The resurrection can seem like a distant event—something from another time, another world. To the natural mind, it’s simply impossible. Yet here’s what’s remarkable: this historic miracle, this display of God’s love and power, shapes our daily lives in the most practical ways.
This month, we’re sharing Dr. Stanley’s thoughts on the living Christ and why His resurrection matters not just for eternity, but for the very real challenges you’re facing today.
Have you ever talked to someone who thought the resurrection of Jesus Christ was nonsense?
The Bible says even the apostles—the men closest to Him on earth—had trouble believing (Luke 24:11), so we shouldn’t be surprised if our friends and neighbors wonder why we get together each week to talk about “a dead man.”
How about you?
Do you truly believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified, buried, and walked out of the tomb?
We know this, not only because the Word of God declares it, but because He lives within our hearts. We sense His presence and power in our lives.
Let’s look at the tremendous advantages we have in Christ and what it means to us personally that He lives.
Because He lives, we don’t have to suffer from loneliness in our hearts.
He said to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you” (John 14:18). And He said the Holy Spirit will be in you, with you, and upon you (John 14:17; Acts 1:7-9).
We have all been in situations when we felt alone and wondered where God was. Yet He’s exactly where He said He would be—living within us in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Because He lives, we don’t need to wonder whether God will provide for us.
The Lord Jesus promised that God would meet our needs as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:25-33). No situation is too large for His sovereign hands to handle.
He may not provide in the way or timing we hope for, but our Father has our best interests at heart. Jesus is always with you as you await God’s perfect provision.
Because He lives, we can pray with confidence.
Many people pray and merely hope God listens.
But to pray with true confidence is to believe that Jesus Christ—who went to the cross and paid your sin debt in full—has ascended to the Father, where He is seated at His right hand, making intercession for you.
Consider 1 John 5:14-15: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”
Because He lives, we can be at peace during the most difficult times in our lives.
He said: “Peace I leave you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
When you’re going through adversity, He is your anchor. He’ll never require you to face any difficulty apart from His loving presence or without His power.
Because He lives, we can face death courageously.
When you trust Jesus Christ, the gift of eternal life becomes yours.
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation” (Rom. 10:9-10).
How grateful we are that God made His message so simple: Trust Jesus for what He did on the cross and know that He left an empty tomb.
This should give you an awesome sense of assurance that we are His and will enjoy Him in heaven for eternity.
We hope Dr. Stanley’s message has reminded you that the resurrection isn’t just about what happened two thousand years ago—it’s about the living Savior who walks with you today.
Because He rose from the dead, you never face anything alone. Whatever you’re walking through this month, remember that you serve a risen Lord who knows your needs, hears your prayers, and will never leave your side.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His glory,
Your friends at In Touch Ministries