Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Mar/82

Contributor - Mr. Jim Stein

Title - Resurrection

Topic - Resurrection

RESURRECTION-ah yes, the empty tomb; the time of year for pretty bonnets, new suits, the Easter bunny and that 1 of 2 yearly trips to church.

RESURRECTION - that once in a while preached upon topic; the beginning of spring; a break from school; a long weekend; that special time of year that is almost as important as Christmas (but not as expensive).

RESURRECTION - the mountain top experience following the dark valley of "Good Friday"; the word which so few Christians take time to understand; the word which is the "good News" of Jesus Christ; the word a world is dying in need of.

RESURRECTION - It is essential for Christian faith. No other doctrine demands as much teaching about itself or is as vital to Christian growth. The empty tomb is the most boring part of the resurrection story and who really cares whether Peter beat John in the foot race (or was it John beat Peter)? What is important is RESURRECTION today for you; for me, 1982 style.

RESURRECTION is Jesus Christ alive and well right now, not just in the garden or on the road to Emmaus or asking Peter questions about love beside the sea or straightening out "doubting" Thomas. Jesus is a reality in 1982. His resurrection is "There is therefore NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8: 1).

His resurrection is not only NO comdemnation but it is also NO SEPARATION, Rom. 8:35. Resurrection means victory and the ability to overwhelmingly conquer. Resurrection is goodbye to Romans 7:25 and being a "wretched" person. Resurrection is deliverance, it is healing, it is the very essence of grace.

The power of Resurrection has destroyed the power of death and broken the power of Satan. It is Jesus Christ in all his past, present and coming glory. It is NOW part of the Christian for we are "in Christ" and have Christ "in us".

Resurrection is the most positive message that could be preached and taught in our Churches and in a dying lost world. It is not a method, code of conduct, book of rules or part of the Christian experience. It is the sum total of Christianity and it is freely given.

RESURRECTION MEANS:

. . we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed;" 11 Cor. 4:8 - 9.

Jesus Won - Resurrection proclaims it! Satan lost all he's got is an illusion called the Easter bunny. The Christian is a part of the resurrection experience, a winning experience; a joyous experience; a "go for it" experience; an experience that belongs in 1982 not in 2000 year old symbols or annual events.

RESURRECTION MAKES US TODAY/FOREVER HIS!

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