Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Bible Studies

“Jesus Walks on Water” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:45-52 NLT – Jesus Walks on Water – Immediately – Bible Gateway

“Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.” Mark 6:47-48 NLT

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If you have just witnessed Jesus’ feed 20,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, would you be amazed if you then saw Him walking on the water hours later? His disciples were. Now before we criticize the disciples, let’s jump in their sandals on their boat and experience the ride. Jesus tells them to go ahead of Him to Bethsaida planning to meet them there later. As they set sail, another windstorm developed as is common on the Sea of Galilee. A short trip is now 9 hours old and instead of hugging the coast along the northern end of the sea, they are being driven farther out into the middle. And then they think they have seen a ghost!

We start this week after Jesus’ miracle of feeding the multitude. He insisted His disciples leave for Bethsaida ordering them into the boat. He would then send the people away and head up to the hills to spend time with His Father in prayer. Jesus being a miracle worker and the Son of God in the flesh still needed a time to rejuvenate physically and spiritually with His Father. How much more do we need it and yet neglect to do it. Jesus needed this time alone in prayer and the top of those hills was a perfect setting for it. The eastern side of the Sea of Galilee was a mountainous region with slopes leading up to a plateau. It was a good place to be alone and away from the crowd. Jesus would also have a good view of His disciples crossing the sea.

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Jesus saw the disciples were in serious trouble as the winds were pushing them out into the middle of the sea. The Bible says Jesus went out to them during the fourth watch of the night which is somewhere between 3am-6am. We may question why Jesus waited so long. Matthew Henry offers this comment, “If Christ’s visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more seasonably.” The time spent with His Father was important and Jesus wasn’t about to forget His disciples. He did go out to them walking on the water. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Jesus would be able to perform this feat. He is the Lord of the Sea. Paul writes in the book of Colossians, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” (1:15-16 nlt)

As Jesus got closer to them, they became frighten and thought they were seeing a ghost.  Jewish superstition said appearance of spirits during the night would bring disaster. The disciples should not have been swayed by a superstition, but how would we react in the darkest part of the night if we saw someone walking on the water in a windstorm. And Jesus was not only walking on the water but at a steady pace not affected by the wind. The Bible says He was walking on the water as if He intended to go pass them. Jesus was testing their faith to see if they would recognize Him and His miraculous powers and overcome their fear and invite Him into their boat. “But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage! I am here!’” (Mk.6:50 nlt)

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When Jesus entered the boat without saying a word the fierce winds stopped. The disciples were amazed. Were they more amazed that the winds suddenly stopped or that they had just witnessed Jesus’ walking on the water? As this point, we don’t know, but we do know the disciples’ hearts were still not sensitive to who Jesus is. They weren’t grasping all that Jesus was doing and showing them. The disciples were fascinated by His miracles but couldn’t put two and two together. The world is amazed by any attesting miracles they see today by the hand of God. They may say, ‘it is a miracle’ or ‘only by God’ but there is no real understanding of who the true God is. The true God is the creator of heaven and earth. He formed us out of the dust of ground and gave us life. He provided a way of forgiveness for sinning against Him. Jesus Christ, the holy one of God, came to earth to die in our place for the punishment of sin providing the way of salvation to all who believe. Jesus also walked on water. Don’t be amazed. Understand who Jesus is with the help of the Holy Spirit and accept Him as your savior.

A Christian Perspective

Government Subsidies             

Loring Schultz

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

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Government subsidies are benefits provided to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, medical facilities, social and economic programs, food distribution to low-income people, and industries involved in agriculture, energy, and housing. Many countries across the world supply these government subsidies. They vary as to the needs of the country and the resources available. For example, China and the European Union provide subsidies in agriculture. Poland, Germany, and France grant fossil fuel subsidies. The United States provides subsidies in agriculture and manufacturing, along with other industries for the advancement of a sound economy and the overall prosperity of its people.

While many government subsidies are beneficial and the taxpayer’s money is well spent, many are not so beneficial, and many need to be streamlined or eliminated. One area needed to be streamlined are the government assistance programs for the poor. Overall, government subsidies given for the health and welfare of the poor and elderly are needed programs. It is the responsibility of the government to care for those who cannot care for themselves and to assist those to be able to care for themselves. There are non-profit organizations that receive government assistance for their programs to feed and care for the poor. My question is, should Christian organizations including churches willingly accept money from the government in caring for the poor?  

I have heard it said, and have repeated it many times myself that, ‘if Christians and the church were doing what we should be doing there would be no need for government assistance.’ Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. No, we can’t feed the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, but we can give what we can and watch the Lord multiply it through others doing the same. The church has a deeper responsibility in caring for the poor than any government. Government assistance is given out of duty and obligation. Christian giving is given out of love for Jesus Christ and love for our neighbor. When we love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves the Lord will provide what is necessary to help the poor and hungry through us.

Again, if the church is being the church and Christian organizations are adhering to Biblical standards there should be no need to accept federal money. Going into partnership with the deep pockets of the government may seem logical but it is what is known as a ‘red herring.’ First, the government’s deep pockets are filled with money that is non-existent. Adding to the federal debt when we as Christians can help with this problem is irresponsible and showing lack of faith in our creator. Secondly, once any Christian organization, church, medical facility, or educational institution accepts money from the federal government they have lost full control of administering the gospel message with the services they provide.

Government subsidies have their place in our world today, but they have put a strain on federal budgets across the world. The Christian church can help relieve some of the burden by being the church, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.  

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“For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.” (Ro.15:26 nlt)

Devotionals

It’s Time to Know Your Future

Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 7:1-8 NLT – Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts – Bible Gateway

Photo by Xan White on Unsplash

There was a saying back in the day, ‘if you want to know what the Bible says about the future, just watch the evening news.’ That still applies today by opening our cell phones to our favorite news and information app. If you want to know what the Bible says about the past, just open a history book or watch a documentary on the History Channel. You’ll find history predicted in the Holy Scriptures.

A perfect example is the prophet Daniel’s visions in the Old Testament. Daniel saw a vision of God’s plan for the future kingdoms of the world. First revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar in a dream then revealed to Daniel in a vision for him to interpret it. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue in the form of a man describes four future kingdoms. Daniel, years later, saw a vision of four beasts coming out of the water, all different from one another, and representing the same four future kingdoms.

In reading our text from Daniel we see history unfolding in the prophet’s visions. The first beast was like a lion describing the Babylonian Empire in Daniel’s time, vicious and powerful. The second like a bear with three ribs in its mouth of conquered nations is the Medo-Persian Empire from 539 B.C. – 330 B.C. The third beast Daniel saw was the Greek Empire led by Alexander the Great, 330 B.C. – 63 B.C. in the form of a leopard representing the speed in which he took power. And the fourth beast is unidentified but is a terrifying, dreadful, and very strong beast. The Roman Empire fits this description as the legs of iron in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. History teaches us these events occurred. The Bible teaches us these events were predicted through the prophets before they occurred. Scripture predicts the future with total accuracy. Daniel and the rest of the Old Testament prophets have it all laid out for us in the Bible. It’s time for all of us to know our future.

Devotionals

That Very Hour

Loring Schultz

Read: John 4:43-54 NLT – Jesus Heals an Official’s Son – At – Bible Gateway

“Go back home. Your son will live!” ……. “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” John 4:50, 52 NLT

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God reveals the answers to our prayers in His timing. We need not worry if He hears us, He does. “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.” (1Pt.3:12 nlt) Knowing that God hears our prayers gives us assurance that He will answer them. When we get the answer is up to God. He will answer when the time is right and is in line with His purposes. When God hears our prayers, He doesn’t need to think how He will answer. He has already determined it. God doesn’t change His mind or have a change of heart in our waiting process. His answer will come as decided.

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between an answer of ‘no’ or ‘wait.’ The answer ‘no’ may be realized rather quickly, but then again perhaps the Lord has a lesson for us in the waiting period. Rest assured, either way you’ll have the answer. The same is true for a ‘yes’ answer to prayer. We may receive it quickly or need to wait accordingly for God’s will. But He has already answered and will reveal it to us.

One of the greatest joys is to have an answer to prayer immediately. I’ve had several in my life, and I trust you have too. Looking back, we rejoice in God’s immediate response to our immediate need. In the gospel of John there is story of a government official who had such an immediate answer to prayer, but didn’t realize it until the next day.

John writes, “There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die.” (Jn.4:46-47 nlt) At 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Jesus told the man to go home that his son will live. He believed Jesus and started home. On his way home the next day he met some of his servants who told him his son was alive and well. The fever suddenly left him at that very hour at 1 o’clock in the afternoon the day before. Whether we receive an instant answer to our prayers or need to wait, we know God hears us and determines His answer that very hour always revealing it to us in His timing.

Devotionals

Come Talk with God      

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 27 NLT – Psalm 27 – A psalm of David. The LORD – Bible Gateway

“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.’” Psalm 27:8 NLT

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David’s prayers in the Psalms are simple and direct. He prays exactly how he feels, whether it’s through joy, comfort, praise, sorrow, anger, confession, abandonment, fear, or whatever else was on his heart, he prayed to the Lord simply and direct. David had an intimate relationship with the God of heaven so much so, that his heart heard Him say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ Several other translations say, ‘Seek My face.’ David was constantly seeking to be with his God in prayer that when he heard ‘Come and talk with me’, he was always ready to say, ‘LORD, I am coming.’

We may all not sense God speaking in our hearts as David but all of us can develop the characteristic of seeking God’s face. Seeking His face is nothing more than having a deeper desire for intimate fellowship with your creator. The more we desire Him, the more we will be aware of His desire for us. God also desires to be with us intimately. This is often missed by our routine repetitive early morning prayers and out the door we go. God is inviting us to seek His face to come and talk with Him. Talking with someone is to have a conversation. Speaking and listening. Taking time to listen to God is just as important as telling Him all your problems.

Listen closely to what God is saying to you through the Holy Spirit in prayer. You may never hear God speak audibly to you in prayer, I never have, but I’ve felt His presence and direction many times through prayer as I seek His face. God desires to have that intimate fellowship with us through prayer. He is saying, ‘Come and talk with me.’ May we have the same desire by seeking His face and be ready to say, ‘LORD, I am coming.’

Devotionals

Our Power, Our Planet, not Quite       

Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 1:1-2:3 KJV – In the beginning God created the heaven – Bible Gateway

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

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Today April 22 the world celebrates Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is ‘Our Power, Our Planet.’ (1) I think God would have something to say about that. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen.1:1 kjv) Based on that first verse of the Bible, I would say it looks like the planet is His. We are held as stewards of the planet to care for what He has given us. There have been many accomplishments over the years from Earth Day’s influence. “For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in educating and mobilizing the public to take action to address critically important environmental issues. We are global advocates for the health of the planet, calling for the protection of our air, oceans, soil, ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.” (2) The focus of recent Earth Days has been on renewable sources of energy and this year is no exception. “This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all, let us commit to Renewable Energy Now.” (2)

The movement flaunts the power of the people over the years in the successes to date. “The strength of this movement lies in its grassroots nature, and our power as individuals. This people-powered revolution demonstrates that when we unite our voices and actions, we can overcome even the most recalcitrant systems and create a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all.” (2)

People united for a common cause are usually very successful and hard to stop. So, credit is given where credit is due. But let’s not stop there. Let credit be given to the God of heaven who gives us the power, the knowledge, and the wisdom in maintaining what He has created and graciously given us to manage. He is the creator and sustainer of the earth and the universe. May we remember in our efforts this Earth Day, it is His Power, His Planet.

(1) Earth Day 2025 | Activities & Resources for April 22 – Earth Day

(2) Earth Day 2025 – Our Power, Our Planet – Earth Day

Devotionals

Occasional Church Attender     

Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:42-43 NLT

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Are you an occasional church attender? Yesterday was an occasion to attend a church service on Easter Sunday, more accurately described as Resurrection Day! Occasional church goers make their way through those sacred doors for special occasions. Christmas and Easter being the most common. There are baptisms, marriage ceremonies, special music events, and funerals which also persuade people to walk into a church building. But of all the occasions that get you to go to church, Resurrection Day may be the most important, even more than Christmas.

My Pastor is of the opinion that Easter is the most important date on the Christian calendar. To quote him, “…. the Gospels and most of the other writings in the New Testament focus more on Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection and its results for mankind than Jesus’ birth.” I must say I agree. Of course, Jesus needed to be born first. But as my Pastor said, “Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection provides the completion of God’s promise of restoration through sins forgiveness and new life in Christ, while Jesus’ birth began the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption.”

God’s promise of restoring us and providing the way of salvation comes through the forgiveness of our sins made possible by Christ’s death on the cross. One thief on the cross recognized who Jesus was and his need of forgiveness and salvation, and Jesus responded, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Lk.23:43 nlt) The other thief chose to ignore the holy one of God providing salvation for him to accept.

If you happen to be one of the occasional church attenders yesterday on Easter, I pray you didn’t leave ignoring the way of salvation. It is too important to wait until Christmas or worse yet, for your own funeral.

Bible Studies

“The Shepherd Feeds the Sheep” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:30-44 NLT – Jesus Feeds Five Thousand – The – Bible Gateway

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 NLT

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This week in our study of the book of Mark we see Jesus as the good shepherd. Leading His disciples to a place of rest which they all desperately needed, Jesus is met by people who had followed Him around the Sea of Galilee to be near Him. Jesus didn’t get upset that His plans were ruined but looked on the people with compassion. He saw them for who they were, sheep without a shepherd.

Our story begins with the disciples returning from their preaching tour Jesus had sent them on. Jesus, naturally, would want a full report of their mission. Recapping their tour of duty was met with constant interruption that Jesus finally said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mk.6:31 nlt) The Bible says the disruptions made it impossible even for them to eat. What is needed most after a long time spent on the road in your job is a good meal when you arrive home. Jesus knew this and suggested they get away from the crowds. “So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.” (Mk.6:32 nlt)

Their destination was the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee near the city of Bethsaida. Their departure didn’t stop the people from following Him. They took the long route walking eight miles along the shore arriving before Jesus who was cutting across the lake which was only four miles. It is possible the disciples’ boat incurred headwinds slowing them down, and it could have been the people were in a hurry not to let Jesus get away from them. Jesus met them as He came to shore with His disciples. Seeing the size of the crowd, the Bible says, “(Jesus) had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mk.6:34 nlt) The rest and quiet time they were anticipating would have to wait, the sheep need a shepherd.

Jesus was teaching well into the late afternoon when His disciples came to Him saying, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” (Mk.6:35-36 nlt) Jesus was aware of the hour and it was now time to turn His teaching specifically to the disciples. He told them to give them something to eat. The disciples gave Jesus a logical answer back up by numbers that it would take eight months of wages to feed such a crowd, also calculating the size of the crowd. The Lord was about to test their faith and teach them valuable truths about Himself. ‘“How much bread do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and find out.’ They came back and reported, ‘We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” (Mk.6:38 nlt) Then Jesus told them to have the people sit down, it’s supper time!

It would do us well to picture the scene of this miraculous feeding of this large group of people. Jesus instructs the people to sit in groups on the green grass. The place is on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee. The grass is green signifying it is in the spring after the late winter and early spring rains. Grass in that area becomes dry and brown during the hot summer months. Having them sit down in groups of fifties and hundreds shows an orderly process. Our Lord always does everything in an orderly fashion. It would be smart for us to follow His example in all our endeavors. Jewish festivals in the day used a symmetrical seating of 50 semi-circles of 100 people for easy food distribution. So, this wasn’t uncommon. The Greek word used for ‘groups’ is prasia meaning ‘a garden bed or plot.’ The Wycliffe Bible Commentary describes the place as, ‘a picturesque scene, like beds of flowers with the different colors from all the clothing sitting in groups that can be seen from a distance.’ Yes, Jesus certainly does things in order and in splendid color.

“Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share.” (Mk.6:41 nlt) In the preceding verse the words ‘took’ ‘looked’ ‘blessed’ and ‘break’ or ‘breaking’, are in a simple past tense in the Greek, whereas ‘gave’ is in the imperfect tense meaning ‘kept giving’ as in our text. Here is the miracle occurring. Jesus kept on giving the bread and fish and kept on giving until everyone had something to eat and were satisfied. There were also leftovers which Jesus had the disciples gather up. Twelve baskets in fact, one for each disciple so no one would miss out on their teacher’s lessons.

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They learned Jesus is the good shepherd who feeds His sheep. Jesus taught them He was able to feed thousands of people with five loaves and two fishes. The major lesson here is He can supply every need for His sheep. This miracle fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament concerning the Messiah shepherd. Ezekiel 34:23 says, “And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them.” (nlt) Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah who was to come. And Isaiah the prophet wrote, “On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.” (Is.45:6 niv)

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the shepherd who feeds His sheep, protects His sheep and died for His sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (Jn.10:11 nlt) The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news about the good shepherd who came and laid down His life in order that we may have eternal life by believing in His name. Yes, it’s supper time!

A Christian Perspective

Fraud and Inefficiency (a false balance)                 

Loring Schultz

“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 ESV

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The United States’ New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released its latest savings report of $155 billion as of April 14, 2025. It is a ‘Combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.” (1) Living in a fallen world, it should come as no surprise that there would be fraud and inefficiency in those who are to uphold the law. Government, their institutions, their departments, and each agency is run by people, fallen people living in our sin sick world. No government is a machine that is not accountable to its citizens. There needs to be justice.

There is plenty of controversy and political wrangling over some of the cuts made by DOGE in the list above. But it is safe to say there were people with good intentions who approved the money for special programs but then saw an opportunity to siphon money out to non-essential areas, even lining their own pockets. Which brings me to my main point. These tactics damage the credibility and integrity of the government but more specifically, it hurts the people who work in government, both the guilty and the innocent.  

For Christians working in government, now is the time for them to show grace to those impacted by the uncovering of the abuse of power over the years. Perhaps they find themselves being caught in the game of politics participating in the expansion of irrelevant programs passed off as essential, or under the guise of something else. King Solomon knew a lot about politics, government, and money. He wrote, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” (Pr.11:1 esv) The Lord expects honesty and justice within the governments on the earth. All authority comes from Him and He delegates it to those He chooses. Those in positions of leadership in the government are accountable to its citizens and to God. It’s a good thing to make the country more efficient and get rid of fraud, but a better thing to change hearts and minds of those who are using ‘a false balance.’

Devotionals

An Incomplete Easter     

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 NIV – The Resurrection of the Dead – But if – Bible Gateway

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 NIV

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“Two-thirds of Americans say they believe Jesus physically rose from the dead, with nearly half of Americans saying they “strongly” believe in the historical event that forms the core of Easter, according to a Lifeway Research survey.” (1)

I suppose the above statement could be considered good news that over half the people in the United States believe Jesus rose from the dead. But the bad new is 113 million people in America do not believe in the resurrection of Christ. Even among some Christians today, the resurrection is not fully embraced of actually occurring. What many fail to realize, even a few Christians, is that without Jesus’ resurrection there is no hope for any of us. The apostle Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1Cor.15:17 niv) If we are still in our sins there is no resurrection for us and we are dead, to remain dead, and sure of a Christless eternity.

We are all sons and daughters of Adam with our sin nature punishable by death, physically and spiritually, but Paul continues to write, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1Cor.15:20-22 niv) We are made alive through Jesus’ resurrection. Our salvation and eternal life demand that Jesus both died and rose from the dead. Don’t celebrate an incomplete Easter. We are made alive in Christ because of His resurrection, our only hope.  

(1) Two-Thirds of Americans Believe Jesus Physically Rose from the Dead: Survey – Michael Foust