The Great Miracle is the Justification of Sinners
The Resurrection of our Lord
Scripture is full of miracles that show God’s all-encompassing power and love. Creation, the flood, and turning water into wine are just a few examples. But the great miracle, the one that displayed His eternal love, was the death and life of Christ.
Why? Because we desperately needed this miracle. We are flawed humans, sinners from the time of Adam. Man’s fall separated us from God. To reunite us, mankind must redeem itself. But there’s the catch! We can’t. As we know from Romans 6, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags”. We’re tainted.
Enter Christ. The Son of God became the Son of Man to make us right with God. He came to do what we could not. He led a holy life — flawless and perfect — and then took our place on the cross. He literally bore the weight of the world on the cross. He suffered, died, and was buried.
His resurrection on the third day was the ultimate triumph! Not just for Mary and the disciples but for all of mankind! It meant that His sacrifice was accepted. He justified us with God. It is the Great Miracle because we now have the gift of eternal life. We are reunited with God and are made whole!
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Today’s sermon is based on these passages from 1 Corinthians 15:
19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
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Announcements
Bible Study: Our midweek Bible study will resume on Wednesday, April 27th and meet via Zoom. Our Sunday morning class meets at 9:45 and is currently discussing the papacy.
Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses still go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will be printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday. Remember to obtain permission if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person.