Greetings in the majestic name of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s Easter time again, the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, and what an event worth celebrating! Now, the birth of Jesus is wonderful, and I love Christmas, but if it weren’t for the Cross and the empty tomb, Jesus’ life would have been ultimately fruitless for mankind—all of us would be headed for a fiery grave. However, Jesus paid the price for our short-comings. He was beaten beyond human recognition and bore our grief and sorrows. Jesus was wounded and bruised for our sins. He took upon Himself everything that could come against our peace so that we could be made healed and whole with nothing missing or needed (Isaiah 53).
Jesus died the most painful and excruciating death. He went to hell and led the captive righteous out (Eph. 4:8). Now they are captive no more and in heaven. Because of His actions, we, too, no longer have to be captive. We can live free from the fear of death and the grave.
Have you ever considered that because Jesus’ grave is empty, and you have accepted Him, your grave will be empty as well? The resurrection of Jesus was one of the most powerful works of the Holy Spirit that is known to mankind. And that power is resident inside of you. You are a joint heir with Jesus; therefore, you have the promise of the same resurrection (I Cor. 15:23). When death comes to you, the power of the Holy Spirit allows you to blow a hole right through it and enter into the presence of the Lord. All of this has been done, and we can be sure of it! (I Cor. 15:12-19)
Our graves will be empty because they can’t hold us. When Jesus comes and shouts “Come up here!” the graves of the righteous will open, and our bodies will be resurrected—just as those were in Jerusalem when Jesus was resurrected (I Thess. 4:13-18; Matt. 27:52-53).
All these wonderful and miraculous things that Jesus did for us have to be appropriated by faith. And, as we know, faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Without hearing the Word of God, we are left with a faith deficiency. The Word of God brings knowledge, and God’s people (or others for that matter) are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).
Along with knowledge, we need wisdom. The Word instructs us that along with wisdom, to seek understanding (Prov. 4:5). In other words, we may have knowledge of the Word, but not the wisdom and understanding of how it operates.
I may have knowledge of how an airplane flies by the laws of thrust and lift, but I do not have the wisdom or understanding of all it takes to fly the plane. Your understanding is made fruitful by the Holy Spirit, who brings enlightenment. Many times, Christians know what the Bible says, but they haven’t sought the Holy Spirit for understanding.
For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (I Cor. 11:29-30).
Paul states that many are weak, sick, and have even died because of a lack of understanding of the Lord’s body. They did not fully discern all of the benefits that Jesus paid for with His body on the Cross. The Lord’s body is also the Body of Christ (the Church). Many do not discern the other members in the Body of Christ and their giftings to the world.
We are not in this world alone. Jesus has given gifts to all men (Eph. 4:7). These gifts are to be a blessing to the rest of the world glorifying God. You are one of these gifts. Draw close to God and discern what your gift is to the Body of Christ and others.
Think about the Lord and His Body. It is resurrected, glorified, and in heaven. It has also been made righteous, healed, anointed and walks the earth. This Resurrection Day, I hope you receive more revelation of what was done for you so many years ago on that Cross.
We so appreciate your prayers and financial support. Your attentiveness to this part of Jesus’ ministry allows us to visit folks around the country and tell them about Jesus’ soon coming and the glorious times in which we live.
We call you blessed, healed, and whole! And remember, Jesus is coming soon!
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