Resurrecting Power of JesusSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: The ways of this world are sinful and lead to death. There is a way out of these sinful ways. The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to release us from all these worldly ways. We need to follow Christ in our daily walk. "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8,10,11)
Everyday I receive hundreds of letters from many youth sharing their problems. While reading them, though some of them may seem funny, I weep in my heart for them and pray earnestly for them. One day, while I was praying for the sick, one young boy came rushing and said, "Brother, I am in great trouble now." When I asked him what it was, he said, "Everyday as I travel by bus, I keep staring at a girl. She is very beautiful and has engraved herself in my heart. I have never spoken to her and I don't know whether she loves me or not. I don't know if God will approve my infatuation. But I should somehow make that girl mine. Please pray for me." I asked him how old he was. He proudly said that he was over fifteen. I advised him, "Finish your studies first, my boy. We shall find a more beautiful bride for you then," and I sent him home.
In America, a certain young man was arrested on charges of murder. His lawyers argued that he was innocent. His was a very strange story. A 16-year-old girl had become a slave to drinks and narcotics and derived pleasure from them. In course of time all these did not give her enough pleasure. She befriended this young man. One day, in a heavily drunken state, she asked the young man to tie a rope around her neck and tighten it as much as he could so that she could enjoy the pain. Accordingly, tightened the noose. Suddenly she couldn't talk. She fainted and fell dead at last. The young boy was arrested for murder.
Dear friend, see what the worldly lust does! This is what the kingdom of the devil offers its subjects.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Today there are many who languish in sin, unable to come out of it. No medical treatment, no psychiatry can do them any good. Their lives are doomed to failure, if they do not turn from their evil ways and come to the knowledge of the redemption that is in Christ.
You should at first drive the devil out of your heart and your life. Jesus took the form of a man and came to this wretched world. He submitted Himself to die for the sins of mankind. He nailed all the sinful lusts, their author, the devil and death that they bring to mankind (Colossians 8:13-15). On the same cross He carried all our sins upon Himself and gave His precious life for our sake. Death that is caused by our sin could not terminate His life. On the third day after His death on the cross, He rose alive. He destroyed the roots of sin and death that it brings. That is why St. Paul preferred not the lusts of this sinful world, but the knowledge about the power of Christ's resurrection. To triumph over sin and lead a chaste and holy life, he needed Jesus alone. When the Spirit of the Lord descends upon us, He revives us from death caused by our sins.
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)
"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)
The Holy Spirit releases and cleanses us from every sin, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31)
Many years ago, one brother to give his testimony on the 'Jesus Calls' radio programme. He testified, "I was addicted to drinking for the past twenty-two years. I lost all the strength in my body. I was no longer a man but was worse than an animal. This world despised me. One day, I came to 'Jesus Calls' meeting. There was a huge crowd. On hearing the message, I know that I too had a chance to live and greatly rejoiced. When asked how many were in need of Jesus, I cried out in tears, 'Lord Jesus, I need release from my addiction. I should escape the death to which my sin is driving me. I must become a new person.' Just then Bro.Dhinakaran said, 'The Holy Spirit is now descending here. He is transforming the life of everyone of you.' Immediately, there descended into me a power like a charge of electric current. I felt lightness in my soul. All fear and guilt disappeared. A divine peace filled me. I have given up drinking altogether from that moment!"
Dear friend, this is the power of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. He is not a dead god. He had the power to release you as well. Come to Christ today in whatever wretched state you may be. Plead with Him, "Lord Jesus! Pour on me the power of your resurrection. May the Holy Spirit, who raised you from death, revive me too. Transform my life, dear Lord Jesus!" Surely, you will become a citizen in the kingdom of God. What a joy it would be! May the Lord Himself grant you this exalted blessing!
Prayer:
Gracious Heavenly Father,
You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You took the form of man to save me. Except sin, You had all the qualities and emotions of a man. You underwent all sufferings and gave Your most precious body to die on the cross and on the third day You rose from the dead. Pour on me the power of your Holy Spirit. Revive me from all my bad habits, evil thoughts and actions. Make me into a completely transformed person. I give You all the glory and honour. In Jesus' matchless name, I pray.
Amen. |