From Discipleship Weekly

(a publication of the Presbyterian Church of Islip)

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A Word from Our Sponsor "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." -- John 11:25,26 The Heidelberg Catechism: Part 1- Of Man's Redemption Week 17 45. Q. What benefit do we receive from "the resurrection" of Christ? A. First, by His resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection. [Rom. 4:25; 6:5-11; 8:11; I Cor. 15:12-23; Eph. 2:4-6; Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 3:1-4; I Pet. 1:3-5] Suggestions for discussion and review: The March 22, 1999 issue of Newsweek featured a cover story entitled, "2000 Years of Jesus." The article cited a poll which included the following: 82% of Americans consider themselves to be Christians. To the question, "Do you believe that Jesus Christ actually lived," only 93% of Christians said yes!! To the question, "Do you believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead," only 88% of Christians said they did! Is it possible to be a Christian if you don't have to believe Jesus actually lived, died and rose again from the dead? Wouldn't it be enough to say that he "rose again" in the hearts and faith of his disciples? Do you believe Jesus actually rose again from the dead? Why? * * * * * * * * * * The message of the Resurrection is that this present world matters; that the problems and pains of this present world matter; that the living God has made a decisive bridgehead into this present world with his healing and all-conquering love; and that, in the name of this strong love, all the evils, all the injustices, and all the pains of the present world must now be addressed with the news the healing, justice and love have won the day. That's why we pray: 'Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.' -- N. T. Wright