Living as Resurrection People: A Call to Go

Devotional

Day 1: Created for Divine Fellowship and Purpose

From the very beginning, God’s heart was to have an intimate relationship with humanity. Being made in His image means more than physical resemblance; it means being designed for connection, purpose, and stewardship under His authority. This original design reflects God’s desire not only to bless us but to walk with us in daily fellowship. Sin disrupted this harmony, fracturing the relationship and bringing brokenness into the world. Yet, God’s invitation remains open—He calls us to realign ourselves with His plan, not by trying to live independently, but by embracing His presence and purpose for our lives. This is a call to live in agreement with God’s design, trusting that true life flows from walking closely with Him. [38:11]

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’” (Genesis 1:26 ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence today, inviting Him into your daily decisions and relationships to restore fellowship and purpose?

Day 2: Redemption Completed—Sin’s Debt Fully Paid

Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” marks the completion of the work necessary for our redemption. This statement is not merely about the end of His suffering but the fulfillment of God’s plan to break the power of sin, death, and Satan over humanity. Our salvation is not earned by effort or merit but is a gift secured by Christ’s finished work on the cross. The resurrection stands as the undeniable proof that death has been defeated and new life is available to all who place their trust in Him. This victory is not just historical; it is alive and active, transforming lives and offering hope beyond circumstances. [44:20]

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you still feel burdened by guilt or shame. How can embracing the completeness of Christ’s finished work bring freedom and new life in that area today?

Day 3: The Resurrection’s Mission—Go and Make Disciples

The resurrection is not the conclusion but the launching point of a mission entrusted to every believer. Jesus’ final command to “go” challenges us to actively participate in making disciples, baptizing, and teaching others. This call is universal, extending beyond pastors and missionaries to every follower of Christ in their everyday contexts. Before leading others, we are called to deepen our own walk with Jesus, allowing our lives to become living testimonies that draw others to Him. The mission requires intentionality and courage to live out the gospel authentically in all spheres of life. [50:15]

“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.’” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Reflection: Identify one relationship or community where you can intentionally share the love and truth of Christ this week. What practical step can you take to begin making disciples there?

Day 4: Wholehearted Obedience and the Power of Integrity

God desires obedience that flows from a unified heart, not divided loyalties or half-hearted faith. Integrity in how we live, speak, and treat others either opens the door for God’s blessing or hinders His work through us. The world watches our testimony closely, and our consistency in obedience can either point people to Christ or push them away. Living as warriors of the gospel means engaging in spiritual battles with intentionality, taking every thought captive, and reflecting Christ’s character in tangible ways. This calls for daily surrender and a commitment to live transparently before God and others. [59:43]

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25 ESV)

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense a gap between what you profess and how you live? What is one concrete action you can take today to align your heart and behavior with God’s call to integrity?

Day 5: Salvation’s Invitation—Receive and Walk in Grace

Salvation is the simplest yet most profound decision: confess with your mouth, believe in your heart, and receive the gift of new life. However, the journey does not end at salvation’s threshold. Walking daily with God requires trust amid life’s messiness and openness to the Holy Spirit’s transforming power. God’s grace is freely given but calls for active participation—stepping beyond mere belief to obedience and becoming instruments of His blessing in a broken world. This invitation is open to all, regardless of past or background, with pride being the only true barrier. Embracing this grace leads to restoration, purpose, and abundant life. [01:15]

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

Reflection: What prideful barrier might be holding you back from fully embracing God’s grace today? How can you practically surrender that barrier and step into the fullness of life He offers?

Sermon Summary

Summary (300-500 words):

Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ—He is risen! The service began with the joy of baptism, a visible reminder of new life in Christ, and the ordination of a young man called to gospel ministry. These moments set the tone for what Easter is truly about: not just the empty tomb, but the call to “go” and live out the resurrection in our daily lives.

From the very beginning, God’s desire was to have intimate fellowship with us. Genesis tells us we are made in His image, created for relationship and dominion—not to control apart from God, but to walk in His plan and blessing. Yet, sin entered the world through the fall, breaking that fellowship. The story of Easter is God’s answer to that brokenness. On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished”—our sin debt paid in full, the way back to God opened. The resurrection is the proof and power of that victory, witnessed by hundreds, and still changing lives today.

But Easter is not just a historical event to be celebrated; it’s a commission to be lived. Jesus’ final words were not “stay,” but “go”—make disciples, baptize, teach, and trust that He is with us always. This “going” is not reserved for pastors or missionaries; it’s for every believer, in every walk of life. We are called to reflect Christ, to be a blessing, and to live in such a way that others see the reality of the risen Lord in us.

Yet, living this out is not easy. The world is messy, and so are our lives. We struggle with pride, with wanting things our way, with the pull of the world. But God’s grace is greater. He calls us to total obedience, not half-hearted faith. We are reminded that our testimony matters—how we live, speak, and forgive impacts those around us. The power to live this life comes from the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, enabling us to take every thought captive and to walk in newness of life.

Salvation is a gift, not earned or deserved, but received by faith. Confess with your mouth, believe in your heart, and you will be saved. But don’t stop at the door—step in, walk with God, and experience the fullness of His blessing. The invitation is open to all, regardless of background or past. God’s desire is to bless, to restore, and to use us as instruments of His grace in a broken world. Let us trust, obey, and go—living as resurrection people every day.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Original Design and Desire for Fellowship: From creation, God’s heart was to have intimate relationship with humanity, making us in His image and blessing us with purpose and dominion. Sin disrupted this fellowship, but God’s desire to bless and commune with us has never changed. Even now, He invites us to walk in agreement with Him, not by reinventing life on our own terms, but by aligning ourselves with His plan and presence. [38:11]
2. The Cross and Resurrection: Paid in Full: Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” is more than a statement—it is the completion of our redemption. Our sin debt is fully paid, and the power of death, sin, and Satan is broken. This is not based on our merit, but on Christ’s finished work, and it is available to all who trust in Him. The resurrection is the guarantee that God’s promise is true and that new life is possible for everyone. [44:20]
3. The Call to “Go” and Make Disciples: The resurrection is not the end of the story, but the beginning of our mission. Jesus commands us to “go” in our everyday lives, making disciples, baptizing, and teaching. This call is for every believer, not just leaders, and it requires us to first learn to follow Christ before we can lead others. Our lives are meant to be a testimony that draws others to the Savior. [50:15]
4. Obedience, Integrity, and the Power of Testimony: God cannot bless a divided heart or a double life. Half-hearted obedience is no obedience at all. Our integrity—how we live, speak, and treat others—either opens the door for God’s anointing or hinders it. The world is watching, and our testimony can either point people to Christ or push them away. We are called to be warriors, not spectators, living out the gospel in real, tangible ways. [59:43]
5. Salvation: A Gift to Be Received and Lived: Salvation is the simplest and most profound decision—confess, believe, and receive. But the real challenge is living it out daily, trusting God in the messiness of life, and allowing His Spirit to transform us. God’s grace is free, but it calls us to step beyond the threshold, to walk with Him, and to become instruments of blessing to others. The invitation is open to all, and the only barrier is pride. [75:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:56] - Baptism and Ordination
[31:42] - The Power of the Gospel and Faith
[34:01] - Ordination Charge and Blessing
[35:48] - Family Worship and Genesis 1
[36:47] - Created in God’s Image and Dominion
[38:11] - God’s Desire for Fellowship
[40:14] - The Fall and the Human Condition
[44:20] - The Cross: “It Is Finished”
[46:19] - The Great Commission: Go and Make Disciples
[50:15] - Following Before Leading
[51:54] - The Inclusive Call of the Gospel
[53:58] - God’s Blessing and the Call to Go
[55:36] - The World’s Brokenness and God’s Way
[56:59] - The Birth of Christ: Blessing for All
[59:43] - Obedience and Integrity in the Christian Life
[63:32] - Spiritual Warfare and Taking Thoughts Captive
[69:44] - Living Sacrifices and Growing in Faith
[71:10] - Christ Took Our Place
[72:19] - Grace: A Gift, Not a Right
[74:09] - Salvation for All Who Believe
[75:59] - The Simplicity and Challenge of Salvation
[78:48] - Invitation and Prayer
[81:57] - New Members and Next Steps
[89:46] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:26-28 — God creates humanity in His image, gives them dominion, and blesses them.

2. Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission—Jesus commands His followers to “go” and make disciples, baptizing and teaching, with the promise of His presence.

3. Romans 10:9-13
Salvation comes by confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead; the promise is for everyone who calls on Him.

Observation Questions

In Genesis 1:26-28, what does it mean that God made humans in His image and gave them dominion? What specific instructions did God give to Adam and Eve?
According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the main actions Jesus commands His followers to do after His resurrection?
In Romans 10:9-13, what are the two things Paul says are necessary for salvation? Who is this promise available to?
The sermon mentioned that “half-hearted obedience is no obedience at all.” What examples did the pastor give of living with a divided heart?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says God’s original desire was for intimate fellowship with us, but sin broke that relationship. How does the resurrection of Jesus restore what was lost in Genesis?
Jesus’ last words were not “stay,” but “go.” Why do you think Jesus emphasized “going” rather than staying comfortable or safe?
The pastor said, “God cannot bless a divided heart or a double life.” What does it look like for a Christian to live with integrity and undivided obedience in today’s world?
The sermon described salvation as a gift, not something we earn. Why is it sometimes hard for people to accept that salvation is free, and what role does pride play in this?

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to “go” and live out the resurrection in our daily lives, not just celebrate it once a year. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to “go” or step out in faith this week?
The pastor talked about the importance of our testimony—how we live, speak, and forgive. Is there a specific relationship or situation where your actions might be pointing people away from Christ instead of toward Him? What could you do differently?
The message said, “God’s grace is free, but it calls us to step beyond the threshold, to walk with Him, and to become instruments of blessing to others.” What is one practical way you can be a blessing to someone in your family, workplace, or neighborhood this week?
The pastor mentioned that the only barrier to receiving God’s invitation is pride. Is there an area in your life where pride is keeping you from trusting or obeying God fully? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him?
The sermon encouraged us to take every thought captive and walk in newness of life. What is one thought pattern or habit you need to bring under Christ’s control? How can you start doing that this week?
The pastor said, “Don’t just get saved and step in the front door—step in, walk with God, and experience the fullness of His blessing.” What does “walking with God” look like for you right now? Are there next steps you feel led to take in your faith journey?
The message reminded us that the invitation to salvation and blessing is open to all, regardless of background or past. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear this good news? How can you share it with them in a real and loving way?

Sermon Clips

You want to say it? Tetelestai. Amen. Tetelestai. It is a Greek accounting term. Or accounting term. The word there and it's an accounting term. What did it mean? Jesus when he hung on the cross he hollered it is finished. That was the last utterance before he gave up the ghost. What does that mean? That means today that your sin debt my sin debt was paid in full. Can I get an amen? [00:43:19] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

The sentence for our sin over in Romans 6 23 it says for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Beloved I want you to know today here it is Jesus died on the cross. He was the gift by the Father that gave to us so we could have life and never experience a spiritual death. [00:44:20] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

And not only that there's another one that word also means that the spiritual warfare of death sin and Satan was one hallelujah. Amen. Salvation victory reconciliation to us and a new life is yours and mine if we'll trust Jesus Christ. That's a fact not fiction today. [00:44:55] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

And see when we understand that salvation you say that's simple. Yes it's simple God's simple plan of salvation. we can only get there by faith not by what you and I do or have done or going to do it is what he's did on the cross and how God worked through his son to give us that salvation. [00:45:38] (22 seconds) Edit Clip

if we have a relationship like we should with God the Father through his Son Jesus Christ. What did Jesus say over in John chapter 14? He said I am the way, the truth, and the life and no man cometh the Father but by me. Period. You cannot have fellowship with a Father unless you go through Jesus Christ. That's just a fact. That's what it says. That's what I believe. Amen? If you're a pastor here, a leader here, I'm sure that's what you believe. Amen? If not, you won't be for long. Amen? I'm just telling you that's the Bible. It's not Bubba. That's the Bible. [00:49:19] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

As a leader, you need to be careful what you wish for because you need to get it right. Amen? Because people die and go to hell when we don't. Amen? But let me tell you something else. By what that scripture saying is to go. And when we go, do you know your friends, your family, if you won't live the life like you're supposed to and you're living like the world, do you understand there are people around you that are gonna die and go to hell because they don't see the glory of God living and through you? Amen? [00:51:14] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

Half obedient to the Lord is no obedience. Amen? Half trust of God is no trust of God. Amen? We have to understand that today. You can't go out in the world and talk like a sailor. And I know we're in a military town and cuss and act like a knucklehead and then come into church because the same friends when they find out you're going to church that you're in charge of something, that you're worshiping, that you're teaching, that you're preaching and you're doing stuff and you're doing that kind of foolishness, the next thing you do is you ruin your testimony to where people won't listen to you. And God can't bless a mess. He won't. [00:58:44] (42 seconds) Edit Clip

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Amen? [01:09:23] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

We need to understand today, if you're in the house today, while we were yet sinners, church people, while we were yet sinners, before you were saved, God demonstrated his love. He died on the cross and loved you right where you are at. Jesus Christ, he didn't just die on the cross for you. He took your place and my place on that cross. Amen. Amen. [01:10:41] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

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