I’d be lying if I said this was completely intentional, but I can’t think of a better time (other than Easter) to celebrate the resurrection of Christ than on the Sunday following Thanksgiving. Most of us have much to be thankful for. All of us have this to be thankful for: “Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.” This Sunday we’re going to look at just one of the reasons that Jesus’ resurrection is cause for celebration. For now, here are some quotes for you to reflect on:
We understand and acknowledge that the Resurrection has placed a glorious crown upon all of Christ's sufferings!
--AW Tozer
Something happened on Easter Day which made Christ more alive on the streets of Jerusalem forty days after his crucifixion than on the day of His Triumphal Entry.
--Ralph Sockman
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? This is so true that even Satan cannot deny it. Christ's resurrection and victory over sin, death and hell is greater than all heaven and earth. You can never imagine his resurrection and victory so great but that in actuality it is far, far greater.
--Martin Luther
We live and die. Christ died and lived!
--John Stott
We are not to be surprised if living as Christians brings us to the place where we find we are at the end of our own resources, and that we are called to rely on the God who raises the dead.
--NT Wright
The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: First, it is a very unusual event. And second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live.
--Wolfhart Pannenburg
"Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel has made him just a gardener."
--George Herbert
By the way, I can’t let this Thanksgiving season go by without mentioning how thankful I am for the Norfolk Church of Christ. Especially to those of you who work so hard to make this church what it is. I am convinced that there is not another congregation like it anywhere. I love to brag on all of you.
-Robert
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2)