Faith's Foundation: The Power of the Resurrection
Summary
The foundation of faith is not built on feelings, family traditions, or denominational ties, but on the living and active word of God. The resurrection of Jesus is the central miracle that grounds Christian faith, and it is surrounded by a multitude of witnesses and evidences that invite us to examine and believe. The story of Easter is not just about a historical event, but about the ongoing power of God to transform lives, to bring hope in suffering, and to assure us of our place in His family.
The resurrection is attested by many: the women at the tomb, the humble disciples, the bystander Simon of Cyrene, the angelic messenger, the thief on the cross, and ultimately, by God Himself who raised Jesus from the dead. Each witness offers a unique perspective on the sufficiency and depth of God’s plan. Simon’s unexpected involvement reminds us that God is sovereign over every detail, even the interruptions and hardships we face. The angelic messenger reveals that God not only ordains outcomes but also uses means—sometimes unseen—to accomplish His will and minister to His people.
The thief on the cross demonstrates that salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works or religious performance. Even in his final moments, with nothing to offer but a plea for mercy, he receives the promise of paradise. This is a comfort to all who feel unworthy or unable to “measure up”—the invitation is to simply believe and receive.
Above all, the resurrection is the work of God’s definite plan and power. Death could not hold Jesus, and the same resurrection power is available to all who believe. This power is not just for the future, but for the present: to endure suffering, to forgive, to love, and to live with hope. The call is to surrender our will, trust in God’s wisdom, and embrace the new life He offers. In Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, empowered to live for His glory, and assured that nothing—neither suffering nor death—can separate us from His love.
Key Takeaways
- Faith is grounded in the word of God, not in feelings or tradition. The resurrection is surrounded by credible witnesses—women, disciples, bystanders, angels, and even a dying thief—each testifying to the reality and power of Christ’s victory over death. This foundation gives us confidence that our faith is not wishful thinking, but rooted in God’s revealed truth. [00:45]
- God’s sovereignty is displayed in the unexpected. Simon of Cyrene’s sudden involvement in carrying the cross shows that God orchestrates even the interruptions and hardships of our lives for His purposes. When the unexpected happens, we can trust that God is at work, and the right response is surrender and thankfulness, knowing His will is always for our ultimate good. [17:00]
- God not only ordains outcomes but also uses means, including angelic messengers, to accomplish His will. The presence of angels at the resurrection reminds us that God’s care and involvement in our lives often go unseen, yet He is actively ministering to those who will inherit salvation. Our prayers and trust should be directed to the Father, who sends help in ways we may never fully understand. [22:38]
- Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. The thief on the cross had nothing to offer but a plea for mercy, and Jesus assured him of paradise. This teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that the only prerequisite for forgiveness is to call out in faith, trusting in Christ’s finished work. [26:56]
- The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in believers today. This resurrection power enables us to endure suffering, to forgive, to love beyond our natural capacity, and to live with hope. Surrendering our will to God and embracing His purposes brings true life, as we are adopted into His family and empowered to live for His glory. [31:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Foundation of Faith: Word Over Tradition
[01:40] - The Easter Story: Crucifixion and Resurrection
[02:41] - The Women at the Tomb: Witnesses of the Resurrection
[03:33] - Do Not Be Afraid: Facing Life’s Hard Questions
[04:48] - The Meaning of Christ’s Crucifixion
[05:22] - The Only Basis for Acceptance Before God
[06:44] - Come and See: The Empty Tomb
[07:24] - The Champion of Life and Our Burdens
[08:45] - The Power of the Resurrection: Evidence and Assurance
[10:20] - Four Additional Witnesses to the Resurrection
[10:56] - Simon of Cyrene: God’s Sovereignty in the Unexpected
[13:53] - Thankfulness in God’s Will
[19:09] - The Angelic Messenger: God’s Means in Salvation
[22:38] - Angels: Ministering Spirits for Believers
[25:13] - The Thief on the Cross: Grace Through Faith
[28:09] - God’s Definite Plan and the Resurrection
[31:11] - Resurrection Power at Work in Us
[33:50] - Surrender and New Life in Christ
[35:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:5-6
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
- Luke 23:39-43
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
- Acts 2:23-24
This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
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### Observation Questions
1. What message did the angel give to the women at the tomb, and how did he reassure them? (Matthew 28:5-6)
2. What was unique about the thief on the cross who asked Jesus to remember him? What did Jesus promise him? (Luke 23:39-43)
3. According to Acts 2:23-24, who was ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death and resurrection, and what does this say about God’s plan?
4. In the sermon, who are some of the witnesses mentioned that testify to the resurrection of Jesus? [10:20]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the angel specifically told the women, “Do not be afraid,” and invited them to see the empty tomb for themselves? What does this reveal about God’s approach to our doubts and fears? (Matthew 28:5-6, [06:44])
2. The thief on the cross had nothing to offer but a plea for mercy. What does his story teach about the requirements for salvation? [26:56]
3. The sermon says that Simon of Cyrene’s involvement was not an accident but part of God’s plan. How does this shape our understanding of God’s sovereignty in the interruptions and hardships of our own lives? [17:00]
4. According to Acts 2:23-24 and the sermon, how does the resurrection demonstrate both God’s power and His definite plan? [28:09]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says our faith is not built on feelings or tradition, but on the word of God and the resurrection of Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you’ve relied more on tradition or feelings than on God’s word? What would it look like to shift your foundation? [00:45]
2. Simon of Cyrene was pulled into God’s plan unexpectedly. Can you think of a time when an interruption or hardship in your life turned out to be part of God’s purpose? How did you respond, and what might you do differently now? [17:00]
3. The angelic messenger reminds us that God often works in unseen ways to care for us. Are there situations where you’ve only realized later that God was at work behind the scenes? How can you grow in trusting God’s care even when you can’t see it? [22:38]
4. The thief on the cross received salvation simply by asking for mercy. Do you ever feel like you have to “measure up” before coming to God? What would it look like to come to Him just as you are this week? [26:56]
5. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to believers today. Is there an area of your life—like forgiveness, loving someone difficult, or enduring suffering—where you need to experience resurrection power? What is one step you can take to surrender that area to God? [31:11]
6. The sermon calls us to surrender our will and trust God’s wisdom, even when we don’t understand. Is there something you’re holding onto that you need to let go of and trust God with? What’s holding you back? [33:50]
7. In Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and nothing can separate us from His love. How does this truth encourage you in your current circumstances? How can you remind yourself of your place in God’s family this week? [08:10]
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Devotional
Day 1: Our Faith Is Grounded in the Resurrection of Jesus
The foundation of Christian faith is not built on feelings, family traditions, or denominational heritage, but on the historical reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The empty tomb and the testimony of those who witnessed the risen Christ assure us that our faith is well-grounded and trustworthy. When doubts or suffering arise, we are reminded that our hope is anchored in the living Word of God and the victory of Christ over death. The resurrection is not just a story; it is the evidence that God’s promises are true and that Jesus is who He claimed to be. [07:24]
Matthew 28:5-6 (ESV)
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.”
Reflection: When you face uncertainty or fear, how does remembering the empty tomb and the risen Christ change your perspective today?
Day 2: God Is Sovereign in Every Unexpected Circumstance
The story of Simon of Cyrene, who was unexpectedly compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, reminds us that God is always at work, even in the interruptions and hardships of life. Nothing happens by chance; God orchestrates all things according to the counsel of His will, weaving every detail for His glory and our good. When life takes an unforeseen turn, we can respond with thankfulness, trusting that God’s will is what we would choose for ourselves if we knew what He knows. Surrendering our will to His brings peace and comfort, even when the path is difficult. [18:09]
Ephesians 1:11 (ESV)
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected event in your life—how might you respond differently if you truly believed God is working all things for your good and His glory?
Day 3: Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith Alone
The thief on the cross who turned to Jesus in his final moments is a powerful witness that salvation is not earned by good works, religious rituals, or church membership, but is a gift of grace received through faith. No matter your past or present, the only prerequisite for forgiveness is to call out for mercy and trust in Christ’s finished work. Jesus’ promise to the repentant thief—“Today you will be with me in paradise”—assures us that anyone who believes in Him will be saved, regardless of their history. [26:56]
Luke 23:42-43 (ESV)
And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Reflection: Is there anything you feel disqualifies you from God’s grace? What would it look like to simply call out to Jesus for mercy today?
Day 4: The Resurrection Power of God Is at Work in Believers
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available and active in the lives of those who believe. This resurrection power enlightens our hearts, gives us hope, and enables us to live differently—to love, forgive, and overcome what we could not in our own strength. When we surrender our lives to God, we experience transformation and the assurance that we are part of His family, seated with Christ in heavenly places. The resurrection is not just a past event; it is a present reality that empowers us to walk in newness of life. [33:50]
Ephesians 1:18-20 (ESV)
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to experience God’s resurrection power today, and how can you invite Him to work in that area?
Day 5: God Uses Messengers and Means to Accomplish His Purposes
God not only plans the outcome but also uses means—such as angelic messengers—to accomplish His will and encourage His people. Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, often working behind the scenes in ways we may never see. While we do not pray to angels, we can be assured that God is actively involved in our lives, providing help and guidance through both seen and unseen means. This truth encourages us to trust God’s care and to pray to the Father, knowing He is attentive to our needs and working for our good. [22:38]
Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Reflection: In what ways can you be more attentive to God’s care and provision for you today, even when you cannot see how He is working?
Quotes
Our sins were placed upon him. His righteousness is placed upon us. And therefore, when we stand before God, And he says to us, perhaps something like this, on what basis do you stand? My basis only is the Lord Jesus Christ. If you come before God at the judgment, and he says, why should I let you into my heaven? There's only one answer. Because Christ paid it all. He satisfied your command. He said, I've come to do your will, O God. And that will even to the death. [00:05:14] (41 seconds)
Do not be afraid in the midst of your trials and concerns and questions. I hate the questions. The older we get, our bodies hurt and you get sicknesses or different physical ailments or even emotional situations. I hate the question, why? Why is my grandson dying? Why is my wife sick? Why is my daughter or your daughter with some terrible condition? Why is someone that I love addicted to some terrible thing? And why? Do not be afraid. [00:03:38] (47 seconds)
We seek Jesus who was crucified. And with this crucifixion, comes the authority of God to love his own. Would he not, after giving his own son, not give us all things needed for life and godliness? And we seek Jesus who was crucified. Our Jesus was not a political leader. He was not fancy of attire or important in society. He came to seek and save the lost and to give his life a ransom for many. [00:04:24] (37 seconds)
This is what you need to see to withhold your faith, and to hold you under the difficulties of daily living. To see where he lay is empty, and to know the clouds and the glory in the heavens are filled with his greatness. And God has said of him, because of the obedience he has done, he has given him a name above every name. Our association with him is not religious tradition. It is empowering to us to be a part of his kingdom family, and to be adopted into his own family. How wonderful. [00:08:19] (37 seconds)
And Peter says, God raised him up, loosing the pains of death because it was not possible for him to be held by it. That's our gospel. That's our good news. What evidence do we have to believe it? Listen, there's plenty and sufficient evidence to believe it. We talked about four of those last week. Is there sufficient evidence for you? What would it take? How much evidence would it take? Would you be like Thomas and say, unless I can put my hands in the wounds and see them and touch them for myself, I could not believe it. [00:09:22] (43 seconds)
you will have to pick up your cross and carry it what kind of cross is this well this is different for all of us your cross isn't my cross your burden is not my burden but we have a common mission and the mission is to make Jesus well known and famous everywhere we go to make Jesus famous how is that meaningful because that's what you were created for and so you say well I don't understand any of this why is it that I should live my life to make a character who lived 2 ,000 plus years ago, why should I live my life that way? Because that's what you were created for. [00:11:51] (48 seconds)
Do you have in your framework of belief that God is in control or that we live in a world of chaos? Because God cannot be a little bit sovereign. He's either in control or he's not. How is it for you? Is it easier for you to think that God's really not in control and he wants us to do good and he's rooting for us? Or do you believe that God is in control? The story of Simon of Cyrene to me is interesting because he doesn't know what's happening. His life is thrown into the action in a moment's notice. [00:14:57] (51 seconds)
God was looking from eternity past, and Jesus, it says, was the lamb slain before the beginning of time. Before eternity began, in God's mind, Jesus was already the sacrifice, the lamb slain before the beginning of time. God is in control, and the story of Simon being thrown into this terrible circumstance is a lesson for us. Here's the application. The story of Simon of Cyrene teaches us that when the unexpected happens, God is always at work to accomplish something. [00:16:41] (44 seconds)
Here's a quote I say all the time. Let me say it again so maybe you memorize it. God's will, God's will, is what you would choose for yourself if you knew about you, what God knows about you, and what God knows about tomorrow. I mean, if we could open the curtain, if we could look behind the veil to see what's coming and to know our own hearts, if we could do it, then we would say, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That's what we would say. [00:18:18] (37 seconds)
My faith is deeper than my parents' faith imparted to me or my grandparents' prayers and faith imparted to me. My faith is based upon the word of God. And this is the right place for which to receive all understanding. The wisdom of God is the beginning. The humility of ours to receive this wisdom is the beginning of knowledge. So as you think about what happened during Easter season, the crew, the, the... The sending of Jesus, the crucifixion of Jesus, the trial of Jesus, the crucifixion, His death, and the resurrection. [00:01:13] (43 seconds)
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