Raised to Life Again and Again by Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
Romans 8:11 – "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
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Introduction
In the face of life's trials and challenges, it can sometimes feel as though we are defeated. The forces of darkness may seem overwhelming, and the weight of our struggles can make us question whether we will ever rise again. But the message today is clear: Through the Resurrection Power of Jesus Christ, God is able to raise us up again and again, no matter how difficult the situation. This power is not limited; it is boundless, and it is available to all who trust in Him.
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God’s Power to Raise Us Up
God's power is far beyond the limitations of human strength. No matter what may come against us, He is the One who has the ability to raise us up, again and again. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead demonstrates God's supreme authority over death, and this same power is available to His people today. Ephesians 1:19-20 says, "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead..."
The enemies of Jesus thought they had defeated Him when they nailed Him to the cross. They believed that His death was the end, but God’s power raised Him from the dead and made Him victorious over sin and death. In the same way, no matter how defeated or overwhelmed we may feel, we are not beyond God's ability to raise us up and give us new life.
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Never Consider Yourself "Done For"
When we face the trials of life, it’s easy to believe that we are “done for,” but God’s resurrection power shows us that there is always hope. He has the ability to raise us from the ashes and bring us into a place of newness of life. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reminds us, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
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If you feel that life has knocked you down, remember that God is always there to lift you up. You are not defeated as long as you keep your trust in Him. No matter the setbacks or trials, you can experience resurrection power in your life, just as Jesus did. God has continually shown us that His power is sufficient to raise us up, and He will do so as many times as necessary.
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The Power to Heal and Restore
It is not only spiritual death that God can overcome, but physical death and sickness as well. When life-threatening diseases or disabilities strike, God is the One who can raise us up and restore our bodies. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed."
Whether it’s a spiritual, emotional, or physical battle, we can call upon the Resurrection Power of God. Just as He raised Jesus from the dead, He is able to bring life to your mortal body, heal your wounds, and restore you to wholeness. This power is not just for the afterlife; it is for the here and now.
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Living in Hope During Troubling Times
We live in times of uncertainty, fear, and confusion. The world around us may seem to be crumbling, and many people have abandoned hope. But as believers, we are not meant to be overwhelmed by the troubles of this world. We are meant to live in the reality of God’s resurrection power, which uplifts us and keeps us focused on the eternal. Colossians 3:2 urges us to, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
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Even in tumultuous times, we have the privilege to experience the life-giving power of God. It is in these times of uncertainty that God's Resurrection Power shines the brightest. When the world is full of despair, the believers in Christ stand in hope, trust, and faith, knowing that the resurrection power of God is continually at work in them.
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Our Role in Receiving Resurrection Power
To experience this power, we must continually submit ourselves to God and live in alignment with His will. Every day is a new opportunity to trust in Him and receive His life-giving power. Romans 6:4 states, "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life."
As we live in obedience to God, we will experience His resurrection power in every area of our lives. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom, and this Kingdom is eternal. The trials of this world are temporary, but the power of God that raises us to life is eternal.
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Releasing the Resurrection Power in Our Lives
It is essential that we do not allow the enemy to convince us that we are finished or powerless. When we face challenges, we must remember that we are not alone; we have access to the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead. This power can transform any situation, no matter how bleak it may seem.
Philippians 3:10 expresses the desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” We are invited to not only know the resurrection power but to walk in it every day, trusting that God will provide for us in every circumstance.
----Summary
The Resurrection Power of God is real, and it is available to us. It is not just a one-time event, but a continuous source of life, strength, and victory. God can raise us up again and again, no matter the challenges we face. Whether we are struggling with sickness, despair, or hardship, we can trust that God has the power to restore us, heal us, and give us new life.
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Conclusion
Let us not be discouraged by the trials and obstacles of this world. Instead, let us remember that through Jesus Christ, we have been given access to the Resurrection Power of God. This power can transform every situation, renew our strength, and raise us up from every circumstance.
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Call to Action
Today, I encourage you to place your trust in the Resurrection Power of God. Do not allow the enemy to convince you that you are finished or beyond help. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and trust that He will raise you up again and again, no matter what.
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Final Word of Encouragement
In times of difficulty, remember that God’s Resurrection Power is at work in you. Do not let fear or despair rule your life. Stand firm in faith, knowing that with God, nothing is impossible. You are not defeated; you are victorious through the Resurrection Power of Jesus Christ.
Trust in God’s resurrection power, and you will see your life transformed and renewed every day!