Head pastor of Possible Vision Church (PVC), Reverend Christian Barnes, has observed that there are many benefits associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Subsequently, His followers, Christians should endeavor to endear or associate themselves to it (Resurrection) so as to enable them derive more gains from those benefits.
Rev. Barnes made this observation in a sermon on Easter Sunday (The Resurrection Sunday). Expatiating, Rev. Barnes outlined Ten (10) of these benefits of the resurrection. He pointed out that the resurrection is the most important event in Christendom history worldwide; and that gives hope to millions of followers of Christ.
He stated that the Resurrection ensures that Christians are justified before God and that this justification is put right to enable Christians get the right relationship with God.
Rev. Barnes indicated that the Resurrection also means that Jesus defeated death, the number one enemy of mankind, emphasizing that, death is the justified punishment for the wicked (Rev. 6:23). He indicated further that no amount of medical technology or riches can escape the clutches of death. He argued that Christ rose from death because it could not hold him, and since he has triumphed over death, “We no longer have to fear death as we will rise with him on the last day (Acts2:24)
The Reverend Minister gave the third benefit from the Resurrection as unity with Christ (2 Corinthians 4:14). It also fulfilled scripture prophecies in Job, Isaiah 5:1, Psalms 16:11, Job 19:25. Fifthly, it proves the truth in the Gospel. 1Corinthians 15, Rev. 15:14. And it also means that by the Resurrection, mankind has hope of forgiveness, justification and internal life.
Rev. Barnes also pointed out that the resurrection proves that Jesus is the son of God. Rev. 1:4, He also indicates that the Resurrection means God the father will give His Holy Spirit to believers. (Acts 2:33).it also gives Christians a living hope to be born again (1 Peter 1:3-4).
The resurrection also means that Christians will rise like Jesus as He is described as the first fruit of the Resurrection from the dead. 1Corinthians 15:20-22). He pointed out that mankind will suffer pain in the physical world, but not in the life to come (1Corinthians 15:42-44)
Rev. Barnes indicated that the Resurrection also means that Jesus will judge the world in Righteousness. (Acts 17:30-33).
God Uses Foolish Things; So Don’t Demean Yourself.
In another sermon last Sunday, April 15, 2023 Rev. Barnes warned Christians against demeaning themselves since God uses foolish things in this world to confound the wise.
He subsequently charged them to speak well of themselves since their tongues will bring life or death to them. “If you talk about failure it will follow you; and if you talk about success, it will also follow you” he admonished.
Rev. Barnes also charged Christians to upgrade themselves and stop despising themselves. A situation, he stated, most had gotten involved in for far too a long. He opined that even in such situations, God can use them to do wonderful things, citing David and Goliath, Moses before Pharaoh, the feeding of 5000 men with just five loafs of bread by Jesus and many more. He also admonished people against judging others in life since God can use the very despised foolish, dirty things in this world to confound the wise in the world.
Rev. Barnes buttressed his sermon with Biblical verses as: Judges 14:17-21, 15:15, Isaiah 45:1-7, Acts 12:23 and Mark 3:1
By S.O Ankamah