Read Mark 16.
As we come to the resurrection for the third time in this Lent season, let us take a closer look into this central doctrine of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul gives the best explanation of why this doctrine is so important in 1 Corinthians 15:12-22.
"Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is without foundation, and so is your faith. In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ—whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Therefore, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive."
As believers, we have gone all out for God. We have staked our lives on the claim that Jesus came, died, and rose again. We have sacrificed time, assets, ambitions, comforts, and even relationships due to our belief in the resurrection. Paul is right, if we have done so for a false hope, we should indeed be pitied more than anyone!
But, since the resurrection is true, the sacrifice of our resources is actually the safest investment we can possibly make. As we contribute to Christ's kingdom and to our eternal inheritance, we can reap the hope and joy of the gospel now and into eternity. We can look forward to an eternal future with a new body and a full life that transcends the shadows in which we currently live.
Starter Prayer:
Jesus,
I know you rose from the dead.
I believe it.
Thank you for securing a new life for me.
This life contains only tastes of what Heaven will be life.
I look forward so much to that day, when I will experience the fullness of relationship with you.
I am excited to sacrifice earthly gain for that!
Keep my eyes set on that day.
Give me the strength to love and to sacrifice.
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Join fellow Christ-followers in prayer and fasting during Lent (February 13 through March 31, 2013). Use the "prayer starters" each day and feel free to click "comments" to see how others are doing and share your own journey.
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Posts
What is "Lent?"
"Lent" has been celebrated by Christians for many generations. It is a time set aside for preparing our hearts to celebrate the greatest event in history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditionally Lent is the forty-day period preceding Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. Interestingly, this is actually 46 days because the western church doesn't count Sundays (as we are to celebrate the resurrection every Sunday).
How should I keep Lent?
We are asking the church family to spend time in prayer each day of Lent, thanking Christ for what He has done. In addition, many Christians practice some form of fasting during Lent.
What is "fasting?"
Fasting is a way to say "no" to self and to give renewed attention on Christ. If we simply do without food, we're only half-way there. We need to replace the time that we would have spent eating and instead spend that time in prayer.
Here are some ideas, but don't be limited to these:
Take 15 minutes out of each day reading the devotional on this blog and getting on your knees to pray to God.
Agree together in your Connection Group how you are going to celebrate Lent. Encourage each other to take a step of faith and talk each week about how it is going.
Take one meal a week and decide to deny yourself, spending the time, instead, reading the Word and praying. Maybe your Connection Group could divide up the lunches through the week - each taking a day. Or maybe you could each pick one day per week that you will all do it.
Fast from a specific food for the whole Lent season. Make it something that will trigger you to pray each time you reach for it. Don't "fast" from food to lose weight or from caffeine for your health. Those may be good ideas, but that is something you're doing for you, not with Christ in mind.
Fast from sunrise until sunset.
Fast from TV or something else that you'll give up and replace with seeking God.
Now get creative and talk with the other Christ-followers in your life for help, encouragement, and accountability ... and to share your joy!
Should I consider an extended fast?
For some, the season of Lent can be a time to surrender even more to God through an extended fast. This can be a 3, 7, 14, or 40 day experience (it is up to you and your readiness). If this is something that God is calling you toward, check out this site to learn more:
http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx
There are all types of extended fasts that you can get involved in. Make sure you choose the right one for you, considering your health, schedule, and support system.
Jesus is alive.
ReplyDeleteBecause He is, I can die to sin and live for God in assurance that His life and death atone and provide the Father with everything required to look upon me with favor.