Breakthrough - It’s time to shatter the ceiling.
- Tony Simpkins
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
What’s holding you back? For many of us, it’s fear. Or labels. Or a sense that we’ve hit a spiritual ceiling. In this powerful message, Pastor Rich Vincent unpacks the story of Joseph of Arimathea and what it means to live with courageous, ceiling-shattering faith—even when no one else is watching.

1. The Power of Bold Faith
Joseph of Arimathea wasn’t just any man—he was a respected member of the Jewish council who risked his reputation and status to honor Jesus. When others scattered, Joseph stepped forward. His act of faith was public, costly, and courageous.
🟡 Key Scripture: Luke 23:50–54🟡 Big Idea: Bold faith rises above fear, limitations, and reputation.
“Are you ready for that breakthrough? Are you ready to go to another level?” – Pastor Rich
2. Exalt God in Your Daily Life
Before Joseph ever made a bold move, he lived with integrity. He was described as “a good and upright man.” This kind of character doesn’t appear overnight—it’s built day by day.
🔑 Principle:
Integrity in private sets the stage for public courage.
Even in ordinary moments, your daily choices should reflect your commitment to Christ. What you practice in the quiet prepares you to stand boldly when it matters most.
3. Be Fueled by Faith, Not Fear
Joseph aligned himself with Jesus—even though it could cost him everything. That’s what trust looks like: faith that believes even when hope looks lost.
🔥 Fuel Your Faith By:
Speaking truth over your fears
Rejecting worldly labels
Remembering who you are in Christ
“Faith looks beyond what is seen to what God has promised.” – Pastor Rich
4. Do the Hard, Inconvenient Work
Joseph didn’t just say he loved Jesus—he acted on it. He personally cared for Jesus’ body, wrapping it in linen and placing it in a tomb. His due diligence showed the depth of his love.
🙌 Real Faith Looks Like:
Showing up when it's uncomfortable
Giving when it’s inconvenient
Serving when no one notices
“True faith moves us to do the hard, costly, inconvenient work to honor Christ.”
5. Bold Faith Shatters Ceilings
We all face ceilings—those invisible limits that tell us we can’t go higher or deeper in our faith. But Joseph’s boldness broke through the ceilings of secrecy, fear, and social pressure.
Ask Yourself:
Where is fear holding me back?
What labels am I still carrying?
What ceiling is God asking me to break through?
6. Your Next Step
This isn’t just a story about someone else’s breakthrough—it’s a call to your own.
📌 Your challenge this week:
Start your day by declaring, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Examine what might be limiting your boldness.
Take one inconvenient, courageous step of faith.
“God has not stopped working—we have. But you can take the step. You can break through.”
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t call us to a faith that hides. He called us to one that stands up, speaks out, and pushes through. Just like Joseph of Arimathea, you may be the one God uses to prepare the way for someone else’s resurrection story.
About New Faith Church: At New Faith Church, we are committed to connect with people, helping them grow in grace, while they discover their purpose and a place to serve Him and Others. We believe in the power of God's Word to transform lives and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience God's love. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and join us for our next service. For more information, visit our website, www.NewFaithCW.org.
About Pastor Rich Vinson: Pastor Rich Vinson is passionate about connecting with people from all walks of life and backgrounds. With a shepherd’s heart, he is dedicated to helping individuals grow in the truth and power of God’s Word. Rich’s mission is to lead, challenge, and inspire people of all generations to deepen their relationship with God.
Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Evangel University. He has been married to his wife, Tracey, for over 25 years. Tracey is an accomplished educator with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University. Together, they have two wonderful children, Lauren and Ethan.




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