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Topic: Spring (the season) (07/23/09)
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TITLE: Celebration of New Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patricia Protzman
07/28/09 -
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“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." (Romans 8:11 NIV)
Every year in the south spring celebrates its arrival by putting on a grand display. The trees, which remind me of skeletons, slowly begin to unfurl their green leaves on their limbs. Red bud trees, dogwoods, and azaleas proudly exhibit red, white, pink and lilac flowers. Peonies, daffodils, and honeysuckles release their perfumes into the warm, humid air. The bird-egg blue skies are almost cloudless. Seeds begin to sprout up from the ground, reaching toward heaven. Foals, calves, and lambs romp in green pastures. New life is seen everywhere.
Spring is much more than just the growing season for flora and fauna. It is God’s reminder that even though our bodies will die, we will be resurrected with new bodies and a new life in Christ. Each spring we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Our faith would be meaningless, had the resurrection not occurred. All followers of Christ, who had died believing they were going to heaven, would perish. Most importantly, we would still be living in our sins, and would have to pay for them. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith.
Because Jesus Christ arose from the grave, we have the confidence of knowing that our God is alive. When leaders of other belief systems die, they remain in their graves. The One we worship is alive—not dead. The scriptures tell us He sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. He is also preparing a place for each believer. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer at the moment of trusting Christ as his or her savior, teaching and guiding each of His children until He returns. We our sealed unto the day of redemption, when we are called home to heaven.
Believers in the resurrection have absolute assurance that our sins are forgiven. He said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand; My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10: 28-30 NIV) Jesus said in (Matthew 20:8 NIV) that He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to serve us and give His life to save ours. His final words on the cross were “It is finished.” (John 19:30 NIV), indicating that the sin-debt was paid. Many religions teach that forgiveness of sin is earned through good works. The Law, God’s standard for righteousness, was given to show us we are unable to keep it and we need a Savior. God sent His Son Jesus Christ, as a propitiation for our sins.
In addition, because Jesus lives, we know that God is a part of our lives. We pray and He answers, we see Him change people’s lives, we ask forgiveness of our sins and our relationship with the Father is restored. We live by faith in Christ, not by what we do. Every believer faces challenges and trials. Studying God’s Word daily and meditating upon it is vital in helping us to remain strong in faith and be a useful vessel for God. King David said in Psalms 145:5 “They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.” No matter how difficult life may be, our loving Father will be there to support us.
Once a year Christians celebrate Easter, but we should be celebrating it everyday. Christ suffered horrendous acts of torture and died for our sins. His precious blood was shed and is a covering for past, present, and future sins. Those that have accepted Christ will be part of the resurrection. Resurrection promises a new life, we will have new bodies and we will enjoy the everlasting presence of our Savior and God. We can exclaim with unwavering faith and hope, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”
New Life is ours only believe
Christ died in our place it is done.
The curse of death no more to grieve,
Hallelujah He lives! God’s Son.
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