APRIL – Resurrection Power: Living the RISEN Life
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
BREAKING THE SEAL: LIVING IN RESURRECTION POWER
Many Christians still live as if the tomb is sealed, missing out on the vibrant power of Christ’s resurrection in their daily lives. Even though the empty tomb clearly proclaims Jesus’ victory over death—“He is not here: for He is risen!” (Luke 24:6)—we often allow old habits, fears, and doubts to keep us locked in a state of spiritual dormancy. The power that broke the chains of death is available to each of us, yet we sometimes fail to embrace it fully, treating our walk with Christ like an unfinished routine rather than a dynamic, renewing reality.
Consider 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This verse reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a historical event—it’s the promise of new life every day. When we choose to hold onto our fears, guilt, or an outdated view of ourselves, it’s as if we’re keeping the tomb sealed. But when we step into the power of the resurrection, our lives are transformed with hope, freedom, and infinite possibilities.
The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of the church, experienced a radical transformation when he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul’s life was redefined the moment he accepted Christ’s resurrection power. He moved from living in darkness to boldly proclaiming the truth that “the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11). His example challenges us to break free from our spiritual slumber and fully embrace our new identity in Christ.
Today, ask yourself: “Am I living as if the tomb is sealed, or am I walking in resurrection power?”
- Step 1: Spend time in prayer, confessing any lingering doubts or fears that keep you from experiencing Christ’s full power.
- Step 2: Meditate on scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 8:11, letting their truths renew your mind.
- Step 3: Take a bold step—a renewed act of faith. It could be reaching out to someone you’ve been afraid to help, or simply speaking a word of hope where doubt once lived.
Imagine a sealed tomb, dark and silent. Now, picture that same tomb burst open, light flooding every corner, and the stone rolled away forever. That is the power of the resurrection! Every day, you have the opportunity to roll away the stone of fear and doubt, allowing the light of Jesus’ resurrection to shine into your life, dispelling darkness and igniting hope.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your Son has risen, breaking every chain and sealing every crack of defeat in my life. I confess that at times I have lived as if the tomb remains sealed, missing out on the glorious power of the resurrection that is mine through Christ. Please help me to let go of my doubts and fears. Open my heart and mind to fully experience Your renewing power each day. May I live boldly and faithfully, demonstrating to the world that I am a new creation in Christ. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Step into this day knowing that the tomb is empty, and you have been given new life. Embrace the vibrant, liberating truth of the resurrection and let it transform every aspect of your being.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Marynell Ford – Surgery Tomorrow
Debbie Foskey
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners – Much Better
Ann Stanley
Danny Jarrard
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher