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Beloved, in today’s episode, we’re celebrating the greatest victory — the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are in life — on the mountaintop or in the valleys — God's joy and hope are close to you. Let’s walk this journey of faith together, discovering joy in every step.
When Jesus rose, he didn’t just defeat death; he opened the door for new life for all of us. It’s a powerful reminder that hope is always alive, even in our darkest moments.
New episodes every Friday
This episode explores the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, its historical and spiritual implications, and how it offers hope and transformation for believers. Sarita Allen shares biblical insights, historical evidence, and personal reflections on the power of the resurrection.
In this episode:
• The episode explores the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• It examines the historical and spiritual implications of the resurrection.
• The resurrection offers hope and transformation for believers.
Scripture Reference:
Romans 6:4 NLT
Key Takeaway:
Just as Christ was resurrected by God's glory, believers are raised to live transformed and victorious lives in Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the hope that the resurrection brings us each day. Lord, may we walk in Your joy and trust Your power to renew us. Help us see life from heaven’s perspective and embrace our new identity in You. Thank you for caring for us, for being close, and for the joy that is available in every step. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Stay Connected:
Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joyineverystep
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joyineverystep
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When Jesus rose, he didn’t just defeat death; he opened the door for new life for all of us. It’s a powerful reminder that hope is always alive, even in our darkest moments.
New episodes every Friday
This episode explores the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, its historical and spiritual implications, and how it offers hope and transformation for believers. Sarita Allen shares biblical insights, historical evidence, and personal reflections on the power of the resurrection.
In this episode:
• The episode explores the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• It examines the historical and spiritual implications of the resurrection.
• The resurrection offers hope and transformation for believers.
Scripture Reference:
Romans 6:4 NLT
Key Takeaway:
Just as Christ was resurrected by God's glory, believers are raised to live transformed and victorious lives in Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the hope that the resurrection brings us each day. Lord, may we walk in Your joy and trust Your power to renew us. Help us see life from heaven’s perspective and embrace our new identity in You. Thank you for caring for us, for being close, and for the joy that is available in every step. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Stay Connected:
Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joyineverystep
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joyineverystep
Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/joyineverystep.bsky.social
Creators and Guests
What is Joy In Every Step?
Each week, Sarita shares heartfelt messages rooted in the Word of God, filled with wisdom, joy, and the gentle reminder that God cares deeply for you.
Whether you’re walking through the valley or dancing on the mountaintop, Sarita’s voice will guide you back to His promises — step by step.
Welcome to a place of peace, hope, and divine encouragement. This is Joy In Every Step with your host, beloved preacher, retired teacher, and faithful faithful servant of the Lord, Sarita Bernadette. Each week, Sarita shares heartfelt messages rooted in the word of God, filled with wisdom, joy, and the gentle reminder that God cares deeply for you. Whether you're walking through the valleys or dancing on the mountaintops, Sarita's voice will guide you back to his promises step by step. So open your heart, settle your spirit, and take the next step in faith with Joy In Every Step.
Sarita Bernadette:Hi, I'm Sarita Bernadette, and welcome back to another episode of Joy In Every Step. I'm glad you're here. Last week was Holy Week and what a wonderful week it was. It culminated with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday. Beloved our hope is alive.
Sarita Bernadette:Jesus lives. So how do we know you ask? Well after the resurrection Jesus stayed on earth for forty days to prove himself to his disciples and to the doubters. In first Corinthians 15 Paul writes, Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas then to the 12. Then he appeared to more than 500 brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.
Sarita Bernadette:Verse seven: Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. That was first Corinthians 15 verses three through seven. Here are some specifics about the appearances, not an exact order. Both Matthew 20 eight:one-six and Mark sixteen:one-six record the angel's message when the women came to find the tomb empty on that Sunday morning and were told, he has been raised he is not here. John twenty eleven through 18 records the appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb.
Sarita Bernadette:As she cried he comforted her and told her to share the news of his coming ascension with the other disciples. Then there's the incident that took place on the road to Emmaus. You'll find it in Luke 24 verses 13 through 35. I'll Testament scriptures predicted his death and his resurrection. Let's pick up the literal scripture in verse 28: As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.
Sarita Bernadette:But they urged him strongly, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Verse 31: Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened up the scriptures to us?' Then they got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the 11 and those with them assembled together and saying, 'It is true the Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.' Verse 35: Then the two told what had happened on the way and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Sarita Bernadette:The bread of life. In John 20 verses 19 through 23, the disciples were in a room together with the doors locked because they feared the Jewish leaders were coming after them. And Jesus appeared. He showed his hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw him and he breathed the Holy Spirit on them.
Sarita Bernadette:Jesus appeared again to assure Thomas, who wasn't with the disciples when Jesus came the first time. He told them, Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hands into his side, I will not believe. So Jesus shows up again behind those locked doors and says to Thomas, Put your finger here. See my hands? Reach out your hand and put it into my side.
Sarita Bernadette:Stop doubting and believe. Thomas responded, My Lord and my God. Then Jesus told him, Because you have seen me you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. That accounting is recorded just a few verses down in John 20 verses 26 through 28.
Sarita Bernadette:Then in Matthew 2eight 16 through 20 we get the great commission. It reads: Now the 11 disciples went to Galilee to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
Sarita Bernadette:And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. There's also the breakfast by the sea, or what I like to call the fish fry on the beach. In John 21 verses one through 19 Jesus reconciled with Peter and instructed him to feed my sheep. Doubters have studied history for so long in an attempt to disprove the resurrection of Jesus, and in the end they did the opposite. There is some fascinating work out there.
Sarita Bernadette:One in particular is fairly well known. You might have heard of The Case for Christ, which was written by Lee Strobel back in 1998. He wrote the book after conducting a nearly two year long investigation of the historical evidence of the resurrection. And this was his motivation, beloved. His wife had gotten saved, and he intended to convince her that she was wrong to believe, and what happened was not what he expected.
Sarita Bernadette:The research was so overwhelming in favor of the resurrection that he became a Christian himself. Mind you, this man was an atheist for a long time and an investigative journalist prior to this experience. I will not attempt to share all that he found here. I will say this: he found a number of ancient documents outside the Bible that confirm the execution and the ascension of Jesus by eyewitness accounts. I encourage you to look him up and read about his work, or you can listen to him.
Sarita Bernadette:He has several interviews on YouTube. Lee Strobel. So I use the word culminating when we open today's episode. To culminate means to reach a climax or point of highest development. Webster's eighteen twenty eight gives us the following: to be at the highest point of altitude.
Sarita Bernadette:The resurrection is the culmination of Jesus Christ's mission, the highest point. It signifies victory over death and initiates new life. Initiate here meaning to cause a process or an action to begin. The resurrection wasn't the end it was the beginning. Beloved, the resurrection offered humanity a fresh start.
Sarita Bernadette:I've heard it said, He got up so we could get up. The resurrection proves Jesus was the Son of God, and through him we are guaranteed eternal life. Because of the resurrection, we know there is more than just this earthly life. We are living to live again. Colossians three:one-four.
Sarita Bernadette:So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. This scripture is a command for believers.
Sarita Bernadette:Having been raised with Christ, we are to focus on spiritual things. We are to adopt heaven's perspective on things and avoid getting caught up in worldly concerns. And I know, I know, beloved, that's easier said than done. But remember the words of our Lord in John sixteen thirty three, I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart.
Sarita Bernadette:I have overcome the world. No worries. God's got us. Colossians three:one-four also reminds us that we have been spiritually resurrected with Christ, and we get to be with him after this life is over. The resurrection ensures that believers will eventually receive resurrected, eternal, and perfect bodies free from pain, sorrow, and death.
Sarita Bernadette:No, the resurrection wasn't the end, it was just the beginning. Because of the resurrection, we can experience spiritual rebirth right here, right now. Second Corinthians five seventeen, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away behold, all things have become new. This is my all time favorite scripture.
Sarita Bernadette:It is one I held on to when I came back to Christ as a young adult. That scripture reminds us the old life of sin and separation from God is gone, replaced with a new life, a new identity, fresh purpose, a fresh start, and yes, a new perspective. When we truly give our lives to the Lord, the old life of sin and separation from him goes away, beloved. It's replaced by a brand new one, a new identity and purpose guided by him. He offers us a fresh start and a new outlook.
Sarita Bernadette:That verse of scripture means so much to me. I have lived it. You see, the resurrection is about eternity, but it's also about this present life and how accepting the Lord as savior can transform one's life. Old things have passed away. Past sins, failures, shame, all forgiven and put to rest.
Sarita Bernadette:The old stuff is put to death and we get to begin anew. Through the victory of the resurrection, we gain the courage to face life's difficulties, and while doing so, build resilience. We learn to trust in God's restorative power as we see our lives come together in a brand new wonderful way. Things we thought were impossible become possible with him. That tomb they found empty on Sunday morning represents the promise that God can revive those things we thought were dead.
Sarita Bernadette:Because of the resurrection, Paul the Apostle is a very important witness when we when we speak about it because of the resurrection. Listen to his story. Saul, as he was originally called, was a first century Pharisee and Roman citizen from Tarsus, modern day Turkey. He had gained a reputation as a zealous persecutor of the early Christians. He and other Jewish leaders felt early Christianity was a threat.
Sarita Bernadette:It was a threat to the Torah, it was a threat to the law, and so Saul went from house to house arresting believers and taking them to prison. He was there on the scene when Stephen was stoned to death, and he was on his way to Damascus to increase his authority when something happened that changed his life. Acts nine verses three through nine records: Now as he was going along approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? He asked, Who are you, Lord?
Sarita Bernadette:The reply came, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city and you will be told what you are to do.' The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank. In Acts nine and eleven, the Lord instructed the disciple Ananias in a vision to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street in Damascus.
Sarita Bernadette:There he was to ask for Saul of Tarsus, who was there praying and had seen Ananias in a vision. He expected Ananias to restore his sight. Despite his initial fears stemming from Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed after the Lord told him that he had chosen Paul to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts nine seventeen-nineteen: Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Sarita Bernadette:Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food he regained his strength. In Acts 26 sixteen-eighteen, Paul writes about his experience with Jesus and shares his commission. Jesus says to him, Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to appoint you as the servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.
Sarita Bernadette:I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Summed up, that's the gospel. The gospel is to open our eyes, to turn us from darkness to light, to turn us from away, to turn us away, rather, from the dominion of Satan or this world to God, to receive forgiveness for our sins and receive an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul's life was different after the encounter on the road that day.
Sarita Bernadette:He was never the same. Sound familiar? A change of change has come over me. He changed my life and now I'm free. A wonderful change.
Sarita Bernadette:Hebrews eight and six: But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant which has been enacted on the basis of better promises. We have a new covenant and under it we have Jesus resurrected in heaven as our mediator and high priest. The covenant of Christ is more excellent because it's unconditional and it's eternal, beloved. The promises are better because they're not physical or temporal they're spiritual and everlasting. Because of the resurrection, I have hope for today and tomorrow.
Sarita Bernadette:Because of the resurrection you have hope for today and for tomorrow. You've been listening to Joy In Every Step. I'm Sarita Bernadette and I'm grateful you chose to spend some time here with me. Feel free to share this episode with someone you know would appreciate it. You can find Joy In Every Step wherever you listen to your podcasts and give us a follow there.
Sarita Bernadette:Do check out the website at joyineverystep.org. See you next time.