April 26, 2026 Our Risen Lord the Firstfruits

Scripture References

• Acts 1

• 1 Corinthians 15

• John 3:16

• Psalm 119

Overview

The message centers on what it means to be “followers of the Way.”  Early believers had no New Testament in hand; they walked with the risen Jesus through the Spirit and learned truth as they followed Him.  Drawing from Acts 1 and Israel’s Exodus story, we learn Jesus—crucified, risen, and returning—is our ongoing manna. Jesus is  the first-fruits who guarantees daily provision now and eternal life to come.  Our call is to trust Him one day at a time, confess quickly, forgive freely, and walk in the life He offers.

Main Points

1. Followers of “the Way”

• The earliest Christians weren’t defined by denominations but were recognized as “followers of the Way.”

• They learned truth while walking with Jesus; knowledge without lived experience is hollow.

• “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

• Abiding means daily companionship with Christ that produces both understanding and obedience.

2. Waking Up Forgiven

• Because of the cross, believers start every day righteous before God.

• Confession instantly restores fellowship: the Father “cleanses us from all unrighteousness.”

• Carrying guilt often reveals unresolved forgiveness toward others—or ourselves—much like Peter’s struggle over “how many times” to forgive.

3. The Spirit Validates the Resurrection (Acts 1)

• Luke documents 40 days of post-resurrection appearances where Jesus taught “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

• Over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Cor 15) confirm He is alive.

• The same Spirit that empowered Jesus now empowers His followers.

4. Israel’s Pattern: Passover to Sinai

• Passover night: deliverance by lamb’s blood.

• Red Sea: God stands between His people and destruction, then creates “a way of escape.”

• Illustration: A wall of water on each side while Israel crosses on dry ground, then collapses on Egypt’s army.

• Bitter water turned sweet and daily manna teach trust “one omer a day”—no hoarding, just dependence.

5. Counting the Omer: 50 Days of Dependence

• From Passover to Torah = 50 days; from Resurrection to Pentecost = 50 days.

• Daily manna points to daily grace; provision stopped only when Israel entered the Promised Land.

6. Jesus, the First-Fruits (1 Cor 15)

• Christ’s resurrection is the “first-fruits” sheaf waved before God—proof of a greater harvest.

• Because He rose, all who belong to Him will rise “in their own order” at His coming.

• The kingdom will culminate when Jesus hands everything to the Father, ending all other rule.

7. Daily Trust in a Harsh World

• Modern security systems (savings, freezers, retirement plans) can dull our sense of daily dependence.

• God still invites believers to live one step at a time—“a lamp to my feet,” not a floodlight for years ahead (Psalm 119).

• Whatever impedes our walk, we go to the One who says, “I am life.”

Key Truths

• Jesus is both the Way we walk and the Truth we discover while walking.

• Believers awaken forgiven; righteousness is the starting line, not the finish.

• The Holy Spirit’s presence is the tangible evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.

• God trains trust by providing just enough for today, not tomorrow’s stockpile.

•Christ’s resurrection guarantees ours; He is the first-fruits of a coming harvest.