SEEK: Everything Hinges on the Resurrection

SEEK: Everything Hinges on the Resurrection

Speaker: Pastor Russell B Johnson
Date: January 7, 2025

It was a powerful night with Russell B Johnson that you won't want to miss. Night three of SEEK 2025 was a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and hope for revival. In a climate where the world has watered down Jesus's miracles, we are reminded that His presence is powerful and sacred. He still does miracles, heals, and seeks revival. And it all hinges on the weight of His resurrection.

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: The Burning Heart

Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Devotional: In the story of the Road to Emmaus, two disciples walk away from Jerusalem, discouraged and confused after Jesus' crucifixion. They fail to recognize Jesus as He joins them, but their hearts burn within them as He explains the Scriptures. How often do we walk through life, unaware of Christ's presence beside us? Today, reflect on times when your heart has "burned" with the presence of God. Perhaps it was during worship, while reading Scripture, or in a moment of prayer. Ask God to open your eyes to His presence in your daily life, even in unexpected places or disappointing circumstances. Like the disciples, we may not always recognize Jesus immediately, but He is always walking alongside us, ready to reveal Himself and set our hearts aflame.

Day 2: Hunger for God's Presence

Reading: Psalm 42:1-11

Devotional: The Psalmist expresses a deep, visceral hunger for God's presence - likening it to a deer panting for water. This echoes the passionate desire for God we heard about in the sermon. In our modern world, filled with distractions and comforts, have we lost this desperate hunger for God? Today, examine your own spiritual appetite. Are you truly hungry for God, or have you become satisfied with less? Ask the Holy Spirit to stir up a new hunger in you - a hunger that can only be satisfied by the living God. Consider fasting from something today (a meal, social media, etc.) to create space for seeking God more intentionally.

Day 3: The Power of the Resurrection

Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-28

Devotional: Paul emphasizes the critical importance of Christ's resurrection to our faith. Without it, he says, our faith is futile. The resurrection isn't just a historical event - it's the foundation of our hope and the source of our power as believers. Reflect today on what the resurrection means for your daily life. How does the reality of Christ's victory over death impact your approach to challenges, fears, or seemingly impossible situations? Ask God to help you live as a "resurrection person" - someone whose life demonstrates the transformative power of the risen Christ.

Day 4: Staying with Jesus

Reading: John 15:1-11

Devotional: In the sermon, we heard the desperate plea, "Stay with us," echoing the disciples' request to Jesus. This aligns beautifully with Jesus' teaching about abiding in Him. Our greatest need isn't for more information or even more experiences - it's for consistent, intimate communion with Christ. Today, focus on "staying" with Jesus. Set aside dedicated time to simply be in His presence. This might involve silent prayer, meditating on Scripture, or worshipful music. As you do, ask Jesus to deepen your connection with Him and to teach you how to abide in Him throughout your day.

Day 5: Expectant Faith

Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6

Devotional: The sermon emphasized the importance of expectant faith - believing that God can and will move in powerful ways. Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It also tells us that without faith, it's impossible to please God. Examine your own faith today. Are you living with holy expectation, or have you settled for a safe, predictable faith? Ask God to increase your faith and to give you a vision for what He wants to do in and through you. Consider stepping out in faith in some specific way today - perhaps by praying for something "impossible" or taking a risk to share your faith with someone.