John 20
Burke County

As we know, April this year is the month that we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In our study and devotion for this month, I encourage each of us to focus on and to always be mindful of the resurrection. In John 20, we recall that Mary Magdalene came on the first day of the week unto the sepulcher and saw the stone had been rolled away from it. She was so excited that she came to tell others of the great things that had come to pass. The good news spread abroad like wildfire, and to this day, the good news of the resurrection of Christ is being celebrated.

In Colossians 1:18, the Bible says, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead: that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is risen. I am amazed and filled with joy every time I think about the resurrection of Christ. It should bring exhilaration to our innermost being and provide hope and victory to face another day.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible was written by the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 3:10, he wrote, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” In Philippians chapter 3, we read Paul’s exhortation for all believers of the access we are given of the divine power of God to live above and beyond all our circumstances in this life.

Thanks be to God, we have the same power that raised Christ from the dead living inside our mortal bodies. When we die to self, we live unto God, and as we proceed by grace through faith, the power of his resurrection will be noticed by all to witness. We’re living in a lost and dying world that desperately needs to hear and receive the resurrection power of Christ by faith.

People need to know that if “Thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9,13)

All who have been saved and will be saved can enjoy and will experience the power of his resurrection. The secret to living in the victory of Jesus Christ is found in Philippians 4:6–9: resting and waiting, being careful for nothing, and allowing the peace of God to take control.

Victory was won by Christ so that we can walk in newness of life. If you are born again, your sins, your shame, and guilt are under the Blood of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:1) Jesus Christ is living in the fullness of His glory, seated at the right hand of the Father, and we, being in Christ, are seated with Him in heavenly places. Read Ephesians 2:6.

Christ paid it all so that we might live unto God, and eventually by death or the rapture we will be forever with Him. The resurrection: such divine power we have been given in Christ. Therefore, let us live each day in His victory, in the power of his resurrection.

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Robert Stamey is a member of Bridgeport Baptist Church in Valdese, NC. He is an avid reader and studier of the Word of God (KJV). He is a writer/illustrator of children’s books. He also has a B.Div. and an M.TH. From the Blue Ridge Bible Institute at present-day located in Jacksonville, FL. He loves to study God’s word intensely and show mercy. He has a tract ministry with the hope of leading others to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Read more Christian news and stories from Burke, McDowell, Mitchell, Yancey, Avery, and Madison counties here.

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