Our Hope In The Resurrection This Easter

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17 ESV) 1) A savior who can never die again. “For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again.” Romans 6:9 2) Repentance. “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel.” Acts 5:31 3) New birth. “By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3 4) Forgiveness of sin. “If Christ has not been raised, your hope is futile and you are still in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17 5) The Holy Spirit. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear.” Acts 2:32-33 6) No condemnation for the elect. “Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God.” Romans 8:34 7) The Lord’s personal fellowship and protection. “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:20 8) Proof of coming judgment. “God has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:31 9) Salvation from the future wrath of God. “We wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 5:10 10) Our own resurrection from the dead. “We know that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.” 2 Corinthians 4:14; Romans 6:4; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:20

One of the most important days of Holy Week….The Story of the tomb.

Jesus resurrected and Mary Magdalene (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This may shock you a bit but I want to share with you a passage from the Bible that few remember, but can change your life if you follow this example of true love and sacrifice.

 

MATTHEW 27:57-61 (NLT)As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea, who was on of Jesus‘ followers, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance as he left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting nearby watching.

 

In the days that this passage took place, it was common for  wealthy people to buy elaborate tombs so after they died, they could be remembered by everyone as having been important. Joseph had bought one of these tombs for that very reason, but after the death of Jesus, he lovingly decided that the “Tomb of honor” was better used by someone who truly deserved a place of honor in all of our lives-Jesus Himself.

 

What have you done in your life that honors Jesus in such a way? Have you given your toys and tombs priority over Jesus? Do you see Jesus as someone who answers your prayers and keeps your life in order, or do you see him as someone you love so much that you would do anything for Him….including giving up your prized possession?

 

Our lives and relationship with God will never be right unless we learn to love Him more than ourselves and needs. I ask that as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we also HONESTLY evaluate our relationship with Him. Learn to give up the things that bring worldly pleasure and replace them with the love and actions that bring you the joy of an honest and loving relationship with the man that gave His life for you. Remember, Jesus doesn’t ask for much, just your love….will you give it?