What practical steps can strengthen our faith in God's resurrection promise? Laying the Foundation: 1 Corinthians 6:14 “By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also.” This simple sentence anchors every practical step below: the same almighty power that raised Jesus will just as surely raise us, bodily, on the last day. Remember God’s Track Record - Trace resurrection moments through Scripture: - Jesus (Luke 24) - Lazarus (John 11) - Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5) - The widow’s son (1 Kings 17) - Revisit God’s smaller “resurrections” in your own life—times He brought hope out of despair. - Keep a running journal titled “Evidence of His Power” and review it when doubts creep in. Soak in Resurrection Passages - Read 1 Corinthians 15 aloud once a week; highlight every “will be” promise. - Memorize Romans 8:11: “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies…” - Set your phone wallpaper to John 11:25-26 to keep truth before your eyes all day. Pray Scripture Back to God - Turn the anchor verse into a personal affirmation: “Father, by Your power You raised the Lord; You will raise me also.” - Pair praise with petition: “Thank You for Your proven power; strengthen my wavering faith today.” Engage All Senses in Worship - Sing hymns that proclaim bodily resurrection (e.g., “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “Because He Lives”). - Celebrate the Lord’s Supper mindfully—bread and cup testify that a real body died and a real body lives again. - Attend baptisms; let the burial-and-raising imagery stir fresh confidence (Romans 6:4). Lean on the Church Family - Share testimonies of how resurrection hope sustains you during illness, grief, or aging. - Form a study group to discuss Philippians 3:20-21 and 1 Peter 1:3-4, encouraging one another to think eternally. - Visit older believers who radiate hope; their seasoned perspective strengthens the whole body. Serve in Light of Eternity - Volunteer in ministries that comfort the grieving; speaking resurrection truth cements it in your own heart. - Invest time in evangelism—nothing fuels certainty like watching new life spring up in others (2 Corinthians 4:14-15). Guard Your Inputs - Limit entertainment that trivializes death or promotes nihilism. - Fill commutes and chores with podcasts or audiobooks that spotlight the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. Practice “First-Moment Focus” - Each morning, consciously picture the future resurrection—your first breath in a glorified body. - Let that vision set your tone for the day, influencing attitudes toward trials, aging, and worldly loss. Keep Short Accounts with Sin - Remember that bodies matter to God; flee immorality (context of 1 Corinthians 6). - Confession keeps conscience clear, freeing the heart to anticipate resurrection rather than fear judgment. Speak Hope at Every Farewell - At funerals, hospital visits, or even casual good-byes, weave in phrases like “See you in the resurrection.” - Verbalizing hope reinforces belief—“I believed; therefore I spoke” (2 Corinthians 4:13, quoting Psalm 116:10). Stay Ready for the Trumpet - Live with bags packed: “Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard…” (2 Peter 3:17). - Hold possessions loosely, relationships dearly, and Christ supremely, anticipating the moment He raises us “in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Each step springs from and points back to the unshakeable truth of 1 Corinthians 6:14. Keep cycling through them, and faith in God’s resurrection promise will move from concept to daily, energizing certainty. |
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