Do You Know For Sure?

The classic question for all mankind is whether a person knows “for sure,” what happens when they lay their head down for that last time and never wake up again. Good question, isn’t it. What makes this such a deep question is the “for sure” part. Our faith walk should be all about getting this question answered correctly.

Those without hope, would answer “nothing happens.” It is all over and our moment of earthly glory becomes just history. But that is not what the Christian belief is based on. If Christ had just died on that cross, it would be doubtful that 1/3 of the world’s population would consider themselves Christian.

When Mary Magdalene walked up to the empty tomb, she had no idea what was about to happen to the world. Those present that day became witnesses to Christ’s response to death. Christ gave us the answer to that very tough question, What happens when you lay your head down for the last time ?” And the answer is “Good News.”

The verses in John 20:1-18 tell the well known story of Christ’s resurrection. On that day, there were many witnesses. In the days to follow, there would be many more. Christ came not to show us this world was bad but to show us there is much joy in the next one.

It must have been quite convincing. Those early witnesses to the resurrection frequently chose death rather than to change their story. Their willingness to die for what they saw established the truth that the answer to our question is “there is life with God after death.”

We do, however, have a responsibility that goes along with this news, we are responsible for the “for sure” part of our belief. Knowing something is true comes from experiencing and witnessing something so dramatic that it drives out doubt. That is what our Christian faith walk is all about. They say the only things that are for sure in life are death and taxes. We should add and eternal life with God is for sure too.

Being sure of your faith is a life long walk. There are many things we have been given to help us with that journey. Here are a few of them.

Check List√

Do you read the Bible regularly? It has all the answers.

Do you attend church regularly? The companion of others who seek the same goals can ease the burdens of your journey.

Do you regularly look for evidence of God’s presence? Try a child’s birth, their joy, a sunrise on a warm morning, the joy of friendship and companionship, your heart, answered prayers, and all that is visible to us.

Do you approach all life’s questions with reason and allow God’s revelation to answer them?

Do you have hope and faith?

Another Wow!

The first conversation held by Jesus after His death. John 20:17 “Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Jesus is giving us some important facts here.  First, He is alive in human form.  Otherwise, He would not be recognized.  Next, He is different, not filled with pain and suffering as He was just a few days prior.  Third, we see His priority.  Jesus is telling Mary to go tell the others about what she saw.

When you finally get your answer to your question, don’t be quiet about it.  We are called to share our beliefs and joys with others.  There is no better way to erase doubt in someone than to let them see the confidence you have from knowing the answer.  With only 12 Apostles and a few witnesses, the hope and joy of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection changed our world for the better.

Your tip of the month, therefore, is to remember that God is REAL, eternal life is REAL and eternal joy can REAL.  Embrace it as your Creator planned it.