New Beginnings: Embracing Resurrection and Empowering Others
Summary
Today, we gathered to honor the Lord, remembering the immeasurable gift of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Just as the opening day of baseball wipes the slate clean for every team, so too does the resurrection of Christ offer each of us a new beginning. No matter our past failures or sins, in Christ we are made new—our old selves are buried, and we rise to new life. This is not just a theological truth but a lived reality, as seen in the life of Paul, who went from persecutor to apostle, and in each of us who have experienced the cleansing waters of baptism and the ongoing grace of God.
We celebrated communion, recalling the night Jesus was betrayed, the breaking of bread, and the sharing of the cup—the new covenant in His blood. This act of remembrance is not just ritual but a powerful reminder that because He lives, we also live. The forgiveness, restoration, and new identity as sons and daughters of God are gifts that should never leave our hearts or minds.
We were also blessed to hear from Gary and Kathy Heinrich, missionaries serving among the indigenous peoples in the jungles of Costa Rica. Their ministry is marked by deep relationships, sacrificial service, and a commitment to empowering local leaders. They shared stories of the challenges and joys of life in the jungle, from traversing rivers by canoe and motorcycle to building churches and training pastors. Their work is not about establishing their own churches but about equipping and encouraging indigenous pastors, helping them with practical needs like construction, classrooms, and even bathrooms, while always focusing on leadership development.
A highlight was the recent pastoral leadership conference held deep in the jungle—a first for the region—where local leaders received training and encouragement. The fruit of these efforts is evident: new church plants, growing congregations, and lives transformed by the gospel. The Bible Institute continues to train pastors and leaders, some of whom have persevered for decades to complete their studies, demonstrating remarkable commitment and hunger for God’s Word.
Through all these stories, we see the power of partnership, perseverance, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Whether in the jungles of Costa Rica or in our own lives, God is building His church, one transformed life at a time.
Key Takeaways
- Resurrection as Our True “Opening Day”: Just as the start of a new season wipes away the past for a baseball team, the resurrection of Jesus offers us a genuine new beginning. No matter how stained our past, in Christ, the slate is wiped clean, and we are invited to live as new creations. This is not a one-time event but an ongoing invitation to walk in the freedom and hope of resurrection life. [33:07]
- The Power of Remembering: Communion is more than a ritual; it is a sacred act of remembering Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant established in His blood. Each time we partake, we are called to let the reality of forgiveness, adoption, and new life shape our identity and daily living. This remembrance fuels gratitude and anchors us in God’s unchanging love. [36:10]
- Ministry is Empowerment, Not Ownership: True mission work is not about building our own platforms but about equipping others to lead and flourish. Gary and Kathy’s approach—serving as “pastors to the pastors”—models humility and a kingdom mindset, ensuring that indigenous leaders are empowered, not overshadowed. This challenges us to consider how we can invest in others’ growth rather than seeking recognition for ourselves. [53:56]
- Leadership Development Through Shared Sacrifice: The growth of the church in Talamanca is rooted in shared sacrifice and mutual investment. Whether it’s pastors hauling water up hills, congregations mixing cement by hand, or students walking hours for Bible classes, these acts of perseverance forge deep community and authentic leadership. True leadership is cultivated not in comfort, but in the trenches of service and shared struggle. [57:22]
- The Gospel Transcends Culture and Comfort: The work in Costa Rica reminds us that the gospel is not bound by geography, language, or convenience. From learning new languages to adapting to jungle life, the willingness to step out of comfort zones for the sake of Christ’s mission is a powerful testimony. God’s kingdom advances through those who are willing to embrace discomfort, build bridges, and trust Him for provision and fruit. [46:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:55] - Honoring Christ’s Sacrifice
[32:33] - Opening Day and New Beginnings
[33:07] - Resurrection and a Clean Slate
[34:30] - Paul’s Transformation and Our Own
[35:51] - Communion: Remembering Jesus
[36:58] - Thanksgiving for Redemption
[37:50] - Introducing Missionaries Gary & Kathy
[39:00] - Life and Ministry in Talamanca
[43:47] - First Pastoral Conference in the Jungle
[46:26] - Leadership Training and Jungle Challenges
[50:04] - Church Planting in Lepetta
[53:56] - Empowering Indigenous Pastors
[57:22] - Community, Sacrifice, and Growth
[58:40] - The Blessing of Practical Needs
[01:00] - Bible Institute and Leadership Development
[01:05:23] - National Assemblies and Ordination
[01:08:42] - Building a Culture of Shared Leadership
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2. Romans 6:3-4
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
3. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, how is the resurrection of Jesus compared to the “opening day” of baseball? What does this analogy help us understand about new beginnings in Christ? [[33:07]]
2. What does Paul say about being a new creation in Christ, and how does the sermon connect this to the experience of baptism? [[33:56]]
3. In the communion passage, what are the two elements Jesus used, and what did He say they represent? [[36:10]]
4. What are some practical ways Gary and Kathy Heinrich serve the indigenous pastors in Costa Rica, according to their testimony? [[53:56]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “No matter our past failures or sins, in Christ we are made new—our old selves are buried, and we rise to new life.” How might this truth change the way someone views their past mistakes or regrets? [[33:39]]
2. Communion is described as “more than a ritual; it is a sacred act of remembering Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant.” Why is it important for believers to regularly remember what Jesus has done? How can this shape our daily lives? [[36:10]]
3. Gary and Kathy’s ministry is described as “empowering, not owning.” What does it look like to empower others in ministry rather than seeking recognition for ourselves? [[53:56]]
4. The indigenous pastors and congregations often make sacrifices, like hauling water up hills or walking hours for Bible classes. What does this teach us about the cost and value of leadership and community in the church? [[57:22]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon compares the resurrection to a fresh start, like “opening day” in baseball. Is there an area in your life where you need to embrace a new beginning? What would it look like to let Christ “wipe the slate clean” for you? [[33:07]]
2. When you take communion, do you find yourself just going through the motions, or do you truly remember and give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice? What could you do to make communion more meaningful in your heart? [[36:10]]
3. Gary and Kathy focus on equipping and encouraging local leaders rather than building their own platform. In your own life, are there ways you can help others grow and lead, even if it means staying in the background? [[53:56]]
4. The indigenous church members in Costa Rica show perseverance by making sacrifices for their community—like carrying water or walking long distances. What is one practical way you could serve your church or community, even if it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable? [[57:22]]
5. The gospel is described as transcending culture and comfort. Is there a “comfort zone” you feel God might be calling you to step out of for the sake of His mission? What’s holding you back, and what’s one step you could take this week? [[46:26]]
6. The Bible Institute students sometimes take years to finish their studies, showing great commitment. Is there a spiritual goal or discipline you’ve been putting off because it seems too hard or slow? What would help you persevere? [[01:02:27]]
7. The sermon highlights the power of partnership and shared leadership. Who is someone in your life you could partner with to serve others or grow in faith together? How could you encourage or support them this week? [[01:08:42]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: New Beginnings Through Christ’s Resurrection
Because of Jesus’s resurrection, everyone is offered a fresh start.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a living reality that offers every person the opportunity to begin anew. Just as the opening day of a new season wipes the slate clean for every team, so too does the resurrection wipe away the record of our past sins and failures. No matter what disappointments or mistakes have marked our lives, in Christ, the old is gone and the new has come. This newness is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who call on the name of Jesus, inviting us to step out of the tomb of our past and into the new life He provides. [33:22]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace the new beginning Jesus offers, and how can you take a tangible step toward that today?
Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness and a Clean Slate
In Christ, even the worst past can be forgiven and transformed.
Paul’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Once a persecutor and murderer of Christians, Paul experienced his own “opening day” when Jesus appeared to him, wiping his slate clean and giving him a new identity. This transformation is not just for those with dramatic pasts; all of us, regardless of our history, need forgiveness and the new life that Jesus offers. The gift of forgiveness is total and complete, freeing us from guilt and shame and inviting us to live as new creations in Christ. [34:47]
1 Corinthians 15:8-10 (ESV)
Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.
Reflection: Is there a part of your past that you struggle to believe God can forgive? How can you surrender that to Him and accept His grace today?
Day 3: Living in Remembrance of Christ’s Sacrifice
Remembering Jesus’s sacrifice renews our gratitude and sense of purpose.
When we gather to remember Jesus’s body broken and His blood poured out, we are invited to reflect deeply on the cost of our forgiveness and the depth of God’s love. This act of remembrance is not a mere ritual but a spiritual practice that stirs our hearts with gratitude and renews our passion for the gospel. It reminds us that we are sons and daughters, recipients of a new covenant, and that our lives are to be lived in response to this incredible gift. Let the reality of Christ’s sacrifice never fade from your mind or spirit, but let it shape your daily walk and relationships. [36:58]
Luke 22:19-20 (ESV)
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
Reflection: As you remember Christ’s sacrifice today, what is one way you can express your gratitude to Him in your actions or words?
Day 4: The Importance of Equipping and Encouraging Others
Empowering others through training and encouragement strengthens the whole community.
True leadership is not about doing everything oneself but about equipping others to thrive and lead. By investing in the training and encouragement of local pastors and leaders, a ripple effect is created that strengthens the entire body of Christ. Whether it’s teaching practical skills, offering spiritual guidance, or simply cheering others on from behind the scenes, every act of support helps others fulfill their calling. This approach fosters unity, resilience, and growth, ensuring that the work of the gospel continues to flourish in every context. [54:09]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Reflection: Who is someone you can encourage or equip this week, and what specific step can you take to support their growth?
Day 5: Perseverance and Sacrifice in Pursuing God’s Call
Commitment to God’s work often requires perseverance and personal sacrifice.
Serving God and others is rarely easy; it often involves long hours, physical labor, and personal sacrifice. Whether it’s walking hours to attend Bible classes, carrying heavy loads to build a church, or giving up comfort for the sake of others, these acts of perseverance are a testament to the depth of commitment found in Christ’s followers. Such dedication not only advances God’s kingdom but also inspires others to press on in their own callings, knowing that every sacrifice made for the Lord is seen and honored by Him. [01:02:40]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to give up or grow weary in serving God or others, and how can you ask Him for renewed strength today?
Quotes
If anyone is in Christ, Paul wrote, "The new creation has come. The old is gone. The new is here. Paul describes our being buried with Christ through baptism into death and then entering into the new life that Jesus provides. And in a sense, we come forth from that tomb of the baptism waters to receive the new life that only Jesus can give us. It's indeed a never to be forgotten opening day." [00:33:46]
It may renew us and encourage us to think that when we partake of communion together, that if we think back to the day for those that are followers of Jesus who have given their lives to him, when we think back to the day of our baptism, when we come forth from our own tomb and our own record of sins was wiped clean, we may not have done things as hideous as Paul did, but we still needed and need our sins forgiven. [00:35:17]
Last month, we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. And I think that Easter Sunday can in many ways be considered our opening day. After all, on that morning, the woman discovered that Jesus's tomb had been opened, that he was not there. And because of Jesus's death and resurrection, every person from that moment on and going back to those who had faith in God is given the opportunity to start a fresh. Whatever sins have been committed, whatever disappointments there may have been in your life, the slate is wiped clean. [00:33:05]
Perhaps no one appreciated the wonder of this newness more than Paul himself in 1 Corinthians 15, which is the Bible's resurrection chapter. Paul mentions the people to whom Jesus appeared after he rose. The last individual in the list is Paul in verse 8. He says, "And last of all, he appeared to me also as to one abnormally born." If ever there was someone who needed to start fresh, it was Paul. this notorious persecutor and murderer of Christians. But then came his opening day. [00:36:42]
We are an encouragement to the pastors. We're the ones behind the scene cheering them on. What can we help you with to make your job not easier but better? What can we do to help you? So that's that's who we are. That's we're not just building churches to go pastor a bunch of churches. That's not what we do. No, we pass that off to them and then train them and equip them. [00:54:26]
So each step, whether it be church planting or the special projects or the Bible institute, is always leadership training involved in that. Always. Whether it be being here on time, paying your money on time, uh planning out your project and showing us all the material that you're going to need. All through the step is leadership training always. [01:03:50]
This year we have uh 50 students around that. And in at the end of the year we have I'm not exactly sure four or six that are going to graduate. Our last graduation was in 2022. The first five from Talamanca and some of those pastors have been taking classes for 20 years. 20 years it took them to finish. Now mind you it's one class a week. So in Pastor Lydia's church, she has two classes. So they meet Sunday night and Monday night, which is a big sacrifice financially and timewise because they work six days a week and have one day off. [01:01:36]
And so, it is a lot of fun going back and forth. In Spanish. What's that? We communicate in Spanish. Yeah, we communicate in Spanish for sure. But they like to like they'll all be huddled around especially in this church. And they'll be like shoo. And so then I'll walk up and say, "Oh yeah, uh bashkina bashka," which means hello. Hello. And they'll be like, and then Chamo, the pastor there, he'll be that's all he knows. And then they start laughing, right? [00:53:19]
And so, this is this is the church is in the front by the road. And then the fellowship hall is behind that. Then then the um kitchen and then the bathroom. And so we left with all intentions of them, you know, they're going to keep working and they do. And so this morning we got a message. Yesterday was their once a month meeting that they have within the district. And so this morning we got a a message very early in the morning. [00:56:36]
And so, it is quite dangerous also to be riding in the canoes up and down the rivers. So, the river ride going up is 30 minutes and then the bus ride. But, uh, during this time there was rainy season as well. But like Kathy said, the weather was so great that it did rain in the morning sometimes, but when we got into the canoes, there was no rain. It was beautiful. And then when it rain during the session and then it would stop raining for a return trip. [00:46:36]
And so, Pastor Murray and Pat said, "We're going to come and we're going to do specially for your people." And so Patricia was a little bit nervous because there are mosquitoes and snakes and all kinds of things that you hear on TV and stuff. The mosquitoes, you're always going to get bit. Snakes, not so much. We make sure there's none of that around. U but she was a little nervous, but she did everything so wonderful. Riding in the dugout canoes, uh all of that. And so the people just ate it up. [00:44:44]
And so, it is a lot of fun going back and forth. In Spanish. What's that? We communicate in Spanish. Yeah, we communicate in Spanish for sure. But they like to like they'll all be huddled around especially in this church. And they'll be like shoo. And so then I'll walk up and say, "Oh yeah, uh bashkina bashka," which means hello. Hello. And they'll be like, and then Chamo, the pastor there, he'll be that's all he knows. And then they start laughing, right? So So at first they're shocked. He knows how to speak brie. And no, he doesn't. He's just making that stuff up, you know? [00:53:19]
So, also, uh, I don't know what's next. I can't remember. We usually have the iPad here. I'll do it. Um, so, so we left with with Pastor Cho. He's in the middle there. We just before we left, a few days before, we were scheduled to leave. We went up because we needed to go buy some more material and we needed to measure for the cement and all that kind of stuff. And so, this is this is the church is in the front by the road. [00:56:34]
And so, this is our journey. The road is actually pretty good today. They just finished grading it. So we're pretty happy on that. Usually it's a four-wheel drive, big big potholes like our roads in Edmonton really. And so uh not much different. So So we we um this is this is Letta Church and Pastor Chamo and his wife Pastor Chapita and we went for a service. This is a community that there's a little Catholic church that they kind of come Christmas time, maybe Easter, they don't really have anything going. [00:50:28]
And so, it is a lot of fun going back and forth. In Spanish. What's that? We communicate in Spanish. Yeah, we communicate in Spanish for sure. But they like to like they'll all be huddled around especially in this church. And they'll be like shoo. And so then I'll walk up and say, "Oh yeah, uh bashkina bashka," which means hello. Hello. And they'll be like, and then Chamo, the pastor there, he'll be that's all he knows. And then they start laughing, right? So So at first they're shocked. He knows how to speak brie. And no, he doesn't. He's just making that stuff up, you know? So I feel like for those of you that don't know who we are, we need to explain that we are they would say that we are pastors to the pastors in the indigenous area. So we do not have our own church. We do not start our own churches because we don't want to take the best people from all the churches that they have. We're there to encourage them. We're there to help them build. [00:53:19]
And so, it is a lot of fun going back and forth. In Spanish. What's that? We communicate in Spanish. Yeah, we communicate in Spanish for sure. But they like to like they'll all be huddled around especially in this church. And they'll be like shoo. And so then I'll walk up and say, "Oh yeah, uh bashkina bashka," which means hello. Hello. And they'll be like, and then Chamo, the pastor there, he'll be that's all he knows. And then they start laughing, right? So So at first they're shocked. He knows how to speak brie. And no, he doesn't. He's just making that stuff up, you know? So I feel like for those of you that don't know who we are, we need to explain that we are they would say that we are pastors to the pastors in the indigenous area. So we do not have our own church. We do not start our own churches because we don't want to take the best people from all the churches that they have. We're there to encourage them. We're there to help them build. We're there to help, you know, maybe they need a remodel. We have bathrooms all over the place that we've worked on. Um sometimes almost everywhere we go they need a classroom. They need kids classroom. And so we're working on that. [00:53:19]
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