“If We Believe That Christ Died And Rose Again” (Ready to Worship S9E7)

March 8, 2019

Ready to Worship Season 9, Episode 7 for Friday, March 8, 2019

On this season of Ready to Worship, we are examining the resurrection of Christ. Seriously studying the resurrection should bring depth and devotion to our worship. To the saints at Thessalonica, Paul wrote, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thess. 4:14). The saints at Thessalonica were troubled over what had happened to the saints who had already died. They were afraid that their loved ones had perished. They were ignorant, and their ignorance was definitely not bliss. Paul enlightened them and eased their fears by referencing the resurrection of Christ. He said, “For if we believe that He died and rose again.” Paul’s point was simple. If we believe that Jesus rose again, it changes our whole outlook. We won’t sorrow like others who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). We will live in hope. As Christians, we possess a lively or living hope. Peter wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”(1 Pet. 1:3). Our hope is a living hope because it is in the One who liveth. It is in the One who was dead but is now “alive for evermore.” It is in the One who has “the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1:18). In contrast to those who stay home with no hope, we gather in hope every Lord’s day. We have faith where they have doubt. We have light where they have darkness. We have peace where they have fear. We have comfort where they have sorrow. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, it changes everything. As we get ready to worship this week, let’s gather in faith and hope. Faith that Jesus died and rose again. Hope that He is coming again to raise us.