Romans 6:8-11
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He Who Lives! - Paul Lester
“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
1 Corinthians 15:55
The Pestilence moves silently through the population, claiming one life after another. Young and old, hearty and frail, male and female, all fall victim to the unseen menace. None are immune to its bitter grip as it marches unopposed across the continents.
While the preceding may sound like an apt description of the virus that presently plagues our planet, I speak this morning of a greater threat, and that is Death itself. For Death has reigned supreme since our exile from the Garden. Paupers and princes, the righteous and the wicked, are all subject to the scythe wielded by Death, the Giant from the Grave. But the Prince of Life conquered Death in another garden just outside the gates of Jerusalem on a cold spring morning two millennia ago.
How appropriate then that on this day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, as we remind ourselves that He shares the spoils of His victory over Death and the Grave with all who follow Him! Death is now consigned to the role of a butler—unable to approach those who are sealed with the Spirit until bidden to go forth by the Master Himself, and only then for the purpose of ushering the saint into the Eternal Kingdom of our Lord! Truly then the Giant of Death has lost its sting, so that the child of God may laugh in Death’s face as David mocked the giant of Gath in the Valley of Elah.
Let us then rejoice this morning that our Champion of Heaven is stronger than every Giant of Death that stalks the earth, whether it be a crown-like virus or Death itself. So, while we wait for our Banneret to return, we can stand confidently under His standard that signals our deliverance and ultimate victory over the Devil, Death and the Grave!
“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
Rev. 1:18
-- Paul Lester
COVID-19 Crisis Prayer - Pastor Mike
Today's Prayer
Psalm 67
Today’s Subject: Peace
God’s Way: Jesus said; Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you: not as the world do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
Pray that as we face this pandemic, we are more aware than ever that we are not alone. Pray that we would stay in constant fellowship with our Savior and grow deeper in our relationship with Him. Pray that we would not be fearful or troubled by the events that are all around us but that we would experience and exhibit the supernatural peace that is a gift from God. Pray that we would endeavor to be peacemakers. Pray that during this time we would not be distracted from God’s love for us, but instead drive us closer and deeper understanding Him who is Love. Pray we will live in His peace by trusting in Him and not ourselves.
God’s Salvation: Prayer and thanksgiving that our peace is provided by Jesus Christ. At the birth of Jesus, the angels proclaimed that the peace of God had come to earth. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we are afforded peace with God. Pray that many would trust Jesus and know His peace as their Lord and Savior in the midst of this crisis. Pray for all believers to experience the peace of God that surpasses understanding. So that we may be light to our communities. Pray that we would be aware of those around us and in our circle of influence that don’t know Jesus and how frightening this may be for them. Pray that we have opportunity, wisdom and boldness to share with them our source of peace. Pray that they would want to know and except Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray that through this experience we all come out with a greater knowledge of who Christ is.
God’s Praise: Pray that we would give Him praise knowing His mercy endures forever. Thank You Lord for Your wonderful gift of peace. Praise God for the Holy Spirit that dwells within us and never leaves us. Praise God for the great love and compassion He has for all of us. Praise Him for His watch and care over the whole world and His sovereign power to direct our paths and to lead us out of this pandemic. Praise God for the plans that He has and His ability to take what was meant for evil and to bring good from it.
“God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your Way may be known on earth, Your Salvation among the nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You” Psalm 67: 1-3