On January 30, 1995 I received the kind of phone call that everyone dreads. My mom had a heart attack and was hospitalized in Ohio where my parents lived. Concerned and fearful, I listened as they spoke of her possibly going home in a few days once stabilized.
That’s my mom, dad and me in Corinth, Greece standing in front of the Roman bema (judgment) seat
Later that evening I received another call that rocked my world. Doctors had told family members to come now if we wanted to see our mother alive again.
After pacing the floor in anguish for an hour, I finally called for an update. But the news was grim. My father informed me of her death. I was overcome with grief and tears. It was crushing, and terrible grief was my companion for months and months.
Thankfully, the fact that Jesus is alive and I will see my mother again tempered my sorrow.
Because Jesus is Alive…
1. I Have God’s Promise of a Reunion with Christian Loved Ones.
My mom was a follower of Christ and I know that He received her with open arms.
1 Corinthians 15:53, 54 promises: “For our earthly bodies, the ones we have now that can die, must be transformed into heavenly bodies that cannot perish but will live forever. When this happens, then at last this Scripture will come true – ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’”
(Please see my previous article on “Four Powerful Proofs Jesus Lives.”)
2. I Have Assurance of Eternal Life.
Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection has defeated death. He has the power to save us and He gives us the assurance of eternal life.
1 John 5:13 says: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (Note the word “know” in this verse!)
3. I Have Strength to Face Life’s Challenges.
We can enter God’s presence with confidence. He is waiting to pour out mercy, grace and strength to face life’s challenges.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
4. I Have Meaning in my Life.
As Christians we find meaning and significance as we serve and impact lives for eternity. We are members of God’s household and fellow citizens with our brothers and sisters in God’s Kingdom.
5. I Have a Purpose for Living.
We are not here by accident. What we do has eternal consequences. Our mission for the Almighty is winning and discipling the world for His sake. We have purpose as we proclaim forgiveness and eternal life in Christ.
6. I Have Joy!
We can have His joy in us! Not like the happiness of the world which is based on circumstances and fluctuates like a roller coaster ride. But there is joy for the believer that withstands the ebb and flow of life’s difficulties.
Jesus said in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
7. I Have Forgiveness of Sins.
The Apostle Paul wrote: “I want you to know, my very dear friends that it is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of sins can be promised.” (Acts 13:37)
God and sin cannot coexist. God is holy and sin has tainted our blood. Jesus took our sins upon himself on the cross so that we can be forgiven.
8. I Have a Personal Relationship with God.
Jesus died for our sins so that we can have a personal relationship with God. We can know Him and even call Him Father!
9. I Have a New Life.
Have you ever wanted to have a fresh start in life? Your life can be brand new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!”
10. I Have Freedom from Fear.
Faith in God helps us conquer our fears and with Him we can face them head on–including the fear of death.
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
The issues are huge–many of the biggest issues in life. All are answered by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.