RESURRECTION

At this time of the year people throughout the world are thinking about the resurrection of Christ. In the long ago Job asked the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job. 14:14). In the New Testament we read, “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised, and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins” (I Cor. 15:16-17). One of the great hopes that Christians have is the expectation of being raised at the end of the world. The Bible teaches that all will be raised. Don’t worry, all cemeteries, seas and places will give up all the dead. Isn’t this exciting?

PEOPLE RAISED

Did you know that throughout the Scriptures there are various accounts of people being raised.

• Elijah raised the widow’s son (I Kings 17:21-22).
• Elisha raised the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:32-35).
• Man was raised when his dead body touched the bones of Elisha (2 Kings 13:21).
• Many were raised after Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 27:52-53).
• Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43).
• Jesus raised the son of the Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17).
• Jesus raised Lazarus (John 11:41-45).
• Peter raised Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42).
• Paul raised Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12).

OUR FAITH

Our faith is based and built upon the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. About 2000 years ago He was raised on the third day and that was on the First Day of the Week according to the last chapters in Matthew, Mark, Luke and the next to the last chapter in the Book of John. Not long ago I looked in the song book and found good songs about the resurrection and I will mention three titles: “Low in the Grave He Lay,” “Were you there?” and “Because He Lives.” It is true that in every generation some question the resurrection. At this point I submit to you why I believe in the resurrection. One, the Bible teaches there is a resurrection. Two, the Bible declares Christ was raised on the third day which was the First Day of the Week. Three, the early church believed in the resurrection and they preached it. Four, think about how sad and bad it would be without the hope of the resurrection (I Thess. 4:13-18).

PREACHER

A preacher from years past preached concerning Christ and the resurrection. The following is a part of what he said, “The very heart and soul and substance of the Christian faith is to be found in the revelation of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. The deity of Christ Himself is confirmed by it (Rom. 1:4)… It is the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, who is singled out among all mankind to be the true son of God, because it is He alone who has been resurrected, immortalized, and glorified from among the dead. He is the first-fruits of them who sleep. He is the Captain of that sainted band who rise in power to praise God forever.”

BE HERE

Be saved and live the Christian life and you will be ready for the resurrection. In some way each week as we assemble for worship we are reminded of the death, burial and resurrection. Be here as we sing, pray, preach, commune at the Lord’s table and make an offering. Come with a Bible in your hand and a smile on your face and a spring in your step. I’ll look for you in your place.

-Pat Casey