Digging Deeper – My Sin Could Not Keep Him There

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 10, 2026

 

“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.”

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

 

MY SIN COULD NOT KEEP HIM THERE

It wasn’t just Rome. It wasn’t just religion. It wasn’t just death. Even my sin could not keep Jesus in the grave.

The Bible tells us exactly what happened to our sin at the cross. Colossians 2:13–14 (NLT) says that God “canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” And in Romans 8:1 (NLT), we are reminded, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” The resurrection proves that the payment was accepted and the debt is fully paid.

Jesus didn’t rise in spite of sin. He rose having defeated it. Every sin was paid for. Every failure was covered. Every wrong was answered at the cross. The resurrection declares that sin does not get the final word. Grace does. Forgiveness does. New life does.

There is a story told about a courtroom where a guilty man stood before the judge with overwhelming evidence against him. The verdict was clear: guilty. But before the sentence was given, the judge stepped down, removed his robe, and took the place of the man. He paid the full penalty himself. Then he returned to the bench and declared the man free. That is what Jesus did. He didn’t ignore your sin; He paid for it. And His resurrection proves the payment was accepted.

What guilt or shame are you still carrying? What would it look like to truly believe that Jesus has already paid for it?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – Death Could Not Contain Him

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 9, 2026

 

“God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.”

Acts 2:24 (NLT)

 

DEATH COULD NOT CONTAIN HIM

When Jesus arrived on the scene in Jerusalem during Holy Week, death had a grip on humanity. It held every life, every story, and every future. But when Jesus rose on Easter Sunday, that grip was broken.

The Bible makes clear that death was never meant to have the final word. In Romans 6:9 (NLT), we read, “Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.” And because we belong to Him, that same victory applies to us. First Thessalonians 4:14 (NLT) says, “Since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.”

The resurrection wasn’t just Jesus escaping death. It was Jesus conquering death. He didn’t just survive it; He overwhelmingly and convincingly defeated it. Because of this, death is no longer the end for those who belong to Him. It no longer has the final word.

A beekeeper was walking with his young son when a bee began buzzing around the child, who was allergic and terrified. The father quickly reached out, caught the bee, and let it sting him. Then he released it. The boy panicked as the bee flew again, but the father said, “Don’t worry. It can’t hurt you anymore. It already used its stinger on me.” That is what Jesus did with death. He took the sting so it no longer has power over us.

How does knowing that death has been defeated change the way you view fear, loss, or the future?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Please Be Patient – Guard Your Name

Kevin Burrell on April 8, 2026

 

A good name; earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity is more desirable than great riches; and being held in high esteem is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1

 

GUARD YOUR NAME

A high school football coach was famously known for winning games, but what people remembered most about him was how he won.

With the region championship game on the line, the referee missed a call that clearly favored the coach’s team. The opposing team began to protest; however, before it could escalate, the head coach walked over and quietly told the official the truth, “The call should be reversed.”

The crowd groaned, assistant coaches stared in disbelief, and the players looked stunned and confused. With an overtime field goal, the region championship was lost by one point. In the locker room, silence hung heavy as the loss settled in.

Decades later, old teammates gathered for the funeral of their once head football coach. No one mentioned the championship that slipped away. Instead, player after player spoke about the moment that defined their coach. They shared that integrity mattered more than trophies, and a man’s name was worth more than the final score. The truth is that the coach never regretted his decision. Why? Because he understood that a “good name” is earned, guarded with honor, and can shape the lives of athletes long after the final whistle blows.

In a world that constantly measures success by wealth, power, position, and visibility, God gently but firmly redirects our focus. Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that “our name” is of far greater value than anything we own. A good name is not built overnight, nor is it sustained by appearance alone. It is formed and preserved through a life that is consistently shaped by godly character, conduct, and integrity.

Proverbs 22:1 highlights four essential pillars that uphold a good name. Don’t miss these:

1. Honorable Behavior

Honorable behavior is how our faith shows up in everyday life. It’s choosing honesty when dishonesty would be easier, fairness when cutting corners would benefit us, and doing the right thing when no one is watching. Honor is not about perfection, but it is about consistency. People learn to trust our name when our actions align with our convictions, and our convictions align with our words.

2. Godly Wisdom

A good name is rooted in wise choices, and true wisdom begins with a holy reverence for God. Godly wisdom helps us discern not just what we can do, but what we must do. It shapes our responses, tempers our speech, and guides our decisions. Seek God’s wisdom rather than relying solely on your own understanding.

3. Moral Courage

Keeping a good name requires courage, and a lot of it. Moral courage is the strength to stand firm in doing what is right, even when it’s costly or unpopular. It is saying no when compromise is expected and standing for truth when silence would be safer. A good name is not built by blending in, but by faithfully living out convictions rooted in God’s truth. Moral courage declares that our loyalty is first to God, not to comfort or the approval of others.

4. Personal Integrity

Integrity is the foundation that holds everything together. It is being the same person in private as you are in public. Integrity protects a good name because it leaves no room for hypocrisy. While riches can be lost and status can fade, integrity endures. It creates a life that can withstand scrutiny and a name that can be spoken with high esteem and confidence.

Listen closely: A good name is a gift from God, but it is also a great responsibility. It must be earned, carefully built, and diligently guarded. Riches may open doors, but a good name (your name) builds trust, honors God, and leaves a legacy that outlives material gain. Value and honor your name, because in the end, it is how you will be remembered.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 45 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper – Religion Could Not Silence Him

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 8, 2026

 

“You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping.’”

Matthew 28:13 (NLT)

 

RELIGION COULD NOT SILENCE HIM

When the guards reported what happened, the religious leaders didn’t investigate. They didn’t seek truth. They paid for silence. They bribed the soldiers to spread a lie. Why? Because the truth was too powerful. It threatened their control, their influence, and their authority.

Before the resurrection, Jesus had already said in John 3:19–20 (NLT), “The light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.” Truth exposes, and not everyone wants exposure. Yet truth cannot be permanently suppressed. Jesus also said in John 14:6 (NLT), “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Truth is not just a concept. Truth is a person.

They tried to bury the truth, but truth cannot be buried. This still happens today. People try to explain away Jesus, ignore Him, or distort the truth. But the reality remains. Jesus is the Son of God. And He is alive today!

A teacher once wrote the word “truth” on the blackboard and asked the class to erase it. Students came up one by one and wiped it away. Then the teacher turned off the lights and shined a flashlight on the board. The word faintly reappeared through the residue. The teacher said, “You can try to erase truth, but it always finds a way to be seen again.” That is the resurrection. People can deny it, but they cannot erase it.

Where have you seen the truth about Jesus challenged by others? How can you stand confidently in what you know is true about Jesus?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – Rome Could Not Stop Him

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 7, 2026

 

“An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.”

Matthew 28:2 (NLT)

 

ROME COULD NOT STOP HIM

Rome was the most powerful empire in the world. They knew how to secure a tomb. They placed a stone in the opening, a seal threatening death for anyone who broke it, and soldiers were stationed to guard it. They had authority, power, and experience. If anyone could stop the resurrection, it was Rome.

Scripture reminds us that no human authority compares to God’s authority. Psalm 2:4 (NLT) says, “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.” Earthly power may look intimidating, but it is never ultimate. In Daniel 2:21 (NLT), we are told that God “controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Rome thought it had control over the tomb, but God had control over history.

But when God moved, none of Rome’s power mattered. The earth shook. The angel came. The stone was rolled away. The guards collapsed in fear. All of Rome’s power could not keep Jesus in the grave. This is a great reminder that no earthly power can stop the plan of God. No authority, no plan, no foe is stronger than Him.

There was a dam built to hold back an enormous body of water. Engineers designed it to be nearly indestructible. Yet over time, pressure built behind it. Eventually, a small crack formed. That crack became a break, and the water rushed through with unstoppable force. No structure could contain it. In a much greater way, the resurrection power of God could not be held back. Once He moved, nothing could contain it.

What pressures or obstacles feel overwhelming to you? How does knowing God’s power is greater than any force or obstacle give you confidence to face today?

 

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper – The Greatest Upset of All Time

Avatar photo Steve Roach on April 6, 2026

 

“He isn’t here. He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

Matthew 28:6 (NLT)

 

THE GREATEST UPSET OF ALL TIME

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a moment in history. It is the defining moment of all history. Death had never lost. Every person who had ever lived eventually experienced it. Death was undefeated—until Jesus stepped into the ring.

Scripture makes it clear that this was always God’s plan. Jesus Himself said in John 11:25 (NLT), “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Long before Easter morning, Jesus had already declared His authority over death. In 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 (NLT), Paul later celebrates this victory by saying, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?… But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When the women came to the tomb on Easter morning, they expected to find a body. They were there to anoint His body with spices. Instead, they found a victory. The stone was moved, the tomb was empty, and the message was clear: Jesus had done exactly what He said He would do. What happened that morning was not an accident or trickery. It was not luck or legend. It was God’s plan unfolding exactly on time. The resurrection proves that nothing can stop what God has already determined to do.

In 1980, the U.S. Olympic hockey team faced the heavily favored Soviet Union. No one gave them a chance. The Soviets had dominated the sport for years. Yet, against all odds, the underdog team won in what became known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The victory shocked the world. In a far greater way, the resurrection is the ultimate upset. Death was the undefeated champion, but Jesus defeated it in a rout.

What situation in your life feels impossible or unbeatable right now? How does the resurrection remind you that God is not limited by impossible situations?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

Digging Deeper: Why Change Feels So Hard

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on April 3, 2026

 

33 One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?” 34 Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. 35 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” 36 Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. 37 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. 38 New wine must be stored in new wineskins. 39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

Luke 5:33-39 (NLT)


WHY CHANGE FEELS SO HARD

 

HEART — What Is God Forming in Me?
Jesus ends with an observation: people who are used to old wine often don’t want the new. Familiar things, even unhealthy ones, can feel safe. God often invites us into something new, but the pull of what we already know can make change difficult.

Reflection Questions
• What “old wine” in my life feels comfortable but may be holding me back?
• Where might God be inviting me to trust Him with something new?

Prayer
Jesus, help me release what feels safe but keeps me stuck. Give me the courage to trust the new things You are doing. Amen.

SOUL — What Is God Revealing About Himself?
Truth About God: Jesus patiently invites us into the better life He offers.
Worship Prompt: Lord, I trust that what You are leading me into is better than what I’m leaving behind.

STRENGTH — What Action Is Faith Requiring?
Practical Challenge: Identify one area where God may be asking you to grow.
Embodied Action: Take one step today that reflects trust in that direction.

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Digging Deeper: A Soft Heart Holds New Wine

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on April 2, 2026

 

33 One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?” 34 Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. 35 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” 36 Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. 37 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. 38 New wine must be stored in new wineskins. 39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

Luke 5:33-39 (NLT)


A SOFT HEART HOLDS NEW WINE

 

HEART — What Is God Forming in Me?
Jesus says new wine needs new wineskins. Old wineskins become stiff and brittle. If new wine is poured into them, they burst. Over time, our hearts can grow guarded or rigid, especially after disappointment. But the work God wants to do requires a soft, responsive heart.

Reflection Questions
• Where might my heart have become guarded or hardened?
• What would it look like to become more open to God again?

Prayer
Lord, soften the places in my heart that have grown rigid. Help me stay responsive to Your Spirit.
Amen.

SOUL — What Is God Revealing About Himself?
Truth About God: Jesus pours new life into hearts willing to be renewed.
Worship Prompt: Holy Spirit, I welcome Your renewing work in my life.

STRENGTH — What Action Is Faith Requiring?
Practical Challenge: Ask God to reveal one place where you’ve grown resistant.
Embodied Action: Take one step toward openness today through forgiveness, honesty, or surrender.

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Digging Deeper: Jesus Isn’t Here to Patch My Old Life

Avatar photo Minda Seagraves on April 1, 2026

 

33 One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?” 34 Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. 35 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” 36 Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. 37 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. 38 New wine must be stored in new wineskins. 39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

Luke 5:33-39 (NLT)


JESUS ISN’T HERE TO PATCH MY OLD LIFE

 

HEART — What Is God Forming in Me?
Jesus says you don’t tear a patch from a new garment to fix an old one. Sometimes I want Jesus to simply improve my life, reduce stress, or fix problems. But Jesus didn’t come to patch the old version of me. He came to make me new.

Reflection Questions
• Where might I be asking Jesus to fix something He actually wants to transform?
• What old pattern or mindset am I holding onto?

Prayer
Jesus, give me the courage to release the old things that no longer belong in my life. Help me trust the new work You want to do in me. Amen.

SOUL — What Is God Revealing About Himself?
Truth About God: Jesus transforms lives rather than simply repairing them.
Worship Prompt: Jesus, thank You that Your grace renews me completely.

STRENGTH — What Action Is Faith Requiring?
Practical Challenge: Identify one old pattern that no longer reflects who Jesus is shaping you to be.
Embodied Action: Replace that habit today with a new response that reflects faith.

Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

Please Be Patient – Student Disciple

Kevin Burrell on April 1, 2026

 

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

 

PLEASE BE PATIENT – STUDENT DISCIPLE

Last week, while I was driving on the interstate, I saw a bumper sticker that read:

“Please be patient—student driver.”

It made me smile, but it also made me think.

When we see that sticker, most of us immediately give a little more grace. We expect a wide turn, a sudden brake, or a hesitant lane change. Why? Because we understand that the person behind the wheel is still learning. They’re not experienced yet. They are going to make mistakes. That’s part of the process of becoming a fully trained driver.

In the same way, we need that same heart posture when it comes to new disciples of Christ.

Young believers are spiritual “student drivers.” They are learning how to follow Jesus, how to hear His voice, how to read the Bible, how to walk in obedience, how to repent, how to trust, and how to grow spiritually. And just like anyone learning something new, they are going to mess up. They are going to fail. They are going to make mistakes. They are going to have moments of immaturity. They may even let us down.

But so have we.

The truth is, all of us are still a work in process. None of us has arrived. Every spiritually mature believer today was once a brand-new follower of Jesus, trying to figure out what it meant to live a surrendered life. Growth takes time. Sanctification takes time. Spiritual maturity takes time.

That’s why Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:12 that we are to “clothe ourselves” with five specific attributes:

  1. Mercy—Young disciples need mercy because they will stumble. They may repeat mistakes, wrestle with old habits, or struggle to understand truth right away. Mercy reminds us not to write people off when they are still learning to walk with Jesus.
  2. Kindness—Correction without kindness can crush a new believer. Kindness creates safety. It reminds them that growth in Christ is not about perfection overnight, but about faithfully following Him one step at a time.
  3. Humility—It remembers, “That could be me… and at one point, it was.” It keeps us from becoming harsh, prideful, or impatient with someone else’s spiritual growth process. Humility allows us to walk beside people instead of looking down on them.
  4. Gentleness—Not every lesson needs to come with force. Gentleness matters when someone is fragile, confused, ashamed, or discouraged. A gentle response can keep a struggling disciple from giving up entirely.
  5. Patience—This may be the hardest one of all. We often want people to grow faster, change more quickly, and mature sooner. But patience recognizes that God is writing their story. Just as the Lord has been patient with us, we must be patient with new disciples of Christ.

Listen closely: Don’t forget these five attributes. Getting angry at a student driver for not handling the road like a professional is unrealistic, and honestly, it’s unfair.

Discipleship is not just about teaching truth; it’s also about making room for spiritual growth.

Start seeing new believers with a spiritual bumper sticker over their lives: “Please be patient—student disciple.”

And if you’re honest, maybe that sticker still belongs on you as well.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.

Be Worth Being.

Kevin

 

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 45 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.