Resurrection or "YOLO"

Resurrection or “YOLO”

There was a new acronym in 2012 that hit twitter and facebook by storm. It is the modern Carpe Diem. The acronym is “YOLO.” It stands for, “You Only Live Once.” It is a cry of a generation living for the here and now. They want to squeeze all the goodness from life now since this is the only chance they will have. To me it sounds like whoever lives by this philosophy isn’t living in light of eternity.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul took on this very train of thought. Many times we think these new patterns of thinking about life are brand new when, in fact, they have been around since the beginning of time. We just came from our Easter Sunday Morning services. What a power-packed day it was. To celebrate together our Risen Lord and King was priceless. We had over 419 in attendance. Praise the Lord!

As I mentioned on Sunday, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They thought that people would only live on in the memories of their children and loved ones. Paul says, “But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” 1 Corinthians 15:12-14

Paul goes on and says, “Christ has been raised from the dead. As in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” That is what we celebrate each and every Sunday. In Acts the church calls Sunday, “Resurrection Sunday.” We serve a Risen, Personal God. He chose to make our hearts His place of residence. Jesus conquered death and the grave and we are the benefactors. “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15

So for those who believe death has the final word, to embrace life from a “you only live once” perspective makes perfect sense. But for my family, for my church, we are going to live in light of Christ’s resurrection. Nothing in this life is worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

I am looking forward to a great day on Sunday. It marks the first day we will go to double services. Remember, the first service and Sunday school begin at 9:15 am. We will share in communion and celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection by baptizing several believers. We will hear from the young ladies quartet that sang for BLAST, and the Kinder Choir will end the service on a high note. I can’t wait for Sunday to come. Great things are happening. Bring seat belts so you won’t fall off your seat. Christ is Risen and we ought to live that way.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike