Why you can't stay where you are...
It's in our logo - an empty tomb. It's in our name - Resurrection Church. So, why do we make such a big deal about the resurrection? Well, for one, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14 (ESV) "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain". But the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just the crux of Christianity. The resurrection is the defining moment for everyone.
Let me explain why "the" and "everyone". I begin most worship services by pointing to our logo and saying, " Because He's not there". Then our church responds, saying, "I can't stay where I am." Jesus was murdered on a Roman cross. He died and was buried in a tomb with a stone rolled in front to seal it. And, on the third day, He rose from the dead. Jesus did not stay there in the tomb - this is the moment that changes everything. Now, everyone is faced with the reality of His resurrection. So, this saying "I can't stay where I am" means one thing for the Christian and something different for those who reject Jesus.
For the Christian, these words are a call to live the reality of Romans 6. In verse 8, we are told, "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him". We cannot stay where we are, for our new life in Christ moves us to love God and love our neighbor.
For the person who rejects Jesus' command to repent, these words do not allow for him or her to remain in the same place, either. In fact, the Bible says in Romans 1, "by their unrighteousness, they suppress the truth". The truth is that Jesus is the King of kings and is reigning over all creation -- it's our only hope! Will you stay where you are and live in rejection of that truth, or will you be moved to repentance, faith and obedience to Christ?
Why the Resurrection Matters
Matthew 28:1-20
Because He is not there, in the grave, I can't stay where I am. Jesus' resurrection requires my response and delivers us from living fearful, anti-fragile lives.
Because He is not there, in the grave, I can't stay where I am. Jesus' resurrection requires my response and delivers us from living fearful, anti-fragile lives.