April 9, 2023

The Shepherd's Corner

The other day I went to an ear specialist to check my left ear, who, after examining me, referred me to an audiologist, who confirmed that I suffer from hearing loss. But instead of just my left ear, it is both ears!  I will need to see the ear specialist again for a treatment plan.  In my layman’s term, this old body is simply experiencing a normal wear and tear; we wear it and over time it tears.  

Thank God that we will not be in this body forever.  There will come a time in which we will put on a new body that knows no wear and tear. Listen to what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down, we will have an eternal body made for us by God himself, not by human hands.”  On

this day, two thousand years ago, Jesus rose from the dead, and His resurrection gives us not only hope but also assurance that we, too, will be raised from the dead.  We will live in the heavenly tent.

Jesus’ death and resurrection does not only give us assurance of resurrection, but it also gives us assurance of victory over sin. We still must struggle against sin, but we now have the power to overcome it. We are no longer helpless at the mercy of sin.  As long as we surrender to God and persevere under His grace, we can live victoriously.  E. Stanley Jones aptly says, “One of the most necessary things in living victoriously is to realize that when we are fighting evil, we are fighting a conquered foe.  Jesus met every sin and conquered it.” And God has transferred that same power to us.

On Easter, we rejoice that Jesus is risen; He has overcome death and broken the power of sin.  On Easter we are reminded that we will overcome death and can break the power of sin.  On Easter we are made to see and experience a new life, a life where, “He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.”

Pastor Paul

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