God in our Future 
Future Hope
Terry R. Baughman

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8 NKJ).

One of the unique characteristics of God is His omnipresence. He is everywhere at the same time. He doesn’t leave one place to be another. He can be present with us and also be with millions of others at the same time, and because God is also eternal He is not bound only to the present. He is also present in our past and our future, all concurrently. 

John quoted the Lord declaring Himself to be “the beginning and the end.” He started the alphabet and concludes it at the same time. He was (in our past); He is (in our present); and He is to come (in our future). While we are bound to time and all events must fit into only one of three states of being, God is not bound to time, but He exists eternally present in every moment of our past, present, and future. 

God lives in our past and sees our first sin, but choses grace over judgment, because He also hears our prayer of repentance and sees our resolve to change through the power of the Gospel. The Word of God is powerful to transform lives and the process of our first step toward Him and our last breath, before we are in eternity with Him, exists in a single moment. 

He is the Almighty. There is no power outside of His control, no impossible situations with Him, and His strength, His knowledge, and His presence are never separated from Him. He holds all in His hand and in His control. Nothing is impossible with God. A study of His characteristics builds our faith in His complete ability to do everything we need! 

While we are keenly aware of His presence in the past, due to His intervention in our lives and the transformation He has worked in us, we may not be aware of His present involvement in our lives. We may be even less convinced that He is now in our future working all things for our good. 

Right now, God is with us. He is aware of our limitations, our lack of faith, and our struggle to believe. He is now working to bring us into a closer relationship with Him, even allowing some of our disappointments that will drive us to prayer and cause us to look to God for answers. We prefer the path of least resistance and instant answers to the hurried prayers we whisper, but God knows that real and lasting change often comes slowly through our greatest challenges. He is more interested in us developing character than enjoying comfort. He prefers to bring us into a fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ above us having a carefree existence of selfish indulgence. 

Most importantly, God is already in our future and He is coaching us along the way through every hard choice and difficult decision. We may question His wisdom and resist His plan, but the One who is already there in the future can surely give us direction and purpose for traveling there. Perhaps this understanding will make the passage more meaningful, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJ). God is in our future and He is doing all things for our good. That gives us future hope!
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Theme passage:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJ).

Honoring Others 
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:9–10 NIV).
Honor should neither be an antiquated word nor an outdated characteristic. The principle of honor, deep respect or high esteem, has long been engrained in our society for judges, for public officials, for offices of leadership, and for religious leaders. The respectful title, The Honorable, was used as a preface to addressing members of congress and those who filled the bench of the courts. Such titles of honor has been commonly accepted decorum, dictated by unwritten rules of etiquette that controlled social interaction for centuries. 
Within the last fifty years there has been an erosion of respect for leadership throughout the culture. From the anti-establishment revolution of the Vietnam-era 70’s protests, to the unleashed verbal exchange on social media and on talk radio. The decline has accelerated as abusive speech and critical attacks have increased in the political arena. No longer is there a careful use of proper titles for formal address, such as: The Honorable Judge Stevens, or the Reverend Pastor Jones, or President Washington. Rather, we are as likely to hear slanderous nicknames and offensive monikers to refer to national leaders. 
There has been a general loss of respect for others, and honor has been dismissed along with civility in society. Whether or not we agree with a person’s political position, religious affiliation (or lack), or their origins, there should be respect for all people. Honor is for more than leaders or officials, it should be given to all humanity.
Since we all share the planet and are members of the human race let there be mutual respect among us. The Scripture teaches us to, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV). If our love is sincere we must elevate others above ourselves. This is more than appreciation for a peer or the give-and-take of respect, it is learning to promote others ahead of us. Giving honor is not intended to be a begrudging obligation, but rather it should be a joyful opportunity. The New Living Translation says, “Take delight in honoring each other.” In the New King James Version it is stated, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10 NKJ). Our respect for others is an outgrowth of our kind affection. 
The demonstration of our love through kind actions and the honor with which we speak of others is an extension of our discipleship. Jesus repeatedly instructed the disciples, “Love one another” (John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17). He said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJ). Love will motivate us to good deeds and positive words of affirmation. As we honor others we will find others returning respect towards us. 
The golden rule works. As we extend grace, we receive it. As we show love, we are shown it. As we respect others, we find that we are being respected. Through it all God is glorified and the kingdom of God is magnified. 
Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

Honoring Leaders 
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV).

There has been a general erosion of respect for leadership in the last decade. Granted some leaders have not acted in such a way as to inspire respect, but that doesn’t give us permission to disparage leaders with our words or attitudes. Social media has created an environment where it is acceptable to verbally attack any individual regardless of their position or influence. Sometimes the more notable individuals are, the most viciously they may be criticized. So much so, people who engage in online harassment or inflammatory posts on social media are now broadly identified as trolls and their activity is called trolling. If we are not careful we may be caught up in the negative fray of such social discourse and it may even begin to affect our personal interactions in public. 

It is always appropriate to respect a person and allow for their individual freedom of expression. Elders should always be shown some deference for their age and experience. That doesn’t mean that they are always right (obviously that’s not the case), or that we shouldn’t listen to someone who is our junior because they are always wrong (neither is true). However, it is always right to allow a person to express themselves and then respectfully offer counter views when you are not in agreement. With some individuals it may require simply stopping the discussion when it becomes obvious that there is no mutual respect for civil discussion.  

Respect can always be given for a leaders’ position, even if their character (or lack of character) does not engender respect. You can honor Judges, even if you know of one who has acted unhonorably. Police officers may be respected even when there have been some who are unworthy of respect. Preachers and church leaders may have disappointed you in the past, but Paul instructs his son in the Gospel, Timothy, to show honor to those who take the responsibility to heart and execute it well. 

There was a time when the local clergyman was among the most esteemed in the community. Every holiday or celebration would not be complete without the participation of the local clergy. Church was the center of every early American community. Prayers were offered at every civic occasion by the priest or minister of the local parish or church. Often the church house was a place of worship on Sunday and was also the schoolhouse through the week. In many small towns a church is surrounded by a cemetery where many past members have been interred. The church was a place to celebrate birth, marriages, life celebrations, and memorials. 

In our culture there is much less respect for the church and ministry. Some of the criticism is deserved as not all have served the Lord with honor. However, Paul gave instruction to give double honor to those elders “who direct the affairs of the church well … especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV). The work of ministry is work, and those who conscientiously serve should be afforded honor and respect. 

Jesus Christ is the head of the church and there are many members who serve together. There is not just one leader, but many within the body. May we be careful to honor all those who lead with integrity and devotion. It is the right thing to do! 
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Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

Honoring Mothers
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV).
Listed among the Ten Commandments, right before the “don’t commit murder, adultery, and theft,” is this instruction: “Honor your father and your mother.” It’s not a suggestion or a simple reminder to be kind to your elders; it’s a command! It is one of the top ten that’s engraved on everything from the doors of the Supreme Court down to novelty charms for a cheap tourist trinket. It was important enough to rank right after, no other gods, idolatry, misusing God’s name, and honoring the Sabbath. 
The first four of the Commandments are concerning our relationship with God. The next six have more to do with our relationships with one another. “Honor your father and your mother” is the fifth Commandment and the first one with a promise attached. Paul noted that it is the first commandment with a conditional promise. (See Ephesians 6:1–3.) The promise was, and is, “… so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Deuteronomy 5:16 NIV). Not only is it right and good to honor mother and father, but it is also a promise with a blessing in return. 
What does it mean to honor? The simple definition is to regard with great respect, or to highly esteem. While it may be more natural to respect fathers for their leadership and authority, God commanded the same honor for both father and mother. There will always be times of disagreement or debate, even in the best of homes. Challenges will come and the opportunity for disrespect and the absence of honor toward the parents. We will do well to remember that God’s commandments are greater than our sense of injustice or our injured pride in times of conflict. 
Mothers are typically the more nurturing of the parents. It is often the mom to which a child will run for sympathy, comfort, or emotional support. That’s not to say that fathers do not have these qualities, but mothers characteristically have a unique bond that springs from their birth connection. 
The opposite of honor is to dishonor, to disrespect, or to denigrate. Anytime a child shows disrespect toward their parents, God takes notice. Left unchecked, these adverse attitudes will erode their relationships and negate the promise that is contained in God’s Word. His word is true, His commandments are to be taken seriously, and His promises are sure. However, the consequences of a failure to follow God’s direction will also have a conditional promise. Blessings are promised to those who obey, but judgment will come to those who disregard God’s Word and reject His commands. 
For most of us it is a privilege to honor our mothers, but for those who were not so blessed with a caring mother, it becomes more of a challenge to fulfill this commandment. It is always right to regard those who gave us life and know that God does not make mistakes. We are here on purpose and God has a plan for every life. For that reason we can always honor the life we have been given and the person who gave us birth. 
Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

Honoring Parents
Honor that is Due
Terry R. Baughman
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1–3 NIV).
Some may observe that there is a general lack of respect in our culture for elders, in general, and parents, in particular. Many children are not taught to listen to elders and may even be encouraged to voice their opinions loudly without consideration of others who may know a thing or two in any given situation. Discipline is woefully missing in many homes and children are allowed to have free rein without any correction or instruction to direct their lives for a more productive and civil outcome. 
Parents are to be honored. The commandment is as old as the original laws delivered from the Lord. Not only is it one of the Ten Commandments, but it is also joined with a promise, “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:3 NIV). Long and good life are promised to those who give honor to their father and mother. God is sincere and He emphasizes His commitment to those who follow His instruction with a promise. 
Children are instructed to obey their parents. This is not a blanket provision to excuse abuse or mistreatment of children with unreasonable exceptions, but the qualifier, “in the Lord,” is added to the commandment. As long as parents are following godly leadership and developing Christ-like character, children have an obligation to follow their instructions. Paul emphasized, “for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1 NIV). A child of any age cannot truly honor their parents if they disobey them, disrespect them, or disregard their instructions in life. A child may not always agree with the conclusion of their parents, but they have a God-given obligation to respect their position, give attention to their instruction, and then do their best to fulfill their parents wishes. 
We can always point to the unreasonable request, or the overbearing parent. God will take care of those situations and that type of parent will have to answer to Him for their hard sentences and unyielding demands. In general most parents have the desire to honor God in the way they lead their children and given light and wisdom to fulfill the promises of God. 
When sincere parents speak to their children in love, and speak civilly to those given into their charge, God will hold the child responsible to respond correctly. That doesn’t mean the child has no opinion or that they should simply obey without question, but rather that the God-fearing family will be led in a mutually respectful fashion. 
Long life is promised to those who will simply honor their parents. This isn’t just for children, respect is due and honor is needed for parents and children of any age. Let us practice honor as children so that when we become parents and grandparents we may also reap the reward of respect and be crowned with honor from our children. 
Theme passage:
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8 NIV)

One Name
Every Victory!
Terry R. Baughman
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NKJ).
The name of Jesus comes from the Greek translation of the Hebrew for “Yahweh Saves,” or as is often identified, “Jehovah-salvation.” The name of the Lord was often referred to in the Old Testament text, but the revelation of His name and the fullness of the plan of God to bring redemption had not yet been unveiled. The special name that God chose to bear in His incarnation was not revealed until the opening pages of the Gospels. 
The young virgin maiden, Mary, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Even before Mary gave birth, Joseph was instructed, “She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NKJ). Jesus Himself stated, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJ). Salvation was the essential purpose God came to provide. Paul wrote, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4–5 NKJ).
The Gospel was vested in the commission of Jesus and the power of His name. He revealed, “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). The disciples received the understanding that great authority and power came through the name of Jesus. From the commission in Mark, Jesus stated, “In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17–18 NKJ).
With the commission and the revelation of His purpose it was understood that all things were to be performed under His authority and in His name. Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost was clear, and the other disciples stood in agreement when he instructed those who believed in Jesus, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38 NKJ).
Soon after this powerful launch of the New Testament church, the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem brought positive and negative attention to this emerging group. Some desired to discredit their message of the resurrection, while others were attracted to the powerful, incredible miracle and desired to learn more. A man who had never walked ran leaping into the Temple. When disciples were arrested and questioned as to the cause of such a miracle, Peter explained that it was Jesus, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16 NKJ).
This was the context of the story bearing witness to the power in the name of Jesus, which concluded with the text above, “There is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is that One Name!
Theme passage:
“We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).

He Rose, He Reigns
Every Victory!
Terry R. Baughman

“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17 NLT).

The reign of death was long and pronounced. From the first sin in the Garden of Eden to the sacrifice of Calvary, death held the reign of terror. Reprieve from sin’s curse was afforded in the multitude of sacrifices instituted under the Law of Moses. Innocent animals were slaughtered to atone for the sins of humanity, seeking to stay the consequence of judgment and pushing sins ahead year after year on the Day of Atonement. Delaying the inevitable judgment was a temporary fix and a burdensome responsibility. Paul wrote, “Death reigned from Adam to Moses” (Romans 5:14 NKJ). All of humanity felt the impact of the curse. The Law was only a interim remedy from the weight of sin and its condemnation. 

Jesus came with a new message. It was the message of the Kingdom! Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it” (Luke 16:16 NKJ). John the Baptist came on the scene declaring a new day, Messiah is coming and there is hope in His coming Kingdom. 

While many anticipated a Messiah to come bringing deliverance, most thought He would come with a military force, overthrowing the Romans and reestablishing the throne of David. The Zealots were ready to join forces against their oppressors. Others envisioned fire and judgment falling on their enemies. Jesus did not appear in the way anyone anticipated. He came in humility and in the form of a servant. He taught love and faith, forgiveness and restitution. Even His own disciples questioned how He would gain authority and what their role would be in the future kingdom. James and John picked sides. Peter was ready to use His sword. Judas planned for the increase in finances. Everyone had a different idea of how it would all come to pass. 

Slowly Jesus revealed that He had not come to overthrow the Romans. He chose a much different path. Matthew wrote, “Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day” (Matthew 16:21 NKJ). That was not what anyone wanted to hear, but it was His plan from the beginning. He was to be, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 NKJ).

What appeared to be a tragic miscarriage of justice became the antidote for sin and the solution for the continual problem of sin. By the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ a permanent solution for the atonement of sin was given. Death was buried, the curse was answered, and total victory was purchased for all humanity. The resurrection of Jesus from the grave provided everyone; past, present and future, a hope beyond this life and the continuation of life for eternity. Paul wrote, “Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God” (Romans 6:9–10 NKJ).

There’s a new king on the throne. Jesus reigns in a spiritual kingdom that far exceeds any political position or temporal power on this earth. He removed the crown from death and Jesus reigns as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords!” Jesus reigns and grace abounds! “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20–21 NKJ).
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Theme passage:
“We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).

Death is Buried
Every Victory!
Terry R. Baughman
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NKJ).
For many the pale of death brings fear and finality to our existence. There is little hope beyond what we can see in this life for most people. Death is universal and comes to all. No one escapes its clutches or evades its grasp. We won't get out of here alive. One out of one die! 
The greatest thing Jesus promised was everlasting life! John saw Him for who He was, “and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NKJ). He identified Him as the life, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4 NKJ). Jesus Himself revealed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NKJ). So it is not an empty promise when it was stated, “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ).
Jesus demonstrated His power over death on several occasions. He restored life to the young boy of the widow from Nain. He raised Jarius’ daughter with a simple request, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:41 NKJ). Then, at the tomb of His friend He boldly commanded, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43 NKJ). Death had to leave whenever He spoke. However, nothing demonstrated His power over death more than His own resurrection. 
The sacrificial death of Jesus was part of His plan to bring salvation to the world. He outlined His purpose, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 NKJ). The crucifixion was not an unexpected outcome or a tragic mistake, rather it was all a part of the plan of redemption. Jesus said, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again” (Luke 24:7 NKJ). 
Just as much as death was inevitable for Jesus, so also was His ultimate resurrection. When Jesus was buried in the borrowed tomb, death went there with Him, but only one came out. Jesus arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave. Death was buried and stays buried. While we are still under the curse of death as human beings, we are also under the provision and promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. We do not need to fear death. It is no longer final. 
Death is just a passage way to everlasting life. It is just a door, a temporary space, a changing room to prepare for eternity. We shall arise. We shall live!
Death has no more dominion, no power, no authority. Paul wrote, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him” (Romans 6:8–9 NKJ).
Our great hope lies beyond the grave. In the resurrection chapter Paul said, “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55 NLT).
Death is buried in the grave and just like Christ rose from the tomb, we are promised the same resurrection power. Death is done; he is buried and gone. We shall live again … forever!
Theme passage:
“We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).

Defeat is Defeated
Every Victory!
Terry R. Baughman
“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NLT).
From a young age we are taught that victory is everything and losing is not an option. Competition is ingrained in almost every sporting event. Some may argue that they are only competing with the clock, but the winner is determined by who beat the clock the most, so there is still a competition with other individuals in the sport. There is merit to sportsmanship and playing just for the shear enjoyment of the game, but at the end of the day everyone wants to know the score and, “who won?”  
Tournaments are determined by winners and losers. Championships are structured to eliminate the inferior teams or players and produce the best of the competition. The Olympics are held to showcase the best in each game, to reward the winners and eliminate the losers. Only one wears the gold, the silver, and the bronze, while everyone else looks on and vows to compete again in the next Olympics, or to give up the opportunity to try again. 
Paul used the analogy of a race to the spiritual quest in which we are engaged. He said, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NIV). 
In a way we are all in a competition. However, this competition is not to beat anyone or condemn another to be a loser, it is to win the prize of eternal life. This prize is available for all who runs, anyone who pursues the goal, for all who come to Him are promised the prize of everlasting life! Again, Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 NIV).
Our ultimate victory is the defeat of defeat! What Jesus provided through His death, burial, and resurrection is victory for every believer. His victory assures us of continual success. There is no adversity we cannot overcome, no discouragement that we cannot subdue, no death that can keep us in the grave. His victory promises that defeat will be defeated. Paul wrote of the ultimate culmination of Christ’s victory, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:24–26 NIV).
The conclusion of the matter has already been declared. The last act will be the destruction of death itself. Death is our final enemy and will be as powerless as it was to prevent the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the garden tomb. A tomb outside of Jerusalem stands empty to this day as a testament of Christ’s victory over death. 
Every believer who has died in the faith awaits that resurrection morning when the trumpet sounds. “The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 NKJ).
Theme passage:
“We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).

Walk in Victory
Raised in Power
Terry R. Baughman

“Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT).

In the most violent and evil culture prevailing prior to worldwide judgment of The Flood, God noted there was a man named Noah who walked with God faithfully. Scripture recorded, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9 NIV). Against the backdrop of his peers there was a sharp contrast between this man and the accepted norm of everyone else. That is the distinction of a transformed life in contemporary culture.
 
Paul challenged believers, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 NKJ). When we follow after God it will change our walk. He also wrote, “You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2 NKJ). After the life-altering encounter with Christ we walk a new path. Paul said, “Those who are in Christ Jesus, … do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 NKJ).

The born-again experience draws us onto a new path, the opportunity to walk in victory! When we are baptized in Jesus we are buried with Him, and just as He arose victorious we are also raised to live a new life, “We have been co-resurrected with him so that we could be empowered to walk in the freshness of new life” (Romans 6:4 TPT). 

The life Jesus promised was more than recycled experience of the same trouble-ridden existence. He does not condemn us to reincarnation as another life form, to go through another mundane existence in a vain effort to improve our chances. His life is transformative. It is full of glory. The resurrected life is beyond expression. As a result of our faith Peter said, “You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8 NKJ).

This Gospel is full of power. It is life-changing. Jesus didn’t just offer an ultimate reward of a heavenly home, though that is also included in the package, He calls us to radical change in the here and now. The life we are promised through the Holy Spirit will make a noticeable change in our direction, our life choices, and our focus. Our whole outlook on life takes on new meaning. We are given a new hope and the opportunity to make a positive impact on those around us. 

The Spirit-led life is in sharp contrast to a world obsessed with sin, seeking meaning through endless entertainment, with senses dulled by drugs and alcohol. The reality of this new life brings clarity to our minds, and purity in our hearts. His righteousness fills us and gives us more than we deserve and more than we can ever imagine. 

Experience the new life in Christ. Identify with His death, burial and resurrection. It’s the only way to life and the opportunity to walk in victory!
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Theme passage:
“We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).