In the book of Acts, the apostles identified themselves as “eyewitnesses of the resurrection.” They were the ones who saw the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes. But being a witness of the resurrection is more than having seen Jesus. It means actively bearing witness through word and deed. Although we have not seen with our physical eyes the resurrected Lord, we are called to be “Witnesses of the Resurrection” just the same. By the way we live our lives, by the way we speak, by the way we face challenges, hardships and death, we bear witness to the resurrection.
Our worship series in April is entitled: “Witness to the Resurrection.” We are going to look at four ways in which we can actively engage in witness, and so share with others the resurrection of Jesus.
- April 7 – Witness by our Lives: We have a covenant oneness with the resurrected Lord. Therefore our lives are shaped by his resurrection, and so we are called to live in such a way that our lives give evidence that the Lord is indeed raised from the dead. How does my life give witness to the resurrection of Jesus?
- April 14 – Witness by our Words: If we believe in the resurrection, we will want to speak of the resurrection. Every day provides opportunities to live this witness. How can my words give witness to the resurrection of Jesus?
- April 21 – Witness by our Death: Those who believe in the resurrection through Christ will approach suffering and death differently. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We have hope because Christ is raised from the dead.
- April 28 – Witness by our Memorial Services: In many cases the final witness we can give on this earth is a Memorial Service that proclaims the resurrection. What a gift to give our loved ones, sharing with them our testimony of faith in the Risen Jesus!
