would never be able to even count them. [01:28:01]

See, when we see what Jesus has done for us on the cross, if you think that he just died for our salvation—listen, yes, that's true, but if that's all you think, you've missed it. I'll go as far as they've been saying you've missed his visitation. I would go as far as to say you've missed his visitation. [01:29:05]

There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called, just as you've been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and one Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. [01:33:44]

You see, when we magnify the things we have in common, it brings unity. As a minister and evangelist, I come across this continuously with different people that I meet. One of my questions is, what's so bad about us all having the same father? What is it? So you know, in this room we have a lot more things in common than what you and I think. [01:35:45]

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