In the first part of the "Alive & Empower: From Resurrection To Renewal" series, titled "He Is Risen...Now What,” Senior Pastor Travis Tullis explores John 20:1-20, by explaining how Mary Magdalene’s encounter at Jesus’s empty tomb demonstrates the potential to overlook the significance of the resurrection when attention remains fixed on past events.

The resurrection of Jesus is more than a moment to celebrate; it invites transformation. After the resurrection, the journey continues—moving from the past into the present, replacing fear with faith, and stepping out from hiding to embrace being sent forth. When Mary recognized Jesus at His empty tomb, He instructed her to share the news of His resurrection with the disciples.

Following the resurrection, Jesus imparted blessings and authority and commissioned individuals—such as Mary—to convey the message of the gospel, the good news. The resurrection is illustrated as a transformative way of life in which Jesus imparts His glory to believers when we learn of Him. Consequently, this narrative reflects the belief that God regards believers in Jesus as deserving of His grace and mercy.

Thank you, Senior Pastor Tullis, for leading us forward and higher together and for reminding us that we are called to be fruitful image bearers and fulfill God’s original design. We can now understand how to be alive and empowered: by denying ourselves and learning to surrender to His will, we become people who bare lasting fruit in His Kingdom Community.