‘He is risen!’ – Part 24

(5) We have the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Tit 2:13), when believers will be caught up from the earth to meet Him in the clouds (1 Thes 4:13-18; see article on The Rapture), and when we shall see Him as He is and become like Him (Phil 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3). (6) We have the hope of receiving a crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:8), of glory (1 Pet 5:4) and of life (Rev 2:10). (7) Finally, we have the hope of eternal life (Tit 1:2; 3:7), the life guaranteed to all who trust and obey the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16,36; 6:47; 1 John 5:11-13)

With such great promises in store for those who hope in God and in His Son Jesus, Peter urges us: “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15). The Resurrection helps us find meaning even in great tragedy.

No matter what happens to us as we walk with the Lord, the Resurrection gives us hope for the future (1 Pt 1:3-21).
1:3-6 Do you need encouragement? Peter’s words offer joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We’re called into a living hope of eternal life (1; 3). Our hope is not only for the future; eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God’s family. No matter what pain or trial we face in this life, we know that it is not our final experience. Eventually, we will live with Christ forever.

1:4 The Jews had looked forward to an inheritance in the Promised Land of Canaan (Num 32:19; Deut 2:12; 19:9). Christians now look forward to a family inheritance in the eternal city of God. God has reserved the inheritance; it will never fade or decay; it will be unstained by sin. The best part is that you have an inheritance, if you have trusted Christ as your Saviour. The resurrection brings to our consciousness the significance of the Lord’s Supper when we partake of the Holy Eucharist

When Jesus appeared to two believers travelling on the Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35; Mark 16:12,13) they did not recognise Him until “He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” 31Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:30,31).

Read Lk 24:32-35. “…and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.” (Luke 24: 35). What is the significance of the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper is described in four passages: Mat 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:15-20; 1 Cor 11:23-25. Its significance relates to the past, the present and the future.

(1) The past significance. (a) It is a remembrance (Gk anamnesis; vv. 24-26; Luke 22:19) of Christ’s death for the believer’s redemption from sin and condemnation. Through the Lord’s Supper, we are once again confronted with the saving death of Christ and its redemptive significance for our lives. Christ’s death is our ultimate motivation against falling into sin and for abstaining from all appearance of evil (1 Thes 5:22). (b) It is a thanksgiving (Gk eucharistia) for the blessings and salvation of God made available by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (v. 24; Mat 26:27; Mark 14:23; Luke 22:19).

Email: mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk; yetundemercyolumidewww.christiscomingsoon.netMobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987.