If Good Friday was about the weight of submission, then Resurrection Sunday was the explosion of victory that makes it all worthwhile. At 3C South Coast Family Church, we didn’t just celebrate a historical event; we celebrated what the youth team called the “ultimate reboot” of humanity.
The day started early as hundreds of people gathered for a powerful Sunrise Service at St. Mike’s Beach, joining together in worship as the sun rose over the ocean. By the time we reached the main services, the atmosphere was electric with praise and the joy of a risen Saviour.
Honoring the House
We were incredibly privileged to welcome Pastor Pearson Pretorius to the South Coast. Before preaching the Word, Pastor Pearson took a moment to honor our own Pastor Larry Elliott, describing him as one of the hardest-working people he has ever met — a leader who carries a global impact and a heart full of joy.
This sense of honor and alignment set the stage for a message that challenged our pride… and invited us into a deeper relationship with God.
The Motivation of Joy
To understand why we follow Jesus, we have to understand what drove Him to the cross in the first place. Pastor Pearson pointed us to the heart of the Gospel:
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Pastor Pearson asked a piercing question: what was that “joy”? It wasn’t just the authority He would receive or the seat at the Father’s right hand.
The joy that helped Jesus endure the pain was the prospect of reconciling you and me back to the Father. He saw the relationship restored, and that made the sacrifice worth it. When we realise that our surrender is for our own benefit, it changes how we view God’s requirements.
A Blueprint for Covenant
The message also touched on how this divine relationship serves as a model for our earthly ones. Just as we learned about submission to God during our Good Friday service, we see this played out in the covenant of marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-25 NKJV
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
Pastor Pearson explained that when a husband leads with the same sacrificial love that Christ showed — laying down his own ambitions for the sake of his wife — submission isn’t a burden.
It becomes a natural, life-giving response within a secure environment. It’s a picture of the Church thriving under the leadership of a King who has our best interests at heart.
The Naaman Test: Pride vs. Breakthrough
The core of the morning’s challenge came from the story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian general who had everything — except health. He was a “great man,” but he was a leper.
2 Kings 5:9-10 NKJV
“Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.’”
Naaman was offended. He expected a grand ceremony, a personal touch from the prophet, and a “dignified” healing. Instead, he was told to go dip in a muddy river. Pastor Pearson pointed out that we often let our pride or our “position” prevent us from receiving our breakthrough.
God wasn’t just interested in Naaman’s skin; He was interested in his heart. Naaman had to dip seven times — not six. Why? Because God requires full obedience, not partial compliance. It was only when Naaman set aside his ego and submitted to God’s “simple” method that his flesh was restored like that of a young child.
A Living Hope
The resurrection is our rock-solid assurance that the past is forgiven and the future is secure. It provides us with a “living hope” that isn’t just wishful thinking, but a reality rooted in an empty tomb. This power allows for the washing away of sin and shame, enabling us to walk in direct communion with God.
As we “Go!” into this new season, let’s remember the response of the prophet Isaiah when he encountered the holiness of God:
Isaiah 6:8 NKJV
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
Cell Leader’s Guide: From Pride to Power
This week’s cell meeting is an opportunity to move from the “Theory of Resurrection” to the “Reality of New Identity.” Use these thoughts to guide your discussion:
1. The “Naaman” Check-In
Naaman almost missed his miracle because it didn’t look the way he expected. He wanted a grand gesture, but God wanted a simple dip in the muddy Jordan.
- Discussion Question: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God’s “simple” instructions because your pride or expectations are getting in the way?
- Anchor Script: 2 Kings 5:13 NIV “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!”
2. The Motivation of Joy
Ps Pearson taught us that Jesus endured the cross for the “joy set before Him” — the joy of being reconciled to us.
- Discussion Question: How does knowing that Jesus wanted to reconcile with you change the way you view your “rebooted” identity? Does it make submission feel like a burden or a blessing?
3. Application: Seven Times Obedience
Naaman had to dip seven times. Partial obedience (six times) would have left him a leper.
- Action Step: Identify one area this week where you have been “partially” obedient. Commit as a group to taking that final step of full surrender. Whether it’s in your marriage, your finances, or your workplace, let’s choose to “dip the seventh time.”
4. Prayer for the Nation
Close by standing together and making the 3C declaration over our South Coast community: “South Africa shall be saved! South Africa shall be restored! South Africa shall fulfill its God-given purpose!”
Join the Mission
We are so grateful for the ministry of Ps Pearson Pretorius and the way he stirred our hearts to full surrender. If you are looking for a spiritual home or want to know more about the 3C family, we would love to connect with you.
Whether you need prayer or just want to chat about your next steps, please contact us. Let’s continue to build a South Africa where the resurrection power of Jesus is seen in every street and every home.
South Africa shall be saved! Amen!
Closing Prayer: A Commitment to the New Identity
Dear Heavenly Father,
In the name of Jesus, we thank You for the power of Resurrection Sunday. We thank You that we are not just celebrating an empty tomb, but we are celebrating a living hope and a brand-new identity. Lord, we lay down our pride — the chariots and horses we often hide behind — and we choose the simple path of obedience.
We pray for our nation, South Africa. Let Your resurrection power flow through our streets, our businesses, and our homes.
We declare that South Africa shall be saved and restored! Give us the courage to say, “Here am I, send me,” as we go out to make a difference in our communities this week. May Your joy be our strength and Your grace our empowerment.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
