Our scripture this morning is Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT).
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Paul wrote several times in different letters about how we have died in Christ and are raised with Him. He teaches that when we accept Jesus as our savior we die to our old way of life and a new life begins. Our sins are forgiven and we can be blessed to share His love with the world.
In Colossians 3:1-2 he writes “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” When we choose to follow Jesus we think and act differently because of our connection to Him. While we may still live in the same place and have the same occupation, we now have a duty to bring the Gospel message to everyone.
He writes in Romans 6:4 “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” This change in our attitude and behavior is a visible sign that our lives are different when we experience the power of the Resurrection. When we walk with Jesus we can be His representatives, proclaiming the Good News to all.
Loving Lord, help us to see the redeeming love that You have shared with us and carry it to Your children. May we be effective workers for Your kingdom. Amen.
