The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in human history.  This “living proof” miracle is bolstered by overwhelming evidence both in the historical record and in the undeniable witness of the tranformed lives of His followers.  Lee Strobel, in his book “A Case for Easter” presents the resurrection as both reasonable and logical.  Using several rational arguments (failure to produce his body, the Roman guard, the cover up of the authorities, etc.) to convince modern day skeptics that Jesus of Nazareth – the first century Galilean Jew who was crucified publicly, was raised to life on the 3rd day.

Now, as we celebrate this beautiful Christian cornerstone of our faith, Easter provides hope and confidence to every believer as we face the future.  Every time I stand at the graveside of a believer who has passed into eternity, I am reminded that we too shall live because He lives!  This hope of resurrection is more than wishful thinking or fanciful use of the imagination.  It is a truth founded upon the fact of Christ’s own victory over death and the grace.  Because He lives, we really can face tomorrow.

There will be hundreds upon hundreds of guests visiting our Christian churches over this weekend and especially on Sunday.  I am praying for my Bible preaching brothers to have a unique sense of God’s power as they share the message of hope to hurting and hungry people.  What a privilege to have the opportunity to declare the “full gospel” (Christ crucified, buried, and risen) on this coming Lord’s Day!   May the Holy Spirit empower every preacher with a fresh anointing to share clearly this message of life to the people God brings across our path.

The psalmist asked an anguished question of the Lord in Psalm 85:6 – “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”  It was also a question of great anticipation.  In every generation, there are people who honestly and humbly cry out for God.  These are people who are broken over their sin and bankrupt in their own abilities.  There has never been a better time to fall on our faces in repentance before a Holy God than right now.

Over the next few days, we will be preparing our hearts for an outpouring of God’s Spirit in revival.  We have godly men ready to come and share the Word of God with us in power.  I am asking our church family to make this Spring Revival more than another date on the calendar.  Let us seek an authentic movement of God in our lives, our families, our church, and in our community.  All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down!

It is time to seek the Lord, declared the prophet Hosea (chapter 10:12).  That is my prayer for Faith Baptist Church – that we would personally, individually, and collectively seek the Lord.  I love this church family.  We have so many good and healthy things to be thankful for.  And yet, we have a glaring need for a sweeping, stirring spiritual renewal.  Bring it, Lord – here in this circle where I am standing!

The promise Jesus made to His 1st century followers regarding “Greater Things” must have been breath-taking (John 14:12).  They had witnessed Him restoring sight to the blind and health to the lame.  He multiplied food for the hungry crowds, calmed the angry seas, and even raised the dead to life.  How could this ordinary group of men possibly do “greater things” than these?  It is a good question that deserves a biblical response.

First, Jesus had the global mission of the church in view when He made this incredible assertion. The message of the gospel would literally be extended from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire in a relatively short period of time.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a handful of ordinary people would change the face of history.  The church – the beautiful Bride of Christ – would prove to be the indestructible force that would shape the world for God’s glory.

In our generation, the motivation behind our mission must be considered.  Believers in America, especially, must be careful to get our motives right.  The tendency for us to do what we do for lesser reasons is always a concern.  There are personal motives, institutional motives, and denominational motives – but the only pure motives are biblical and missional in nature.

Paul clarified his motives for ministry and mission in II Corinthians 5:11-15 in responding to those who questioned his motives.  His motivation for giving his life for the gospel was driven by 3 major themes: the fear of God, the love of God, and the glory of God.  Anything that motivates us more than those 3 themes is an idol.  The “why” question is always more important than the “what” question when it comes to serving the Lord Jesus.