After the Resurrection Part II
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor John’s sermon from April 26, 2026
Let’s Break it Down
Between Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the disciples united in prayer and waited for the Holy Spirit. Their foundation was simple yet profound: continuing in apostolic teaching, fellowship, prayer, and maintaining unity. Today's church often struggles with division instead of embracing this biblical pattern. Many believers carry bitterness toward clergy, other Christians, or even God, which creates roots of offense that defile many.
Key Takeaways
Unity and prayer are essential marks of every move of God and growing church
The church must return to biblical basics rather than getting caught up in divisive cultural causes
Bitterness is a root that can spring up and defile many, often without us recognizing it in ourselves
We must examine our hearts for attitudes toward clergy, other Christians, and God himself
Reading the Bible and praying consistently are fundamental practices for spiritual growth and discernment
Tap to watch Pastor John’s full sermon on Youtube
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Simple Foundations
Devotional
After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples had 40 days of preparation before His ascension. When the angels redirected their gaze from heaven to earth, they knew what to do: pray together. Sometimes we overcomplicate our spiritual lives, thinking we need elaborate programs or perfect consistency to grow. But the foundation remains beautifully simple. Reading God's Word and talking with Him through prayer are the bedrock practices that sustain us. These aren't burdensome requirements designed to make us feel guilty when we miss a day. They're life-giving conversations with our Creator who loves us deeply. Don't hold yourself to impossible standards - just begin again each day with a heart open to hear from God.
Bible Verse
'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.' - John 10:27
Reflection Question
What small step could you take today to make reading the Bible and prayer feel more like a conversation with a friend rather than a religious duty?
Quote
Read the Bible and pray a lot. Don't hold yourself to some standard that's unattainable, like if you miss a day, you're some wretched sinner. Just read the Bible and pray a lot.
Prayer
Lord, help me approach You with simplicity and joy, knowing that You desire relationship over perfection. Give me a heart that hungers for Your Word and finds rest in prayer.
Day 2: The Power of Together
Devotional
When the early believers gathered after Jesus' ascension, they didn't scatter to pursue individual agendas. They came together with one accord in prayer and supplication. There's something powerful that happens when God's people unite in purpose and prayer. Unity isn't just a nice idea - it's essential for any lasting move of God. When we're divided, we're weakened. When we're united, God adds His blessing and favor. The early church experienced daily growth not because of their marketing strategies or programs, but because they maintained unity, gladness, and simplicity of heart. God responds to genuine unity among His people. It creates an atmosphere where His presence can move freely and His purposes can be accomplished.
Bible Verse
'They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.' - Acts 1:14
Reflection Question
How can you contribute to unity in your church community rather than focusing on what divides you from others?
Quote
Without unity in prayer, it's not going to grow for long. Without the Holy Spirit's leading, we won't lead for long.
Prayer
Father, help me be a bridge-builder rather than a wall-builder. Show me how to pursue unity while maintaining truth and love.
Day 3: Fighting the Right Battles
Devotional
King Josiah was a good king who loved God, but he died young because he entered a battle God never asked him to fight. Many believers today exhaust themselves in similar ways, taking up causes that drain their energy and divide the church. The key question isn't whether a cause is good or bad, but whether God is leading you into it. When we fight battles He's given us, He provides the strength and resources we need. When we assume burdens He never intended for us, we find ourselves crushed under the weight. Before jumping into every cultural battle or church conflict, pause and ask: Is this God's assignment for me? His yoke is easy and His burden is light when we're walking in His will.
Bible Verse
'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' - Matthew 11:28-30
Reflection Question
What battles are you currently fighting that might be draining your energy without God's clear direction?
Quote
I've seen people exhausted because they're fighting fights that God never asked them to fight, getting involved in battles that he never asked them to get involved in.
Prayer
Lord, give me wisdom to discern Your assignments from my assumptions. Help me fight only the battles You've called me to fight.
Day 4: Releasing What Hurts
Devotional
Bitterness is like a root that grows underground, unseen but poisonous. It springs up unexpectedly and defiles not just us, but many around us. Perhaps you've been hurt by church leaders, fellow believers, or feel disappointed with God Himself. These wounds are real and the pain is valid. But holding onto bitterness only multiplies the damage. You have a choice: you can be a releaser or a retainer. Releasing doesn't mean pretending the hurt didn't happen or that it wasn't wrong. It means choosing to let God handle the justice while you choose freedom. When you release others from the debt they owe you, you're not setting them free - you're setting yourself free.
Bible Verse
'See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.' - Hebrews 12:15
Reflection Question
What hurt or disappointment are you holding onto that might be growing into a root of bitterness in your heart?
Quote
The Bible says that bitterness is a root that can spring up and defile many. You're either a releaser or a retainer.
Prayer
God, help me choose to be a releaser rather than a retainer. Give me the grace to forgive as You have forgiven me.
Day 5: A Spotless Bride
Devotional
Jesus isn't returning for a bickering bride, but a spotless one. In a world full of chaos and division, the church should be a place of stability and hope. People are coming out of broken families, failed relationships, and divided communities. When they walk through our doors, they shouldn't find more of the same dysfunction they're trying to escape. Yes, we're all imperfect people, and you won't find a perfect church anywhere. But we can choose to extend the same grace to others that we hope to receive. We can choose unity over division, love over judgment, and hope over cynicism. The world is watching to see if our faith makes a real difference in how we treat each other. Let's give them something beautiful to see.
Bible Verse
'All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.' - Acts 4:32
Reflection Question
How can you be part of creating the kind of stable, grace-filled community that attracts people seeking hope?
Quote
They're coming out of disunity and chaos. They shouldn't find it here. Isn't it amazing how you expect the church to have grace for you, but you don't have any grace for it?
Prayer
Lord, make me an agent of Your peace and grace. Help our church be a place where hurting people find healing and hope.