The Resurrection and Courage

Romans 5:1–5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

PRAY

The cross brought sadness, but it also brought hope! Jesus isn’t in the tomb anymore. He is on the right hand of God the Father!

From Fear to Fearless

John 20:19 “Now when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were together due to fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, “Peace be to you.””

Imagine the look on the faces of each disciple after Jesus died on the cross.

They hid, ran, locked themselves in. They were also locked in emotionally. Trying to hide their fear, doubt, etc.

Then enters Jesus!

The crcifixion scattered, but the resurrection shattered!

Fear and doubt was replaced with confidence and peace only He could bring.

Think of your own fears or just the overall fears that Christians have. Sharing faith, praying, helping others, etc.

The resurrected Christ comes to us just as He did then. He offers peace and joy. We may lock in our emotions, but Jesus has the key!

Why did the angel have to remove the stone? Not to enable Jesus to make his way out—for see John 20:19, 26—but to enable these women, and also Peter and John, to enter the tomb.

William Hendriksen; Simon J. Kistemaker

Empowered by Boldness

Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.””

Before He accended, Jesus promised the disciples power through the Holy Spirit.

This wasn’t for their personal gain. It was to equip them for what they were called to do: Spread His Word.

If we are truly saved, we have that same power inside of us! Let this encourage you as you let the Spirit lead you.

Think of how you could be a bold witness for Jesus right here in Shelby County. It has to start with you and your family, though.

You can: volunteer, donate, help, pray, share your testimony, etc.

Wherever Jesus is glorified, the Holy Spirit comes!16

A. W. Tozer

Seeing Past the Now

Colossians 3:1–2 “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”

We need to keep our minds on Jesus and what is to come.

This will help us look beyond the present and focus on the eternal future we have in Christ.

This world brings its share of sadness, anger, injustice, evil, and heartbreak. If we focus on the things above and the things to come, we can overlook these current problems and still find joy and hope.

Living Worth of the Resurrection

Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;”

If we are truly saved, we need to live that way!

We are called to be Holy. That basically means “a cut above” or to have a higher standard as Christians.

If we are Christians and live a sinful life that doesn’t reflect Christ, then we aren’t doing any good for the Kingdom or for Jesus.

We need to focus on being kind to those who need kindness, help the helpless, forgive those who need it, and pray for those who need Christ in their lives. Be worthy of what Jesus died for. What He lives for!

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart triumphs, And with my song I shall thank Him.”

The increase of the burden is not the thing to groan about if there be a proportionate increase of strength. A Sacred Solo, Volume 24, Sermon #1423 - Psalm 28:7

Charles Spurgeon

We need to sing His praises every single day. We need to glorify His name

Because of what He did for us on the cross that day, and more importantly, what He did 3 days later, we should have a bold, confidant faith that reflects and glorifies God!

So, today, remember not only Him dying on the cross, but how he rose 3 days later and conquered death for us! We serve a living Christ! Not a dead martyr. Praise His name and Thank you for what He did and does for you. Live bold in the fact that our Lord and Savior still lives and is on the right hand of God the Father right now.

INVITATION