Welcome back to the podcast! The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a historical fact—it’s a present-day power source. In this kickoff to our How Stuff Works series, we’re unpacking Ephesians 1:18-20 to explore how the resurrection gives us confident hope, a new identity, and daily strength through the Holy Spirit.

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How the Resurrection Works

Welcome to Easter and the kickoff to our new series: How Stuff Works. Today, we're not just celebrating a historical event—we’re discovering how the resurrection of Jesus works in real life. The empty tomb isn’t just a symbol of the past; it’s a source of power for today.

We’re unpacking Ephesians 1:18-20 to explore how the resurrection gives us:

• Confident hope for today and eternity
• A new identity as God’s prized possession
• Daily power through the Holy Spirit

So, how does the resurrection work? It transforms how you live right now—not just how you feel about death.

Ephesians 1:18-20 (NLT)

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…

1. The Resurrection Gives Us Confident Hope

We live in a world short on hope. But the resurrection proves that death isn’t the end. Our hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s the deep assurance that God will fulfill His promises.

• Temporal hope anchors us during hard times.
• Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can endure anything through Christ.
• Eternal hope assures us that death is not the end.
• 1 Corinthians 15:19 says that if our hope is only for this life, we are to be pitied.

2. The Resurrection Makes Us God’s Inheritance

Ephesians 1 says that we are God’s glorious inheritance. That’s a radical shift! You’re not just saved—you’re treasured.

• Before: we were dead in sin and “objects of wrath” (Ephesians 2:1-3)
• After: we are God’s masterpiece, created anew for His purposes (Ephesians 2:10)

Jesus didn’t rise just to create a holiday. He rose to claim what’s His: you.

3. The Resurrection Empowers Us for Everyday Living

That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now available to every believer through the Holy Spirit.

• Ephesians 1:19-20 and Acts 1:8 point to the Spirit’s power in us.
• It’s not about doing one big thing—it’s about daily strength: loving your kids, resisting temptation, staying faithful, sharing your faith.

If you feel powerless today, maybe it’s time to turn to Jesus. His resurrection power still works.

Takeaway

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything—not just back then, but right now. But it only works for those who place their faith in Him.

• Admit your brokenness.
• Trust in Jesus' death and resurrection.
• Let Him give you hope, identity, and power.

Join us for the rest of this series as we explore how the resurrection—and the Spirit behind it—still works.