Created for His Commands

From Resurrection to Responsibility April 2, 2026 André K. Dugger “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB) The celebration of Easter is not the finish line of the Christian faith; it is the launching point. The empty tomb is not merely proof that Jesus is alive; it is the foundation for the mission He has entrusted to every believer. Because Christ is risen, He now declares, “ All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth ” ( v. 18 ). The One who conquered sin, death, and the grave now commands His followers: “ Go… and make disciples of all nations ” ( v. 19 ). If we truly believe the message of Easter, we cannot remain passive. Resurrection faith produces mission-driven lives . Imagine a passionate football fan who is suddenly given unlimited, all-expenses-paid tickets to the Super Bowl; seats for as many friends as he wants to bring. What would he do? He wouldn’t hesitate. He would immediately start calling, texting, inviting; doing everything possible to make sure as many people as he knows could experience it with him. He wouldn’t stop until every ticket was filled. Now consider this: as incredible as that opportunity would be, it pales in comparison to what we have been given in the gospel. Through Jesus Christ, salvation is offered freely; full forgiveness, abundant and eternal life, and a restored relationship with God. This is not just an invitation to an event; it is an invitation to abundance and eternity. And yet, how often do we remain silent? Jesus did not say, “ Go and consider making disciples. ” He said, “ Go… make disciples… baptize… teach. ” This is the natural response to believing in the risen Christ. We are called to urgently and intentionally invite others; beginning with bringing them to hear the gospel, whether in church, in conversation, or through personal witness. Disciple-making begins with invitation, but it does not end there. It continues through walking with others, helping them grow, and teaching them to obey Christ. This is the mission of the church. This is your mission. And we do not go alone. Jesus promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (v. 20). The risen Savior empowers and accompanies every step of obedience through the person of the Holy Spirit. If you truly believe in the Resurrection, then you are called to respond. The tomb is empty. The mission is clear. Go. Reflection Questions: Because Jesus is risen, how are you actively living out His command to make disciples? Who are you inviting to know Jesus; not just to attend church, but to begin a relationship with Him? Who are you currently discipling or intentionally helping grow in their faith? Who will you invite and bring with you to church this Sunday as a first step in sharing the gospel? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be my Savior and Lord, and for the victory of the Resurrection. Thank You that because He lives, I have new life and a purpose to fulfill. Lord, thank You for empowering me through Your Holy Spirit to be Your witness, and for entrusting me with the mission of making disciples. Forgive me for the times I have been silent or hesitant to share the good news. Give me boldness, urgency, and love for others. Open my eyes to see those around me who need Jesus, and place a burden on my heart for their salvation. Show me specifically who You want me to reach, who You want me to disciple, and who You want me to invite and bring with me to church this Sunday. Help me to be faithful; not just to invite, but to invest in others and walk with them as they grow in Christ.  I trust that You are with me always, and I ask You to use my life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Hope in God's Just Judgments March 30, 2026 André K. Dugger “Those who fear you will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in your word. I know, Lord, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly.” Psalm 119:74–75 (CSB) Hope is not built on circumstances, feelings, or fleeting promises. It is built on the unshakable Word of God. The psalmist declares that others who fear God will rejoice when they see his life, not because everything went smoothly for him, but because he placed his hope firmly in God’s Word. Your life becomes a testimony of God’s faithfulness when you anchor your hope in Him, especially during trials. The psalmist also acknowledges something difficult yet profoundly true: God’s judgments are just. Affliction, though painful, is not random or meaningless. When God allows difficulty, it is never without purpose. It is not cruelty but mercy that disciplines you and shapes you for holiness. Just as a loving father corrects his child, your heavenly Father uses affliction to draw you closer to His heart and to teach you His ways. When you endure suffering with faith and trust in God’s goodness, those around you who also fear the Lord find encouragement in your testimony. Your perseverance strengthens their faith. They rejoice, not in your pain, but in your unwavering hope. In Christ, this passage finds its fullest meaning. Jesus bore the ultimate affliction; the just judgment of sin, though He Himself was sinless. Through His suffering, you now have eternal hope. When you face trials, you can trust God’s justice and His love, knowing that even affliction is used to mold you into the image of Christ. Reflection Question: How does remembering Christ’s suffering help you endure your own trials with hope, and what practical step can you take today to show that your hope rests in God’s Word? Prayer: Father, thank You that Your judgments are always just and that You are faithful even in my affliction. Teach me to place my hope in Your Word, not in my circumstances. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness so that others who fear You may rejoice and be encouraged. Strengthen me to endure trials with faith, remembering that Christ suffered for me and secured my eternal hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.