Sunday, April 12, 2009

He is Risen!

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it... Matthew 28:1-8

Death could not hold Jesus, but energized by the power of the Spirit He burst forth from the grave. "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life [now!] to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you" (Rom. 8:1 1).

So . . .

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13–14).

This Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 - our response should be the same as the women that first heard the report of His glorious resurrection 2000+ years ago.

With fear and great joy we should go and report it.

Who will you tell this week?

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Beautiful Savior, Almighty God

"TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE"(Luke 23:43)

These words were spoken to a thief. A guilty man hanging on the cross next to Jesus. There was another thief in the same condition, but he did not receive the promise. Why not?

The thief that did not receive the promise saw Jesus as a possible solution to get him out of a mess.

The thief that received the promise saw Jesus as the One able to offer mercy and forgiveness for his sin.

The invitation is the same today. How will you respond to Jesus?

Will you see Him simply as a solution out of your mess.

OR

As He really is...


King of Kings.


Lord of Lords.


Beautiful Savior.


Almighty God.


Today is the day of salvation. If you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.