Volume 8, Issue 14
Yet the fortitude of the body of Christ may be greater than any time other than the actual week preceding Christ’s crucifixion.
In the days leading up to Calvary, followers of Christ were confused, ununified, in despair, and afraid. Even Peter, in his apprehension, denied Christ. Yet at the foot of the cross, not knowing what lay ahead, followers of Jesus kept a faith so pure that they found peace in their absolute belief that Christ was who He said He was.
The coronavirus pandemic presents a recipe for a society confused, ununified, in despair, and afraid. Upon what shall one base one’s peace and escape from anxiety?
“As the last days of Lent trail into yesterday, hope is confirmed in the case for Christ. The forty days of Lent are a time of personal preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Hope is more than the desire of things as you want them to be. We use the word hope generically as, I hope for a better job, I hope to feel better, I hope for prosperity. But this thought process is really just wishful thinking.
Biblically, Christians believe that hope is an expectation that things are as you know them to be. In Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Christ, the weight of the evidence of historical events is that Jesus Christ was, in fact, the Son of God who lived to give us the Word, died for the sins of all humanity, and on the third day was resurrected. The definition of time and eternity revolve around these events.”
April 11, 2017 Nuttle Report: Hope Confirmed
The faith and promise of Christianity was born with Jesus’ death and resurrection. We find ourselves in 2020 under attack indiscriminately by an enemy with no remorse. Much like the Christians of 33 AD, we feel helpless to control circumstances.
The early Christians believed and had hope that Jesus was the Messiah. Their hope was confirmed in the proof of His resurrection. Their faith manifested in Hope Confirmed transcended into their everyday lives as Hope Determinant.
Tony Marsh, a prominent national consultant and friend from Washington, DC, delivered a Palm Sunday message that gets to the heart of the question. Where will you find your peace? You owe it to yourself to properly examine, ventilate, and decide, was Jesus Christ who He said He was? And, if so, commit to Him.
The early Christians experienced in person the resurrection of the Son of God in fulfillment of the ancient scriptures. Their faith had been confirmed. Their hope was now the driving force in their purpose in life. Their aspirations were not just wishful thinking. The future circumstances of their personal lives were not predictable. Yet, they were not anxious. There was nothing a Roman Centurion or an unknown plague could do to unnerve them when, empirically in their hearts, they knew He is Risen.
In these times, belief in a Savior, confirmed and determinant in our faith, provides the true peace we seek in our lives . . .
A Peace we celebrate this Sunday in the unity of our prayers, praise, and thanksgiving for the Risen Lord.
My name is Marc Nuttle and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?