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We’ve had an encouraging first 2 weeks of our Vision Series, “the hope of the risen Christ”. We’ve seen how good it is that Jesus’ tomb was empty that first Easter morning. Last Sunday we had our hearts lifted to see how God uses the message of the resurrection of Jesus to bring people to new life. Thousands had their eyes opened on Pentecost!

This week we turn our attention to thinking about the significance of the Resurrection for us in the here and now.

There’s a danger that our thinking about the Resurrection of Jesus is compartmentalised into what happened in the past and what will happen in the future. Christ was raised almost 2000 years ago and we will be raised when he returns. But what difference does the Resurrection make for us now? The Apostle Paul has much to share with us. This Sunday we’ll look at the incredible way that we are caught up in Jesus’ Resurrection as we dive into Ephesians 1&2. But Paul is almost constantly speaking about this vital topic. Here, for example, in Romans:

For the death Jesus died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

- Romans 6:10

Do you see what we’re being told? We need to consider (ie get clear in our minds) that as much as Jesus’s death deals with our sin, his resurrection brings us a new life now. You and I are raised today. in Christ, even as we will be raised fully and bodily with him on the last day.

Want to think about this a little bit more? Of course, come along on Sunday. There’s also a great book by Rory Shiner, “Raised Forever”, that I thoroughly recommend! Matthias Media currently have a 30% sale so it’s a great time to grab a copy!

The resurrection life is a reality for us right now. In a dying world we have great hope because we are caught up in the new life of Jesus. Looking forward to being encouraged again this Sunday as we think about these wonderful truths.

David Ould
Senior Associate Minister

 

Pray for living the hope of the risen Christ

Give thanks for the hope of the risen Christ and for the new life believers have in him now and forever. Ask God for his word to deepen our understanding of how the resurrection shapes our daily lives and strengthens our faith in Christ. Ask God to help his people live as those who are alive to him, bringing hope and light to a dying world through the power of the risen Jesus.