Words about the Word - Paul Johnston - Friendship Baptist Church

He Lives

It is so easy to get our priorities out of order. Holy Week should be a time to focus in on what Jesus did for us and what His resurrection means. But too often the season becomes commercialized with eggs and baskets and bunnies, forgetting the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. 

So, I ask you, does Jesus live in your heart?  2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” It is a wonderful time to teach our children, and remind ourselves, that the resurrection is the center of our faith.

Is Jesus welcome in your home? If Jesus dwells in our heart, he should be evident in our home. A home that allows Jesus in is a peaceful place.  Psalm 90:1 “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” 

Many families will gather this weekend to enjoy food, spend time in fellowship, hide and hunt Easter eggs but never mention the name of Jesus. Having a home filled with Jesus keeps us connected to the vine. John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.” Celebrating Easter without Jesus is meaningless. 

A Christian church should be Spirit-filled. When believers are gathered in Jesus’ name He is there. Is Jesus the focus of your worship? If we are attending church to show off our new Easter outfit, fill up on donuts and coffee, check out who is there or any other reason other than the true worship of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is time to reevaluate. Psalm 145:18 “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” If a church is truly worshipping the Living God, Jesus is present! 

Church attendance will be higher on Easter Sunday than any other time during the year.  As we enjoy the Easter season, we can celebrate that there is a place for us in heaven because of Jesus. Let us invite him into our hearts, our homes, and our churches, worshipping and praising Him for all He has done!

1 Peter 1: 3-4

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”