Why even try? Why even try to really live out what Jesus says?
Every step of that just doesn't make sense to us. But it's God's wisdom, not ours.
My life has undergone a rather dramatic shift in the last couple months.
I am better at some things than other people are. And so are you.
It seems as if there is a warning label on everything. On my wife's curling iron the tag says do not use in the shower.
Jesus died to pay the punishment for your sins. And we can trust this because the Biblical authors reported everything just the way they witnessed it.
As we witness confirmations in our Lutheran church, we are reminded of our commitment to our faith. In Revelation 2:10, Jesus promises the crown of life to those faithful unto death. Jesus wore our crown of shame, bearing our sins on the cross, so we may inherit eternal life.
Pastor Don Moldstad compares the constant reminder of mortality to a "Death Church." We find hope in Jesus' resurrection, which brings us into the "Life Church." Through Christ, death is overcome, offering believers eternal life.
Historically, even non-Christians acknowledge Jesus's existence and empty tomb. 1 Corinthians 15 explains death entered through Adam, our ancestor, but through Christ, a new lineage of life is offered. Believing in Jesus grafts us into this living lineage, ensuring our future resurrection like Christ, the firstfruit.
Arachnophobia, like the fear of death, is common, yet unwarranted for those with faith in Christ. As Paul's words to the Corinthians express, death's sting is negated by Jesus' sacrifice. Believers need not fear death; it's merely a passage to eternal life, a victory and hope through resurrection afforded by faith in Jesus.
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Happy Easter everyone. Today is a good day to go and tell jokes.
It's interesting to think about, Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples and then the very next day he gives himself as the sacrificial lamb for the forgiveness of sins.