After the Resurrection Part I
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor John’s sermon from April 12th, 2026
Let’s Break it Down
Effective ministry begins where we are right now - in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. God promotes those who are faithful in their current circumstances, not those who are waiting for future opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Jesus began a work through His death, burial, and resurrection that continues today through the church
The church must be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ alone - there is no other foundation
Ministry begins where we are now, not where we hope to be in the future - God promotes faithfulness in small things
We must wait on the Holy Spirit's leading rather than operating in our own strength and timing
Our conduct should be worthy of the Gospel, especially in how we treat fellow believers in the body of Christ
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation That Never Fails
Devotional
When we think about building something that lasts, we know the foundation is everything. A beautiful house built on sand will crumble, but even a simple structure on solid rock will endure. Jesus Christ is that unshakeable foundation for our lives and our faith community. Everything we build - our relationships, our service, our witness - must rest on Him alone. This isn't just a nice spiritual concept; it's the practical reality of how lasting ministry happens. When challenges come, when people disappoint us, when circumstances shift, we can stand firm because our foundation is secure. Jesus didn't just teach about being a foundation - He became it through His life, death, and resurrection. Today, you can build with confidence knowing that what you're constructing on Christ will last.
Bible Verse
'For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.' - 1 Corinthians 3:11
Reflection Question
What areas of your life need to be more firmly built on Jesus as your foundation rather than on your own strength or circumstances?
Quote
Jesus is the foundation for everything that the church stands on. For everything that the church builds on, Jesus is the foundation. There is no other foundation that anyone can lay.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me build every aspect of my life on You as my foundation. When I'm tempted to rely on my own understanding or strength, remind me that You are the only sure foundation that will never fail.
Day 2: Waiting for Power
Devotional
In our fast-paced world, waiting feels counterproductive. We want to jump into action, make things happen, and see immediate results. But Jesus taught His disciples something revolutionary: wait for the Holy Spirit's power before you begin. This wasn't about being passive or lazy - it was about being effective. The disciples had walked with Jesus, seen miracles, and heard His teachings firsthand. Yet even they needed to wait for divine empowerment. How much more do we need that same power today? The Holy Spirit transforms our efforts from human striving into supernatural impact. When we try to serve God in our own strength, we burn out and see limited fruit. But when we wait for and rely on His power, ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.
Bible Verse
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' - Acts 1:8
Reflection Question
Are you trying to serve God in your own strength, or are you actively seeking and depending on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life?
Quote
If we don't wait on the Holy Spirit, I don't believe we can be witnesses for Jesus Christ, at least not biblically.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I confess that I often try to serve You in my own strength. Fill me with Your power so that my witness and service can have eternal impact beyond what I could accomplish alone.
Day 3: Ministry Starts Here
Devotional
We often dream about the ministry we'll have "someday" - when we're older, more qualified, or in a different place. But God's plan is simpler and more immediate: your ministry begins right where you are. Your family, workplace, neighborhood, and daily interactions are your first mission field. The person sitting next to you at lunch, the neighbor who waves each morning, the coworker struggling with a difficult situation - these are your Jerusalem. God isn't waiting for you to get your life perfectly together or move to a different location to use you. He wants to use you today, in your current circumstances, with your present resources. Faithfulness in small things leads to greater opportunities. When you're reliable in your current relationships and responsibilities, God opens doors for expanded influence.
Bible Verse
'Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.' - Luke 16:10
Reflection Question
What ministry opportunities are you overlooking in your immediate circle because you're waiting for something bigger or different?
Quote
I believe it's wrong to believe that ministry will start somewhere else one day. Ministry begins in your own backyard, your own home, your own work, your own school.
Prayer
God, open my eyes to see the ministry opportunities right in front of me. Help me be faithful in the small things so You can trust me with greater responsibilities.
Day 4: Unity in Diversity
Devotional
Unity doesn't mean everyone looks the same, thinks identically, or has the same personality. God created us with beautiful diversity - different backgrounds, gifts, and perspectives. But true unity comes from sharing the same heart and mind about what matters most: loving God and loving others. When believers come together with this shared purpose, incredible things happen. Our differences become strengths rather than divisions. Your unique gifts complement what others bring to the table. The quiet encourager works alongside the bold leader. The detail-oriented planner partners with the big-picture visionary. This kind of unity requires intentionality and grace. We must choose to see our differences as God's design rather than obstacles to overcome. When we do, we create an environment where God can work powerfully through our collective efforts.
Bible Verse
'Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.' - Philippians 1:27
Reflection Question
How can you better appreciate and work with someone whose gifts and personality are different from yours?
Quote
There can be diversity in unity, but we need to have the same heart and the same mind if we're going to see God do great things.
Prayer
Lord, help me value the diversity You've created in Your people while maintaining unity around what matters most. Show me how to work better with those who are different from me.
Day 5: Don't Lose Heart
Devotional
Doing good is rewarding, but it's also exhausting. Whether you're serving in your church, caring for family members, or trying to make a positive difference in your community, there are moments when you wonder if it's worth it. You give and give, but don't always see the results you hoped for. People don't always appreciate your efforts. Progress feels slow. This is exactly when you need to remember that God sees everything you do, and He promises that your labor isn't in vain. The harvest may not come as quickly as you'd like, but it will come if you don't give up. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every moment of service is planting seeds that will eventually bear fruit. Your faithfulness today is creating a legacy that extends far beyond what you can see. Keep going. Keep serving. Keep loving. The harvest is coming.
Bible Verse
'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' - Galatians 6:9
Reflection Question
In what area of service or ministry are you feeling weary, and how can you find renewed strength to continue?
Quote
You won't reap if you lose heart. If you pack it in, if you quit, it's amazing how much weariness comes into play when we're talking about reaping when we've been doing good.
Prayer
Father, when I feel tired and discouraged in doing good, remind me that You see every effort and that my labor in You is never wasted. Give me strength to persevere until the harvest comes.