Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Resurrection Sunday is the celebration of new life in Christ. Jesus was crucified as the full payment for our sin, buried, and raised on the third day with all power. Because of His victory, death has lost its sting for those who believe, and our salvation is complete in Him.

This message centers on one key truth: humility is the soil in which all the virtues of the Spirit grow. If we want to walk in resurrection life, we must also walk in humility.

Jesus taught this principle clearly: whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). In God’s kingdom, greatness is not found in status, but in service. Jesus did not just teach humility; He embodied it.

Philippians 2 shows Christ as the perfect example. Though He was God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself even to death on a cross. Because of that humility, God highly exalted Him. The pattern is clear: humility comes before exaltation.

True humility is not thinking too little of yourself or too much of yourself. It is having a right view of who you are before God. When we humble ourselves, God lifts us according to His purpose.

A practical way to see whether we are walking in the Spirit is by our fruit. What is our life producing? Stress, anger, pride, and anxiety are not the fruit of the Spirit. But love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are evidence that our lives are rooted in humility and connected to God.

Jesus said a tree is known by its fruit. Good trees bear good fruit. So the condition of our heart matters. Humility makes the soil of the heart fruitful.

The message also contrasts Christ with Satan. Satan’s fall came through pride: “I will ascend… I will make myself like the Most High.” Pride seeks self-exaltation. Christ chose self-emptying, obedience, and surrender. That is why the resurrection was such a death blow to the enemy: what looked like weakness was actually the greatest display of God’s power and humility.

Jesus laid down His life willingly, and He calls us to do the same. To follow Christ is to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and walk in new life by the Spirit. Humility is not something we manufacture to earn blessing. God gives us what we need to follow Him.

Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is an example. What Paul wanted removed was the very thing God used to keep him humble and fruitful. Sometimes the struggle we want delivered from is the very thing God is using to form Christ in us. Weakness can become the place where God’s power rests most clearly on our lives.

So instead of only asking, “How do I get to the promise?” we should also ask, “How is God using this moment to make me humble, faithful, and fruitful?”

The call is simple: stay connected to the Father, fight pride, embrace humility, and trust God with the outcome. The fruit of the Spirit often shines brightest against hard circumstances.

Final warning and encouragement: God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humility is not optional in the Christian life; it is essential to walking in resurrection power.

Key takeaway: The way of the cross is the way of humility, and the way of humility is the way into resurrection life.

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

Key Illustration: The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)

• A farmer scatters seed, then goes about daily life.
• He doesn’t understand how growth happens.
• The earth produces the harvest over time.
• His role: sow the seed
• God’s role: bring the increase

Takeaway: What matters most is not just what we do—but what God does with what we do.

Personal Reflection

• We often focus more on failures than wins (negativity bias).
• Frustration comes when effort doesn’t produce expected results.
• Question: What are you investing your time and energy into—and what return are you expecting?

Core Tension

Two competing focuses:

1. Cares of life (stress, pressure, distractions)
2. Eternal significance (God’s kingdom, lasting fruit)

Key Truths

1. We Overvalue What We Control

• We think what we spend the most time on is most important.
• We believe success depends mainly on us.
• But scripture shows: God is the true source of growth.

2. The Cares of Life Can Choke Out Fruit (Mark 4:18–19)

• Distractions drain time, energy, and focus.
• Even “good” things can crowd out what matters most.
• Example: Busyness, perfectionism, or unnecessary tasks stealing capacity.

Reflection Question:
What temporary things are costing you eternal impact?

3. We Are Role Players, Not the Star

• God is the main character; we are part of His story.
• 1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
• True impact happens in community, not isolation.

Goal: Be faithful and excellent in your role—not obsessed with recognition.

4. Contentment Protects Our Heart

• The farmer simply sowed seed—faithfully and consistently.
• Discontentment leads to pride or frustration.
• Contentment keeps us grounded in God’s purpose.

5. Abiding Produces Lasting Fruit (John 15:5,16)

• “Abide” = remain connected over time.
• Many treat God as seasonal, not constant.
• Lasting fruit comes from consistent relationship, not occasional effort.

Key Principle:
Staying connected to God over time produces more than we ever could alone.

Encouragement

• You may feel like you’re on a hamster wheel—but God is still working.
• Even when you don’t see it, He is producing fruit.
• Your responsibility is simple:
  • Sow faithfully
  • Stay connected
  • Trust God for the results

Closing Scripture (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

• Don’t lose heart—renewal is happening daily.
• Present struggles are temporary.
• What is unseen (eternal) matters most.

Final Takeaway

Focus less on immediate results and more on faithful obedience.
What you do may seem small—but in God’s hands, it produces eternal fruit that remains.

Joshua Boyd

A Holy God - A Holy People

The Bible is God’s story (His story), and its truths still apply to us today.

One of the clearest themes throughout Scripture is this:

God is holy.

The word holy simply means:

• Set apart
• Dedicated
• Separated for God’s purpose

Holiness isn’t about halos or perfection.
It’s about being separated from what contaminates and dedicated to God.

From the very beginning, God established separation.

Creation

• God separated light from darkness (Genesis 1).
• This becomes a spiritual pattern later in Scripture:
  Light and darkness are not meant to mix.

Because God is holy, sin cannot exist in His presence.

Sacrifices

Under the Old Covenant:

• Bulls and goats were sacrificed.
• Blood covered sin.
• People could approach God again.

These sacrifices didn’t disappear with Jesus.

Instead, Jesus became the final and eternal sacrifice.

God restored humanity step by step by separating a portion to make the whole holy.

The Pattern

1. One man – Abraham
2. One nation – Israel
3. One tribe – Levi
4. The priests
5. The High Priest

Each level represented greater separation and dedication to God.

The earthly tabernacle wasn’t random.

Hebrews 8:5

A consistent biblical principle is:

When a portion is made holy, the whole is blessed.

Examples:

Tithing

Leviticus 27:30

The first 10% belongs to the Lord.

Setting it apart makes the rest blessed.

The Sabbath

Exodus 20

God set one day apart as holy.

Keeping one day for God blesses the rest of the week.

Firstborn Dedication

In the Old Testament, the firstborn child was dedicated to God, symbolizing that the entire family belonged to Him.

The same principle applies when we dedicate our children today.

Through Jesus, holiness is no longer limited to Israel.

Anyone who believes in Christ can now be called God’s holy people.

The apostles repeatedly addressed believers this way:

• Romans – “Called to be His holy people”
• Corinthians – “God’s church… called to be holy”
• Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians – “God’s holy people”

Holiness is no longer tied to nationality—it’s tied to faith in Christ.

Christians are called to live set apart, but not removed from the world.

Holiness isn’t perfection.

It’s choosing daily to set ourselves apart for God.

When we honor what God has called holy, He blesses the whole of our lives.

Just as Paul wrote to believers across the ancient world, the same message applies today.

To the holy people of God:

• Stay strong in a weak world.
• Stay faithful in a disloyal culture.
• Keep God’s Word as the highest truth in your life.

God is holy.

And through Christ, He has called us to be holy too.

Dr. Jordon GilmoreKey Text: Gospel of Luke 24:13–35

Pastor Jordon begins with the story of the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion. They were discouraged and confused. As they walked, Jesus joined them—but they didn’t recognize Him. Only after He explained the Scriptures did they realize who He was. Their sorrow turned to excitement, and they ran to tell the other disciples.

This story reflects a common experience for believers. We can walk through life discouraged or distracted and fail to recognize that God is already with us.

Most Christians would say they know God is always with them, yet many don’t always feel that way. Pastor Jordon referenced Book of Psalms 23:4, which reminds us that God is with us even in the valley. If we truly lived with that awareness, it would change our confidence, actions, and mindset. Imagine entering a difficult situation knowing Jesus was standing right behind you saying, “I’ve got you.” Through the Holy Spirit, that is the reality for believers.

Recognizing God is something that develops as we grow in faith. Pastor Jordon described three stages:

1. Recognizing who God is – understanding His character, power, and voice.
2. Recognizing who He is to you personally – growing in a personal relationship with Christ.
3. Recognizing His work in your life – seeing how He empowers and guides you.

As our faith matures, our capacity grows—meaning God entrusts us with more responsibility and deeper experiences with Him.

The disciples illustrate this growth. Early in Jesus’ ministry they often asked, “Who is this?” In Gospel of Matthew 8, after Jesus calmed the storm, they wondered who He could be that even the wind obeyed Him. But later in Gospel of Matthew 14, after many experiences with Jesus, their response changed to worship: “Truly you are the Son of God.” Their ability to recognize Him grew through time spent walking with Him.

Peter’s story highlights this progression. When Jesus walked on water, Peter asked to come to Him. His bold step wasn’t random—it was the result of many experiences with Jesus that had built his faith.

Pastor Jordon pointed out three ways Peter’s capacity grew:

1. He listened to Jesus’ teaching and asked questions.
Peter actively sought understanding instead of staying confused.

2. He experienced miracles and spiritual revelation.
Moments where truth becomes clear deepen our ability to recognize God.

3. He obeyed Jesus’ instructions.
When Jesus told the disciples to preach, heal, and minister, Peter acted. Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus instructed Peter to “feed my sheep.” Peter eventually preached at Pentecost and thousands came to faith.

A key shift in spiritual maturity is how we pray. Early in faith we often pray, “God, fix this situation.” As we grow, our prayers change to, “Lord, empower me to respond the right way.” We begin to recognize that God often works through us, not just for us.

The challenge for believers is to spend time with God, seek understanding of His Word, remember moments of revelation, and act on His instructions. As we do, our capacity grows and we become better at recognizing God’s presence and work in our lives.

Joshua Boyd

Key Theme: The Bible Is a Book of Choices

As we continue our Walk Through the Bible series, we’re looking at an overarching theme found from Genesis to Revelation:

The power of “if.”

Our anchor verse remains:

1 Corinthians 10:11–12

The stories of Scripture aren’t just children’s lessons. They are real accounts—often messy and intense—written so we can learn, stand firm, and avoid falling.

“If” — The Language of Covenant

The word “if” appears nearly 1,600 times in Scripture.

That tells us something:
God works through choice.

From the beginning: Adam and Eve

Genesis 2:17

Dominion was given—but with boundaries.

Cain

Genesis 4:7

Cain had a chance to change direction. He didn’t.

Jesus

Revelation 3:20

Jesus knocks. He does not force.

Fear vs. Love

A powerful truth:

• Fear forces
• Love leads
• Faith follows

God gives us free will because love requires choice.
Without choice, it’s not love—it’s control.

The Danger of Repeated Wrong “Ifs”

One bad choice rarely destroys someone overnight.

But repeated wrong “ifs”:

• Harden the heart
• Dull conviction
• Lead to deception

Ephesians 4:18

Hardness develops through repeated wrong decisions.

That’s why:

Hebrews 3:13

Generational Impact of One Right “If”

Nine generations after Adam:

Genesis 6

The whole world chose wrong.

One man chose right.

Noah didn’t start with “Build an ark.”
He had a life of faithful “ifs” that led to greater trust.

A Personal Example: Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1:8–9

Nehemiah read that promise and said:
“That’s my ‘if.’”

He took personal responsibility and acted on it.

We Still Live in an “If” World

Romans 8:13

Even under grace, choices matter.

God controls history.
He does not control your decisions.

The Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1–2

They lived the life of faith.
They resisted sin—even to persecution and death.

Jesus is our ultimate example:

• He resisted to the point of sweating blood.
• He chose the right “if” every time.
• He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Final Question: What “If” Are You Choosing?

• Are you revisiting an old decision God asked you to make?
• Are you at the beginning of a small choice that could harden your heart?
• Are you standing alone at work or in family situations?

Remember:
You are not alone.

There is a cloud of witnesses cheering for faith.
There is a Savior who initiated your faith and will perfect it.

Every day, you choose your “if.”

Choose faith.
Choose obedience.
Choose to draw near.

And as Scripture promises:

Draw near to Him —
&

Dr. Jordon Gilmore

1. The Source of Resemblance

In the natural, family resemblance comes from DNA—a biological code passed from generation to generation. DNA carries traits that strengthen and shape future generations.

Spiritually, there is also a “divine DNA.” As children of God, we are called to reflect our Father. The question is:
When the world sees us, do they recognize the family resemblance?

2. Children of God – A Growing Revelation

1 John 3:2

“Beloved, now we are children of God… when He appears, we shall be like Him.”

• We are already God’s children.
• Yet we do not fully see what we will become.
• What we know of God now is only partial—like looking through a cloudy lens.
• The fullness of who He is will only be revealed when we are perfected.

Two key reminders:

1. Don’t underestimate God’s greatness. Even our greatest spiritual moments are only a fraction of who He is.
2. Don’t underestimate the promise. We will be like Him. That promise is greater than we can imagine.

3. Moses and the Glory of God

Exodus 33:18–23

Moses asked to see God’s glory.
God allowed him only to see His “goodness” pass by.

• No one could see God’s full glory and live.
• What we experience now is only the aftermath—the residue—of His presence.

Like entering a house after a fire has passed:
You see the effects, but not the full intensity.

In our lives, transformation is evidence that God has passed through.

4. What Does Looking Like Jesus Mean?

Three key attributes:

1. Oneness with the Father – Deep relationship and alignment with God.
2. Spirit-led living with visible fruit – Character that reflects the Spirit.
3. Love for people and justice – Compassion and righteousness together.

Ask yourself:

• Am I growing in these areas?
• Is there visible spiritual resemblance?

5. God Already Sees the Finished Product

Romans 8:29

“He predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

God has already seen the perfected version of you.

Unlike us, God does not start a project without completing it.
Even when we fall short, He is the One perfecting the process.

We work toward Christlikeness—but He completes the transformation.

6. From Glory to Glory

2 Corinthians 3:16–18

“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away… we are being transformed… from glory to glory.”

Key truths:

• The veil is removed in Christ.
• We have greater access than previous generations.
• We are in a continuous transformation process.

“Being transformed” is present and ongoing.
Every trial, every growth moment, every act of obedience contributes.

7. Generational Growth

Throughout Scripture, clarity increases:

• From Moses and the veil,
• To Christ,
• To the Spirit within us.

Access to God has expanded.

What we know of God should become the foundation for our children.
Each generation should reflect Him more clearly.

God is perfecting not only individuals—but generations.

8. A Living Picture

Our lives are a picture of Christ.

Sometimes our resemblance may look abstract—like a toddler’s drawing.
But as we mature, the image should become clearer.

The goal:

• Stronger resemblance
• Clearer image
• Greater reflection of Christ

Final Encouragement

We are in process.

God foreknew us.
He sees the finished version.
We are being transformed now—and will continue to be.

Let the world see the family resemblance.

Joshua Boyd

A Walk Through the Bible – Series Introduction

Big Picture Purpose

• This series is not just a history lesson.
• It’s about why we believe what we believe.
• Every word of Scripture is:
  • True
  • Right
  • Still relevant today

Instead of deep-diving into one book, we’re stepping back for the 30,000-foot view—seeing the Bible as one connected story and one unified plan of God.

The Old Testament: Written for Us

1 Corinthians 10:11–13 teaches:

• The events of the Old Testament happened as real history.
• They were written as examples for us.
• They are instruction for those “upon whom the ends of the world have come.”

We often quote verse 13 (“God won’t give you more than you can handle”), but in context it refers to Israel’s failures.
The lesson:

• Don’t assume, “I wouldn’t have done that.”
• Instead ask:
  • What did they do wrong?
  • What can I learn?
  • How do I avoid repeating it?

The Bible as One Connected Story

When read as a whole, you see:

• Adam (~4000 BC)
• Abraham (~2000 BC)
• David (~1000 BC)
• Christ (0)

History accelerates toward Jesus.

Matthew 1:17 highlights:

• 14 generations: Abraham → David
• 14 generations: David → Exile
• 14 generations: Exile → Christ

God was moving history toward fulfillment.

The entire biblical story unfolds in a relatively small geographic region—yet its impact spread across the Roman Empire within 300 years and now across the world.

Key Principles for Reading the Bible

1. God is always right.
   • Even when consequences seem severe.
   • God is love—Old Testament and New.
2. Always ask:
   • How does this apply to me?
   • What can I learn from their example?

The Old Covenant

• Given through Moses.
• Centered on the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:13).
• A binding agreement:
  • Obey → Blessing
  • Disobey → Consequences

The core command:

• Worship God alone.

Israel repeatedly broke that covenant—especially through idolatry.

The problem wasn’t the covenant.
The problem was the human heart.

God Promises Something New

In Jeremiah 31:31–34, God promises:

• A new covenant
• His law written on hearts
• Sins forgiven and remembered no more

What Changed?

Hebrews explains:

• The old system was a shadow.
• Jesus fulfilled the law completely.
• He satisfied the covenant perfectly—the only human ever to do so.
• The first covenant wasn’t “bad”; it was incomplete because people couldn’t fulfill it.

When Jesus fulfilled it, it was completed—not discarded.

Then came the New Covenant:

• Based on better promises
• Mediated by Christ
• Internal transformation instead of external regulation

Under the Old Covenant:

• God’s rule was external.
• Access to God required priests and sacrifices.
• Sin kept distance between God and man.

Under the New Covenant:

• The veil was torn.
• Jesus became our High Priest.
• The Kingdom is now within us.
• The Spirit of God lives in us.

Instead of rules written on stone, the law is written on hearts.

God’s Unchanging Plan

From Adam onward:

• God wanted relationship.
• Sin created separation.
• The Law created temporary access.
• Jesus restored permanent relationship.

The plan never changed—only the covenant structure did.

Our Opportunity Today

The heroes of Scripture (Abraham,

Jordon Gilmore

The Courtroom Analogy

• Imagine life as a courtroom where believers serve as witnesses.
• Our credibility is shaped by integrity. When our words and actions align, our witness is strengthened.
• If our lifestyle contradicts our testimony, it weakens our influence for God’s kingdom.

What Makes Someone a Witness?

A witness is someone who has:

• Seen something
• Heard something
• Experienced something
• Has a unique perspective on truth

This experience becomes our testimony.

Types of Spiritual Witnesses

• Eyewitness: Shares personal experiences of God’s work.
• Character Witness: Demonstrates God’s goodness through lifestyle and example.
• Expert Witness: Testifies to specific areas where God has been faithful (provider, healer, deliverer, etc.).

Testimony Often Comes Through Trials

• Many testimonies come from difficult seasons we didn’t choose.
• God uses hardships to create stories that encourage and strengthen others.
• Our testimony is not optional—it is part of our calling.

Biblical Foundation for Being Witnesses

Acts 1:8 – The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses everywhere.
Acts 22:14-15 – God reveals Himself so believers can testify about what they have seen and heard.
Isaiah 43:10 – God declares, “You are my witnesses.”

The Power of Testimony

Revelation 12:11 teaches believers overcome the enemy through:

1. The blood of Jesus
2. The word of their testimony

Testimonies are vital in spiritual victory and advancing God’s kingdom.

Four Truths About Being Key Witnesses

1. You Are Under Witness Protection

• Our identity is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).
• God protects and preserves us as we share our testimony.

2. Christ Overrules Objections

• The enemy accuses believers of unworthiness.
• Jesus intercedes as our advocate (Romans 8:33-34).
• Our testimony is valid because of Christ, not personal perfection.

3. Guard the Authenticity of Your Witness

• Actions and character matter.
• A damaged lifestyle can weaken credibility.
• Believers should pursue integrity so their lives support their message.

4. Stick to Your Testimony During Cross-Examination

• Life challenges and doubts test our faith.
• Like Jesus and Paul, believers must stand firm in truth.
• Faith remains steady regardless of circumstances or outcomes.

Willing vs. Reluctant Witnesses

• Some eagerly share their testimony.
• Others hesitate due to fear, shame, or doubt.
• Regardless of willingness, believers are still called to testify.

Final Takeaways

• Every believer has been “served” with the responsibility to testify about God’s goodness.
• Our life journey—both victories and struggles—brings glory to God.
• True success is faithfully representing Christ wherever God places us.