By DrGLCSr 
Introduction
Romans 8:10-11 (KJV)
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Imagine a world where every Sunday is a “Little Easter”—a weekly reminder of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Early Christians, filled with the power of Christ’s resurrection, began gathering on Sundays to celebrate this life-changing event. They didn’t call it just another day; they saw each Sunday as an opportunity to relive the joy and power of the empty tomb. Their lives were transformed by one undeniable truth: He is risen! And so can our lives be transformed, if we fully embrace Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
But this story doesn’t stop with us. If we have accepted the gift of salvation, why wouldn’t we want to share it with others? Why wouldn’t we want our friends, family, and neighbors to experience their own “Little Easters” every week?
The Crossroads of Faith
Let’s start at the crossroads where each person stands today: Will you believe in Jesus, or will you walk away?
The Bible says in Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Here is the eternal truth: The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the cornerstone of our faith. If Christ did not rise from the dead, as Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” But Christ did rise, and because of that, we have hope, power, and purpose.
Evidence of the Resurrection
Skeptics have tried to dismiss the resurrection for centuries. They’ve said Jesus’ followers made it up. They’ve claimed His body was stolen or that He never died at all. But consider the overwhelming evidence:
1. Eyewitness Accounts: The risen Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and over 500 people at one time. If this were a lie, why would so many people willingly face persecution, imprisonment, and even death to defend it?
2. The Empty Tomb: No one could produce Jesus’ body—not the Roman soldiers, not the Jewish leaders, not His opponents. Instead, the angel’s words in Matthew 28:6 echo through history:
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
3. Lives Transformed: Peter went from denying Jesus three times to boldly preaching on Pentecost, leading 3,000 souls to Christ in one day. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the greatest apostles after encountering the risen Christ. What else could explain such radical change?
Why Accept Jesus?
Now, why should you and I accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior? The answer is both simple and profound:
• Forgiveness of Sins: Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and mine. As it says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• Victory Over Death: The resurrection of Jesus proves that death is not the end. Romans 6:23 reminds us: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
• A New Life: When you accept Jesus, you become a new creation. Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
A Call to Share the Good News
Now that we have this hope, we must share it with others. Just as the women at the tomb were commanded to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen, we are called to spread this good news. Imagine the impact if each of us invited just one person to church next Sunday. Imagine if our church became a beacon of hope, a place where every Sunday felt like a “Little Easter.”
Jesus’ final command to His followers was in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
This Great Commission is not just for pastors or missionaries—it’s for all of us. We are called to be witnesses, to shine the light of Christ in a dark world, and to invite others to experience the joy of salvation.
The Invitation
Today, I invite you to experience your own “Little Easter.” If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, don’t wait another day. The evidence is clear. The love of God is undeniable. And the gift of salvation is freely offered to you.
And for those of us who already believe, let’s commit to sharing this good news. Let’s tell our friends, our coworkers, and even strangers about Jesus. Invite them to church, to hear the gospel, and to experience the joy of a risen Savior.
Because every Sunday, we celebrate a living Savior. And every day, we have the opportunity to share His love. Together, let’s make “Little Easters” a way of life—for His glory and the salvation of souls. Amen.
The Story Continues:
Mark 16:14-20 (KJV)
The Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
The Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11)
19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
The Ascended Jesus
The disciples, now emboldened by the command and promise of Jesus, gathered together in unity, reflecting on the task before them. Though the weight of His words was great, they were filled with renewed faith, knowing that the risen Lord had promised His power and presence.
Following the ascension, they returned to Jerusalem as instructed, waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. During this time, they continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brethren (Acts 1:14). They encouraged one another, recalling the signs and wonders Jesus had performed during His ministry, knowing that these signs would now confirm the message they were to deliver.
On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descended upon them like a rushing mighty wind, and tongues of fire rested upon each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. This marked the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, and they realized that the power to heal, cast out devils, and proclaim the gospel boldly was now upon them.
From that moment, the disciples went forth to fulfill the Great Commission. Peter stood among the crowds in Jerusalem and preached the gospel, declaring Jesus as both Lord and Christ. Thousands believed and were baptized, forming the foundation of the early Church. The message spread rapidly as the apostles traveled far and wide, preaching repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name.
Everywhere they went, the signs Jesus had promised followed them. They cast out demons in His name, healed the sick, and performed miracles that caused many to believe. In one instance, Peter and John healed a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful, leading to astonishment and faith among the people (Acts 3:1-10). Even Paul, who had once persecuted the Church, encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and became one of the most passionate apostles, carrying the gospel to the Gentiles.
Despite opposition, imprisonment, and even martyrdom, the disciples continued to preach “Christ crucified” and risen. The gospel advanced, confirming the words of Jesus in Mark 16:20: “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.”
Their obedience to the Great Commission became the foundation of the Church, and their legacy of faithfulness inspires believers to this day to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.
THE NEXT STEP
As we reflect on the Great Commission and the work of the early Church, let us embrace the same challenge that Christ gave to His disciples. The mission of the Church is not just to proclaim the gospel, but to make disciples—winning souls, keeping souls, and training souls to win souls. This is the heart of God’s Kingdom and the mandate for every believer.
1. Win Souls
The call to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) is not optional—it is a command. There are countless souls who have not yet heard of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Winning souls requires stepping out in faith, sharing the gospel boldly, and living as a witness of Christ’s love. Remember, it is not our eloquence or abilities that save people—it is the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.
Ask yourself: Who in my family, community, or workplace needs to hear about Jesus? How can I intentionally share the gospel with them this week?
2. Keep Souls
Winning a soul is only the beginning; we are also called to nurture and disciple those who come to Christ. Jesus told His disciples to “teach all nations…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This means walking alongside new believers, encouraging them in their faith, and helping them grow spiritually. The enemy will try to snatch away those who are new to the faith, but we must stand in the gap through prayer, fellowship, and consistent teaching of the Word.
Ask yourself: Am I encouraging and discipling someone in their walk with Christ? How can I support their spiritual growth?
3. Train Souls to Win Souls
The true mark of a disciple is multiplication. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). The disciples didn’t just follow Jesus—they became disciple-makers themselves. We are called to equip others to carry the gospel forward. This involves teaching them how to share their faith, how to pray, how to study the Word, and how to live victoriously in Christ. When we train others to win souls, we extend the reach of the Kingdom exponentially.
Ask yourself: Am I equipping others to share the gospel? Who can I mentor or train to become a soul-winner?
The Challenge
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Luke 10:2). Will you answer the call to be a laborer in God’s vineyard? Winning souls, keeping souls, and training souls to win souls is not just the responsibility of pastors or leaders—it is the responsibility of every believer. Time is short, and eternity is real. We must work while it is day, for the night comes when no man can work (John 9:4).
Commit today:
1. To be a soul-winner, reaching out with the gospel wherever God places you.
2. To nurture and disciple those who come to Christ, strengthening their faith.
3. To train and equip others to continue the work of the Great Commission.
Let us not rest until we have done our part to fill heaven with souls and to multiply disciple-makers. Souls are waiting, and the Kingdom is counting on you! Will you rise to the challenge? Plan to come to Victory Temple Church of God in Christ (1 Church, 2 Locations) by visiting www.PastorCordon.org 2025 Events (https://pastorcordon.org/2025-schedule-and-calendar)