Happy Resurrection Sunday! There’s something uniquely powerful about this day on the calendar — the day we celebrate the moment everything changed. But Pastor Josh White reminded us this Easter morning that there’s more to the resurrection than looking back. It’s the evidence that God’s plan is only halfway done.
The Day Matters — And So Does Its Name
April 17, 2022 wasn’t just Easter Sunday. It was the Jewish Feast of First Fruits — the exact day God raised Jesus from the dead. Every year, this feast falls close to Passover, and that’s not coincidence. God has been revealing His redemptive plan through the Jewish calendar feasts for thousands of years, and Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts to the very day.
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
— 1 Corinthians 5:7
Pastor Josh pointed out that the original Passover in Egypt — where 50,000 lambs were sacrificed at the exact same moment — was a rehearsal. Israel kept that feast year after year, practicing for the real Lamb who would take away the sins of the world. John the Baptist knew it when he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).
God’s Wisdom Beyond Our Understanding
Pastor Josh opened with Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 2 — that God’s wisdom was hidden from the rulers of this age. If they had understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Left to our own devices, we could never comprehend what God had prepared.
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:9
But here’s the encouraging part — God didn’t leave us guessing. He revealed His plan through the prophets and the Spirit. From the beginning, humanity has asked: Why are we here? What’s the purpose? God answered by preparing a future for those who love Him, and He wrote it down so we could know it.
It’s Only Halfway Done
This was the heart of the message. If Jesus rose from the dead — and we believe He did — then God’s plan is only halfway complete. The resurrection is the proof that the rest will come.
When Jesus was at the Last Supper with His disciples, He said something remarkable. Stage one wasn’t even finished yet, and He was already talking about stage two:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
— John 14:1-3
Jesus had to rise from the dead to go prepare that place. And He did. So He’s still at work — preparing a place for us and preparing the world for His return.
Are We in the Final Countdown?
Pastor Josh didn’t shy away from the current state of the world. Global pandemic. Inflation. Digital currency technology that’s making specific end-time prophecies feel more tangible than ever. For years people said Revelation couldn’t be taken literally — but the pieces are falling into place.
“Stay dressed ready for action and keep your lamps burning… You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”
— Luke 12:35-37, 40
Before Jesus even died — before the resurrection was a reality — He was telling His disciples to be prepared for His return. And He’s still telling us that today.
Two Things We Know Will Happen
Pastor Josh closed with this sobering reality: you will die, or you will be alive when Jesus returns. Either way, you need to be prepared. And the good news is — preparation isn’t something we earn. It’s something we receive.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
— Romans 10:9-10
Jesus died as the perfect Passover Lamb so that we could pass over from death to life. He rose again to prepare a place for us. And He’s coming back. That’s not just history — it’s hope.
So What?
We’re all preparing for something. Our next meal. The Phoenix Suns destroying the Pelicans tonight. Kyle’s graduation. Summer camping. Retirement. Some of us are even preparing for disaster scenarios we hope never happen.
But here’s the question that matters most: Are you spiritually prepared?
If you haven’t yet, you can put your faith in Christ right now. God will hear you. Pray something like this:
“Dear God, I know I’m a sinner and my sins have separated me from You. I place my faith in Christ alone — believing that through His death and resurrection, I have the hope of eternal life. Help me to be ready for what’s next. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed that today — tell someone before you leave. We’d love to celebrate with you.
He is risen. He’s coming back. And He’s not done yet.
Scripture References
- John 1:29 — John the Baptist declares Jesus the Lamb of God
- John 14:1-3 — Jesus prepares a place for His followers
- Romans 10:9-10 — The way of salvation through faith
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 — God’s hidden wisdom revealed through the Spirit
- 1 Corinthians 5:7 — Christ, our Passover lamb
- Exodus 12:1-13 — The first Passover and the blood applied to doorposts
- Luke 12:35-40 — Be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an unexpected hour
- Hosea 6:3 — His going forth is prepared as the morning