Resurrection Power: Rising Above Our Past
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate not only a three-year church anniversary, but also the power and promise of resurrection. The heart of the message comes from Matthew 28:6: “He is not here.” This declaration is more than a historical fact about Jesus’ empty tomb—it is a living testimony that the grave could not contain Him, and that same resurrection power is at work in us. We remembered the many miracles of Jesus: from turning water into wine, to feeding the multitude, to raising the dead, and ultimately, conquering death Himself. Each miracle was a signpost pointing to the truth that no situation, no matter how final it seems, can hold back the power of God.
We reflected on how people may try to define us by our lowest moments—leaving us in places of weakness, lack, or despair. But just as Jesus did not remain in the tomb, we are not destined to remain in the places where others left us. The resurrection is not just an event to be celebrated, but a reality to be lived. When Christ is in us, we cannot stay in the grave of our past, our failures, or our pain. The stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so that others could see He was gone. In the same way, God removes obstacles in our lives so that others can witness the transformation He brings.
We also considered the significance of the number three—three days in the grave, three prayers in Gethsemane, three years of ministry. Sometimes, our breakthrough comes not just after a set time, but after persistent prayer and faith. God prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, not to boast, but to testify that what He has done for one, He can do for all. As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that we are not where we started, and by God’s grace, we will continue to rise, grow, and move forward. The resurrection is our assurance that no matter where we have been left, we do not have to stay there—God is always calling us higher.
Key Takeaways
- Resurrection power means you are not defined by where others left you. Just as Jesus did not remain in the tomb, you are not bound to your past failures, pain, or the labels others have placed on you. God’s power lifts you out of every grave and sets you on a new path, no matter how final your situation may seem. [54:17]
- The miracles of Jesus are reminders that God can do much with little, and that He specializes in turning impossible situations around. Whether it’s feeding thousands with a small lunch or raising the dead, God’s ability to transform is not limited by our resources or circumstances. Trust that what you place in His hands, He can multiply and use for His glory. [51:44]
- The stone was rolled away not for Jesus’ sake, but for ours—to witness the evidence of resurrection. Sometimes, God removes obstacles in your life so that others can see the change He has made in you. Your transformation becomes a testimony, inviting others to believe in the same power that raised Christ from the dead. [01:00:28]
- Breakthrough often comes after persistent prayer and faith, not just the passage of time. Jesus prayed three times in Gethsemane before facing the cross, showing us that perseverance in prayer prepares us for our greatest assignments. Don’t give up before your “third prayer”—God is working in your waiting. [01:01:38]
- God’s elevation in your life is not for boasting, but for testimony. When He prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies, it’s an invitation for others to see His goodness and to know that what He has done for you, He can do for them. Let your life be a living witness to the resurrection power available to all who believe. [01:03:21]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[48:04] - Opening Praise and Thanksgiving
[48:55] - Introduction to Matthew 28:6
[49:27] - The Empty Tomb: “He’s Not There”
[50:35] - Who Is Jesus? Remembering His Miracles
[51:44] - God Can Do Much with Little
[52:52] - Doubters and the Power of Resurrection
[53:50] - You Won’t Find Me Where You Left Me
[54:17] - Greater Is He: Rising Above Circumstances
[55:41] - The Uniqueness of Christ’s Resurrection
[56:31] - From Outside to Inside: Transformation Stories
[57:37] - No Longer Weak: New Life in Christ
[59:10] - The Significance of Three
[01:00:28] - The Stone Rolled Away: A Testimony
[01:01:38] - Three Prayers Later: Perseverance in Prayer
[01:03:21] - God Prepares a Table: Testimony and Invitation
[01:04:07] - Celebrating Three Years and Moving Forward
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “He Is Not Here – Living the Power of Resurrection”
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:6
“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:6, what did the angel say to the women at the tomb, and why is this statement significant?
2. The sermon mentioned several miracles of Jesus, such as turning water into wine, feeding the multitude, and raising the dead. What do these miracles have in common? ([51:44])
3. The pastor talked about the stone being rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. What reason did he give for why the stone was moved? ([01:00:28])
4. The number three was highlighted multiple times in the sermon. What are some examples given of the significance of “three” in Jesus’ life and ministry? ([01:01:12])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The phrase “He is not here” was more than just a statement about Jesus’ location. What deeper meaning did the pastor draw from this for our own lives? ([54:17])
2. The sermon said that the stone was rolled away not for Jesus to get out, but for others to see in. What does this suggest about how God works in our lives and testimonies? ([01:00:28])
3. The pastor mentioned that people may try to define us by our lowest moments, but God calls us higher. How does the resurrection challenge the labels or limitations others put on us? ([53:50])
4. Jesus prayed three times in Gethsemane before going to the cross. What does this teach us about the role of persistent prayer in facing difficult assignments? ([01:01:38])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Resurrection power means you are not defined by where others left you.” Is there a place in your life—maybe a failure, a hurt, or a label—where you feel “left behind”? What would it look like to let God’s resurrection power move you forward from that place? ([54:17])
2. The miracles of Jesus show that God can do much with little. Is there an area in your life where you feel you don’t have enough—time, resources, strength? How can you trust God to multiply what you have this week? ([51:44])
3. The pastor said, “The stone was rolled away so others could see the evidence of resurrection.” Is there a change God has made in your life that you can share as a testimony to encourage someone else? ([01:00:28])
4. The number three was connected to breakthrough after persistent prayer. Is there something you’ve been praying for that you’re tempted to give up on? What would it look like to keep praying and trusting God for your “third prayer”? ([01:01:38])
5. The sermon reminded us that God’s elevation in our lives is not for boasting, but for testimony. How can you use your story—not to show off, but to invite others to believe in God’s power for themselves? ([01:03:21])
6. The pastor said, “We are not where we started, and by God’s grace, we will continue to rise, grow, and move forward.” Looking back, where do you see growth in your life over the past year? How can you celebrate that and keep moving forward? ([59:27])
7. When you think about God preparing a table for you “in the presence of your enemies,” how does that change the way you view difficult people or situations in your life? How can you respond differently this week? ([01:03:21])
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Closing Prayer:
Thank God for the resurrection power that lifts us out of every grave, for miracles big and small, and for the testimony He is building in each of our lives. Ask for faith to keep praying, courage to share your story, and grace to keep moving forward.
Devotional
Day 1: The Empty Tomb—He’s Not There
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof that death and the grave could not hold Him; He is not where they left Him, and the tomb is empty. This truth is the foundation of our hope, reminding us that no matter what others expect or where they try to leave us, God’s power brings new life and victory. Just as Jesus rose, we too are called to rise above the places of defeat, discouragement, or limitation, because the same power that raised Christ is at work in us. [49:12]
Matthew 28:6 (ESV)
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Reflection: Where in your life have you accepted defeat or limitation, and how can you invite the resurrection power of Jesus to move you beyond that place today?
Day 2: God’s Power Transforms Our Weakness
When Christ enters your life, you cannot remain in the same weak or broken state; His power makes you a new creation, and the places of your past no longer define you. People may look for the old you, expecting to find you in your former struggles or weaknesses, but God’s transforming work means you are no longer there. The evidence of Christ’s resurrection is seen in the changed lives of those who trust Him, moving from weakness to strength, from outside to inside, from brokenness to praise. [58:38]
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 weakness or brokenness that God has already begun to transform in you, and how can you walk in that new identity today?
Day 3: The Stone Was Rolled Away So Others Could See
The stone was not removed from Jesus’ tomb so He could get out, but so others could see that He was no longer there; in the same way, God removes obstacles in our lives so that others can witness His work and see that we are no longer bound by what once held us. Sometimes, the barriers in your life are removed not just for your freedom, but as a testimony to those around you that God’s power has changed your story. When people look for you in the places of your past, they will see that you have been set free and elevated by God’s grace. [01:00:28]
John 11:40 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
Reflection: What “stone” has God rolled away in your life that others need to see, and how can you share your testimony of freedom with someone this week?
Day 4: Perseverance in Prayer Prepares Us for God’s Assignment
Jesus prayed three times in Gethsemane before facing the cross, showing that persistent prayer prepares us for the challenges and assignments God has for us. Sometimes, breakthrough doesn’t come after the first or second prayer, but as you keep pressing in, God strengthens and equips you for what’s ahead. Just as Jesus was ministered to and empowered after persistent prayer, you too can find the strength to fulfill your calling when you refuse to give up in prayer. [01:01:25]
Luke 22:41-43 (ESV)
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
Reflection: What is one area where you need to persevere in prayer, and how can you commit to bringing it before God persistently this week?
Day 5: God Prepares a Table in the Presence of Our Enemies
God’s favor and blessing are not just for private enjoyment but are displayed publicly, even in the presence of those who doubted or opposed you; He prepares a table before you, showing that His goodness and mercy follow you all your days. This is not for boasting, but as a witness to God’s faithfulness and a reminder that what He has done for one, He can do for another. As you walk in God’s blessing, let it be a testimony that encourages others to trust in His power to lift them up as well. [01:03:03]
Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to see God’s faithfulness in you, and how can you use your story to encourage them to trust in God’s goodness?
Quotes
We're talking about Jesus, the one that was born of a virgin birth. We're talking about the boy that said at 12 years old, I'm about my father's business. I don't know if y'all know who we talking about. We're talking about the one that says, "I got to turn this water into wine because my mama said so." [00:50:43]
We're talking about the same one that went into the wilderness and that was tempted by Satan, but he was able to defeat him by giving him the word three times. There goes that number three. Oh, okay. Let me let me keep going. [00:51:06]
This is the same Jesus that took two fish and five loaves of bread and said, "Guess what we can do with this? We can feed a multit Oh, I wish I had somebody." God says, "I will give you just a little bit and you will be able to do a lot with just a little." [00:51:38]
We're talking about the same Jesus that took a girl that was dead and everybody was laughing at him and then he touched the girl and the girl got up. We talking about that type of Jesus. And yeah, they did laugh at him, but he proved the doubters wrong. [00:52:02]
Every doubter of Jesus saw him perform miracle after miracle, miracle after miracle, they saw his power, but because they did not agree with him, because they did not like him, their goal was to put him in the grave. [00:53:02]
And I want you to know there are some people right now that don't like what you doing. They are not okay with what you matter of fact, they don't like you living for God. They don't like you praising for God. And guess what? They're going to try. [00:53:10]
They left you in depression. But look at your neighbor and say, "But three days later, I ain't saying there they left you flat broke. Didn't leave any money to your name." But look at your neighbor and say, "Three days later, I ain't saying there." [00:53:44]
See, when greater is in you, you can't stay in certain situations. I'm talking to somebody right now. Why? Because when greater is in me than he that is in the world, whatever is unclean's got to come out of me. Whatever situation I'm in, it's got Oh, come on. It's got to shift. [00:54:25]
We have a savior that did not stay where they left him. Uh we ought to praise God because we serve a savior. That did not stay where they left them. I thank God that he didn't he didn't stay in the place where I left him at times. [00:54:57]
There are sometimes I left him in a place but he could not stay there. Why? Because he was all man and all God. And so I want you to know he had to stay. He couldn't stay there but he had to get up with all power in his hands. [00:55:25]
If you look for Buddha you can find his remains because he was cremated. If you look for Muhammad, you can go to his resting place. But if you go where they put Jesus, you will find that where they put them is empty. [00:55:48]
They left you at the bottom, but now you on top. They left you as the tail, but God said you the head. They left you as the borrower, but God said, "I'll make you the lender. I will not stay where the doubters left me." That's because we serve a risen savior. [00:56:01]
But when God empowers you, they will no longer find the weak person. Oh, I I wish I had a few people that can say amen. Matter of fact, there's some people that knew that you was weak and they prayed on you because you was weak. But can I tell you something? When you found power in Christ, oh, I wish I had somebody now unto him, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or think, according to the what? Power that workketh on the inside of it. [00:57:48]
And so, it would be a shame to continue to always be in the same place. But if God is with you, he will continue to elevate you. But I want to tell you something before I take my seat. I heard Pastor Mark Moore say something very powerful. [00:59:44]
The stone that was removed from the tomb wasn't so Jesus could get out. Now I know y'all saying what is that? The tomb was rem the stone from the tomb was removed because you got to remember Jesus at that time was able to go through walls. Read your Bible you'll find he was able to go through walls. [01:00:01]
Once God removes it, they will no longer Oh, can I get a witness? They'll be able to look in and see that you're no longer in that place. They tried to keep you in Oh, come on, somebody. They tried to keep you in the grave, but when they look in, they realize that person ain't there no more. [01:00:36]
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