-------------------- ********** --------------------
Easter 1998
At Easter we're vividly reminded of the wonderful hope God has given us in
his Son.
Life isn't easy. Its struggles meet us daily. Then the grave looms up at the end of our days, and we know there's one appointment we undoubtedly will keep. Some folks go through their whole lives trying to deny the fact that their days on earth are limited. As Christians, we don't have to pretend that "everything's peachy." The good that God gives us is not found in denying the bad things that happen, but rather in the victory the Lord brought about by conquering the bad in the work of Jesus Christ. History is the working out of that victory.
Death is the great enemy of mankind. It's the worst of the bad things. But thanks to Jesus, it's no more than a temporary condition for a Christian. We only die for a little while physically. During the time that our bodies rest in the earth our spirits will be before God's throne in heaven praising Him.(Heb.12:22-24; Lk.23:42-43) Then that great final day of history will arrive; "Judgment Day," as it is often called in popular culture. All the dead will be raised up.(Rev.20:12-15) Believers will be first. (ICor.15:50-57 IThess.4:13-18) We'll be caught up to heaven to meet the Lord Jesus as He returns in glory. Then all mankind will be raised and gathered before Him to give account of themselves. Every idle word will be accounted for before the One who alone is holy.(Mt.12:36) Every thought will either excuse or condemn those who had them (Rom.2:12-16), and every individual action and deed will be judged in the light of God's Word (Rev.20:12). We also, as believers, must give an account of ourselves to God (Rom.14:10-13).
These are sobering truths, and they should be. We need to be spiritually "sobered up." There's so much "sloppy agapé" and watered down "feel good" teaching among evangelicals in our day that any mention of the Judgment or accountability sounds like a concept from some unknown religion. Unfortunately, that "unknown religion" is Biblical Christianity.
Christian, you don't have to hide from anything. Christ died for you, and now God promises that He will receive you, forgive you, and keep you by His free grace. He calls you to trust Him to do the work, believe His promise, and daily rely on His grace and power working for you and in you. He is your God. He never forgot you (because He loves you).
The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive! It's Him! He's the one who's coming again in glory as Judge. The One who alone has the authority to condemn you is the very one who died to save you (Rom.8:31-39). He took all your sins on Himself, and the evidence that He made full payment for us is that after He suffered, death had no power over Him, so He rose again on the third day. And because it has no power over Him, it has no power over those who are in Him (Rom.6:9-11). This is the good news!
Yes, it's true, there are many trials and struggles in this life. But because Jesus died and rose again you can face them all with confidence from His grace and love freely given to us. Life is good because we have hope. His name is Jesus. We have a reason to celebrate!
Have a Happy Easter this Sunday and every day!
Yours in Christ's Kingdom,
Pastor David T. Stark
-------------------- ********** --------------------
SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
THE GRACEWAY BIBLE SOCIETY
39 Caldwell Cres.,
Brampton, Ontario,
Canada L6W 1A2
-------------------- ********** --------------------
MAY OUR GRACIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER BLESS ALL OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF T.B.S. CANADA WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN THIS NEW YEAR OF 1998. BRETHERN, PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
**** 1998 ****
-------------------- ********** --------------------
...........
...............
########
..........