“Jesus is not just the answer. He is the builder. The way, the truth, and the life.”
This past Easter, Pastor Jonathan Foley delivered a powerful and timely message that resonated deeply with everyone gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the world paused to acknowledge a historical moment, Pastor Jonathan reminded us that Easter is more than history—it is our present hope and future promise. It is about resurrection, yes—but even more, it is about restoration.
The Resurrection that Still Speaks
Pastor Jonathan opened with a stirring reminder that resurrection day changed everything. It’s the reason billions around the globe follow Jesus today. But beyond the empty tomb lies something we all deeply long for: the restoration of our broken world and the transformation of our own lives. This, he explained, is what Christ came to do—not just to rise, but to restore all things.
The Confrontation of the Cross
One of the most moving aspects of the message was Pastor Jonathan’s direct confrontation with the reality of sin. Every fear, every anxiety, every moment of pressure and struggle in our lives points to the need for a Savior. Jesus didn’t avoid death—He embraced suffering so that we might find a way into new life.
Quoting Philippians 3:10-11, Pastor Jonathan challenged the congregation:
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead… so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection.”
But to experience resurrection, we must also share in Christ’s death—a death to self, to sin, and to our desire to live only for reward or to avoid suffering.
Jesus, the Divine Engineer
Using a personal story of visiting Lake Shasta, Pastor Jonathan beautifully illustrated Jesus as the “engineer” of our salvation. Just as an engineer had to understand the physics and structure to create the dam that formed the lake, Jesus fully understood what it would take to restore mankind. His perfect, sinless life was the only sacrifice that could truly break the curse of sin. He didn’t “give it a shot”—He had the blueprint.
“He is the engineer of our freedom, of our joy, of our life.”
Walking the Beam of Faith
In a moving personal story from his time in construction with his father, Pastor Jonathan described walking a narrow steel beam 40 feet in the air. The task was terrifying, and it required him to listen to his father’s voice. This moment became a powerful metaphor for walking by faith—following the Father’s voice even when the way seems narrow and full of fear.
God, through His Holy Spirit, speaks to us with a still small voice, nudging us forward. The key is to trust Him enough to follow.
A Call to Live Differently
The question isn’t is there a God—it’s will we do it His way?
Pastor Jonathan ended the message with a strong call to action. Life may be full of dreams for some and filled with hardship for others. But no matter our circumstances, we are all invited to bring our needs, our fears, our doubts—and lay them at the foot of the cross. Not in shame, but in boldness, because Jesus has made a new and living way for us to enter into the presence of God.
“Where there is love, there is no fear.”
The Heart of Easter
This Easter, the invitation remains open: embrace the way of Jesus. Let go of striving. Let go of fear. Let the resurrection power not just inspire you—but transform you. As Pastor Jonathan prayed:
“Bring the strength that is needed, Lord. Bring the joy that is unspeakable.”
And with that, the church family was invited to continue the celebration—with full hearts and full plates—over a shared lunch in the fellowship hall.
Study Guide
Summary
Pastor Jonathan Foley’s Easter message centered on the powerful reality of the resurrection—not only as a historical event, but as an ongoing invitation into transformation. Jesus didn’t come just to rise from the dead—He came to restore humanity. The message highlighted the need to confront the root of our struggles: sin. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the “engineer” of our freedom.
Pastor Jonathan reminded us that following Jesus requires faith, courage, and a willingness to walk through difficulty. He shared personal stories that illustrated how trust in the Father’s voice can carry us through fear and uncertainty. At the heart of Easter is the truth that we now have bold access to God’s presence through Jesus—the final and perfect covenant.
Ice-Breaker Questions
- What’s one Easter tradition you grew up with that still holds meaning for you today?
- If you had to describe your current faith walk using a metaphor (e.g., journey, storm, mountain, sunrise), what would it be?
- Have you ever faced a situation where you had to trust someone else’s voice or guidance to get through?
Discussion Questions
- Pastor Jonathan said, “It’s not just about resurrection—it’s about restoration.”
- What does that mean to you personally?
- In what area of your life do you feel like God is inviting you into restoration?
- Read Philippians 3:10-11.
- How do you understand Paul’s desire to “share in Christ’s suffering”?
- Why is it so difficult for us to embrace suffering as a part of transformation?
- The sermon called Jesus the “engineer of our freedom.”
- What does this analogy help reveal about the intentionality of the cross?
- Can you think of a moment where God’s design for your life was clearer in hindsight?
- Pastor Jonathan shared a story about walking on a steel beam guided by his father’s voice.
- What does this story say about hearing God and trusting His direction?
- Are there any areas in your life where you’re being challenged to step out in faith?
- Fear was described as something that doesn’t exist in God’s world.
- How does the presence of fear reveal our need for love and trust in God?
- What does it look like to “walk without fear” practically in your daily life?
- Read Hebrews 10:19–22.
- What does this passage teach us about our access to God’s presence?
- How can we grow in “boldness” when approaching God?
- Pastor Jonathan challenged us with this question: “Will we do it God’s way?”
- What’s one area of your life where you feel the tension between doing things your way vs. God’s?
- What does Easter mean to you today, beyond the celebration?
- How can you carry the message of resurrection and restoration into your week?
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for the cross and for the resurrection. Thank You for making a way for us to live boldly in Your presence. Today, we ask that You would confront anything in us that needs healing or transformation. Help us to hear Your voice clearly and walk with courage and obedience. Let the resurrection power of Jesus not only inspire us but change us. We surrender our fears, our striving, and our sin, and we receive Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.