One of my good friends who is a pastor has stated that even if he was told that the resurrection wasn’t true he would still be a follower of Jesus. What difference does the resurrection make in your faith?
It was a point of disagreement for the two of us. Professing the faith using the words of the Apostles’ Creed is one of the most powerful things I do each week; and it deeply moves me during funerals. “I believe in…the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen” It is a truth that I cling to in this life with all the pain and suffering, injustice and inequities, the shortness of life on earth, which has been amplified during this pandemic.
We are in the midst of a six-week series on the Risen Lord. Jesus promised his disciples that he would rise again. Jesus met them on the mountain, walked with Cleopas and his friend back to Emmaus, returned to dispel Thomas’ doubt, joined his disciples for breakfast on the beach, reinforced his love for Peter, and commissioned the disciples to be his witnesses before ascending to heaven. The Apostle Paul writes, “…then [Jesus] appeared to more than 500 believers at one time.” (1st Corinthians 15:6).
It was a point of disagreement for the two of us. Professing the faith using the words of the Apostles’ Creed is one of the most powerful things I do each week; and it deeply moves me during funerals. “I believe in…the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen” It is a truth that I cling to in this life with all the pain and suffering, injustice and inequities, the shortness of life on earth, which has been amplified during this pandemic.
We are in the midst of a six-week series on the Risen Lord. Jesus promised his disciples that he would rise again. Jesus met them on the mountain, walked with Cleopas and his friend back to Emmaus, returned to dispel Thomas’ doubt, joined his disciples for breakfast on the beach, reinforced his love for Peter, and commissioned the disciples to be his witnesses before ascending to heaven. The Apostle Paul writes, “…then [Jesus] appeared to more than 500 believers at one time.” (1st Corinthians 15:6).
So what difference does the resurrection make in my faith? This belief encourages me to honor every person I have the privilege to meet on earth. Furthermore, as a pastor who has presided at many funerals for people I did not know, after meeting with their family who shared their memories, I say with confidence, “I look forward to getting to know your loved one even better in the future.”
That is what the resurrection means for me. I would love to hear what it means for you. I look forward to reading your comments, I encourage you to leave them below. If your thoughts are more personal feel free to contact me directly. And like my friend, even if we disagree we can still enjoy life together.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.
Ongoing prayers and blessings,
Rob
That is what the resurrection means for me. I would love to hear what it means for you. I look forward to reading your comments, I encourage you to leave them below. If your thoughts are more personal feel free to contact me directly. And like my friend, even if we disagree we can still enjoy life together.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son:
and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be:
world without end. Amen.
Ongoing prayers and blessings,
Rob