He is Risen!

I have been challenged by a book I have been reading lately which is a serious book, outlining the importance of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, to our faith and preaching. The writer asserts that in the early church and in subsequent revivals of the christian faith throughout the world, the preaching of the resurrection was the main theme of all public teaching.

He goes on to say that in these days of 'popular preaching', there is much about the life, birth and death of Jesus, but little is mentioned about His rising from the dead. Even though we all would nod our heads in agreement that the 'Lord is Risen Indeed', we just don't preach it!

So, me being me, on Sunday as we sat in a congregation here in Leicester for about 2 hours, I listened for a mention of the resurrection. Although I wasn't listening all the time (my mind does wander - and wonder!), I must confess I don't remember the resurrection mentioned once. Whilst Jesus was central to much of what was done and said, and that is commendable of course, the one event that distinguishes us from all other 'faiths' ie that our Lord rose from the dead, was not mentioned at all. Interesting, eh?

A belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith. We cannot become a disciple of Jesus until we acknowledge that fact. The ultimate victory - as well as others along the way - depends on that event being an historical fact. Surely it deserves a mention?