The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion

The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 21 April 2019 – Living Faith

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TOPIC: Living Faith

READ: John 20:1-18 King James Version (KJV)

1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

THE MESSAGE:

Today, we are reminded again that Christianity is a living faith in a living Messiah. The resurrection of Christ from the dead, distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. No religion in the world can boast of a Messiah that loves the world enough to die for it, and is so powerful enough to rise in victory over death.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ implies many blessings for believers in Christ. These include: (i) Victory over the fear of man. Christs resurrection shows that God, not man, has the final decision over the lives and destiny of believers. (ii) Victory over the fear of death and the grave: Naturally, most people would not wish to die.

But the resurrection of Jesus shows that death is only a transition to a greater glory. (iii) Victory over the power of sin: No one who has encountered the resurrection power of Christ continues to live a purposeless, sinful life. The power of Christ in resurrection brings the believer to a place where sin loses its power over the soul.

Remember that Mary saw the risen Lord. Have you seen Him – His salvation, peace, love and compassion in your life? If not, pray fervently now; refuse to let go until you see the manifestation of His presence in your life.

Prayer: Lord, help me to know You and the power of Your resurrection and the fellowship of Your suffering.