Before getting into the question we are all answering at FACETS of Faith this month, I (Tracy) felt it would be remiss of us not to provide a brief explanation of what God’s resurrection power means for those who may be unfamiliar with the term. We celebrate Easter, because Christ died on the cross (Good Friday) for the forgiveness of all our sin. He rose again on the third day (Easter) overcoming death.
Imagine the supernatural power required to rise above death. Jesus was sealed in a tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. When the women (Jesus’ followers) ran to His gravesite and saw the tomb empty, they were curious as to where Jesus’ body went. They knew He couldn’t have opened the tomb by Himself. The rock which sealed it was immovable by man. They also knew Jesus couldn’t have slipped past the Roman soldiers. The empty tomb pointed to only one thing: Jesus rose from the dead! (Just as He said He would) That’s God’s resurrection power!
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.─1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 HCSB
God’s resurrection power gives us Hope. Hope points us all to heaven for ourselves and those we love. The only requirement to access the hope of heaven is to have a relationship with Jesus.
If you don’t know Jesus personally, you haven’t accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, you can do that today. It’s never too late as long as you are alive to say “yes” to Jesus and all the hope He has for you─here on earth and eventually forevermore in heaven.
You may be wondering what’s so good about “Good Friday” if God had to die in order for it to happen. The only reason Good Friday is good is because God rose from the dead. He didn’t stay buried.
Figuratively speaking, we don’t have to stay buried in our sin, our lack of hope, our worry and wondering what will be for our future.
When you know Jesus, you know your future is good. THAT’S what’s good about Good Friday! And your good future can start as soon as this next moment.
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. I ask You to come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Teach me who You are more-and-more each day. Lavish Your love upon me and lead and guide my steps. Help me to stand firm in your love and truth as you strengthen and encourage me as I walk with You. Give me a love for You, Your Word, and conversations with You through prayer. Thank You, Jesus, for Your ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of my sin. Thank You, too, that I am never alone, that You keep Your promises and You promise I will never be alone again. You will never leave me nor forsake me. I will never have another lonely day in my life. Thank You Jesus for loving me with an everlasting love. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Share with someone the commitment you just made. If you don’t have a church home, it’s really important to find a church that loves Jesus and teaches from His Word (the Bible). If you’d like some help with that, please leave us a comment.
CONGRATULATIONS! From personal experience, I know you are in for the sweetest, most intimate relationship you’ve ever had in your life!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.─John 3:16 NIV
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