Easter Proclamation Series

An Easter Proclamation

Theme: Restoring Spiritual Life This Easter

When Jesus was crucified on the Cross, and was raised again on the third day, He got victory over sin and death and that purchased the abundant life in Christ which is available to all who will but surrender to His Lordship.

The Apostle Paul, moved by the Holy Spirit wrote a powerful truth that should govern the lives of all Christians who desire to be anointed to proclaim the “Ever-flowing Life of Easter.”

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says, “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

I would propose that Easter has a whole lot more for us than just a special Sunday for family meals. Resurrection Sunday is about thriving not just surviving.

The heart that understands what Jesus accomplished on the first Easter births forth a “Life Filled with Meaning,” and is “Empowered by Grace.” We can enjoy this because the Easter story for Spirit-filled Christians is this: “And if Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Does our lives reflect a life that is surrender to the same Holy Spirit whom raised Jesus from the dead?

The Easter Story is God taking a life which was being spent on self, the pleasures of this world and was blinded by the devil, and turning it around to achieve all of His good purposes.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is also for us today, “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Eph. 3:16-17)

One of the secrets to finding meaning in this life that satisfies the soul is to understand what God’ means in regards to having Christ dwell in your hearts. To “dwell” (katoikeo) means to give Christ full permission to take up full residence by His Spirit in your spiritual heart. (Zodhiates)

The idea is of letting Christ come into our heart and life that He may be a ruling master, so that He may take every part of our body and life and use it for His Father’s purposes. Our first and most important meaning of being created is that we become an inhabitation of the Lord, reflecting the likeness of Christ through all we do. We are created for His glory not our own.

What God is saying, “Let Me tell you what your purpose for living is and then you can start to enjoy your life.” This is why the Holy Spirit moved the apostle to write, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

A lesson from the horse business: There are horseman and there are horse lovers. Horse lovers work with horses from the perspective how it makes them feel. Horsemen become caretakers for horses – thinking what is best for the horse, the animal’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Half-baked pew warmers live from the perspective of what keeps them out of hell and gets them into heaven, what makes them look religious. Spirit-filled Christians are stewards of all God has given them. They are constantly mindful of their Lord’s feelings and what is good for the works of Jesus Christ. They often ask, “Is Jesus glorified in what I think, say and do? Are my thoughts, words and actions a pleasing aroma to the Lord?”

Heart probing questions are: Does our lives have eternal meaning? Are we living for self, chasing the world or being deceived by the devil? Does our lives reflect a heart that is seeking God’ will for us? Are we enjoying all the spiritual blessings that are found in Christ Jesus?

Christians find their meaning when they allow the Lord to show them their Holy Spirit given gifts and use those gifts through sacrificial love. They sacrifice time, self and the pleasures of this world to develop their gifts and to exercise their gifts for the benefit of Jesus Christ, the Body of Christ whom are the children of God and all of mankind.

We need to make it our goal this Easter Season to make time for Him, Jesus made time for us.

I was blessed with the opportunity to be guided by some mature Christian leaders who know that the Spiritual gifts are for today: Two of those gifts are the “Word of Knowledge” and the “Word of Wisdom.” While attending a Pentecostal service, I received a “Word of Knowledge” of what my calling was and while attending the North America Conference for Evangelist, through the Billy Graham organization I received the “Word of Wisdom.” Thus, enjoying the blessing of an internet ministry helping others teach God’s Word around the world for FREE. It takes a good amount of sacrifice of time, strength and finances if I want to see it to the fullness of my life. It is the same for everyone’s calling.