SUE O'DONNELL. 17.04;21
“We need to develop the awareness that nowadays we are either all saved together or no one is saved.” (“Fratelli Tutti 137” Pope Francis)
Yes, our awareness of Easter joy,
Makes it vitally necessary for us
To spread the gospel of salvation.
It is our dedication to Christ Jesus,
Which allows us, in fact invites us,
To stand before the throne of mercy.
We come in our brokenness,
satan having a firm grip upon us.
But believers in Christ Jesus,
Know that they are set free.
“For God’s way of making us right with Himself depends on faith.” (Philippians 3 v 9 NLT)
We are at liberty to become increasingly holy.
This is the grace, the favour,
The salvation won for us
At the †of complete victory.
Salvation means we are redeemed
From the sin which binds us.
Our Father, great in loving mercy,
No longer looks at us to condemn us.
Because at the † we are at liberty
To name, claim Christ as Saviour.
“…so that one way or another, I will experience the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3 v 1 NLT)
This is how and where our spiritual needs
Move into correct line with material wants.
We start to think about the sacraments,
Asking ‘What is their impact upon us’?
We want to read the Bible, to study,
To learn of God’s promises to us,
To make our faith bolder, stronger, deeper.
We seek to develop a life where prayer
Is as life giving to us as fresh air.
“I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” (Philippians 3 v 12 NLT)
Our awareness of the Lord Jesus, the Christ,
Of who He is, all He accomplishes,
All He stands for and offers us,
Becomes of prime significance, a life force.
We realise of course, we are sinful.
The more we pray, the greater our recognition
That we need a Saviour,
A Redeemer who will reform us.
We venerate Christ Jesus on the †therefore.
“Forgetting the past and looking towards to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3 v 13, 14 NLT)
And hopefully, one day, truthfully we claim:
“ ‘I want to know Christ’.” Come, Holy Spirit, Instructor.
Make it very clear to us, Christ Jesus’ followers,
“ ‘The mighty power that raised Him
From the dead’,” (Philippians 3 v 10) to be our Forever Saviour.
This is the hope we cling on to,
The safe anchor for our soul and spirit,
The merit of faith being true joy.
It is through the power of the resurrection
We find the spiritual connection to change us by holiness.
“Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things.” (Philippians 3 v 15 NLT)
No longer should self dominate us, rule us.
Our new focus is on the holy love,
In all its life enhancing power and influence
Which Christ, the King of Glory, God’s Son,
Has made a possibility for us.
We share in the blessings of His holiness
Enabling us to go the extra mile,
Be generous in our giving and sharing,
Be loving in our forgiveness to be forbearing,
Patiently kind, considerate and properly courteous.
“If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” (Philippians 3 v 15, 16 NLT)
We are renewed by every grace and blessing
To live a holy life in the power of the Spirit,
Confirming our faith in the love received,
By the very power of that love given out.
Our life of Christian service is a witness.
It is Christ alive in us which is our Easter joy,
The message we employ to a hurting world.
Love and forgiveness is the result,
Of our blessed and made holy friendship
With God’s Son, the perfectly holy One.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4 v 19 NLT)
“Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.” (Philippians 4 v 20 NLT)
Let us pray because:
Our Easter joy is to be shared;
“We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus lives.” (Philippians 3 v 20 NLT);
“And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Saviour.” (v 20 cont)
“He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control.” (v 21);
We have the power, all thanks to the Holy Spirit, to “Stay true to the Lord.” (Philippians 4 v 1 NLT);
Our names “…are written in the Book of life” (v 3) and we wish to share this knowledge and experience far and wide;
We are asked to “Be full of joy in the Lord.” (v 4);
It is the power of the Holy Spirit which will “Let everyone see that we are considerate in all we do.” (v 5);
We need the daily input of the Holy Spirit of faith to enable this consideration to flourish;
The Holy Spirit makes us fruitful in our service in Christ Jesus’ name;
We do not need to worry about anything, “…instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” (v 6);
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” (v 7);
“His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus” (based on v 7) and by this peace in Christ Jesus, we know right from wrong;
We belong to a Forever Saviour enabling us “To do everything through Christ, who gives us strength.” (v 13);
Our life led by the Holy Spirit, striving and praying, asking to share in the holiness of Christ Jesus, will always be “…acceptable and pleasing to God.” (v 18)
And this same God, is our Father, the Lord God Almighty, inviting us to share in all the blessings of holiness as the Almighty Trinity works for us, with us and through us.
Such is our Easter joy!
Images by Artist Christine Garwood
http://www.christinegarwoodartist.co.uk/
Season
EASTER
Key Themes
JOY
SALVATION
