He is not here, He is risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday, friends! What a day to celebrate!

As I scroll through my social media page, I see countless smiles, families dressed in their best, enjoying this day we call Easter. It makes my heart happy to see the people of God enjoying the day that transformed our lives.

Granted, over two-thousand years ago the disciples were dressed a bit differently and were anxiously awaiting their fate. Some doubted whether or not Jesus would actually do as He said, and rise from the dead. Sure, He had the power to heal and free others, but could He actually be victorious over death?

We’re blessed because we know the end of the story, we know that Jesus did as He said and conquered death, and we know that He reigns victoriously in heaven waiting until God releases Him to catch us all away! This knowledge makes today the most exciting day on the church calendar!

Without today Christmas is pointless.

Without today Lent has no significance.

Without today Palm Sunday was just another time mankind welcomed the wrong Messiah.

Without today Good Friday isn’t good at all.

But because Jesus rose from the dead, we live and all of the previous events are significant.

Today is the day that Christians live for!

Jesus is alive! He fulfilled His purpose and conquered sin, death, and hell.

We have life today because of Jesus’ victory. We have freedom and forgiveness because He made it possible. It is all because of Jesus, and His victory, that we are alive.

Since this day, the body of Christ as been on the move and growing throughout the world. The power of Jesus literally changed the world and is continuing to change lives today. I hope to continue exploring the growth of the church as we journey on throughout the next few weeks together, but today I want to focus on a passage of scripture that speaks to all of us today.

Earlier I mentioned that some of the disciples had trouble believing if Jesus was actually going to do as He said and raise from the dead. Even after Jesus started revealing Himself, some had difficulty believing the testimony of others. To one disciple, Thomas, Jesus said in John 20:29, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

That’s right. This verse speaks to all of us. Unless you have been blessed with the overwhelming gift of seeing Jesus face to face, you fall into this category of those who believe but have not seen. We know, through faith, that Jesus rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God the father in heaven.

It is by faith that we love Him, stand on His Word, and share His truth with others. It is by faith that countless Christians, right now, are laying down their lives in death for His namesake. Because of this faith, Jesus says we are blessed. We are blessed for our faith in Him regardless of what our eyes have seen or haven’t seen. We know that Jesus rose again and believe the testimony of those who have gone before us; therefore, in His eyes we are blessed.

The first time we see Jesus will be when He welcomes us into the eternal life He purchased for us with His blood. Whoa.

So, what’s the point to this Resurrection post?

The point is this:

If you know Jesus, I celebrate with you today. I rejoice with you that our sins are forgiven and we are made whole in Jesus. Hallelujah, He is risen! I also encourage you to share this joy and freedom with someone else. After all, Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. Now that you have been found, lead someone else to Him. Take this gospel, this good news, to the broken world around you.

If you do not know Jesus, I welcome you. There is a reason you were drawn to this blog. I believe it is because of the love Jesus has for you. He desires to free you from all sin, shame, and pain. He loves you so much that He went to a cross and battled with hell, all for you. He won the battle for you. He was victorious so that you might live. My role in all of this is merely to remind you that you need only to believe. Recognize that Jesus is who He says He is – Lord of all, Savior of the world, Son of God. Believe that He did exactly as He says – went to the cross, was buried in the tomb, and resurrected three days later with victory over sin, death, and hell. Let Him know that you need salvation from your sin. Jesus is waiting for you. He loves you with a truly everlasting love. Today is the day! What better day to do so than resurrection Sunday! I encourage you to open your heart to Jesus. Open your heart and believe. After all, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Happy Easter, everyone!

He is not here, He is risen!