The Initial Significance And Consequences Of Jesus Christ Being Raised From The Dead!

Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.

If you are looking for something profoundly and practically inspirational and something to lift you and encourage you and strengthen you then this word may be written especially for you in your current situation and I know not what that might be, but the Word of God speaks to everyone, and at all times.

It is such a short sentence but it is true and its truth transforms and changes a whole variety of situations and scenarios. It is almost a staccato truth but the reality of it lasts and lasts.

This is light which can shine into all kinds of darkness.

Are you going through some bleak barren dark dry season? Then allow and let the light of the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ shine in your troubled worried burdened heart and mind.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything, and has become the central event of history.

Whatever you may think of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and this is something people find hard to believe, it has impacted our world. You can let it impact your life and then you can impact the lives of those around you.

I was a mere boy of eight when I was called to be a preacher of the Gospel and a teacher of the Scriptures and I have found the risen Jesus to be so near and so real in even the darkest hours of bereavement and exam failure and in the various valleys of challenge.

Men even changed the calendar from B.C. to A.D., meaning 'Before Christ', and 'in the year of our Lord'. Jesus Christ has that ability and capacity to change all kinds of circumstances whether who is jesus  be global or very personal.

When his critics asked for a sign, and he had many, Jesus only gave one sign. He pointed to his resurrection from the dead.

It was following the raising of his friend Lazarus, from the dead, that religious leaders planned and plotted to kill Jesus. Yes, there is a cost and we must recognise that and be aware of that reality. Some find it in the 'small print' when it is too late, and that is why I mention it now and bring this aspect of the truth out into the open.

Jesus Christ came to deal with sin, and give mankind hope. Jesus came into our darkness to give light, and people are living in all kinds of darkness.

Jesus made some uniquely radical claims when he walked this earth.

From early days in his ministry, Jesus spoke of how he would suffer at the hands of various religious leaders, and be killed, and three days later be raised to life. He was aware of what lay ahead of him.

Jesus suffered a horrific and humiliating death, but God has explained the reason for the suffering.

There is no forgiveness, without the shedding of blood. That is just a spiritual fact and a theological axiom. Do you know that your sins have been forgiven or that they can be washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross?

Jesus Christ gives not only forgiveness but peace to those who come to him and thousand upon thousands are searching for peace and clambering for peace in these days, but real lasting peace is to be found in Jesus Christ, the living Son of God. Should you wish me to expound this further, and explain it personally to you, or to your group, or fellowship, I would count it a joy and an honour and privilege so to do. All you have to do is ask. Do you not let sin rob you of the depth of peace and joy which flows from knowing that your sins have been dealt with by the One who came to do that job!

Jesus explained that when that tomb goes empty I want you to know my address, and that will be, seated at the right hand of God.

This had been predicted 700 years prior to it all happening.

When we read of these disciples, not one of the 120 had any doubt, as to whether Jesus Christ was risen and alive.

Personalities were and are transformed by the risen Christ, as he gives hope.

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.