MATTHEW 28:8–10 Jesus first appeared to the women. For they were last at the cross, and first at the tomb. He entrusted them with the news of His resurrection. His first thought after rising in glory was for His scattered disciples. And His words are astonishing: “My brethren.” Though the disciples had failed, fled, and … Continue reading Grace for the Doubting: ‘My Brethren’
Resurrection
“The Day Man Tried to Stop God”
MATTHEW 27:62–66 Even while Jesus was in the grave, His enemies could not rest. The chief priests and Pharisees remembered His promise to rise, and in their fear they tried to make His resurrection impossible. They secured Pilate’s approval, stationed Roman soldiers, sealed the stone, and did everything humanly possible to keep Jesus in the … Continue reading “The Day Man Tried to Stop God”
Why is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential because it proves everything the gospel claims. It confirms Jesus as the true Messiah, the very sign he promised to give. It shows that his atoning work was fully accepted, that the ransom for sin was paid, and that we are justified. His resurrection gives believers new … Continue reading Why is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?
From Weeping to Wonder
JOHN 20:11–18 Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, saying, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Yet her risen Master was right there, in flesh and bone, fully present. Her tears and anxiety were needless—she had the source of life before her eyes but did not … Continue reading From Weeping to Wonder
A Spiritual Workout – Using the Psalms to Transform Sadness into Joy
Our God specializes in transforming sadness into joy. The ultimate demonstration of this is our Lord’s resurrection which we celebrate every Sunday. Yet, God’s people have celebrated through the centuries that sorrow and suffering never have the last word in their lives. For example, King David offers a rationale for why we cannot remain silent … Continue reading A Spiritual Workout – Using the Psalms to Transform Sadness into Joy
A Friend in Heaven
Here are a few lovely thoughts from the inspirational Bishop of Liverpool, John Charles Ryle based upon John 11 where Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the grave: • You have a friend in heaven of almighty power and boundless love who weeps with those who weep. • You are thought of, cared for, provided … Continue reading A Friend in Heaven
Overcoming the Violent Tyranny of Death – John 11:17-44
In John's narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, a gnawing statement surfaces not once, twice, but three times. "Jesus, if you’d been here, this would not have happened!" Couldn’t Jesus have prevented the death of his friend, Lazarus? The neighbors mumble: “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have … Continue reading Overcoming the Violent Tyranny of Death – John 11:17-44
Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
O Mighty Father, the tomb calls forth my adoring wonder, for it is empty and Christ is risen! Grant me to be crucified with Christ that I may live a new life, for I wish to be dead and buried to sin, to selfishness, to the world; that I might not hear the voice of … Continue reading Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
Sad Hearts Sing – The Walk to Emmaus
Prayer: O God, open the eyes of our hearts to see You for who you are today – the risen Savior who conquers all of our enemies. Renovate our unbelieving hearts so that they burn with devotion and love for our risen Savior and Lord. I don't know about you, but I still get chills … Continue reading Sad Hearts Sing – The Walk to Emmaus
Even in death the righteous have a refuge
Proverbs 14:32 reads: "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge." "The wise man of Proverbs saw beyond this dying world; and caught the sunbeams of glory brought to light by the Gospel!’ — Charles Bridges 2 Timothy 1:10b - "Our Savior, Christ Jesus, has destroyed … Continue reading Even in death the righteous have a refuge
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