On this Resurrection Sunday, we gathered to celebrate the culmination of our six-week journey towards becoming more like Jesus. This journey has been a collective effort, not just on Sundays but throughout the week in our small groups. For those who may be joining us for the first time or after a long absence, we've been singing a song that encapsulates our desire to emulate Jesus in every aspect of our lives. The lyrics, "I have decided to follow Jesus," reflect our commitment to this path.
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13:1, urges us to embody the likeness of Jesus Christ. This is not merely about avoiding wrongdoing but about actively pursuing a life that mirrors Christ's. Our goal has been to learn how to look, think, pray, serve, and love like Jesus. This transformation is the essence of our Christian walk.
On Good Friday, we remember the crucifixion of Jesus, a day that might seem to be about defeat and death. However, it is a crucial part of the Easter story. Jesus' death on the cross was not just a historical event; it was a substitutionary act of love. He took our place, bearing the punishment for our sins, as prophesied in Isaiah 53. This act of love was not for a select few but for all who would receive it.
The question then becomes, how do we ensure we are among those for whom Jesus carried away sins? The answer lies in receiving the gift of salvation. Romans 6 and Romans 10 outline the steps: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. This confession is an act of surrender, and belief is an act of faith. It is through this that we receive the gift of salvation and begin our journey of transformation.
Living like Jesus means making a choice. We cannot serve two masters; we cannot be slaves to sin and to Christ simultaneously. Jesus' words in John 8 and Matthew 6 remind us that we must choose whom we will serve. The cross gives us the ability to choose Christ and to walk away from sin. Paul, in Romans 6, emphasizes that our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ. We are to let it remain there and live a new life, free from the control of sin.
Hebrews 12 encourages us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, so we can run the race marked out for us. This race is our God-given purpose on Earth. We can run this race because we fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. The cross and the empty tomb empower us to live like Jesus.
In summary, Easter is not just a celebration of Jesus' resurrection but also a call to live a transformed life. It is about putting to death our sinful nature and embracing the life of righteousness that Jesus exemplified. Through His sacrifice, we have been given the opportunity to live a life that honors God and draws others to Him.
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