From Battle to Breakthrough | Sermon Series Update

As we journey through the season of Eastertide, we are celebrating the truth that resurrection is not just a past event—it is a present and living power. Our series, Victory: From Battle to Breakthrough, reminds us that because Christ is risen, we are called to rise as well: in hope, in courage, and in boldness. Here’s a reflection on the past two weeks as we continue walking in resurrection victory.

Week 1: Because He Rose, We Begin Again

Date: April 20, 2025 – Resurrection Sunday

Scriptures: Isaiah 65:17–25, Acts 10:34–43

Theme Verse: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Summary: On Resurrection Sunday, we remembered that death itself was defeated. Jesus did not simply survive the cross—He conquered it, split time in two, and opened a way for all of us to begin again. We reflected on the silence of Holy Saturday, the tenderness of Joseph of Arimathea claiming Christ’s broken body, and the seismic shift when the tomb could no longer hold Love captive. We named the battles we carried through Lent—battles of enoughness, belonging, and expectation—and declared that in Christ, these battles do not have the final word. Victory looks different for each of us: it might be the quiet act of forgiveness, the courageous first step toward healing, or simply choosing not to give up. Through stories like Mitsuo Fuchida’s transformation from enemy commander to Christian evangelist, and Pastor Andrea’s powerful symbol of letting go of pain, we saw resurrection alive in human hearts today. Because He rose, we are free to begin again—over and over—until the Kingdom fully comes.

Closing Prayer: Risen Christ, thank You for the victory You have won over death, shame, and fear. Thank You that every day can be a new beginning because of Your resurrection. Help us to release what binds us and to walk forward in courage and hope. May the empty tomb remind us that our story is not over—it is just beginning. Amen.

Week 2: Because He Rose, We Walk Bold

Date: April 27, 2025Scriptures: Isaiah 43:16–21, Psalm 118:14–29, Acts 5:27–32

Theme Verse: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Summary: The resurrection calls us not only to hope but to holy defiance—to live with a boldness that places God’s authority above every other voice. In Acts 5, the apostles, threatened and forbidden to speak in Jesus’ name, respond with unshakable conviction:

"We must obey God rather than any human authority." (Acts 5:29)

Because Christ lives, they lived without fear—even in the face of powerful institutions that sought to silence them. Their courage wasn't reckless; it was resurrection confidence, rooted in a Kingdom greater than any earthly rule.

We explored how this same Spirit calls us to bold obedience today: to listen for God's voice over the clamor of culture, comfort, and fear. We also reflected on the power of the "I am" statements we speak over ourselves. Just as God declared, "I AM," what we proclaim about ourselves has creative power. If we live saying, "I am afraid" or "I am unworthy," we shrink from our calling. But if we rise each morning saying, "I am a child of God," "I am chosen," "I am strong through Christ," we begin to walk in the authority and boldness the resurrection offers.

Because He rose, we are not called to blend in. We are called to stand out. We are called to obey God boldly, love fearlessly, and live visibly for His Kingdom—even when it costs us something.

Closing Prayer: God of resurrection power, embolden us to obey Your voice above every other. Give us the strength to stand when the world says sit, to speak when the world says stay silent, and to trust You even when the cost feels great. Transform our self-talk so that every "I am" we claim echoes Your truth. May our lives be living proclamations that You are Lord, and Your Kingdom is coming. We will not fear. We will not shrink back. Because Christ lives, we walk bold. Amen.