He Is Risen.

“Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” 1 Cor. 15:12-14.

On February 27, 1991, during the Desert Storm War, a woman by the name of Ruth Dillow received the worst call of her life. Her son, Clayton Carpenter, Private First Class, had stepped on a land mine and was dead. For the next three days she grieved. No one could comfort her. On the third day after receiving the terrible news, the phone rang. On the other end of the phone there was a voice that said, “Mom, it’s me. I’m alive.” At first she thought it was a cruel joke, but as the conversation continued, she realized it was her son. Later she said she laughed and cried and rejoiced because what seemed to be a hopeless situation turned out to be the greatest day of her life. That’s what news from a graveyard can do for you when your faith is in Jesus Christ. Just like Mary and other women, returned from the graveyard, with the good news, that Jesus was risen and was not in the grave anymore.

If Jesus never rose from the dead, the New Testament has no more value than a handful of confetti. If Jesus never rose from the dead the disciples were blasphemous deceivers, the early Christian church was a rabble of misguided bigots, all Christian martyrs have spilled their blood defending a non-event and the church’s great reformers of society were motivated by a pack of lies. What’s more, every Christian church building is a monument to a myth, all its ministers are liars, every prayer offered to or in the name of Jesus is pointless prattle, all who claim a living relationship with him are pathetically deceived, every Christian service is a farce, every Easter day commemorates something that never happened and any hope of life after death is deluded daydreaming. Thank God, he is risen and his death has a message for us all.

At His birth, angels announce the arrival of peace – peace between men and God. At his resurrection, the announcement is the same: Jesus appears to the disciples and says ‘Peace be with you.’ Peace between men and God, which is only possible because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for you and me. In conclusion, then, why is the resurrection so important and what exactly does it mean for us? As we’ve already seen. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead demonstrates His power to defeat Satan… death could not keep its hold on him (Acts 2:24). And Jesus’ resurrection is also God’s affirmation to the sacrifice Jesus made being accepted. That’s why Jesus didn’t stay dead? His resurrection is the absolute proof that Jesus’ sacrifice is all-sufficient for the forgiveness of sins. – If we accept Jesus; if we trust Him and follow Him, we are cleansed and forgiven and receive the promise of eternal life. Happy Resurrection Sunday! Selah!

FURTHER READING:

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” 1 Cor. 15:19-20.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter. 1:3.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation."Father, henceforth I refuse to live an ordinary life, but one filled with supernatural power and divine authority. I activate the power of the resurrection over my life today. I declare that every grave power holding my destiny captive is broken. Holy Spirit, transform my character to reflect Christ. I die to my own desires so that Your life may flow through my words and actions. Let Your resurrection power strengthen me to be a witness, living a life that is victorious and fruitful in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Sam. 14:1-33.

2 Sam. 15:1-37.

2 Sam. 16:1-23.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“The Greatest News That Changed The World Came From The Grave: He Is Risen!”