CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!

Today, together with the Christians all over the world, we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Most people call this day “Easter”. Christmas and Easter are the two main holy days Christians celebrate yearly. On Christmas we celebrate the birth of our Lord and at Easter we celebrate His resurrection from the dead. According to the Bible, Jesus was crucified and died on ‘Good Friday’. He was buried in a borrowed tomb. On the third day, which is Sunday, He rose from the dead and we celebrate His victory over sin and death.

The resurrection of Jesus has been called ‘The greatest event or miracle in human history’.  His resurrection means that God the Father has approved the work His Son has done on earth. It also means that God has rejected all other men who thought others how to go to heaven. Jesus said: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn14:6). “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Ac 4:12). The purpose of Easter also means the full confirmation of all that Jesus taught and preached during His three-year ministry. If Jesus had simply died and not been resurrected, He would have been just another teacher or prophet. However, His resurrection rebuked all that and provided final proof that He was the Son of God and that He had overcome death once and for all. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, signifying the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption and offering believers the promise of eternal life. Easter is a day of great joy and hope, as Christians celebrate the victory of light over darkness, life over death, and the triumph of God’s love for humanity.

For the sake of argument, let us assume that Jesus did not rise from the dead. What will that mean? Most men accept the idea that Jesus was a good and godly man, who helped the people. But if He did not rise from that grave, it means that He was a man like any men. And He died like any man dies. His great dreams to save sinners have died with Him. His greatest promises to men are all connected with His resurrection. It means He cannot be our Savior. Lastly, if Jesus did not resurrect, it means that He was a liar, a deceiver. Nobody will trust Him again! Christianity cannot survive. The Church could not start. Jesus said that He is the good Shepherd who is ready to die to protect and save the sheep. He said: “Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father” (Jn10:17,18). He claims that He has the power to die and to resurrect from the dead. These promises make no sense if Jesus did not resurrect from the dead. It means that the wolf (the devil) has killed all the sheep and there is no hope for any sinner on earth. But indeed, Christ lived, died, and resurrected to become the first fruit of life from the dead. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and our eternal Great High Priest in heaven who intercedes for us even right now. To Him be all the glory!

According to the New Testament accounts, Easter Sunday began with the dawn of a new day, following the sorrowful crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. As the sun rose, the women who had followed Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, made their way to the tomb where the body of Jesus had been laid. Upon arrival, they discovered that the stone was rolled away from the entrance and the tomb was empty. This extraordinary discovery was accompanied by the appearance of angels who proclaimed the astounding news: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matt 28:6). Overwhelmed with wonder, the women rushed to share the incredible news with the disciples. Meanwhile, Jesus himself appeared to Mary Magdalene near the tomb, to other followers, including two disciples on the road to Emmaus and to the gathered disciples in Jerusalem. After 40 days, Jesus ascended bodily to heaven. 10 days later, He sent the Promised Holy Spirit to the waiting disciples and the Church was born. Praise the Lord!   

I am now “a lawyer in the court”. You are the jury. Based on Biblical evidence alone I want to convince you that Christ rose from the dead. I will present four ‘exhibits’: The empty tomb, the clothes Jesus left behind, Jesus appeared to people, total transformation of the disciples.  

1-THE EMPTY TOMB: The women went early in the morning to finish preparing the body of Jesus, with spices, according to the Jewish method of honouring the dead. The tomb was empty (Matt 28:1-8). They could see it for themselves. Why is the empty tomb important? Because it points to the bodily resurrection of Jesus, that death could not hold him. And, also, because Jesus has risen, we can look forward to our own resurrection as well. Death is not the end of life’s journey. Because of Christ, in life and death, we have a living glorious hope!

2-THE FOLDED LINEN CLOTHES: What convinced the disciples was not only the empty tomb but that the linen clothes that wrapped the body of Jesus were folded and left in the tomb (Jn 20:6-9) They saw the clothes and they believed. The Jews wrap the head of the corpse in a separate cloth. When Jesus resurrected the clothes were left exactly as they were, like an empty cocoon left behind by the butterfly.

3-THE APPEARANCES OF CHRIST: The resurrected Christ appeared about ten times to different people: to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples, to 500 people, and later, to apostle Paul (1Cor 15:3-8). To dismiss all these testimonies is not easy for none of them was mentally sick. It is good to know that the resurrected Christ never appeared to an unbeliever. He only appeared to Christians!

4-THE TRASNFORMATION OF THE DISCIPLES: This is the best exhibit. The disciples were all depressed, mourning the death of their leader. After the resurrection they suddenly became joyful, preaching the Gospel. See Peter. He was a coward who denied Jesus. Now, on the Day of Pentecost, bold like a lion, he preaches Jesus crucified and resurrected. The only explanation for this sudden dramatic change is that Peter saw the resurrected Christ. He was convinced that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and the Lord of all. He said:

Another great example was Saul who became the great Apostle Paul. He persecuted the believers to death. On the road to Damascus, Paul saw not just a vision, but the resurrected Christ Himself. He became blinded and humbled. Christ restored his sight and used him as one of His greatest servants. Apostle Paul went on missionary trips, started churches, wrote ¾ of the New Testament and died a martyr’s death. No man can change so dramatically by himself. It was the resurrection power of Christ!

If you deny the Resurrection, Christianity makes no sense. Some say that the disciples invented the story of the resurrection. But that is not true. When Jesus was crucified, we are told that “all of His disciples abandoned Him and fled” (Mk 14:50; AMP). Judas betrayed Him and Peter denied Him. After Jesus died and was buried, all the disciples were mourning and were very sad. None remembered His promises about the resurrection. When Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, His disciples were all shocked. They did not believe her. No one was praying to see Him alive again. None believed in His resurrection. None had the power to invent such a story. If Jesus did not resurrect then the Church cannot exist. The truth is that Jesus died, was buried, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. He promised to send the Holy Spirit who came on the day of Pentecost and Baptized all believers into one New Body called the Church, or the Body of Christ. The Church has survived many persecutions. Christ is the Head of the Church, its Builder and Defender. Jesus promised that the Church will be indestructible. He said: “on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]” (Matt 16:18; AMP). The Church is marching on. No power of hell can stop its growth and progress. When Christ resurrected, He merged the familiar with the unfamiliar. Jesus now has a new body and a new power. But He is the same Jesus! Selah!

MY LORD AND MY GOD

Read John 20:1-31. Jesus died like a grain of wheat. He rose with all who believed in Him. Resurrection is the harvest of eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus did not come with sounds of trumpets and with angels singing praises. It came quietly, just like the day breaks and defeats the dark night. The revelation is gentle, in stages. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark. It was about 4 am. Love made her come so early. She saw that the stone was rolled away and the body of Jesus was missing. She ran to tell the disciples. They were shocked. John ran faster because he loved Jesus more. Peter followed him. He saw the burial clothes in the tomb “and he believed”. Love carried him to faith! Mary sees two angels in the tomb. As Jesus was crucified between two thieves, so now, there are two angels at the place of Resurrection. Mary sees Jesus but, in her grief, she confuses Him to be the Gardener. With the love and authority of resurrection, Jesus calls her by her name: Mary! Immediately she recognizes Him. She calls Him Rabboni! She clings to Him. But Jesus does not allow her to do that. The resurrection defeated not only death but all earthly limitations. From now on, she no longer clings to Jesus in the natural, but in the Spirit. A new greater Faith is born. Jesus gives her work to do. She should go to “His brethren” and tell them the truth. This is the first time that Jesus calls the disciples “My Brethren”. This word comes with resurrection power! Like Mary, Jesus sends us to tell people that Jesus is not in the tomb but in His Father’s glory. We should preach His Gospel so that sinners may believe and become Brethren!

The disciples were hiding for fear of the Jews. The doors were shut. How many times the church hides for fear of persecution? Suddenly, Jesus comes in and He “stood in their midst”. Despite the locked doors, the sudden appearance of Jesus demonstrates His glorified, resurrected body, which transcends physical barriers. This miraculous entry reinforces His divine nature and the reality of His resurrection, providing comfort and assurance to the disciples. From now on, Jesus will always be the centre of the Church. He greets them saying: “Peace be with you!” This is not a casual greeting. Peace is the fruit of His victory over sin and death. Like with Mary, Jesus commissions them to go and preach His Gospel. They will do His priestly work of forgiveness and healing in His name. But for that, they need His power. Jesus breathes on them the Holy Spirit. This is a gift from Him until the Person of God the Holy Spirit comes in His name. The disciples receive His authority to forgive sins in His name. Then joy follows. But if people like Judas Iscariot and the Jewish leaders reject Christ, they cannot be forgiven. The light and love of Jesus coming thru His Gospel, reveals the hardness of hearts of those who persist in rebellion. Thomas the Twin was not there when Jesus came the first time. He was battling with doubts. He wanted to see and touch the scars of crucifixion. Jesus came the second time. He stood in their midst again and greeted them again “Peace to you!”. Then Jesus tells Thomas: “Reach your finger here and look at My hands; and reach your hand here and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving but believing”. Jesus shows Thomas that He is alive, a real Person. His wounds are His credentials. All the doubts in Thomas disappear. He calls Jesus by the highest title a man on earth can call Him: “My Lord and my God!” The resurrected Chris is God!!! Thomas honours the Son as He honours God the Father. Jesus then says that anyone who truly believes in Him, even if he does not see Him, is blessed and saved.

HELP THOSE WHO DOUBT

“Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22) reflects Jesus’ own approach to Thomas. Some believers struggle with doubt. They need guidance and compassion. Doubt can arise from various sources, including persecution, false teachings, or personal struggles. Jude’s instruction to show mercy to doubters shows the importance of patience and understanding in the church. Jesus’ ability to enter the locked room symbolizes His ability to enter the closed areas of our lives, offering peace and transformation. The padlocks and our doubts cannot keep Jesus out from our lives. Doubt is a common human experience, but it should lead us to seek truth and deeper understanding rather than remain in unbelief. Jesus faces Thomas’ doubt head-on. He does not condemn him. He offers evidence before giving the command to believe. His scars are presented as bodily realities. Doubt is a “sickness” but not terminal. Bring your doubts to Jesus who welcomes honest seekers. Christ initiates the evidence; faith is not blind or forced. The command “Stop doubting” has commanding force, revealing unbelief as a sin of the will, not just intellectual lack. Doubt appears when evidence is ignored, not when questions are pursued. Reading the Bible, partaking in the Holy Communion, having fellowship with other brethren, stabilize wavering faith. Christ graciously supplies proof, confronts the will, and commands belief. Doubt rightly answered leads to deeper worship, saying like Thomas: “My Lord and my God.”

By His resurrection Jesus did not only break the grave, and death, but all earthly limitations, and weaknesses, on our behalf. May we never lose our wonder to worship Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for us! If you are not saved, give your life to Jesus because you will meet Him one day, as the Lord of the Living and the Dead, and the Judge of all. If you are saved, then you are eternally safe. Rejoice! Christ’s sacrifice is all that we need to have eternal life. When Christ died, we died with Him. When Christ rose, spiritually, we rose with Him. One day, we shall rise from the graves. Our bodies shall be changed and become like His own. We shall be with Him, we shall be like Him, and we will worship Him forever. This is our hope of glory! By His resurrection Jesus says to us: I am Living! I am near you! Worship the Lord!

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle and the most important event in the history of the world. The Resurrection was a literal, physical raising of Jesus’ body from the dead. No man witnessed this mighty miracle. The stone was rolled away by the angel, not to let Jesus out, because in His spiritual body, He could pass thru walls. The stone was rolled away for men to see the empty tomb. The Resurrection of Jesus is not just an event. It is foundational to the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, faith in God’s saving grace thru Christ is destroyed. Apostle Paul said: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1Cor 15:14; NIV). In other words, if Christ is not risen, then go home! Christianity is nothing. If the body of Jesus is still in the grave, then death has won. Sin has won. Without the resurrection, the gospel message loses its power and purpose, reducing it to mere philosophy or moral teaching. The early church’s rapid growth and the willingness of the apostles to suffer persecution and martyrdom shows their conviction in the truth of the resurrection. The preaching of the resurrection is what distinguishes Christianity from other religions and philosophies. Believers are called to live in the power of resurrection, experiencing victory over sin and hope in eternal life! That is why we preach the Gospel!

When Jesus rose from the dead, He confirmed His identity as the Son of God and His work of redemption, reconciliation, and salvation. The devil fought the fact of the Resurrection of Jesus immediately it happened. The soldiers that guarded the tomb were bribed by the Pharisees to say that the disciples stole Jesus’ body. Some say that Jesus did not really die. He only fainted on the Cross. Some men claimed that they found the bones of Jesus in a tomb in Jerusalem. These are all false news propagated by the devil’s agents.

The spiritual body is incorruptible (cannot decay or disappear), glorious, powerful, heavenly and filled (to overflow) with eternal life (1 Cor 15:42-49). Spiritually speaking, the resurrection has been experienced by all true believers. It produces the greatest transformation in a man. By Faith in Jesus Christ, the sinner becomes a saint. This means death to the old life and entering eternal life. This translation from darkness of sin to the light of the Kingdom of God, to become born-again, it is by the power of resurrection. We sometimes think that when Jesus resurrected, He just came back to His life as it was before death. That is not true. He revealed Himself to His disciples so that they know He is alive again. But He did not continue with them like before. After forty days He ascended to heaven. That where His spiritual body belongs. There is a great difference between resuscitation and resurrection. Lazarus was brought back to ordinary physical life. He was resuscitated, but he wasn’t really resurrected. Sometime later, he died again. But the radical transformation in resurrection is from death to eternal life!!! Selah! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead works in the believers, to transform their lives to be like Jesus! Glory!

Jesus spoke about His death and resurrection. He said: “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” (Jn 11:25; NIV) and “before Abraham was born, I AM.” (Jn 8:58; NIV). These words seem to be the words of a crazy man. The only other option is that Jesus is indeed The Lord. “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mk 8:31). The disciples did not understand what He was saying. It was only after the Cross, Resurrection and Pentecost, they finally understood that Jesus was truly the Savior who came to die for them.

The Resurrection of Jesus changed the day of worship. Jesus was crucified on Friday the 1st day (Passover). The 2nd day was Saturday, the Sabbath. The 3rd day was Sunday. He rose again on the 3rd day. The early church started to worship God on Sundays, to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lord! Selah!

What did the resurrection of Jesus prove to us?

*The Resurrection of Jesus proves that God is Omnipotent. It shows the immense power of God. God created all things. He alone can destroy death and bring Jesus out from the grave. If God could not resurrect Jesus, then He is not worthy of our worship. But He indeed raised Jesus from the dead. “Christ was raised from the dead through the glory and power of the Father” (Rom 6:4; AMP). Glory to God!

*The Resurrection of Jesus proved that Jesus is indeed who He said He is. Jesus is a Man. But not only a Man. He is the Son of God. He is God Himself. Apostle Paul said this: “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom 1:3,4). What happened to Jesus in the Resurrection? His body and His spirit were reunited, so that He became alive again. That did happen. But there was more: He moved from one stage of His ministry to another, from humiliation to exaltation, from shame to glory! He was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, where He is seated on the throne of God. By His resurrection, Jesus is now invested with absolute royal power and authority. He is the King of kings. After His resurrection, Jesus could stand on a hill in Galilee and declare, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matt 28:18; AMP).

*The Resurrection of Jesus proved that God the Father has accepted the work of Jesus on earth. God the Father has designed the plan of salvation. God the Son volunteered to perform it on earth. The Holy Spirit applies this revelation to us. What is the major work Jesus did for God the Father? Christ has perfectly obeyed God’s Law!!! Seah! Jesus said: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matt 5:17). “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom 10:4). Resurrection is the divine seal that God the Father is satisfied and has approved the sacrifice of Jesus on behalf of sinners. God tells the whole world that His Son has done exactly what He sent Him to do. The plan of salvation by Grace alone is now activated! Praise the Lord!

Since Adam fell, all men are born sinners and lawbreakers. God’s Law was given not to save us, because no sinner can perfectly obey God’s Law. The Law was given so that we know God, what He likes and what He hates. It was also given to show us what sin is, for us to see the terrible power of sin. Finally, the Law was given to direct us to Christ, who is the end of the Law. “O, Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Cor 15:55-57). The sting of death is sin. If we were not sinners, we would not be afraid to die. Jesus was not afraid to die. Sin is defined and given power because of God’s Law. If God’s law did not say: do not steal, we could not have known that stealing is sin. In Adam, we are all born lawbreakers, sinners. We are afraid to die because we are sinners. We know that after death it is the judgment. No man could perfectly obey God’s Law. But Jesus obeyed the Law perfectly on our behalf. Jesus obeyed the Law in two ways: He obeyed the Law actively. He did not break any of God’s commandments. Love was His only Law. He also obeyed God’s Law passively. God’s Word says that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). When Jesus took our sins upon Himself, He had to die. He obeyed God’s Law passively, as a lamb led to the slaughter. Actively, and passively, Jesus perfectly obeyed God’s Law. He “fulfilled” or satisfied the Law. The Law cannot argue against us again. If Jesus did not resurrect, it means that our sins were too heavy for Him and He is still in the grave because of that. If Jesus did not resurrect, we are condemned in our sins and have no hope of heaven. But as believers, we become one with Christ, and God sees us as we have obeyed the Law. We now have eternal life. Immediately, we lose the fear of death, judgment and hell. Spiritually, we are raised with Jesus in heavenly places. We praise God forever!

*The resurrection of Jesus proves that our Lord has conquered all His enemies. By the resurrection, God has declared that Jesus Christ is His Son. God now fights all the enemies Jesus has made as Man on earth: sin, death and the devil. Peter preached at Pentecost: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). He had those titles before. It is not that He became God, for He was God before that. But, because He was obedient unto death, God the Father granted Him the fulfillment of the promise, saying: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (Ps 110:1). That enthronement scene and the punishment of Jesus’ enemies began in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead! In Christ, we too have conquered all our enemies. Who are these? Our mortal enemies are the Flesh (sin), the World, and the Devil. Since Adam, every man has been defeated by these three terrible enemies. The Flesh weakens our will. Even with all our good intentions, we cannot please God. With all the voices of unbelief, the world pollutes our spirit and corrupts our faith. The devil attacks our bodies, souls and spirits. No man escapes his ugly grip of darkness. Jesus walked in this same world of sin but never allowed the flesh to control Him. Jesus overcame the world. At the Cross, Jesus exposed the devil as a criminal, a hater of God and of all men. The resurrection of Jesus proves that in Christ, we have victory against all our enemies. Halleluiah!

*The resurrection of Jesus proves that He has defeated even Death itself. He is the King of kings, The Lord of lords, The Great High Priest, and Eternal Intercessor for all believers. He is our Leader even thru death. Jesus is the Best Helper and Friend we can ever have. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Heb 2:14-18). Jesus is now God and Man in heaven. By the Holy Spirit He helps believers to run the race to the end. His ministry of intercession gives us the assurance of salvation. We can pray to Him. We are never alone. Jesus is our Helper forever. All power and authority have been given to Jesus. God gave the world to Jesus. It is His own. He rules and He reigns forever. Glory to God!

*The resurrection of Jesus gives Christians a living hope that after death, they will go to heaven and worship God forever. “According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1Pet 1:3-4). Hallelujah!

*The Resurrection of Jesus proves that Jesus will come back again to finally judge all evil and resurrect the bodies of the saints. Apostle Paul was telling the philosophers in Athens: “He (God) has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

*The Resurrection of Jesus proves that God has sent His Holy Spirit in the name of His Son, to all believers. At Pentecost, Peter preached: “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Ac 2:32,33).

How does the resurrection of Jesus help me? Jesus proved that our sin and death could not hold Him in the grave. As we believe in this, we too “die and rise” again in this life. Jesus transforms us by the Holy Spirit, giving us life, hope, power, joy, and godliness. We look more like Him every day. The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for those who believe. Apostle Paul prayed that we may know “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come” (Eph 1:17-21).

Weaknesses are often experienced as limitations, vulnerability, or emotional struggles. These physical or emotional limitations can serve a deeper purpose. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” (2 Cor 12:9). Living with weaknesses, whether physical infirmities, emotional distress, or spiritual struggles, creates opportunities for experiencing a strength rooted in something greater than ourselves. David was a young inexperienced shepherd, much smaller in stature than Goliath. But he defeated the giant, not by his own strength, but by God’s. God’s power is beyond human understanding. It is revealed especially thru Creation, miracles (the parting of the Red Sea or the falling of Jericho) and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. God’s power is directed towards us, the believers. God wants us to receive this power and apply it in our spiritual growth. This power is not earned. It is a gift of God’s Grace. God gives strength to the weak, to the faithful who wait upon Him to give them strength (Isa 40:29-31). “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philip 3:10-11). God’s power manifests as serving God, praying for others, preaching the Gospel. Pray for this power! Humble yourself! Acknowledge your weaknesses. Faith in God is the key to appropriate God’s surpassing power. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philip 4:13). Trust that God will give you the power of Resurrection that raised Jesus from the dead. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:10). It is the testimony of many believers that God gave them power when they were weak, and they had faith in God. Jesus is now in heaven! He is also in our hearts! “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow!” Worship the Lord!

THE POWER OF RESURRECTION MANIFESTS AS JOYFUL PRAISE IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Ac 16:25). Paul and Silas were beaten for doing good. At midnight they were in prison singing. Grumbling quenches the miracle. We are commanded to rejoice and praise no matter the situation. That joyful praise comes from the power of resurrection. The jailer was saved, physically and spiritually. They loved the jailer by agape Love and through the power of resurrection. Worship the Lord!