Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Faith

He Lives

Faith, Salvation

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:6

Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a day that the world can be assured that God keeps His promises.

Because Jesus lived a perfect and holy life on this Earth, His blood that was shed on the cross became the atonement for our sins. Jesus became the spotless lamb that satisfied the wrath of God.

On the third day (Sunday) Jesus defeated death and sin by raising Himself to new life. Only God could do such a magnificent and miraculous work. That is why we worship and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Only Jesus could live and die and live again. All power and majesty are given unto Him!

Because He is risen, we have hope and assurance in salvation. One day we all shall leave this Earth. But glory to God we shall see Jesus face to face.

Heaven awaits us for eternal life in perfect harmony and glory where there is no more sin! No more death! No more tears! No more suffering!

It’s all because of Jesus. It’s all because Jesus lived. It’s all because Jesus died. It’s all because He lives!

Celebrate today with joy because God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Our faith hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. Paul says, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile (worthless and powerless); you are still in your sins!” (I Corinthians 15:17)

Let your faith in Jesus be the proof that others may see and believe.

Pray

Lord, I praise Your great name. You have opened my eyes to see who You are and I believe in You. Show me Your glory and increase my faith.

Are You Struggling?

Faith, Trust

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:8‬

Where do you find your security? Maybe it’s in your marriage, a career, good health, or even a comfortable lifestyle.

But what would happen if your “security blanket” disappeared overnight?  What if you lost your job?  What if your spouse walked out on you?  Or a health issue surfaced or you’re diagnosed with a terrible disease?  Let’s pray these never happen!

There will be times in our life when we’re jolted out of our false security. This is usually when panic sets in because we realize how vulnerable we really are. God has a way of showing us that we need Him and His Word instead of trusting in ourselves, others, or something else.

Our response to our troubles may sound like, “God, why have you forsaken me?”  “How am I going to make it?”  “How much longer, God?”  

Have you been there before?  Maybe your there right now.

Here is the truth: Everything on this earth is temporary, but the things of God stand forever.

We watch the grass turn green and the flowers bloom. These are the seasons when everything is going smooth and we start to believe that we don’t need God. But then the grass dries up and petals fall off leaving a gloomy landscape.

The promise that God gives us is that His Word stands forever. The things of God are permanent and they will last forever.

Do you have any areas of your life where you are struggling? Those are the areas where God wants to show you His love and grace He wants you to trust in Him

Pray

Lord, show me where I’m trying to be in control and not allowing You to guide me. Help me to not trust in false hope. God, I allow you to come into every area of my life.

To Die With Christ

Faith, Trust

“Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.”
Matthew 26:35

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The cleansing of the temple. The teaching and the miracles. All displayed Jesus’ power. The faith of the disciples soared to high levels. Everything was looking good and going as planned. The Passover was to be celebrated with great anticipation.

The Passover meal was prepared. It was just the twelve disciples and Jesus, all in the upper room. Over and over, He reiterated His love for them, even kneeling before them to wash their feet. Their hearts were humbled. Their minds were concentrated on their Master. It was a time of celebration and reflection.

They knew Jesus was the Messiah and nothing could stop Him from bringing power back to the Jews. Or so they thought. They were bold and confident. Peter boldly stated, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) Jesus was proud to hear such boldness and courage.

This reminds us of the times when our faith is so strong we could face any opposition and suppression and boldly proclaim our trust in our Lord. We stand tall and proud knowing that nothing can stand between us and the mighty hand of God. It’s times such as these that our faith pushes us to do things we normally wouldn’t do. It’s faith in Jesus that allows us to stand with courage and speak boldly like Peter. “I am willing to die for Christ!”

But when darkness weighs heavily in our life and the tests and trials trouble our hearts, we often fail. By daybreak Peter swore he’d never heard of Jesus. What happened to the boldness and confidence? Where are the great promises of God? Where’s the great faith? We thought everything was going our way and according to our plan. And at that moment we realize that our pride and arrogance quenched the presence and power of God.

Lord, reveal to me if my pride is keeping me from experiencing Your presence and power. Forgive me of my arrogance and allow me to be filled with Your grace.