Week Four
By Rev. Keith Howard
Core Belief: Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for humanity’s sins, and God raised Him from the dead.
Scripture Focus:
“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” – Romans 4:25
Devotional Thought:
At the very center of our faith is the cross and the empty tomb. The cross reminds us of the weight of sin and the depth of God’s love—Jesus bore the punishment we deserved so we could be reconciled to God. The resurrection reminds us of victory—death could not hold Him, and sin could not defeat Him. Together, the atonement and resurrection declare both forgiveness and new life.
Without the cross, there would be no payment for sin. Without the resurrection, there would be no power over death. But through both, we find full salvation—pardoned by His blood and raised to walk in newness of life.
This means that when guilt tries to overwhelm you, the cross assures you that the debt has already been paid. And when fear of death or hopelessness creeps in, the resurrection assures you that eternal life is secure. The gospel is not only about what Christ has done in the past, but about what He is doing in us right now—bringing dead hearts to life.
Reflection Questions:
- How does remembering both the cross and the resurrection shape the way you live today?
- Where do you still struggle to believe that Jesus’ sacrifice is “enough” for you?
- How can you live as a witness to the risen Christ this week?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross where my sins were nailed and for the resurrection that gives me victory and hope. Help me live in the reality of Your finished work—free from guilt, full of joy, and walking in new life. May my life reflect the power of the cross and the triumph of the empty tomb. Amen.
