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Written by Abigail Becerra, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Peru

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all. (Ac 4:33 NIV)

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Ro 6:4-5)

When I think of the resurrection, many times my mind goes to a special celebration, to a specific Sunday of the year. But the resurrection is not just a date... it is a source, it is the root that sustains all true fruit in our lives. If I am connected to the Vine, then the fruit that should begin to be seen in my life has a very clear explanation: the risen Christ lives in me, and because He lives, I no longer have to continue living the same as before. I don't have to stay in the same struggles, in the same habits, or in the same way of thinking. Jesus' resurrection means that there is new life available to us today, not just a future hope.

In Acts 4:33, we see something very beautiful. The apostles bore witness "with great power" to the Lord Jesus' resurrection. And if you think about it, it wasn't simply a message they were just repeating from memory, but a truth that had completely changed their lives. They weren't talking about an idea or a pretty theory. They were talking about someone who really lives. They had seen the risen Lord, and so their message had power. It wasn't just information; it was a life transformed, bearing witness to a Savior who is alive. And the result was clear: abundant grace was upon them all.

This confronts me a lot because when I really understand that Jesus conquered death, something in my life is supposed to look different. The resurrection is not just a truth I believe; it is a reality that begins to be reflected in how I am living. Grace should be seen in the way I speak, grace in the way I treat others, and grace even when circumstances are not easy. Because if Christ lives in me, then, once again, His life also begins to be noticed in my everyday life. So, the fruit of the resurrection is not just a spiritual emotion, but visible evidence.

Romans 6 should also touch us. This passage says that we were buried with Him and that we can now walk in newness of life. It is not only that Jesus came out of the tomb; it also means that I don't have to live in my old life anymore. So, in Christ, there is a new life, and that life begins immediately. That changes everything; it means that my past does not define me. It means that sin does not have the last word, that guilt has no permanent authority over my heart. Because He is risen, I can begin to walk differently. Walking in a new life involves a daily decision; it is not something automatic or simple. It is remembering every day who I am in Christ, it is choosing to respond patiently when I previously reacted with anger, to trust when I previously doubted, and to serve when I previously thought only of myself. That is the fruit of the resurrection: a real transformation.

One thing I really like about Acts 4 is that the fruit wasn't just individual; grace was over everyone. So, when a woman lives connected to the Vine, her life inevitably impacts others; their faith is strengthened, their hope is contagious, and their witness is encouraging. The resurrection also produces courage. The apostles preached even with threats around. Why? Because when you know that death has already been defeated, fear loses strength.

Sometimes I, Abbi, want fruit without the necessary process. I want quick changes, I want to see immediate results, but Romans 6 also tells us about being planted together with Him. Planting involves depth, roots, and time. This fruit does not appear overnight, but it does come when we abide in Him.

In conclusion:

1. Being connected to the Vine does not mean there are no struggles; it means that life constantly flows from Christ to me.
2. The resurrection is not just a doctrine that I believe—it is a reality that I must live by.
3. And if Christ truly lives in me, it should be evident in some way.

In what area of your life do you need to remember today that Christ is resurrected in order to begin to walk in that new life that He has already given you?

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Written by Caroline Prieto, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Adolescence was one of the phases of my life when I felt most disciplined by my parents. At 13 years old, I decided to give my life to the Lord and was baptized. Years later, I remember that my school friends lived things I had never experienced. Many of my classmates went to parties regularly, and my parents never let me go. You can imagine that for a teenager's mind, it wasn't the best feeling to be excluded by not doing what everyone else did, even though I had chosen to be a Christian. Several times I begged my parents to let me go to parties with my school friends, but the answer was always: no!

I remember once confiding in one of these classmates. I mentioned that I was very frustrated because I felt my parents wouldn't let me do everything I wanted – like going out to parties like everyone else. My classmate's response is still vivid in my mind. She said, "I wish my parents wouldn't let me go to all the parties either. They always let me do whatever I want… sometimes I feel like my parents don't even care about me."

I was speechless. I could be sure that my parents loved me. Look, I don't think my classmate's parents didn't love her, but maybe they believed they were doing the best for her, according to the context in which they lived. They weren't Christians, so they probably believed that the best way to be good parents was to never forbid anything.

At that moment, it was as if everything made sense to me. Today, years after that conversation, I can look back and feel even more the immense love my parents had for me. The prohibitions, in fact, were pure discipline. It was an attempt to keep me from losing myself. Today, I understand that my parents were looking out for my best interests and were affirming their love for me.

Similarly, but even more profoundly, God also does this with us. Take a look at what is written in Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV).

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

How can I accept being called a daughter of God and reject His discipline for me? Discipline is a gift to children!

Look at how great the love of our Father is: when God allows us to be disciplined, He is affirming that we are legitimate daughters, even when we are considered illegitimate by the world.

I want to invite you to reflect on some reasons to see God's discipline as something good for us, based on the verses in Hebrews chapter 12:

1. Discipline is a clear sign that we are children of God and that He loves us.

...because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? (Heb 12:6-7)

2. The purpose of discipline is our own well-being.
3. Through discipline, we can participate in God's holiness.

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. (Heb 12:10)

Sharing in God's holiness is an inheritance, and only His children receive it!

It's as if God were telling us, “You are my beloved daughter. I want what's best for you, and I want you to share in holiness with me... that's why I'm disciplining you!”

But what does it actually mean to be disciplined by God?

It means we are required to go through corrections and processes that are permitted by Him, not as punishment for rejection, but as proof of love and care, with the goal of making us more like Christ.

In practice, this discipline can manifest in various ways, for example: through the Word of God, through our brothers and sisters in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, and even through the consequences of our wrong choices.

I would like to conclude this blog with a quote from Albert Barnes: "I have never known a Christian who was not benefited by afflictions."

However difficult it may be, everything we experience works together for the good of being transformed into the image and likeness of Christ. What a privilege!

I know that during my adolescence, it wasn't pleasant being disciplined by my parents, but today I can see the fruits I've reaped. Our God is also disciplining us today so that later we can produce fruit of righteousness and peace.

I encourage you to see God's daily care for you through discipline.

Have no doubt about the greatness of our Father's love.

How have you experienced the Lord's discipline in your life? Reflect on this!