DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - THE RESURRECTION BRINGS RECONCILIATION. Part 1.

All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell is terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning. - Oswald Chambers.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, - Rom 1:1-4.

If you were to look at Rembrandt's painting of The Three Crosses, your attention would be drawn first to the center cross on which Jesus died. Then as you would look at the crowd gathered around the foot of that cross, you'd be impressed by the various facial expressions and actions of the people involved in the awful crime of crucifying the Son of God. Finally, your eyes would drift to the edge of the painting and catch sight of another figure, almost hidden in the shadows. Art critics say this is a representation of Rembrandt himself, for he recognized that by his sins he helped nail Jesus to the cross. - Source Unknown.

I believe in the power of the Cross! Most Christians think that you only preach the Cross at Easter, not so! The Cross is a message that needs to be preached every day, every week, every month, and every year! But we cannot preach the Cross without preaching the resurrection! This week we will look at the resurrection and how it brings reconciliation with the Father! First we look at…

THE DECLARATION
The resurrection is a declaration! It declares that Jesus Christ is the Son of God! He is “…declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, - Rom.1:4. The resurrection settles everything; every question about Jesus’ identity was settled by the resurrection, every doubt concerning his deity was settled by the resurrection, the resurrection settled it all! Hallelujah! What an awesome God we serve!

We Are Not Declaring Some Dead Religion
We are declaring life! The life that Jesus died for, rose again from the dead for! We are not trying to give up one dead religion and join another! This study is not about religion, it’s about a relationship with the Almighty God. We are not declaring changing religions, we are declaring about having a relationship with God! We are not declaring about Church, although that is important, we are declaring a relationship with a Saviour who gives abundant life! The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. - John 10:10.

A conversation between a Christian missionary and a Muslim illustrates a great point. The Mohammedan’s wanted to impress the missionary with what he considered to be the superiority of Islam. So he said, "When we go to Mecca, we at least find a coffin, but when you Christians go the Jerusalem, your Mecca, you find nothing but an empty grave." To this the believer replied, "That is just the difference, Mohammed is dead and in his coffin. And all other systems of religion and philosophy are in their coffins. But Christ is risen, and all power in heaven and on earth is given to Him! He is alive forevermore! – Source unknown.

The Resurrection Is Not Some Dead Doctrine
Some declare the resurrection as though it was just a doctrine, they treat it as though it is something you learn in order to be a part of the religious group, and they treat it as though it's just something you learn so you can fit in at church! The resurrection is not just some dead doctrine, it is reconciliation with God almighty, and it is reconciliation to the Lord Jesus Christ! Death is separation; resurrection is when those who are separated are reconciled to God!

World War II was almost over. News of the armistice had reached the troops but the actual order to cease fire was still on the way to the front. Then a bursting shell tore open a soldier's flesh. As his blood flowed out of the fatal wound, he said, "Isn't this just like God?" – Source unknown.

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. - Col 1:19-20.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; - 2Co 5:18.

The resurrection does not declare the beginning of a new church, and it does not declare the start of a new religion! This miraculous reconciliation of Christ, declares that He is the Son of God! Hallelujah! What a mighty God we serve!

Loving Father, I thank you for the cross, I thank you that Jesus died for me, so that I may be reconciled to you! Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to take the principles contained in your word, and apply them to my life, that I might be a better child for you, in Jesus wonderful name I pray. Amen!

GBYAY