There’s something about Easter that stirs our hearts. Something about standing in awe at the empty tomb, realizing that the resurrection wasn’t a metaphor or a hopeful story—it was a real, living event that changed everything. Jesus really did walk out of that grave, and because He lives, we’re invited into something far greater than we could ever imagine. We’re invited into a new way of living.

We often think of Easter as a single moment—Jesus walking out of the grave. And while that moment changes everything, the beauty of the resurrection isn’t just that Jesus rose from the dead. It’s that He brought something back with Him.

The resurrection is the return of a victorious King, and with that victory come gifts meant for you and me—gifts to carry us through the hardest days and anchor us in hope. Jesus brings us a personal connection with God, a divine purpose for our lives, and a peace that helps us endure. These aren’t lofty, far-off promises. These are real gifts for real people in real struggles.

Most of us grow up thinking Christianity is about being forgiven. Like God looks at our sin, says, “Okay, I forgive you,” and then sends us on our way. And that’s good news… but it’s not the whole gospel.

The Bible says we’ve been justified by faith. That’s not just forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting you off the hook. Justification is God declaring, “You are no longer guilty. There’s no sin to see here. You are innocent.” It’s a legal verdict. It’s a cosmic announcement. And it changes everything.

There’s a common belief that people are generally good—that deep down, we just need a little encouragement, a bit of guidance, and a few better habits to become who we’re meant to be. But Scripture tells a different story. The Bible is clear: we weren’t just morally confused or slightly off track. We were spiritually dead. Not weak, not imperfect—dead.

Have you ever looked at a need and thought, “Someone should do something about that,” only to realize that God might be nudging you? That’s exactly what happened to the disciples. They saw a hungry crowd and thought the only solution was to send them away. But Jesus turned the problem back on them: You give them something to eat.

Think about the relationships that have impacted your faith. Maybe it was a friend who invited you to church, a mentor who encouraged you to pursue Jesus, or even a conversation with someone who lived out their faith in a way that made you curious. These moments aren’t just coincidences; they’re evidence of God actively working in your life through others.

Many of us approach Christianity like a bucket of paint sitting in the closet—we own it, we believe in its potential, but we never apply it. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 7 that hearing His words isn’t enough; we must put them into practice. The difference between a strong, unshakable faith and one that crumbles under pressure is not knowledge, but obedience.

Growth is something we admire in every area of life. Whether it's developing a skill, advancing in a career, or becoming a better person, growth is ingrained in our nature. But how do we measure growth in our faith? How do we know we are becoming more like Christ?

Serving others is a fundamental aspect of what it means to follow Jesus. True greatness in the kingdom of God is not measured by power or position but by humility and a willingness to serve. Jesus Himself modeled this by washing the feet of His disciples, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many. He did not come to be served, but to serve.

When we think about giving, our minds often go straight to finances. And while generosity with our money matters, giving is so much more than that. In Galatians 6, Paul paints a picture of a church that gives in a deeper way—a church that gives themselves to one another.

Sometimes, we don’t realize the value of what we have until it’s gone. It’s easy to overlook the ways God is moving in our lives and in our church community. But when we take a step back and reflect, we see that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s an act of worship.

We often think that making a difference for God requires extraordinary skills or achievements. But the truth is, God delights in using ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary purposes. This week, we heard the story of a 19-year-old young man who decided to follow Christ because of the faithful example of his friend. That friend didn’t preach a sermon or hold a degree in theology—he simply lived a life of faithfulness that reflected Jesus’ love.

Obadiah’s story teaches us that faithfulness is about living courageously and obediently in the unique circumstances where God has placed us. As an administrator in King Ahab’s palace—a man notorious for his evil and rebellion—Obadiah secretly remained loyal to God. While outwardly serving the king, he covertly protected God’s prophets, risking his life to supply them with food and water.

It’s the start of a new year, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking about how things went last year and what you want to do differently this year. Maybe you’ve already assessed your habits—exercise, eating, spiritual disciplines—but have you taken time to assess your faithfulness to God? What would your life look like if it was just a little more faithful to Him this year?

Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether it’s the pressure to succeed, the weight of past failures, or the uncertainty of what lies ahead. In these moments, it’s easy to feel like we’re striving on our own. But the truth of the Gospel is that Jesus meets us in our struggles with exactly what we need. He is our Wonderful Counselor, guiding us with wisdom when we feel lost. He is our Mighty God, strengthening us when we are weak. He is our Everlasting Father, loving us with compassion even in our failures. And He is our Prince of Peace, calming our hearts and reconciling us to God.

During Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the imagery of serene peace: tranquil nativity scenes, silent nights under starry skies, and harmonious gatherings with family and friends. However, the peace Jesus brings surpasses these fleeting moments. It’s a peace that addresses the most fundamental conflict in our lives—the separation between God and humanity.

The concept of God as our Everlasting Father brings a profound sense of intimacy and comfort. Many of us live with impersonal connections that shape how we view God. We can begin to see Him as distant, like an abstract idea or a problem to solve. But Jesus’ words in John 14 challenge that notion. God is not a distant force or philosophy; He is a loving Father inviting us into a personal relationship.

Death is a reality that no one can escape. From the moment we are born, the clock of our mortality ticks onward. It can feel overwhelming to acknowledge the inevitability of death, but as Christians, we find hope in Jesus Christ, the Mighty God, who came to rescue us not only from sin but also from death itself.