Empowered to Share: The Gospel of Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: The Urgency of the Gospel

The early disciples understood the weight and urgency of their responsibility to spread the gospel. They didn't wait for detailed plans but moved in faith, trusting God to fill in the missing pieces. This teaches us that sometimes we need to act in faith, even without all the details, trusting that God will provide what we need as we go. [42:19]

The early disciples were driven by a sense of urgency to share the gospel. They didn't wait for perfect conditions or complete understanding; they moved forward in faith, trusting that God would guide them and provide what they needed along the way. This sense of urgency is a powerful reminder for us today. We often wait for the "right" moment or for all the details to be clear before we act, but the gospel calls us to step out in faith, trusting that God will fill in the gaps.

In our daily lives, we may encounter situations where we feel unprepared or uncertain. However, the example of the early disciples encourages us to take bold steps of faith, knowing that God is with us. The urgency of the gospel message compels us to share it with others, even when we don't have all the answers. Trusting in God's provision and guidance, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He will equip us for the task at hand.

Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, even without all the details? How can you take a bold step today, trusting that God will provide what you need?

Day 2: The Role of Women in the Gospel

Women have often been limited by societal norms, but God has always seen their value and purpose. The first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection were women, and they were entrusted with the crucial task of sharing the good news. This highlights that God calls and uses everyone, regardless of gender, to fulfill His mission. [17:54]

Throughout history, societal norms have often limited the roles and contributions of women. However, the Bible consistently highlights the value and purpose that God sees in women. The first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection were women, and they were given the crucial task of sharing the good news with the disciples. This significant moment underscores that God calls and uses everyone, regardless of gender, to fulfill His mission.

In the context of the gospel, there is no distinction between male and female in terms of value and purpose. God has a unique calling for each person, and He empowers us to carry out His mission. The example of the women at the tomb serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and values the contributions of all His children. We are all called to share the gospel and to be active participants in God's work, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt limited by societal norms or expectations. How can you embrace the truth that God values and calls you to fulfill His mission, regardless of those limitations?

Day 3: Jesus' Sacrifice and Mission

Jesus endured betrayal, beating, and crucifixion, yet He remained focused on His mission to save humanity. His sacrifice was not just for those in religious institutions but for the entire world. This reminds us that Jesus' love and salvation are available to everyone, and we are called to share this message with all. [21:19]

Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by immense suffering and sacrifice. He was betrayed by one of His closest followers, beaten, and ultimately crucified. Despite the pain and injustice He endured, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to save humanity. His sacrifice was not limited to a select group of people but was intended for the entire world. This profound act of love and redemption is a testament to the boundless grace and mercy of God.

The message of Jesus' sacrifice and mission is one that transcends all barriers. It is a message of hope, love, and salvation that is available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this message with others, extending the same love and grace that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. By doing so, we participate in God's redemptive work and help others experience the transformative power of His love.

1 John 2:2 (ESV): "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Reflection: Think about someone in your life who may feel excluded or unworthy of God's love. How can you share the message of Jesus' sacrifice and mission with them in a way that demonstrates His inclusive and boundless love?

Day 4: The Power of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus is a testament to His promise and power. The angel's message to the women at the tomb confirmed that Jesus had risen, just as He said He would. This event marks the beginning of spreading the good news and reminds us that Jesus is the God of the missing pieces, able to provide everything we need to fulfill our purpose. [25:10]

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is a powerful testament to His promise and divine power. When the women arrived at the tomb and found it empty, the angel's message confirmed that Jesus had risen, just as He had foretold. This miraculous event not only validated Jesus' claims but also marked the beginning of the spread of the good news of His resurrection.

The resurrection is a reminder that Jesus is the God of the missing pieces. He has the power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and purpose out of confusion. In our own lives, we may face situations that seem hopeless or incomplete, but the resurrection assures us that Jesus can provide everything we need to fulfill our purpose. His power and promise are unwavering, and we can trust Him to guide us through any challenge we face.

Romans 8:11 (ESV): "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life that feels incomplete or hopeless. How can the power of Jesus' resurrection give you hope and assurance that He can provide what you need to fulfill your purpose?

Day 5: Sharing Your Story

It's not gossip; it's gospel. Your story, no matter how difficult, can inspire and encourage others. God has great things in store for you, and He wants to use you to accomplish His mission. Don't hold back; go forward with boldness and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Your testimony can be a powerful tool in spreading the gospel and bringing others to Christ. [38:35]

Each of us has a unique story that reflects God's work in our lives. Sharing our story is not about spreading gossip; it's about spreading the gospel. Our testimonies, no matter how difficult or challenging, have the power to inspire and encourage others. God has great things in store for each of us, and He wants to use our experiences to accomplish His mission. By sharing our stories, we can be powerful witnesses to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

When we share our testimonies, we open the door for others to see God's work in our lives. Our stories can provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of connection to those who may be going through similar experiences. God uses our testimonies to draw others to Himself and to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. Don't hold back; go forward with boldness and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Your story can be a powerful tool in spreading the gospel and bringing others to Christ.

Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."

Reflection: Think about a specific experience in your life where you saw God's hand at work. How can you share this story with someone today to encourage and inspire them in their faith journey?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone, to this blessed day that the Lord has made. We are here to rejoice and be glad in it. As we gather, let us lift up the name of Jesus Christ and prepare our hearts for what God is going to do in our lives. We begin with a word of prayer, thanking God for His goodness, grace, and mercy. We ask Him to heal, deliver, and set us free, giving Him all the glory, honor, and praise.

Today, we delve into the Word of God from Matthew 28:6-8, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This passage tells us that Jesus is not in the tomb; He has risen just as He said He would. The angel instructs the women to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and will meet them in Galilee. The women, filled with fear and great joy, run to share this good news.

We draw a parallel between the TV show "Gossip Girl" and our message today, "The Gospel Girl." While "Gossip Girl" spreads rumors and negativity, "The Gospel Girl" spreads the good news of Jesus Christ. We emphasize that everyone, regardless of gender, is called to share the gospel. Women, in particular, have often been limited by societal norms, but God has always seen their value and purpose.

Jesus' life and ministry were filled with miracles, signs, and wonders. He came to save us from our sins and to establish a relationship with God, not just for those in religious institutions but for the entire world. The earth and everything in it belong to God, and we are all called to fulfill His mission.

As we recount the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, we reflect on the unjust treatment He endured. Despite being betrayed, beaten, and crucified, Jesus remained focused on His mission. Even on the cross, He asked for God's will to be done, not His own. After His death, women came to anoint His body but found the tomb empty. An angel appeared to them, confirming that Jesus had risen.

The angel's message to the women was not just to comfort them but to give them a mission: to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen. The women, filled with reverence and joy, ran to share this news. This moment marks the beginning of spreading the good news of Jesus' resurrection.

We are reminded that we all have a call and a purpose. We must share the gospel wholeheartedly, just as the women did. Jesus' resurrection is a testament to His promise and power. He is the God of the missing pieces, able to provide everything we need to fulfill our purpose.

As we conclude, we encourage everyone to share their story. It's not gossip; it's gospel. Your story, no matter how difficult, can inspire and encourage others. God has great things in store for you, and He wants to use you to accomplish His mission. Don't hold back; go forward with boldness and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Urgency of the Gospel: The early disciples understood the weight and urgency of their responsibility to spread the gospel. They didn't wait for detailed plans but moved in faith, trusting God to fill in the missing pieces. This teaches us that sometimes we need to act in faith, even without all the details, trusting that God will provide what we need as we go. [42:19]
2. The Role of Women in the Gospel: Women have often been limited by societal norms, but God has always seen their value and purpose. The first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection were women, and they were entrusted with the crucial task of sharing the good news. This highlights that God calls and uses everyone, regardless of gender, to fulfill His mission. [17:54]
3. Jesus' Sacrifice and Mission: Jesus endured betrayal, beating, and crucifixion, yet He remained focused on His mission to save humanity. His sacrifice was not just for those in religious institutions but for the entire world. This reminds us that Jesus' love and salvation are available to everyone, and we are called to share this message with all. [21:19]
4. The Power of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a testament to His promise and power. The angel's message to the women at the tomb confirmed that Jesus had risen, just as He said He would. This event marks the beginning of spreading the good news and reminds us that Jesus is the God of the missing pieces, able to provide everything we need to fulfill our purpose. [25:10]
5. Sharing Your Story: It's not gossip; it's gospel. Your story, no matter how difficult, can inspire and encourage others. God has great things in store for you, and He wants to use you to accomplish His mission. Don't hold back; go forward with boldness and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Your testimony can be a powerful tool in spreading the gospel and bringing others to Christ. [38:35]
### [38:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Opening Prayer
[15:00] - Praise and Worship
[15:50] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:6-8
[16:53] - Introduction: The Gospel Girl
[17:54] - The Role of Women in the Gospel
[19:10] - Everyone is Called to Minister
[20:22] - Jesus' Purpose and Mission
[21:19] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Betrayal
[22:12] - Reflecting on Jesus' Crucifixion
[23:17] - Jesus' Focus on His Mission
[24:00] - The Women at the Tomb
[25:10] - The Angel's Message
[25:41] - Jesus' Promise Fulfilled
[26:28] - The Women’s Response
[27:52] - The Beginning of Spreading the Good News
[29:10] - The Angel's Comfort and Instruction
[30:34] - The Call to Share the Gospel
[31:58] - Jesus' Resurrection and Our Purpose
[38:35] - Sharing Your Story
[40:16] - Encouragement to Go Forward

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What did the angel tell the women at the tomb in Matthew 28:6-8?
How did the women react to the angel's message according to Matthew 28:8?
What was the main message the women were instructed to share with the disciples? [25:10]
How does the sermon draw a parallel between "Gossip Girl" and "The Gospel Girl"? [16:53]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that the first witnesses to Jesus' resurrection were women? [17:54]
How does the urgency of the women's response to the angel's message reflect the urgency of sharing the gospel today? [30:34]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of societal norms in limiting the participation of women in ministry? [19:10]
How does Jesus' resurrection demonstrate His promise and power, according to the sermon? [25:10]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt called to share the gospel but hesitated. What held you back, and how can you overcome that hesitation in the future? [30:34]
The sermon emphasizes that everyone, regardless of gender, is called to share the gospel. How can you encourage and support women in your community to take on more active roles in ministry? [17:54]
Jesus remained focused on His mission despite betrayal and suffering. How can you stay focused on your spiritual mission in the face of personal challenges? [23:17]
The women at the tomb acted quickly to share the good news. What steps can you take to share your faith more urgently and effectively? [30:34]
The sermon encourages sharing personal stories as a form of gospel. Think of a personal testimony that could inspire others. How can you share this story in your community this week? [38:35]
The sermon mentions that Jesus is the "God of the missing pieces." Identify an area in your life where you feel something is missing. How can you trust God to fill that gap? [42:19]
How can you create a supportive environment in your small group or church that encourages everyone to share their stories and testimonies without fear of judgment? [40:16]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "A lot of times you got to go without the details. Sometimes you got to move without the details and watch God. What was it that we said? He would be the God of what was it? Miracles, the missing pieces, the God of missing pieces. Watch God show up. All you got to do is take a step and watch him put everything else back together. He is the God of the missing pieces. Trust him, believe him, depend on him, and know that he will see you through." [42:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "We all are called to minister. We all are called to serve. We are all called to tell of the good news of Jesus Christ. And so, here, as we take from this place, not necessarily gossiping, but we are sharing and telling of the gospel. You all know the story. Many of us know the story of Jesus, how he was here, sent here to save us from our sins, to save us from ourselves, and to save us from the enemy, and the hand of the enemy." [19:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "Jesus came to save the world. He didn't come to serve, save only those that were serving in the synagogues, those that were only in the temple, but Jesus came to save the world. Praise the Lord. And of course, we will remind you, as we had talked earlier last year, about who belongs to God. And we understand from the Psalms that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. The world and they that dwell in it. Praise the Lord. Everybody belongs to God. We all belong to him. We're all called here for a specific plan and purpose. We're all here to help God accomplish his mission in the world." [21:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "It's not gossip. It's gospel. I'm not bragging. I'm sharing what he's done. And I hope that it encourages you to know that this same God, that saved me, that changed me, will be the same one to do the same for you. Hallelujah. He's able to do exceeding abundantly above all we could ever ask or think according to the power that works in us. Share the gospel. Share the news. Tell the story. Tell the story. They're going to look at you crazy, but tell the story. They're going to think you're strange, but tell the story." [38:35](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "Don't be ashamed and don't be afraid of what God has done for you. Don't be ashamed or afraid of how terrible it might have been. Many of us don't want to share because we feel like people will feel some kind of way. Let them feel how they feel. Praise the Lord. It's my story. It's your story. Praise the Lord. Somebody needs to hear it. There are certain things, praise the Lord, that men cannot share. I can't tell you what it feels like to be a single mom. I don't know what that's like. I can't tell you what it feels like to go through some of the things that women's bodies have to go through. Praise the Lord. I'll never go through it. Praise the Lord. I'll never know what it feels like. Tell your story. Somebody's listening. Somebody needs to hear it." [40:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And oftentimes we ask the question, even in our own home when people are in union, even myself, praise the Lord, I have a bit of a temper, praise the Lord, and sometimes it goes off, praise the Lord. And sometimes we have to sit back and ask the question, what are you really mad about? Because what you're displaying doesn't match up to the crimes that you are saying have been committed. The thing that Jesus went through death. Praise the Lord. Was it really something that was necessary for him to have to endure? Being crucified, being lied on, being spat on, being all of these things, praise the Lord. Did it really add up to the punishment that he got?" [23:17](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "And so these women, amen, hold fast to what, amen, what was told to them. And they went out and started telling the gospel. This is the beginning of spreading the good news where, amen, we were so hopeless and we were so, such, in a place of despair, amen, the person that we depended on, amen, to come and save us and come to change us and that have performed miracles and that have brought joy to our lives is no longer here. But we are comforted by the words of the angels, which remind us, amen, of what Jesus said, praise the Lord. He's not here, but he has risen, praise the Lord." [30:34](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The angel didn't stop, praise the Lord, by comforting them. Praise the Lord. He didn't stop by just telling them, don't be afraid. Amen. He didn't stop by just telling them that, or confirming that Jesus was not here. Amen. Amen. He didn't stop at just telling them to come and see for yourself, but he goes on and he gives them instruction. I mean, he tells them to go quickly and tell the disciples that he has risen, amen, from the dead. Praise the Lord. Amen. And behold, you will, amen, see him again in Galilee, amen, just as he has promised you. Praise the Lord." [27:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "And one thing that I stated was that we all are called to minister. We all are called to serve. We are all called to tell of the good news of Jesus Christ. And so, here, as we take from this place, not necessarily gossiping, but we are sharing and telling of the gospel. You all know the story. Many of us know the story of Jesus, how he was here, sent here to save us from our sins, to save us from ourselves, and to save us from the enemy, and the hand of the enemy. And so, we have what Jesus had been here for 33 years, and had done so many miracles, signs, and wonders." [19:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "And so, while we have this text where so many are arguing about whether or not women, these particular women, were spreading the gospel. That's why we're preaching the gospel. And one thing that we want to make sure you understand, and we even, we were talking earlier this week, and my daughter had made mention of those that are in ministry. And one thing that I stated was that we all are called to minister. We all are called to serve. We are all called to tell of the good news of Jesus Christ." [19:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?