So last night our community group met and discussed the afterlife and what it means that we worship a God who lived, died and resurrected.

Resurrected King: Reason for Hope & Encouragement

We unpacked what it means that Jesus literally rose from the dead, and spent time addressing evidence, past and present, that He lives.

The Gospel is the justification for hope and new life. If Christ lived, died and defeated death then in Him we have a path to "life and life abundant" (John 10:10).

Conversely, if Christ did not resurrect, then our faith is a lie and we are to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:19)

Fortunately our faith is not without cause, the resurrection itself was observed by followers and it changed their lives. People saw the risen Christ and surrendered to Jesus, died for Christ's call, and that commitment conveys that the Resurrection is fact, not lore. He really did rise from the dead: as I see it, there is no other explanation for their commitment unto death?

And looking at the conviction in the saints can be an encouragement for our faith today but more than this it is among the evidence by which we answer the call of 1 Peter 3:15.

1 Peter 3:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

We are called by scripture to honor Christ as holy by being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason, which is to say we have "reasons" to believe. Yes we have faith in things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1), but God has left evidence in His creation those with eyes to see, so let us see and know, so that we may defend His hope to any who ask for a reason.

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Then we took time to acknowledge that the resurrection was not the only movement of God in this world. We each have stories of God's intervention today and in order to glorify God, and encourage our faith, we shared these stories.

The point being that Christ lives, He still moves and works in the world even now.

In Him we have a living God who hears our cry and answers, in Him we have a God that longs to hear our hopes and dreams. Not so that He can simply answer our beck and call, but because He is a loving father who desires to know and be known by us.

Scripture for this Week:

Village recommended we read Luke 24 & Psalm 77.

Do yourself a favor and re-read each, Psalm 77 is really speaking to me today. The Psalmist cries out in devastation and even doubt, but is resolute that God hears, and God's ways are good, come what may.

As always, thank you for your time and attention. Have and amazing day and God bless.

Psalm 77:11-15 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah