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April 10, 2014

Death may be inevitable to all but in the Gospel today Jesus says that for those who keep his word they will not experience death. How is this possible when in truth no one escapes death? The Jews could not understand him. What death is Jesus talking about? Is it possible to live forever? Actually, Jesus was not talking about physical death. He meant that a life lived in him will bring one to eternal life. Jesus’ word is life giving. This means that if we keep his word and live it, we bring out the “shine of Jesus” in us.

Therefore, we are alive when others see more of “Jesus” and less of us. As we experience more of the life that Jesus has shown us, we will come closer to the life everlasting that all of us are hoping for. Sin, on the other hand, means death because it opposes Jesus, the Light. It operates in the darkness of evil and does not give light.

Let us allow the Light of Jesus to give us life. Live Jesus because he is the Resurrection and the Life! Something to ponder about today: we are made to live a life in preparation for what is eternal and reserved for all those who love God and do His will.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 3

<< Thursday, April 10, 2014 >>

Genesis 17:3-9
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Psalm 105:4-9

John 8:51-59
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DEAD ENDS AND THE LIVE END

"Whom do You make Yourself out to be?" —John 8:53

"Abraham is dead. The prophets are dead" (Jn 8:52). Buddha is dead. Mohammed is dead. Caesar is dead. Nations, societies, and civilizations are dead. Everyone is dead or on the threshold of death except for Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25).

Jesus alone holds "the keys of death and the nether world" (Rv 1:18). Consequently, Jesus is not merely a great leader, wise man, or the most significant figure in history. Jesus rose by His own power. This means Jesus is God. He was proclaimed "Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness, by His Resurrection from the dead" (Rm 1:4). Therefore, Jesus alone can say: "I solemnly declare it: before Abraham came to be, I AM" (Jn 8:58).

Therefore, Christianity is not just another religion. It is the only religion directly founded by Christ, Who is God. Because of this, the Church is not just another human institution; it is the body of Christ and the only body of Christ. Therefore, a Christian is just not the same as every other person. A Christian is a walking tabernacle, containing the treasure of Jesus Himself (2 Cor 4:7). "Because of this we no longer look on anyone in terms of mere human judgment. If at one time we so regarded Christ, we no longer know Him by this standard" (2 Cor 5:16).

Worship Christ, share His Gospel, love the Church (Eph 5:25), and reverence Christians as members of Christ's body.

Prayer: Father, I will live in the freedom of knowing that Jesus will raise me from the dead.

Promise: "I will maintain My covenant with you and your descendants after you." —Gn 17:7

Praise: Martin did not return to drink when his wife died or when he lost his job. Jesus had indeed set him free (Jn 8:36).