April 21, 2024 THIS LIVING CHRIST
Matthew 28:5-7 “And the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, ‘just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus is not to be reserved for one day a year on Easter Sunday. Rather, celebrating His resurrection is to be a way of life. And, it’s more than a celebration; it is about the living Christ. Christ is not just a historical figure; nor is He now someone who resides in heaven, no longer present on earth. He is with the Father in heaven, but He is also here on planet earth in the person of the Holy Spirit. This living Christ is all powerful and all knowing; full of grace and mercy; provider and protector; He is love; He restores and forgives; and He is the source of life, joy and peace. Christ conquered death; He broke the power of sin; He sets the prisoner free; and He makes us new creations-in the likeness of Him. Christ brings with Him love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He directs our steps; He goes before us and is behind us. He empowers us to live righteously-to say no to sin. He is always working-even when we experience trials and difficulties; He uses all things for good. We have been joined to Himself in an inseparable union. All of these things-and much more-are true only because our Father loves us and His love was so great that He allowed His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins that we might be restored to Him. May it get into our spirits that this living Christ is present-that He is in us! When our spirits are awakened to the fact that He is present, our lives will not remain the same; no longer will we live a ho-hum life; no longer will we be anxious, defeated or discouraged when we face difficulties; and no longer will we have to search for that which fulfills our deepest longings because He satisfies completely. This may all sound like a pipe dream or something reserved for a few-but it is for you and me. Christ did not die without a purpose; He gave His life that we might experience His presence and His life in us. Believe it and receive it!
Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
John 10:10b “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Blessings, Buddy
Matthew 28:5-7 “And the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, ‘just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus is not to be reserved for one day a year on Easter Sunday. Rather, celebrating His resurrection is to be a way of life. And, it’s more than a celebration; it is about the living Christ. Christ is not just a historical figure; nor is He now someone who resides in heaven, no longer present on earth. He is with the Father in heaven, but He is also here on planet earth in the person of the Holy Spirit. This living Christ is all powerful and all knowing; full of grace and mercy; provider and protector; He is love; He restores and forgives; and He is the source of life, joy and peace. Christ conquered death; He broke the power of sin; He sets the prisoner free; and He makes us new creations-in the likeness of Him. Christ brings with Him love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He directs our steps; He goes before us and is behind us. He empowers us to live righteously-to say no to sin. He is always working-even when we experience trials and difficulties; He uses all things for good. We have been joined to Himself in an inseparable union. All of these things-and much more-are true only because our Father loves us and His love was so great that He allowed His Son to be the sacrifice for our sins that we might be restored to Him. May it get into our spirits that this living Christ is present-that He is in us! When our spirits are awakened to the fact that He is present, our lives will not remain the same; no longer will we live a ho-hum life; no longer will we be anxious, defeated or discouraged when we face difficulties; and no longer will we have to search for that which fulfills our deepest longings because He satisfies completely. This may all sound like a pipe dream or something reserved for a few-but it is for you and me. Christ did not die without a purpose; He gave His life that we might experience His presence and His life in us. Believe it and receive it!
Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
John 10:10b “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Blessings, Buddy
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