Three keys of resurrection

Losing keys is maddening, inconvenient and potentially expensive. Worse by far, however, is losing touch with how key the resurrection is to our faith. As Easter approaches, here are three resurrection reminders:

The resurrection of Christ is a key component of the gospel. The Apostle Paul declares the resurrection to be central to the gospel message: "He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." (1 Cor. 15:1-5). Let's not drop this element down the storm drain in our efforts to simplify or modify our gospel presentations.

The resurrection is key to our hope. "...He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade" (1 Pet. 1:3-9). The resurrection offers us a lifeline during trials, troublesand testing. It serves as our promise and guarantee of a future with Christ in heaven.

The resurrection is key evidence of God's power and our provision to live a new life. Paul knew believers needed to comprehend God's "...incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 1:18-21; also Rom. 6:4-6). Jesus' resurrection illustrates the reservoir of God's power that is available to his children to successfully live the Christian life.

While finding lost keys between the couch cushions deserves celebration, let's all rise up to rejoice, shout, dance and twirl, knowing that every pulpit will be boldly and clearly declaring resurrection truth again this year.