April 1996
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There are times when our service to the Lord can be difficult. Opposition may arise, or troubles may come our way. Often we feel like the Psalmist, who stated: "Oh that I had wings like a dove: For then would I fly away, and be at rest."
As we approach Easter, it is good for us to realize that it is the reality of the resurrection that will keep us going in times of heartache and discouragement. In I Corinthians 15, Paul writes to the church at Corinth and teaches them about the truth of Christ's resurrection, and the theological implications of it. He drives home the fact that Christ's resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all those who have trusted Him as personal Saviour. He discusses some aspects of the Believer's resurrection, and then shows how Christ has given us the ultimate victory. He then concludes the chapter with these words: "Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Because Christ is risen, we who are saved know that we will also rise someday. Therefore we should continue to stand in difficult times, and always be faithful to the work of the Lord. In fact, we should be
"abounding" in our ministries, because we know that there is an ultimate reward for us in Heaven because of the resurrection of Christ. Our labors are never wasted, regardless of whether or not we see numerical results, because we are serving the risen Lord, who sees all that we do and will bless us accordingly in that great Resurrection Day.
Mark J. Montgomery
Your Pastor
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