If Then You Were Raised with Christ
Today’s Texts: Colossians 2:13-14; 3:1-4, 12-17
FOUNDATION

The Bible is the FOUNDATION for life.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a non-negotiable truth of the Bible. It was a spectacular event that not only powerfully affected the world of the first century, but also empowers the lives of Christians today in the twenty-first century.

COLOSSIANS 2:13-15

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And, He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.

If anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

A triumphant victory over sin and death, Jesus Christ’s resurrection profoundly changes the life focus of every authentic Believer. Out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us, our purpose in life is now wholehearted service for Him. What a difference Christ’s resurrection makes; live for Him!

For more thoughtful reading, click on Holy Week.

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken authentically communicates biblical truth making his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

IMAGE:
1) Risen Christ at supper with friends in Emmaus, (circa. 1870s). By Carl Bloch [PD-Art], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

♦