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How Should Christians Live in the Aftermath of the Resurrection?
In "Doctrinal Discussion" Randy Bland quotes N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope:
I know that God’s new world of justice and joy, of hope for the whole earth, was launched when Jesus came out of the tomb on Easter morning, and I know that He calls His followers to live in Him and by the power of His Spirit, and so to be new-creation people here and now, bringing signs and symbols of the kingdom to birth on earth as in heaven.
Bland finds three truths from this statement:
- The resurrection is for everyone.
- The resurrection opens up the possibility for Christians to live by the Spirit.
- We must realize that we live in what theologians call the time between the already and the not yet.
Consult your Adult Teacher's Insights for more discussion!
Source: Jesus, Son of God: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 26.
Even so … for God so loved
John 3:14-16:
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God's gift of love to us!
Teaching is Not Rambling
When I was a young boy, the church we attended had a vibrant men's class. It was a good group of men, and they had enjoyable class sessions, but the discussion was often on anything besides the lesson. The teacher would start the class off with scripture, but the culture of this group was such that one topic would dissolve into another, and that one into yet another. These men might "solve" the problems of the world, but never seriously consider the assigned scripture.
It might be too much to ask for a class never to get off on a tangent. In fact, tangents might be helpful at times. But if this happens too much, the integrity of the teaching moment can be lost. Our lessons are designed with a specific spiritual truth and objective. At the end of your lesson, do your students know both the truth and how to apply it in their lives?
Devotional: His Appearance – Our Blessed Hope
Read I Peter 1:1-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v. 3).
Resurrection power is not wishy-washy. Today’s scripture reminds us that Christ’s mercy is
abundant and our hope is lively, both related to His resurrection.
In 2000 our daughter, Becky, had a serious spinal injury. fter surgery the anesthesia affected her thought processes. She went through what she now calls her “loopy period.” She thought she was going to die, but didn’t say so. That night she told her husband, “Go home.” I was at their home caring for their three children. When Paul arrived he sunk into a chair and said something like, “I can deal with the effects of the injury, but this crazy stuff I don’t know how to handle.” He went to bed upstairs and I settled into a fitful sleep on the couch.
Early the next morning the phone rang. On the way down the stairs Paul said, “Becky called. She‘s going to be alright.” Our hope had taken on a lively twist. God’s mercy was evident. Becky’s mental anxiety was gone, but the physical healing has taken time. While today she walks without assistance, it’s mind over matter. (Ann Coker)
Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living – just because He lives. – William and Gloria Gaither
We all have reason to rejoice over God’s mercies and the hope that His resurrection brings.
This devotional is the Sunday, March 27, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.
Infallible Proof of the Resurrection (Easter)
Lesson 4 - March 28, 2016
Central Truth: The resurrection is the heart of the Christian faith.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to give at least three proofs of the resurrection of Christ.
Lesson Outline:
- Assurance for Disciples (John 20:19-23)
- Assurance for a Doubter (John 20:24-29)
- Assurance for All Believers (John 20:30, 31)
Prayer – Lesson 3, The Son of God on Trial
Heavenly Father,
Please bless our teachers and students today as they study about Christ suffering patiently as our Substitute. Help us to learn to suffer patiently as well for His sake. In Jesus' name, Amen.