This is part six of my Easter 2008 notes. By believing in Jesus and accepting what he did for us on the Cross, we become new creations. 5:17 Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. Jesus took our sin on the Cross, our sour wine, and turns it into new wine in new wineskins! Praise God! The Cross was not the last chapter in the story. The story continued. The disiples found the tomb empty. THE TOMB WAS EMPTY! John saw and believed. (John 20:8) Jesus said that Mary Magdalene should not to cling to Him because He had not yet ascended. Does that mean that we should cling to Him since He has? (John 20:17) It gives us peace to know that it's all true. We are not on the other side of the Cross waiting for a Messiah. You can bank on it that your are right. Armed with this knowledge, we are sent to love and serve. That is why our lives and actions can help others to believe. (John 20:21) - We are sent out, but not alone. (John 20:22)
- We are blessed because we have believed and not seen. (John 20:29)
- A priority after receiving the Holy Spirit is to forgive sins. I think it might only be possible to do that if you have the Holy Spirit. (John 20:23)
By receiving the Holy Spirit, you have been readied as a new creation in Christ. You must be willing, prepared, alert, and available to live and act in the will of God. 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name. Thank God for all the new believers - the new creations in Christ this Easter Season. |