modern living - your helpful guide to living in South Devon

If Jesus is risen, then …

I suppose quite a number of Englishmen have heard that Jesus died for the sins of the world, that he was buried, and that on the third day he rose again. You might even believe it to be true (I certainly do). But you might never have understood the significance of Jesus resurrection. If it be true that Jesus rose from the dead, then the following significant truths should be understood.
First, it is inconceivable that God would raise from the dead someone who told lies about himself, in particular claiming God as his own father (John 8:54). Therefore, if it be true that God raised Jesus from the dead, it means all the claims that Jesus made about himself are true – because God would not raise a liar from the dead.
Second, if all the claims Jesus made about himself are true, then all religions are false, except for Christianity. Because Jesus himself says “I am the way, the truth and the life – no one comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). That means the common belief that “all religions lead to God” is false. Jesus’ resurrection proves that Christianity alone is true.
Third, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead means there will come a time when all will be judged. This means you, the person reading this newsletter, will be judged for the way you have obeyed or disobeyed God throughout your life. You will be judged for how you have responded to Jesus’ call, for how you have loved your neighbour. The Bible is clear, God has set a day on which he will judge the world, with justice, by the man he has appointed. He’s given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:31)
Fourth, the resurrection of Jesus also means that you can be born anew, you can turn from your sins and have new life now, as well as the assurance of eternal life in the age to come. As one of the writers of the New Testament puts it, and he himself was an accomplice to murder and a blasphemer of God’s Son, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (I Timothy 1:15) and “it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Jesus Christ lives in Christians, by his Spirit, whom he gives to people at their conversion.
Some 80 to 90 people gather at Great Parks Chapel every Sunday morning (10:30) to sing praises to the Lord and to learn how to please Him. Some of us are teachers, some are businessmen, some are mothers and grandmothers. Whatever your position, high or low, why don’t you join us and come to know more of the Almighty God who created you and sent his Son to redeem you from ungodly ways? All are welcome.

Good Friday (6th April)
10.00 – 10.45am – Family Service (All Welcome)
“My God, my God…Why have you forsaken me?” – Matt 27:46

Easter Sunday
10.30am – Family Service
The true judge – Luke 22:26-56
6.30pm – Communion Service
He is not here; he has risen. – Luke 24:1-12