The Life-Changing Power of the Cross and the Resurrection
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:6 The cross is empty and so is the tomb. You can try to bury the Power of Christ, but it won't stay buried. You can try to bury Truth, but it is not dead for it is alive. You can try to bury Love, but it cannot be contained…
Jesus is alive, He won the victory over sin and death. And He’s still the same, even in all the days after this Resurrection weekend. He never changes. Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
He has made a way for us to be alive and to live a life free of worldly cares and lusts.
No other truth in history has the ability to change our lives and affect our future like this. Yet so many still choose to reject Christ’s sacrifice and love. He offers us a choice today to be a part of His family, and it’s the best decision you could ever make.
As we celebrate Christ's resurrection, we come face to face with the all-important question: “What does Christ’s Death on the Cross and the Power of His Resurrection Offer to Man today?”
-It provides a bridge, a way, to God. It gives us an opportunity to have a personal relationship with the very God who made us and loves us more than we could imagine. Without the cross, there is no way to cross over to the other side of relationship with him. Any attempt will fail. He is the Only Way. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
-It provides an opportunity for forgiveness of sin. Through the price that Jesus paid on Calvary, we have the chance to be forgiven of our own sin. He took our sin and shame upon his very shoulders. He took the blows on our behalf so we wouldn’t have to suffer. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
Such incredible love! Such amazing sacrifice!
PRAYER: Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power that is in your name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death. Thank you that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had plan, thank you that you made a way.
We praise you for your great strength, we praise you for your lavish love. We praise you that you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you are Deliverer, Worthy One, Everlasting Father, Great and Awesome God.
We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.
Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.
Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set your way before us. May all your plans succeed. May we reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.
As we prepare to receive the bread and the cup in joint participation, we ask your blessing of mercy and grace on the recipient.
Thank you, God, for your indescribable gift!