“Living”

Pastor Tom Millner

 

The statement of the men (angels) to the women who had come to anoint the dead body of Jesus is profound. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” They went to where they thought they would find him, but that place was among the dead.

What about the places we go to find Him?

We go to places that translate to something like: “Live a good life and be kind….” Then I will find Him. That place is dead!  We try to be religious and pious in an effort to measure up to His expectation. This too is a place that’s dead.  We try to live as we believe scripture proscribes… Then, perhaps we will measure up.  We believe we are to lead as many as you can in saying “the sinner’s prayer”…. Perhaps these will be spiritual feathers in our cap.  Let’s Attend church, at least on Easter and Christmas… Surely God will look favorably on us then!  We can try our best to measure up to the standard that He will accept…

They are all dead ends…. You won’t find God there among the dead ends…

He’s alive …and among the living… Scripture tells us –

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Only Christ gives us life. John 14:6 ^“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Some think this too exclusive, but this is one of the most inclusive statements recorded in the Gospel. Religions give elaborate ways that we can try to reach God. This tells us that the way has already been made. Jesus! And John 3:17 tells us; “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

He’s alive …and among the living… That’s where He wants us to join Him!

Where is (among) the living?

1. In belief: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” We find Him in faith. We find Him living among those who believe in Him.
2. In Grace! Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.” Living in the knowledge that is is His grace that gives us life, not what we do or don’t do for Him.
3. In the light that shines through you: Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” He lives in the light of the witness of His presence in our lives. Let him shine through you. His light shines only when we remove the bowl of self-absorption.
4. In the love you live: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Love is not static, it is dynamic and full of life. The agape love that is from Him produces much fruit.
5. In the presence of His Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” His fruit is alive and well!

So today, are you going to walk among the living or choose to exist among the dead?