Thanksgiving for Jesus the Messiah | First-fruits for Resurrection | 23 November 2025

In this week's sermon on Leviticus 23:9–14 and 1 Corinthians 15:13–28, Robin Kinstead continues the Thanksgiving for Jesus the Messiah series by teaching on the Feast of First Fruits and its fulfilment in the resurrection of Jesus. He explains how Israel offered their very first sheaf of grain to the Lord as an act of trust, gratitude, and anticipation of the full harvest to come, and shows how this practice points forward to Christ as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Robin contrasts “first fruits” with the imagery of “FOGO” (waste), urging believers to offer God their best rather than leftovers in their time, talents, resources, and spiritual devotion. He also highlights how Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of His people, shaping how Christians persevere through waiting, suffering, and even death with confidence in God’s promises. 5 Questions to Think About 1. What “first fruits” is God calling you to offer Him—time, talents, treasures, or attitudes—and what might currently be “FOGO” instead? 2. How does the Feast of First Fruits in Leviticus 23 deepen your understanding of Jesus as the first to rise never to die again (1 Corinthians 15:20)? 3. Where do you need to trust God’s promises in seasons of waiting, just as Israel trusted God would bring them into the land? 4. How does Jesus’ resurrection reshape the way you view death, grief, and the hope of seeing loved ones again? 5. What current commitments or habits might need re-ordering in light of the future harvest God has promised?   3 Things to Take Away 1. Jesus is the first fruits of resurrection — His victory over death guarantees the full future harvest of all who belong to Him. 2. First fruits belong to God — Followers of Jesus are called to give Him their best, not their leftovers, in every area of life. 3. Hope sustains perseverance — Because God is a promise-keeper, believers can endure hardship, wait with patience, and live confidently in light of the coming resurrection.