I Serve a Risen Savior

Bulletins

Andy Addison
11/13/22 - Weekly Bulletin

I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR

We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4 - What Makes Christianity Different? There are many religious choices in the world today. Why be a Christian and not a member of one of these other world religions? That’s a good question. Simply put, we should be a Christian because Christians serve a risen savior, Jesus Christ. The gods and saviors of the other religions are dead. Yes, dead! Who in their right mind would want to be a member of a religion that is founded upon a dead god or savior? Think about it. The God and savior of Christianity is living. Jesus predicted several times that he would live after his death and ascend back to his Father (John 6:62; 14:2,12; 16:5,10,28; 17:11; 20:17). This is the savior that you want to serve! Up From the Grave He Arose Jesus actually rose from the dead on the third day (Luke 24:1,21). Yes, Jesus lived after his death and he was seen by many and he did ordinary things after his death like eat a meal and talk to his friends (Matthew 28:16ff; Mark 16:9ff; Luke 24:13ff; John 20:11ff; Acts 10:40-41). Jesus’ own body was raised from the dead. It was his own body with the nail prints still in his hands and feet (Luke 24:39; John 20:25-27). This is important to know because Christianity is based upon the miracle of Jesus’ bodily resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection was also confirmed by many eyewitnesses who were willing to die for what they believed and saw (1 Corinthians 15:1-5). And his resurrection was special. Others in Bible times were resurrected, but Jesus’ resurrection declared him to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4). Jesus’s resurrection was followed by his ascension back to his Father in heaven (Lk. 24:50-51; Acts 1:1-11; 7:55-56). Why did Jesus ascend into heaven and who is this risen savior that we are to serve? Let’s take a look in the Bible and see. He Lives! Jesus ascended to save mankind (Matthew 28:20; Mk. 16:19-20). Jesus worked with the Apostles to spread the gospel and perform miracles of confirmation. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15) and he continued this work in heaven. Jesus ascended to send the Spirit of Truth to the Apostles (John 16:7). Jesus spoke his word to the Apostles via the Holy Spirit (14:26; 16:14). And, he spoke all truth to the Apostles via the Holy Spirit (14:17; 16:13). Jesus ascended to rule and reign over all mankind (Acts 2:33-35). Jesus returned to his glorious state (John 17:5; Acts 5:31; 1 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 5:12). In this glorious state, Jesus is the Lord of the universe (Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 1:5). Jesus at the right of the Father has power over all enemies (Psa. 110:1; Mt. 26:64; Heb. 10:12-13). Jesus at the right hand of the Father is also head of his church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:8-10; Revelation 2:1) and King of his kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9). Jesus ascended to make intercession for Christians (Romans 8:34). Jesus understands our needs when we pray to the Father (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14 -16). He continually ministers to us (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25; 8:1; 9:24; 1 John 1:7 – 2:2) and he gives us boldness (Heb. 10:19-25). Jesus ascended to mark out the way to heaven (Hebrews 2:10; 6:19-20; 12:2). He prepares a place in heaven for the prepared people of God (John 14:1-3). He raises our minds above earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). He sets the example of how to run the race of life to heaven. Jesus ascended to return and judge the word (Acts 3:20-21; 17:30-31). Jesus will come again, raise all the dead, and then sit on his throne and separate the righteous from the wicked in the judgment day (Matthew 25:33-34). He Lives! Will You? Like Jesus, will you be raised to walk in newness of life through baptism (Romans 6:3-5)? Will you be raised to sit with Jesus now (Ephesians 2:6)? Will you be caught up in the air with Jesus at his coming (1 Thessalonians 4:17)? Will you sit with Jesus throughout all eternity (Revelation 3:21)? Friend, do you serve a risen savior? If not, start serving him today.

Chris Reeves, THE WARFIELD BULLETIN,

Warfield Church of Christ, Clarksville, TN.