Encountering the Risen Christ: From Awe to Action

Apr 12, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformational Encounter with the Risen Christ

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate confirmation of God's love and the fulfillment of His plan for salvation. The empty tomb signifies that the debt for our sin has been paid in full, a gift of grace that we could never earn. This truth is not merely a historical event but a present reality that has the power to transform every aspect of our lives. When we truly encounter the living Christ, it moves us from despair to hope and from sadness to joy. [51:30]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17 ESV)

Reflection: When you consider the truth that Jesus conquered death for you, what specific area of your life feels most impacted by that hope and joy today?

Day 2: Moving from Awe to Active Obedience

After witnessing the ascension of Jesus, the apostles were gently challenged not to remain gazing into heaven. The knowledge that Christ is alive and will return is meant to be a motivation for faithful service, not a reason for passive observation. Believers are called to move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit, actively participating in the work Christ has laid out for His kingdom. This transition from awe to action is a vital step of faith. [55:57]

“And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:10-11 ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can shift from simply admiring Jesus to actively obeying a specific command He has given you?

Day 3: The Urgency of Sharing the Good News

The immediate reaction of those who encountered the risen Lord was to share the news with others, even when it seemed unbelievable. They moved quickly, driven by a conviction that could not be contained. This urgency was born from a personal experience with the truth of the resurrection. Our own encounters with the living Christ through His Word and prayer are meant to fuel a similar desire to testify about Him. [58:41]

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’” (Matthew 28:10 ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that God might be prompting you to gently and lovingly share the hope you have found in Christ?

Day 4: Discerning God's Will Through Prayer and Scripture

The apostles did not wait idly for the Holy Spirit; they devoted themselves to unified prayer and sought guidance from the Scriptures. This process of seeking God’s direction through communion with Him and His Word is a model for every believer. It is through these means that we are sanctified—set apart—and equipped to understand and walk in the good works God has prepared for us. [01:07:20]

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)

Reflection: As you consider a current decision or direction in your life, how can you more intentionally engage with Scripture and prayer to discern God's will in it?

Day 5: Living by Faith, Demonstrated Through Works

Genuine faith, ignited by an encounter with the grace of God, naturally produces a life of active love and obedience. These works are not a means to earn salvation but are the visible evidence of a transformed heart. They are the natural response to the gift we have received, a way to love God and serve others out of gratitude for the work Christ finished on the cross. [01:15:01]

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

Reflection: What is one ‘good work’ God has prepared for you to walk in this week, and how can you take a simple step of faith to do it?

Sermon Summary

Two thousand years ago, the resurrection and ascension of Christ reshaped the expectations and actions of his followers. The empty tomb confirmed the payment for sin and the fulfillment of God’s plan, and the ascension charged the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit so they could become witnesses to the ends of the earth. Encounters with the risen Christ produced a spectrum of responses: fear and confusion at the tomb, immediate testimony from the women who ran to report the news, personal recognition and commission in Mary Magdalene’s meeting with Jesus, and an awakening of the heart on the road to Emmaus when Scripture opened and eyes were lifted at the breaking of the bread. Those reactions moved quickly from grief to proclamation; encounter birthed mission.

The apostles modeled focused waiting: they gathered in prayer, searched the Scriptures, and sought unity while they awaited empowerment. That waiting did not mean inactivity. Biblical examples show urgent preparation and decisive steps—prayerful discernment, application of the Psalms, and practical decisions about leadership. When the Holy Spirit arrived, the disciples moved with boldness, turning restored fear into courageous witness even under persecution. The New Testament frames this change as sanctification: believers become set apart for purpose, driven by God’s power to live obediently.

Scripture and prayer function as the primary means of discerning God’s will. Faith without visible obedience remains incomplete; authentic belief manifests through loving action and service. The gospel also offers clear assurance: grace transforms spiritual death into new life, and Christ welcomes those who repent and trust him. Recognition of the risen Lord brings both comfort and a call—to be fueled by the Spirit, fed by the Word, and sent in mission. The proper response to seeing Christ exalted is not mere awe frozen in place but a life redirected toward holy service, bearing witness wherever the Lord leads.

Key Takeaways

1. Resurrection demands an active response Encountering the risen Lord should move believers from passive wonder to purposeful action. The empty tomb proves debt paid and invites obedience that reflects gratitude and urgency. Faith that rests only in feeling fails to carry the gospel forward; true recognition of Christ compels testimony. [65:18]
2. Wait in Jerusalem, work in faith Patient waiting for the Spirit includes preparation and diligent ministry, not idle staring. The apostles prayed, studied Scripture, and organized themselves while they awaited power. Waiting in holiness positions believers to receive empowerment and to act decisively. [56:24]
3. Scripture and prayer guide action Careful attention to God’s Word and unified prayer provide discernment for next steps. The early church applied Psalms and Scripture to make practical decisions and to test motives. Ongoing engagement with Scripture shapes faithful choices in complex moments. [67:20]
4. Faith proves itself by obedient works Saving faith issues forth in visible obedience and loving service. James’s warning insists that belief without works remains dead; genuine conversion produces deeds shaped by grace. Works do not earn salvation but reveal its reality. [75:01]
5. Grace offers restoration and salvation today God’s mercy transforms spiritual death into new life through Christ’s cross and resurrection. Repentance and trust in Jesus bring assurance, restoration, and a place in God’s unfolding plan. The gospel invites immediate response and ongoing growth. [79:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[47:59] - Family and community note
[48:37] - Messi illustration
[49:33] - Resurrection and ascension framed
[53:06] - Reading: Acts 1 (ascension instructions)
[57:19] - Women at the tomb: first witnesses
[59:13] - Mary Magdalene’s encounter
[61:50] - Road to Emmaus: eyes opened
[65:43] - Apostles’ waiting and prayer
[72:46] - Ephesians: new life in Christ
[75:01] - Faith and works explained
[78:16] - Call to repentance and assurance
[79:49] - Closing prayer and invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading: Acts 1:4-8 (ESV)
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 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.”

Observation questions

What specific instruction did Jesus give his followers before he left, and what were they told to wait for?
What question did the disciples ask Jesus, and how did he respond? [53:06]
What were the different reactions of the women at the tomb and Mary Magdalene when they discovered it was empty and then encountered Jesus? [57:19] [59:13]
What two things did the disciples on the road to Emmaus say happened to them that led to their recognition of Jesus? [01:04:13]

Interpretation questions

Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem, but their waiting involved specific activities like prayer and studying Scripture. Why is this kind of "active waiting" important for receiving God's power and direction? [56:24]
The sermon described a "spectrum of responses" to encountering the risen Christ, from fear to immediate testimony. What do these different reactions tell us about how people process a life-changing encounter with Jesus?
The apostles used prayer and the application of Scripture (like the Psalms) to make a practical decision about leadership. How do Scripture and prayer work together to provide discernment for our next steps? [01:07:20]
James warns that faith without works is dead. How do loving actions and service act as the visible proof of an authentic, saving faith? [01:15:01]

Application questions

The resurrection demands an active response, moving from passive wonder to purposeful action. In what one area of your life does your faith feel more like a feeling than an action that carries the gospel forward? [01:05:18]
"Waiting on the Lord" was described as a time of preparation through prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking unity—not idleness. What is one practical step you can take this week to "wait" actively on God, positioning yourself to receive His empowerment?
Scripture and prayer are the primary means God uses to guide our actions. When facing a complex decision, what would it look like to more intentionally engage with God's Word and seek Him in prayer before moving forward?
The women at the tomb and the disciples on the road to Emmaus were so transformed by their encounter that they immediately ran to tell others. When was the last time you felt that kind of urgency to share what Jesus has done? What holds you back from sharing more often?
Genuine faith proves itself through obedient works and loving service, not to earn salvation but to reveal its reality. What is one "obedient work" you feel prompted to do this week that would be a natural overflow of your gratitude for God's grace?
The gospel offers immediate restoration and a place in God’s plan for those who repent and trust in Jesus. If you have never made that decision, what is keeping you from doing so today? If you have, is there an area of your life you need to recommit to His service? [01:19:49]

Sermon Clips

34s

#SavedByGrace

“But god. God loved us so much that he gave us away. He sent his only begotten son, and that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. That when we let go of that idea that we can work for our salvation and instead repent of our sin and put our faith in the work of Jesus on the cross and in the resurrection, that when we declare with our mouth that Jesus is lord and believe in our hearts that god raised him from the dead, promises us that we will be saved.”

49s

#SpiritEquipped

“But we don't need to be martyred. In fact, what's more likely is we're gonna find ourselves at the crossroads of where Peter was. We have to make that decision. So, can also look to Acts two to watch how the Holy Spirit fuels that action. Look how Peter and John, I mean, they are jailed and beaten for preaching Jesus' name. They're told, don't do it, but they couldn't wait to get back out there. They could not wait to get back out and proclaim the good news and not obey not obey man, but to follow god's will. And believers, just like there was a plan for the apostles, god has a plan for us. Like the apostles, god has equipped us for this.”

58s

#WalkInHisPower

“See, Jesus told them he was gonna send a helper or, you know, depending on your translation, you have the, you know, the advocate. So it was better for him to go and for the helper to come to equip them to give them the power to do his will. So in that same way, the helper equips us. We find him in prayer, and we find him in the word. And so where we find ourselves gazing into heaven, you know, that the holy spirit equips us to move. Are we walking in his power? Right? Are we seeking wise counsel? Are we edifying, strengthening ourselves through strong, loving relationships with other believers? Do we have relationship with Jesus himself? Are we building on that burn that we felt when we first realized that Jesus was alive? Do we really believe he's coming back?”

43s

#PaidInFull

“See, that empty tomb is the culmination of his love, confirmation that the horrible punishment that Jesus took on the cross was payment for the debt of our sin. That punishment was meant for us. That's the punishment that he ended with the words, it is finished. K? The Greek term, tetelestai, the business term that means paid in full. Jesus coming out of that tomb meant that the deal was sealed and that the payment for our sin debt was accepted. So a week later, the question I have for us is, how did we react to that?”

43s

#HeIsAlive

“They saw him in person. They saw him through the word. And through the word, they came to know who he really is. I can only can you imagine the catapult effect that came from something like that? I mean, that they hightailed it seven miles back to Jerusalem to tell that story. You know, not just after the greatest bible study ever. K? But think about being in the presence of Jesus himself and then the evangelism that comes out of something like that. I mean, their hearts burned with that encounter. How how do you keep that inside? You keep that burning inside to do this. Knowing Jesus is alive changes everything. K? And knowing that he's coming back should influence how we live.”

48s

#FaithInAction

“Yes. We worship him. And, you know, yes, we give him thanks at every turn, but there's more. There's more to this reaction. James tells us in chapter two verse 17, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Now don't mistake this for saying you have to work for your faith. Those works are the visible demonstration of our faith. It's out of love or out of obedience. How can we not be motivated to serve him? See, it goes back transformational experience of encountering the living Jesus. It comes to the word. Right? Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of god. One of my favorite descriptions of scripture, of course, is it isn't just for information. Right? It's for transformation.”

69s

#GazeThenGo

“See, the enemy has a plan too, and it is the complete opposite of faith in action. Like, what if what if the women at the tomb, after hearing that, just said, oh, it's great, but no one's gonna believe this and just went back to Bethany. Alright? Or what if, you know, Cleopas, what are the disciples on the road to Emmaus, right, when what if they just stayed there and like, but that was really cool. Isn't that awesome? And just stayed in Emmaus and just highlighted scripture. Like, that's great. I don't wanna forget that. They didn't do any of that. Right? What's the reaction when we stop gazing at the sky? What do we do? Right? Do did do we go back to our regular lives of putting ourselves first, our own needs first, or did we obey like the be do word spirit to lead lives according to god's will?”

45s

#TrustNotSelf

“He's move us. Now, look, you wanna go with any of this on your own? Anyone who wants to do this, right, rely on your own works or your own feelings or rely on the opinions of secular society to save you? I'm not gonna wish you luck. I'm gonna tell you don't. Don't do it. K? Scripture tells us not to do it. Go back to Proverbs. Proverbs 14. Right? Verse 12. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs three verses five to seven. Trust in the lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. Fear the lord and turn away from evil.”

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Encountering the Risen Christ: From Awe to Action

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformational Encounter with the Risen Christ

Day 2: Moving from Awe to Active Obedience

Day 3: The Urgency of Sharing the Good News

Day 4: Discerning God's Will Through Prayer and Scripture

Day 5: Living by Faith, Demonstrated Through Works

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Encountering the Risen Christ: From Awe to Action

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