The Vineyard- March 27, 2016

The Vineyard- March 27^th, 2016

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

The Resurrection of Christ Obtains our Righteousness

-          By raising Jesus from the dead, the Father was proving that Christ was righteous, perfect, and underserving of the fate of being crucified. 

-          Because we are imperfect, we rely on Christ’s righteousness, which allowed him to bear the penalty of our sin. 

-          By proving Jesus righteous, God allows us to obtain righteousness through the vindicated Christ. 

-          Passages to Consider: Romans 4:13-25; I Corinthians 15:17

The Resurrection of Christ Guarantees our Immortality

-          Jesus’ resurrection proves that resurrection is possible.  If God could do it once with Jesus, he could do it again!

-          Jesus suffered our punishment, so we could take part in his life.  Our fate has been tied to his, which is wonderful news!

-          Passages to Consider: I Corinthians 15:20-22; I Peter 1:3-5

The Resurrection of Christ Empowers our Ability to Walk in Newness of Life

-          Jesus’ resurrection gives us the power to live as a new creation.  Because of Christ’s spirit inside of us, we have the ability to rise above our old failures, shortcomings, and pursue a new way of thinking and acting. 

-          Much of the world lives in slavery to the fear of death, but Christ has conquered death.  Because of that, the pallor of our future death doesn’t cast a shadow over our entire life. 

-          Even if following Christ leads us to our death, it won’t be the end!

-          Passages to Consider: II Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 2:14-15

Are you united with Christ?

-          The resurrection of Christ has meaning for us, because we have been united with Christ through baptism. 

-          Have you been united with Christ?  Have you shared in his death, so that you might share in his life as well?

-          Passage to Consider: Romans 6:1-4

Praise God for raising our Lord Jesus from the dead!

Thank God that our justification is found in Christ!

Pray for the ability to walk in newness of life, empowered by the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!