Book: Ezekiel

Christ’s example of willing obedience, as extolled here in the hymn of Christ - is the ultimate demonstration of God’s divine love. True love cannot be separated from the freedom of our will.

We might say our love is genuine. We know what Paul means, and we know it sounds good. But our love is not free of pretense. Our “genuine love” is a lot more like “genuine leather” than the standard to which Paul exhorts us. We want to have the appearance and the benefits of authentic love without any of the responsibilities and discomforts it puts upon us.

If Jesus is not the resurrection and the life, then Christianity is meaningless, foolish, and inconsequential. But if Jesus is who he says he is, then your answer to this question is of eternal importance. Not only that, but if we don’t answer this question with full, blessed assurance, then Holy Week next week will be robbed of any real meaning for us.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Nothing that happens in the world surprises Him! When we are calm, when we continue to say our prayers, we set an example of perseverance and faith for others to follow.

Christ's Death and Resurrection secured salvation for all God's people throughout all time and history. Anyone who puts his or her faith in Christ will too be saved. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!