April 16th, 2025
by Dalton Jenkins
by Dalton Jenkins
Jesus is Alive and Desires a Relationship with You: Understanding the True Meaning of Easter
Easter is far more than just another holiday - it represents God's ultimate demonstration of love and His desire for relationship with humanity. Through Jesus's death and resurrection, God provided a way to restore the broken relationship between Himself and mankind.
What was God's Original Plan for Humanity?
God created humans in His own image with the intention of having an intimate relationship with us. In Genesis, we see God walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This shows His desire for close communion with His creation.
Why Did Our Relationship with God Break?
Sin entered through Adam and Eve's disobedience, breaking humanity's perfect relationship with God. This created a separation that required reconciliation through Jesus's sacrifice.
How Does Easter Demonstrate Two Kingdoms at War?
Easter represents the ultimate battle between:
This spiritual warfare continues today as these kingdoms compete for human souls. The enemy works to:
How Does Jesus Restore Our Relationship with God?
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus:
What Should Our Response Be to the Resurrection?
For Christians, we must continually evaluate if we're living the life Christ called us to live.
Life Application
This week, consider your relationship with God:
Questions to reflect on:
What is keeping you from a deeper relationship with God?
Are there areas where you're letting the world's values override God's truth?
How can you better demonstrate God's love to others this week?
The invitation is clear - Jesus is alive and desires relationship with you. Will you respond to His call?
What was God's Original Plan for Humanity?
God created humans in His own image with the intention of having an intimate relationship with us. In Genesis, we see God walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This shows His desire for close communion with His creation.
Why Did Our Relationship with God Break?
Sin entered through Adam and Eve's disobedience, breaking humanity's perfect relationship with God. This created a separation that required reconciliation through Jesus's sacrifice.
How Does Easter Demonstrate Two Kingdoms at War?
Easter represents the ultimate battle between:
- The Kingdom of Light (God's kingdom)
- The Kingdom of Darkness (Satan's domain)
This spiritual warfare continues today as these kingdoms compete for human souls. The enemy works to:
- Separate believers from fellowship
- Create confusion about truth
- Lead people away from God's design
How Does Jesus Restore Our Relationship with God?
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus:
- Paid the penalty for our sins
- Reconciled us to God
- Provided a way for restored relationship
- Defeated death and Satan's power
What Should Our Response Be to the Resurrection?
- Everyone must respond to Jesus's resurrection. We can either:
- Accept His offer of relationship and salvation
- Reject it and remain separated from God
For Christians, we must continually evaluate if we're living the life Christ called us to live.
Life Application
This week, consider your relationship with God:
- Are you spending regular time in prayer and Bible study?
- Have you fully surrendered all areas of your life to Him?
- Are there relationships or situations where you need to demonstrate Christ's love?
Questions to reflect on:
What is keeping you from a deeper relationship with God?
Are there areas where you're letting the world's values override God's truth?
How can you better demonstrate God's love to others this week?
The invitation is clear - Jesus is alive and desires relationship with you. Will you respond to His call?
Devotional
Day 1: The Original Design
Devotional
When we look at the world today, it's easy to feel disconnected and isolated. But this wasn't God's original plan. In the beginning, He created us for intimate relationship with Him. Picture walking through a garden in the cool of the day, having a heart-to-heart conversation with your Creator. This was the reality for Adam and Eve - no barriers, no shame, just pure connection with God. This intimate fellowship was meant to be our normal experience. Understanding this original design helps us recognize that our deepest longings for connection aren't random - they're echoes of how we were created to live.
Bible Verse
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - Jeremiah 31:33
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life do you feel most disconnected from God, and how might understanding His original design for relationship change your perspective?
Quote
When sin showed up, it stopped the relationship. See, before sin, everything was pure.
Prayer
Father, thank You for creating us for relationship with You. Help us to recognize and respond to Your invitation for intimate fellowship. Remove any barriers that keep us from experiencing the fullness of Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverence (Who God Is)
* Father, You are the Creator who formed us for fellowship, walking with us in love and holiness.
* We worship You as the God who desires closeness, not distance — whose covenant is written on hearts, not just stone.
Response (My Heart Response)
* Lord, we acknowledge how often we seek connection in places other than You.
* Forgive us for forgetting that intimacy with You is our original design.
Requests (For Myself and Others)
* Restore in us the joy of close communion with You.
* Remove distractions, shame, or guilt that create distance between us.
* Awaken our hearts to desire Your presence above all else.
Readiness (For Spiritual Battle and Mission)
* Equip us to live as people of Your presence, reflecting Your design to a disconnected world.
* Let our lives point others back to their original purpose — communion with their Creator.
Day 2: The Great Divide
Devotional
Sin created a chasm between humanity and God that no human effort could bridge. Like a deep canyon carved by years of erosion, our separation from God seemed permanent and impossible to cross. But God's love for us never diminished. Even in our rebellion and rejection, He was already working on a solution. This reveals the heart of our Father - He doesn't abandon us in our brokenness but pursues us relentlessly. His love isn't based on our performance or worthiness, but on His unchanging character.
Bible Verse
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Reflection Question
How does knowing that God pursued you even when you were running away from Him impact your view of His love?
Quote
God loves us despite of our rejection of him.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving us even when we were unlovable. Help us grasp the depth of Your love and let it transform how we see ourselves and others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverence
* Lord, You are the God of mercy and relentless love. Even while we were sinners, You reached for us.
* You pursued us when we turned away — You are the Redeemer and our Rescuer.
Response
* We confess our tendency to run and to rely on our own righteousness.
* We turn back to You with hearts full of gratitude.
Requests
* Help us to fully grasp the depth of Your love and let it transform how we see ourselves and others.
* Heal wounds of rejection and replace them with the assurance of Your unfailing love.
Readiness
* Prepare us to love others the way You love us — relentlessly and sacrificially.
* Use us to share the message of Your pursuit to those who feel far from You.
Day 3: The Ultimate Solution
Devotional
When faced with a problem, we often try to solve it ourselves. But the gap between God and humanity required a solution far beyond human capability. Enter Jesus - God's ultimate answer to our separation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus built the bridge we desperately needed. He paid a debt we could never repay, making a way back to the Father. This wasn't just a partial fix or temporary solution - it was complete reconciliation.
Bible Verse
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." - Hebrews 4:14-16
Reflection Question
How does understanding the magnitude of what Jesus did for you affect your daily choices and priorities?
Quote
I owe a debt I couldn't pay. He owes no debt, but he paid it for me.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for paying the price we could never pay. Help us live in gratitude for Your sacrifice and share Your love with others. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Reverence
* Jesus, You are our Great High Priest, the perfect Sacrifice, and the Bridge back to the Father.
* We exalt You for paying the price no one else could — for being our Reconciler.
Response
* We humble ourselves before the cross and express our deep gratitude.
* Let Your sacrifice shape how we live, love, and serve daily.
Requests
* Strengthen our faith to hold fast in trials, remembering what You've done for us.
* Give us opportunities to share the Gospel with those who need to hear of Your ultimate solution.
Readiness
* Arm us with the truth of the Gospel and the boldness to proclaim it.
* Let our priorities reflect the reality of the cross and resurrection in every decision we make.
Day 4: The Ongoing Battle
Devotional
While Jesus won the ultimate victory through His resurrection, we still live in a world where two kingdoms clash. The kingdom of darkness continues to wage war against God's children, trying to distract, discourage, and divide us. But we don't fight this battle alone or in our own strength. Through Christ, we have authority and victory over the enemy's schemes. Understanding this spiritual reality helps us stay alert and equipped for daily spiritual warfare.
Bible Verse
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12
Reflection Question
In what ways do you see spiritual warfare manifesting in your life, and how can you better prepare yourself for these battles?
Quote
The mission of the kingdom of darkness is to keep us out of the kingdom of light.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, strengthen us for the spiritual battles we face. Help us stand firm in Your truth and victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverence
* Lord of Hosts, You are our Defender and the One who grants us victory.
* You reign supreme even when spiritual battles rage around us.
Response
* We recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and repent for living unaware or unarmed.
* We submit to Your authority and invite You to train our hands for battle.
Requests
* Strengthen our inner man with truth, righteousness, and peace.
* Teach us to wield the sword of the Spirit — Your Word — with confidence.
* Protect our families, churches, and communities from the schemes of the enemy.
Readiness
* Make us alert, not afraid; ready, not weary.
* Empower us to resist the enemy and stand firm in faith, clothed in Your armor.
Day 5: The Personal Response
Devotional
Easter isn't just a historical event to remember - it's a personal invitation that demands a response. The resurrection of Jesus offers each of us the opportunity to enter into relationship with the God of the universe. This isn't about religious ritual or tradition; it's about a living, dynamic relationship with our Creator. The choice is yours - will you accept His invitation for intimate fellowship?
Bible Verse
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" - John 11:25-26
Reflection Question
What is holding you back from fully embracing a personal relationship with Jesus, and what step can you take today to draw closer to Him?
Quote
Easter is very personal. It's about your relationship with the ultimate God of the universe.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for making a way for us to know You personally. Help us respond to Your invitation with wholehearted commitment. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Reverence
* Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life — the source of eternal hope and purpose.
* You invite us into relationship, not religion, into life, not law.
Response
* We say “Yes” to Your invitation with fresh surrender and open hearts.
* We reject apathy and renew our commitment to walk closely with You.
Requests
* Draw the hearts of the doubting, distant, and distracted into personal fellowship with You.
* Stir revival in our souls and our churches. Let Easter truth ignite Easter living.
Readiness
* Make us bold in our witness and sensitive to Your Spirit’s promptings.
* Help us call others to respond personally to Your love with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
Devotional
When we look at the world today, it's easy to feel disconnected and isolated. But this wasn't God's original plan. In the beginning, He created us for intimate relationship with Him. Picture walking through a garden in the cool of the day, having a heart-to-heart conversation with your Creator. This was the reality for Adam and Eve - no barriers, no shame, just pure connection with God. This intimate fellowship was meant to be our normal experience. Understanding this original design helps us recognize that our deepest longings for connection aren't random - they're echoes of how we were created to live.
Bible Verse
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - Jeremiah 31:33
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life do you feel most disconnected from God, and how might understanding His original design for relationship change your perspective?
Quote
When sin showed up, it stopped the relationship. See, before sin, everything was pure.
Prayer
Father, thank You for creating us for relationship with You. Help us to recognize and respond to Your invitation for intimate fellowship. Remove any barriers that keep us from experiencing the fullness of Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverence (Who God Is)
* Father, You are the Creator who formed us for fellowship, walking with us in love and holiness.
* We worship You as the God who desires closeness, not distance — whose covenant is written on hearts, not just stone.
Response (My Heart Response)
* Lord, we acknowledge how often we seek connection in places other than You.
* Forgive us for forgetting that intimacy with You is our original design.
Requests (For Myself and Others)
* Restore in us the joy of close communion with You.
* Remove distractions, shame, or guilt that create distance between us.
* Awaken our hearts to desire Your presence above all else.
Readiness (For Spiritual Battle and Mission)
* Equip us to live as people of Your presence, reflecting Your design to a disconnected world.
* Let our lives point others back to their original purpose — communion with their Creator.
Day 2: The Great Divide
Devotional
Sin created a chasm between humanity and God that no human effort could bridge. Like a deep canyon carved by years of erosion, our separation from God seemed permanent and impossible to cross. But God's love for us never diminished. Even in our rebellion and rejection, He was already working on a solution. This reveals the heart of our Father - He doesn't abandon us in our brokenness but pursues us relentlessly. His love isn't based on our performance or worthiness, but on His unchanging character.
Bible Verse
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Reflection Question
How does knowing that God pursued you even when you were running away from Him impact your view of His love?
Quote
God loves us despite of our rejection of him.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving us even when we were unlovable. Help us grasp the depth of Your love and let it transform how we see ourselves and others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverence
* Lord, You are the God of mercy and relentless love. Even while we were sinners, You reached for us.
* You pursued us when we turned away — You are the Redeemer and our Rescuer.
Response
* We confess our tendency to run and to rely on our own righteousness.
* We turn back to You with hearts full of gratitude.
Requests
* Help us to fully grasp the depth of Your love and let it transform how we see ourselves and others.
* Heal wounds of rejection and replace them with the assurance of Your unfailing love.
Readiness
* Prepare us to love others the way You love us — relentlessly and sacrificially.
* Use us to share the message of Your pursuit to those who feel far from You.
Day 3: The Ultimate Solution
Devotional
When faced with a problem, we often try to solve it ourselves. But the gap between God and humanity required a solution far beyond human capability. Enter Jesus - God's ultimate answer to our separation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus built the bridge we desperately needed. He paid a debt we could never repay, making a way back to the Father. This wasn't just a partial fix or temporary solution - it was complete reconciliation.
Bible Verse
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess." - Hebrews 4:14-16
Reflection Question
How does understanding the magnitude of what Jesus did for you affect your daily choices and priorities?
Quote
I owe a debt I couldn't pay. He owes no debt, but he paid it for me.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for paying the price we could never pay. Help us live in gratitude for Your sacrifice and share Your love with others. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Reverence
* Jesus, You are our Great High Priest, the perfect Sacrifice, and the Bridge back to the Father.
* We exalt You for paying the price no one else could — for being our Reconciler.
Response
* We humble ourselves before the cross and express our deep gratitude.
* Let Your sacrifice shape how we live, love, and serve daily.
Requests
* Strengthen our faith to hold fast in trials, remembering what You've done for us.
* Give us opportunities to share the Gospel with those who need to hear of Your ultimate solution.
Readiness
* Arm us with the truth of the Gospel and the boldness to proclaim it.
* Let our priorities reflect the reality of the cross and resurrection in every decision we make.
Day 4: The Ongoing Battle
Devotional
While Jesus won the ultimate victory through His resurrection, we still live in a world where two kingdoms clash. The kingdom of darkness continues to wage war against God's children, trying to distract, discourage, and divide us. But we don't fight this battle alone or in our own strength. Through Christ, we have authority and victory over the enemy's schemes. Understanding this spiritual reality helps us stay alert and equipped for daily spiritual warfare.
Bible Verse
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12
Reflection Question
In what ways do you see spiritual warfare manifesting in your life, and how can you better prepare yourself for these battles?
Quote
The mission of the kingdom of darkness is to keep us out of the kingdom of light.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, strengthen us for the spiritual battles we face. Help us stand firm in Your truth and victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reverence
* Lord of Hosts, You are our Defender and the One who grants us victory.
* You reign supreme even when spiritual battles rage around us.
Response
* We recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and repent for living unaware or unarmed.
* We submit to Your authority and invite You to train our hands for battle.
Requests
* Strengthen our inner man with truth, righteousness, and peace.
* Teach us to wield the sword of the Spirit — Your Word — with confidence.
* Protect our families, churches, and communities from the schemes of the enemy.
Readiness
* Make us alert, not afraid; ready, not weary.
* Empower us to resist the enemy and stand firm in faith, clothed in Your armor.
Day 5: The Personal Response
Devotional
Easter isn't just a historical event to remember - it's a personal invitation that demands a response. The resurrection of Jesus offers each of us the opportunity to enter into relationship with the God of the universe. This isn't about religious ritual or tradition; it's about a living, dynamic relationship with our Creator. The choice is yours - will you accept His invitation for intimate fellowship?
Bible Verse
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" - John 11:25-26
Reflection Question
What is holding you back from fully embracing a personal relationship with Jesus, and what step can you take today to draw closer to Him?
Quote
Easter is very personal. It's about your relationship with the ultimate God of the universe.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for making a way for us to know You personally. Help us respond to Your invitation with wholehearted commitment. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Reverence
* Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life — the source of eternal hope and purpose.
* You invite us into relationship, not religion, into life, not law.
Response
* We say “Yes” to Your invitation with fresh surrender and open hearts.
* We reject apathy and renew our commitment to walk closely with You.
Requests
* Draw the hearts of the doubting, distant, and distracted into personal fellowship with You.
* Stir revival in our souls and our churches. Let Easter truth ignite Easter living.
Readiness
* Make us bold in our witness and sensitive to Your Spirit’s promptings.
* Help us call others to respond personally to Your love with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
Discussion Guide
Summary
This Easter Sunday sermon focuses on Jesus' desire for a personal relationship with humanity. The pastor emphasizes that Easter demonstrates God's original plan for mankind was relationship, but sin created separation. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, God provided a way to restore that broken relationship. The sermon highlights the ongoing battle between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light, urging believers to stand firm in biblical truth while showing God's love.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss your Word, open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us today. Help us understand more deeply your desire for relationship with us and how we can draw closer to you. Guide our discussion and fellowship. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's your favorite way to celebrate special occasions with loved ones?
Key Verses
Matthew 28:6
John 3:16-17
Hebrews 4:14-16
Romans 5:8
Questions
Life Application
Key Takeaways
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for making a way for us to have relationship with you through your death and resurrection. Help us to prioritize our relationship with you above all else. Give us wisdom to recognize and resist the kingdom of darkness while showing your love to others. Transform us through your Spirit as we seek to know you more deeply. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This Easter Sunday sermon focuses on Jesus' desire for a personal relationship with humanity. The pastor emphasizes that Easter demonstrates God's original plan for mankind was relationship, but sin created separation. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, God provided a way to restore that broken relationship. The sermon highlights the ongoing battle between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light, urging believers to stand firm in biblical truth while showing God's love.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss your Word, open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us today. Help us understand more deeply your desire for relationship with us and how we can draw closer to you. Guide our discussion and fellowship. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's your favorite way to celebrate special occasions with loved ones?
Key Verses
Matthew 28:6
John 3:16-17
Hebrews 4:14-16
Romans 5:8
Questions
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus wants a relationship with you?
- How has your relationship with God changed since you first believed?
- What are some ways the 'kingdom of darkness' tries to pull us away from God?
- How can we maintain strong relationships with both God and fellow believers?
- What barriers might prevent people from accepting God's invitation to relationship?
- How does knowing Jesus rose from the dead impact your daily life?
- In what ways can we demonstrate God's love while standing firm in biblical truth?
- What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God?
Life Application
- This week, set aside 15 minutes each day for focused time with God - not just rushing through prayers or Bible reading, but truly seeking to connect with Him in relationship. Journal about what you learn through this intentional time.
Key Takeaways
- God's original intention was to have a personal relationship with humanity
- Through Jesus' death and resurrection, God provided a way to restore our broken relationship with Him
- There is an ongoing spiritual battle between the kingdom of light and darkness
- Everyone must personally respond to Jesus' resurrection - there is no neutral ground
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for making a way for us to have relationship with you through your death and resurrection. Help us to prioritize our relationship with you above all else. Give us wisdom to recognize and resist the kingdom of darkness while showing your love to others. Transform us through your Spirit as we seek to know you more deeply. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dalton Jenkins
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
March
April
2024
Categories
no categories
No Comments