RESURRECTION

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I Was Just Thinking About – RESURRECTION.

Jesus asserted to Mary, Martha and their friends, John 11:25-26, “I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.  And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” He then poses the important question: ”Do you believe this?” When Billy Graham was facing death, he made the statement to the effect that at his death he would be more alive than ever before. He also allowed that all his death represented was a change of address as he departed earth and entered into heaven.

I have spoken with people recently who have experienced the loss of a loved one. In a couple of instances, it occurred unexpectedly. Some have loved ones who are approaching the threshold of death. The Doctors have done all that they have known to do medically and have no other medical alternative for the person. While I was in the Fusion Center, I overheard a Doctor telling family members that their Father needed to make preparation for his soon departure – there was nothing further the medical profession could do or recommend. I also overheard the family members pleading with the Doctor to try something for their loved one. Accepting the inevitable is never easy.

The headline in the Tuscaloosa News, April 29, 2018, is: “Rebuild, Restore, Replace.” The article is a review of the devastating tornado that occurred seven years ago. Obviously, there is a spiritual application that can be made with this headline. The Biblical Church needs to review areas where it has allowed for the dormant to dominate. It needs to rebuild, restore and replace some of its forms. The culture has been allowed in infiltrate and impact the emphases of the Church. The Church, in its attempt to be more relevant, has adapted its message and outreach to conform to the culture and political correctness.

When Jesus walked among the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, he said to the Church at Sardis, Revelation 3:1-3, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead. Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.” Sobering words by a serious Savior to a portion of His Church. Can the Church rebuild, restore and replace? Yes! Can that which is facing death find hope amid personal uncertainty? Yes!

We should be very thankful for the words in First Corinthians 15:50-58 should be engraved in one’s heart, mind and soul: “Now I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

The victory and triumph through our Lord Jesus Christ is for you who believe in Him! It is for you who have trusted Jesus Christ and been redeemed by His precious blood. In Him, you have His victory and triumph. In Him, you also have newness of life!

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.