“For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”
–1 Corinthians 15:13-14 (NKJV)
One Easter Sunday, I was invited to have dinner with a friend’s family. Unfortunately, what happened before dinner dealt a serious blow to my appetite, and I don’t think that has happened before or since.
We all went to a so-called church service, in which the pastor challenged the claims of Christ’s resurrection. He had the nerve to ask if it really made a difference in our lives.
The apostle Paul says an emphatic “yes” to this question. He states that without the resurrection of Christ, our faith is only a fairy tale.
Though there have been historical figures like Buddha or Mohammed, there has been no one like Christ. He is the name above every name, and it is His resurrection that separates the men from the boys, so to speak.
While some have tried to deny Christ’s resurrection, the Bible says that it was confirmed by many infallible proofs. But the one I would like to think through with you today, is that of a changed life.
If you remember, Jesus was virtually forsaken at the cross. Not understanding what was going on, the disciples hid behind locked doors. But you only have to read the book of Acts to learn of the radical transformation that soon took place in their lives, and the good news is that the same thing can happen to you.
Think with me about the words Courage, Consistancy, and Conquer. Because of Christ’s resurrection, you can have a new source of courage like you have never known. As you yield to Him more and more, scripture states that you will be transformed into his image. Things may seem rough in your life now, but you can take courage, for the Bible says that we can do all things through Christ. As we stay in His word and seek first the kingdom of God, Jesus says that He will supply all of our needs. So learn to draw on Christ’s strength, just as you would take your next breath. Jesus also said that while we can do everything with Him, we can do nothing without Him.
Think about it this way: In the hospital I have to draw on Christ’s strength to guide me around obstacles, and in the same way He can guide you around and through the maze of life.
The next word we come to is consistency. You may be asking what that really means in this case. If so, please listen as I explain.
From time to time, when we are facing a difficult challenge, we have all felt like we were fighting an uphill battle. But it is comforting to know that God has a lot to say about the battle of life. The good news is that we don’t have to face it alone, as long as our lives are hidden with Christ.
I remember one time when I didn’t have a place to live, and not much money. Since it was summertime, the winter visitors had gone to their northern homes. In order to attract future tenants, the apartment I decided to rent was having a special offer, with no first or last month’s rent required. But the story doesn’t end there, for Christ provided my food and household furnishings, among other things.
You, too, can take heart, because amidst life’s trial’s, the King will provide for you. He holds out joy that isn’t bound by circumstance, peace that goes far beyond our limited understanding, and love that we can never be separated from.
God would tell you and me right now, “When you face pressures, I will never leave you or forsake you. Just keep your eyes on the prize, instead of focusing on the problems.”
This leads us to the final c, the word conquer. Because Christ has risen, The word says that we are more than conquerors. It lets us know that we can stand strong in the face of opposition.
Being more than a conqueror also means that since Christ has conquered sin and death, we will not only conquer our present difficulties through Him. We will also live with Him for eternity.
Finally, it also lets us know that if we have been overwhelmed by difficulty, it is never too late to come back, and because of His resurrection, new hope can rise in our hearts.
Just to refresh our memories, then, we have looked at the courage that gives us new boldness as we walk with Him; the consistency that tells us we don’t have to live by feelings if we take His hand; and God’s future hope that will never fade. If you haven’t yet taken hold of His hand, do so by faith today. Because Christ rose, you can be seated in heavenly places with Him.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Monday night Bible study or Tuesday night prayer meeting. Both are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-775-7031, and our ID is 607518748. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.
Leave A Comment