He is Risen Indeed!

Behold, the Man

Happy Easter! Today we celebrate the amazing power and victory of our King! Today we sing praises to our God, who abounding in mercy, did not leave us in the hands of Sin and Death. No! He plucked us up and delivered us a new promise and hope. But what do we do with that new hope and freedom?

We live as if it is true. You might be thinking, "Well, duh, Natalie. I believe in Jesus and so I believe it is true." To you I would reply, "Then why do you also believe lies that you aren't good enough, or smart enough, or rich enough, or poor enough, or troubled enough, or whatever else, to share the Gospel? Why would you keep this amazing good news to yourself?" I mean think about it, if God got the final say in victory over death, then wouldn't you want everyone to get in on the celebration?

"Oh well, I don't want to push my faith on others. It's a freedom of religion in this country. I don't want to burden someone or seem pushy or weird." But, friends, this is Jesus! His yoke is easy and his burden is light. (Matt 11:30) It is not for us to convince someone to change their life. We can only pray and offer the opportunity for someone to meet Jesus. At a conference I attended recently, the speaker said this, "Without God, I cannot. Without us, God will not." God chooses to work in and through us. In and through you!

The speaker went on to explain "But I..." is the biggest barrier. "But God..." is the biggest bridge builder. Today we celebrate the biggest "But I...But God..." turnarounds in history. But I am weak, but God strengthens me. But I am insufficient, but God's grace is sufficient for me. But I am destined for the grave, but God gives me everlasting life. God is bigger than our "but"s.

But my church is loosing people, but God has raised up a new generation. Today we also celebrate several young people who have agreed that God is bigger than their buts. They have journeyed through a mess of information and have chosen to be grounded in faith in Jesus Christ. This is the resurrection in action. God has taken these young persons and raised them out of the grave of sin and death.

This is the Good News. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8) But God didn't stay there. But God didn't let Death have the final word. We majorly screwed it up in Eden, and we majorly screw it up every day. But God...

So behold the man, our Savior. He is risen! He is risen indeed!! Amen.

Grace and Peace,
Natalie C.
family.ministries@mtmoriahumc.org
Cell: 419.607.3140

Join us this morning as we celebrate our Risen Savior and our young people as their confirm their faith this morning!