The very core of the Christian faith is that “…Christ died for our sins…He was buried…He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures… 

(cf. 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11).

The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ is that He not only died for our sins but that He rose again, is mankind’s only hope - hope for today, tomorrow and beyond the grave.  Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”  Where is this risen Christ?  Have you seen Him?

I have not seen Abraham Lincoln, but I believe the history books.  

I can’t see gravity, but I feel the effects of it and know it to be true.

I can’t see the wind, but I witness the effects of it.  I can’t see the radio frequency traveling through the airways but I witness the effects.  I can’t see the electricity traveling through the wires but I witness the effects.

Sounds silly?  Well, saying I haven’t seen the risen Christ so I won’t believe is ludicrous.  There is more proof of the risen Christ than anything in history.  One of Jesus’ disciples as recorded in God’s word was a doubter of His physical resurrection - he said, “unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25).  John did witness the risen Christ.  That scripture continues “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed.  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

If you believe, you are more blessed than the apostles!  We have not seen the risen Christ, but if you have received Him by faith you no doubt have experienced the effects.  Not only that but you have witnessed the effects Jesus has had on others too.  Jesus changes everything - today, tomorrow and praise God beyond the grave!  As I grow older and have witnessed one too many funerals, I appreciate even more the hope that Jesus brings beyond the grave!  Happy Easter!  Choose to believe!

Pastor Rodney