"Let God arise" is the Easter celebration message. (Series of teachings)
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel, March 14, 2023
PART ONE:
LET GOD ARISE
Psalm 44:26 "Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness."
INTRODUCTION
What does it mean for God to arise When we say, "Let God arise," it is a call for God to reveal His power and sovereignty, to act on behalf of His people, and to bring justice to the world. It is an expression of trust in God's ability to intervene and make a difference in our lives.
It means that we are calling upon God to act and intervene in a situation, to show His power and authority, and to bring about His will.
This phrase is often used in prayers and worship songs as a declaration of faith in God's ability to work miracles and bring about change, and in prayers to invoke God's power and presence.
It is a request for God to step in and fix something, showing how powerful and in charge he is. We are calling on God to reveal His power and glory, to act on our behalf, and to intervene in our lives.
It is a declaration of faith in God's sovereignty and a reminder that He is always present and able to help us. As we celebrate Easter, understanding the power of the cross and His resurrection, means a lot to us Christians. The call for God's intervention is not just limited to Easter; it is a continuous act of faith and trust in God's power and love. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can always turn to God for help and guidance.
What do I observe during this Easter period and beyond? To behold His power, presence, and glory.
A. GOD WILL ALWAYS RISE UP TO HELP
We can see the beauty of God's love and sacrifice for us at Easter and always. We can also witness the power of His resurrection and the hope it brings to our lives.
We can see God's power, presence, and glory in our lives during the Easter season and afterward as well. It is a reminder that God will always rise to help us in our struggles and guide us toward a better path.
Psalm 44:26 "Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness."
This is a plea for God's help and redemption based on His loving kindness. The psalmist acknowledges that their hope for salvation rests solely on God's mercy and steadfast love. It also reflects the psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness to come to their aid in times of trouble. It acknowledges that people cannot save themselves and need God's intervention.
Matthew 6:27 "Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?"
This verse from the Bible highlights the futility of worrying and emphasizes the need for trust in God's plan, as ultimately, it is only through His intervention that one can find peace and salvation.
Since the fall of man, God's plan has prioritized salvation. But, with everything that happened, so many failed to achieve that in bringing salvation to man for the lost relationship with God—the Prophets failed, the Judges failed, and the Kings failed—until the time came when Jesus, the lamb that was slain, was born of a woman and lived for thirty-three years, which was enough for our freedom from eternal punishment.
Look at what He did to the centurion: Matthew 8:5-13 and in Jairus: Mark 5:35-36 "While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?" Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don’t be afraid; just believe."
Then Jesus went to Jairus' house, where he brought the girl back to life, proving his divine power and giving those who saw the miracle hope. This event is a testament to Jesus' compassion and ability to bring life even in the face of death.
There is a chance that you will also live to see the Easter miracle and have your hope restored. Get ready by being open to the Holy Spirit. Easter is a time of celebration and renewal, where we remember Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and new life to be found through faith in Him.
B. HE BRINGS REST TO THE WEARY
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
These verses from the Bible offer comfort and hope to those who are struggling and feeling overwhelmed. Jesus tells us to come to Him and find rest. He says that His teachings won't be hard but will instead give us peace. We are reminded that we don't have to carry our burdens alone and that Jesus is always there to help us. By accepting His yoke and learning from Him, we can find comfort and rest in the midst of life's challenges.
This message is especially important during difficult times when we may feel like giving up. We can find the strength to keep going and get through hard times if we turn to Jesus and believe in what He says. This offers a powerful reminder that we are never alone and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Psalm 12:5 "Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise," says the Lord; "I will set him in the safety for which he longs."
God's promise to aid the oppressed and poor strengthens the psalmist's faith in God's faithfulness. This shows that God is always willing to help those who call on Him. This serves as a reminder that even in times of trouble, one can find solace in God's promises.
If you are weary and feel like giving up, hear me as I preach to you: Jesus is here, and He came just to save. If you believe, receive the power of the resurrection and get revived again. No matter how difficult the situation may seem, trust in God's plan and have faith that He will guide you through it. Remember that His love and grace are always available to those who seek them. Through faith and prayer, we can find strength and hope in God's love and mercy. Let us trust in Him and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
C. WALK IN TRUTH
3 John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." As we walk in truth and follow God's teachings, we can experience true joy and fulfillment in our lives. Let us strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him and brings glory to His name. Walking in truth means living a life that is aligned with God's will and following His commandments. As we trust in Him and seek His guidance, we can experience the joy that comes from living a life of purpose and meaning.
Psalm 142:3 "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way." This reminds us that even when we feel weak or lost, God is always there to guide us and protect us, giving us the strength to continue our journey toward a fulfilling life. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone and that God is always with us, providing us with the support we need to overcome any obstacles that come our way.
By placing our trust in Him, we can live a life of purpose and meaning, knowing that we are following the path that He has laid out for us. God is always there to guide us and give us strength. Walking in truth requires a constant reliance on Him and a willingness to surrender our own plans to His perfect will.
D. HE SEARCHES THE HEART
Psalm 139:1-4 "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely."
Such intimacy and knowledge of our innermost beings can be both comforting and intimidating. It is a reminder that we cannot hide anything from God, but also a reassurance that He knows us better than we know ourselves and loves us unconditionally. Such intimate knowledge of our innermost thoughts and actions can be both comforting and daunting, as it reminds us of God's omnipotence and omniscience. It also calls us to a deeper level of honesty and transparency in our relationship with Him.
Isaiah 43:1 "But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
It is certain that God knows us intimately and has called us by name, which should inspire us to be completely honest and transparent with Him in our relationship. Also, it tells us that we do not have to be afraid because God has saved us and claimed us as His own.
This gives us a sense of security and comfort as we walk the path of faith. We can trust in God's promises and rely on His guidance, knowing that He will always be with us and lead us toward His perfect plan for our lives. When we give ourselves over to Him, we can feel all of His love and grace, and we can find peace and joy in His presence.
It is through this vulnerability that we can experience the fullness of His love and redemption. God's love for us is unconditional, and He desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us.
So, we must come to Him with honesty and trust that He will show us the way on our journey.
CONCLUSION
Let God arise is a call for God to reveal His power and sovereignty, act on behalf of His people, and bring justice to the world. It is often used in prayers and worship songs as a declaration of faith in God's ability to work miracles and bring about change.
It is a reminder that God will always rise up to help us in our struggles and guide us toward a better path.
Psalm 44:26 is a plea for God's help and redemption based on His loving kindness. The psalmist's trust in God's faithfulness to come to their aid in times of trouble is reflected in Matthew 6:27, which emphasizes the futility of worrying and the importance of trusting in God's plan.
Jesus' resurrection is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and new life to be found through faith in Him. He also brings rest to the weary and burdened and encourages them to take His yoke upon them and learn from Him. The Bible offers comfort and hopes to those who are struggling and feeling overwhelmed. Jesus tells us to come to Him and find rest, and His teachings won't be hard but will instead give us peace.
This message is especially important during difficult times when we may feel like giving up. God's promise to aid the oppressed and poor strengthens the psalmist's faith in God's faithfulness. Through faith and prayer, we can find strength and hope in God's love and mercy. Walking in truth means living a life that is aligned with God's will and following His commandments.
Psalm 142:3 reminds us that God is always there to guide and protect us, giving us the strength to continue on our journey toward a fulfilling life. Psalm 139:1–4 shows how close God is to us and how well he knows us. This gives us the strength we need to get through any problems and live a life with purpose and meaning.
To walk in truth, we have to depend on Him all the time and be willing to give up our own plans for His perfect will.
In Isaiah 43:1, we are reminded that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and we are asked to be more honest and open with Him.
It also assures us that God has redeemed us and claimed us as His own, providing us with a sense of security and comfort in our faith journey. We must be honest and open with Him, and we must trust that He will lead us on our journey. Through this vulnerability, we can experience the fullness of His love and redemption.
PART TWO:
WHERE ARE YOUR ACCUSERS
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel, March 14, 2023
Matthew 27:1-2 (ESV)
Jesus Delivered to Pilate
1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
Matthew 27:11-24 (ESV)
Jesus Before Pilate
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge so that the governor was greatly amazed.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood;[a] see to it yourselves.”
INTRODUCTION
What does the word "your accusers" mean?
In this case, "your accusers" means people who may criticize or condemn us for what we do or what we believe. It could be anyone who judges us negatively. Jesus Christ was not also spared from being accused wrongly or negatively, but what is the lesson to draw here from this part of negative accusations of Jesus? What did the religious leaders have in mind in doing so? The lesson to be drawn from this part of Jesus' negative accusations is that even the most innocent and righteous person can be falsely accused.
Most likely, Jesus' teachings and popularity made the religious leaders feel threatened, so they tried to discredit him to keep their own power. The takeaway from this portion of Jesus' unfavorable accusations is that we shouldn't let other people's opinions demoralize or shake us. The religious leaders who accused Jesus were threatened by his teachings and popularity, which led them to try to discredit him.
A. WHEN OTHER OPINIONS DEMORALIZE
Nehemiah 4:5 (NASB): "Do not forgive their guilt, and do not let their sin be wiped out before You, for they have demoralized the builders." What is Nehemiah saying? Nehemiah is expressing his frustration and anger at those who are trying to discourage the builders, and he is asking God not to forgive their guilt or let their sin be washed away. Because these people knew well what they were doing in obstructing the rebuilding of broken walls.
But when it comes to people who do not know what they are doing in opposing the work of God, we should pray as Jesus prayed: Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. ' And they cast lots to divide his clothing” (Luke 23:34)
This passage of Nehemiah highlights the destructive nature of individuals who feel threatened by opposing opinions and seek to undermine them, even if it means causing harm to others.
We should focus on our own beliefs and values and not let the fear of disapproval or criticism prevent us from speaking our truth and standing up for what we believe in. Jesus himself remained steadfast in his teachings despite the opposition he faced.
1 Corinthians 9:22–27 “The defeated, the demoralized, whoever. I did not take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ, but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view."
What exactly is Paul saying here? He kept his faith in Christ while engaging with and empathizing with those who were defeated or demoralized, but he did not adopt their way of life. He tried to understand their point of view by immersing himself in their world. Paul remained unmoved by what the backsliders said or did in this situation but instead made an effort to comprehend them and determine what had led to their defeat and demoralization.
Additionally, it is a problem when you want to hear advice and information from losers because they might sway your judgment. But it is good to learn from their mistakes and keep going in the right direction.
Paul's way of trying to see things from other people's points of view helped him understand them and find ways to help them. But he knew it was important to be careful when taking advice from people who had failed because their mistakes might not always lead to good things. It is important to remember that people may try to discredit us out of jealousy or insecurity and that this does not reflect our worth or the validity of our beliefs. We can also get help from people who share our beliefs and values, as they can encourage and validate us.
It's crucial to stay true to oneself and not let other people's opinions influence us. Also, Jesus' unwavering dedication to his teachings and values inspired many people to follow in his footsteps and spread his message of love and compassion. His example serves as a reminder that sticking to our convictions can have a significant impact on those around us, as well as future generations.
B. HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH A JUST MAN
Pilate's wife informed him that this man was righteous and that he should have nothing to do with him or harm him, as she had a nightmare about him the night before. Pilate did not listen, though. Instead, he gave in to the pressure of the priests and elders and chose to put the righteous man on the cross and let the murderer and thief Barabbas go free. This shows how important it is to listen to our consciences and not give in to outside pressures because doing so can have long-lasting effects on us and the people around us.
It is crucial to always trust our intuition and make decisions based on what we believe is right, even if it goes against the opinions of others. In the case of Pilate, his failure to listen to his wife's warning ultimately led to him making a decision that he would later regret.
This serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, and it is important to consider the impact they will have on ourselves and others. We must strive to make decisions that align with our values and beliefs, even in the face of opposition or pressure from others."
Mathew 27:19 “Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.”
Proverbs 15:3 "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good."
This verse from Proverbs highlights the idea that even though the chief priests and elders were able to persuade the multitude to choose Barabbas over Jesus, God's eyes are always watching and keeping track of every action, both good and evil. Therefore, justice will ultimately prevail.
I see this justice prevailing, first, because at times I think that Jesus never regrets their actions in favoring Barabbas at all.
I see a man who was already saving souls during the trial. If Satan knew that letting the trial go on would lead to this innocent man saving more souls than anyone could imagine, I would think otherwise, that's why Jesus did not say anything, didn't answer, and didn't move away from the cross.
He knew that justice would be served and that the blood of Jesus Christ would save millions.
Choosing to harm innocent people is a very grave mistake to commit. It is evident from the text that the chief priests and elders made a grave mistake by persuading the multitude to ask for Barabbas to destroy Jesus, an innocent man. Additionally, it is interesting to note that even Pilate's wife warned him against harming Jesus due to a dream she had, indicating the gravity of their actions.
It is evident in this passage that the chief priests and elders were able to manipulate the crowd's emotions and convince them to choose Barabbas over Jesus, even though Jesus was innocent. This highlights the power of persuasion and how it can be used for good or evil purposes.
C. YOUR ACCUSERS AID GOD IN INTERVENTION WHEN WE LESS EXPECT IT
This statement suggests that even though the chief priests and elders were able to manipulate the crowd, ultimately God had a plan for Jesus, and his death was part of that plan.
It also means that the people who accused Jesus may have been part of God's plan even though they didn't know it.
This quote from Pilate's wife shows that even in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation, there is always the possibility of divine intervention. It also suggests that those who are falsely accused can take comfort in the fact that God is on their side and will ultimately bring justice.
There are times when you look at your accusers and fail to see them because when they come to the truth, it makes them hold their peace or disappear.
John 8:10 (NKJV): "When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?"
This shows how powerful the truth is and how it can shut up false accusers and give hope to those who have been wrongly accused. It also shows how important it is to seek justice in a fair way rather than by lying or cheating.
Even Jesus recognized the power of truth and how it can silence accusers. It is a reminder that those who are falsely accused should have faith in the truth and trust that justice will prevail. The Cross brought truth and justice to us when he said, "It is finished." (John 19:30)
Psalm 34:15: "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry."
This tells us that God is always watching over us and listening to our prayers, especially when we are wrongly accused and need justice. Therefore, we should have faith in Him and trust that He will bring the truth to light and defend us.
We should also strive to live a righteous life and seek His guidance in all our endeavors, knowing that He is always there to guide and protect us. This verse reminds us of God's unfailing love and cares for His people.
CONCLUSION
Pilate's decision to put Jesus to death by crucifixion has been seen as a curse that caused the Jewish people to be persecuted for hundreds of years.
Every year on Good Friday, Christians remember Jesus' death by crucifixion as a reminder of the sacrifice he made for humanity and the ultimate act of love and forgiveness.
The lesson to be drawn from this part of Jesus' negative accusations is that even the most innocent and righteous person can be falsely accused.
Nehemiah 4:5 (NASB) highlights the destructive nature of individuals who feel threatened by opposing opinions and seek to undermine them, even if it means causing harm to others. We should focus on our own beliefs and values and not let the fear of disapproval or criticism prevent us from speaking our truth and standing up for what we believe in.
Jesus' unwavering dedication to his teachings and values inspired many people to follow in his footsteps and spread his message of love and compassion.
Paul's example serves as a reminder that sticking to our convictions can have a significant impact on those around us, as well as future generations.
Pilate's failure to listen to his wife's warning led to his decision to put the righteous man on the cross and let the murderer and thief Barabbas go free, showing how important it is to listen to our consciences and not give in to outside pressures.
God's eyes are always watching and keeping track of every action, both good and evil, and justice will ultimately prevail. The text discusses the power of persuasion and how it can be used for good or evil purposes.
It is evident that the chief priests and elders made a grave mistake by persuading the multitude to ask for Barabbas to destroy Jesus, an innocent man. Pilate's wife warned him against harming Jesus due to a dream she had, indicating the gravity of their actions.
This quote suggests that even in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation, there is always the possibility of divine intervention and that those who are falsely accused can take comfort in the fact that God is on their side and will ultimately bring justice. John 8:10 and Psalm 34:15 both remind us of the power of truth and how it can silence accusers.
They also remind us to have faith in the truth and trust that justice will prevail. Finally, they remind us of God's unfailing love and care for His people.
PART THREE:
HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel, March 14, 2023
Luke 24:6: "He is not here, but is risen!"
INTRODUCTION
These are the words that the angels proclaimed to the women who went to the tomb of Jesus on the third day after he was crucified. This verse is a potent reminder of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was the fulfillment of a promise that God had made to His people. The most important part of the Christian faith is that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and Easter Sunday is when most Christians remember this.
For Christians and other believers all over the world, it is a representation of hope and a fresh start. It gives those who believe the possibility of hope and the assurance that death has been defeated and that those who believe can have eternal life. The fact that Jesus came back from the dead is a powerful example of how God will eventually win over evil and death.
A. HE IS NOT HERE.
The angel's words at the empty tomb show that Jesus has risen from the dead, making the prophecy come true and proving that he is God. The resurrection also gives believers the assurance that they too will one day be resurrected and have eternal life with God in heaven. This hope brings comfort and strength in difficult times and inspires Christians to live a life of faith and obedience to God.
Acts 3:15: "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead."
This demonstrates God's ability to overcome death and keep His promises. It also highlights humanity's responsibility to recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah, who defeated death and offers salvation to all who believe in Him. It is certain that Jesus once lived on this earth, as Scripture attests, and I can imagine the ladies at the tomb hearing these words: "He is not here." The tomb is the final resting place of the dead. We all know that death was to be the culmination of everything, and the enemy's goal was to permanently silence Jesus. Something terrible had happened as soon as these words came, "He is not here," and the Devil was aware of it as well. It was time for the Messiah to resurrect as the creator of life. The resurrection of Jesus from the tomb was a triumph over death and sin, and it is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It represents believers' hope that they will rise from the dead to eternal life.
Romans 6:8–11: "The death he died, he died to sin once and for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God." In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. "
This Bible passage emphasizes that Christ's death and resurrection make it possible for people who believe in him to live forever. Believing people are exhorted to avoid sin and concentrate on serving God.
Let God arise, and don't treat this year's Easter as if it's the same as when it was said, "He is not here." After all, he lives among believers after agreeing with death and gaining power over it.
B. BUT HE IS RISEN!
By living out our faith, we can show others the true meaning of Easter and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. Let us strive to be a light in the world and spread hope and love wherever we go. "He has risen" is not just a phrase we say on Easter Sunday, but a truth that should guide our lives every day.
John 11:25–26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
This part of the Bible shows how important it is to believe in Jesus and understand that he is the only way to have eternal life.
It challenges those who believe by asking them to look at their own faith and think about whether they really believe in Jesus as the way to be saved. Also, it makes the reader look at their own beliefs and think about whether or not they really believe that Jesus is the one responsible for both life and the resurrection.
This shows how important it is to believe in Jesus Christ and encourages people to think about the beliefs that guide their lives. It stresses how important it is to accept Jesus as your own personal Savior if you want to have eternal life.
Let God arise in the life of every believer so that everything that is dead can begin to find life through the power of resurrection in the name of Jesus Christ. Let God come into every part of your life and experience the freedom and salvation that Jesus' blood gives you.
May you find peace and get to know Christ and the power that brought him back to life. As He rises, may you rise and live to His pleasure as a created being created to glorify and praise Him.
C. CONTINUE TO TESTIFY THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST JESUS
So, let us celebrate Easter with the knowledge that Christ has risen from the dead and won over death, and let's keep telling people who haven't heard about His resurrection. May we be bold in our testimony of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and may many come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
So, let's celebrate Easter with the idea that Christ is alive in us because he has risen. Let us also continue to spread the good news of His resurrection and the gospel of Christ Jesus to all nations.
Acts 4:33: "With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus." And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all."
It is our responsibility as Christians to tell others about Jesus' resurrection and the salvation it brings. Let us not just celebrate Easter.
Let us also live out our faith every day and show others how to do it. We can do this by sharing our faith with the people around us and actively seeking out opportunities to do so through evangelism and missionary work. Let us have faith in God's ability to use us as instruments for spreading the good news.
CONCLUSION
What it means for God to arise in this series of teachings for the Easter celebration is that believers need to put their trust in the saving power of the cross, where the blood of Jesus was shed once at the cross for the redemption of everyone who would believe in Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their lives.
1 Corinthians 6:14: "And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power." Therefore, as believers, we should have faith in God's ability to use us as instruments for spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, knowing that it is only through His power that we are raised up and given the opportunity to share this message with others.
May the power of the resurrection come to you now if you believe, so that even your sickness begins to heal in Jesus' powerful name; may you find peace through this Easter celebration; and may you allow God to rise in you to effect the changes that you require in your life. In the mighty name of Jesus, may you live and experience His power, and may God arise for everything to scatter.
If you don't have a good relationship with Him, I invite you to take a courageous step and come to the altar, calling for salvation and confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, rise from all that has hindered you and be a living testimony to the miracle of the cross and the power that Jesus' blood brings.