Living as Easter People: Embracing Daily Resurrection
Summary
Every day is an opportunity to live as Easter people—people shaped by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not just a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that transforms how we see ourselves, our community, and our mission in the world. Gratitude is the secret that unlocks this way of living. When we intentionally count our blessings, we begin to see God’s hand at work in every corner of our lives, and joy naturally follows. Joy is not a fleeting feeling, but a deep wellspring that sustains us as we serve, worship, and grow together.
We are called to be a people who never stop learning, never stop growing closer to God, and never stop serving. Whether it’s through music, teaching children, volunteering at community events, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor, each act of service is a way to embody the resurrection. The story of Rachel, who stepped out in faith to lead at Vacation Bible School despite her fears, reminds us that God equips us for every calling. We are never alone; the Holy Spirit is with us, and our church family stands beside us.
The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to his disciples show us that faith and doubt often coexist. Even those who saw the risen Christ struggled with uncertainty, yet they worshipped and followed. Jesus’ Great Commission—to go and make disciples of all nations—remains our mission today. This calling is immense, but we are not asked to do it alone. Jesus promises to be with us always, and together, as a community, we are empowered to live out our faith in tangible ways.
Being a disciple is more than just believing; it is a commitment to go deeper, to allow God’s grace to shape us into people who reflect Christ’s love in all we do. Whether we are seasoned in faith or just beginning, the invitation is always to go deeper, to serve more fully, and to trust that God is with us every step of the way. Easter is not just a moment in history—it is a movement that continues through us as we show, share, and spread God’s love every single day.
Key Takeaways
- Gratitude is the foundation for living as resurrection people. When we intentionally count our blessings, we open our eyes to God’s ongoing work in our lives, which leads to a deeper, more abiding joy. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the awareness of God’s presence and goodness. Practicing gratitude transforms our perspective and prepares our hearts for service. [11:50]
- Faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive; they often exist side by side. The disciples worshipped the risen Christ even as they wrestled with uncertainty, showing us that questioning and struggling are part of a genuine faith journey. Rather than being discouraged by our doubts, we can bring them honestly before God, trusting that even a mustard seed of faith is enough. This vulnerability deepens our relationship with God and with one another. [45:08]
- The call to make disciples is not reserved for the spiritually elite but is given to ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, and each of us. Discipleship is about going beyond belief to a life of deep commitment, learning, and transformation. It is a journey of allowing God’s grace to take us deeper, shaping us into people who live out the teachings of Jesus in practical, everyday ways. [49:15]
- We are never called to serve or grow alone. Community is essential to discipleship; together, we support, encourage, and challenge one another to become stronger followers of Christ. Whether through Bible study, volunteering, or simply sharing life, we are reminded that Jesus is with us always, and our faith is strengthened in the context of shared mission and fellowship. [51:45]
- Living out the resurrection means making Easter alive every day through acts of love, service, and witness. Our mission field is all around us—in our neighborhoods, our church, and our world. When we serve together, empowered by the Spirit, we become a visible sign of God’s love, and the movement of Easter continues through us. The world needs this hope, and we are called to carry it forward with passion and commitment. [56:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Gathering in Gratitude
[04:30] - Children’s Moment and Growing Together
[07:45] - The Power of Music in Worship
[11:50] - The Secret of Joy: Counting Blessings
[16:20] - Prayers for Our Community and World
[23:34] - Blessing the Gifts and Givers
[29:01] - Scripture Reading and Choir Anthem
[33:15] - Living Easter Every Day
[41:40] - The Disciples’ Encounter on the Mountain
[45:08] - Faith, Doubt, and Worship
[48:19] - The Great Commission: Our Mission
[49:15] - What is a Disciple?
[51:45] - Growing Deeper Together
[54:57] - Serving in Community
[56:16] - Making Easter Alive Every Day
[58:06] - Prayer for Deeper Discipleship
[59:15] - Trusting God as We Go
[01:03:09] - Sending Forth: Entering the Mission Field
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living as Easter People Every Day
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
> Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:17, how did the disciples respond when they saw the risen Jesus? What does the text say about their faith and their doubts?
2. In the sermon, what was the “secret” to living as Easter people every day? ([11:50])
3. What example did the pastor give about someone stepping out in faith to serve, even when they felt nervous or unsure? ([33:15])
4. What promise does Jesus give his followers at the end of the Great Commission? ([51:45])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that faith and doubt can exist side by side, even among Jesus’ closest followers. What does this suggest about the nature of faith for us today? ([45:08])
2. The pastor described gratitude as the “foundation” for living as resurrection people. Why might gratitude be so important for experiencing joy and seeing God at work? ([11:50])
3. The story of Rachel volunteering for VBS was used as an example. What does her experience teach us about how God equips us for service, even when we feel unqualified? ([33:15])
4. Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” was given to ordinary people. What does this say about who is called to participate in God’s mission? ([49:15])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “count our blessings” as a way to unlock joy. What is one specific blessing you can name from this past week? How did recognizing it affect your attitude or actions? ([11:50])
2. The disciples worshipped Jesus even while some doubted. When have you experienced faith and doubt at the same time? How did you respond, and what helped you keep following Jesus? ([45:08])
3. The story of Rachel stepping up to lead at VBS shows that God can use us even when we feel nervous or unprepared. Is there an area of service or leadership you feel God nudging you toward, even if you feel unsure? What is one step you could take this week? ([33:15])
4. The pastor said, “We are never called to serve or grow alone.” Who in your church community encourages you to grow in faith? How can you encourage someone else this week? ([51:45])
5. Jesus’ Great Commission is for all believers, not just the “spiritually elite.” What is one practical way you can help “make Easter alive” in your neighborhood, workplace, or family this week? ([56:16])
6. The sermon mentioned that living as Easter people means showing kindness, even to difficult neighbors. Is there someone in your life who is hard to love? What is one act of kindness you could show them this week? ([54:57])
7. The pastor asked, “Would you like to be a deeper disciple of Jesus Christ?” What does “going deeper” look like for you right now? Is there a specific habit, group, or act of service you want to commit to in the coming month? ([50:53])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for courage to step out in faith, for eyes to see God’s blessings, and for the strength to serve together as a community, trusting that Jesus is with us always.
Devotional
Day 1: Living as Easter People Every Day
To be Easter people is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus not just once a year, but every single day, allowing the reality of His victory over death to transform our lives with hope, gratitude, and joy. This daily celebration means recognizing God’s presence in every moment, letting gratitude fill our hearts, and seeking to see God’s blessings in both the ordinary and extraordinary. As we count our blessings and open ourselves to God’s Spirit, we become more aware of His nearness and are empowered to live with joy, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Let us strive to make Easter a living reality, shaping our attitudes and actions every day. [11:50]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally celebrate the resurrection and express gratitude to God in your daily routine today?
Day 2: Wrestling with Doubt While Worshipping
Even those who walked with Jesus after His resurrection experienced both faith and doubt at the same time, showing us that it is possible to worship and follow Christ even as we wrestle with questions and uncertainties. The disciples, standing before the risen Lord, were filled with awe and joy, yet some still doubted—reminding us that faith and doubt can coexist in our hearts. Rather than being discouraged by our doubts, we are invited to bring them honestly before God, trusting that He meets us in our questions and continues to call us forward in faith. [45:08]
Matthew 28:16-17 (ESV)
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
Reflection: What is one doubt or question you are carrying today, and how can you bring it honestly to God in prayer while still choosing to worship?
Day 3: The Call to Make Disciples
Jesus’ Great Commission is a call for all believers to go beyond mere belief and actively participate in making disciples—followers who are deeply committed to living out His teachings and sharing His love with the world. This mission is vast and sometimes feels overwhelming, but it is not reserved for the spiritually elite; it is for ordinary people empowered by God’s Spirit. Being a disciple means moving from surface-level faith to a life of deeper conviction, purpose, and transformation, and inviting others to join in this journey. [48:19]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can encourage or invite to take a step closer to Jesus, and what practical action can you take to support them this week?
Day 4: Growing Deeper Together in Community
Discipleship is not a solitary journey; we are called to grow, serve, and learn together as a faith community, supporting one another as we follow Jesus more closely. Whether it’s joining a Bible study, volunteering for a ministry, or simply showing kindness to a neighbor, we are reminded that we are never alone—God’s presence and the support of fellow believers strengthen us. Together, we build a community that reflects Christ’s love, and together we become stronger disciples, able to face challenges and fulfill our mission. [51:45]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to connect more deeply with your church community or to encourage someone else in their faith journey?
Day 5: Trusting Jesus’ Presence in Our Mission
As we step out to serve, share, and spread God’s love, we do so with the assurance that Jesus is with us always, guiding, strengthening, and empowering us to fulfill His mission in the world. No matter how daunting the task or how inadequate we may feel, we are never alone—Christ’s promise to be with us to the end of the age gives us courage and hope. Let us trust in His presence, allow Him to order our steps, and boldly live out our calling as Easter people, ignited by His love and grace. [54:57]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Reflection: Where do you feel God nudging you to serve or step out in faith, and how can you rely on Jesus’ presence and strength as you respond?
Quotes
What I've found is when we find things that we are grateful for, that God's blessings, we just start seeing more and more. I really believe with all of my heart that gratitude leads to more joy. And I've never met another person who doesn't need more joy in their life. [00:11:50] (20 seconds)
Have you ever felt called to step up and do something that is bigger than yourself, something that might be made you a little bit nervous? Whether it's a project at work or maybe it's mentoring someone new, maybe it's stepping into a role that you're not exactly sure that you were ready for. [00:39:10] (21 seconds)
If we never question, if we never wrestle with our doubts, perhaps we are not paying close enough attention. Even so, Matthew tells us that despite their doubts, the disciples worshipped Jesus. And so can we. [00:46:33] (23 seconds)
That's why we gather on Sunday mornings, yes, to worship our risen Savior, but we gather also to gain strength, to live out our faith together in this world at this time. [00:46:57] (15 seconds)
Jesus says, go and make disciples of all nations. Go, make disciples of all nations, not just Israel, not just your neighbors, all nations. Scope of this. The scope of this takes their breath away. [00:47:46] (22 seconds)
A disciple is a follower. A disciple is a student. A disciple is someone who is deeply committed. A disciple is a person who is immersed in living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. [00:49:12] (15 seconds)
Jesus didn't say, go and make converts. No, Jesus said, go and make disciples because it is disciples of Jesus Christ who bring Easter alive every single day. [00:50:03] (22 seconds)
Do you know what the common denominator is in all of that? You are never alone. Together, we are building a faith community that serves and studies and learns and grows closer and closer to God. Together, we are becoming stronger disciples. Together, never alone. [00:53:58] (22 seconds)
Easter isn't just a moment in history. Easter is a movement that continues through us when we show and share and spread God's love. Easter comes alive, not just one day out of the year. We are called to make Easter alive every single day. [00:56:21] (27 seconds)
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