May 2022 Newsletter

Celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a wonderful thing. We dedicate an entire weekend, and sometimes even an entire week, in focused celebration. Yet, we must never lose sight of the reality that, celebrating the resurrection should be the lifestyle of each and every Christian. In light of that reality, I wanted to share an article I came across recently. The article includes some great truths and I hope you read them with a sense of joy and expectation.

1. Let the future-tense hope of resurrection grant you present-tense joy today.Christians live in tension between the already and the not yet. This simply means we live in tension between the kingdom of God now, yet with the hope a soon to come glorious kingdom of God that has not been revealed. So, we can live now knowing that in the end, and for all eternity, everything will be made right.
2. Focus on the person of the resurrection rather than the problems life brings.Life has a way of pounding at us, and we allow the enemy to distract our thinking and destroy our hope. When that happens, turn your eyes on the Jesus of resurrection. 
3. Watch for the unexpected moments of resurrection hope in a grief-stricken world.The women went to the tomb of Jesus wondering who would move the stone, but they surprisingly found the rock had already been rolled away. Don’t let your personal griefs cloud your vision when God’s already taken care of eternity. 
4. Don’t allow worry to consume you.Not only is worry a lack of trust in God, but it also takes its toll on our bodies. Worry says, “I’m not sure how this is going to work out”; resurrection living says, “I know God will work this out for His glory.” 
5. Thank God for all things.Paul tells us to do that (1 Thess. 5:18). Frankly, it’s easier to do that when you know that the best is yet to come—and believe that the best will last forever. Struggles lose their lasting power in the light of resurrection life. 
6. Grieve when necessary, but grieve differently than the world does (1 Thess. 4:13).Life still hurts at times, and the pain of death can be gripping—but these pains are only temporary, and they cannot ultimately rob us of joy. Go ahead and cry, but let the world see hope in your tear-stained eyes.
7. Tell somebody else about Jesus.When we evangelize, we re-tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. When others respond positively to the gospel, we see zeal that the hope of resurrection brings; when others deny the gospel, we nevertheless pray they will eventually meet Christ. 
8. Celebrate the spring—and then look forward to it year after year.I realize some readers live in places where seasons are not as prominent, and I understand this last point may not carry the weight of the others. It’s simply something that helps me: when God turns the world green again out of the depth of winter, I’m reminded that He grants new beginnings. Rejoice over that truth.[1] 

I appreciate my brother in Christ Chuck Lawless offering these wonder truths in how we can live in the hope of the resurrection each day. I hope you have been blessed as much as I was when I first read the article.

He is Risen! He is risen indeed!

God bless